Info about Klang 2:

Official game description:
  
Klang 2 is a psychedelic rhythm-action game, blindly pursuing full immersion with dance music through high-speed combat. Conduct electronic symphonies with your lightning powers, wield magical tuneblades, and achieve a euphoric state of trance through skillful play.  
The player's abilities to fight and defeat enemies are divided into three categories: Strikes, dashes and holds. Strikes are the most common and will let you fast-attack the enemy with flashy fireballs. The dash makes you dodge and counter enemy attacks. The hold makes you deal enough lightning damage to shame even the greatest gods of mythology.  
Klang 2s not only the ideal introduction to the Klang universe, but all things rhythm-action!  
**Key features:**  
\- 30 levels of intense EDM-Action. Playable at both normal and fast speed for extra challenge.  
\- Semi-procedural combat system ensuring the same track never plays exactly the same.  
\- Several boss types gradually changing the rules of engagement.  
\- Music by the legendary composer bLiNd, and other talented artists such as James Landino, Arcien, Nhato, Steven Silo, City Girl, cYsmix and more!  
\- Techno-greek aesthetic is inspired by synthwave, musical symbolism and greek sculpture.  
\- Playable with numerous control inputs such as: Mouse, gamepad, drawing tablet and touch.

Release date: Oct 20, 2021

Categories: Rhythm Game, Action, Fast-paced Combat, Precision-focused Gameplay, Procedural Generation, Single-player Story, Boss Fights


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 11.1h
  - Story completion: 4.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 20.0h
  - Reasoning: Story completion is supported by two estimates: '3-5 hrs' (4 hours midpoint) and '2-4 hour first playthrough' (3 hours), yielding a consistent ~4 hours. Game completion (all S ranks) is directly reported as 11.1 hours by one player. Endgame (mastery, all achievements) is estimated at '15-20+ hrs', supporting a 20-hour benchmark. No reliable typical session length was reported; the single 2-hour session mention is anecdotal and not representative.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Klang 2 is immediately fun and addictive from the very first play session.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: N/A
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: N/A
- Player Archetypes:
  - Casual Story-Driven Player (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoy the rhythm game casually, engage with the story, and achieve a satisfying S rating without needing high difficulty or mastery.
    - Playstyle: Plays with a relaxed approach, likely using mouse controls, progresses through the story at a comfortable pace, and values the demo for pre-purchase decisions. Satisfied with achieving an S rating without requiring mastery.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: most casual rhythm game player
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Veteran Rhythm Game Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Master the game's mechanics, seek challenging gameplay, and evaluate the game relative to other rhythm games like osu.
    - Playstyle: Prefers mouse controls for accuracy, aims to master the game, appreciates flexible mapping, and engages with the game as a rhythm game library addition. Compares the game to established titles like osu.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: osu


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:
- Music is exceptional (weight 0.81): The soundtrack received high praise, with many calling the tracks bangers and the music a masterpiece. Varied EDM genres, including Progressive Psy Trance and vocal tracks, were highlighted.
- Story is engaging (weight 0.61): The narrative was generally well-received, described as interesting, enjoyable, and a real trip. The story's structure, jumping between timelines, and fascinating lore keep players curious.
- Simple yet addictive gameplay (weight 0.57): Reviewers found the gameplay easy to pick up but deeply engaging, with a simple 3-note system (click, swipe, hold) that becomes addictive. The loop is described as incredibly addicting.
- Visuals are stunning (weight 0.47): Players consistently lauded the game's visuals, describing them as wonderful, stylish, and top tier. The blend of CG and 2D art with a cyber techno vibe was particularly noted.
- Polished and bug-free (weight 0.45): Players noted the game's high level of polish, with no bugs or glitches encountered after release. Timing inputs were consistently accurate, even on fast modes.
- Top-tier rhythm game experience (weight 0.43): Many reviewers praised the game as one of the best in the rhythm genre, highlighting its tight gameplay, sleek aesthetic, and high polish. It is established as a comfort game for rhythm enthusiasts.
- Unique and enjoyable experience (weight 0.41): The game stands out as a unique addition to the rhythm genre, offering an original and exciting action experience. Its unusual story and flexible mapping differentiate it from others.
- Solid control options (weight 0.38): Support for mouse, keyboard, and controller, along with multiple control schemes, was appreciated. The mouse-only scheme was noted as satisfying, and controls are responsive.
- Great audio-visual design (weight 0.34): The game's audio-visual design is slick and stylish, with pleasing visuals and clear button visualization. The aesthetic and sound work together to enhance the experience.
- Great value and content (weight 0.32): The game offers a good length with plenty of songs, providing more than enough content to justify the price. It never overstays its welcome, and the track list is fantastic.
- Challenging yet accessible difficulty (weight 0.27): The difficulty progresses smoothly, starting easy and increasing, but levels are not overly hard unless aiming for S rank. This makes the game accessible to a broad audience.
- Variety in gameplay mechanics (weight 0.25): The gameplay includes varied micro-mechanics and unique twists, such as precise timing within a single frame and special track events. This keeps the experience fresh and engaging.
- Improved over predecessor (weight 0.25): Players noted improvements over the first game, including better controls, more polished systems, and clearer story. The game is more playable for lenient players.
- Good for EDM fans (weight 0.21): The game features a strong selection of EDM tracks, making it a rare and welcome title for fans of the genre. The music selection is awesome, with various styles and genres.
- Customization and options (weight 0.21): Lots of customization options exist for an easier experience, control options, and the ability to bypass story elements. This flexibility enhances accessibility and replayability.
- Bosses add personality (weight 0.14): Bosses contribute unique style and personality to the gameplay, with animated fights that are visually striking. They add depth and variety to the rhythm action.
- Soundtrack sync is flawless (weight 0.14): Gameplay is perfectly synced to the music, a major improvement over the first game. Inputs remain consistent even on fast mode, enhancing the rhythmic experience.
- Potential for user-generated content (weight 0.08): The game has potential for user-created levels, which could extend its longevity and community engagement. This is an exciting prospect for the future.

Common complaints:
- Chaotic and overwhelming visuals (weight 0.45): The visual effects are often overwhelming, causing dizziness, motion sickness, eye strain, and making it difficult to follow the rhythm or see important cues. This feedback appears in Clusters 25, 26, 28, 31, 36, 37, and 43.
- Unsatisfying rhythm and sync (weight 0.4): Players find the rhythm in some levels unsatisfying or poorly synchronized with the music, with occasional pace changes and hard-to-follow beats. This is highlighted in Clusters 2, 3, 6, 7, and 40.
- Game is too short (weight 0.36): Players report the game is short, with a first playthrough lasting only 2-4 hours, and the overall content feels insufficient. This was mentioned in Cluster 1 and Cluster 17, with additional comments about limited songs (Clusters 18 and 45).
- Missing platforming elements (weight 0.36): Several reviewers note that the game removes or lacks the platforming aspects from Klang 1, making it less unique and more like a typical rhythm game. This was expressed in Clusters 5, 16, 22, 24, and 41.
- Confusing story and hub (weight 0.34): Players find the story cryptic and hard to follow, especially without playing the first game, and the hub organization with separate story and training tracks is confusing. This is expressed in Clusters 9, 15, 27, 32, and 35.
- Mediocre track quality (weight 0.23): Reviewers feel that only a handful of tracks are top-notch, while the rest are mediocre or unappealing, with some not fitting the aesthetic, especially vocal tracks. This was noted in Clusters 4, 10, and 19.
- Game is not unique (weight 0.22): Without platforming, the game feels more normal and less unique, lacking the hectic feel of the original. This is supported by Clusters 22, 39, and 41.
- Boss #6 difficulty spike (weight 0.16): Several reviewers mention that Boss #6 (Joker) is extremely difficult due to weird beats and a cluttered screen, requiring many retries and only passing with a low score. This is detailed in Clusters 29 and 30.
- Multi-monitor mouse issue (weight 0.15): The mouse cannot be locked to the game screen, so it goes outside the window even in fullscreen with multiple monitors, which is annoying and disrupts gameplay. This is mentioned in Clusters 21 and 34.
- Physical discomfort from play (weight 0.14): Some players experience hand pain or motion sickness from playing, which is a health concern. This is mentioned in Clusters 12 and 28.
- Sound effects lack impact (weight 0.09): Hitting notes feels very quiet and unsatisfying, as the sound effects are not impactful even when the SFX volume is raised. This is noted in Cluster 20.
- Fast Mode lacks replayability (weight 0.08): Fast Mode only increases speed without adding enough variety to pull players back, making it less appealing. This is mentioned in Cluster 42.
- Interruptions in no-story mode (weight 0.08): Cutscenes and interruptions still appear even when the no-story mode is selected, disrupting flow. This is noted in Cluster 8.
- Unpleasant content without warnings (weight 0.08): The game presents creepy images without content warnings or age rating, which can be disturbing. This is mentioned in Cluster 11.
- Low awareness of game (weight 0.08): The game has a low number of reviews (39 at time of writing), indicating low awareness or marketing. This is noted in Cluster 13.
- Distracting attack prompts (weight 0.08): Large attack prompts distract from viewing Klang's attacks and animations, reducing focus. This is mentioned in Cluster 14.
- Music style not preferred (weight 0.08): The heavy metal and disco music style is not preferred by some reviewers, impacting their enjoyment. This is noted in Cluster 38.

Gameplay feedback:
- Rhythm action game core (weight 0.89): The game is primarily a rhythm/action game, mixing combat with note charts and requiring fast reactions. Multiple reviews emphasize its musical foundation and unique beat-driven gameplay.
- Osu-like gameplay with twist (weight 0.47): Players compare it to Osu! but note a unique twist, with click-based mechanics and quick time events. It offers similar gameplay but with added flexibility and variation.
- Simple mouse controls (weight 0.45): Controls are simple and mouse-based, including click, slide, and hold actions. This accessibility makes the game easy to pick up while still providing depth.
- Boss battles with ranking (weight 0.28): Boss battles appear in tracks, and players are ranked (e.g., S rank achievable). Bosses add unique challenges and are unlocked via ratings.
- Music and combat synergy (weight 0.28): Music and combat are intertwined, with targets appearing to the beat. The gameplay emphasizes rhythm-based precision and efficient movement.
- Control scheme flexibility (weight 0.27): Game supports mouse, keyboard, and controller, with options like key binding and assist lock. However, different control schemes can significantly change the experience.
- Varied note input types (weight 0.24): Notes come in different shapes and colors, representing taps, holds, and swipes. These mechanics add variety and require different actions for precise execution.
- No platforming variant (weight 0.23): Unlike predecessor, this game removes platforming elements, focusing solely on stationary rhythm combat. It feels more like Osu! and lacks the hybrid rhythm-platforming style.
- 30 tracks and levels (weight 0.22): The game offers 30 tracks and levels, providing a substantial amount of content for players to enjoy. This is a common detail mentioned in reviews.
- Story can be disabled (weight 0.22): The game includes story elements that can be turned off in options, allowing players to focus purely on gameplay. This is appreciated by those who prefer gameplay over narrative.
- Fast mode increases difficulty (weight 0.22): A fast mode plays songs at 150% speed, introducing tighter timings and faster-approaching notes. This offers an extra challenge after clearing normal difficulty.
- Arcade mode progression (weight 0.21): Players select tracks in an arcade mode unlocked as they progress. Progression involves earning points and facing bosses, with maps unlocked via stars.
- Precision-focused gameplay (weight 0.21): The gameplay relies on precise timing and efficient cursor movement, rewarding accuracy. It's beatable with decent hand-eye coordination and offers judgment for timing.
- Mechanics variety and freshness (weight 0.21): Micro-mechanics and new elements are introduced throughout the game to keep gameplay fresh. This includes various input types and speed options.
- Animated fights and encounters (weight 0.19): Gameplay includes animated fights, and players dodge or parry attacks. Opponents have styles that affect note placement.
- Random target spawns (weight 0.14): Targets and markers spawn in random positions, reducing memorization and requiring quick reactions. This adds variability and challenge.
- Solo development and production (weight 0.14): The game was developed by one person over many years, and the soundtrack benefited from numerous producers. This adds context to the game's quality and scale.
- Procedural generation for maps (weight 0.09): Maps use procedural generation to reduce memorization, providing a unique experience each time. This encourages adaptability rather than rote learning.
- Training and campaign modes (weight 0.08): Game includes quick mode for training and campaign mode for story, catering to different playstyles. This adds versatility to the experience.
- Rhythm affects scoring (weight 0.08): Rhythm timing is important for high scores but not necessary for basic completion. This makes the game accessible while rewarding skilled play.

Performance notes:
- Multi-monitor mouse escape issue (weight 0.1): Players with multiple monitors report that the mouse cursor can move outside the game window, even when the game is in fullscreen mode. This disrupts gameplay immersion and can cause accidental clicks on other applications.
- Latency adjustment feature praised (weight 0.1): The game includes a latency adjustment setting that allows players to fine-tune input response. Users appreciate this feature as it helps optimize gameplay based on their hardware and preferences.
- Smooth performance on AMD (weight 0.1): A player reports flawless performance at 1440p with a 144Hz refresh rate on an all-AMD system. This indicates good optimization for AMD hardware, which can be a major selling point for that user base.
- Audio latency is accurate (weight 0.09): One user notes that the audio latency matches expected values, enhancing the overall audio-visual synchronization. This is crucial for rhythm games or any gameplay where timing is key.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for rhythm game fans (weight 0.67): Multiple clusters strongly recommend this game to rhythm game enthusiasts, highlighting its unique and well-crafted design. It is considered a valuable entry into the genre.
- Worth time and money (weight 0.36): The game is described as worth its price and a smart investment, especially at the current asking price. Reviewers express high satisfaction and recommend it without hesitation.
- Try the demo first (weight 0.35): Several reviewers suggest trying the demo before purchasing, as it provides a good sense of the gameplay. The demo includes a tutorial that helps with initial confusion.
- Appeals to varied skill levels (weight 0.17): The game can be enjoyed by players of different skill levels, making it accessible to both newcomers and veterans. It also serves as a good entry point for mouse tracking skills, especially for those unfamiliar with OSU.
- Great for EDM music lovers (weight 0.16): The game is recommended for fans of energetic EDM music, suggesting the soundtrack is a major draw. However, one reviewer wishes for more Progressive Psy Trance tracks.
- Purchase if demo intrigues (weight 0.1): Reviewers suggest buying the game if the demo or trailers capture your interest. The gameplay shown is representative of the full experience.
- Patience with first track (weight 0.09): The first track can be confusing initially, and reviewers advise not to get frustrated on early plays. Persistence likely leads to a better experience.
- Not for ACT rhythm expectations (weight 0.09): Players expecting an ACT-style rhythm game like the previous entry may be disappointed. The game likely differs in gameplay mechanics, so manage expectations.
- Use mouse for easier play (weight 0.08): One reviewer suggests using the mouse instead of a controller if the game feels too easy at the start. This tip may help players adjust difficulty to their preference.
- Team should not make more (weight 0.08): One reviewer does not recommend the team produce more rhythm games, indicating a negative experience. This is a minority opinion compared to overall positive feedback.

Other player notes:
- Similar to Osu! with twist (weight 0.36): Multiple reviewers compare Klang 2 to Osu!, noting similarities but with a unique twist or quick time events. One reviewer suggests that osu experts should test the game, indicating it may appeal to rhythm game veterans.
- Short but appropriate length (weight 0.35): The game is short, with the main campaign lasting about 3-5 hours, and full completion including achievements taking 15-20+ hours. One reviewer completed everything in 11.1 hours, and the song count is enough to justify the price.
- No need to play predecessor (weight 0.35): Multiple reviewers state that it is not necessary to play Klang 1 first, as Klang 2 can be played independently and its gameplay is different. However, one notes that the story makes more sense if you've played the first game, and there are spoilers for it.
- Removed platforming for polish (weight 0.31): The game removed platforming elements from its predecessor to focus solely on rhythm gameplay, resulting in a more polished experience. Reviewers note that while Klang 1 was action-oriented, Klang 2 is a razor-focused rhythm game.
- Long development wait worth it (weight 0.24): The game took over two years to release since its introduction, but reviewers felt the wait was very worth it. The extended development time likely contributed to the game's polish and quality.
- Demo recommended before purchase (weight 0.17): Reviewers recommend trying the demo before purchasing, as it includes a tutorial and the lowest difficulty songs from the full game. This allows players to gauge if the game suits their preferences.
- Supports multiple input methods (weight 0.17): The game supports keyboard and controller, and mouse-based note hitting feels like FPS aim tracking, which adds variety for players. This flexibility is appreciated by reviewers.
- DLC structure for additional music (weight 0.15): The game is sold with a DLC structure for additional music, which could be a point of interest for players wanting more content. One reviewer wishes for an arcade expansion DLC.
- Gameplay synced to music (weight 0.1): Improvements over the first game include gameplay synced to the music, which is a key feature for rhythm game fans. This enhances the immersive experience and makes the game more engaging.
- Unique neon Greek setting (weight 0.1): The game is set in a neon-lit ancient Greek society where music is all-powerful, providing a distinctive aesthetic and atmosphere. This setting is a highlight for reviewers and sets the game apart from other rhythm games.
- Chinese localization quality (weight 0.1): The game provides Chinese localization that is not machine translated, which is a positive point for Chinese-speaking players. This attention to localization quality is notable.
- Customization options for controls and story (weight 0.1): Players can customize control options and bypass the story, which is useful for those who prefer to focus on gameplay. This flexibility is appreciated.
- Story steep learning curve (weight 0.1): The game throws players straight in with little explanation, which could be challenging for newcomers. However, this is a design choice that may appeal to experienced players.
- Few reviews indicate low attention (weight 0.09): With only 39 reviews, the game currently has low attention, which might deter some players. However, this could also mean it's an underrated gem.
- Beta testing ensured fewer bugs (weight 0.09): Beta testing showed fewer bugs than the predecessor, indicating a more polished release. This is a positive note for the game's stability.
- Solo developer project (weight 0.09): The game was developed by a solo developer, which is impressive given the quality. This might also explain the niche focus and dedication to the rhythm genre.
- Japanese language support available (weight 0.08): The game supports Japanese, expanding its accessibility to Japanese-speaking players. This is a minor but positive feature.
- Motion sickness concerns (weight 0.08): One reviewer suggests reworking animation and camera movement to prevent motion sickness, indicating potential discomfort for some players. This is a specific feedback point.
- Similar to Cytus 2 and Beat Saber (weight 0.08): The game is compared to Cytus 2 and Beat Saber, placing it in the broader context of rhythm games. This comparison highlights its appeal to rhythm game enthusiasts.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.2): Players consistently praised the unique rhythm gameplay, high-energy EDM and Progressive Psy Trance tracks, and the striking visual style. The combination of responsive controls, smooth combat, and an engaging story made the game fun and addictive, resulting in lengthy play sessions and a sense of psychedelic chaos.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.1): Satisfaction stems primarily from achieving S ranks and mastering the mouse-only controls, which offer a direct and responsive gameplay loop. Players also appreciated the polished, bug-free experience and felt the game was a clear improvement over its predecessor, addressing prior complaints.
- Disappointment (weight 0.09): The main disappointment is the removal of the platforming elements from the first game, which were not refined but instead ditched. Additionally, some players found later tracks rhythmless or unappealing, and the Fast Mode failed to add meaningful variety.
- Frustration (weight 0.08): Frustration arises from poor synchronization and rhythm changes, weak sound effects, and visual clutter that distracts from gameplay. The chaotic effects and overwhelming prompts, especially during Boss #6 - Joker, make it easy to lose rhythm, and the fast speed adds to the difficulty.
- Excitement (weight 0.08): Excitement is fueled by the fast, fluid combat and a soundtrack full of bangers. Players were thrilled that the game met long-term expectations and found the improved controls and overall fun factor immensely satisfying.
- Confusion (weight 0.05): The narrative is cryptic and hard to follow, especially without playing the first game, and the encyclopedia doesn't help piece the story together. The hub organization also adds to the confusion, leaving players struggling to understand the overarching plot.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Players appreciate the game for being a top representative of the rhythm genre, with impeccable timing and a consistent soundtrack. The unique gameplay design and attention to electronic music intricacies demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship.
- Love (weight 0.03): Players love the game for its simple yet deep mechanics and excellent track selection, complemented by impressive graphics and detailed levels. The demo's insane difficulty mode also contributed to a strong affection for the game.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance is caused by tracks with vocals that clash with the game's aesthetic, as well as technical issues like the mouse cursor moving to other screens. Some players also found the story elements increasingly irritating over time.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is driven by the game's absolute banger soundtrack, responsive controls, and challenging yet interesting mechanics. The combination of cool songs and innovative gameplay keeps players highly engaged.
- Discomfort (weight 0.02): Physical discomfort is a notable issue, with players experiencing hand pain from intense play sessions and motion sickness triggered by the game's visuals and movement.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Nostalgia is felt by players who miss the platforming elements and the hectic feel of the original Klang game, which were not carried into this sequel.
- Liking (weight 0.01): Players expressed a strong liking for the game, describing it as one of the best rhythm games they have ever played.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Players are anticipating trying the game with a controller soon, suggesting that the gameplay variety offers enough incentive to experiment with different control schemes.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is driven by the fascinating narrative structure that jumps between timelines, keeping players interested in the story and invested in the game's world.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Players dislike the intrusive cutscenes that appear despite selecting the no-story mode, as they interrupt the gameplay experience that players wanted to focus on.
- Shock (weight 0.01): Shock is a response to creepy images that appear without warnings or an age rating, catching players off guard and causing alarm.
- Concern (weight 0.01): Concern arises from the game's low visibility due to few reviews, leading players to worry that it may be overlooked despite its quality.
- Urgency (weight 0.01): A sense of urgency is felt regarding the desire for more music content via DLC, indicating that players want more tracks to extend the game's longevity.
- Endorsement (weight 0.01): Players are endorsing the game as a great addition to their rhythm game library, recommending it to others based on its strong qualities.}