I liked that the level design struck a nice balance between a linear and an exploratory mode. A narrative prompt or interactive element would pop up right before a full-blown case of metroidesque explorer’s dread (oops you wandered ten minutes in the wrong direction…now you get to climb back up those 7 shafts again) set in.

It’s interesting to hear that you were “learning” level design as you went along. I dunno if it was intended or unintended but I think the transition from simplicity to complexity helped draw me into the game.

I think my favorite games are the ones they tell you a story. I really love the storytelling aspect of the game. I know that notes are a common way to progress the story, but it was especially effective in your game. I think because the dialog was tight. The whole tone of the game was one of sadness and loneliness and you could really pick this up through the dialog and use of graphics.

Good job. It seems like for some reason, platformers always come out well during these competitons, when often there are mixed results with other game types. I wonder why that is. Maybe platformers are easier or a more well defined and known game type.

/me arms in the air