I think we need a category for "soul" in a game. As someone who doesn't play games like this in my free time, I STILL got the 3rd highest score. It became a dull waiting game of seeing which would happen first: would I be able to get OVER 100% crit chance, or would I die to the bowling balls that are instantly sent out by the wizards as soon as they spawn? I say "soul" because I just got done reviewing a dozen broken hand-drawn-art-filled games and they were at least unique! By contrast, this submission feels like a game that already exists, assembled with assets that were made outside the jam window.
2 days ago(+1)
I should clarify: it is completely reasonable for a solo programmer to use art assets for projects! But my game, and many others has entirely original art, made in just a week. So it would feel unfair for projects like this to win the money prize. I hope this doesn't seem unreasonable.
Not trying to start an argument, but demanding "hand-drawn" art is a bit unreasonable, especially for a game jam. If you want to make your own art, that's great, but not a skill everyone has. Assets are generally available to everyone, so I'm not sure how it's unfair. In fact I view it as quite the opposite, especially if you are supporting other artists, not AI. It's a "game" jam, not an "original art" jam.
I know my stance is weak, and I was in a worse mood last night. I totally see what you are saying! All I have left is this: what do we tell teams like mine? When a prize is on the line, and one team makes original art that takes time and thus they can't make as much, but another team uses ready made assets that they get to spawn in with, how can we compete? The prize is the sticking point for me... I have been a solo programmer before and I see why assets serve a role and shouldn't be banned. I suppose in the end, if I was hosting my own jam, I would include a rule saying that the art must be original. Since that rule is not present here, I will yield.
Oh and "hand-drawn" was poor phrasing on my part. Although my game featured actual paint-on-canvas assets that my artist scanned in, what I meant to say was created by a human, within the span of the jam. The game I reviewed just before this one had like really rough MS paint sprites and I found that infinitely more charming than these super polished assets.
Thank you for forcing me to clarify my point with your response!
I will definitely try making my own hand drawn art assets in my next game. This game jam had inspiring arts.
I get your point, yes all the assets i used are available free to download in itch and to use for commercial or personal use.
I have added credits in the game page as well.
This game was Made within the Jam window and created for this jam.
You followed the rules and participated in the jam. My career has been as a graphic designer and illustrator, just to make clear what kind of background this opinion is coming from. It's totally fine to use assets and support other artists if its within the rules. Being able to put multiple assets into a game and keep it cohesive is a skill in itself and shows an artistic eye. I used free, paid, and modified assets for my entry and credited them so others could see their work. I think that's an amazing part of game jams and indie development. While creating your own art can be fun and rewarding, I'd rather play a fun game whether it was made with original art or not. That's just me. I love that this community can bring people of different skill sets together to share a common passion and support one another. I think the suggestion that you are undeserving of anything for your hard work is pretty short-sighted. Again, just my opinion.
I take back my harsh phrasing. "Within the rules" is the operative phrase here. I also like how you said fun is on the chopping block, NOT art skills. I'll take a step back and reconsider what a Game Jam should be. The ones I did in college were in person, and the skillsets were pretty 50/50 art and code, so making a team was expected. They also had comparable skill levels, so nobody blew anyone out of the water. This Jam by comparison has a pretty huge skill level spectrum, so I get whiplash from people sharing their first game ever and then to this one, which looks incredible and the polish blew me away.