Info about Eastern Exorcist:

Official game description:
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About the Game
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Eastern Exorcist is a stunning 2D side-scrolling action RPG set in a fictitious eastern world with the infestation of vicious demon monsters. Play as a skilled exorcist against chaotic evil to fight your way through the brutal world, and experience unforeseen entanglements of complex beings.
Art Direction
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All hand-drawn Chinese ink painting style, with many atmospheric scenes.
Combat System
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Use your sword to execute demons and monsters with tactical combat mechanics in hand-drawn frame-by-frame action design.
Storyline
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Experience a complicated journey with joy and sorrow as an exorcist.
Cutscenes
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Cutscenes are shown in the form of Chinese Opera.

Release date: Jul 7, 2021

Categories: 2D Side-scrolling, Action RPG, Souls-like Combat Mechanics, Parry-based Combat, Chinese Mythology Theme, Multiple Protagonists, Skill Tree Progression, Hand-drawn Art

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 40; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The audit found few Steam Deck-specific reports. The main technical issue is a cutscene playback failure when the Deck is locked to 45 FPS; changing the frame limit to 60 resolves it. A Linux user reported flawless out-of-box compatibility aside from one movie codec swap, and another user noted no obvious frame drops. Remaining feedback concerns gameplay controls, tutorials, and combat repetition rather than Deck compatibility. Because the game is playable but requires a manual frame-limit workaround, friction falls in the tinkering range.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $2.99 - $4.99
  - Reasoning: The community sentiment strongly rejects the current $18 base price and even treats $5 as too expensive for the game's quality. The Turkish review explicitly says a 75-80% discount off $18 would be needed, implying a fair price near $3.60-$4.50. Chinese reviews support this by calling a 50% discount only average value, while describing ten-yuan or few-yuan purchases as high value. Together, these indicate a fair base-game price range roughly between $3 and $5, with the upper end still controversial.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 17.5h
  - Story completion: 6.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 1.8h
  - Reasoning: The 15-20 hour both-character report and the 17-hour finish support an overall game completion estimate of about 17.5 hours. Separate campaign length is repeatedly stated as about 6 hours per character, so story completion is set to 6.0 hours. New Game+ completion is given as 1 hour 45 minutes, so endgame is set to 1.75 hours. No review provides a clear typical session length, so sessionLength remains null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Players describe a slow, tutorial-heavy and janky opening that eventually pays off once the combat clicks and they become proficient. A minority never reach that point because bugged mandatory tutorials block progress entirely.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: The combat clicking, once the player gains proficiency with the dodge- and parry-driven action
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Excessive, repeated and unskippable tutorial sequences across both campaigns and the challenge missions; Buggy tutorial sequences that block progress; Janky and slow first hour dominated by tutorial stages; Steep action difficulty that demands dodge, parry and active skill use; Repetitive level design requiring every enemy in a room to be cleared; Slow progression and limited equipment slots gated by chapter unlocks
  - Unlock drivers: Combat clicking once the parry/dodge action style is mastered; Gaining proficiency so fights start to feel smooth and addictive; Getting past the tutorial to reach the core experience; Running Enhanced Boss challenges to earn XP and resources for upgrades
  - Conditions: Whether the mandatory early tutorial is buggy or passable; Whether the player masters dodge and parry timing; Reaching the core experience beyond the extended onboarding; Chapter progression, which gates how much equipment and upgrades can be used
- Player Archetypes:
  - Hardcore Souls-like Action Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastering high-risk parry and stamina-based combat, seeking souls-like challenge and rewarding precision.
    - Playstyle: Deliberate timing, parry and dodge counters, stamina management, no-leveling challenge runs, and multiple playthroughs.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: souls veteran; hardcore side-scrolling fan
    - Reference games: Dark Souls; Blasphemous; Dead Cells; Castlevania; Bladed Fury
  - Casual Story and Art Explorer (sale)
    - Motivation: Experiencing hand-drawn art, Asian tales, and narrative without the stress of demanding combat.
    - Playstyle: Plays on casual or lowest difficulty, button-mashes through fights, avoids parry and dodge mastery, and focuses on story and visuals.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: newbie; clumsy player; casual player
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Chinese Culture and National Style Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Appreciating Chinese national style art, traditional culture like Peking opera, and supporting domestic indie games.
    - Playstyle: Engages with the story, dual narrative, and aesthetic presentation; may play through both characters and value cultural authenticity.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: domestic player
    - Reference games: Eastward
  - Disappointed Action Purist (no buy)
    - Motivation: Seeking deep, responsive action combat with varied combos, map design, and polished mechanics; plays to evaluate and master action systems.
    - Playstyle: Analyzes move sets, combo depth, hit feedback, and level design; expects Souls-like or character-action standards, and rejects the game when these fall short.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Nioh 2; Dark Souls; Devil May Cry


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:
- Rich and Polished Combat (weight 0.53): The combat system is frequently described as deep, satisfying, and well-executed, with strong feedback and variety. It is often considered the core strength of the game.
- Strong Ink-Wash Art Style (weight 0.47): Reviewers consistently praise the Chinese ink painting aesthetic, noting its beauty and unique identity. This visual direction is a major highlight across several clusters.
- Overall Positive Game Experience (weight 0.3): Many reviewers describe the game as good, enjoyable, and fun overall, with a well-made feel. It is frequently recommended as a solid experience.
- Fluid and Responsive Controls (weight 0.23): Combat and movement are often described as smooth, tight, and responsive. This contributes to an overall satisfying game feel.
- Excellent Music and Voice Acting (weight 0.18): The soundtrack and voice performances are widely praised as high-quality and emotionally engaging. Music and sound effects are highlighted as standout elements.
- Diverse Skill Trees and Builds (weight 0.16): Multiple skills with independent branch trees and diverse combat styles are noted as a positive aspect. This adds depth and replayability to the combat system.
- Two Distinct Playable Characters (weight 0.14): The game features two playable characters with unique storylines, abilities, and skill sets, offering varied gameplay experiences. Reviewers appreciate the substantial differences.
- Easy Difficulty and Achievements (weight 0.08): The game is noted to be on the easier side, with low achievement difficulty. This makes it accessible for casual players.
- Engaging Narrative and World (weight 0.07): The story and world-building are praised as interesting and well-presented. The narrative is considered surprisingly good by several reviewers.
- Relaxing Platformer Elements (weight 0.07): Some players appreciate the game as a lightweight and relaxing platformer. It satisfies the need for a less demanding experience.

Common complaints:
- Mediocre Cliched Story (weight 0.3): Players consistently describe the story as dull, formulaic, and predictable, lacking novelty or curiosity. The narrative is often compared to a short story rather than an epic.
- Weak Combat Feel (weight 0.24): The combat system is frequently criticized for lacking impact and satisfaction. Feedback notes mediocre hit feel, poor action responsiveness, and repetitive gameplay.
- Strict Parry Timing (weight 0.17): The parry timing is counterintuitive, requiring players to parry at the enemy's falling point. It feels unreliable against certain enemies and has a very strict window.
- No Hit Feedback (weight 0.17): Combat lacks hit feedback, hitstun, and impact, making attacks feel weightless. Normal attacks are perceived as dealing almost no damage.
- Unbalanced Skill Design (weight 0.15): Skill design is underwhelming, with most skills being useless and only a few practical. The skill tree is poorly balanced and many abilities feel flashy but ineffective.
- Weak Character Development (weight 0.13): Character development is insufficient, with stiff writing and no depth. The connection between protagonists is weak, and stories lack highlights.
- Annoying Tutorials (weight 0.12): Tutorials are hand-holding, repetitive, and unnecessarily long. They are criticized for being tedious and obnoxious, disrupting the early game experience.
- Unreliable Dodge Counter (weight 0.12): The dodge counter mechanic has an extremely strict timing window and often fails if movement keys are pressed. Players report inconsistency, especially when dodging forward.
- Linear Bland Level Design (weight 0.1): Levels are mostly linear, monotonous, and offer little exploration or replay value. The map design is forgettable and lacks hidden quests.
- Small Enemies in Boss Fights (weight 0.1): Small enemies during boss fights are disruptive, interrupting attacks and rhythm. Bosses constantly summon adds that interfere with combat.
- Short Main Story (weight 0.09): The main story is considered too short, with minimal side quests. Players feel the narrative ends abruptly without sufficient content.
- Easy Boss Fights (weight 0.09): Boss fights offer little challenge, often cleared in one attempt even on challenge mode. Only a few bosses provide a satisfying difficulty.
- Bad Translation (weight 0.09): The English translation is awkward and dubious, with problems that affect comprehension and immersion. This further detracts from the story.
- Rushed Ending (weight 0.08): The ending feels rushed, incomplete, and unsatisfying. Players note it lacks closure and feels forced.
- Flat Boss Combat (weight 0.08): Boss fights feel like tutorial tests or speed contests due to missing hit feedback and unreadable animations. Delayed parry windows make them unintuitive.
- Inconsistent Boss Animations (weight 0.07): Some boss attacks have too short wind-up animations or long flashing delays, making them hard to read. Intervals between attacks can be a fraction of a second.
- Bland Female Storyline (weight 0.07): The female character's storyline is considered bland and lacks highlights, reusing tropes from the male's story. The male character has the weaker story overall.
- Stiff Animations (weight 0.07): Animations are stiff, especially parry animations, which detracts from the combat experience. This contributes to the overall clunky feel.

Gameplay feedback:
- Parry and dodge combat core (weight 0.59): Multiple clusters emphasize combat built on parry, dodge, and counter timing. Defense and offense are closely tied through perfect dodges, break-parries, and slash combos.
- Two protagonist routes (weight 0.37): There are separate male and female protagonist routes with independent storylines and playthroughs. Two playable characters offer distinct stories, skills, and subtle gameplay differences.
- Skill tree and progression (weight 0.32): A robust skill system includes multiple skill trees, 12 skill types, sub-branches, and passive/active skills. Players allocate skill points to customize combat abilities such as charge attacks.
- 2D side-scrolling action RPG (weight 0.3): The game is consistently described as a 2D side-scrolling action RPG or action game with light RPG elements. Combat execution is central, with some platforming and Souls-like inspirations.
- Challenging boss fights (weight 0.23): Boss fights are numerous and require focus, pattern memorization, and patience. Bosses have variable attack patterns and grant items that can amplify playstyles.
- New Game+ and difficulty options (weight 0.2): New Game+ allows replay with maintained attributes and power-ups, and multiple difficulty settings include normal, hard, and casual modes. This supports extended replayability.
- Boss shield regeneration mechanic (weight 0.09): Bosses have shields that reset after being broken, with a brief recovery period when the shield returns. This adds a layer of strategy to boss encounters.
- Chinese voice acting (weight 0.09): The game features full Chinese voice acting and supports the Chinese language with voiceovers. This adds to the authentic martial arts atmosphere.

Performance notes:
- Generally Positive Performance (weight 0.12): Many players report excellent performance, no problems experienced, no bugs or crashes, and excellent optimization. The game is generally stable for a 2D title.
- Steam Deck Cutscene Playback Failures (weight 0.08): Cutscene videos fail to play on Steam Deck, and switching to backup video playback also fails. This issue can halt cutscene playback and may require a settings change to the video mode to resolve.
- Frequent Loading Screens Disrupt Play (weight 0.06): Players report frequent loading screens that break up gameplay, with some occurring every 20 seconds. This constant interruption negatively impacts the overall experience.
- Steam Deck Frame Rate Issues (weight 0.05): The frame rate is locked to 45 FPS by default on Steam Deck, but setting the frame limit to 60 fixes playback. This suggests a configuration or optimization issue specific to the device.
- Non-functional Resolution Options (weight 0.05): The game starts in the wrong resolution, and the video option arrows for changing resolution do not function. This prevents players from adjusting display settings properly.
- Stable Performance on Linux (weight 0.05): Players report the game worked flawlessly on Fedora Linux 44 and ran right out of the box after swapping the movie codec once. This indicates good compatibility with Linux systems.
- Low PC Requirements (weight 0.05): The game's PC requirements are low, allowing it to run on entry-level configurations or even a 'potato' PC. This makes it accessible to a wide range of hardware.
- Control Latency and Freezes (weight 0.05): Players experience strange latency in the controls and occasional 'No Responding' bugs. These issues can hinder gameplay and require patience.
- Broken Keybind Menu (weight 0.03): Keybind buttons in the controls menu do not function, preventing players from customizing controls. This is a basic functionality issue that affects usability.
- Audio Volume Inconsistencies (weight 0.03): Some sound effects play at maximum volume even when all volume sliders are set to 15%. This audio mixing problem can be jarring and disruptive.
- Occasional Frame Drops During Attacks (weight 0.03): Frame drops occur during attacks, which can affect combat responsiveness. This is a minor performance issue compared to other problems.
- Game+ Freeze at First Dialogue (weight 0.03): The game froze at the first dialogue when starting Game+, but restarting fixed the issue. This is a rare but potentially frustrating bug for players continuing their save.

Recommendations:
- Mixed overall reception (weight 0.25): Opinions are divided, with some strongly recommending the game and others advising against it entirely. Several reviewers give moderate scores between 6.5 and 8.5 out of 10.
- Wait for sale or improvements (weight 0.15): Reviewers suggest waiting for a sale or future patches and DLC before buying. Some advise considering other games at the same price point.
- Recommended for action game fans (weight 0.14): Fans of action games, hack and slash, and hardcore side-scrolling combat enjoy the game. It is particularly recommended for those who like challenging boss fights and rhythmic combat.
- Worth the price for some (weight 0.14): Some reviewers find the game worth buying at full price, while others consider it worthwhile at a key price or 10 yuan. It is often described as a solid title overall.
- Buy only on deep discount (weight 0.13): A common sentiment is that the game is worth trying only at a low price or during a sale. Several reviewers specifically advise buying on discount to get a change of pace.
- Mixed recommendation for casuals (weight 0.13): The game is recommended for casual players or those who get easily discouraged by platformers and Metroidvanias. However, many reviewers do not recommend it for average players.
- Skip if not hardcore (weight 0.13): Reviewers advise against buying if you are not a fan of hardcore action games or if you want a relaxed experience. Some suggest watching a video instead of purchasing.
- Appeal of Chinese aesthetics (weight 0.12): The game's Chinese art style and folklore theme are highlighted as strong points. It is recommended for players interested in oriental mythology and side-scrolling action.
- Combat tips for new players (weight 0.1): Reviewers share specific combat strategies, such as practicing normal attack, dodge, and parry early on. Using berserk and charged slash is advised when struggling.
- Play on low difficulty first (weight 0.1): Many reviewers suggest playing on the lowest or casual difficulty to experience the narrative without struggling with gameplay issues. Hard difficulty is strongly not recommended for a first playthrough.
- Not for everyone (weight 0.09): The game is repeatedly described as not for everyone, with specific warnings for those who want polished or aggressive playstyles. It is only recommended for niche audiences.
- Character choice affects difficulty (weight 0.08): Some reviewers recommend starting with the female character due to her smoother combat movement. Others prefer the male character's story or for specific achievements.
- Not for average players (weight 0.08): Several reviewers state the game is hard to recommend for average players or those bad at action games. It is mainly recommended for high-difficulty action game enthusiasts.
- Short but enjoyable (weight 0.07): The game is described as short and mindless hack-and-slash fun, good for a few hours. However, some feel it would become boring if it were longer.
- Not worth full price (weight 0.06): Reviewers feel the game is not worth its price at the current quality level. Some say it is not worth it even at a low price.
- Not a Metroidvania or RPG (weight 0.06): Reviewers warn that players expecting a Metroidvania or RPG will be disappointed. It is not recommended for those seeking that genre.
- Controller strongly recommended (weight 0.05): Multiple reviewers recommend using a controller for better gameplay. Some even suggest waiting until you have a controller before playing.
- Localization and UI issues (weight 0.05): Despite localization issues and poor UI, some reviewers still recommend the game. The combat system and story are praised but weighed down by these problems.
- Support domestic indie games (weight 0.05): Some reviewers encourage supporting domestic single-player games and consider it worth buying as a Chinese indie title. This is part of the game's appeal for certain players.
- Reviewer gives it a pass (weight 0.05): One reviewer gives a thumbs down but notes they are giving it a pass, indicating mixed feelings. Another cannot recommend the game at all.

Other player notes:
- Short Playtime 5-8 Hours (weight 0.28): A single playthrough typically takes about 5 to 8 hours without full completion. Some players finish in as little as 3-5 hours on easier difficulties or up to 14 hours on higher difficulty.
- Dual Protagonist Campaigns (weight 0.26): The game features separate male and female protagonist routes with distinct skills and overlapping events. Completing both campaigns adds about 10 hours, bringing total playtime to 15-20 hours.
- Chinese Indie Game Identity (weight 0.23): This is a domestic Chinese side-scrolling action title with a low price point. Reviewers often describe it as a Chinese-developed single-player game.
- Cheap Price and Bundles (weight 0.15): The game is frequently sold at a low price and has been included in bundles. Its biggest advantage is that it is quite cheap, with moderate pricing relative to content volume.
- Chinese Folklore and Aesthetics (weight 0.13): The game is based on Chinese mythology and features ancient Chinese elements. Its graphics combine a Chinese aesthetic and national style.
- Sekiro-like Combat in 2D (weight 0.11): Combat philosophy is strongly reminiscent of Sekiro but transferred to a 2D space. It is also compared to Nioh, Devil May Cry, and other action games.
- Story Short with Twist (weight 0.11): The story flow is short, like a short story. It features a twist at the end with a proper beginning, development, and conclusion.
- Turkish Language Support Added (weight 0.09): Turkish language support was added to the game. Turkish localization is now available.
- Comparisons to Metroidvania and Souls (weight 0.09): The game is often compared to metroidvanias and souls-likes. Some players note it is not actually a metroidvania or RPG despite appearances.
- Early Access but Complete (weight 0.09): The game is an Early Access title but feels complete, only needing polishing at a few points. Developers have since moved on, leading to abandonment concerns.
- Male Protagonist Route Length (weight 0.07): The male protagonist route can be completed in about 4 hours on the lowest difficulty. On hard difficulty, it took one player 8.8 hours, and both protagonists' stories take an estimated 6-8 hours on easy to normal.
- Localization Issues in English (weight 0.05): English subtitles have localization issues. Translation problems are especially noticeable in subtitles.
- Unfavorable Comparisons to Others (weight 0.05): Reviewers compared it unfavorably to Celeste, Hollow Knight, and Dark Souls in terms of feel. These comparisons highlight areas where the game falls short.
- Update Adds New Character (weight 0.05): An update added a new character and bosses, extending playtime. A new protagonist increases content and likely adds many new bosses.
- Good Foundation Needs Polish (weight 0.05): The game has a good foundation and potential. However, it needs more polish to reach its full quality.
- Sequel Planned (weight 0.05): A sequel is planned for the game. The sequel is coming soon according to developer statements.
- Normal and High Difficulty (weight 0.05): The game offers normal and high difficulty settings. A second difficulty setting is available for players seeking a challenge.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.22): Players are frustrated by combat mechanics that feel unfair and imprecise, including strict parry timing, poor hit feedback, and unreliable dodge counters. Excessive and unskippable tutorials constantly interrupt gameplay, while persistent bugs like ground pollution, stuck bosses, and broken controls make the experience feel tedious rather than challenging.
- Disappointment (weight 0.2): The game fails to live up to expectations due to shallow combat, mediocre story, and clichéd characters, with many systems feeling unpolished or rushed. Boss quality is inconsistent, balance breaks down, and the overall experience is short and lacking in the depth promised by its art and initial premise.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Satisfaction comes from mastering the parry-and-counter combat loop, overcoming difficult bosses, and experiencing a rewarding challenge. The beautiful art style, varied enemy design, and well-implemented mechanics provide a strong sense of accomplishment, especially for the price.
- Annoyance (weight 0.06): Players are annoyed by frequent, unskippable tutorials and repetitive prompts that disrupt gameplay. Additional irritations include awkward sheathing animations, inconsistent parry timing, and visual effects that obscure enemy attacks or cause performance issues.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): The game is enjoyable due to its fluid combat, appealing art style, and engaging narrative, with many finding the challenge of mastering parries and combos rewarding. The variety of upgrades, cutscenes, and distinct character campaigns add to the fun.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Appreciation centers on the distinctive hand-drawn ink-wash art style, the authentic Chinese cultural elements, and the solid, challenging combat system. The developers' effort and the game's visual and atmospheric presentation are highly valued.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger stems from perceived unfair boss design, poor balancing, and broken combat mechanics like useless parries or stamina limitations. Issues such as invincible phases, hitstun, and a lack of hit feedback make the game feel frustrating and disrespectful of the player's time.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Boredom arises from repetitive level design, a dull and formulaic story, and combat that lacks challenge or variety. Excessive tutorials and easy difficulty further contribute to a lack of engagement.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is directed at the game's exceptional art direction, including the beautiful ink-wash visuals and folklore-based monster designs. The meaningful cutscenes, memorable story moments, and impressive dual-character design are also highly praised.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.02): Dissatisfaction is caused by shallow character relationships, abrupt story developments, and combat that either ends too soon or requires unreasonable reaction speed. The game feels loose and disjointed, with poor map design and growth mechanics.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement comes from the deep combat framework with parry and exorcism mechanics, challenging boss fights, and the satisfaction of becoming powerful. The unique Chinese atmosphere and metroidvania concept also generate enthusiasm.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arises from unclear game mechanics, such as unexplained equipment upgrades, vague challenge instructions, and inconsistent hitboxes. Visual clutter and strange combat feel further muddy the experience.
- Disgust (weight 0.02): Disgust is provoked by a plot that forces the player to protect villagers who raped a woman and then kill her for revenge, as well as poor design choices like excessive ranged enemies, a stamina-draining slash system, and a lack of hit feel.
- Mild disappointment (weight 0.01): Mild disappointment stems from wanting slightly more difficulty, finding some spells too weak, and perceiving the gameplay as mediocre. Weak hit feedback and imprecise controls contribute to an unpolished feel.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is expressed for a sequel that improves on the first game, for the developers to succeed, and for the continued growth of the Chinese game industry. Players see potential in sincere projects and believe the developers can enhance the game.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise results from the game being better than expected, with distinct character stories and skills that go beyond appearances. It exceeded expectations for a Chinese game and was a pleasant surprise for its price.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Regret is felt because the game cannot be refunded and its potential was wasted by poor execution, rough graphics, and terrible guidance. Even a cheap purchase feels like a loss due to awful hit feedback and latency.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation is high for the sequel, new characters, and future updates. Players look forward to the developer's next game, hoping they apply the experience gained from this title.
- Affection (weight 0.01): Affection is based on the game's good art, voice acting, and action design, which make it a very good experience overall.
- Happiness (weight 0.01): Happiness comes from playing the game to completion and finding it fun and charming, despite a slow start.}