The theming for this is really novel; I just love the concept of a broadway-based shoot em up, and I think you did a great job with the aesthetics and sound design (where did for find the first song, anyway? It fits perfectly). The menu is also really nicely done, and I appreciate that you put a how to play thing in! You mentioned in the feedback for my game that I should have, and I definitely agree! I think it’s a really important step to help the games feel more complete, and I really want to start putting that in going forward. Another random thing, telegraphing how far your sword swings with the arrow is really helpful, and also added to making it feel like a well thought out game.
I also really like that you put upgrades into the game! I don’t think I’ve seen that in any of our games so far, but I was surprised at how much more compelling it made the gameplay--I kept wanting to get a little bit faster (the slow speed you start at, which I thought was frustrating until the upgrades started showing up, is a nice choice for this by the way; I think it really helps add to the upgrades and make them feel actually tangible).
I think my biggest criticism is the balance--I found the clippers especially way too hard to dodge, especially compared to the devils which were fairly trivial--but considering the time constraints I think that’s totally understandable. Other main thing is I’d have really appreciated alternate controls, not just the arrow keys; I find them so awkward to use!
In all though I really liked it!