Mech Builder Feedback

[thegamedesigner]

Hello all!

I am looking for gameplay & glitches feedback. I have done something rather odd by mixing a electric circuit simulation with an arcade game where you shoot zombies. I intend to put out a patch, so even though this is a finished version, I will listen to your suggestions, as I both plan a patch and sequel (maybe).


Download here (http://www.akithgames.com/Games.htm)

'MECH BUILDER! Custom build your mech, right down to the wiring!
Fight zombies and design electric circuits in this brand new action/simulation game!

Easy to learn, complex to master, combine parts to make teleporters that detect nearby enemies, homing missiles that follow the mouse, and shields that adapt to the enemy's weapons!'

And some screen shots:

http://www.akithgames.com/new_screenshot1.jpg
http://www.akithgames.com/new_screenshot2.jpg
http://www.akithgames.com/new_screenshot3.jpg
http://www.akithgames.com/new_screenshot4.jpg

If you enjoy the game, please vote for it on www.indiegameshowcase.com (http://www.indiegameshowcase.com)
Don't know how to vote? Check out my forum at www.akithgames.com (http://www.akithgames.com)

Thanks, and enjoy!
Michael Todd.
michael@akithgames.com

[DayDream]

What can I say... it's red... very red... too much red... a tad closer to having an atmosphere... but still not really there... imho.

[Sol_HSA]

I don't recall if I mentioned this before, but the 'mech' is a bit dangerous word to use. Back when FASA was still around, they sued people over the use of the word.. now, as far as I recall, microsoft owns the whole battletech thingy, but I haven't heard of them ever suing anyone for using the word. But anyway, it pays to be careful.

[thegamedesigner]

Ya, I found out that the word mech was owned too late, just last week. It was in all the art and the documents and it was a choice between releasing the game and not fixing it, or not being able to fix it because of cost.

But I doubt they will sue a free internet game for using the word mech, and if they email me to cease and desist, I'll be sad, but I will.

If the game goes bigger, a publishing deal or a sequel, then I will change the name.

Thanks for your feedback.

[andrew]

MS bought FASA (and the properties), but then a few months ago Jordan Weisman bought most of the FASA IP's back (MechWarrior, Shadowrun, etc)

MS is often so disorganized that I doubt they'd find your game on the internet and send you a cease and desist letter, unless it got pretty big...

- andrew

[Sol_HSA]

I sort of recall that FASA did sue a free mech game in the past - it was something for the amiga, can't remember the name.. Of course it's possible that I remember wrong, or it may be that it was shareware. In any case.

[Sammgus]

It's a fun game, but it's lacking a bit of polish.

To start, I think the hardware requirements are excessive. On my computer (an older laptop), the mouse cursor is extremely sluggish, and loading seems to take quite a while.

Other than that, the UI takes a fair bit of getting used to - the context-sensitive help is quite particular, and pauses to load when hovering over circuit parts. And you get full descriptions of circuit items after purchasing them, but not before. Why do I have to click on 'Quit' on the main menu to change my profile?

The game settings seem to reset themselves between each game (so I have to turn shadows off numerous times).

Also my mech seems to end up next to the edge of the screen quite a lot, where enemies can basically just walk onto me. The boss speech bubbles seem way out of place. Picking up cash requires a near exact traversal over it, which is annoying while being chased by hordes of enemies (when you pass over the dollar sign, but don't pick it up).

I had a fair few other problems as well. That said, it was entertaining and fun - a nice concept, and best of luck with the game.