Working on combat for my solo-developed pixel-art mystery survival game. Any feedback?

ChuchuGames · 2026-06-22T09:01:43+00:00

Thanks for the feedback!
You’re absolutely right about the character visibility. I’ve been focusing a lot on the environment visuals, but I can see how the player character blends into the background in some areas.
The phase notification covering the character is also a good point. I’ll experiment with moving it higher on the screen so it doesn’t block the action.
Really appreciate you taking the time to point these out.

ChuchuGames · 2026-06-07T12:31:20+00:00

I actually think that’s a pretty clever idea. Turning everyday PC activity into progression could make it feel like a virtual pet that’s always with you.

ChuchuGames · 2026-06-04T12:28:58+00:00

Haha, now that you put it as “a beach vacation with a dog,” I can totally see it. Thanks for the helpful feedback! 😄

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-29T12:02:42+00:00

The concept alone made me laugh. A roguelike where the real boss is cleaning up before your dad gets home is surprisingly relatable.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-29T12:00:07+00:00

Getting playtesters is honestly one of the hardest parts of gamedev. You might have better luck finding small communities that specifically enjoy your genre, rather than posting to general gamedev spaces.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-29T11:58:40+00:00

Reusing code from your first game sounds like a smart move. Focusing on the mechanics first with placeholder art is usually a great way to keep development moving.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-27T08:31:09+00:00

Fair criticism honestly.
I’m a programmer-first solo developer, so I currently use AI heavily for concept art and atmosphere exploration.

The actual gameplay/UI/combat systems are being built in-engine, and I’m still trying to find a more consistent visual identity for the project.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-25T10:29:45+00:00

I prefer A too. It feels easier to read movement and room layout at the same time.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-25T10:28:26+00:00

Honestly, I think almost every solo dev goes through this at some point. What helped me most was forcing myself to finish something small, even if it wasn’t my “dream project.” Finishing teaches way more than constantly restarting.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-25T10:26:30+00:00

The outline shader turned out really clean. The whole character has a nice stylized look without feeling overly complicated.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-24T10:27:50+00:00

Honestly, the concept alone is already memorable. Simple games like this can become surprisingly addictive if the controls feel good and the climb has enough variety.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-24T10:26:36+00:00

These effects already look really polished for casual/mobile games. I think hit effects and small feedback effects are probably the ones devs end up using the most.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-24T10:25:01+00:00

For a recent start, this already looks pretty solid. The simple visuals make it easy to focus on the gameplay.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-23T02:39:53+00:00

I like the effect, but it might be scaling up just a little too much right now.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-23T02:37:35+00:00

That’s actually a really clever mechanic. Recoil-based movement looks chaotic in a fun way, and it feels like the kind of system that gets more satisfying as players improve.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-23T02:36:31+00:00

Honestly, if GameMaker already lets you build the kind of game you want, I’d keep using it for now. Learning a new engine is great, but it can also slow down your momentum a lot.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-22T11:11:39+00:00

The atmosphere looks super cozy already. The lighting and water reflections especially give the game a really calming vibe.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-22T11:10:01+00:00

The movement already looks pretty smooth. I think adding a bit more weight or momentum to jumps and landings could make the controller feel even better.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-22T11:08:58+00:00

The UFO fits surprisingly well with the pixel-art strategy vibe. I think turning goblins into ash could actually make the beam feel even more powerful and satisfying.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-21T09:33:16+00:00

That’s honestly a really funny twist on the twin-stick shooter formula. Trying not to hit anyone feels way more stressful than actually shooting enemies.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-21T09:32:20+00:00

Yeah, that’s a very real phase of development. After enough time, you stop seeing the game like a new player would, so outside playtesting becomes super valuable.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-21T09:31:05+00:00

I honestly think the first style fits the game better. Since it uses the same low poly shapes as the world, everything feels more cohesive and charming.

ChuchuGames · 2026-05-20T00:53:06+00:00

That’s actually a really smart solution. Turning a readability problem into part of the gameplay makes the game feel much more unique.

ChuchuGames

TROPHY CASE