I played the game for around 90 minutes. First game-over was at the first level boss (the ship with doom cannon). I feel cheated as I could not repair my ships fully before entering the battle due to not having enough credit. On the second try with full-health, I could beat it normally. Perhaps there should be an option for partial repair option for players without enough credit.
1. Is the game generally fun?
It's quite enjoyable. There are satisfactions in aiming perfectly at an enemy using the double/triple attack and also the sniper's ability.
The plot of the story is somewhat intriguing, but the pacing and characters are a bit lacking.
2. What cards seemed the most appealing to play?
I tend to use triple attack and shotgun a lot. When it's ready, I also use blast-gun as it's fun to deal massive damage in a surrounding blast.
3. Which cards seemed pointless for your experience?
The heal card seems to be underwhelming since it only heals a tiny bit (1 or 2 HP). I tend to only want to use them while my health is 60% or less. So when I need healing, usually it's too late and the enemy just destroyed my ship on the next turn.
4. How difficult is the game?
It is difficult. The enemy has perfect aim while players don't, so the difficulty is already tipping toward punishing from the start of the game. And the friendly-fire also makes it difficult. Once, I thought I could shoot pass ally ship using triple shot, but I accidentally destroyed my ally.
Also, I wish there is a way to undo move before using ability.
5. How engaging is the story? At what point were you hooked(if at all)?
Although I did not get hooked yet, I feel that the plot is somewhat intriguing. I do want to find out what the enemy's motivation is.
The scene at the start of second level is beautiful. And the theme of space opera is quite good. I feel the first level with 3 battles can be cut shorter. Showing players the second level earlier would help with pacing.
Characters and the conversations are still very generic at this point. There's some potential there so I think you could work on it more.
6. Did you complete the game? If not what was the major reason?
Unfortunately no, I couldn't get pass the second level boss (the one with red shield).
7. Does the game feel replayable? Or more of a one and done experience?
I feel at the current state, it's more of a one-and-done experience. There is not enough customization or variety for me to replay. I only played up to level 2, so maybe I haven't seen all that the game has to offer.
Here is how I played the game:
Players have 3 characters to control. Two has good aim as the pointer move quite slow, so I command them as main attackers. While the other one I generally keep her back in line for healing/support. At this point, I don't see any other viable strategy, nor do I fantasize about having different customization.
I am quite surprised that you consider the game in prototype phase, since it feels very polished! I didn't encounter any bugs and all the interactions/animations are very smooth. Are you still looking for the hook of the game before exiting prototype? If so, I would suggest to work on the story and make it more tight. Especially, the first 3 battles in level 1 could probably be reduced a bit since there's nothing interesting going on before reaching the planet. Just my two cents.
Thank you for making this project, this is a very good work and I hope you continue working on the game and bring it to its fullest potential.