AniMerrill's game Reviews on Newgrounds

[Lozlwsy: DEMO 2.0]

Ehh...

I agree with the guy below, the controls are out of wack. It doesn't seem like Link responds to the controls very well, or if he does its very delayed. Something that the Zelda series is not known for in the slightest. Also, unless if changing that actually makes significant enough of an improvement, I'm not particularly impressed by this game because I'm afraid its falling into the platformer syndrome.

This is something I have critiqued many other programmers and such here on newgrounds, its the idea that platformers are about the second most overused and abused genre of flash game next to tower defense. All of them are basically the same, all of them are very bland in plot, and none of them add anything particularly interesting to the thousands of bland games already on here.

The fact that you have derived the entire plot from a third party to yourself, and honestly didn't add a thing to its plot (and I'm a fan of Zelda, you have a LOT to work with) and just took the most cliche formula you could to crank out a game. Secondly, you did nothing for the genre of platformers (which, when you submit the final, PLEASE submit it as platformer not Adventure-RPG because thats NOT what it is) because, firstly, there is no real platforming involved. You walk across a flat surface and button mash at a comfortable range as not to get hit by an enemy until it dies... and then you move on.

All this has been negative so far, and I dont wanna leave on a negative note... especially since you are looking for feedback. Graphics are nice, and generally everything here was a good attempt at execution. However, if this is a demo, I would HIGHLY implore you to rethink the mechanics and philosophy behind your game. If you want to be more than the guy who made a cliche Zelda game in a cliche platformer style, I beg you to do a revision of how the game is played. Perhaps think of new ways to do combat. Reflect on how Nintendo did a Zelda platformer (Adventure of Link). Worst game of all time, but it was good IN THEORY. Maybe you could do it right? Hmm?

Perhaps you could spice up the story a little more. Perhaps you could abandon the flash game about Zelda and instead make it a flash game BASED ON Zelda. Swordman saving the princess from evil warlord isn't a mold copyrighted by Nintendo.

My opinion... probably overly harsh and longwinded, but its just because I care. Please, use of my advice what you will and good luck on your release.

Kthxbai

[Squared Up]

Puzzle games are always fun...

Its also kinda cool to see all the different things people can come up with for a "puzzle." Overall this game was a little bland but it had good graphics and nice animations. The only problem I would say is that about half way thru you've already exhausted all the puzzle ideas because a good puzzler will have your system figured out backwards and forwards.

But it was nice.

Maybe a sequel? Find some ways to mix it up?

Kthxbai.

[Go Go Gunship]

Neh...

I agree with Authoritee, this game in some essence is very 'easy' feeling and has very weird controls. Granted, the graphics are nice and very cute, something that would work better if there was a more solid product. However, you can't really get into it completely, at a certain point you're just button mashing and thats about all it takes to survive. Also, I'm a little peeved that enemies seem to come from behind you.... and yet you only have one REALLY innaccurate weapon that shoots backwards.

/

Its not a bad game, dont get me wrong, I just feel its lacking some key elements to make a GREAT game. Hope to see more from you, this seemed like the beginnings of something cool.

Kthxbai.

[Canabalt]

~claps~

Wow, this is a really cool game. 1) I love the classic feel to it, so classic in fact that it could almost be ported to the original GameBoy. 2) I loved the aspect ratio, something that, after playing this, I think more games (especially platformers) should employ, 3) the environment is very beautiful. Between the UTTERLY detailed background and your music, it is a very aesthetically pleasing game.

HOWEVER...

I ripped on someone for this yesterday, so you're not gonna get off completely guiltless. For all the ingenuity of it and the retro feel, I have a major beef against this game. And that is, except for tower defense styled games, platformers are the most cliche and disgustingly abused and overused genres of games submitted to websites such as Newgrounds. Honestly, except for the things I mentioned which, honestly, could have easily been applied to something better, this game is just another bland regurgitation of the same engine and concept and strategy used by most of the designing internet community.

All it appears to be is a storyless, bland platformer with no motivation except for the "daring escape," and after all of that its not even skill based. What this is, more or less, is a timing game. You may as well just programmed a timer with an assigned button to push everytime it goes off.... thats not a good recipe for a platformer. All that becomes is a Mario Party mini game. I mean, yes, it takes a lot of attention to time yourself over obsticles and stuff and, sure, it takes a lot more attention to adapt to the randomly changing scenery.

But players should feel in control of the protagonist, at least a little. This doesnt leave you with any responsibility except jumping. To me, that is lame and boring.

I didn't mean to sound like so much of an ass about all this, but I gave you every one of those stars up to 7 because I really CARE. This is an addicting game, and will become one of my favorites. But I challenge you to reach above the cliche. With your style, musical accompaniment, and inginuity you could do a LOT better with simple story elements and a bit more control I would think. IDK. You decide.

AND I WANNA KNOW WHY HE NEEDS TO ESCAPE, NOBODY NEEDS TO ESCAPE GIANT ROBOT MECHS IN THE DISTANCE FOR NO GOOD REASON!!!! XDDDDD

All in all, I did LOVE it, but I cant excuse the faults I see in games in general. Plus, I'm in a bad mood. Please, I look forward to seeing more from you.

Kthxbai.

[Pandemic: American Swine]

It caught me at first...

But in and of itself, this game seems like its missing something. Like, its a cool concept... but this seems like a cool engine, maybe, to have running with a normal RTS component. But the variables are too..... scattered, it felt like, to me at least, to hammer down a good strategy. After a while it just drags on and then you die after lots of waiting.

/

Good start, I'm not feeling it tho.

Kthxbai

[Calligraphic]

Interesting concept!

.... but no cigar. It is very interesting and even somewhat visually appealing, but its not very fun to play in my personal opinion. We already are FLOODED with uninteresting platformers, other than tower defense they are the most cliche game a person could make on here. So dont get me wrong, this is SORT OF cool, but honestly you're gonna have to aim for a little more excitement if you want my attention.

But thats just me.

Kthxbai.

[Swords n Words]

Well...

... Its not like the worst game that ever happened, but its not really compelling in anyway either.

Also, Im not really a fan for typing games.....

Kthxbai

[Artillery Defense]

Personal fav

So far, this has got to be one of my favorite tower defense games. Solid, easy to learn, and relatively exciting. However, there gets to a point where you hit a wall: your defense is basically perfect and you're sustaining NO damage, but the amount of enemies coming eventually makes the internet crash.

/

I was in the middle of downloading something for college too...

95000 pts and the 85th wave. You got me going, I'll admit, but as someone below pointed out this game feels more like the start of something else we hope will come because this, in itself, is rather pointless.

We'll see what you come up with.

Kthxbai

[Anime Smash Beta]

Aw...

This looks really cool and the graphics are done well (not to mention that the female version of these characters is kind of a kinky idea), its a shame you didnt finish it. Well, sort of. The gameplay kinda sucks, sorry, idk if thats just because I dont like combo fighters very much or because its actually just bad... but i dont like it.....

Beyond the sexy female anime characters. HEY! I have a weakness alright??

[Love Chef]

Umm...

Is there actually a social class or culture where this is the only way a woman can get some love?? COME ON! Look at her~! I'd make dinner for HER instead of vice versa xDDD

All in all, i kinda second the review below me.