First of all, thank you so much for hosting the event, playing my game, and taking the time to write all of this out. I definitely want to see the VOD, so please link it whenever it’s ready!
You’re also one of the first people to really call out the dirty jokes and how they’re worked into the game, so I appreciate you noticing that. And yes, Blade Baes is definitely sailing in some potentially treacherous trademark waters lol. I’m keeping tabs on it and still figuring out what to do there. For now, I mainly wanted a name that immediately communicated what the game was about and got people curious enough to try it, while I make sure the game itself is actually fun and worth pursuing.
Didi is absolutely broken right now, by the way lmao. I’m glad you tried nearly everyone because all of that character feedback is extremely valuable. Funnily enough, around half of the things you mentioned have already been changed or are being addressed in the latest build, so it’s reassuring to see someone independently arrive at the same conclusions.
The single opponent for the first fight is a really good call. I think that would make the opening less overwhelming while giving players a better chance to learn the enemy personalities, names, descriptions, and quotes. Then, if they keep playing, we can open things up into the larger battles afterward.
And yes, more characters are absolutely foundational to the idea. I kid you not, my notepad already has over three dozen character concepts representing a lot of different countries. I love the international representation in games like Valorant and Overwatch, so I’ve definitely stolen a little inspiration from them there.
Good call on Didi’s voice too. I literally replaced it today because it was starting to annoy me as well. The repetition certainly wasn’t helping either.
On the artwork and AI usage, I completely understand the concern. The current alpha is partly about validating whether people actually enjoy the idea before I pour my own money into it. I have no problem investing in my own game and replacing the placeholder artwork as it develops, but I also don’t want the prototype to have fewer features, less personality, or weaker presentation than I can reasonably give it right now. Also, yes, Miyu’s bonus finger has been noted. 😂
The tops and arena presentation are something I’ve been thinking about a lot too. In fact, I’ve recently been experimenting with a 3D version of the battles while keeping the existing gameplay and HUD. I’m not deciding anything officially yet, but honestly, it’s already looking pretty sick. If you want to try that experimental build, let me know.
And hearing that you’d actually download the game to keep playing it is genuinely one of the most encouraging things you could have said.
Again, I really appreciate the time you put into both playing and giving such thoughtful feedback. I’m looking forward to the VOD, and I’d also love to connect outside of itch if you’re up for it.
Discord: @bladebaes