Info about Monaco: What's Yours Is Mine:

Official game description:
Monaco: What's Yours Is Mine is a single player or co-op heist game. Assemble a crack team of thieves, case the joint, and pull off the perfect heist.  
*   The Locksmith: Blue-collar infiltration expert  
*   The Lookout: She can see and hear everything... a natural leader  
*   The Pickpocket: A hobo with a monkey and a penchant for crime  
*   The Cleaner: A silent psychopath... Jack The Ripper in pink  
*   The Mole: Big and dumb... likes to tunnel  
*   The Gentleman: He doesn't always wear a disguise, but when he does, he looks fantastic  
*   The Hacker: Armies of viruses shut down security... a modern day warlock  
*   The Redhead: Manipulative and murderous... a lady always gets what she wants
Play with up to four people online or on the same screen. Compete with others via daily leaderboards. Find out why it won the 2010 IGF and has been described by PCGamer as "one of the best co-op games of all time."

Release date: Apr 24, 2013

Categories: Stealth Gameplay, Heist Simulation, Cooperative Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer, Top-Down Perspective, Character-based Combat, Level Editor, Steam Workshop Integration

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 85; verdict: Broken on Steam Deck; summary: The audit finds significant Steam Deck friction. One user reports that the game is marked 'Playable' on Steam Deck but does not actually work, and another reports repeated crashes when about to clear a level, calling it completely unplayable. Controller support is also contested: multiple users criticize it as terrible or outdated, while another praises it. Positive feedback on story, campaign, music, and presentation confirms the game's quality but does not resolve the Deck-specific failures. Under the scoring criteria, evidence of frequent crashes and the game not working on Steam Deck places this in the Broken range.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews consistently treat the current $15 base price as acceptable or justified, with several reviewers saying the game is worth full price and recommending it at $15. At the same time, many emphasize waiting for a sale or buying on sale, and one review notes the price is justified but best bought on sale for about 2 EUR. This suggests the community's fair base-game range sits around the current $15 ceiling, with a lower comfortable buy-in around $10; the low sale mention reflects discount pricing rather than the expected base price. Therefore, the fair base-game range is estimated at $10-$15.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: 9.0h
  - Session length: 1.0h
  - Endgame: 200.0h
  - Reasoning: The Japanese review states all stages can be cleared in about 8-10 hours, so storyCompletion is set to 9 hours (midpoint). The sessionLength is supported by the comment that an hour or half a day is a viable play session, so 1 hour is used as a typical shorter session. Endgame/replay is supported by personal totals of over 200 hours on console and over 100 hours on Xbox; I use 200 hours as a conservative high-end long-term playtime. No review gives a 100% completion time, so gameCompletion is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Monaco is built for co-op, and many players report initial friction from sparse tutorials, trial-and-error learning, and tough solo play before it becomes fun. It clicks after players overcome that early difficulty and play co-op with friends, though some report immediate chaotic fun when starting with friends.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Overcoming the initial difficulty and trial-and-error phase, especially when playing co-op with friends.
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Sparse tutorial and trial-and-error learning; Initial difficulty and frustration; Solo play is tough and less rewarding; Uncoordinated groups and difficulty balance in co-op; Finding enough players for later levels or online co-op; Local co-op controller support limitations
  - Unlock drivers: Overcoming the initial difficulty and frustration; Learning by trial and error; Practicing solo first to understand game systems; Playing co-op with friends; Teamwork and coordination in co-op; Mastering characters and heists
  - Conditions: Playing with friends or co-op partners; Coordinated group rather than uncoordinated players; Patience during initial trial-and-error; Tolerance for stealth-game difficulty; Practicing solo before co-op; Availability of enough players for later levels; Supported controller for local co-op
- Player Archetypes:
  - Co-op Chaos Socialite (buy)
    - Motivation: Sharing chaotic, funny stealth-heist moments with friends or strangers.
    - Playstyle: Plays four-player online or local co-op, embraces alarms and failed plans, and relies on revives and team scrambles.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Solo Stealth Tactician (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastering tense, methodical stealth missions alone.
    - Playstyle: Plans routes, avoids detection, uses characters as extra lives or revives, and practices levels patiently.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: solo player
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Completionist Speedrun Maximalist (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastering levels fully through achievements, collectibles, leaderboards, and optimized runs.
    - Playstyle: Replays maps for achievements, collects all coins, attempts no-death or no-detection clears, and engages with speedrunning and workshop content.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Class-Role Co-op Strategist (buy)
    - Motivation: Solving heists through optimized class synergies and coordinated team roles.
    - Playstyle: Selects complementary characters, assigns dedicated roles, plans around level needs, and coordinates with a team.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - 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:
- Excellent stealth heist gameplay (weight 0.43): Players highlight the stealth and heist mechanics as top-notch, offering a unique and well-executed experience. The gameplay is described as tight, solid, and perfect for the genre.
- Unique character abilities (weight 0.4): The game features a cast of characters with distinct skills that significantly alter how each level is approached, adding depth and variety to the gameplay.
- Great overall fun (weight 0.39): General feedback indicates that the game is simply fun and enjoyable, regardless of mode. The core gameplay loop is engaging and satisfying.
- Outstanding soundtrack (weight 0.35): Austin Wintory's piano-heavy soundtrack is widely praised for its quality and how well it fits the game's atmosphere. Many reviewers consider it a standout feature.
- Good graphics and art style (weight 0.32): The visual presentation, including pixel art and character designs, is frequently complimented for being beautiful, colorful, and stylistically cohesive.
- Supports up to four players (weight 0.26): The multiplayer mode accommodates up to four players online and locally, with balanced gameplay for that group size. This flexibility is appreciated by players.
- Multiple solutions per level (weight 0.25): Levels offer a high degree of freedom with numerous ways to complete objectives, encouraging creativity and replayability. This variety is frequently cited as a major strength.
- Enjoyable solo experience (weight 0.24): Despite the co-op focus, the game remains fun and engaging when played alone. Single-player mode is well-received and offers a complete experience.
- Replayable and varied (weight 0.24): The combination of multiple solutions, character choices, and co-op dynamics provides high replayability. Players find themselves returning to the game frequently.
- Hidden gem indie title (weight 0.21): The game is often described as an underappreciated indie gem, offering a unique and polished experience. It stands out among other indie releases.
- Includes level editor (weight 0.09): A built-in level editor adds significant value, allowing players to create and share custom content. This feature extends the game's longevity.

Common complaints:
- Poor Solo Experience (weight 0.43): Many players report that the game is incredibly difficult and not fun when played alone, with later missions becoming nearly impossible for a solo player. The game is clearly designed around co-op, leaving solo players frustrated and unable to progress.
- Dead Online Multiplayer (weight 0.35): Online multiplayer is barren with very few players, making it hard to find matches or buddies for higher levels. The matchmaking system is poor and often leads to disappointment.
- Difficult and Punishing Gameplay (weight 0.3): The game is very difficult, with sharp difficulty spikes and punishing mechanics that require cautious play. Later missions are disproportionately hard and often require teamwork.
- Unclear Level Design and Visuals (weight 0.26): Level design is cluttered and confusing, with similar-looking switches and doors, and pixelated characters that are hard to distinguish. The exit is sometimes hard to find.
- Weak Story and Campaign (weight 0.24): The story is often described as weak, sparse, and minimalistic, with plot dragging in later acts. The campaign structure is linear and repetitive, and the ending is a letdown.
- Inadequate Tutorial and Guidance (weight 0.22): The game lacks a proper tutorial or explanation, leaving players confused about mechanics and objectives. The in-game tutorial is too brief, and there is little space to learn.
- Repetitive and Lacking Progression (weight 0.22): The gameplay becomes repetitive quickly, especially in single player, with no long-term progression systems or skill trees. The core loop does not evolve after missions are mastered.
- Frequent Crashes and Technical Issues (weight 0.19): Players experience frequent crashes, including crashes when completing levels, starting games, or tabbing out, which severely impact the experience and can make the game unplayable.
- Online Connectivity Issues (weight 0.18): Online multiplayer suffers from lag, connectivity issues, and unreliable servers, especially when playing with players from other regions, which hampers the co-op experience.
- Controller Support Issues (weight 0.15): Controller support is terrible, with only Xbox 360 controllers supported and a bug that prevents mouse usage until the machine is restarted. Some players also cannot play with a keyboard.
- Missing Localizations (weight 0.14): The game lacks official localizations for several languages, including Portuguese, Chinese, and Russian, which may deter players who cannot read English.
- Confusing Top-Down Perspective (weight 0.13): The top-down perspective makes it difficult to determine if characters are hidden or in plain sight, leading to accidental alarms and trial-and-error gameplay, especially in frantic multiplayer sessions.
- Inconsistent Guard AI (weight 0.12): Guard AI is inconsistent, with unchartable patrol routes and stationary posts, leading to unpredictable behavior that can ruin stealth plans.
- Bugs and Janky Mechanics (weight 0.12): Various bugs, such as progress not saving and enemies reviving infinitely, along with janky mechanics, detract from the experience and make the game feel unpolished.
- Limited Ammo and Weapon Use (weight 0.12): Weapon items are limited, and ammo is scarce, making brute force ineffective and forcing players to rely on stealth. Some weapons are rarely usable.
- Overpowered Characters and Balancing (weight 0.12): Some characters are overpowered, making other characters feel underwhelming, and balancing often involves slowing down player actions in unimaginative ways.
- Confusing Menus and Interface (weight 0.12): Menu options are confusing, and the interface is unreadable at first, adding to the initial learning curve and frustration.
- Lack of Customization and PvP (weight 0.08): There is no customization for characters, and the PvP mode could be more interesting given the class features. This limits player expression and replayability.
- Achievements Require Multiplayer (weight 0.05): Getting 100% achievements requires at least three players, one of whom must be online, which is difficult given the dead online community.

Gameplay feedback:
- Top-down stealth heist gameplay (weight 0.75): The game is a top-down 2D stealth heist game where players control thieves completing heists without being detected, similar to Payday but with a pixel art style. It combines stealth, action, and puzzle elements as players infiltrate guarded locations to steal valuables or rescue people.
- Character classes with unique abilities (weight 0.44): The game features multiple character classes, each with unique abilities and specialties that affect gameplay. This diversity allows players to choose roles that suit their preferred playstyle and contribute to the team's success.
- Eight unique playable characters (weight 0.3): There are eight playable characters, each with their own distinct skillset and playstyle, such as Locksmith, Cleaner, Pickpocket, Hacker, Lookout, Mole, Gentleman, and Redhead. These characters provide different abilities that encourage varied approaches to heists.
- Single-player and multiplayer modes (weight 0.24): Players can enjoy the game solo or with others, as it supports both single-player and multiplayer modes. A single-player campaign is available, and solo play is possible and casual-friendly.
- Level editor with Steam Workshop (weight 0.22): The game includes a level editor that allows players to create custom levels and share them via Steam Workshop. The editor is powerful enough to recreate the game's official missions, and all levels in the game were made using it.
- Objective-based levels (weight 0.12): Each level presents different objectives, such as stealing items, rescuing someone, or escaping, requiring players to infiltrate guarded facilities and return to extraction. The variety keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
- Speedrun potential (weight 0.12): The game has speedrun potential and is supported by the community for speedrunning. Players can optimize their routes and strategies to complete heists as quickly as possible.
- Pickpocket's monkey companion (weight 0.11): The Pickpocket character has a pet monkey that can snatch cash, collect coins, and even crack safes. This unique ability adds a fun and strategic element to the Pickpocket's gameplay.

Performance notes:
- Various Crash Scenarios Reported (weight 0.17): Players report crashes when clearing levels, tabbing out, starting from the menu, and occasional random crashes. These issues impact overall stability and gameplay experience.
- Co-op Lag and Server Issues (weight 0.13): Players experience lag in co-op games, frequent lag when playing with distant players, and unreliable servers at times. These connectivity problems can hinder multiplayer experiences.
- Controller Bug Affects Mouse (weight 0.06): A controller bug can prevent mouse usage until the machine is restarted, causing significant inconvenience. This issue disrupts gameplay and requires a system reboot to resolve.
- Steam Deck Compatibility Issues (weight 0.06): Despite being marked 'Playable' on Steam Deck, some users find the game is not playable on the device. This suggests a mismatch between the official rating and actual performance.
- Smooth Performance on Some Systems (weight 0.05): Some users experience super smooth performance with hardly any bugs, indicating that the game can run well on certain configurations. This positive feedback contrasts with reports of issues elsewhere.
- Windows 10 Friendliness Concerns (weight 0.05): Some players report that the game is not very friendly to Windows 10, indicating potential compatibility or performance issues. This may affect users on that operating system.
- Small Game File Size (weight 0.05): The game has a small file size, which is convenient for storage and download. This is a positive aspect noted by players.

Recommendations:
- Best Played With Friends (weight 0.99): Many players strongly recommend playing this game cooperatively with friends, noting that the experience is significantly enhanced in multiplayer. Solo play is often described as frustrating or less enjoyable.
- Co-op Enhances Experience (weight 0.94): The cooperative mode is highlighted as the best way to play, with team-based cooperation making the game more fun and accessible. Playing with others reduces difficulty and increases enjoyment.
- Highly Recommended Overall (weight 0.49): A large number of reviews give the game a strong recommendation, regardless of specific preferences. Many describe it as a must-play or must-have title.
- Worth The Price (weight 0.46): Players frequently state that the game is worth its full price, and even better when purchased on sale. Many consider it a great value for the money.
- Stealth Game Appeal (weight 0.24): Fans of stealth and heist games find this title highly enjoyable, especially those who like games like Payday but want a 2D alternative. It offers stylish stealth with a comedic edge.
- Not For Everyone (weight 0.22): Some reviewers note that the game may not suit all players, such as those who dislike pixel art or expect a high-speed shooter. It is also described as not playable for a minority.
- Steep Learning Curve (weight 0.2): Beginners are advised to play the tutorial and practice in single-player to understand the game systems. Experienced players may not need guidance.
- Prepare For Frustration Solo (weight 0.18): Playing alone can lead to frustration, as the game is designed for cooperative play. Solo players may find it less enjoyable without friends.
- Great For Beginners (weight 0.16): The game is recommended for beginners, especially those new to the genre. Tutorials and community guides help new players get started.
- Singleplayer Also Enjoyable (weight 0.15): Despite the co-op focus, some players find the game playable and fun in singleplayer. It is recommended for solo play if purchased on sale.
- Indie Gem For Fans (weight 0.14): Indie game enthusiasts and fans of simple gameplay with uncomplicated graphics highly recommend this title. It is described as an unforgettable experience for the right audience.
- Fun With Improvisation (weight 0.09): Players who enjoy improvisational problem-solving and team-based cooperation find the game particularly rewarding. It encourages creative approaches to heists.
- Voice Chat Recommended (weight 0.09): Using headsets and voice chat with friends is highly recommended to fully experience the game. It enhances coordination and fun during heists.
- Speedrun Appeal Limited (weight 0.08): The game is not recommended for most players who are not into speedrunning, but those who enjoy replaying levels for perfect paths may like it.
- Not For Non-English Speakers (weight 0.08): The game is not recommended for those who cannot read English, as it may hinder understanding of mechanics or story. However, some say it's still enjoyable despite language barriers.
- Multiplayer Needs Experienced Players (weight 0.05): The multiplayer is best with experienced players or those who play together long-term, as coordination and teamwork are key. Randoms may not provide the best experience.
- Campaign Order Recommended (weight 0.04): Some players suggest playing through the campaigns in order from beginning to end to get the full narrative experience. This helps understand the game's progression.
- Try Before Monaco 2 (weight 0.04): Players curious about the original after playing Monaco 2 are encouraged to try this game. It provides context and a different experience.
- Watch Speedruns Instead (weight 0.04): A few suggest that watching speedruns might be more enjoyable than playing the game yourself, especially for those not interested in the core mechanics.

Other player notes:
- Stealth Co-op Gameplay Compared (weight 0.47): The game is frequently compared to Hotline Miami and Payday, blending stealth and cooperative elements. Players describe it as a mix of Pac-Man, Metal Gear Solid, and Hotline Miami, emphasizing strategic avoidance over direct combat.
- Steam Workshop Adds Longevity (weight 0.4): The Steam Workshop provides extensive user-created content, including high-quality custom maps and tutorial levels. This integration significantly extends the game's replayability and lifespan.
- Rich Cooperative Multiplayer Experience (weight 0.4): The game is widely regarded as one of the best cooperative games, offering local and online multiplayer for up to four players. Players often make friends through the community, though online matchmaking can be sparse outside of sales.
- Heist Movie Inspired Narrative (weight 0.28): The story is inspired by heist films like Ocean's Eleven and is presented through dialogue during a police interview. It is optional and minimal, focusing on fleshing out thief personalities.
- Substantial Content and Replayability (weight 0.24): The game offers four campaigns with numerous levels, providing many hours of gameplay and high replay value. Players report spending hundreds of hours discovering content.
- Austin Wintory Composed Soundtrack (weight 0.22): The soundtrack is composed by Austin Wintory, known for his work on Journey. Players appreciate the music, and it can be listened to via a Bandcamp link.
- Localization Support Incomplete (weight 0.2): The game lacks support for several languages, including Japanese and Russian, despite receiving an official Simplified Chinese localization update. Some players rely on community guides for languages like Japanese.
- Stylish Comic Book Aesthetic (weight 0.19): The game features a distinctive top-down blueprint aesthetic with comic book-like visuals and simple pixel graphics reminiscent of C64 sprites. This unique style contributes to its atmosphere and sets it apart.
- Post-Release Support and Updates (weight 0.19): Developers have continuously updated the game with new content, including patches that added missions, redesigned modes, and a PVP mode. An Enhance mode was introduced to address early difficulty concerns.
- Pocketwatch Games Developed (weight 0.15): The game was developed by Pocketwatch Games and published by Humble Games. It is an indie title known for its innovative approach.
- High Difficulty and Stealth Focus (weight 0.13): The game is a pure stealth experience that demands careful planning and thought, making it less forgiving than similar titles. This challenge is both praised and criticized by players.
- Controller Support Available (weight 0.12): The game supports both keyboard and controller, allowing players to choose their preferred input method. This flexibility is appreciated by players.
- Accessible for Non-English Speakers (weight 0.12): The game requires only a small English vocabulary to play and is understandable without extensive language skills. This makes it accessible to a wider audience.
- Price and Bundle Availability (weight 0.12): The game is often available at a lower price than release, frequently through Humble Bundle or Steam sales. Many players acquired it through bundles like the Indie Mega Booth pack.
- Brief In-Game Tutorial Insufficient (weight 0.09): The in-game tutorial is too short and doesn't adequately explain mechanics, leading players to recommend Workshop tutorial levels instead. This is a common criticism that affects early game understanding.
- Sequel Exists but Disappointing (weight 0.08): A sequel was released but is widely considered inferior to the original, crushing the cult following. This has led to mixed feelings among fans.
- Achievements and Cards Included (weight 0.08): The game features many achievements, most of which are difficult to obtain, and includes Steam trading cards. This adds extra goals for completionists.
- Speedrunning Community Active (weight 0.05): A strong speedrunning community has formed around the game, with players competing for fast completion times. This extends the game's life for dedicated players.
- Official Cheats Available (weight 0.04): The game includes official cheats, which can alter the gameplay experience. This is a minor but notable feature.
- Online Leaderboards Underutilized (weight 0.04): Online leaderboards are seldom updated and often fail to record scores properly. This is a minor technical issue that disappoints some players.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.16): Players find great enjoyment in the cooperative heist gameplay, especially when teaming up with friends to execute plans, with varied character classes adding depth and replayability. The game's unique art style, music, and satisfying stealth mechanics contribute to a fun experience both solo and in co-op, though it shines most in multiplayer.
- Frustration (weight 0.14): Frustration stems from technical issues like frequent crashes, lag, and poor matchmaking, which disrupt progression and make the game borderline unplayable for some. Additionally, the steep difficulty curve, lack of tutorials, and confusing level design cause trial-and-error gameplay that hampers the fun, especially when playing solo.
- Amusement (weight 0.11): Amusement arises from the chaotic and unpredictable nature of co-op heists, where carefully laid plans often dissolve into hilarious scrambles when alarms are triggered. The humorous design, silly trolling of guards, and shared laughter at failures create memorable comedic moments with friends.
- Disappointment (weight 0.07): Disappointment is primarily due to the game's heavy focus on multiplayer, which leaves solo play feeling lackluster and incomplete. Many players struggle to find online matches or have friends who own the game, and some find the gameplay simpler and more speedrun-oriented than expected, leading to unmet expectations.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Excitement is driven by the thrill of coordinated heists, chaotic chases with guards, and the adrenaline of sprinting to escape with stolen loot. The dynamic multiplayer interactions and the potential for mayhem when plans go awry create a heart-pounding experience that keeps players engaged.
- Admiration (weight 0.05): Admiration is felt for the game's unique art style, thoughtful character and level design, and exceptional soundtrack that together create a cohesive and immersive experience. Many consider it one of the best stealth co-op games, praising its creativity and polished execution.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.04): Satisfaction comes from mastering the game's mechanics, completing campaigns solo or with friends, and asserting dominance in the city-state of Monaco. The sense of achievement from learning techniques and using enhanced mode to smooth out levels contributes to a fulfilling experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Appreciation is expressed for the game's accessible yet perfect stealth mechanics, the beautiful piano soundtrack, and the supportive community. Continuous updates with new modes and free campaign content, along with helpful veteran players, enhance the overall positive experience.
- Fun (weight 0.03): Fun is derived from playing with friends in hiding games, causing panics and laughing together, and engaging in simple, silly activities across various modes. The shared moments of triggering alarms and blaming each other add to the lighthearted enjoyment.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Joy is experienced when playing Monaco with childhood friends or simply enjoying the game's relaxing and entertaining nature. The chaotic fun of dying together and sharing laughter with friends creates a deeply joyful atmosphere.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Enthusiasm is sparked by the game's stylish design, atmospheric music, and diverse character combinations that offer huge replay value. The heist premise, neon minimalist aesthetic, and overall high quality make it a highly recommended experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.03): Surprise often results from the game exceeding low expectations, such as when players expecting only trading cards discover a great co-op game. The high quality and engaging gameplay despite potentially unoriginal ideas catch players off guard.
- Love (weight 0.02): Love for the game is rooted in its strong ambiance, solid gameplay, and excellent co-op experience. Many players fall in love almost immediately due to the overall quality and immersive design.
- Thrill (weight 0.01): Thrill is felt when a stealth mission goes perfectly, with everything falling into place and thefts executed without detection. Successful coordinated heists with compatible players provide a rush of excitement and accomplishment.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is driven by an intriguing storyline and varied missions that make it hard to step away from the screen. The compelling content keeps players invested and eager to continue.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is evoked by memories of an active multiplayer community that fostered friendships and reminiscent of evenings spent playing Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros Melee. The game's social aspect creates lasting sentimental value.
- Laughter (weight 0.01): Laughter erupts from absurd in-game moments, such as a locksmith abandoning a hacked car for a Lamborghini and getting the team killed, or simply laughing at the team's miserable failures. These hilarious mishaps become memorable shared jokes.
- Helplessness (weight 0.01): Helplessness is felt when the game becomes unplayable due to crashes, leaving players unable to progress or enjoy the experience. Technical issues that are beyond the player's control contribute to this feeling.
- Mixed feelings (weight 0.01): Mixed feelings arise from the game's great style and tight gameplay being offset by a heavy co-op focus that makes solo play difficult. Players appreciate the design but are frustrated by the multiplayer dependency.}