Android Game I've Developed - Feedback Appreciated

[Vorkosigan]

Around Christmas I began working on an Android game for fun. I had what I thought was a fairly novel variation on a classic concept, but since then I've found that there are already quite a few hexagon matching games. Nevertheless I went ahead with my game for fun and to see if I can't make something that delivers a worthwhile experience apart from its competitors. The concept is simple, you have various clusters of hexagons to be placed on a board, and you need to make lines. Below are the different shapes:

The lines must touch the side and be at least 6 hex long, and can be in either diagonal direction or horizontal. There are two modes, Normal starts with a blank board and Hard starts with it partially filled with random colors. The colors don't have any significance at this point other than to highlight the different categories of shapes, and that dark gray is an empty position. I know my graphics are very simple, but I consider that a minimalist style. Which is not to say that it couldn't be improved. I have ideas for some other game modes but I have just published a basic version so far. Here is a screenshot of gameplay where two lines forming an X are cleared at once:

Here is a link to the app if anyone wants to try it out. Its free but there are some small ads. I'd appreciate feedback, thanks!

https://play.google....heximov.hexavex

Also here is a video:

Edited April 11, 2016 by Vorkosigan

[Forresto]

This looks fascinating I am downloading immediately, I will give feedback soon!

[rodiziorobs]

This is a pretty fun puzzle game, and was easy to play for several minutes at a time. Here are a couple of notes:

In the app rules, it doesn't say that lines have to be touching the wall in order to clear. That could be upsetting if someone didn't know that.

Having some time component could make it a little more engaging, either a bonus for quick placement or some kind of penalty for going slow. As is, since you can go however slow or fast you want, there is no sense of urgency to the game. Having to make decisions quickly would make it a little more frustrating (but in a good way; puzzles are supposed to be somewhat frustrating ).

[Forresto]

I'm not going to lie i've been playing this game for a week and i'm really enjoying myself! I think some sort of time element is a good idea.

Here's my suggestion take it or leave it.

Maybe you could add a "leveling system" to the game. Each level gives you less and less time to place a piece. For example level 1 and 2, you have a 35 seconds. Level 3 and 4 you have 25 seconds, level 5 and 6, 20 seconds. Level 7 and 8, 15 seconds. Level 9 and 10, 10 seconds. You keep it like that for a couple levels until eventually, by maybe level 15, take away one of the three options of shapes. By level 20 only give one option of shape.

If not that I think Roizirobs is right about a time system. Maybe something as simple as if each level had a threshold of points you needed to reach to move on and you only have 10 seconds to place a piece.

[rodiziorobs]

Still enjoying the game.

I have discovered a glitch. When two of the pieces are unplayable (due to the board being crowded), and the third piece clears a line, the game ends even if the cleared space has opened up enough room for one of the two pieces, or even for the new replacement piece.

It was hard to get a screenshot of what I'm talking about (because the game over screen covers most of the board), but I managed to force it to happen where it would be visible. You should be able to see in the pic below:

The white arrow on the top indicates where I just placed a small white piece--the only piece before that would fit. I already had one long red piece and a big blue flower which wouldn't fit on the board.

Playing the white piece cleared the top line--as you can see, every space is grey--meaning that both the red piece I already had, and the new replacement piece (also a long red) will fit on the board, but because the game is already "over" it won't let me make these legal moves.

Like I said, still enjoying the game, good job! I look forward to an update

[Vorkosigan]

Thanks Forresto and rodiziorobs for taking the time to try the app and even report bugs! I'm glad you found it enjoyable.

In the app rules, it doesn't say that lines have to be touching the wall in order to clear. That could be upsetting if someone didn't know that.

I have added a mention of this and the fact that the colors are not currently significant for creating lines.

I have discovered a glitch. When two of the pieces are unplayable (due to the board being crowded), and the third piece clears a line, the game ends even if the cleared space has opened up enough room for one of the two pieces, or even for the new replacement piece.

It was hard to get a screenshot of what I'm talking about (because the game over screen covers most of the board), but I managed to force it to happen where it would be visible. You should be able to see in the pic below:

Ok I believe I have this fixed. What was happening is that as the cleared line does the fade animation it was still registering as being occupied. I had fixed this earlier and then broke it again accidentally when fixing something else. ;) If you still see something suspicious please let me know. It takes the play store some time to process the new file but these updates should be available tomorrow.

Regarding the addition of a time aspect, I have some ideas about this. I initially wanted to make the game casual and not too high pressure. But I'm thinking about adding a few more mode options so the player can "build your own mode" with the options you feel like using. And then the high scores could have some indication of what the configuration was at the time.

Edited April 14, 2016 by Vorkosigan

[samurai-turtle]

I was going to try it but their was no option to put it on a memory card. I think that will hurt it the long term.

[Vorkosigan]

samuraiturtle, I didn't think of providing a direct download. I have made a simple website for the game that includes a direct download link so you can put it on a memory card to transfer to devices: http://hexavex.weebly.com/

[Vorkosigan]

Forresto and rodiziorobs since you both suggested a timed mode I have added one in the latest version. Its my own take on the concept. Shapes have 5 points when they come on the board. You get those points when you place the shape. As time goes by the number of points decreases. If it gets to zero, it soon disappear. That "slot" will not get new shapes anymore. This makes the game much more intense. You need to balance using all the shapes so none disappear. The update is live now: https://play.google....heximov.hexavex I was not able to keep the direct download link on my webpage because I added support for more devices and the file is too large (~ 15 mb). I will have to find another way to host it.

[LEGODalekbuster523]

Wow, how do you do something like that just for fun? I wouldn't know where to start!

[Forresto]

I like the new additions a lot! Thank you so much for making this fun and honestly addictive game. I was lying in bed trying to get to sleep but I kept trying to beat my high score. Its really fun.

A few comments and some suggestions (I write a lot so I know how annoying suggestions are when you create something, sorry ) I think the idea of losing pieces is cool and the timed element is awesome. Your additions are all great and I just want you to know

However right now when you lose a piece it feels less like its on purpose and looks more like a glitch. It isn't a glitch at all I know but the presentation of it is a little strange. Maybe when you lose a piece the other two become larger and fill the bottom space better.

The timed element is really good, my suggestion is maybe make the font for the time bigger?

It's very fun!

Edited April 18, 2016 by Forresto

[GallardoLU]

been playing this all weekend and the timed option is a great addition. Forresto's comment on losing the piece I some what agree with. even a simple "X" on that spot when you loose it would do for me. that said the only thing I actually would like changed is the high scores table. is there a way to indicate or separate it based on modes active on each try? I can easily see timed mode high scores falling off entirely to normal mode scores. though to me a ~500point timed is a whole lot more difficult than a ~1000point normal. other than that great job! I'll be sure to spread the app to friends :)

[Vorkosigan]

Wow, how do you do something like that just for fun? I wouldn't know where to start!

Well I do a fair bit of programming for my day job, just not games or apps.

I like the new additions a lot! Thank you so much for making this fun and honestly addictive game. I was lying in bed trying to get to sleep but I kept trying to beat my high score. Its really fun.

..

However right now when you lose a piece it feels less like its on purpose and looks more like a glitch.

...

The timed element is really good, my suggestion is maybe make the font for the time bigger?

Thanks so much for all the compliments! I get what you're saying about the pieces blinking out, I should have at least faded them like when a line completes. I'll also think about putting something in their place. With the text, I'm trying to keep it from taking up too much vertical room, but I'll see if I can do something to make it bigger.

been playing this all weekend and the timed option is a great addition.

...

that said the only thing I actually would like changed is the high scores table. is there a way to indicate or separate it based on modes active on each try? I can easily see timed mode high scores falling off entirely to normal mode scores. though to me a ~500point timed is a whole lot more difficult than a ~1000point normal. other than that great job! I'll be sure to spread the app to friends :)

Yes I am planning to add an indication of the options used for each score, just didn't get to it yet. Thanks for sharing the app with others!

[phaman68]

This is a pretty fun puzzle game, and was easy to play for several minutes at a time