Awesome game. Unique concept, great art, enjoyable style.
Just some notes:
1) People are saying too hard. I thought so too at first, until I learned the power of the foam and how to use it. The issue here is that the building degradation is not intuitive, so it's not immediately clear why you are failing in normal mode. It seems that spread of fire is weighted above duration or volume? Either way, the proper use of foam slows depredation in normal mode enough to actually complete levels... maybe make more of a point on that?
2). I personally hate platformers due to the frustration they bring. I saw you added a few platforming elements with the hose jump and some weird paths. The stress of trying to get through a very difficult platforming segment took away the fun of the level for me. Not only does it kill the immersion, but it takes you out of the goal of the game. Maybe it's just me, but I would be cautious not to add much more platform puzzle nonsense than is present here; it will take away from the focus of the game.
3). Smoldering bits take a bit too long to prevent from recombusting.
4). Some fires were out of reach, requiring bunny hopping to put out... I think there should be a way to make this not necessary...
I really do want to see more of this game in a full release. Maybe something with upgradable kit such as
- more water capacity
- more foam capacity
- more water volume (puts out fires quicker)
- increase water velocity (goes farther).
- Outside assistance (break out a window and an NPC firefighter sprays water inside in a circle consistently, allowing you to push forward and keep a room from re-igniting.).
If you can build this up to have a robust career progression, I could see this having some serious value as a steam game. Keep the door open for multiplayer support...