Help me test my flash game

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David

David

I just put up beta version 0.1 of my flash game, Flatline and I'm looking for feedback. I wasn't entirely sure whether this should have gone in art sub or games sub, mods feel free to move it if I have chosen poorly.

http://dave-terry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Flatline_0_1_0.html

Use the arrow keys to move.
The red line gradually moves down over time or as you hit orange squares. Going above the line will raise it back up, at the cost of energy (number on the top left). Energy replenishes as you spend time below the line. You lose when your energy hits 0. Your score (top right) increases as you successfully dodge orange squares.

Let me know what you guys think, please!

Features to be implemented:
-high score saving & submitting
-power-ups
-alternate enemy types (so not just orange squares)
-replace placeholder graphics with final graphics
-sound effects & music
 
Rovewin

Rovewin

81700 I spent over half the time seeing how high I could keep the red bar. Id say make the penalty for hitting orange blocks a little higher because for awhile there I wasnt worrying about them at all much until it got to the point where if I hit one I wound up hitting 4. Id say for one of the enemies you could have one that sort of slides back and forth and maybe one that goes up and down so you have to time it just right. As the game goes on make their slide areas shorter and faster so you have less opportune times to get through.

So what power ups are you thinking of? Overall a good start. With a little tweaking, I can see myself spending way more time than I should going for a highscore or something.
 
bhamv3

bhamv3

73500 on my first try.

I agree that the game would be improved with different block types, and probably some powerups too. I actually got a bit bored with it before the end, since it became all about dodging squares until my energy inevitably ran out.

Might I also suggest adding an option to control with WASD, since many gamers (me included) are more accustomed to that.

Oh, and currently the controls don't support diagonal movement. That is, if I press the up and right keys at the same time, I'll only go up, instead of diagonally up and right. I don't know if that's a deliberate design decision, but if diagonal movement is added, it would increase the player's maneuverability considerably.
 
Necronic

Necronic

Staff member
Penalty for hitting orange blocks should be significantly higher.

Very creative game though, I like it a lot.
 
C

Chibibar

63400 first try. probably need a tutorial and explain what each stuff do.
 
David

David

Thanks for the feedback, everybody!

Will be implemented next version:

-squares have been shrunk by about 10%. I feel this gives the player a little more wiggle room so the game doesn't become just one huge orange screen too quickly.

-red squares have been added. These follow the player's Y axis at 2/5 speed, forcing you to give them a wide space. Touching these also gives a larger penalty and doubles your energy loss rate for 10 seconds.

-orange squares have been changed to yellow, a more "caution" color.

-rare, green bonus squares now appear, which has the effect of resetting the red bar back to the top of the screen and making the player immune to the other squares for 10 seconds. I will also considering making this set the energy back to 100, but this seemed like it would be too game-breaking.

(possible: -rare, blue penalty "depression" squares which slow your movement speed if you hit them. Yay or nay?)

-WASD movement support. Diagonal movement support is of right now a "maybe."

-Will probably raise the penalty for hitting the yellow squares a little bit because it's so requested. I didn't want to make this TOO high. To try to fit with the game's heart rate monitor theme, the blocks were intended to represent things like junk food or sitting inactive all day. Things that shouldn't matter once in a while, but will mess you up if made a regular habit. When you are above the red line you are "working out" and increasing your fitness level. Plus if it's too high then it just makes the game too frustrating too quickly once it becomes impossible to not hit one now and then.

-That said, the game needs more humor. As of right now while play testing, it seems to come off too preachy about healthy living. Far too much of a PSA for the dumb little time-waster I was aiming for.

-Stienman, if you're serious, I will gladly send you my working files and the artwork as I finish them in exchange for 50% of any profits made.
 
C

Chibibar

You know. making it iPhone/iPad game would work. You could have 3 types of control. Tilts (up/down and left/right for speed), "joystick" for those classic folks and touch screen.
 
David

David

Beta 0.2 here:
http://dave-terry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Flatline_0_2.html

"Greetings, and congratulations on your purchase of the new Flatline personal health monitor! Over the next several minutes, we will cover the features offered by your new Flatline product, so YOU can start living HEALTHY today!

This instructional film has been brought to you in part by our good friends at Pony brand cigarettes. Pony Cigarettes - Smoke to your health!

Your Flatline personal health monitor automatically keeps track of your eating and workout habits in order to give you an overview of your fitness level. As your eat and spend too long in your "at rest" BPM range, your fitness level will naturally decrease. To raise your fitness level, simply engage in rigorous physical activity to raise your BMP into your fat-burning zone. Careful not to overdo it, though! Find a healthy balance between spending energy on workouts and regaining it through resting!

Among the worst things you can do to your health is eat unhealthy fast food. Fast food, as all nutritionists know, contains not only empty calories, but also the angry spirits of executed criminals. Avoid junk food at all costs!

As you go through life, you'll have to avoid those pesky energy-draining life hazards that seem to follow you.
(Stress! Injury! Non-Pony cigarette brands! Communists!)
Your Flatline monitor will help you safely navigate your way around these obstacles so you can continue living in good health!

Feeling drained? For a nominal fee, Flatline now offers Heart Replacement service (supplies limited)! Grown from natural, organic sources, your new heart will leave you feeling strong and revitalized! Your Flatline personal health monitor will inform you whenever this procedure is available for purchase.

Despite Flatline's best longevity efforts, you may find life take a permanent turn for the worse. In the event of the inevitable, your Flatline personal health monitor device will helpfully bring your demise to your attention.

From everyone here at Flatline and at Pony cigarettes, thank you for your purchase. We hope to serve you for a long time to come!"
 
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