itch.io

Hey, I remember you from GMTK 2022! :)

Sorry for the build problem, but I see you already uploaded a fixed version, so I will also take a look.

Semi-on-the-fly remarks:

[game jam version]

1. I like the context. X) Some other games thought about it apparently, but still, funny take.
2. Game page: weirdly enough, the fullscreen button is semi-hidden by the white background for the text (I am using Firefox); it does still work.
3. Effective introduction texts, with clear text animation.
4. This may be caused by the navigator version, but when looking towards places with a lot of things, the FPS tend to be somewhat low. It probably also depends on computers, but it is felt on mine. I guess the many detailed 3D models and high resolution have a cost.
5. Controls are QWERTY-only instead of layout-independent (I have an AZERTY keyboard), BUT arrow keys are enabled.
6. The party sounds do make it feel like the ambience is lively or even raucous, but I think something is off. Maybe the fact that it is a bit ‘sinusoidal’ instead of continuous; also, you can tell where the loop is a bit too much.
7. The second task (saluting the best friend) is already ticked from the beginning.
8. Did you know: the one-eyed pyramid logo on the drums is classic esoterism. (Freemasonry / Cabalistic seedy stuff, actually.)
9. Apparently, you can run with Left Shift but not Right Shift; I think it would be useful too.
10. At some point, for some time, I could move the camera, but no element was moving! Weird.
11. By the way, changing the zooming level on my navigator does not break the rendering, this time, so maybe you managed to find a solution since your previous game! :)
12. Gameplay: I think it is not obvious what impacts your ‘social battery’. For example: are the static people ‘dangerous’? What about the yellow discs? Some cue (visual and/or audio) would help the player.
13. A lot of details went into designing the house; you definitely like designing worlds, apparently. :)
14. The choice of anime characters is a coincidence seeing current Mini Jam 114’s theme. ;)
15. There is a navigator-related bug: if I zoom out (in Firefox), then, when the mouse is captured, I get a constant slight rightward camera rotation. This may be entirely related to how navigators handle this, or Unity, I do not know.
16. I think I found the hamburgers, but I cannot take one.
17. No ‘conversation battle’ ever popped up, so I guess this is amongst the content that does not work because of the build problem.

[fixed version]

1. I notice one instance of the Girl with a Pearl Earring painting is stretched horizontally (in the large living room, above a sofa).
2. I feel like the mouse has even more trouble getting captured than in the game jam version! X) This is entirely a navigator issue, though.
3. The zoom-out effect when running is a good idea.
4. I like the use of Emojis; the fact that their speeds are different (although reasonable) makes the rhythm phases tricky (but manageable).
5. I think some cue should show the player that he has accomplished a task; I saw the box for kittens ticked, and only then noticed the (cute) cat in the corner! X)
6. Apparently, you can still move at least at the beginning when a battle is triggered. I also wonder whether our social battery keeps on lowering independently on the battle or not.
7. I feel the fact that the ‘social battery’ lowers constantly is a bit too punishing. I think the battles should be enough, as it is already not obvious navigating your way to the objectives.
8. [Spoiler] Weird, only going to the bathroom is apparently enough to achieve the kitten task. Aaaah, there are kittens there!! So small, if you do not move the camera properly, you can easily not make them out. You definitely need some cue.
9. Beat the game! Once you know where the three objectives are and can handle the rhythm game, this is rather manageable. I only feel the inertia seems a bit clunky, but this may be caused by the lag and my AZERTY controls.

Takeaway: I think the main thing that would greatly enhance the game is cues to help readability for the player: when a ‘quest’/task is accomplished (for example, the audio line for the best friend is a good one!), and maybe make the yellow halos cleared. Just a suggestion: cel shading might be a good visual option for this game, as it would add (possibly black) outlines and fit with the ‘cartoony’ models.

I like the theme interpretation and how you mixed two genres (rhythm game + collectible quests). Some surprises/variations in the gameplay would also help keep it interesting, as this is otherwise a one-time hide and seek.

Thanks for the experience (and sorry for the build problem!). :)