All those color buttons

[Beridok]

I don't see too much sense in it, since there are too many of them to remember... then you have to experiment pressing them...
What for? You can make it so bright, that only shapes will be visible...
Using sliders would be way better... try to imagine using Paint only with your keyboard... you get the idea?

And buttons 1-5?
It just makes game crop view...
http://steamcommunity.com/id/Beridok/screenshots/?appid=507380&sort=newestfirst&browsefilter=myfiles&view=imagewall

Also, why it doesn't say "Turbo mode activated" when using button 6?...
Those kind of information seems like basic stuff that should be done. Maybe it's on purpose, but I need to see reasoning.

Edit: Controls are outdated in PDF Manual.

[VinylFly]

Hello Beridok,

Your observations regarding the seemingly nonsensical color options/buttons are understandable. You see, the original version of Black Sand Drift contained no color controls or speed options, and when we finally decided to implement such things, we mapped everything to the keyboard to fit into how the user already interacted with the game. The result--although it's not completely random--is that things seem really random XD

Like you said, using Paint with a keyboard exclusively would be a joke, and sliders in this case would be far more ideal; I guess it was more us being stubborn to our design mantra than being efficient in execution. Even so, a future update would at least address the lack of feedback the player gets when they do change the colors or set the speed. Like '60% Saturation', '37% Brightness', 'SUPERTURBO Mode', etc., flashing on the screen to make it clear changes are being made.

Regarding keyboard keys 1 through 5, these were just meant as fun little extras--like the color buttons--with no real crucial impact on the game itself. Also, I've tested the game on a computer that had the same result you're reporting, with the cropped view after selecting 1 through 5. The view should not do that, but because it doesn't affect the gameplay, the feature remains as a little oddity. And when you turn off the 1-5 keys--at least in my experience (is it the same for you?)--the screen resolves itself and everything looks fine. I'd rather that bug wasn't there, but I hope that aspect doesn't tarnish your experience as a whole with the game :)

I guess if there's one real point to all the extra color options and crazy visual effects, it was to use those alongside 'Postcard' Mode', and to create your own postcard. It's more tongue-and-cheek than anything, but it was something we wanted to explore. By the way, using Steam's overlay and trying to capture a screenshot of the postcard is its own rewarding mini-game. Anyway, I hope that shines a little light on where we were coming from with some of this.

Regarding the manual, it's currently being updated and will act more as a strategy guide with level-by-level commentary and further insight into the game's mythology and enemies, so stay tuned for that!

Appreciate you checking out the game and commenting!

[Beridok]

Hello. Thanks for such detailed answer.

And when you turn off the 1-5 keys--at least in my experience (is it the same for you?)--the screen resolves itself and everything looks fine. I'd rather that bug wasn't there, but I hope that aspect doesn't tarnish your experience as a whole with the game :)

It goes back to normal, if I press "Z" or any other "color modifiaction" button - which is kind of bad. Why couldn't I be able to alter those premade "color profiles"?
I think that "crop" effect still has impact on game, because the bars (health, boost, special) are barely visible. I'm not gonna use effects anyway - I think original colors are the best.

Also, I'd like to say, that at very first launch of the game, while first cutscene played, I saw too many characters... In my opinion, it's not how you introduce the story in interesting way. Because, it's too hard to actually remember what was said, who said it, was it relevant? It just felt too odd.
It's hard to tell more, I didn't play it that much.

I'm gonna test if your game is cheat-proof, since you use leaderboards. Oh, and it's quite surprise it doesn't use the Steam Leaderboards along with names from the Steam. You can type any nickname you want, to your highscore.
Being able to rebind controls is always a nice thing.

I don't think soundtrack is bad, but I don't really think it fits to the game. Again, it's just my opinion :) I saw other threads and people like it. Maybe it's not the genre I expected. Usually music gives some sort of dynamic feel to the game - and game is supposed to be reach in action.

Well, that's all for now - I'll play this game more and share my thoughts.
Regards.

[VinylFly]

Hey! Just wanted to tell you that the manual has been corrected to reflect all of the game updates up to this point, including thoughts about the color options, etc. Nothing new beyond what was already addressed about the color topic here, but now the manual will be much more complete and helpful. And accurate! I hadn't thought about the manual for some time, so I'm glad you mentioned it in your post :)

I agree with you, there is a bit too much thrown at the player regarding character and story during the beginning sequence (and quite frankly, elsewhere); it's less cut scene and more encyclopedia. In future projects, these sorts of concerns will shape the philosophy of our game directly; the goal being trying to create the most accessible and thoughtful design possible. You also mention the lack of Steam Leaderboards, and the reasoning is because we just didn't plan ahead of time for such functionality, which isn't a great answer, I know. But after going through the Steam process and getting to know more about its unique features, any Steam project going forward will access as many of Steam's features as possible. It only makes sense to embrace a platform completely, whatever that platform may be; especially Steam though because of its flexibility and power.

Your opinion on the music not fitting the game is completely valid. We go back and forth on our own opinions about that aspect of the game; but we always fall on the side of no regrets regarding the stranger choice, even knowing it's a somewhat flawed premise. Looking back--and/or looking forward--the idea of having 2 official soundtracks would've been an interesting option. Like, give the player the chance to play a more traditional game with a more traditional (yet awesome) soundtrack, and then a choice to listen to the other, more out-of-place songs if they care to. That's something of a priority in discussions of new ideas. The audio is important to us, and we don't want to alienate those who don't care for the music, so having that discussion is actually really creatively inspiring.

Anyway, just wanted to pass along that little update!

[Beridok]

I have read that message immediately, but didn't really answer, because I wanted to play game first again. However, I don't have enough time recently :(

I appreciate replying. Such a lengthy post, that explained some stuff.
Have a nice day!