[Play tested in Browser]
Note: For summarizing, read bold text.
Initial Thoughts:
As a developing concept, I absolutely love this style of game as it has a very readable theme while it also encourages productivity. I find the art style to be seemingly engaging, as most other time managers are typically bland and lack any interesting appeal. It feels as though the players time will not taken in vain when they set a timer, especially as you mention features that include customization and different landscaped that will be explored. I found the leveling system appealing as it also contributes to the idea that I am meeting my goals, making good choices with my time, and ultimately "arriving to my destination!" I'd be ready to buy this product in an instant.
Likes:
- The game style, theme, and location are all cohesive and really allows the player to feel as though they are embarking on their journeys/meeting their goal and tasks.
- Functionality is simple and effective as a timer.
- Animations add flavor and make for visual appeal.
Needs more of:
- Soft background music, sound effects, and ques as to when the player starts, is in motion, and stops. I lost track of time and completely forgot I had a timer running in the background. (My oopsies but sound definitely helps)
- More particle effects! I'm so obsessed with little details, maybe you could also add flying birds in the background, an owl sleeping on a branch, or a squirrel scaling up a tree out of fear of the incoming car. Dipping into puddles, tires colliding with rocks and leaves, the possibilities are endless!
- Day, Noon, Evening, and Night cycles would definitely help with maintaining a sense of time while also adding more ambience.
Side Tangents:
- This could be a BIG leap, but integrated group work sessions could expand your audience while also helping multiple people be productive at once. I mean, they could do it individually on their own browsers or applications, but having multiple cars follow each other makes the experience more enjoyable.
- Potentially adding a road map to different places on the road; I say this because players could be given the option to incorporate their work schedule/routine into a visual map of their day. (Start of day, intervals between work times/breaks, and then the end of their day) This could also potentially lead to an automated timing system (a.k.a setting a million timers at different times like on iPhone) that could help with these intervals.
- Adding a timelapse of time spent in a day, week, or overall time within the game.
I see so much potential in this game, keep up the amazing work you do!