Bcadren's game Reviews on Newgrounds

[Coming Out Simulator]

[Insert Review Here]

I usually do a long detailed review trying to help the content creator grow in the specific medium or subgenre in which the game was developed. I'm not going to this time. This was a personal game, it deserves a more personal reply.

I haven't been outside in almost two years (since I graduated college with a game development degree, yea). My depression and lack of self-confidence keep me from getting much done; anything I have finished was blown out in a few hours in one of my rare fits of mania and actual cognitive ability. I'm usually more morose, fatalistic and pessimist; it's what makes me a good critic I could spot the flaws in anything then see only those flaws after enough exposure.

Anyways; I get it. Hell, I was worse off, heh. Came out unintentionally too; had this weird habit of archiving everything and dad read a YIM window I left open because I came to supper in a hurry and didn't get the chance to archive it, yet. Trying to blame someone as a bad influence on me (only person they could 'grab' onto for that was the only person from school was a bi girl who felt (unreciprocated) sexual attraction for me who I 'dated' briefly. [She wanted more; I...was just happy to hang out with someone for a change. It's been so rare for me in my life to have friends like that...I get suspicious of people being nice and actively expect to be robbed or exploited by people being 'friendly', but I digress.]

...Dad getting violent. He's prone to mood swings anyways (effect of diabetes); he broke a chair and a golf club and I locked myself in the bathroom and cried. Heh. Went back into the closet afterward; 'just a phase/curiosity' lie.

For me though it hasn't really gotten any better. As I said; I haven't really been outside in two years.

I wasn't socially accepted in high school BEFORE I came out and my reasons for doing so were less 'being open about a relationship' and more 'desperation'. I was alone and there were rumours anyways; so I did to try to find someone...and it just made things worse. I was a heavily shunned anathema; believing in "it get's better" lead to me working my ass off to try to get a scholarship or something to get out and I was valedictorian, but very much friendless and hated. I had few allies and no friends (by most people's definition).

College was better, by comparison and worse at the same time. I wasn't immediately hated, but I was still pretty well alone and being bullied that heavily I didn't have the social sense to know how to fix it. My longest relationship was a really long weekend and little more than a hookup. I became a Grindr slut; because...it was something. I was anorexic. I attempted suicide on my 21st birthday. It truthfully wasn't better; but it wasn't what I expected, nor was it good. It was better than SHIT; but still terrible.

And, though I finished, I don't have the social graces to really get out much. And I'm really tired of trying. I had to go back with parents after college (no money) and haven't gotten out much (middle of nowhere; nowhere to go anyways). I try to make games by myself, but I keep failing. It's not a lack of skill or technical ability; it's just a lack of being able to believe in myself enough anymore. I want to care; I want to have a life; but...I can't keep my hopes up anymore and I need emotional support and friendship, which I still never really get.

It's like; they say after a break up; you need to move on and see other people; but I didn't really have the relationship; I just wanted it. And I have nowhere to move on to.

I'm sorry. This was about you and I'm making it about me. If anyone reading this wants to skype or something. Please. I really need the help and the contact. I'm not suicidal; I'm just...not living a life either.

[Symmetry]

I'm killing the videos for a bit, since I can't record audio very well right now. BUT; here goes:

Minor issue:
Probably should have arrows as well as WASD, at least. Lot of people prefer all keys be rebindable, but a full menu for that might be above your ability right now. (minor)

Art:
The odd fluidity of your character style has an endearing quality to it; but I still think you should learn a bit of traditional sprite art. Look around PixelJoint a bit and learn the techniques. For some reason the abstract 'dude' in this reminds me of lemmings in how exaggerated and fluid his moves are...though there's obviously more pixels to him than a lemming. The fact the box literally says 'box' on it was amusing at first.

Magenta and Yellow are complimentary colors; which makes the palette very strong. :)

Mechanics/Design:

Your core mechanics have been done before; but the level designs that teach the player what your mechanics are and how to access them are very strong. The only major issue is the last level, which in no way makes it clear that we've suddenly switched to a level that takes up multiple screens after the rest of the game used single screen levels.

Overall:
3.5/5. Doing good; need to work on art and polish. And maybe come up with something more unique mechanically next time. Seeing some good growth from your first game though.

Benasaurous responds:

Hey man, thanks for the feedback. This is Jlorp, I'm using Ben's acount. The last level's mechanic could've definitely used a bit more conveyance (I originally wanted to put the word "Jump" floating over the pit, I guess we just never got around to putting it in), and Ben could probably go back in and add the arrow keys as controls relatively quickly.

I'll definitely do some research on pixel art techniques. Putting "box" on the box sprite was not the original idea, I just eventually broke down in the frustration of trying to make a sweet box sprite decided "screw it, I'll just write box on the side."

I've never really worked with pixel art before, aside from doing the sprites for mach speed. Which by the way, Mach speed's sprites were originally designed for a completely different game with a much tighter camera. Ben just reused them in his game after we scrapped the game they originated from.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the game & good luck with your video channel.

-Jonny (Jlorp)

[Orion Trail (Prototype)]

Full Review (and LP) Here: https://youtu.be/yJnnfGPmQQY

Since this is in Kickstarter mode; feel free to edit my footage to use for promotional purposes or contact me for further footage. I welcome supporting this project further in this regard. :D

[Don't Escape 2]

Full Review here: http://youtu.be/DNAbEsIY1lc

[Shifter]

The palette is a little dull and faded looking (but the art is solid) and the music gets...old rather quickly. Otherwise it's a very solid unique puzzle game. I'd like to see it expanded into a more complete title for retail. :)

[Mach Speed]

I'm starting to do video reviews...this was the first game I did one for.

Full review here: http://youtu.be/nkOLKjdf0SE

Though I say it there; solid first effort, hope to see more of you in the future.

Benasaurous responds:

Wow! That's awesome! Thanks for the review and the feedback, glad you liked it!

[Headless Zombie 2]

There's a parenting glitch. When you're on a moving platform, you don't 'stick' to it and have to walk with it. (I suppose this could be intentional design, but it comes across as a glitch to me.

Game is too easy; the last level is finally a challenge, rest has little challenge to it. As it stands, the wrapper and bright colors will appeal to casuals and kids, to go for mass appeal; the level designs need to be, on average, harder.

TL;DR: Moving platform glitch. Solid effort; pretty and kid friendly. But too easy.

[How Far Can You Go? 3.5]

Some collision errors, very basic art. Has a 'hello world; I made my first game and it at least works' feel. Nothing new, but it's a solid first effort. You really need to work out collision errors and art for a more polished product though...

[Sproyro 4]

Wow. This blameworthy joke got more views than some things that I worked on for weeks...I...this make me feel terrible.

[Hockey Dad]

It's cute and not really a GOOD game (hell it's so non-challenging it's debatable as to if it's a game). It's a cute reference for those that get it though.

4 as a joke/reference; 1 as a game...average to 2.5.

Aprime responds:

Thing is... even if people don't get the reference... it's fine, because as Gooch pointed out (one of the person who reviewed this game) "It's funny how this illustrates such an ongoing problem in youth sports". So I guess there's that.

Also, this clearly is a game if Super PSTW Action RPG is one ;D (Check that out, seriously)