I was quickly more scared than frustrated at the start, but when I understood I could pick other objects than the plate, I really started having fun. The concept is original and well executed, the presentation is charming and the Vacuum Man is one badass antagonist.
Still, I have some remarks:
- I first thought it was unfair you couldn't run until I really grasped hiding in closets and under the bed. My only grip that remains is that there is no room with a hiding spot near the kitchen and the washing machine (and then again, I was lucky enough to get to the garage before the VM spotted me) , which makes it you don't go to these places as often as you would with the bedroom, the garage and the office.
- You persevere in checking around and avoiding the VM, but I still think there could be an indicator to tell you where he is, so you don't meet him around a corner and you're pretty much screwed. Maybe his eyes could emit a light similar to the ones when he sees you or he is in aggressive mode, to indicate he is in "seeking mode", so you can see him coming.
- I wish the respawn was randomized after the first checkpoint. Each time I spawn inside the bedroom, the VM spawns near and the first thing he does is investigating it - often twice. It slows down the gameplay when you want to be on the move and makes hiding redundant since there is no stake like high anxiety to take into account.
- I don't know why but the door to the bedroom couldn't be opened nor looked through near the end. I would be all right with it if it was meant to add some challenge, if only there was a symbol to indicate that you can't use it anymore and if it didn't get stuck while I was inside the room. I was forced to restart because of it.
- Toward the end, when the lights go out, the VM stopped running around and stayed in the kitchen. He didn't do that the last time I went this far so I assume it's a bug.
+ EDIT: You might also want to increase the width of click boxes for objects, so it's easier and faster to pick them.
Still, I had a great moment. Navigating around the house efficiently and emptying those rooms felt extremely satisfying. I'm really curious to see the final product!