Magical Girl Guardians - Announcement Trailer

[@tiagosoares8790]

Can't get behind this one... Sorry :c To me it looks like a "JapaneseBaitGirls Survivors" that appears like a cheap asset flip. And the art styles between assets is not coherent at all

[@mattc9598]

Isn't it meant to be an asset flip? Like BiteMe's entire view has been "stop making your dream games right away and make quick small games".

[@mandisaw]

Not an asset flip - there's good intent here. But the waifus, enemies, environment, and UI are all aesthetically going in different directions. I think the idea can work, but they need to keep dialing-in their artstyle, and make a decision soon on who this game is for. I think Thomas said it's cute girls with guns, so maybe they can study the vibes and audience from Palworld, Cult of the Lamb, etc. Plus anime in that vein if it's Japan-themed. It's a hard tone to get right.

[@tiagosoares8790]

​@@mattc9598 you can make smaller games and compromise your vision a little bit without making an asset flip. Or at least you make it a good one, you customize the assets a little bit, and not use them as they are out of the box.

[@GameroLP]

Maybe not a assetflip but i agree that none of the art styles really fit to each other. I've also expected more tbh. The ui also looks like it was made in paint

[@LoneLuminaryDev]

Yeah, it’s just top-down engine with some anime and Pokémon models. And what’s up with this trailer? It doesn’t feel professional at all.

[@dreamcatforgotten8435]

Hey Marnix, I think you should have advertised the Multiplayer-aspect of this game a bit more. Something like a cut with 'Play with friends!' and then show the screen showing multiple peeps picking characters, and then afterwards showcase 3-4 peeps playing together. I think that over-exaggerating the Multiplayer will likely help you get more eyes on your project.

[@Firedeathz]

You might want to add a shader on the enemies, so the don't look so flat. For the Health and wave progress bars you might want to give them some depth or some slight animation on the edge of the progress bar to liven them up. For the Damage number you might want to have them float up a bit more over time, and for crits or large hits start a bit large and keep their dark color longer. For the upgrade cards you might want to adjust the text alignment a bit and accent the percentages so they the stand out a tiny bit. Plumping up the player projectiles a small bit as well might help with visual clarity against the wave of enemies.

[@Meowzors]

Never did I expect BiteMe Games to make a booth model asset flip looking game...

[@Copelessium]

No offense Marnix, but all visuals aside, what is this awful music choice? The voicelines could've been better as well. And jumpcuts make it worse imo (because it jumps to a much too similar shot each time). I get how you would try to rush it out, in order to be able to show it on the awards show, but I feel like this partly ruins your credibility for the trailer roasting streams, the tips videos as well as your fiver gig. If I saw this for the gig, I wouldn't pay $20 let alone $200. Again, I don't want to insult you. I know you can make good trailers (like Overtime Anomaly & Unicycle Pizza TIme). I just hope you can rework this one a lot before the release. Good luck on this and future projects!

[@bitemegames]

Don't worry, we'll roast these trailers as well in our trailer roasting streams. The big problem with this trailer was the footage I had to work with. No amount of editing can save middling gameplay. If you had that Fiverr gig, I wouldn't have taken the money assuming this was the footage I had to work with. You should definitely have thought a minute longer about writing your comment, instead of tacking on the "no offense" thinking that absolves you. Your comments are valid, your delivery makes me strongly dislike you. -M

[@Copelessium]

@@bitemegames I am sorry you feel that way, making something nuanced is hard if you're not a native speaker especially on the internet (where you lack body language and such). Still your critic is valid, words like "awful" and the "$20 line" were a bit too harsh in hindsight. Again, sorry if I make you dislike me strongly I really just hope the best for this studio because I can see the potential it has.

[@Copelessium]

Also, the "but all visuals aside" was a poor choice of words. I meant looking past the visuals (because I know it's a WIP), but I can see it as a "the visuals are a lost cause, here is other things I don't like" kind of deal. I'll try to think more about my comments in the future, thanks!

[@morgansmolder7891]

@@Copelessium Your comment doesn't look particularly egregious to me, for what it's worth. "Awful" may be harsh, but it's the correct adjective for the music used, and you went out of your way to hedge other parts of the feedback. I think the general context of this video already receiving negative attention is coloring the reception of your comment.

[@KirbySamaDesu]

I feel your pain, I worked almost 2 years in a game and was also called asset flip, it hurts. The problem is not assets but how the art is being presented to audience, the shader is cell shading only in the characters but the level design is not which can raise the flip flag, I recommend use feel to improve collisions and game feel and also use some kind of post processing that makes it look more cartoonish.

[@SanyaBane]

As some people already said it - looks like asset flip. Sorry guys, I don't watch your streams, so I don't know what you were thinking about when deciding to make this.

[@3DuArt-08]

althought I've heard a lot of times to make a trailer as soon as possible, this is the reason why I still don't have a trailer on my steampage. I would rather show a polished version, but I might be making a mistake

[@tiagosoares8790]

It's not a "mistake". It's obviously ideal to have a trainer, but from your description I would say it's called artistic integrity. Shows that the game and the product you're aiming to sell to an audience matters to you. And if you're gonna put your name on it, you want it to be something you would be proud of. Good for you man

[@honaleri]

Like, hot take, but, I don't think you should up a steam page until you have something of artistic integrity that you'd be proud of and that looks marketable, period. Like- Marnix has this KZbin channel and does live stream devlog of the game itself, so he's getting wishlists from engagement, but, I also feel like, I would do things very differently as a whole. I think upon launch, it needs to be self-attracting possible buyers. Anything less of that could give a lasting negative impression that makes would-be-buyers ignore or blacklist the game instead. Bad impressions do serious damage.

[@dobrx6199]

Guys, remember this is early footage and they're working to improve the visuals and implement feedback. Try not to be too harsh, they know what flaws the trailer and game have right now but unlike actual asset flip games they are actually trying to fix it bc they care about the game

[@jacqueswafel268]

Gotta show off more features in the trailer. Multiplayer, different classes and the like aren't featured. All I can really tell that's in the game is shooting waves of enemies and getting power ups. That's a relatively light scope compared to what is actually there.

[@VSalgc]

I think polish, focus on the theme and a personal touch will make it have a fine spot light. All take the costly time. You desside if it is worth. Is it Playtest or Demo soon?

[@StephenHarperRaptagon]

So, this could be saved, you just need to make a few changes. First, the bullets are too small I can hardly tell where the bullets are going, compare this to vampire survivor in scale and try even half that. I also couldn't tell when enemies died which makes the shooting feel even more unsatisfying. Anime and survivors likes are about being over the top and these look weak. Just up the visual power on everything. Second, what are the powers? I am seeing some sigils on the ground, did the players make that? How are these girls magical? Besides getting a rocket launcher, that looks very weak, what are the crazy powers powers you can get in this? How are the runs going to be different? Because the only peak gameplay you showed was dying. Third, art style. Look, I know you guys are programmers and you just don't touch the visuals, but come on! Change anything! Why is this game using the same lighting as your office game? Adjust the contrast, mess with the bloom, change the lighting color (subtly). If you can't even begin to see how to improve it, just tweak it live with chat. The textures are also a problem as they are all different styles, but that's a lot more work. Fourth, where is the loop? Why would I play another round? Do I unlock more characters? New hair dyes? Is there a story between? Just something to keep playing! Anyway I hope this helps. I hope you can turn it around and I feel that this is all still on a small scope. I am working on an anime game and would be willing to help more if you want. Just comment @ me here.

[@MiniatureGiantsGameDev]

I respect the hustle but it's not something I would pay money for. The enemies look like they've been scaled disproportionately, some of them are really low detail/not clear (like the big boss one). I'm not sure if an enemy highlighting to another color is sufficient for when they take damage. The music choice doesnt fit the game and seems to be overpowering - can't really hear what else is happening in the game. The pics of the power-ups were too fast, I couldn't actually ready them without pausing the video so they probably need another second or two of focus. Overall as others have said it does look like an asset flip that is chasing the Vampire Survivors genre, which is fine, but its not a novel as your Pizza Time game. Release, learn, move on.

[@ToriGameDev]

This looks like a prototype using a random anime girls asset pack from the asset store...

[@LocoTony64]

It needs a visual pass for sure and more original assets especially for the main characters. If you have a tight budget put money in at least having original Designs for the player characters as thats going to be a main anchor for this game for sure. you should redesign the bullets and hit feedback imo. the tracer looking bullets are too thin and the impacts lack feedback since they just pass through the enemies since there's no one hit kills which is how thats usually setup with fodder enemies in traditional twin stick shooters. This suggestion has design implications but I think bullets should slightly stun / slowdown enemies on hit to sell the damage better as well as give player more control on managing the horde. I can see this having potential if the online multiplayer is executed well. Don't think there a lot of online coop twinstick shooter rougelikes.

[@Bumnuggets]

The Suno (I assume) music is a little grating imo

[@imraanakollo-arenz1449]

I can kinda get behind the idea but there needs to be more cohesion with the art

[@Theburninbeaver]

Y’all need some art direction in this. Looks like programer art with assets store anime girls. It does not look cohesive enough to get gooners

[@TheDdvd1]

Issue I had with Vampire survivors was the lack of impact that the map made. It was like a painting in the background but didn't change the gameplay or bring any level of strategy to the game other than MAYBE a small chokepoint. If you can make the environment useful from a strategy perspective, even some events that make it destructible which increases/decreases the difficulty that would be interesting.

[@AstriaTVTruthExposed]

Not you guys trying to cash in on the anime hype 😂

[@TaleHammer]

Please, for the love of god, just focus on Overtime Anomaly and not whatever this is

[@HaturnAhheadns]

Honest to god, the enemies look great. Player characters are fine, the UI is very nice (Upgrade cards are super smooth). I think you'd get insane mileage out of more particles - maybe juice it up w/ screen-shake. I cant be very constructive with my criticism, because I dont know how to fix my perceived issue here, but the level itself stands out as the cheapest visual element. Perhaps the textures used on the terrain should be more pastel or de-saturated. I also think the foliage is visually underdeveloped. ABSOLUTELY NOT HATING - games are hard, and gamers are needy little creatures. Good luck with your project

[@BaddyPlays]

Unfortunately cant really see this one making a wave. The overhead camera is jarring and the art style lacks any coherence and just looks off.

[@mugileaguegaming1769]

This game could cook a little more, honestly is looking more like a parody than an earnest survivor-like with waifus. You could double-down on this aspect, but I think it'll drive away your target demographic, which ultimately is looking for an alternative that is cool, respects their characters, and is worth investing their attention in. Others have said it, but a "cohesive artstyle" (I feel like we say this blanket term too much with your games) is really needed here. Girls are too detailed compared to their environment and enemies, everything is Anime™️ with green grass blue skies, etc. Like SOE your target audience has a very high bar when it comes to aesthetics, so you need to dress to impress. As for the trailer, I think it could help if you oversold it. Seldom use actual top down gameplay and use this as an opportunity to sell the game pitch. Here's what you can do in 40 seconds: 1. Show your hero girl transform, show off the assets, show off the jiggle, confirm why audiences clicked. (5s) 2. Stop the music, glitter, and dreamy vignette, pull out the guns, COD style editing where you show off the gun models, handling, and have bullets sync to the beat (5s) 3. Show the little critters get shot, but subvert expectations by having them gored by the bulletstorm. After the little guys are down, introduce bigger enemies. (3s) 4. Zoom out, and show the actual gameplay, top down, collect loot, upgrade, etc. (5s, you either keep your audience or lose them at this point) 5. Go back go a cinematic camera where your main girl is down, but before all hope is lost, you introduce your twist -- more girls, more guns, COD style editing like before, but this time you add the text "Play with friends" (5s, this is your USP, for those on the fence, this is your time to convince them that a multiplayer survivor-like can work) 6. Show off how multiplayer works, the synergies, how you can work together to succeed AND the funny ways you can fail. (5s) 7. Montage of fan service highlighting the detail and assets of each character, think dating sim trailer where you show off the character names and voicelines to sell their personalities so people can pick their waifus before they buy the game. Add humor and titilation where possible. (7s) 8. Title screen and CTA. If you had actors, you can have them all say the games name out loud. (5s) I think when Marnix introduced the game and was talking about the anime that inspired it, you really gotta go back to that and try to evoke that feeling. I know its just supposed to be a quick game, but unfortunately it is showing. Give it 6 months and someone will take this concept but make a better one that's less parody and more cohesive. Edit: Sorry I think that last bit might have sounded too harsh. There is value in this game, you've proven that small games can work, you can develop projects simultaneously, etc. Honestly looking more entertaining than SOE. This has the charm of one of those garage-built solodev Touhou doujin games people sell at Comiket -- a strong desire to make games with assets they can source with no one to tell them no idea is too stupid to implement. That is a weird complement, but just a perspective non-Western audiences will likely see.

[@Ka_muu]

finally, the type of game that Marnix truly believes in a madoka-like

[@sugarsenpai8432]

this game should've waited more in the oven

[@ShadowRabbitGames]

After watching the trailer a few times, I noticed my main issue is that the enemies seem to clash with the overall game style. Some of them appear out of proportion compared to the rest of the visuals. Nonetheless, I would still buy the game because it looks like a fun game to play while just chilling.

[@astromonkey1757]

If you pull it off you're gonna rake in the cash, I said it here and will stand by it, from a business perspective you guys are making great moves, nowadays you gotta focus on the vamp survivor crowd or streamer bait games or you might as well work gamedev as a hobby. Ignore these comments, people bought trash art games like vampire survivors, you can certainly do good especially if you will polish it later, if you can convince people the game is awesome you can sell tons of copies. It's not something i vibe it but i totally understand the reasons as to why you're making this and upt. P.S: damn some people down in the comments really need to go out and touch some grass

[@tiagosoares8790]

"nowadays you gotta focus on the vamp survivor crowd or streamer bait games". I guess this just shows your lack of artistic integrity. Or integrity as a whole tbf. And it's not true at all. It's a strategy, that's true, but not the only one possible for indies to find success. Ton of solo devs, or duo indie teams don't need to make streamer bait trash. They just need to make a good game, market it well and it will find it's audience. Looking at a recent past since you mentioned "nowadays", look at Balatro, Thronefall, Tiny Glade, Animal Well, etc... none made streamer bait, all made millions. Because they're INSANELY good and fresh. I do get what you're saying and you're trying to be supportive. But to say "trash art games like vampire survivors" is just so wrong. Not a single true dev (not even the BiteMe Games guys) will agree with you. That's insane to say. It just shows that you have made a total of 0 games. It's called art direction. It's coherent. Animal Well is trash art? Balatro is trash art? Halls of Torment is trash art? Animal Well is trash art? Bruh. Not liking is ok, saying is trash is insane 🤣

[@thenamebemike]

LETSSSSS GO‼️💯

[@armintakacs7186]

Is it f2p?

[@n00bc0de7]

I will grab it to support you guys but I hope you are not goin all in on click bait games going forward.

[@PrototypeDev]

Love the AI music, I'm assuming from Suno

[@bitemegames]

It is not from Suno, nor AI -T

[@imnazake]

Yikes

[@Laverous]

Hey, just remember. Opinions are like assholes. Everyone's got one.

[@marielcarey4288]

Holocure ripoff?

[@mandisaw]

Nah, that's 2d pixel art and more of a love-letter from & to the Hololive community. This could appeal to ppl beyond that, although they should probably poke the same streamers 🤔

[@yurtonturtlegames188]

Wow went from game studio to asset flippers in a span of 2 year.

[@dxmissile]

really think this will do well on the genshin crowd

[@mandisaw]

Nah, Genshin fans and gacha players in general are looking for top-tier art. That 3d anime artstyle is actually insanely difficult to pull off. And there are different "flavors" - the styles here are still a bit too different from each other.

[@Badaboombadaboombaby]

I’m so excited and happy! Can’t wait to buy the game. Love the video but I am wondering what the character’s names are, they have nice designs. Watching your guys’ journey has been super fun and inspiring. Have a great Christmas! ❤

[@Saiper1990]

🪄👧

[@falseknight4371]

Nice looks like a 10/10 game for me, people that saying it's a asset flip look are just jelous.

[@tiagosoares8790]

Hahahhaha. Now of ALL the comments I've seen, yours takes the cake. Even they know the game looks cheap and they are ok with it xD altho I don't agree with it, its clearly part of their business plan to make these games fast and get them out there.

[@falseknight4371]

exactly the goal is to pump out a game, if you don't pump out the game fast enough it becomes like cold pizza, stale! The faster you work on a game the higher quality it becomes. Just look at Unicycle Pizza Time and all will be clear.

[@tiagosoares8790]

@@falseknight4371 "The faster you work on a game the higher quality it becomes"........ wow. If you ever release a game, best of luck, you'll need it :)

[@vast634]

@@falseknight4371 Unicycle Pizza Time had success in Japan with the streamers since it had a goofy idea of using the monocycle, and works well in a stream. This game here is standing out way less in its uniqueness in gameplay, and just does not look good due to the lack of art direction.