Retro Redux: Lost Temple (an experiment/side project)

Needing some time off from my main project I started playing around and experimenting with a couple of other ideas I had, and so far, this is the result: http://www.stencyl.com/game/play/38463

New version on the arcade: http://www.stencyl.com/game/play/38725

Controls are ARROWS. (Left, Right, Jump. Up is also the interact key) If a jump seems impossible, try taking a run up, but note that some will be impossible to force you to take a certain route.  Those jumps are generally very obviously impossible.

As I was just trying some things out there's been no real planning, though I'm beginning to think I may expand on it.

The idea is to have linear run/jump/dodge scenes punctuated by larger scenes to explore and solve puzzles.

Currently you can't get past the first main game area.

EDIT:
I've put it up on GameJolt - https://gamejolt.com/games/LostTemple/332970

i like it  really like the level layout, keep going with it

Very nice rendering  I like it ! The pixel Art is simple but it gives something really clean !

Thanks. I've tweaked the artwork some more, making it even more simplified, but I feel it works well. (Feel free to correct me!)

Some of the mechanics:
- Variable jump based upon your speed, so you may need to take a run up at certain points
- Vignette effect limits visibility. You can pick up torches to improve visibility. Not sure whether to have the torches burn out after a certain time or not.
- A map can be found to reveal the layout.
- Additional map pieces show different items.
- After each area you encounter (an increasingly frustrated) guardian who makes the next area more difficult.

The map (the main reason for this project as I was working on a minimap for my other project) uses the Image API to draw the map. It's not perfect, but it's looking good so far.

In the second main area, the minimap has some lines drawn in a grid. No idea why this is happening. The same behaviour is shared between all scenes.

Except for sounds, start screen/menu, and a proper ending, this is complete and playable from beginning to end.

One of the biggest issues has been my tendency to over complicate things. This was supposed to be a simple project to try some things out, but I kept adding things (including a boss battle). I think this is actually detrimental to my projects.

New version up on gamejolt https://gamejolt.com/games/LostTemple/332970

All the levels are complete and playable. It's just minor fixes and improvements left.

Pros: Simple controls and design, easy restart, excellent lighting mechanic,

Cons: Repetitive music, no sound effects, intro is lacking plot

Solid game overall with the potential to be fleshed out into a memorable piece.

Thanks for the feedback. The latest version is on Gamejolt.

Menu system done.
Sounds effects added.
Achievements added.
Some background stuff such as bug fixes and improvements.

Lots of final tweaks and improvements and latest version up on Gamejolt - https://gamejolt.com/games/LostTemple/332970

I am a bit late to this but just wanted to say that i really like it.
Art, leveldesign, pacing is very well done.
It has its unique style and i like it a lot.

I would love to have a double jump but this is a small detail.
Good job!

Thanks Bombini. I wouldn't be able to include a double jump now. Some of the jumps are very finely tuned!

I'd consider it for a sequel though.

Posted on newgrounds - https://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/710688 and it proved to be quite well liked. It was one of the picks of the day.

I wouldn't be able to include a double jump now. Some of the jumps are very finely tuned!

Ah that makes a lot sense. I think i just missed it because i am so used to it.
Cheers!

Just a quick question to anyone who's actually played it:

For a sequel should the levels:

Be the same idea i.e. larger areas to explore
or
Lots of much smaller levels

My vote:
Lots of smaller levels
Or
more respawn points
Or
player assist-mode