UPDATE: There have been some SOLID changes to this game since I last played it, which is very encouraging and promising for the final, full release.
https://youtu.be/-93P2V3kaFs
https://youtu.be/gs82nQNN4h8
Here's what I noticed that was changed:
- Inventory streamlining
- It seems like the hazard escalation is slower, which allows for more exploration
- It seems like the player's character has more breath, which is a little more forgiving than before
- The final door appears to be working as intended (no spoilers here)
A couple of game breakers:
1.) The game crashed
2.) We couldn't open the briefcase
This is not a long list of things that *I* noticed but these are all VERY impactful to the game experience and are the first dominoes in what I think will be a lot of solid improvements.
ORIGINAL: Overall, this game has some replayability issues that I think will prevent it from gaining traction. I would not recommend buying it in its current state unless you have a thing for escaping burning buildings or you like helping in the development process by providing feedback. The jist of the game is pretty self-explanatory... right?!
I do like the minimalist nature of the UI, which forces you to think about the situational usefulness of objects in the environment as you encounter them. For example, it took me three times of running past a bathroom sink before I realized how useful they were.
However, there are a lot more things that I think need improvement for this game to be worth buying.
1.) When you complete a level, it takes you back to what seems to be the beginning but it is unclear why because it seems like English is not the first language of the developer.
2.) Most of the items in the environment that are supposed to be helpful can actually be ignored because their usefulness does not outweigh the value of the time taken to acquire them. (Running past everything is the most successful strategy)
3.) Sprinting is the most useful thing you can do but the player character has such a small lung capacity that the game becomes more of a breathing management simulator than a fire survival game. The small lung capacity could be easily explained by the smoke but it is unclear if this is intended or an oversight because there is next to zero explanation of anything.
4.) The biggest draw for me was the randomly generated levels but this aspect of the game is lacking hugely. After running through four or five times, you'll notice that the levels are technically randomly generated but they're actually just the same rooms connected differently. I will enter a room and kind of already know where the doors are.
5.) After escaping the first level, it takes you back to the beginning and you start again. After beating the second level, you'll realize that you can't actually leave because you didn't find the key to the door.
There is a lot of development that still needs to be done here and, although I like the minimalist UI, I would give it up in order to have some clarity and know what's expected of me as the player. I would wait to buy this game, even if you DO have a thing for escaping burning buildings.
https://youtu.be/N2k9cqJyAok
https://youtu.be/lfJOiLDv-Lw
