Good music, and interesting roguelike exploring. Going between the man and machine was interesting, I had hoped there were some caves that had a tiny entrance, and would make more use of the little guy exclusively. Maybe there was and I didn't get to that part (died on boss 3). I did feel like the maps didn't help the player out very much, since many enemies travel through solid walls and bad guys shoot through solid objects. There were some hiding spaces for the human, so it wasn't all bad.
Reviews for "Dustrider EX"
Stebdub responds:
I like the small doors idea! I'll try to keep updating based on player suggestions.Enemy placements will definitely be a focus. Thanks for playing!
-great gameplay.
-great controls.
-cool music.
deserves hours of playing.
Stebdub responds:
Wow thanks Arkoan! Glad you like it.
Great aesthetics and controls. I like the pilot's face in the bottom left corner, it gives the game more personality.
I don't think the random layouts really work for this kind of game, personally. Considering it's an action platformer, the usual feeling a player wants to feel going into the game is learning, and, eventually, mastery. But since the layout is random, the player can be forced into bad situations because of some bad enemy spawns (which I imagine you could fix, but I thought it should be mentioned), and, as a designer, you can't give the player more specific challenges or craft a proper interest curve. It would also be nice if the non-essential rooms had some value, because otherwise they just make the game feel empty.
The whole mech thing is a cool idea conceptually, and cool to play, but it would be nice if you implemented a real difference in gameplay. The mech is just objectively better than being on foot. If there were smaller areas or enemies that could only be killed with the lance, or something of that nature, I think this game could go from good to great.
Still though, the graphics, music, and shooting are all very well done and makes the game feel great to play. Keep it up!
Stebdub responds:
Thanks for your detailed response. I had someone else suggest small areas or gated zones specifically for the pilot, and I really like this idea. I will be making updates for this game at some point, that, along with improved enemy placement and the possibility of earning powerups are high on my list. Glad you enjoyed the art and music!
You can tell that this game was influenced by all the metroidvania games of the past. Graphics are looking good, and I enjoyed the gameplay. If you added a way to remap the controls that would be helpful.
3.5 stars for its music and gameplay
it would be nice if there was an option for how to change the controls
Stebdub responds:
Thanks redarmy2535! I have updated with optional control schemes. Enjoy!