alsoknownas1's game Reviews on Newgrounds

[Mini Over Game]

It's neat!

[Diner in the Storm]

I can't possibly say everything I want to about this incredible gem in a short comment. Everything adds up: the incredibly evocative (and cinematic) opening, the "QuickTime VR"-esque navigation, and just a hint of actual puzzle solving. The sum is one of the best "little" VN experiences I've had, not just on NG but anywhere.

*mild spoilers*

Even though it's not all my cup of tea tonally, I absolutely love the approach you've taken to narrative design with the "recruit" mechanic. The way that lets the mid-game branch out non-linearly to be recollected in the ending (and the presentation of said ending allowing for true integration of player choice) is low key brilliant. I really like the approach to dialog choices as well, with them more emphasizing one thing over another rather than being obviously "good" or "bad", it really made it feel like hanging out and talking.

Great work!

adayofjoy responds:

Glad you enjoyed the game and all the little design choices I tried out in it!

[Detonation Celebration]

I may have only managed to score "B: Acceptable" but this game is definitely better than that!

[Hex Character Maker (Update)]

I did have an issue where the triggers (as apposed to the shoulder buttons) didn't swap colors, but I was able to use the keyboard for that. Also, I really like how the onscreen controls swap between showing keys and showing gamepad buttons based on what you last touched. Pretty slick.

My only other UI comment is that I expected to be able to "tab" or move my cursor over the whole UI instead of having to use one set of keys/buttons to swap styles, another for tabs, and yet another for colors. Yes that's slower, put we've been trained by other UIs that that should work.

Snow-Hex responds:

I understand, about the triggers (for some reason in the browser version they don't work, in the downloadable version they do), about the rest I can only say thank you very much for your comment. :)

[RPS Puzzle 2]

After getting a few levels in I immediately headed over to itch.io, only to be dissapointed I couldn't kick you a few bucks. It really is that good. And it isn't just that you stumbled onto a good idea. The "polarised" barriers and each character having unique character traits (floaty, strong, small), it's all wonderfully executed. On top of it all, it has heaps of charm to spare. I love the idea of opposites like this going on a journey together and your art style immediately evokes 70's adventure animation ("The Point", "The Phantom Tollbooth"). This is fantastic!

[Ice And Fire Tower Defence]

I had a good time. I like how the game's approach to tower defence leans towards the "competitive idle game" spectrum of tower defence.

octopus58 responds:

Thank you very much! I see what you mean honestly haha, my original intention was to make it kind of beginner friendly kinda, but it also definitely feels like an idle game too

[Mortemforge's Elven Lethal Operations]

I like that you didn't overcomplicate four direction Robotron. Love the idea of a series of small games like this. Good luck!

[Tyro's Tummy Troubles]

Tasty spam.

[Lairun]

Down as middle is a fun mind f**k. Very enjoyable endless game. Love the way the music never stops, only fades off.

[Funkee Worms]

I really like this active twist on the traditional sliding tile puzzle. I also very much like the sense of relaxation that comes from new pieces only being introduced as a result of making a move. Still that's probably my only idea for improvement: the "cost" of a move (in terms of new pieces) seems to remain the same throughout the game (that might be incorrect, but that's the way it feels). I think if it started lower and ramped up it might both help new players and add a sense of progression and--eventually--of frenzy.