I really like this game, but I can imagine redesigns for it.
Different scenarios instead of different layouts could improve the variety. Adding settings such as a video tab in the options screen (for resolution, FOV, screen FX, particles, etc.) and accessibility stuff (like highlighting enemies or aim assist for people with motor disabilities, limited mobility in their hands, etc.) would be nice.
I know the game is called HEADACHE, but that doesn't mean you should have one while playing. The strong yellow definitely fits the game's art style, and it helps with the overstimulation that we expect from a fast-paced shooter, but it may burn your eyes after some time playing. Maybe giving the player more color palettes could improve the experience.
— About this “something pushing you forward”:
I think adding a time limit, etc., would be great in a separate game mode, but not pushing it into the main game mode. I believe it would break the vibe and fuck up the idea of having multiple play styles. You wouldn't be able to wait for when you feel ready to run, striking everyone, or get one at a time, like in Hotline Miami.
I'm not a speedrunner because I don't have the skill and the commitment to be one, but I like to try the fast playstyle sometimes, and surely this game would be appreciated by real speedrunners.
For me, the peak gameplay moment is when you can't stop moving and shooting, or else you will get slimed. However, it doesn't mean you should get punished by waiting for when you're ready.
— New mechanics maybe:
I think more melee interactions and variety in the weapons would be great! Graphic variety included. Using a katana would cut off the enemy's head, while using a baseball bat would explode his head or launch him to the ground, idk.
Jumping over obstacles, sliding instead of dashing, and being able to crouch and lean would be cool, but this would have to come with scenario shape variety and more space to do this kind of thing. Different layouts would make you think more about the way you move, and this brings spice to the game. Being able to try different strategies is always good.
New game modes—like speedrun mode, idk, “Adrenalyn Mode” or some such, where you need to kill every x seconds or else you die.
I don't think procedurally generated terrain would be good for the game. Considering that this kind of game shines in level design and has it as one of its main priorities, making a semi-random level that feels good to play and has a nice progression would be very hard.
Human shielding and grabbing enemies SOUNDS great, but I don't really know how that would work inside the game. Has room for expansion tho.
— Video & Performance:
Like I mentioned earlier, more settings for video and performance. There ARE some lag spikes when I slime an enemy, and besides not having a GPU, I have a pretty good CPU, 16 GB RAM, and I run the game on an excellent SSD. The game has pretty simple graphics, so it's probably some optimization problem (it runs smoothly besides the lag spikes tho). Being able to change the resolution and limiting particle FX would be great.
— Bugs:
Didn't really find many bugs in the game, just some corpses getting stuck inside the ground and that dialogue with the Security after beating his ass. There's something VERY wrong with the timing of the dialogue. Please look for bugs in this part of the game; I don't think it was an individual experience.
— Conclusion:
To be honest, HEADACHE is a pretty fucking good game, and I can see immense potential in its core. Wouldn't write this much if I didn't like the game. I pretty much did. Likewise, I would really love to see a more professional version of the game with more content and some tweaks here and there. I didn't write this many suggestions because I think the game is trash and needs to change, pretty much the opposite.