Info about Curious Expedition 2:

Official game description:
Curious Expedition 2 is a turn-based narrative roguelike that requires players to manage their resources and party members to keep insanity at bay and find glory.  
A grand discovery has been made: mysterious islands have begun to appear and vanish from the oceans as if by magic. The great Explorer Clubs are funding expeditions to these strange islands to bring treasures back for the 1889 World's Fair in Paris. Are you bold enough to join the adventure?  
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Key Features:
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*   Explore **fantastical worlds** in a variety of biomes, each featuring a new combination of dangers and opportunities.  
*   **Manage your resources** to keep your trek alive and sanity high. Balance greed against your survival needs to find glory without perishing.  
*   **Procedural storytelling** makes every adventure unique. Your characters form relationships, change loyalty, acquire illnesses, and more in response to the environment and your decisions.  
*   Embark on an **epic campaign** that combines procedural gameplay with handcrafted story to create a narrative experience that can be played again and again.  
*   The new **Director Mode** adds modifiers and features to every expedition that will make your adventures boundless in scope and even more challenging.  
*   **Dice-based combat mechanics** will require all your cleverness to survive fierce wild animals and legendary creatures.  
*   Join **weekly online competitions** and pledge yourself to an Explorer Club to compete for unique rewards.  
*   **Outfit your party members** with equippable gear to create builds that can take on any challenge.  
*   Set off on a variety of **expedition types**, each with their own unique goal and events. Will you seek out the legendary Golden Pyramid or choose to recover the Rainbow Orchid instead?  
*   **Discover mysterious locations** and come across all manner of unique cultures, flora, fauna, treasures and more.  
*   **4K-native** graphics inspired by classic Franco-Belgian comics.  
*   Veteran Curious Expedition players will discover **plenty of new content**: new items, character types, enemies, biomes, tribes, events, and much more!

Release date: Jan 28, 2021

Categories: Roguelike, Resource Management, Turn-based Strategy, Character Management, Procedural Generation, Exploration, Dice-based Gameplay, Narrative Adventure

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 40; verdict: Medium Monetization; summary: The reviews indicate that the game offers additional content through DLCs, which some players find valuable and enjoyable. However, there are concerns about the cost and value for money of these DLCs. The overall sentiment suggests that while the DLCs enhance the gaming experience, their pricing may be a point of contention for some users.
- Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The Steam Deck experience for this game is marred by significant control configuration issues, battery life concerns, and severe performance issues such as frame rate drops. These problems collectively detract from the overall user experience, making the game less enjoyable and more frustrating to play.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Enjoyable and engaging gameplay (weight 0.78): Players consistently describe the gameplay as fun, engaging, and addictive. The gameplay is noted for its richness and high replay value, making it an enjoyable experience for many players.
- Immersive and humorous narrative (weight 0.33): The game features a large amount of humorous monologue text that keeps players immersed in various emergent narratives. The adventure difficulty is comfortable, and the turn-based combat focuses on character attributes and choices.
- Unique treasure management concept (weight 0.24): The game introduces a unique concept of managing and preserving treasures. Players collect and donate or sell artifacts to become stronger and more comfortable, while competing with rival explorers.
- Improved graphics (weight 0.24): The graphics are noted to be more high-definition, better, and more detailed. Players appreciate the improved and more beautiful graphics.
- Variety of game modes (weight 0.23): The game offers multiple modes to play, including role-playing and a mode suitable for playing with young children. The random generation of islands ensures a different play experience each time.
- Diverse items and strategies (weight 0.2): The game features a wide variety of items, random events, and strategies. This diversity adds to the gameplay experience and provides players with numerous options.
- Distinct island types (weight 0.2): The game includes various islands with different inhabitants and cultures. Players can explore different island regions for landmarks, treasure, ruins, and villages.
- Diverse team members and maps (weight 0.18): The game offers a variety of team members and maps, adding to the diversity and richness of the gameplay experience.
- Improved accessibility and enjoyment (weight 0.15): The game is noted to be easier to get into than the first game and is considered more enjoyable. Players find it better than the first game in many respects.
- Interesting character interactions (weight 0.14): The game features interesting and unique character interactions and skills, adding depth to the gameplay experience.
- Proper evolution of the previous title (weight 0.14): The game is seen as a proper evolution of the previous title, with improvements in almost every perceivable respect. It is enjoyable for those who liked the previous title.

Common complaints:
- Limited content and replayability (weight 0.72): The game is criticized for having thin content, repetitive tasks, and lack of variety in missions and maps. Players find the gameplay monotonous, especially in the later stages.
- Expensive and lacking DLC (weight 0.42): The DLC is criticized for being expensive and offering too little content, making players feel it is not worth the investment.
- Bugs and unbalanced elements (weight 0.33): The game is reported to have many bugs and unbalanced aspects, including non-functional elements and poor explanations, which affect the overall experience.
- Lack of creative workshop (weight 0.32): Players express disappointment over the absence of a creative workshop, which limits content creation and customization. This feature was expected but not delivered.
- Difficulty and balance issues (weight 0.32): The game has high and unbalanced difficulty, with some players finding it too easy and others too hard. This inconsistency affects the overall enjoyment.
- Art style and charm missing (weight 0.31): The game lacks the pixel art style and retro feel of the first generation, which had a unique charm. Players feel the new animation style lacks charisma.
- Poor storytelling and lack of depth (weight 0.27): The game's story is poorly told and lacks depth, failing to engage players. The narrative and cultural elements are seen as shallow.
- Frustrating random events (weight 0.24): Random interruptions and events, such as sudden illnesses and companions making mistakes, can be frustrating and uncontrollable, detracting from the gameplay experience.
- Disappointing combat system (weight 0.2): The combat system is criticized for being worse than the first game, too simple, and less satisfying, which detracts from the gameplay experience.
- Translation and transition issues (weight 0.18): The game lacks a complete Chinese translation and has slow, lengthy text transitions, which can be frustrating for players.
- Reskin with minimal additions (weight 0.17): Players feel the game is mostly a reskin of the first game with unnecessary additions and minimal new content, offering little innovation.
- Complex resource management (weight 0.16): The game's resource management is overly complex, making it difficult for players to understand and progress, especially in higher difficulty modes.
- UI and optimization issues (weight 0.12): The game's UI is described as disaster-level and in need of optimization, affecting the overall user experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Rogue-like exploration mechanics (weight 0.95): The game features extensive rogue-like elements, including procedurally generated islands, exploration mechanics, and survival strategies. Players explore various islands with unique landscapes and events, emphasizing discovery and resource management.
- Resource and inventory management (weight 0.48): Managing resources and inventory is a critical aspect of the game. Players must carefully handle artifacts, equipment, and other resources to succeed, especially under challenging conditions.
- Dynamic storytelling and events (weight 0.42): The storyline and events in the game are dynamically generated, providing a unique experience with each playthrough. Random events and mutations keep the gameplay fresh and unpredictable.
- Turn-based strategy (weight 0.38): The game employs turn-based strategy mechanics, requiring players to plan their moves carefully. This includes both combat and exploration phases.
- Dice-based combat system (weight 0.37): Combat in the game is driven by a dice-based mechanics system. Players must strategically use dice for both combat and exploration, adding a layer of complexity and chance to interactions.
- Character management and relationships (weight 0.36): The game includes deep character management systems, where players recruit, customize, and manage characters. Character relationships and abilities significantly impact gameplay.
- Criticism of repetitive tasks (weight 0.28): Some players find the tasks and missions repetitive, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. This includes criticisms of the game's difficulty and resource management.
- Campaign and mission structure (weight 0.24): The game includes a structured campaign with various missions. Players must complete these missions within a time limit, adding a sense of urgency and challenge.
- Interaction with indigenous people (weight 0.23): Players can interact with indigenous people on the islands, which adds depth to the exploration and can affect gameplay outcomes.
- Difficulty and challenge settings (weight 0.23): The game offers various difficulty settings that significantly affect gameplay. Higher difficulty levels provide a greater challenge and require more strategic planning.
- Suggestions for additional modes (weight 0.1): Players have suggested the addition of an endless mode with increased difficulty, indicating a desire for more varied and challenging gameplay options.

Performance notes:
- Various bugs reported (weight 0.18): The game suffers from numerous bugs, including visual bugs, minor bugs, and general instability.
- Steam Deck performance mixed (weight 0.16): Players report both positive experiences with good battery life and issues with control configuration on Steam Deck.
- Scene transitions improved (weight 0.16): The game has faster scene transitions compared to previous versions, addressing complaints about slow transitions.
- Multiplayer stability issues (weight 0.13): Multiplayer mode is reported to be unstable, with lag and desynchronized events.
- Game crashes and stuttering (weight 0.13): Players experience game crashes and stuttering, affecting the overall gameplay experience.
- Frame rate drops (weight 0.12): Frame rate drops occur during terrain changes and with certain effects, impacting performance.
- Visual upgrades noted (weight 0.11): Some players appreciate the visual upgrades in the game, though others find the map less attractive than the first game.
- Initial release issues (weight 0.07): The game had several problems at launch, which have been noted by players.
- Optimization concerns (weight 0.07): Players are unsure about the optimization of the game, leading to performance issues.
- First game runs better (weight 0.06): Some players feel that the first game in the series runs better than the current one.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for exploration and adventure fans (weight 0.3): This game is highly recommended for players who enjoy exploration, adventure, and rogue-lite elements. It is particularly suited for fans of turn-based combat and management games.
- Gameplay tips and strategies (weight 0.29): Players share various tips and strategies, such as using boosts for stronger attacks, managing madness consumption, treating mental states promptly, using specific weapons for hyenas, increasing load capacity with animals, and managing favor with natives.
- Worth the price, especially on sale (weight 0.22): Many players find the game worth its price, particularly when purchased on sale. It offers good value for the asking price.
- Fans of the first game may enjoy (weight 0.21): Players who enjoyed the first game in the series might find this sequel appealing, though some suggest buying it during a discount.
- Suggestions for gameplay improvements (weight 0.21): Players have suggested various improvements, such as adding more team member slots, saddles for large animals, and new mechanisms for handling dismissed characters.
- Start with the first game (weight 0.17): New players to the series are advised to start with the first game instead of this sequel to better understand the game mechanics and lore.
- Creative workshop desired (weight 0.16): There is a strong desire among players for the development of a creative workshop to enhance gameplay and community engagement.
- Purchase recommendations (weight 0.16): Players recommend buying the complete edition or the bundle with DLCs for the best experience. Some suggest waiting for the official Chinese version if interested.
- Try the demo first (weight 0.12): Potential buyers are advised to try the demo first to get a feel for the game before making a purchase.
- Atmosphere and resource management praised (weight 0.07): The game is praised for its atmosphere, resource management, and combat aspects, making it enjoyable for many players.
- Support the developers (weight 0.07): Players highly recommend trying the game and supporting the developers for their efforts and creativity.
- Recommended for archaeology enthusiasts (weight 0.07): The game is recommended for those interested in archaeology, offering a unique experience in this field.
- Suitable for Steam Deck (weight 0.07): The game is suitable for playing on the Steam Deck, making it a good choice for portable gaming.
- Easier than the first game (weight 0.07): The game is considered easier than its predecessor, The Curious Expedition 1, which might appeal to some players.
- Not for those disliking strategy (weight 0.07): Players who dislike strategic thinking may not enjoy this game, as it heavily involves strategic elements.

Other player notes:
- DLC content concerns (weight 0.12): There are comments about the DLCs, indicating that players have opinions or concerns about the additional content provided.
- Longevity and replayability (weight 0.08): Players mention playing the game for years, indicating a sense of longevity and replayability.
- Criticism of development team (weight 0.07): Players have expressed issues or concerns regarding the development team behind the game.
- Game completion time (weight 0.07): Some players feel that the game, even with all DLCs, can be completed in less than 25 hours, suggesting it might be shorter than expected.
- Russian language support (weight 0.06): There is a mention of the presence of the Russian language, which could be important for Russian-speaking players.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.21): Players are frustrated by a variety of issues, including random interruptions, control configuration problems, and bugs. The game's complexity, particularly in resource management and unclear mechanics, adds to the frustration. Additionally, repetitive content, unbalanced difficulty, and performance issues such as game crashes and poor UI contribute significantly to this emotion.
- Disappointment (weight 0.16): Players express disappointment due to the lack of future updates and mod support, making the game feel incomplete and outdated. The game is often compared unfavorably to its predecessor, with criticisms directed at its repetitive content, lack of unique elements, and a perceived downgrade in various aspects. The story and operational aspects are also noted as areas needing improvement.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.09): Players enjoy the game for its varied gameplay, interesting mechanics, and the sense of adventure it provides. The atmosphere, art style, and exploration elements are particularly appreciated. The roguelike exploration and survival strategy aspects also contribute to the enjoyment.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): The addictive and fun gameplay, combined with the thrill of discovery and survival, excites players. The concept of collecting and managing artifacts, along with the unique interactions and events, keeps players engaged and eager to continue playing.
- Joy (weight 0.05): Players find joy in the game's unique personal stories, comic-like graphics, and the variety of treasures and dangers. The polished gameplay, incremental improvements, and the sense of exploration contribute to a joyful experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.04): Players feel satisfied with the improved combat, graphics, and item variety. The game's balance and ease of play compared to its predecessor, along with its unique setting and atmosphere, contribute to a satisfying experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.04): Players express disappointment due to game balance issues, lack of diverse storyline, and certain changes in game mechanics and design.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Players are surprised by unexpected events such as team member cannibalism and receiving unexpected gifts from characters. The game's approach to certain sensitive topics also caught players off guard.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Players feel nostalgic due to comparisons with the first generation's pixel art style and the absence of the pixel look in the current game. The nostalgia is tied to the visual and stylistic elements of the predecessor.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Players are amused by character interactions, unexpected events, and the humorous take on certain game elements. The game's reward system and character dynamics contribute to the amusement.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Players express anger due to negative buffs and unexpected character betrayals, such as teammates turning into cannibals. These events disrupt gameplay and cause frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.02): Players are satisfied with the overall quality and replay value of the game. The exploration and resource collection aspects are particularly enjoyable and contribute to a satisfying experience.
- Disappointed (weight 0.02): Players feel disappointed due to gameplay changes and lack of improvements in certain areas. The overall experience and mechanics do not meet their expectations.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Players are annoyed by frequent unexpected events and the use of made-up third-person non-gendered pronouns. These elements disrupt the gameplay experience.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Players express hope for future updates, additional content, and the potential for modding support. These expectations are tied to the anticipation of improvements and new features.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Players experience boredom due to repetitive content and gameplay that becomes monotonous over time. The lack of variety contributes to this feeling.
- Hopeful (weight 0.01): Players are hopeful about the potential for workshop support and additional content. Suggestions for improvements also contribute to this hopeful outlook.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.01): Players find the game enjoyable due to resource management and considering the compatibility of team members. These aspects contribute to a fun and engaging experience.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Players feel sad due to the lack of Portuguese translation, which limits accessibility and enjoyment for some players.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Players express sorrow because the studio has suspended operations and the game is no longer being developed with new DLC. This halts further enhancements and content.}