"Basement" is an exploration-based platformer in which the main threat is fall damage and the main challenge is finding safe paths through each section. I consider the quotation marks as part of the title. The game takes place in the caverns underneath a magical castle and includes several interconnected areas which can be explored in various orders. In addition, there are extra things to find that result in bonus dialogue.
I tried to design the game in such a way as to not need to explain how anything works. In addition, the difficulty curve is based on the idea of harder sections being harder to find. The ways to get to areas other than the first one all require some trick that the player can learn in a different area, thus forming a progression that is intended to be similar to a metroidvania, but with the upgrades occurring in the player rather than the player character.
I would estimate about an hour to finish, with the minimum playtime being as low as 10 minutes. Just in case, though, there is a save system.
Edit:
Okay, a friend of my just tried playing this on an xbox controller. It turns out that playing on analog causes down to be triggered when it doesn't feel like it should. This screws up the ledge grab mechanic, because down is set to let go of the ledge. If you play on controller, I recommend grabbing ledges by holding the stick a little upward.
Great game - I really like the ledge grab mechanics. I think you succeeded in making the game intuitive. I also like the small touches like the water ripple effects
I really enjoyed this game, the music, atmosphere, and detailed gameplay. The water ripple effect was cool too. Never did get all the way to the skull in the "optional" area though hehe.
I used a lot of "return to checkp" and finally got my skull!
Other than this, the other difficulty levels to reach are fine and fun.
However, if you want to complete the game, the platform-grabbing action seems to be tough to judge.
(Timing of pressing the up key in the air.)
The graphics are very calming, with vague lights illuminating the tunnels and water in the darkness.
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