Void quest needles puzzle: improve hints

[manuq]

From playtest feedback:

💡 Optional Enhancement: NPC Interaction

Another option could be to include an NPC that gives a riddle or a short piece of text as a hint on how to open the door. For example, the NPC could say something like:

“Six points mark the ground, connect them with a single stroke to reveal the hidden path.”

This would add a small narrative touch and help the player without breaking immersion.

🗣️ Implementation Suggestion

For this interaction, the talk NPC system could be used, similar to how it was implemented in the stella_combat scene, where the character interacts with a castaway. In this case, the NPC could be represented as a wise figure who gives the hint through a short dialogue or on-screen message. This would keep consistency with the game’s style while adding a subtle but meaningful narrative element.

[wjt]

A similar point was made in another playtesting session about the signs earlier in the level.

The note we took was:

When you can’t move via the grappling hook, we need to indicate it’s a collection mechanic only in that instance?

• Right now it’s the pin v the needle
• Tutorialization – sign posts exist, but player didn’t read them

There was also a note that the large-button powerup is hard to find. If you find yourself here:

The arrows (which read "go!" if you walk near them) are actively misleading. You can't go left until you have first gone up.

Once you walk up a little (perhaps to read the sign!) it's clearer what you are actually supposed to do:

[wjt]

I think having some NPCs standing around that you can ask for help would be an improvement - it's more obvious that you can talk to them than it is that the arrow-signs have a hint attached.

But we could also have some bespoke signs that illustrate what you are supposed to do, without you having to walk up to them and read them. Some quick mockups for the three signs that tell you how to use needles:

They are hard to read, I spent about 90 seconds each on them (using the hint sign from the sequence puzzle template), but you get the idea :)

[manuq]

I love those mockups!

About the powerup hard to find: I was trying to add a bit of exploration. And the powerup being the reward of that exploration. Without it you can't continue. As a hint, we could highlight the pins or add an NPC that hints you. Maybe the design question is: how much spoon-feeding do we want this game to be? The sign is pointing to the exit. Maybe the "Go!" can be changed to "Exit"?

[wjt]

I agree, I kind of like that you have to explore the level to figure it out. But I think it's true that the arrows are misleading.

Here's an idea: let's simply remove the row of 3 signs:

Leave the fourth sign that is on the other side of the chasm being patrolled by the void.

I think this keeps the hint that you are supposed to get over there, but leaves it a bit more open as to how.

[wjt]

with the signs gone, I think it's easier to spot the faded-grass patch at the top which signifies an area that you should go to and try something. It's a subtle hint which I hadn't noticed before, but it's there and we do consistently use this kind of "walk here" hint.

[manuq]

Based on #1944 we really need to prioritize this. The visual clues in #1504 (comment) is a great idea.