Squared Circle

1. Based on the description in the link below the game, it is well done, thought-out, and executed. It's not really my type of game, I'm not really a puzzle game kind-a guy I don't believe. I remember playing doodle god and getting annoyed at that game before uninstalling it out of frustration for not being able to figure it out properly. I will start with the positives and move into my personal criticisms.
   • I think the music is cute and fits the theme of the visuals greatly, I think the whispers in the background(at night or the shadow events when using the map) are a cool effect as well.
   • The cards are designed simply, as the more complex cards that required more steps got more art effects, I believe its an overall good decision.
   • The area of work is fine, I like that there's a little Tink or thump if you click on the desk/alchemy tools.
   • The light only coming from the lantern was cool as well.
   • The buttons are clear in what they do after a click or two.
   • I think the map a good amount of options and events for each location(I think they default based on the things you've done so far?)
   (edited)
2. Less Important criticisms: (in my opinion)
   • I think the cards should be able to be lined up evenly/symmetrically more easily.
   • I think the art for the map itself isn't the best in comparison to the locations on the map, I'm not sure if it's supposed to a huge ariel view of a very large area, if it is then I suppose it makes sense for a random dude to not have an accurate map. Regardless, why is there a red lava looking area north of the forest and no option to go there especially when the even for lava is in the mountains.
   • The forest is extra vague compared to the rest of the places. It seems like it's a waste to go there first, I think it should be locked until day 3 with maybe an event in the city/marsh to unlock it
3. More important criticisms: (in my opinion)
   • I didn't know there was a map until you said anything. While I realize that the description says it won't hold your hand; I believe that there should be a highlight in the intro(that first page you read where you can peruse the book/get to work) for the map section OR just put a lil banner on the map that just says map or something.
   • If you click the burn button with a card in hand it burns it regardless of if there's a card on the burn things (excluding base cards)
   • I don't think the shadow people should show up until your flame goes down(like 2-3 days remain), making them an obvious think is good, but the suspense it's trying to make (it seems) is killed by them just being in the background.
   • The story in the game design vs the story that's portrayed in the game are seemingly different. I'm not sure on the why's of this but the story is kind-a hard to put together(especially without a journal)
4. The most important note: (in my opinion)
   • A journal or book that you can make quick notes in would be immensely helpful. jotting down your own recipes seems like it would fit this game and there's a book to the right of where you work anyways. it seems like a miss opportunity
     
   • (Hi joseph - he asked me to post my full review)

I don't usually play games like this, so I hope this is taken positively and if I missed anything/my descriptions aren't accurate enough this I can always just update joemunder on what specifically I meant