Feedback and critique:
As I said, this was a very well done game. Let’s go down the list:
- Graphics: Solid implementation. I wasn’t able to check everything, but from what I played, everything worked well together and was very smooth.
- UI: Since you were able to implement a main menu and pause (which, fantastic job by the way, I see this neglected too often), I would have spent a little time to make them pop a bit more (minor cleanups and transitions), but the UI system is already very good. I see an about/credits screen: EXCELLENT. Chef’s kiss.
- Controls: No issues here either, everything worked as expected. The only enhancement I could suggest is letting the player rotate their garden using a mouse grab or something, but this isn’t strictly necessary.
- Gameplay: So, you throw the player right into the game with no explanation of what to do and what is going on. Don’t rely on your game page to do this work for you - pretend that your grandma is booting your game for the first time and you’re not around to tell her what she needs to do to play the game. Likewise, the game is kind of… well, very straightforward. I can only really keep planting the skull until I get enough for a head on a spike (?), and so on. This makes the game a bit boring - spice it up with upgrades (more plots, better yields, faster growing times, etc). This creates strategic play. Another thing to consider is giving the player an in game reason to grow their garden - what are they trying to accomplish? Give them goals, pressure, obstacles, etc. This is probably the weakest point of what is otherwise a very well made game.
- Music and Sound: They exist, and they are good. I would have put a sound to signify the end of the growing cycle for items, and maybe even put in some different music (I like making a jukebox system that plays through 20-30 minutes of music with various tracks to add variety). Not saying the music is bad - it fits, and it works. This is just a bit of polish. :-)
Overall: I feel like this is one of the most solid entries that fits the theme of the Jam, for all the potential of what it could be. If your were to add some of the enhancements above, this would take your game to the next level and frankly be a nice portfolio piece. As I said, very well done.