Shadow Spring 4+

Off to a great start!

- Edit

Thoughts:

Was looking for games to play to pass time when I came across this one. Gave it a try and reached a high score of 23. Loving it so far

Some things that I liked:

1. Game concept/ theme. Love how the game is shadow themed. The style is very unique as well as the background and platforms

2. Character design

3. Death animation (unique)

4: Text font

Some things that I think could improve or be added would be:

1. Character animation. (Can’t tell if I’ve landed on a platform because the character is so stiff unless your holding on the jump (maybe add a falling and landing effect, character falls into crouch and stands straight)). And maybe you can add more emotion in the death animation (flailing arms, eyes closed with tears, etc.). You could also give the monsters an attack animation when you get hit by them

2. Scoring. Was the scoring meant to be the currency. It might be easier to score base on something else (distance for example, or how many platforms you’ve climbed up (excluding ones you’ve passed))

3. Currency. Maybe you can use the currency to buy new skins, characters, maps, or even abilities to bring in more variety

4. Abilities/ items. Maybe you can add weapons (like a sword, punching glove to kill monsters, etc.) or abilities (like double score, coin multiplier, etc.) so it doesn’t become repetitive.

5. Monsters. You can maybe add newer monsters as you progress or give them attacks to add some difficulty.

6. Platforms. You should try to have some organization in your platforms instead of them being just randomly scattered. I’m not say to remove it complete as that would make it too easy, but definitely try to create simpler areas. You could even add obstacles to try and have a challenge

7. Quests/ Achievements. This one pretty self explanatory, but maybe by adding these you can give a player a sense of progression and a feeling of accomplishment

8. Story. Try to give some background to the character so you can bring attachment for him. I clueless on who he is, what his goal is, and why he’s facing monsters and collecting skull coins

9. Movement. You can only jump. I can’t manage to collect any of the coins that are on the same platform as me because I can only jump up, so if I want a coin I’d have to jump directly under it to collect it. Maybe add a some walking (controls or a joystick?)

10. Tutorial. You can add a instructions telling you what to do and what not to do to give new players some guidance when starting out instead of just jumping straight into the game

Some issues I noticed:

1. The Movement controls (feels a bit slow)

2. Sometimes can get stuck on a platform. (I got stuck in the corner of a crate, but got out after moving and jumping in the opposite direction

3. Saw a monster levitating without standing on a twice

FYI: Don’t look into what I’ve said so far too deeply. These are just ideas I had and got from play many other platform based games. It wouldn’t be plausible to add all of these things at once. I’d say go for what you can and what you want. It’s your game and your choice. But remember that there is always room for improvement.

Conclusion:

Overall I think the game is great! I enjoyed the idea and concept, and it does its purpose of passing some time. In the end I loved it and hope to see more. Keep up the awesome work!