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Thanks for your reply!

Yes, associations with Potion Craft and similar games are quite logical. I agree that a lot depends on the implementation and small details. Right now, I'm just gathering my thoughts at the conceptual level to understand whether the direction itself makes sense.

Thanks for the tip about incremental games, I'll definitely look into that.

Hi!  I’m looking for early feedback on a game concept.

I’m working on a small 3D alchemy game. There’s no prototype yet — at this stage I’m not testing visuals or story, only whether the core gameplay idea feels viable.

The idea is an alchemy system focused on experimentation rather than fixed recipes. Recipes are incomplete due to age and damage, giving only vague hints instead of exact numbers. Brewing involves choosing ingredients and managing temperature, time, and stirring.

The system avoids strict “right / wrong” outcomes. Results are evaluated by how close they are to the intended effect. Partial success matters and can introduce side effects or instability.

If a player repeats the same approach (even an imperfect one), handwritten notes appear in the recipe book for better experience.

Progress isn’t tied to XP. It’s reflected in the world: the house restores itself, new tools unlock, and experimental conditions become more complex.

The gameplay is intentionally slow, repetitive, and somewhat meditative — and I know this is risky.

I’m specifically trying to understand:

• whether vague systems like this feel engaging or quickly frustrating
• whether partial success without clear feedback feels meaningful or just confusing
• whether monotony + small discoveries can be a positive experience
• whether replaying the game to discover different side effects sounds appealing

I’m collecting anonymous feedback via a short form. Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfj0OjqBQDXOzqxW0wKoeyysFiykWRaNTGcd4uZ...

Any thoughts or impressions are appreciated — I’m trying to understand how this idea is perceived at an early stage.

Thanks for your time!

Glad you enjoyed it! Totally agree — those are great points, and I’ll be factoring them into future improvements.

Thanks a lot for playing!

A game where your choices determine how everything will turn out. Control the hero and find out where it will lead.

You can play in the browser or download.

The game is here: https:  https://historyloom.itch.io/traces-of-time

This is my first completed game - I'd love any feedback!