Man, this series is awesome.
Just hope to write a review, even though I rarely do so, to show my appreciation as well as some suggestions for your future games. (If there will be any lol)
I started playing the Riddle School series when I was like 10 or something, so I was really surprised that you produced the first game in this series when you are just 11! I am 17 now, yet I don't think I've accomplished anything *sigh*
I was immediately aroused to the game, especially because of Phil Eggtree's sarcasm and humor. Every time I replay the games I go through almost all conversations and monologues of Phil commenting on random things. He never fails to crack me up with those bad puns. Although he may not be a deep, dynamic or subtle, he surely is relatable character for most gamers, which should undeniably be one of the factors this series being so successful. Still, I found the change in character from somehow carefree and "chill" to more mature comes rather too quickly. Probably more evidence in how Phil has changed during his journey is needed and should be emphasized.
Next up is the plot part. I really loved how Riddle School 3 transited to Riddle School 5 and even Riddle Transfer 2. Simple but surprising, transforming from a straightforward school escape to a battle with the whole evil outer space organization. The whole series is wrapped up neatly as well. I am very glad that you decided to work on Riddle Transfer 2, seeing that 5 years ago you made the hard decision of abandoning the series. Now the whole story is finished, everything feels completed. However, I still think some more work can be done to polish up other characters, to make the plot more convincing. For example, the appearance and intention of Quiz seemed to simple for a (fake) FINAL BOSS of the game. His shallow character did not deepen the story, in my opinion. Also, the Smiley and Phil part seemed kind of rushed. From my perspective, their romantic relationship development did not seem obvious even in Riddle Transfer. I am more than happy to see the two being together, but a more detailed description of how they moved from friends to lovers will definitely make the game even more interesting.
Finally the puzzle part. This is the part where I have almost nothing to complain about -- it is smooth and of a suitable difficulty. As a fan of point-and-click games (it is not a dead genre! hopefully), it makes me really happy to see such high quality games. I am even more pleased to see how the game has developed throughout the years, in terms of the quality of drawing, animations, and diversity of puzzles. Unlike how many puzzle games, using the items once then discard it, you have successfully utilized various items into various puzzles, which makes each game feels consistent with the previous ones. You also have put different types of puzzles into good and reasonable use, unlike how some puzzle games only works with cliche stuff like "check under the pillow", "obtain the key which is locked within a locker which is locked some sort of patterned color blocks" and "unlock your own drawer by deciphering a crazily complicated encrypted password". I was stuck at some parts, but was never frustrated in solving your puzzles.
As for the suggestions of your future games, how about making games about other characters, like Phred and Zack? I think players will be interested in their background stories and/or how they continued their lives after saving the world. Opening a brand new series while adding some Easter eggs referring to the Riddle School series does not seem a bad idea to me also.
It would be amazing if you have read until now. Just to let you know I really enjoyed playing the series. Look forward to seeing more action from you, but please do not overburden yourself only to fulfill fans' expectations. Excellent work!
p.s. sorry for probably bad English, not my major language haha
