Nice idea with a decent execution.
But,
- Adding sound effects and music can go a long way to making the game with less bland. Attacking would feel more impactful and a pure white arena would not feel sterile
- The concept is a good one, using control as lives, but the concept is not strong enough to carry the game on its own. There are many games which are simpler with the same concept but added more to expand the idea further this Jam.
- The game could have made better use of the 3D component, the game in its current state is essentially a 2D shooter placed in a 3D environment, with little benefits of making it 3D. Perhaps simplifying the game to 2D would have saved work on developing models and allowed for better design on the gameplay elements. Don't shy away from using openly available free sprites or models!
- The enemy drops were not rewarding at all, dropping control or lives should be used more sparingly especially if there is a limit to the amount of control available. Dropping powerups rewarding the player for playing well while making the game feel more exciting and allows you to create more challenges without feeling too harsh on the player. Adding lives without powerups make the game feel draggy without anything to look forward to. Toning down the life drops and adding better drops would help make the game more fun.