by Wuzzy » 16 Nov 2019, 05:28
OK, I just took a look. So, there are 6 playable levels. The rest are demo levels to introduce the editor and stuff.
Nice! So the game is clearly playable, but it's very short atm. So this game is of demo quality at this stage. For a “full” game, a lot of more content is required. But everything seems to work just fine so far. Very interesting.
The gameplay is very very closely to classic Sonic the Hedgehog. TBH, I rarely ever played Sonic games as I wan't a huge fan of the gameplay. STH levels tend to be huge but you keep missing like most of the content all the time, exploration is not really fun. And Open Surge seems to follow that. But, oh well, it's still fine as a game.
The intro cards should be removed or at least be reduced to a single intro card that goes away instantly (no fade) after a keypress. It's just annoying.
Besides, the name “Open Surge” should be changed to something more “gamey”. Surge is a new character, so the “Open” doesn't make sense. We have FAR too many FOSS games with either “Open” or “Free” in their name.
The graphics are great.
There needs to be a help or controls screen to explain/config all the controls.
The very first level should also be very easy but also includes all of the core obstacles, to force the player to at least do every possible move (jump, walk, run, etc.) at least one, so the player is prepared for the later levels. That's a tried-and-tested method for many old scool Jump'n'Runs. Especially the “speedup” move (hold down "down" key) is not obvious. But it seems in the 6 levels, it was never needed. I have not found an use for the “Up” key.
The drowning mechanic is mean. There is suddenly a 5 second countdown, but when you see it, it's often already too late. There's also no change in the player sprite when underwater, it just doesn't look like Surge needs to catch breath, etc.
I have no real idea what all these computer screens do. Some are more obvious bonuses, some others aren't. I notice the complete lack of a game manual here (except a README, but only gameplay-relevant info are controls). I assume this is all on the TODO list already.
So there is still obvious work ahead for the project, but it sure looks VERY promising!
EDIT: OK, the game also has a score but what's the point of the score? There is not even a highscore list, so the score seems completely pointless. Are there plans to add some meaning to the score?