Info about Bendy and the Dark Revival:

Official game description:
Play as Audrey as she explores the depths of a curiously creepy animation studio that’s gone completely mad.
Return to a drawn world of nightmares to sneak, fight, and solve your way through its many deep shadows. Collect the powers of the ink and upgrade your weapon to overcome terrifying obstacles and unspeakable monsters.
A twisted rogue's gallery of re-animated abominations await you. They stalk the halls ready to attack and demolish anything in their path. Prepare to face these inky inhabitants on their own dark turf. Above all, beware the Ink Demon.
The grim story unfolds as you dive in the lost reaches of the past. Discover who you are. Uncover the truth to set yourself free from the stained hell of Joey Drew Studios.

Release date: Nov 15, 2022

Categories: Atmospheric Horror, Story-driven Gameplay, Puzzle Solving, Exploration, Character Progression, First-Person Perspective, Survival Horror, Horror

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: The primary issues identified in the user feedback revolve around the game's complex mechanics and lack of adequate instructional data. Users frequently mention the need to rely on external walkthroughs and wikis to understand puzzles, navigation, and upgrades, indicating that the game does not provide sufficient in-game guidance. This reliance on external resources significantly impacts the user experience, leading to frustration and a diminished sense of immersion.
- Proton/Linux: score 25; verdict: Works Well with Minor Issues; summary: The game generally runs well on Steam Deck with Proton, indicating good compatibility with Linux. However, there are notable issues with save functionality and stability on Linux, which can significantly impact the user experience. Performance issues and a lack of customization options are also mentioned, but these do not seem to be major blockers for most users.
- Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals several key issues with the game on Steam Deck and Linux platforms. The most severe problems include save functionality issues, such as the lack of cloud saving and saves not working properly. Additionally, users have reported that the text size, particularly for subtitles, is too small and difficult to read. Performance issues, such as frame drops and mouse lag, have also been noted. Lastly, there is a lack of control customization options, which affects users with different keyboard layouts and those who wish to customize their controls.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: The game generally performs well across different hardware cohorts, with some issues reported in specific configurations. Lower VRAM systems show mostly positive performance, while higher VRAM setups have mixed experiences due to optimization and bug issues.
  - Sample size: 51 (2% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (positive, 29 reports): Mostly positive performance with high FPS and good optimization, though some users report crashes.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (mixed, 9 reports): Mixed experiences with good performance but notable optimization and bug issues.
  - Caveats: 51 of 2435 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $20.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that the community generally finds the game worth purchasing when it is on sale or at a discounted price. Many users mention that they would not pay the full price but are happy with the purchase at a lower price point. The specific mentions of prices like $20 CAD and $10 USD provide a clear indication of what the community considers a fair price range.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 10.7h
  - Story completion: 8.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides direct statements about the time taken to complete the game and achieve certain milestones. The first quote mentions an 11-hour playthrough, which gives a clear indication of the game completion time. The second quote suggests that the game can be engaging enough to pick up and play through multiple times, implying a significant time investment. The third quote provides a specific playtime of 10.7 hours on a harder difficulty, indicating a focused play session. The fourth quote details extensive playtime across multiple playthroughs and difficulty settings, totaling around 25 hours, which includes time spent on achieving all in-game accomplishments.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts with tedious movement and combat mechanics but becomes more engaging and fun as the pacing improves and the story progresses.
  - Stance: Fun after
  - Anchor: Entering the studio
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: Tedious movement; Unengaging combat; Repetitive stealth mechanics
  - Unlock drivers: Improved pacing; Story progression
  - Conditions: Patience with early gameplay; Appreciation for story-driven games
- Player Archetypes:
  - Lore Enthusiast (sale)
    - Motivation: Story and lore exploration
    - Playstyle: Explores thoroughly, enjoys narrative and thematic elements, and engages with the game's lore.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: franchise fan; lore enthusiast
    - Reference games: Bendy and the Ink Machine; Bioshock
  - Value-Conscious Gamer (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Getting the best value for money
    - Playstyle: Prefers to buy games on sale, may watch playthroughs or read about the game before purchasing.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: budget gamer; value seeker
    - Reference games: Bendy and the Ink Machine
  - Critical Analyst (no buy)
    - Motivation: Identifying and critiquing game design and technical aspects
    - Playstyle: Analyzes game mechanics and design, often points out flaws and bugs.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: game critic; design analyst
    - Reference games: Bendy and the Ink Machine; Bioshock


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:
- Atmospheric and Beautiful Visuals (weight 0.63): The game is praised for its very atmospheric and beautiful graphics. Players highlight the wonderful atmospheric style, scary atmosphere, and excellent visuals.
- Compelling and Well-Crafted Storyline (weight 0.42): The storyline is noted for being interesting, well-delivered, and engaging. Players appreciate the well-crafted plot and character development.
- Engaging and Dynamic Gameplay (weight 0.42): The gameplay is frequently described as enjoyable, dynamic, and fun, with high replay value. Players appreciate the exciting puzzles and secrets, contributing to an overall positive experience.
- Significant Improvements Over Predecessor (weight 0.39): The game shows massive improvements over the first game, with better graphics, gameplay, and overall refinement. Players feel it is a great evolution from the previous game.
- Continuation of Bendy Universe (weight 0.27): The game continues the Bendy story well, exploring the world of Bendy and the Ink Machine. Fans of the series enjoy this continuation and the appearances of Bendy.
- Worth the Price, Especially on Sale (weight 0.18): Players feel the game is worth the price, especially if purchased on sale. It is considered a good value for fans of the series.
- Positive Reception from Russian-Speaking Players (weight 0.15): Russian-speaking players find the game interesting with good gameplay and characters. They also mention that the game is worth a high rating.
- Amazing Soundtrack (weight 0.1): The game features an amazing soundtrack, described as a haunting musical score and a true masterpiece.
- Presence of Secrets and Easter Eggs (weight 0.1): Players appreciate the presence of many secrets and Easter eggs in the game, adding to the exploration and enjoyment.

Common complaints:
- Boring and repetitive gameplay (weight 0.33): The gameplay is described as boring, repetitive, and uninspired. Players find the enemies and combat mechanics dull, and the overall atmosphere lacks excitement.
- Numerous bugs and freezes (weight 0.25): The game is reported to have many bugs, including game-breaking ones and freezes that occur during gameplay and in menus.
- Poor combat mechanics (weight 0.21): The combat system is criticized for being clunky, frustrating, and poorly designed. Players find it unengaging and boring.
- Issues with Ink Demon (weight 0.2): The Ink Demon's mechanics are considered unfair, annoying, and unrealistic. Players also find the Ink Demon's behavior repetitive and less interesting compared to the first game.
- Annoying enemy mechanics (weight 0.2): Enemies are criticized for being annoying, hard to hit, and having issues with spawning and respawn mechanics.
- Save system issues (weight 0.19): The save system is criticized for being inconvenient, having few save slots, and having issues with save points and auto-save functionality.
- Annoying animations and puzzles (weight 0.16): The animations are described as annoying, unnecessary, and long. Puzzles are also criticized for being tedious and overly complex.
- Not as good as the first game (weight 0.15): Players find the game to be far worse than the first game, with many aspects not living up to the standards set by the previous installment.
- Poor optimization (weight 0.09): The game is reported to have poor optimization and technical issues, affecting the overall gameplay experience.
- Slow and boring start (weight 0.09): The first few chapters of the game are described as very boring, inactive, slow, and linear, making the initial gameplay experience unengaging.

Gameplay feedback:
- Story-driven and atmospheric gameplay (weight 0.3): The game features a rich, well-explained story with dynamic and atmospheric gameplay. Players appreciate the depth of the storyline and the puzzle-based mechanics that drive the narrative forward.
- Ink Demon and new mechanics (weight 0.26): The Ink Demon is a significant feature with various functions and sequences. The game introduces new mechanics, including crafting and improved gameplay elements that enhance the overall experience.
- Horror and survival elements (weight 0.22): The game incorporates atmospheric horror and psychological horror elements, creating a first-person survival horror experience. Players enjoy the blend of horror and survival mechanics.
- Boss fights and enemy encounters (weight 0.21): The game features engaging boss fights and varied enemy encounters. The design and behavior of enemies, as well as their spawning system, contribute to the game's challenge and excitement.
- Improved combat and stealth (weight 0.16): The combat system has seen significant improvements, including enhanced stealth mechanics. Players appreciate the refined combat and stealth-based survival elements.
- Enjoyable and complex puzzles (weight 0.13): Puzzles in the game are easy to understand and fun to solve, though some can be tricky. The complexity of the puzzles adds to the enjoyment and challenge of the gameplay.
- Difficulty levels and progression (weight 0.13): The game offers various difficulty levels, including an expert mode. The progression system and saving mechanisms are well-received by players.
- Character development and abilities (weight 0.12): Character development is a key aspect, with new powers and abilities for the protagonist. The interactions and appearances of characters add depth to the narrative.
- Comparison to Bioshock (weight 0.08): The game is often compared to Bioshock, with players noting similarities in atmosphere and plot. Some believe it offers better storytelling and gameplay compared to Bioshock.
- Open-world exploration (weight 0.06): The game features open-world exploration, allowing players to explore and interact with the environment. This semi-open world design adds to the game's depth and replayability.

Performance notes:
- Performance and optimization issues (weight 0.36): Players experience a range of performance issues, including lag, freezing, and FPS drops. These problems are noted across various hardware configurations, from low-end laptops to high-end PCs.
- Technical and bug-related problems (weight 0.19): The game is reported to have numerous technical issues, including bugs that hinder progression, unresponsiveness after death, and general bugginess. Some sections feel unplaytested.
- Mixed performance reviews (weight 0.18): While some players report smooth performance and good optimization, others experience significant technical issues. This inconsistency suggests varying experiences based on hardware and settings.
- Save system failures (weight 0.18): Multiple players report issues with the save system, including corrupted auto-saves, broken save files, and problems with loading saves. Some users also mention the save/load menu disappearing.
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.09): The game crashes often, particularly in certain areas or when there are too many save files. This significantly impacts the gameplay experience.
- Minor issues and typos (weight 0.05): There are reports of minor issues such as typos in subtitles and achievements not being awarded. These issues, while not game-breaking, can affect the overall experience.
- Decent PC requirements (weight 0.05): The game is noted to have decent PC requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of hardware configurations.
- Persistent technical issues (weight 0.03): Some players highlight that technical issues persist even years after release, suggesting ongoing problems with the game's technical state.
- Long loading times (weight 0.03): Players have noted long loading times for locations, which can disrupt the flow of the game.
- Mod fixes for lagging (weight 0.03): A mod called 'smooth bendy 2' is mentioned as a fix for lagging issues, indicating that some performance problems can be mitigated with community-created content.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for horror fans (weight 0.28): The game is highly recommended for fans of horror games, especially those who enjoy atmospheric horror and good narrative.
- Play original game first (weight 0.18): Many reviewers suggest playing the original Bendy and the Ink Machine before starting this game to better understand the story and appreciate the experience.
- Worth the time and purchase (weight 0.15): Many reviewers find the game worth their time and recommend purchasing it, some even suggest buying it at full price.
- Recommended for previous game fans (weight 0.14): If you enjoyed the previous game in the series, this game is recommended for you. It is suggested even for those who did not enjoy the first game.
- Recommended for specific fan groups (weight 0.1): The game is recommended for fans of cartoons, indie games, and specific games like Bioshock. It is also suggested for artists seeking inspiration.
- Positive feedback for the developers (weight 0.08): Reviewers congratulate Joey Drew Studios and encourage them to keep up the good work, indicating a positive reception of the game.
- High praise for the game (weight 0.05): Some reviewers consider the game a masterpiece and one of the best in its series, indicating very high satisfaction.
- Check settings first (weight 0.03): Beginners are advised to look at the settings first to optimize their gaming experience.
- Awaiting future games (weight 0.03): Reviewers express anticipation for future games from the developers, showing interest in the series' continuation.
- Recommended for puzzle fans (weight 0.02): The game is recommended for those who enjoy puzzle games and have a good PC.

Other player notes:
- Humorous ink endings praised (weight 0.04): Players found the ink endings on monsters to be particularly humorous, rating this aspect highly.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.2): Players are frustrated primarily due to a multitude of technical issues such as game crashes, freezes, and bugs that hinder progression. Additionally, gameplay mechanics like combat, puzzles, and enemy behavior are cited as clunky, repetitive, or poorly designed, leading to a disappointing and irritating experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.13): Players are excited about the game's improved graphics, engaging storyline, and new mechanics that enhance the overall gameplay experience. The immersive atmosphere, detailed environments, and exciting boss fights contribute to the anticipation and enjoyment of the game.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.13): Players enjoy the game's atmospheric gameplay, good story, and fun mechanics. The improved combat, interesting gameplay elements, and the exploration of the game world contribute to a positive and entertaining experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.1): Players feel disappointed due to the game not meeting expectations set by its predecessor, with criticisms directed at the weak story, boring gameplay, and various technical issues. The changes in the Ink Demon mechanics and storyline inconsistencies also contribute to this sentiment.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Players are satisfied with the improved graphics, expanded story, and overall gameplay improvements in the sequel. The game's quality, horror theme, and character development meet or exceed expectations, providing a fulfilling experience.
- Joy (weight 0.06): Players experience joy from the enjoyable gameplay, interesting storyline, and fun mechanics. The game's visuals, animation, and overall quality contribute to a highly positive and delightful experience.
- Fear (weight 0.05): Players feel fear due to the game's scary atmosphere, effective jump scares, and terrifying characters like the Ink Demon. The immersive and tense environment enhances the horror experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the game's improvements in graphics, atmosphere, and narrative depth. The development team's efforts in enhancing the game's quality and storyline are recognized and valued.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Players feel nostalgia from the references to the first game, detailed rooms, and character designs reminiscent of the original. The connection to the previous game and expanded lore evoke fond memories.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players love the game for its character designs, overall experience, and improvements over previous installments. The game's quality and enjoyable mechanics contribute to a strong affection for the series.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Players are confused by the combat system's difficulty, unclear plot, and vague task system. The ending and storyline also contribute to a sense of bewilderment.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire the game's beautiful graphics, good story, and improved character design. The artistic direction and overall enhancements in the sequel are highly regarded.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Players feel anger due to the game's numerous bugs, lagging issues, and frustrating gameplay mechanics. The overall negative experience and the game being unfinished and broken contribute to this sentiment.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Players experience boredom from the repetitive and tedious combat and stealth segments. The gameplay feels like a chore, leading to a lack of engagement.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Players feel anticipation for the continuation of the game series and future updates. The excitement about upcoming games and improvements fuels this sentiment.
- Positive (weight 0.01): Players have a positive experience with the game, enjoying its improvements and overall quality despite some flaws. The game is found to be worth the price and provides an enjoyable experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised by the positive changes from previous games and the unexpected endings. The game's twists and improvements contribute to a sense of astonishment.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Players are enthusiastic about the game's atmosphere, gameplay, visuals, and story. The high quality and interesting characters contribute to a strong recommendation and high rating.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Players are amused by unique gameplay mechanics and certain character designs. These elements add a touch of humor and enjoyment to the game.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Players feel gratitude towards the developers for their dedication and improvements in the game. The efforts and enhancements made by the development team are appreciated.}