Foon → Ludum Dare Explorer → LD40 → The Shadow From Below
By arkthalohs
| Category | Rank | Score | Count | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 391 | 3.28 | 23 | |
| Fun | 430 | 3.09 | 23 | |
| Innovation | 95 | 3.72 | 22 | |
| Theme | 375 | 3.37 | 22 | |
| Humor | 361 | 2.58 | 19 | |
| Mood | 321 | 3.10 | 22 |
I feel like this would maek a great board game :) I had trouble figuring out what to do at first because the function of things isn't very explicit (and also those researcher cards aren't very friendly) but I got hooked once I understood the mechanics and combos. Great job!
I really like the board game approach here. I think the backstory coupled with the time limit makes things very interesting.
Something it could really use is more verbose instructions once in the game. Also, I couldn't seem to find a way to quit the game, or restart. If there is a way, it should be easier to find or access.
Overall, nice work! I'd like to see this on a store shelf in full-form one day.
Definitely one of the best games I played this LD, really easy to get into it. My best score was only $900 though, it was hard to get more! The graphics were a bit abrasive and the UI was a bit unintuitive, but it didn't hurt my enjoyment of it once I understood it.
As stated previously, getting into the game is a bit difficult due to the fact that there is so much information to take in at the beginning. Even the board, we don't really know by where to begin. Afterwards, it gets better and the game becomes more easy. I just wish there was some sort of sounds with this. Otherwise, I enjoyed the game pretty well. It is a unique approach for LD, considering that not a lot of people makes board games as video games. So on that note, good job! :)
I tried to review but couldn't understand the UI in order to do so. Rolling dice sometimes did nothing (no dices showed). Sometimes I would have an impact without meeting the requirement. You really need to spell out how to play this with some kind of tutorial.
The game really needs a tutorial, and a more clear UI.
Cool concept! It was a bit hard to get into, but after a while, it became clear and more fun! It would've been nice if there was a tutorial, or if the game became more complex the further you got. With an upgraded UI this game would be even better.
Well done!
:thumbsup: **What I liked:** ✱ Clever mechanics and balance ✱ Board game are pretty rare in jams, it's refreshing ✱ Despite complexity, I don't think I've encountered a bug
:muscle: **What imo could be improved:** ✱ The game need alot more feedbacks, it's not possible to understand all that is happening. A simple step could be a log journal that recap last actions. A best step would be to add immediate feedback everywhere possible. ✱ The map doesn't really look like a map I thought is was some kind of diagram at first. ✱ It's hard to get into the game, all the reading and rules must be understood upfront and it's an effort to do. The game would greatly benefit of a progressive introduction of game mechanics with help tips for exemple. ie. not all rooms are unlocked at start then an explanation tells how they work when they unlock. No room is broken on the first turn and when the first broken room event occurs them a tip explain that dice must be accumulated in the top zone (it took me 3 games to understand how to fix a room).
:sparkles: **Overall** ✱ For your next time I suggest a game that is a bit more simple to implement, with a "board-in" strategy to get players into the game. That said, it's a big realisation you have there for a board game in such a small amount of time. Good job!
The Idea of the game is attractive, and the implementation well done. However, it did not really manage to catch me : I did not really fell any urge to act. I lacked purpose. Maybe some more lore distilled in the game would improve that ?
I liked it, but a tutorial and ui improvements would help a lot. I spent a few seconds staring at a "7" before I realized you could add more than one die to a spot, and I'm still not 100% sure why a character disappeared on me. Did she die? I'm not sure. Probably.
Seems complicated. I like it. Could use some easing in though, like a simple tutorial or something.
Really complex, well made game! I included it in my Ludum Dare 40 compilation video series, if you’d like to take a look. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdHqgfn9vOI