I've read every post in this thread since the beginning. I know an update is coming. If I hadn't have seen the update was being submitted to apple I never would have bought the game given the complaints. I appreciate the clearing up of the Android comment. It does make sense to launch a game that way to fix bugs and whatnot. It also works well to recruit outside gamers in to test something. I know several people on here that do that. PSJ3809, we seem to agree quite often on here. You're on an iPad Mini right? On my iPhone4S, when I tilt my thumb to do an up movement or right movement the floating dpad (looks like a dpad, I know it's a stick) often recenters on that position. So what was up becomes center and that just doesn't work well for a precision platformer. Tiny movements work ok but any serious movement and "pop" the controller recenters itself in a new location Maybe it's better on a bigger screen? I've seen iPad (regular) users have less issues with the controls than iPod/Phone users. It could be a glitch in the overall design of the controller. 1. future chapters are all free updates 2. It's more about taking your time like a classic SNES/Genesis palatformer 3&4. ... can't answer, I'm waiting for the controls update before continuing... 5. Exploration is a pretty big part of the game. The levels I played were a lot like Super Mario World where you have a main path but there are also side paths to explore and find. I'm huge into exploration in gaming so this was a selling point to me and why I was able to easily pass on Lumber Jacked after watching Sanuku's video.
The thing is: usually this does not happen. I think everyone on this forum has loads of games with "coming soon" sections that just never happen and bugs that do not get fixed. Those are not exceptions, sadly. So, I don't think you can blame appstore customers for judging a game based on how it is, instead of how it might be in the future. Personally, I cut SimianSquared a lot of slack, and I haven't left a review in the appstore, but I also think that nightc1 is right: it's not fair to be so angry about reviewers who point out real problems with the game. I also don't think the lesson that devs take away from this should be "make sure the controls work for most gamers" but "have a proper beta test, make sure you get good feedback, and really listen to what the testers say".
I've been playing it on a 4th-gen iPad, and haven't had any issue with the controls (I bought the game in part to see if the complaints were justified) - I literally had to go out of my way to try to have trouble with them. Moving, jumping, precise platforming, attacking enemies, all of those aspects are fine and easily manageable. It is possible that the fiddly nature of the controls is significantly more noticeable on smaller devices (I may try the game on my iPod Touch later on to compare), because the increasingly exaggerated complaints (that the controls are completely broken, unplayable, garbage, etc.) simply don't match the reality of the game I've been playing. I rather suspect that a large number of the complaints originate from people who are not able to discern the difference between, "the current controls don't suit the way I'm used to playing games," and, "these controls are objectively broken and worthless," however.
True. I definitely fall into the first group of critics: the controls don't work with how I like to play platformers. I like to "tap-hold-slide til my finger gets tired-lift-tap-hold" so I need a fixed d-pad to play any touchscreen game that requires decent reflexes. The controls are not broken; they just don't work for they way I play games on touchscreens. I agree that some people failed to make that distinction, especially on the App Store reviews. I have faith in the devs though
Decided to get the game. Too bad I waited, but with free content coming and the upcoming update, 1.99 seems like a reasonable price. Best to support devs that reward us with IAP-less design and free content
Huh, I see what people mean with the controls. So far it is a bit annoying, but doesn't seem as horrible as others have said. I notice it the most when climbing ladders but otherwise I could adjust But static controls will be nice. --- @Devs: Are you taking suggestions for updates? I haven't played much but watching the trailers and reading impressions, here are mine: - Maybe vehicle levels. Doesn't have to be actually driving, but maybe you could have a car chase and you could be jumping from car to car or over obstacles like road signs. Tanker trucks or buses with ladders on the side could add vertical area - I ditto the ideas about power-ups. Elemental attacks, maybe an aerial slam/shockwave move, special armor suits, maybe allow us to pick up enemy guns for a time - Upgrades or different clothing items with advantages (jump higher, move faster, temporary invisibility, etc.) - I saw there are ninjas in the game. Don't know where you're going with that, but maybe more exotic locations like a run-down temple or a Chinatown-esque area.
I'll address this at least: I once scored a game, which will remain nameless even though this wasn't their fault. A relative of the devs uberspammed TA and iTunes with positive feedback to "fix" the score. The devs found out and stopped it, but it ended up damaging the reputation of the game. I'm not saying it's common, or that it's the case in this instance. But do I honestly think it (fraudulent up or down voting by shill accounts or associated parties) happens? Yes. Very yes. And it would likely happen more so with higher profile games, like this one. So as a wondering, it's very far from unsubstantiated whimsy. It's a business, after all, and not everyone plays nice. EDIT: I AM NOT, FOR THE SLOW OF YOU , ACCUSING THE OTHER BROTHERS DEVS OF REVIEW SHILLING!
You may want to contact Apple about that We are sitting here for days waiting ourselves. Very annoying to say the least. For the record, we submitted the update to Apple on April, 6th!
Hurry up, Apple! Apple always seems to take forever to approve the updates I anticipate the most just to troll me.
Haha I know that feeling, I wake up and see updates on the store hoping its for something cool and it ends up being for nonsense apps like twitter and Facebook etc.
Also @Devs: I haven't finished the game. but will the free content continue the story or each update be its own story? Just curious
Continue the story. There's a massive twist as well we can't actually tell you about, and probably never will (in case it spoils it for other players).
The thing that made me buy it was the artwork, I love it. That alone made me want to play through it all. I beat it, it took some time and almost quit when I couldn't bet pass the first level because the whole "press up to climb thing" seemed really finicky. Even now I still can't get pass the part on the first level where you have to use the chains to not fall into the acid stuff. I have to go under it using the sewer line. After getting use to the controls they are alright but the problem with the floating dpad on even my iPhone 5 is that as soon as I start to move my thumb takes up almost half the screen so I can't see what is happening all the time.
So you've seen some sneak peaks of what to come? (no spoilers!) Thank you very much! Yea with the new alternative controls and with the next update with more content I hope you will enjoy it even further!
It would be interesting to see what you discover. It was really easy to tilt my thumb just a touch too far and the auto-recenter bug would hit. If I keep very tiny movements it's not as prone to happen.
