STOIC'S PROFILE

Thanks for the prompt response. I'll be sure to take a look at it again in the future.

Also my last comment makes it sound like I got frustrated in the first map but I actually wondered around that entire first section and was unable to find a way to progress. I did find stairs but there was a gap. Then I returned to the start point and kept getting that repeat encounter which wore my patience down.

Hey for once I've actually played enough games to have an opinion! And since I have some downtime I guess I'll acknowledge some of my favorite games this year. And there were quite a few thanks to the IGMC.

Best Storytelling and Direction - Oneshot

Oneshot is one of the most meta stories I've seen but it works really well. The interactions between you, the protagonist and the entity are deftly executed and create a feeling of immersion in the strange narrative that I don't usually feel playing RM games.

Best Characters - Last Word

I love the characters in Last Word. They're all so witty and well developed for such a short game. I wasn't a fan of the portrait art and had Layton style characters envisioned in my head.

Best Setting - Oneshot

Oneshot's dying world was a great backdrop for the protagonist's quest.

Best Atmosphere - Unraveled

Unraveled OOZES atmosphere. The environments are beautiful and a wonder to explore.

Best Graphics & Artwork - Little Briar Rose

The painted glass window aesthetic is incredible. This game was beautiful to play.

Best Sound & Music - Dreaming Mary

I'll give this one to Dreaming Mary but I could have easily gone with Oneshot. The sound design in Dreaming Mary is really well executed and creates a sense of unease. I also listened to all the radio broadcasts.

Most Technical Prowess - In Arcem Miseria

In Arcem Miseria was leagues ahead of most every other contest entry in terms of technical prowess. Even though design wise it could have been executed better, it's pretty clear from playing it that a ton of work went into the tech to make the game work.

Best Level/Dungeon/Puzzle Design - Trapped

This hidden gem is an incredible survival horror RPG with completely custom graphics. It doesn't have any traditional puzzles but I loved the design of the city as you try to escape it.

Best Gameplay Mechanics - Last Word

Last Word has entirely unique mechanics. There seems to be a rise of discourse games and this one seemed the best realized. I liked the Last Word combat system although by the end I think it could have used a few additional mechanics. Still I found it to be a unique twist on the classic rock-paper-scissors combat system you see in most RPGs.

Best Interface Design - Little Briar Rose

I found interface design to be pretty poor across the board but Little Briar Rose had a simple pull-out inventory that was easy to use so it wins.

Best Non-RPG - Goats on a Bridge

This game is super addicting, cute and fun! It's also super frustrating but in a good way.

Game Of The Year - Oneshot

Man I had to think a lot about this one. I flip-flopped between a few titles but in the end I decided to go with Oneshot. It's hard to describe the magic I felt playing the game the first time. It was the first game I gave a 5 star review for on RMN (I since have changed it to 4.5).

That's it!

Artbane's Productivity Hacking Tips

Ok I've thought about this topic a bit more. Slash's initial post about struggling to work on a project when you don't feel like it is a timeless tale. So how do you get your game flowing? Here's some tips I've picked up over the last few years of researching "productivity hacking".

Make working on your game a routine! This will be painful at first but is by far the most effective technique. There's conflicting information on how long it takes to form a habit but let's just say it takes about 4 weeks. It gets a lot easier though after the first few days to keep up with it.

Figure out when you're most creative/productive. For some people like me it's the early morning. For others it's the evening. Try to then work on your game at those times. If you have a proper job this might be more difficult but if you're more productive in the morning try to go to sleep a little earlier and wake up earlier. When I was doing this I was amazed how much work I could get done on my game in a week!

Eliminate distractions! Forget about willpower. You need to setup systems to keep your focus in place. Remove distracting sites from your bookmark bar or setup apps like the Chrome Pomodoro app that will block sites for a specific amount of time. This is super important because as soon as you enter the struggle phase working on your project your brain is going to start sweating and want to do something easier. You want to block "the paths of least resistance!"

There is also a Freedom app I have that blocks all internet on your computer but depending on what you're working on this might not be advisable.

Speaking of path of least resistance, make it easier for you to work on your game. Have a shortcut to your project on your desktop and all your files easily accessible. It's like when you want to start running in the morning. You want to have your workout clothes and running shoes ready so you can put them on and hit the road! Or maybe go to sleep with them on!

Reward yourself after you work on your game! A good way to form habits is to reward yourself for keeping them. If you worked on your game a few hours then maybe eat a sweet or play a fun game for a bit.

Another tip is if you are procrastinating DO NOT FEEL GUILTY!! Procrastinating is a perfectly normal part of the struggling phase and if you are aware that you're procrastinating just own it. Sometimes your brain needs a break. Even if this goes for a couple of months (like me) you're probably still having creative thoughts so make sure to capture them so they'll be there when you're ready to get back to work!

Also don't underestimate the power of meditation and walking. Meditation is great for quieting down your mind allowing you to focus on your work and also reducing stress. Walking also lights your brain on fire and is great paired with inspirational music for coming up with ideas since there are less distractions on walks. It's good exercise too.

I try to meditate every morning and go for at least one 30minute walk per day. Does wonders when I can keep it up.

Sure thanks for playing. I haven't really heard much since we released the final version so it will be interesting to hear another perspective.

Thanks I whipped that together quick for the contest. Didn't spend too much time on it.