The Otherworld

Not actually half bad from what I've played of it. It would be nice if the game could be more consistent about how it handles dying, though (dying by falling down a bottomless pit takes you back to the title screen, dying by touching spikes brings you to stage select).

It could certainly be far better, but it's certainly not the worst "<insert person here>'s first game" kind of game I've played... that would probably be one of my own (which may be lost to time at this point, but they may just be sitting around on my hard drive somewhere, or on a different hard drive)! XD

And on that note, given how this is your first game, the simplicity it has was a given. The level design not being perfect, and the odd quirks like inconsistencies when it comes to how dying is handled? Also pretty much a given. In other words, as a first game, all these issues are normal. Take it from someone who made lots of mistakes in their first few games, and who continues to make mistakes here and there when making new ones, it's normal for a first game to have issues. We all need to start somewhere! :)

From where you've started, I can tell that you are on the right track to being a good game designer. You'll get better as time goes on, so long as you try your best. :)