Thanks Xylvan, that's a good start list. I also like johnnyfreak's suggestions.
Now you've posted the list, I'd like you to spend two or more days going through the game. Take notes, and write down all the problems you see. Don't worry about new ideas for now... just focus on technical ways you can improve the game. An example of this might be- the way Candy slides up against the map border looks ugly. Or, Candy clips through other characters. Search through the game and write down a long list of any issues you find. They could be complex issues, or simple ones. Don't cut the process short- take a couple of days to do it. Play the game over and over. Write down the issue, but also how you might fix it.
Next, load up the beta version of a game like Saqqarah from Codeminion. It's a highly polished game, full of professional artwork, sound and writing. It's a simple game, but one of the best made casual games around. Ask yourself the question- in what ways is this game better technically than mine? What can I learn from it? Write down your answers. If you know of another quality game, take down notes from it as well. Don't rip off the game's ideas (remember not to worry about ideas for now), but learn from the ways it is technically better... such as artwork, sound and menu design.
Once you've completed the list, please post it here. I'll also post a list after yours and we can compare. If you don't do it, myself (and I think most others on here) will leave you to go about your business without any kind of assistance. If you do take the couple of days to make some detailed notes, I'll come back and chat to you about what you find. The key thing is- you have to do it yourself. No external help... just your own research. Professional game designers (of the indie crowd) are well trained in studying their own creations. So, consider this a little training.
Hopefully I'll see a nice list from you in two days.
Now you've posted the list, I'd like you to spend two or more days going through the game. Take notes, and write down all the problems you see. Don't worry about new ideas for now... just focus on technical ways you can improve the game. An example of this might be- the way Candy slides up against the map border looks ugly. Or, Candy clips through other characters. Search through the game and write down a long list of any issues you find. They could be complex issues, or simple ones. Don't cut the process short- take a couple of days to do it. Play the game over and over. Write down the issue, but also how you might fix it.
Next, load up the beta version of a game like Saqqarah from Codeminion. It's a highly polished game, full of professional artwork, sound and writing. It's a simple game, but one of the best made casual games around. Ask yourself the question- in what ways is this game better technically than mine? What can I learn from it? Write down your answers. If you know of another quality game, take down notes from it as well. Don't rip off the game's ideas (remember not to worry about ideas for now), but learn from the ways it is technically better... such as artwork, sound and menu design.
Once you've completed the list, please post it here. I'll also post a list after yours and we can compare. If you don't do it, myself (and I think most others on here) will leave you to go about your business without any kind of assistance. If you do take the couple of days to make some detailed notes, I'll come back and chat to you about what you find. The key thing is- you have to do it yourself. No external help... just your own research. Professional game designers (of the indie crowd) are well trained in studying their own creations. So, consider this a little training.
Hopefully I'll see a nice list from you in two days.