Skip to main content

Indie game storeFree gamesFun gamesHorror games
Game developmentAssetsComics
SalesBundles
Jobs
TagsGame Engines
(+1)

The game is extremely difficult early on and begins even while you are still reading the instructions but boy is it super engaging. Although it feels like if you don’t stop the fire right away, it spreads too fast to control, that appears to be intentional as there are three upgrades to choose from. Once you’ve earned some tools to fight back the fire the fun starts and doesn't stop.

The fire animation is fantastic. Personally, I found the controls tough to get used to. You have to move the character and aim at the same time, and I’ll admit – I just suck at multitasking under pressure! I kept thinking it might be easier if you just had a crosshair to aim and spray without worrying about movement. But honestly, I think the current setup is pretty clever and a lot of shooting games have those controls. The character has good range, and the wide spray options make it feel powerful when you use it right. So even though I struggled, I can see that it’s designed thoughtfully and works well once you get the hang of it.

One cool idea I had while playing was the ability to cut down trees to create firebreaks – or maybe have rivers and lakes that slow or block the spread. Right now it feels like mostly grassland, but adding more terrain interaction could really deepen the strategy.

Thank you taking the time to write such detailed feedback! You are totally right about it being unfair that the fire continues to spread whilst you read the instructions. I do plan to delay the fire for a couple of seconds, give you a chance to read! It does spread too fast I think. I need to work on the part that spreads the fire, I have an idea to slow the spread as you fight it to give you more of a chance if you hold your ground. More applicable on the later levels when the amount of fire allowed before a game over is higher.

The animation is a shader that is manipulating the vertexes of the sprite. With this project I wanted to test out some recent learning I have done with shader code so most of the effects are using shaders. I do intend to introduce controller support as making it a twin stick will probably feel better! A crosshair is a good idea though, gives clarity.

Changing the environment is definitely a good idea, I have considered it in my design but never quite got around to it in this prototype. I also wanted to play around with the fire more, have different types that spread in different ways. Could work with the terrain, for example a fire that launches fire and extra space and could do so over a river! 

Thank you again for the detailed comment!

You're welcome, and best of luck in the jam! Keep at it—your fire effect is amazing! Love the sense of urgency to put it out too. And thanks for sharing the work behind it.