I made it to Day 22 before Leftie died. Rightie followed suit 4 days later. 63 fish were fed before Papa lost everything. The detail of snow piling up on the babies when they die an utterly heartbreaking touch, along with the "Forgive Me". The music is also really nice. I kinda like that it doesn't loop, it creates such an empty hopeless feeling. I'm kinda picking up on some Dies Irae in the second voice once that kicks in, really foretells what is to come. Not even mentioning the gameplay, this game really tugs on the heartstrings.
Mentioning the gameplay though, the short drown time works so well to create a sense of urgency. Every part of the game design puts you in the mindset of stressed Pingu. Having to build momentum in order to leave the water was frustrating at first, especially with how floaty you move underwater, but after getting the feel for it down it felt natural. Seeing your child about to starve, realizing you don't have enough speed to leave the water, meaning it'll take a second longer to get to them. Brilliant.
Speaking of brilliant, the quick dive just feels so great. So meaty. The sounds, the subtle flash, the fish being stunned, the larger water splash. God it's good.
26 days of non-stop struggling just to fail. Imagine how mom must feel when she comes back. Luckily, a quick replay to dissect all the visual components of the quick dive juice turned into a successful run! Spring returned, 1 chick survived. Leftie died on day 22 again. Imagine how mom STILL must feel when she comes back.
Loved this game, I hope you keep making cool shit.