Score: 9
"Keep Improving"
date: August 26, 2008
For your second flash, I see you tried to expand the battle system a little more. Less attacks (that I could find), but more of an actual battle system where you had to attack more than once. This was a different move, more into a game rather than a story; however, I think there are some creative ways to make a battle system that's fun and more story-involved. Keep in mind, I have only used Flash MX 2004 a little bit, so I don't know the limits of Flash 8 myself.
Anyway, if you plan to use a battle scene like that, you may want to tweak a few things. First of all, when the battle scene is pretty much the bulk of the flash, make sure that the person can win a little easier. I don't know if it was just my rotten luck, but I died four times without coming close to beating the boss (second one). He would randomly deal 200 or so damage to my 50. I finally used lightning straight through and after one failed attempt (lost by 40 health), I beat the boss. So, possibly make it a little easier to win, since there isn't any real incentive to fight battles other than to see what animations and jokes you've thrown in.
And that reminds me, jokes. You can do a lot with a battle scene that isn't actually a game. One such addition would be to make the combat system a little more humorous. For instance, make the yellow guy that Mr. Hatman flies on run in once you have half your health and steal your hat. That infuriates Mr. Hatman and powers him up to do more damage. Maybe have Mr. Hatman randomly trip when using a slash attack and his dagger gets stuck in the monster. The next turn or two is spent trying to pull it out. Creative ideas like that. I'm just spitting these out because using a combat scene like the second battle you had, without actually being a game, makes it get a little dry. If I'm not playing a solid, solid game where I train and gain stats, I'd rather be amused (if you get my point).
The one bug I noticed (at least for me) was when you kill the second boss, it still attacks you one more time. I don't know if that would cause my player to die or if the boss's negative health would be counted first, but watch for that.
Anyway, keep improving. I think you are definitely getting better with Flash, just make sure to also improve your content and keep new ideas flowing. I firmly believe that, with enough powerful content, the actual Flash video doesn't have to be amazing (but it does have to be decent, unlike a few that I've reviewed recently).
August 26, 2008
Author's Response:
woah....thats a long review...
OK! for starts
I think it may have been your luck that had something to do with dieing 4 times...lol no offence...but whenever i tested it i actually never lost...almost did but I won in the end. which brings me straight to the point about the last attack that the boss does. I have no clue how to fix that, a little bug that I'll probably never figure out. Sticking to that same point, if you do manage to beat the boss and he brings down your health to 0 or below, you still win. dunno how it works but it just does which is a good thing and there is no need to argue that point. another point, The damage amount is random, but i can set a maximum amount that it can do and have it do a random number between 0 and that number, or just have it deal the same damage all the time. I feel random is more fun. lol.
The humourous side to a a battle...well...as I said in your last review, I'm still unexperienced. Dont get me wrong, it's a great idea, i just have no idea how to do that kinda thing. but anyway. thank you for the review. gave me something to read for a bit (its 10:30pm and im really bored). I'm hoping to see more of your reviews on other flashes that i might submit later. I find your reviews...interesting and incredibly helpful. again thank you.
