For this review, I'll be speaking for myself and my fellow who also tested the game.
1. Does camera feel good?
The camera was much better in this playtest. I think for the style of the game it has an interesting immersion to the game; However, for people who prefer fast-paced games, the camera movement/rotation will always have much left to be desired since it's a slower attentive style.
2. How does the map feel to navigate? Does it feel too big? Too open?
The map isn't difficult to navigate, I was easily able to make connections from my current location to the map. The size seemed feasible, especially because there are quick routes to take around. There is an implication of walls that aren't being accounted for either on the map or radar map, because even when avoiding some walls, I would look back at my health and have been damaged somehow.
3. What are your thoughts on the panel layout? Does it feel easy to move through? Should things be grouped differently?
The panel layout is generally intuitive. The only thing that wasn't was the hide button, as it looks like a harmful button without context. I'm unsure of how games like Iron Lung handle this, but the placement of the manual doesn't evoke a natural response to interact with for people who don't know about the game. When my fellow played it, he casually overlooked it and in turn missed information that was integral such as the context for the hide button, etc.
4. Does the monster feel balanced? Did it feel like a threat? Did you feel like you could escape?
I think the monster was very interesting, I watched it do some silly loops around and it looked more confused than I did with navigating the maze. It did feel like a genuine threat when amidst its pathfinding would suddenly come over to attack. I certainly utilized the hide button a lot more than trying to escape it through navigating away, however had a complication that will be addressed in the next question.
6. Thoughts on the hide button? Does it feel useful?
The concept of the hide button is great, however there were cases when it simply didn't work. There were times when the monster is running towards the ship, and even when pressing the hide button, damage would still be taken.
7. Did you use the window? Did the oxygen feel balanced?
The window was never used. It's immediately more intuitive to interact with the movement arrows and relying on the radar map over using the window.
8. How is the movement? Do you feel like you're able to move through the environment properly? Fast? Slow?
This is one of those games where the movement is more focused and slower paced, but it can be agonizing to hold going forward and rotate between radar and controls to press between buttons and be meticulous. There was a comment mentioning different gears and that would be an interesting concept.
9. How was the map? Did it have to many landmarks? Not enough? Was it useful?
The map was definitely useful. The landmarks were fine, there was just confusion about some walls not being accurately defined on it.
10. What does the big red button do?
Game over.