New iOS Game

I'm an indie developer (and full time college student) and am currently developing a new game. I was wondering if people could just post some feedback about my game.

Here is a tutorial video I have made:



Here is the link if the video above does not work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D83kUniplrc

LIKE IT ON FACEBOOK HERE

Here is the link to the kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/294438488/draw-me-that-for-ios

FIXED THE YOUTUBE LINK

 

Seems like a good concept, it would be a big game in my opinion if the graphics were more appealing.

 

Tutorial, tap dots until next level?

 

Great concept, poorly made.

The minimalist design seems to be taking charge in the app marketplace as of recently. Don't make a pop up show every time you beat a level, it's just plain annoying to click every time. Make some text fade in and out that says you have completed the level and takes you to the next level, for example that's what happens in "Blek" a pretty similarish game. You should try to play "Blek" to understand the minimalist design and concept behind it. The home screen looks very unappealing to the eyes.

 

Thanks so much for the advice! I really appreciate the comments!

 

Besides the obvious need for a better home screen and the need to fix the transition between levels, is there any major changes that you think need to be done? Since I made the tutorial I have already changed the background color for the dots, and the color of the dots themselves.

Edit: I just rewatched the video - the home screen was actually cut out of the video. That initial screen is just for logging into Facebook.

Edit 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMZsnUw7L5M&feature=youtu.be

 

The concept is really good but the graphics could still use a revamp I would take out that uialertview completely.

 

Yeah, I'm gonna go for a smooth transition like blek. What specifically about the graphics are bad? I'm aware the home screen needs work: I'm going to swap the part with D.M.T. to the apps logo.

 

I will criticize it all. To start, the buttons could definitely be improved. They are very basic (too basic imo). Look at some of the top games in the app store to get an idea of what their buttons look like. I have never seen buttons in a game that don't have the border. Maybe it is your preference but imo it makes it look too basic. I'm sure you know how to simulate a press down on the buttons. What really throws me off about the UI is the colours. Way too bright imo. There is too much going on. Having bright colours is ok for the game but having them as a background doesn't look good imo. Another thing is the constant change in background colour. I would keep the background colours the same through views. It would make it look way more professional imo. This is just my opinion though. The game looks really good other than the UI which isn't hard to fix

Another thing is the variety of animations after each level. Personally I like to keep it simple (to the point where I usually don't implement any animations at all). I don't think most games do either. But this is probably personal preference.

 

Ok so that makes a lot of sense. I really value the feedback. I think I'll pick one color for all of the menus instead of randomizing it (from a list of five colors). In the menu for selecting levels I have it so the buttons are green if beat, orange if unlocked, and red if locked.

What do you think about the grey background during the game?

 

The grey looks fine.

 

Great! I'll fix the home screen and the colors (already removed the alert views after each level).

 

Btw I noticed in your youtube video that you are just recording the simulator. I will give you a tip to make it look like an actual phone


1. Install a free program called AirServer. This program allows you to broadcast what you are doing on your phone onto your computer/laptop. It is only a 7 day free trial but you can easily get around this by creating a new email and getting the 7 day trial again:
AirServer Download


2. Find a transparent iphone image on google. Here is just one example:
Example Transparent Image


3. Paste the transparent iPhone image to a image editing program such as Paintbrush (similar to Paint). Organize everything in Paintbrush keeping in mind that you are going to record a size similar to the youtube video dimensions. I usually place my transparent iPhone image to the right side because I always add in text on the left side after.


4. Move your AirServer phone broadcast onto your iPhone image and adjust it to make it look like an actual phone (you can adjust the broadcast size).


5. Use a screen recorder to film you using your app. I use QuickTime because it already comes with my macbook.


6. Import the media into your video editing program (I use Camtasia Studio) and edit your video with any text or whatever else you want.


Here is one of my games so you can see what AirServer over the iPhone image looks like:
Plaque Attack

 

Oh yeah thanks for the advice. On Xcode 5 it just looked like an iPhone. I'll check out AirServer.

Thanks for all the advice!

Also... would you mind backing my kickstarter, even $1 will be appreciated. I really need the money to get advertising.

 

Anyone interested in backing the kickstarter campaign?

 

Still looking for advice and monetary support!

 

I still am looking for advice and backers for my campaign!

 

Looking for advice and backers for my project!

 

Need advice on my game!

 

Bump!