So yesterday I had the pleasure to play a new game by Blutail7 studios called Copy Cat. The game was surprisingly refreshing and it did my heart some good to see someone develop such a well polished game in Game Maker studio. Wait now don't get me wrong, Game maker Studio is excellent and wonderful for making games, but let's be honest for a sec . . . (A lot of games don't really live up to its potential). So below is basically the transcript from my time with the game. The review is fashioned as me talking to the developer because well . . . I was. The game is currently free to download so please go ahead and download, it's got a plethora of features that even hardcore platforming fans will enjoy. The game can be found at this link
Potential As Bright As a Morning Star . . . Professional review by Steve T
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Now I'm no game designer, in fact I have trouble programming the T.V remote to work, but I do know how much work goes into creating a game from the ground up and let me just say . . . Congrats. You've managed to blend the frenetic energy of bayonetta with the smooth platforming of megaman, no small feat for a one man team might I say.
I played through four stages before I was obliterated and sent unceremoniously back to the menu screen and my suggestion to you would be to tweak the default control scheme. Now this is more of a mute point seeing as the player is able to change their controls, but I feel a control shake up would be good for people just wanting to get straight to the action. Now for my more major gripes . . .
You said it yourself 'The game's still in early access' but there are things that need cleaning up, for instance the weapon trajectory may need to be adjusted just a tad bit more. The enemies are small and fast, making it quite the chore to blast them with my laser. Then again you did provide the sword which is a fun addition even if I don't know exactly how to use it.
Now for my last major gripe . . . The multiplayer. Now don't get me wrong I'm a huge fan of split screen multiplayer. I love being able to sit back with a friend and thrash them at a game of mario kart, but I feel the multiplayer here needs some serious adjustments. For one there's this annoying flickering that appears when the game's not in fullscreen mode. The game flickers white as if you were trying to add in a lightning type effect. It also wouldn't hurt to add another mode or two, but you have plenty of time to do that depending on what release window you're aiming for. It also wouldn't hurt to change the sprite of player two now would it?
But enough with the cons, back to why I love this game so much! The musical direction is phenomenal! I take it you created the chiptune tracks, because they're just toe tapping gems. Each level theme is awesome and I can definitely sense some Megaman vibes here. You've got a gem on your hands and I know this may sound crazy, but I implore you from a professional standpoint to push to have this published on the Nintendo Switch.
I've talked to numerous developers who are uncertain about whether or not to move their game from the safe confines of PC to the new and volatile waters of the Switch, but I say now is the perfect time.
With proper marketing, pricing, and care, your game could easily top the U.S & J.P E-Shop charts. The gaming audience is craving for that sweet retro inspired platformer and by all accounts your game definitely scratches that itch. I know the console development process can be daunting, but let me assure you that you'd have all the support you needed. I'm currently in talks with the lead developer from Scary Robot Games and I convinced him to jump ship from mobile and PC to the Nintendo Switch.
So all in all the game is extremely solid. I found myself completely delighted with the tight level design and retro aesthetic. Now if you did plan on going the console route you'd most certainly need to add more stages to the multiplayer, more stages to the game, and up the resolution, but all in all I think this game could easily make the transition.
So in conclusion this reviewer gives your game 9 bolts out of 10 or for this site's sake 5 out of 5 stars. I look forward to seeing the strides you continue to make.
5-08-2018: Reviewer made the mistake of calling the game 'Cee Ann' when that's actually the lead developer's name. The game is called Copy Cat.
5-08-2018: Reviewer made the mistake of calling the game 'Cee Ann' when that's actually the lead developer's name. The game is called Copy Cat.
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