I think this game has an interesting concept, and I liked how the lucky number and spinning wheel mechanics were incorporated into the game jam theme! I did have some trouble figuring out what I was supposed to be doing, though.
What I Liked:
- Lucky Number Mechanic: I liked how you incorporated the lucky number selection into the game! It was a fun way to tie the gameplay into the theme.
- Weapon Selection: I liked that there were different weapons to choose from at the beginning! It would be nice to know whether each weapon has different advantages or disadvantages, though.
- Controls: I thought the movement controls were pretty straightforward and easy to use!
- Volume Settings: I appreciated having a volume slider right on the main menu! It's a nice quality-of-life feature.
- Spinning Wheel: I liked the idea of having a wheel that gives you different effects throughout the game. It adds some randomness to the experience, which fits the theme nicely!
Suggestions for Improvement:
- Tutorial & Instructions: This was probably my biggest issue while playing. I wasn't really sure what my objective was or where I was supposed to go. I actually restarted the game because I thought I might have missed some instructions! Having a short tutorial or even a basic explanation of the objective on the main menu would be really helpful.
- Map Navigation: I understand that the game is supposed to take place in a dungeon, but I found myself walking endlessly through large open areas without knowing where to go. I initially didn't even realize I could leave the stone area! Adding walls, pathways, landmarks, or even a directional arrow would help guide players toward their objectives.
- Environmental Objects: I noticed candelabras and pumpkins scattered around the map, and I initially thought they were items I could pick up or interact with. Making interactive objects more visually distinct from decorations could help avoid confusion.
- Spinning Wheel Speed & Effects: I think the wheel could spin a little faster to keep the gameplay moving. It would also be helpful to have a brief explanation of what each effect does.
- Weapon & Projectile Speed: When I received a movement speed boost, I noticed that my bullets didn't seem to travel fast enough to keep up with my movement when running forward. It might be worth adjusting projectile speed or how bullets behave when the player is moving quickly.
- UI Explanations: I noticed a bar in the bottom-left corner and a timer in the top-right, but I wasn't entirely sure what either represented. I assumed the bar was my health, but I didn't really encounter anything that seemed to damage me. I also wasn't sure whether the timer was counting toward a specific objective. Some labels or explanations would be helpful!
- Enemy Spawning & Gameplay Pacing: During my second attempt, I spent around a minute and a half walking through the blue area without encountering any enemies or events. I wasn't sure whether I was going in the wrong direction or if something wasn't spawning correctly. Having more consistent encounters or some indication of where the action is would help keep players engaged.
- Progression & Objectives: I think having clearer goals and some feedback when completing them would make the experience more rewarding. For example, knowing when you've defeated a boss, completed an area, or unlocked something new would give players more of a sense of accomplishment.