johnsoma's game Reviews on Newgrounds

[my favourite place]

This sort of difficult game could really use checkpoints. Having to restart the whole level is incredibly punishing when you die in one hit to anything.

[Ascension]

Intriguing. The whole style of the game, from the music to everything changing in light vs. darkness, makes this a weird, but exciting experience. Nothing's explained, and that makes me want to find out more. Great work!

[Desynced Katana (Jam+)]

It's an interesting idea. I will say, however, that enemies being able to hit your shadow is not intuitive at all. My first thought when I got that tutorial was that the shadow would be a decoy for enemies, like that trope about someone being so fast you can only see their after-image. It did make for an interesting challenge once I figured out enemies were hitting me and canceling my combo by hitting the shadow. The game becomes about protecting it.

I also feel like the game could benefit from having proper backgrounds for the levels and unique music for the bosses, at least the last one. There's also no ending screen. Those are just small additions, but they'll improve how the game feels to play.

Final side note, the finish for the Shadow Master was awesome.

[Pico Pizza Frenzy]

It's simple, and Pico repeats lines a lot, but it's fun and polished.

[The 1000]

Chaotic and fun!

[PICO 2022 [ULTRA DEMO]]

Basically a tech demo. Not bad, considering. Movement could be snappier and enemies don't care about walls.

[Pico Party]

The game doesn't tell you anywhere that you have to lock the door to make fake characters go away. But once I figured that out, I got a handle on it pretty quick. Sometimes, characters block you from reaching the phone or door. Still fun.

[PICO'S BRAWL ARENA]

It looks great, and you can pull some serious sauce once you get going. Great work!

[THE NEWGROUNDS RUN LOOP]

There's not much to it, but it's a nice little throwback. I'm just happy someone else remembers Strawberry Clock.

[Bandits & Barbarians]

Pretty fun time! I'm not sure I like how big the maps are. On the one hand, it takes a long time to find the opponent you're supposed to shoot. On the other, there are items to grab while you're looking for them.

larrynachos responds:

I think people will appreciate the map size once we have better levels designed. I like how there's 2 or 3 turns before you see each other, it gives you time to position yourself and collect some food.

Thanks for the review!