General thoughts

Playtime: about 15 minutes

I like the survival horror direction and the atmosphere you are trying to build. The prototype feels focused, but there was one opening presentation choice that confused me quite a bit.

What worked well

• The short, focused format works well for getting a feel for the concept quickly.
• I like the atmosphere and the direction you are taking with the horror presentation.
• Having keyboard, controller, and browser support makes it easy to jump in.

What I would change

• The black screen at the beginning lasts too long without any visual information. If I had not had my audio on, I genuinely would have thought the game was frozen or completely broken.
• I understand that the darkness and breathing are there to establish a mood, so I would not necessarily remove it. I would just give the player some indication that the game is intentionally running. Even a subtitle such as ”[heavy, strained breathing]” would preserve the atmosphere while also improving accessibility and making it clear that something is happening.

Overall, I like the aesthetic you are going for. I would just be careful that atmospheric ambiguity does not become technical ambiguity. The player can wonder what is happening in the story, but ideally they should never be wondering whether the game itself is working.

Please consider giving my game a try, it’s browser based with a tight 2-3 minute game loop: https://barelyplayable.itch.io/blade-baes-brawl

Feedback form submissions preferred: https://forms.gle/fsJrAZDhJtP1CFXX8

Let me know if you’d like an invite to try the invite-only full alpha build :)

I tried the game
Loves the atmosphere, sfx.

Issues:

• Damage red screen is epilepsy inducing
• Stunlock is very punishing.
• Attacking is very janky. Delay is too long. 
• Enemy is pitch black in pitch black environment. Very obnoxious.
• Need tutorial in game tell player to dodge.
• Need to be able to response attack as soon dodging enemy.

This game very inspirational. It have potential believe me.

Please check out my game:

https://nalmare.itch.io/bb-dating-apps

Very short game. Experimental. [NSFW]
Let me know if you reach the ending.
Share thoughts/feels about encounter or ending.

Thanks in advance.