2024-04-03 Updated Main Game Page


After seeing Sabreman Retro's youTube video of the demo (Sabreman Retro's quick play of the demo) I realised that I might need to give a few more details on how to control Bill as Sabreman appeared to be stuck at a screen that shouldn't be hard to pass if you use Bill's wall-bounce-flap-jump ability. It is mentioned in the main menu info panels, but as you can start the game without viewing any of these, it's easy to miss or ignore.


It's always interesting watching other people play. Fresh fingers and eyes approach the challenges of the screens a little differently to those of the developer who has played through a scene so many times... it's easy to forget that once upon a time this was all new too them too.

I think that one of the changes I will make to the final game is that it'll be a bit more obvious you're needing to wall bounce/ flap to get to the top of the play area where Pappy can be found on the start screen. I've tried to guide players along the way and give chances to do use the controls and try things out; but I think this start screen was a little deceptively "It's just a platform, jump on it" rather than, "you need to bounce up here".

I've corrected that for the next release / demo / beta? update.

However, to also aid players I've updated the main page instructions to cover wall bouncing (flapping) and wall dropping. 

Essentially, you wall bounce by pressing jump and a direction, and then releasing the direction. You wall drop by jumping and holding a direction. Once you get used to it, it should feel easy in practice.

I do enjoy seeing people playing / trying out my games. Thank you Sabreman for posting that video (unfortunately it wouldn't let me comment so hopefully you'll see I've linked to you and see my update here). If anyone else wants to share videos, please feel free to in the comments. If I can see anything problematic, I'll adjust it or make it obvious "how it's meant to work" before the main game completes.

(I am considering removing the death replay of the Clementine tune as it feels / looks like it just annoyingly delays getting back into the game for another play through)...

Comments

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(+1)

Adding a few more youtube videos of people playing the demo. It looks like the bounce/flap mechanics catches people off guard and it isn't only Sabreman getting to the second door and unable to bounce to the top.

Thank you to everyone who gives the demo a go, and especially to those who share videos etc. Hopefully the re-worked "tweaked demo with lots of arrows" helps, along with the better main page instrucions.

THANK YOU!

Thank you! I look forward to seeing it. 

Hi! I´ll upload a video tomorrow. I´ve no Saberman troubles as usual!

Cheers and keep trying Saberman!