Second Playtest – 19.03.2026

Written by Misty

Preparation

Second Playtest Preparation

Sound and Visual Effects

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During Playtest

We continued using the same strategy as in the first testing session: rotating roles within the team.

At least two team members stayed with the project at all times:

1. observed and documented player behaviour and feedback
2. provided technical assistance if any issues occurred during gameplay.

The remaining team members had the opportunity to visit other groups and playtest their games.

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Player Feedback

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Transcribed Feedback

Ann

• Typo in the opening intro text
• Was unsure whether the mouse should be used at the beginning
• Text still appears after collecting objects
• Consider prompting the player to use the mouse when feeding the deer

Vanessa

• Need a clearer prompt to indicate whether to use mouse or keyboard (Q)
• Add more “beauty” or magical focus in the visual presentation
• Typography could be improved
• Visual style should feel more cohesive as part of one world
• Reduce the saturation of the peacock to better communicate that something is wrong
• Visual reference suggestion: Bayonetta – Cereza and the Lost Demon

Anna

• Some objects are too easy to walk through (collision issues)
• Goals are not always clear
• Exit button is too easy to click accidentally – should relate to completion condition

Parker

• Instructions should change depending on the area
• Visual guidance in the lake area could lead players more clearly to resources
• Art style is strong
• Feeding the deer interaction needs improvement

Adam

• Increase peacock collision size
• Change interaction key from Q to E (more standard)
• Feeding the deer interaction is unclear
• Resources in the lake area are hard to find
• Interaction inputs should remain consistent (use same key)
• UI could close when clicking the button again

Marie

• Map boundary issue (camera can move outside map)
• Revise the resource logic for deer feeding
• Strengthen the deeper theme (e.g. Earth Day, protecting animals, nature)
• Suggest researching CHIPLAY references
• Consider submitting to itch.io or sharing gameplay video

Erik

• Animal hitboxes should be larger
• Sound design works well with visuals
• Visual hierarchy should be clearer so important objects stand out
• Some animation jittering issues
• Consider adding lighting layers to map and board
• Some players unfamiliar with keyboard/mouse controls
• “Less is more” – reduce visual noise

Jess

• Likes the visuals and style
• Click-and-drag interaction with deer was unclear
• Consider changing back to Q or adding clearer prompt
• Suggested adding more explorable areas

Nam

• Likes animations and particle effects
• Interaction with peacock should be more obvious
• Peacock should stop moving during interaction
• Player can get stuck near garden collider

Player 3

• Likes art style
• Enjoyed the mini game
• Soul fragment does not disappear after collecting
• Struggled with drag interaction

Kamilla

• Likes 2.5D presentation
• Likes art style
• Discovered UI late
• Background texture could better match apple colour palette
• Style and mechanics are enjoyable

Player 5 (Yansong)

• Beautiful art style
• Too many assets make the scene feel chaotic
• UI white frame helps distinguish interface elements

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Categorised Issues

A. Interaction clarity & control guidance

• Unclear whether to use mouse or keyboard
• Confusion about click & drag interaction
• Feeding deer interaction unclear
• Interaction prompts missing or inconsistent
• UI close behaviour unclear
• Players unfamiliar with controls
• Need consistent key mapping (Q vs E)

B. Visual hierarchy & art direction

• Scene sometimes feels visually chaotic
• Need stronger focal point or magic emphasis
• Objects do not stand out enough
• Need clearer visual hierarchy
• Reduce peacock saturation
• Improve typography consistency
• Cohesion across world elements

C. Interaction

• Soul fragment does not disappear after collection
• Interaction feedback unclear
• Peacock movement should pause during interaction
• Animation jittering issues
• Sound design positively received

D. Level design & navigation

• Hard to find resources in lake area
• Need clearer environmental guidance
• Some areas discovered too late (UI discoverability)
• Suggest adding more explorable areas

E. Technical issues

• Objects collision problems
• Hitbox too small (animals)
• Player stuck in garden collider
• Camera moves outside map boundary
• Exit button triggered too easily

F. Game design & concept depth

• Theme could be more meaningful (nature protection etc.)
• Need clearer player goal communication
• Opportunity to strengthen narrative context

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Improvement Table

Category	Feedback	Improve Method	Expected Result
Interaction	Players unsure whether to use mouse or keyboard	Add early tutorial prompt and consistent control instructions	Players quickly understand interaction methods
Interaction	Confusion about drag interaction	Add visual hint or animation demonstrating drag behaviour	Reduced interaction friction
Interaction	Inconsistent key mapping (Q vs E)	Standardise interaction key (E) across all mechanics	Improved usability and consistency
Interaction	Feeding deer unclear	Add icon, tooltip or animation feedback	Players understand objective faster
Art	Scene feels visually chaotic	Reduce asset density and increase contrast hierarchy	Clearer player focus
Art	Important objects not obvious	Add lighting, outline, or particle effects	Players recognise interactable elements easily
Art	Peacock colour too saturated	Adjust colour grading and value contrast	Clearer narrative tone
Visual design	Typography inconsistency	Standardise font style and UI layout	More cohesive UI
Game feedback	Soul fragment not disappearing	Add destroy object trigger after collection	Clear feedback for progression
Game feedback	Peacock moves during interaction	Pause movement animation during interaction	Clearer interaction state
Navigation	Hard to find lake resources	Add environmental guidance cues (lighting, composition)	Improved exploration flow
Navigation	UI discovered late	Introduce UI tutorial moment earlier	Better onboarding
Technical	Animal hitbox too small	Increase collider size	More forgiving interaction
Technical	Player stuck in collider	Adjust collider boundaries	Prevent gameplay interruption
Technical	Camera outside map boundary	Add camera constraint limits	Stable player perspective
Technical	Exit button triggered accidentally	Add confirmation or unlock condition	Prevent accidental progress interruption
Concept	Theme not strong enough	Strengthen environmental storytelling	More meaningful player experience
Expansion	Request for more areas	Expand map sections if time allows	Increased engagement time

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Refinment

Second Playtest Refinement – Misty Zhang