Feedback Request: Big Kahuna Reef 2: Chain Reaction from Reflexive

[James C. Smith]

Feedback Request: Big Kahuna Reef 2: Chain Reaction from Reflexive

Development on Big Kahuna Reef 2: Chain Reaction is winding down. Now would be a great time to get feedback from anyone who would care to take a peek at the game and let me know if there is something you would change.

Direct Download: BigKahunaReef2Setup.exe (http://arcade.reflexive.com/downloadgame.aspx?AID=503&CID=4381)
Screen Shots: 1 (http://bkr.bigkahunawords.com/tempss/BKR2-Piranha-Explosion.jpg) 2 (http://bkr.bigkahunawords.com/tempss/BKR2-Mahjong-Mania.jpg) 3 (http://bkr.bigkahunawords.com/tempss/BKR2-Bowling-TikiBombs1.jpg) 4 (http://bkr.bigkahunawords.com/tempss/BKR2-HawaiiShirt-TikiBomb2.jpg)

This is basically BKR with a new style of level design tools (similar to Big Kahuna Words) and lots of new levels of all different style. Plus new fish and a new bomb play mechanic.

Like Ricochet Lost Worlds and Big Kahuna Reef, this game ships with a built in level editor and Reflexive maintains a web site where players can download thousands of free levels or share their own creations. Our beta testers have already created hundreds of levels ( http://bkr.bigkahunawords.com/levels.php) for Big Kahuna Reef 2. Here is a preview of one of a typical free level sets: Petes Pond ( http://bkr.bigkahunawords.com/levelsetinfo.php?levelsetname=Petes%20Pond). Plus BKR2 will play all player created content that was created for BKR1.

I welcome any type of feedback you have to offer. It could be minor technical bugs or big design change suggestions. There is still a little time to make modification before we code freeze and go into final beta.

[SteveZ]

This is a really well crafted and balanced match three game. I like it, you got the tiki totem elevation for those who wants the extra challenge. When a player is stuck on the last few wooden blocks, he/she can match non wooden blocks to charge up the net, or try to find special matches in the vicinity to unlock the dynomite, bomb, or hazard bonus. These little things really adds up in the game, it gives users more than one option to approach the problem - not to mention the chaining combo is a blast to watch. Good job!

-Steve Z.

[WaveRider]

The first time one of those bombs went off it almost gave me a heart attack. The bombs are WAY too loud, and the sudden explosion contrasting the relaxing music and scenery is very jarring.

chains are pretty. :)

[James C. Smith]

Thanks for the feedback guys. But I sure there must be more things we could improve. Don’t be shy. We can take criticism. Or is everyone keeping their great ideas to themselves for their own match 3 games?

[svero]

Well I played it for a bit, but I just don't have a whole lot to say. It seems like a solid sequel to BK, and I think it should do well for you. I'd probably have to play it in a lot more depth to nitpick, but I didn't spot anything overtly wrong with the title. Nothing jumped out. Maybe take the lack of response as a good sign? I didn't complain because there wasn't anything much to complain about. I liked it.

[Robert Cummings]

Hi James,

I note the new timed and relaxed modes. With the sequel you had time to develop and further the game. It is definately better than the first game.

I think the fish thing is something to expand upon. I would have the player interact with fish.

For example when you are actually playing the level and a school of glowing fish come close, I would have them race around to avoid the mouse cursor. This will have people "playing with fish".

In the "my fish" section I would allow the spawning of food and also being able to swat fish or stroke them with the mouse.

Why? It is all playing the game. The longer they are having fun, the quicker they will run out of time and feel dissapointed enough at the time limit to buy it. I believe that magical feeling of toying with the fish is what you are most missing from BKR2.

This is what would set it apart. Right now it is a BKR 1.5.

[Shaz]

Timed and relaxed modes were a feature of the original BKR as well (though it wasn't called timed - I think it was just "play" and "relaxed play"). And on the my fish screen the player can interact with the fish - moving the mouse over them makes them swim faster to get away, though your idea of swimming around the mouse pointer would be fun.

[Kaos]

Well I have to say it is better than your original beta for Big Kahuna Words!!

(of course does not take much)

There was a time, however on the bombs level where the sound cut out on me and I am unsure why this happened? I went back and it did the same thing again. The other levels to that point worked fine.

[Curiosoft]

I think the game looks nice.

Only comment is that I wish the font in the instructions/post-scene comments looked more fun.

Take care,
Curiosoft

[cyrus_zuo]

We have a video now of the game play, which highlights the exposions, the chain reactions and multi-player :).

http://www.reflexive-inc.com/media/BKR2_Trailer_Hi.wmv (640 x 480 ~40mb)
http://www.reflexive-inc.com/media/BKR2_Trailer_Lo.wmv (320 x 240 ~13mb)