Under rating threshold (hideshow)
This was special. Glad I was patient and let it unfold. I was initially put off by a few things -- the odd jumping, an interactive object unlike anything else and apparently without purpose -- these made the game seem unfocused. I began to see a pattern; my interest in the poem grew. I almost stopped (face-then-catch frustration). Eventually I tuned in to the logic of solutions, and just enjoying watching it unfold. I learned to read the pixel art style better -- e.g. recognizing the gurney. Many scenes (such as falling-to-kneeling) are well done, although early cartoonish jumping and later googley-eyes later feel a bit off. I liked the winking, though. A pixel font makes the poem hard to read at times - the game and reading compete for attention more than they should perhaps, given the weight of the ending.
Mixed reactions, but five stars in the end. Creative, well done.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
To those who have commented positively -- many thanks!
To those who have commented negatively -- many thanks!
To those who were not able to play it because of bugz that are hopefully now patched out -- :(
The more times I notice this comment, the more I wonder if you are saying that it is the most wonderful of all the short art games you've played, or that art games become more wonderful as they become shorter, reaching full potential when they are finished before they begin. If you ever see this response, I hope that you will decide the matter.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
I don't know about anyone else, but I think I would wake up if I heard somebody crash through my roof.
I love this game; I didn't really think that the bird necessarily died in the end with the lightning-more like he wasn't actually a real bird. Really, what kind of bird can actually invade your family photos? He must be magical :D
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
It's refreshing to see someone make a game that let's the player figure things out for themselves. The presentation was pretty neat, too, with pleasant surprises and good use of audio. It's a small game, but it has character.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
Stuck in the part where the bird is sitting on the bed, then flies into the corner :( I just don't get how i'm suposed to take it :/
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
I liked it, though the part in the dark was a bit difficult. It took me several tries to climb down the stairs, though I thought I had it down already. Just my take, but I wouldn't say it's an optimism simulator, so much as it's a great illustration of dialectical thinking -- just as the poem, in it's openness to interpretation -- which, I think, is the essence of dialectical perspective.
I don't know what dialectical thinking means, despite looking it up, but it sounds fancy and so I choose to be pleased; thank you! As for the part in the darkness, that's the one place where asking for a hint gives you something really useful -- a less invisible prey. :)
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
I thought that the person sleeping was the man who is walking the house, and that, in the end, he would awaken. No disappointments here -- I really, really loved this. Thank you.
I was trying to think of a hint, but at this point I think I'll just half-spoilerize it ;) Sorry it took me 12 days to see this comment!
(spoilerize!)remember that the Jump key makes you leap forward quickly during the chase scenes...and also notice how the bird is more willing to land when you're nearby if your back is turned(end spoilerize!)
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
While it's far from perfect or serious in quality, there's something touching with that childish approach. Not an art game I prefer or like with heart, but an art game what I can respect. 5/5
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
love the game! I hope there'll be more like this in the future, mostly because i don't enjoy games that involves running away and monsters wanting to kill me, and partly for the *bird* so cute
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
I can't stand arty games. Also I read the poem and it's classic English poetic bullshit, all inverted nouns and repetition. You obviously have some artistic and programming talent so why not make something exciting?
About the pome, I think it's catchy and makes a lovely point! But I do like repetition, I do.
About arty games, do you dislike them because they usually don't have a lot of gameyness to them, or simply the general savor and flavor and tendency to put on grand airs? With such thrilling events as scraping birds off your head, I do not think anyone can accuse this game of being either entirely void of action or entirely solemn ;) but yes, I will grant you that it is not exactly so gamey as, say, Bullet Time Ninja. ^_^
I had planned that my next game will not be based on a poem (unless I find myself drawn inexorably back to the habit) -- so I may take your suggestion after all, if only by coincidence. :D