I enjoyed the idea but didn't like the execution part (the gameplay part, the art is very good).
There are few suggestions (I understand that during the jam time is limited so it's just for potentioal enhancements).
- Get rid of the timer lose condition. It just creates pressure making the already difficult task frustrating. It's still coundown-ish if it just beeps and has no gameplay effect.
- Make levels longer, simpler and more focused on a specific part of the language.
- Making them longer (you need to fix 3-5 bombs in a row or restart from the beginning) decreases hte chance of player completing the level randomly (withput understanding new words)
- Making them simpler and more focused increases the chance of player understanding the new concept.
- For example, "Cut red wire" and 5 wires, only one of them red. ""Cut red wire" again. And again. And then "Cut green wire". This will ensure there player pays attention to them same "Cut ___ wIre" part and changing "___ color ___" part
- Make space for players to draw their own notes. Like a separete screen. (Maybe with prewritten simbols)
- The player most likely already seen all colors and used them, so they know the mechanic. But they do not remember it well and always checking the screen to learn which color what symbol means is just a boring routine.
- It will create a sense of progress
- Players will see how much language they know already. They will their progress.
- Based on how many unlearned symbols there are, players could guess how many levels are left, which makes them more likely to finish the game
Very interesting game. Great job!