As a jam game, great job and execution. Great limitation and theme use, great visuals and nice writing (I cannot guarantee it, but from the style i gather that you've played a bit more than a bit of ren'py VNs : ) )
Personally, I think the main game loop could've been improved if you had added a negative conditions for contracts or something similar - it's a bit off-putting that a child that wants to make his sister's face swell happily accepts a Painful Spontaneuous Combustion Mind Control Swelling Potion, after all. It would also discourage players from doing grab-bag kitchen-sink potions in order to get to know the ingredients before using them for contracts.
Knowing VNs, it's also a good main base for a more story-rich experience. In short - good job!
Viewing post in Lethal Alchemist jam comments
Thanks for the feedback!
I'm glad you like it! The main loop and contract parts are something I definitely have to improve on. Originally I planned so many more features but using RenPy the first time for a game left me implementing only a few.
One thing I plan on changing is different outcomes for contracts depending on how much you overshoot the goal or under-perform on the effects. And I also have to implement a way where some effects cancel each other out (currently it's possible to have a painful-painless poison).
Your feedback really helps, so thanks again for taking your time and checking out my game!