Info about Weird West: Definitive Edition:

Official game description:
Discover a dark fantasy reimagining of the Wild West where lawmen and gunslingers share the frontier with fantastical creatures. Journey through the story of a group of atypical heroes, written into legend by the decisions you make in an unforgiving land. Each journey is unique and tailored to the actions taken - a series of high stakes adventures where everything counts and the world reacts to the choices you make. Form a posse or venture forth alone into an otherworldly confines of the Weird West and make each legend your own.  
**Weird West:** Dark Fantasy reimagining of the Wild West where lawmen and gunslingers share the frontier with fantastical creatures, each playing with their own rules and their own peculiar motives.  
**Intertwined Destinies:** Discover the world through origin stories of different characters, moving from one character's journey to the next until all converge in a final chapter.  
**Bespoke Experience:** Each playthrough is unique as the game tailors the story to the player's actions and past choices for an ideal dramatic arc.  
**Immersive Sim:** Weird West supports different styles of play in a simulated sandbox world where characters, factions, and even places react to a player's decisions.

Release date: Mar 31, 2022

Categories: Immersive Sim, Choice-based Narrative, Character Switching, Wild West Setting, Supernatural Elements, Non-linear Storytelling, Open-Ended Gameplay, Dynamic World

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 20; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game generally runs well on Steam Deck with some users reporting minor stability issues such as crashes and sound problems. Performance is considered acceptable, though some users prefer the experience on PC. Overall, the game is playable on Steam Deck with minor tweaks.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals a mixed experience with the game on Steam Deck. While some users reported stability issues such as crashes and bugs, others faced compatibility problems, finding the game not playable or better suited for PC. However, there were also positive experiences, with users noting that the game runs well on Steam Deck with some setting tweaks. The overall experience seems to require some tinkering to achieve optimal performance.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: The majority of the reviews suggest that the game is worth purchasing when it is on sale, implying that the current base price of $40 is considered too high by many users. Several reviews explicitly state that $40 is too much, while others indicate that the game is a great value at a lower price point. This sentiment suggests that a fair price range would be below $40, likely in the $20-$30 range, where users feel they are getting good value for their money.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 30.0h
  - Story completion: 20.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 16.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides multiple direct references to playtime metrics. The first quote suggests a typical playthrough lasts between 20-30 hours, which aligns with the game completion and story completion metrics. The second quote indicates a longer playthrough of 46 hours, which includes secondary activities, supporting the endgame metric. The third quote mentions a 20-hour playtime focused on the main story, reinforcing the story completion metric. The fourth quote provides a total playtime of 45 hours, which supports the game completion metric.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game is initially fun due to its unique characters and varied abilities, but it becomes repetitive and tedious after a few hours. The fun drops as the repetitive gameplay loop becomes more apparent.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Character switch
  - Time to anchor: 3h 0m
  - Friction: Repetitive gameplay loop; Tedious progression; Lack of meaningful choices; Repetitive maps and encounters
  - Unlock drivers: Unique character abilities; Switching between characters
  - Conditions: Playing as different characters; Engaging in side quests; Exploring the map
- Player Archetypes:
  - Immersive Sim Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoys the depth and freedom of immersive sims and classic RPGs.
    - Playstyle: Explores different playstyles and appreciates the game's mechanics and comparisons to other immersive sims.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Immersive Sim Fan; RPG Veteran
    - Reference games: Fallout; Wasteland 2; Prey; Dishonored
  - Story-Driven Chooser (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoys narrative-driven games with meaningful choices.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on the main storyline and appreciates impactful choices and a reactive world.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Story Lover; Choice Maker
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Value-Conscious Gamer (sale)
    - Motivation: Seeks good value for money and enjoys the game but is price-sensitive.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys the game but prefers to buy it at a discounted price.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: Bargain Hunter
    - Reference games: N/A


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:
- Interesting and unique setting (weight 0.38): The game is set in an intriguing world with a unique blend of supernatural elements and a dark Wild West environment. This setting is often described as interesting, weird, and full of cool ideas.
- Enjoyable and unique gameplay (weight 0.35): Players find the gameplay enjoyable and unique, with engaging combat and a pleasant overall experience. The game offers a refreshing and unique blend of gameplay styles.
- Strong story and aesthetic (weight 0.31): The game offers a compelling storyline with an engaging narrative and excellent writing. It is complemented by a good art style, theme, and atmospheric rendering.
- Player choices impact the game world (weight 0.29): The game features a dynamic world that reacts to player actions, offering significant consequences and freedom of choice. Players can shape the game world through their decisions, leading to unique story and world changes.
- Outstanding art and music (weight 0.22): The game is praised for its beautiful art direction and amazing art style. The music and art are described as attractive and good, contributing to the overall aesthetic.
- Player freedom and interactivity (weight 0.21): Players have a high degree of freedom and control in the game, with many mechanics and interactions with the world. The game features detailed interactions with NPCs and the environment.
- Unique character abilities (weight 0.2): The game offers unique abilities for different characters, with an ability system that is character-specific. This adds to the variety and depth of gameplay.
- Good overall game experience (weight 0.18): The game is generally well-received, with players describing it as a great, fun, and well-crafted experience. It offers interesting gameplay and is considered a solid game overall.
- Ambitious game design (weight 0.1): The game is praised for its ambitious and imaginative design, daring to be ambitious in its project scope and game design.

Common complaints:
- Repetitive gameplay elements (weight 0.56): The game is criticized for its repetitive missions, encounters, side quests, and exploration. This repetitiveness extends to maps, town designs, and overall gameplay.
- Uninteresting and shallow story (weight 0.55): The story is often described as uninteresting, boring, and lacking depth. It is also criticized for being fragmented, predictable, and forgettable, with a disappointing ending.
- Poor combat mechanics (weight 0.38): Combat mechanics are criticized for being poorly designed, clunky, and awkward. The combat system is often described as bad, restrictive, and not well-executed.
- Buggy and unfinished gameplay (weight 0.29): The game is described as quite buggy, with occasional and game-breaking bugs. It is also criticized for feeling unfinished and having shaky gameplay.
- Lack of voice acting and content (weight 0.24): The game suffers from a lack of voice acting in dialogues and story scenes, as well as a lack of new content, mechanics, and variety in music.
- Poor stealth mechanics (weight 0.19): Stealth mechanics are criticized for being poorly designed, flawed, and not fun. They are often described as broken and not particularly enjoyable.
- Poor companion AI (weight 0.14): The AI of companions is criticized for being abysmal, suicidal, and poorly behaved. Companions are often described as dumb and uncontrollable.
- Inventory management issues (weight 0.13): Inventory management is criticized for being cumbersome, annoying, and tedious. It is often described as poorly implemented and inconvenient.
- Game balance issues (weight 0.12): The game is criticized for having balance issues, with enemies being too strong and having too much health. This makes combat difficult and frustrating.

Gameplay feedback:
- Story-driven and non-linear gameplay (weight 0.3): The game features a complex storyline with multiple story paths and character switching. It includes RPG elements and dynamic storytelling, allowing players to experience different narratives and decisions that carry over between playthroughs.
- Wild West setting with supernatural elements (weight 0.25): The game is set in a dark version of the Wild West, incorporating mystical and supernatural elements. It blends western themes with fantasy and horror, creating a unique environment.
- Interactive and dynamic environment (weight 0.18): The game offers extensive environmental interactions, allowing players to use creative solutions for combat and puzzles. The world is highly interactive, with destructible objects and various elements like water, fire, and toxins.
- Immersive sim elements (weight 0.15): The game incorporates immersive sim elements, blending RPG mechanics with a top-down view. It focuses on creating a deep and engaging simulation experience.
- Open-ended gameplay with multiple approaches (weight 0.15): The game offers open-ended gameplay with multiple approaches to solving problems and completing objectives. Players have the freedom to make decisions and approach challenges in various ways.
- Meaningful choices and consequences (weight 0.11): The game emphasizes choices that matter, with moral decisions and consequences that affect the game world and story. Players' choices have a significant impact on the narrative.
- AI behavior and mechanics (weight 0.1): The game features allied and companion AI mechanics, with average AI behavior during combat. The AI interactions are an integral part of the gameplay experience.
- Moderate difficulty and content (weight 0.09): The game is designed with moderate difficulty and content quality. It offers a balanced experience with moderate replay value and a max difficulty setting.

Performance notes:
- Performance and optimization issues (weight 0.18): Players have reported various performance issues, including stuttering, frame drops, and poor optimization, which impact the game's playability on different systems.
- Excessive and severe bugs (weight 0.16): The game is reported to have numerous bugs, ranging from severe issues to minor glitches, affecting the overall gameplay experience.
- Graphics and frame rate problems (weight 0.11): Players have experienced issues with graphics quality and maintaining a stable frame rate, particularly at higher graphics settings.
- Mixed Steam Deck performance (weight 0.07): The game's performance on Steam Deck is mixed, with some players reporting it runs well while others find it unplayable.
- NPC and enemy behavior issues (weight 0.07): There are reports of NPC behavior scripting hiccups, enemies respawn in odd locations, and enemies changing movement patterns unexpectedly.
- Quest and gameplay mechanics issues (weight 0.05): Players have encountered issues with quest pointers and various gameplay mechanics, including bodies vanishing into walls.
- Performance enhancements noted (weight 0.04): Some players have reported performance enhancements in the Definitive Edition, indicating improvements in certain areas.
- Request for DLSS support (weight 0.03): Players have expressed a desire for the development team to add DLSS support to improve performance and graphics quality.
- Limited field of view (weight 0.03): The game has been criticized for having a limited field of view, which can affect the player's ability to navigate and enjoy the game.

Recommendations:
- Worth buying on sale (weight 0.16): Many reviewers suggest that the game is worth purchasing when it is on sale. This indicates that while the game is valued, it may not be worth the full price for some players.
- Recommended for fans of specific genres (weight 0.16): The game is recommended for fans of certain genres, including Western themes, fantasy settings, immersive sims, and ARPGs. It is also suggested for fans of Arkane games and Prey.
- Recommended for narrative-driven players (weight 0.15): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy narrative-driven games with meaningful choices and a detailed world. It is praised for its story, side stories, and unique setting.
- Mixed recommendations with reservations (weight 0.13): Reviewers have mixed feelings about recommending the game. While some recommend it despite its flaws, others do not recommend it at its current price point due to various issues.
- Good value at certain price points (weight 0.13): The game is considered a good deal at specific price points, such as under 15€ or at $40 if issues are patched, indicating that price is a significant factor in its recommendation.
- Mods enhance gameplay (weight 0.09): Various mods are recommended to enhance the gameplay experience, such as a first-person FOV mod, NPC following control mod, and infinite item stack mod.
- Use first-person mod (weight 0.07): Fans of the game recommend trying it with a first-person camera mod for an enhanced experience. This mod is noted to improve the gameplay significantly.
- Available on Game Pass (weight 0.05): Reviewers suggest getting the game for free on Game Pass if possible, indicating that it is a good value for subscribers of the service.
- Essential for story-rich RPG fans (weight 0.03): The game is considered an essential title for fans of story-rich, choice-driven RPGs, emphasizing its strong narrative and player agency.
- Relaxing story game (weight 0.03): The game is described as a fun and relaxing experience with a nice story, making it suitable for players looking for a more laid-back gaming experience.
- Avoid Very Hard difficulty (weight 0.03): It is recommended not to play the game on Very Hard difficulty, suggesting that it may be too challenging or not enjoyable.
- Hope for a sequel (weight 0.03): Reviewers express hope for a more fleshed-out sequel, indicating that while the current game is good, there is room for improvement and expansion.
- Save constantly (weight 0.03): Players are advised to save their progress constantly, indicating that the game may have challenging sections or potential issues that could require reloading.

Other player notes:
- Political Easter egg criticism (weight 0.02): Some players criticized the game for including a perceived political Easter egg involving pig-people living in swamps, which they interpreted as a representation of Russians. This feedback suggests that the political commentary was seen as inappropriate or offensive.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.23): Players found the game disappointing due to a variety of reasons including repetitive gameplay, lack of depth in combat mechanics, and uninteresting storyline. Additionally, issues such as poor translation quality, outdated graphics, and excessive save game mechanics contributed to the overall disappointment.
- Frustration (weight 0.2): Players experienced frustration primarily due to performance issues, awkward controls, and repetitive gameplay. Inventory management problems, AI behavior, and various bugs also significantly contributed to the frustration.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.19): Players enjoyed the game for its unique setting, interesting combat, and engaging storyline. The blend of different genres, such as immersive sim elements and twin-stick shooter gameplay, along with the game's atmosphere and lore, were highlighted as particularly enjoyable aspects.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.09): Players felt satisfied with the game due to its engaging main plot, unique art style, and good value for the price. The freedom to make impactful choices and the variety of gameplay mechanics also contributed to their satisfaction.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Players were excited about the game's unique abilities, character transformations, and the innovative mix of immersive sim and CRPG genres. The variety of gameplay methods and the impact of player choices also generated excitement.
- Frustrated (weight 0.02): Players felt frustrated due to repetitive environments, control issues, and problematic mechanics. Inventory management and excessive bugs were also significant sources of frustration.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Players experienced joy from the game's interesting and obscure storyline, enjoyable gameplay, and unique blend of genres. The atmospheric and beautifully rendered gameplay also contributed to their joy.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Players felt bored due to the repetitive nature of tasks, areas, and combat. The lack of meaningful upgrades and the repetitive nature of encounters contributed to this boredom.
- Positive (weight 0.02): Players had positive feelings due to the game's unique interactions, engaging story, and detailed design. The game's style, story, and atmosphere were particularly appreciated.
- Excited (weight 0.01): Players were excited about the game's engaging story, unique setting, and the prospect of future replays. The fun and unique gameplay also generated excitement.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players were surprised by the depth of the story and characters, as well as unexpected gameplay mechanics. The game's quality exceeding initial expectations was also a source of surprise.
- Hopeful (weight 0.01): Players felt hopeful about the potential for improvements and future developments. They hoped for better features in future games and updates.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciated the game's positive aspects, including its mechanics and stylish visuals. The freedom to make choices and impact the story was also appreciated.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Players had hope for the developer's future projects and potential improvements through patches or expansions. They were optimistic about the studio's next game.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Players were enthusiastic about the game's interactive and immersive elements, as well as its theme and story. The unique blend of gameplay styles and engaging story also generated enthusiasm.
- Disappointed (weight 0.01): Players felt disappointed due to clunky combat, repetitive gameplay, and lack of depth in combat mechanics. The balance of weapons and skill trees was also criticized.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Players were engaged by the game's interesting story, unique setting, and detailed world. The freedom of choice and engaging gameplay contributed to their engagement.
- Engaged (weight 0.01): Players were engaged by the game's interesting story, unique setting, and freedom of choice. The detailed world and engaging gameplay also contributed to their engagement.}