Info about Gloomwood:

Official game description:
**_Gloomwood_** is a stealth horror FPS that follows your mysterious abduction to a forgotten, twisted Victorian metropolis in the midst of a horrifying transformation. Wield your canesword and _take to the shadows_ as you uncover the accursed mystery hidden within the fog.
The producers of **_DUSK_**, **_AMID EVIL_**, **_ULTRAKILL_** and **_FAITH_** bring you a frightening, gothic immersive sim full of haunted streets, dark tunnels and decadent mansions.
*   An intricate, **hand-crafted city** with freeform exploration - from towering rooftops down to hidden passages, the routes you take and paths you make, are your choice.
*   A detailed **stealth and sound system** that tracks your light visibility and propagates noise accurately through the world. Tread lightly. _Or prepare to get loud_.
*   A **unique arsenal** to meet any situation - a stealthy canesword, six-shot revolver, folding shotgun, hand-placed traps, rope-slinging harpoon rifle and more.
*   In-depth **player interactivity**, from leaning to eavesdrop, peeking through door cracks, checking the bullets in your firearms and mantling onto ledges.
*   A mob of **ghastly denizens** and monsters with acute senses, like the sharp-clawed Crowmen and the fearsome, cadaver-seeking Corpse Duster.
*   Gloomwood is full of objects to pick up, throw, climb, smash and use to your advantage.  
    There is more to this city than you can _possibly_ imagine...

Release date: Sep 5, 2022

Categories: Stealth Gameplay, First-Person Shooter, Survival Horror, Immersive Sim, Exploration, Inventory Management, Atmospheric Horror, Open-World Exploration

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 10; verdict: Mixed Feedback on Guidance and Exploration; summary: The game is praised for its balance between lack of UI and handholding, which enhances immersion and allows for intuitive exploration. However, some users find the lack of guidance frustrating. The continuous updates and new content make it enjoyable to return to the game. There are also mentions of language barriers and the need for better localization for non-English speakers.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The Steam Deck experience for this game is generally positive, but there are notable issues with controller support, performance, and the need for Proton and Linux support. Users have found workarounds for controller support and performance issues, but these require additional effort and technical knowledge.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


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:
- High replayability and exploration (weight 0.96): The game encourages multiple playthroughs with its high replayability and extensive exploration options. Players can tackle challenges in various ways, making each playthrough unique and engaging.
- Immersive atmosphere and setting (weight 0.86): The game features a dark, gritty, and immersive atmosphere with a Victorian setting. The sound design, lighting, and environmental details contribute to a tense and oppressive experience that players find highly engaging.
- Creative and open-ended gameplay (weight 0.64): The game offers a variety of creative and open-ended gameplay options. Players can choose different paths, use various tools, and approach challenges in multiple ways, enhancing the overall experience.
- Well-designed levels and environments (weight 0.41): The game's level design is praised for its attention to detail, interconnected locations, and multiple paths. The environments are meticulously crafted, offering a dense and immersive experience.
- Unique art style and visuals (weight 0.29): The game features a unique and stylish art style with low-poly aesthetics and impressive visuals. The distinct visual style and meticulous design contribute to the game's charm and identity.
- Challenging and fair difficulty (weight 0.19): The game offers a challenging experience with fair difficulty settings. Players appreciate the intelligent enemy AI, limited inventory space, and the balance between simplicity and challenge.
- Immersive sim and survival horror blend (weight 0.18): The game successfully blends immersive sim and survival horror elements, offering a unique and engaging experience. Players appreciate the immersive atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and the blend of different genres.
- Engaging enemy design and mechanics (weight 0.18): The game offers a variety of unique and terrifying enemies with well-balanced mechanics. Players enjoy studying enemies, using different combat strategies, and experiencing the engaging enemy research system.
- Retro aesthetic and old-school charm (weight 0.17): The game features a retro aesthetic and old-school charm, reminiscent of late 90s and early 2000s games. Players appreciate the nostalgic graphics, minimal yet effective character design, and the respect for player intelligence.
- Positive overall experience and recommendations (weight 0.13): Players highly recommend the game, praising it as one of the best experiences played. The game is considered a must-have for its immersive storytelling, engaging gameplay, and overall high quality.
- Inventory management and upgrades (weight 0.11): The game includes an inventory management system similar to Resident Evil 4, with options for upgrades. Players find the inventory system charming and well-integrated, adding to the overall gameplay experience.

Common complaints:
- Slow update and development pace (weight 0.57): Players are frustrated with the slow pace of updates and development. Major updates are infrequent, and the time between updates is substantial, leading to a perception of glacial development progress.
- Lack of content and variety (weight 0.56): Players feel that the game lacks sufficient content, including new weapons, enemies, and mechanics. The limited variety in enemies and scenery, as well as the short playtime, contribute to this sentiment.
- Stealth mechanics need improvement (weight 0.53): The stealth mechanics are disappointing and can be frustrating. Players note that stealth sometimes takes a back seat to other gameplay elements, and enemy AI detection is inconsistent.
- Limited save system (weight 0.51): The save system is frustrating and lacks autosave, which can lead to loss of progress. Players also report that updates can break save files, forcing them to start over.
- Performance and graphical issues (weight 0.5): There are performance issues, particularly on older PCs and laptops, as well as graphical issues such as low detail and bugs. Some players experience frame rate issues on platforms like the Steam Deck.
- Lack of guidance and objectives (weight 0.49): Players feel there is a lack of guidance and clear objectives, making it difficult to know what to do next. This lack of direction can be confusing and frustrating.
- Combat mechanics need improvement (weight 0.49): The combat mechanics are noted as being wonky and uncomfortable, particularly in melee combat. Players feel that combat could be more polished and enjoyable.
- Minor bugs and graphical glitches (weight 0.37): There are minor bugs and graphical glitches, such as items falling under textures or enemies behaving erratically. While not game-breaking, these issues can be annoying.
- Inconsistent AI behavior (weight 0.25): The AI in the game is noted for being inconsistent, with enemies sometimes acting intelligently and other times being easily exploitable or unaware of the player's actions. This inconsistency affects the overall gameplay experience.
- Inventory and loot management issues (weight 0.23): The inventory management system is cumbersome and tedious, with issues such as slow item movement and limited inventory size. Players find it frustrating to manage loot and backtrack to collect items.
- Limited language support (weight 0.15): The game lacks support for certain languages, such as Spanish and Russian, which can be a barrier for non-English speaking players.
- Character movement and speed (weight 0.06): Players have mixed feelings about character movement, with some finding the protagonist fast and lethal, while others feel the character walks too slowly. This inconsistency affects gameplay enjoyment.
- Research mechanics are tedious (weight 0.04): The research mechanics in the game are seen as tedious and not very rewarding. Players find the effort required for research to be disproportionate to the benefits gained.
- Limited controller support (weight 0.04): The game lacks controller support, which can be a drawback for players who prefer using controllers over keyboard and mouse.
- Serums and lab mechanics (weight 0.03): The serums and lab mechanics are seen as more of a fun addition rather than a useful tool. Players feel that these mechanics could be more accessible and fleshed out.
- Punishing mechanics (weight 0.03): The game has punishing mechanics that can be frustrating for players, particularly when missing important items or facing unfair enemy mechanics.
- Lack of freedom in solving problems (weight 0.03): Players feel that there is a lack of freedom in solving problems and making meaningful choices, particularly in the later stages of the game.

Gameplay feedback:
- Stealth and combat mechanics (weight 0.7): The game integrates well-developed stealth mechanics, allowing players to use light, shadow, and noise to their advantage. Combat is flexible, offering both stealth and direct confrontation approaches with a variety of weapons.
- Open world and exploration (weight 0.64): The game offers an open-world structure with interconnected labyrinths and multiple pathways. Players are encouraged to explore and discover shortcuts, secrets, and various routes to navigate through the environments.
- Complex inventory and resource management (weight 0.57): The game features a detailed inventory system that requires strategic management of resources, including limited space and manual handling of items and ammunition. Players need to carefully plan and manage their resources to progress effectively.
- Multiple gameplay styles and choices (weight 0.33): Players can choose from various gameplay styles, including stealth, combat, and exploration. The game supports different tactics and routes, allowing for a personalized gaming experience.
- Survival horror and immersive sim elements (weight 0.26): The game blends survival horror with immersive sim elements, creating a tense and engaging atmosphere. Players must manage resources carefully and use the environment to survive.
- Innovative level design (weight 0.12): The level design is intricate and puzzle-like, featuring multiple approaches and solutions. Levels are interconnected and encourage exploration and discovery of hidden content.
- Difficulty levels and enemy mechanics (weight 0.08): The game offers various difficulty levels that affect gameplay mechanics, such as enemy hearing and detection. Enemies can be challenging and require strategic thinking to overcome.
- Unique mechanics and interactions (weight 0.05): The game includes unique mechanics such as physics-based interactions and experimental features. Players can engage with the environment in various ways, adding depth to the gameplay.
- Retro and immersive atmosphere (weight 0.05): The game features retro graphics and a Victorian setting, combined with an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. The environment is detailed and contributes to the game's unique ambiance.
- Story and AI elements (weight 0.05): The story is AI-generated and can sometimes be inconsistent. Players collect notes and dialogues to understand the plot, which adds a layer of intrigue and discovery.

Performance notes:
- Solid performance on most hardware (weight 0.13): The game generally runs well and smoothly on a variety of hardware, including modest setups and high-end PCs. Performance issues are rare, and many players report a bug-free experience.
- Presence of minor bugs (weight 0.07): Some players have encountered minor and non-dangerous bugs, including camera movement issues. These bugs are generally rare and do not significantly impact gameplay.
- Mixed performance on specific platforms (weight 0.06): While the game runs well on platforms like Steam Deck, there are reports of frame rate issues and crashes on certain systems like Linux and some laptops.
- Updates causing issues (weight 0.03): Certain updates have been reported to break saves and introduce optimization issues. These problems can affect the overall gaming experience.
- Occasional stutters (weight 0.01): Some players have experienced stutters during gameplay, although these instances appear to be rare.
- Mouse smoothing issues (weight 0.01): There are reports of mouse smoothing not working properly, which can affect the gameplay experience for some users.
- Rare soft locking bug (weight 0.01): A rare but significant soft locking bug has been reported by a player, which can temporarily halt gameplay.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended for fans (weight 0.49): The game is highly recommended for fans of various genres, including immersive sims, stealth games, survival horror, and specific series like Thief, Dishonored, and Deus Ex. It is praised for its challenging and atmospheric gameplay, making it a must-buy for enthusiasts of these styles.
- Wait for full release (weight 0.41): Many reviewers suggest waiting for the full release before buying or playing the game. This is due to potential issues with saves after updates and the expectation of an incomplete experience in its current state.
- Save system improvements needed (weight 0.36): There are suggestions and hopes for improvements to the save system and inventory management in future updates. These changes are expected to enhance the overall gameplay experience.
- Value for money (weight 0.28): The game is considered worth its price, especially on sale. It offers a solid experience that justifies the cost, making it a good purchase for interested players.
- Specific fan recommendations (weight 0.12): The game is particularly recommended for fans of specific elements like mood, presentation, and classic gameplay mechanics. It is also noted for its respect for imagination and hard work.
- Positive early impressions (weight 0.08): The game is shaping up to be very good, with some reviewers calling it one of the best games played this year. It is worth dabbling in early access and is expected to improve with future updates.
- Manage expectations for updates (weight 0.05): Players should expect long and inconsistent waits for small updates. Despite this, there are high hopes for future content and improvements.
- Difficulty recommendations (weight 0.03): Reviewers recommend playing on specific difficulty settings, such as Bloodmoon or Full Moon, to enhance the gaming experience. Adjusting the difficulty can significantly impact enjoyment.
- Technical and gameplay suggestions (weight 0.03): Reviewers have specific suggestions for technical improvements, such as increasing ammunition stacking, larger backpack grids, and earlier access to certain game features like the mirror world and shop.
- Future content hopes (weight 0.02): There are hopes for future incorporation of trophies and other content. Reviewers are looking forward to what the developers will add next.

Other player notes:
- Game in Early Access (weight 0.07): The game is currently in an Early Access state, which means it is still in development and may have incomplete features or bugs. Players should be aware of this before purchasing.
- Pricing concerns mentioned (weight 0.03): Some players feel that the current price of 300 rubles is too high, even with a friend pass. They suggest a maximum price of 90-100 rubles would be more appropriate.

Emotions:
- Excitement (weight 0.36): Players are excited about the game's unique and challenging gameplay mechanics, immersive atmosphere, and high-quality updates. The anticipation for future updates, new areas, and the full release of the game also contributes to this excitement, along with the game's potential to become a defining classic in the stealth-horror genre.
- Frustration (weight 0.2): Players experience frustration due to various issues such as inconsistent AI behavior, inventory management problems, and save system limitations. Additionally, the slow pace of updates and development, along with bugs and gameplay mechanics, contribute to this frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Players find satisfaction in the game's enjoyable gameplay mechanics, immersive atmosphere, and rewarding exploration. The game's design, difficulty levels, and successful remapping of controls also contribute to a smooth and engaging experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.08): Players admire the game's high-quality immersive design, atmosphere, and level design. The game's craftsmanship, including animations, sounds, and diegetic UI, along with the developer's understanding of world-building, are highly appreciated.
- Disappointment (weight 0.07): Players feel disappointed due to the game's slow development pace, lack of meaningful updates, and unmet expectations. The game's incomplete state, poor design elements, and boring enemy variety also contribute to this disappointment.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.04): Players enjoy the game's fun and unique gameplay mechanics, immersive experiences, and excellent sound design. The game's stealth mechanics, chaotic playstyle, and engaging atmosphere contribute to an overall enjoyable experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciate the game's adherence to classic mechanics, atmosphere, and detailed environments. The responsiveness of the dev team and the game's art style, tone, and music are also highly valued.
- Anticipation (weight 0.03): Players are anticipating the full release of the game and looking forward to more content and updates. The potential for future development and new maps adds to this sense of anticipation.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.03): Players feel nostalgic due to the game's similarities to classic stealth games like Thief. The graphics and gameplay evoke memories of older games, bringing back a sense of familiarity and nostalgia.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Players experience joy from discovering new secrets, playing with friends or family, and engaging with the game's mechanics and ambience. The enjoyable gameplay and story contribute to a joyful experience.
- Fear (weight 0.02): Players feel fear due to the game's scary atmosphere, terrifying enemies, and sound effects. Specific locations and creatures within the game evoke a sense of fear and tension.
- Excited (weight 0.02): Players are excited about the game's potential to become a defining indie classic in the stealth-horror space. The game's similarities to Thief and the promise of many hours of content contribute to this excitement.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players love the game's aesthetic, gameplay, and stealth mechanics. The game's exploration elements and AI behavior make it one of their favorite games of all time.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Players are surprised by how much they enjoy the game despite not typically liking stealth games. Intricate levels, mechanics, and unexpected elements like the sudden appearance of a severed arm add to this surprise.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Players have hope for the game's future improvements and updates. They look forward to the game being finished and believe it has the potential to be the best stealth game ever.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Players feel anger due to specific elements in the game, such as the presence of certain creatures and the removal of snow, which negatively impact their experience.
- Awe (weight 0.01): Players are in awe of the game's immersive atmosphere and detailed world-building. The game's stunning impact and design evoke a sense of wonder and admiration.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Players find amusement in the game's fun gameplay when played with a friend and humorous narrative elements that relate to real-life implications.}