Info about 港詭實錄ParanormalHK:

Official game description:
\*한글을 검토 중입니다.우리는 곧 고칠 것입니다.\*  
During the night of Hungry Ghost Festival, a group of young people gathered in Kowloon Walled City. They intended to film a short video for their online supernatural channel ”Beyond the Invisible”.  
Although a few accidents happened at the beginning ,they insisted to film the show.  
The members of the crew disappeared one after another. Also,the actress Kathy’s behavior became very weird. The strange atmosphere enveloped the entire program group, and Ah Lok was also caught in it. In the face of all sorts of strange phenomena that have exceeded everyone’s perception, Ah Lok can't help wondering if someone has inadvertently touched some taboos. Although the doubts are overwhelming, , but Lok has no interest in it. All he wants is to find Kathy as soon as possible and take her away from here...

Release date: Jan 6, 2020

Categories: Psychological Horror, Atmospheric Horror, Survival Horror, Stealth Gameplay, Puzzle Solving, Driving Simulation, Chinese Folk Horror

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: External Guide Dependency; summary: The primary complaint is the lack of clear in-game guidance for quests and mechanics, requiring external walkthroughs. One user also mentions needing to look up the backstory to understand the narrative, reinforcing the need for instructional data.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Playable with Tinkering Required; summary: The game exhibits notable performance issues including stuttering and black screens during scene transitions on Steam Deck, even at full power. Bugs like door interactions and partial controller support further detract from the experience, requiring some tinkering to achieve acceptable playability.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $3.00 - $6.00
  - Reasoning: The majority of reviews indicate the current base price of $12.99 is too high and recommend purchasing only during sales. Specific comments suggest a fair price around 20-26 RMB (approximately $3-$4), with one reviewer noting that 52 RMB ($7.20) is 'a bit expensive'. However, a small minority considers the current price reasonable, setting an upper bound around $6. Thus, the community's perceived fair base-game price range is between $3 and $6 USD.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 5.0h
  - Story completion: 5.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews provide direct playtime estimates: one states 5 hours as typical for completion, another reports 3 hours, and a third says 3-4 hours. The 5-hour figure is from a general statement about average players, while the 3-hour and 3-4 hour figures reflect individual experiences. Given the range, 5 hours is a reasonable benchmark for game completion. Since the game is linear and completion implies finishing the main story, story completion is set to the same value. No evidence supports session length or endgame playtime.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Players find the game fun from the start thanks to forgiving mechanics, good jump scares, and a non-frustrating design, despite minor friction from chase tedium and visual/audio quirks.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: tedious chase sequences reported as very dull; torchlight bloom too much against bright backgrounds; sound pacing felt off occasionally; a couple of frustrating, tedious puzzle moments
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: still in pseudo-tutorial/training sequence; playing with friends; moderate jump scares are present; forgiving hiding sequences; torchlight bloom obscures clues
- Player Archetypes:
  - Horror Novice (buy)
    - Motivation: To experience horror in a manageable, introductory setting.
    - Playstyle: Cautiously explores, solves simple puzzles, reacts to jump scares without excessive stress.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: beginner; newbie
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Seasoned Horror Purist (no buy)
    - Motivation: To find sophisticated atmospheric horror and meaningful gameplay, not repetitive jump scares.
    - Playstyle: Analytical, compares with other horror titles, critical of design flaws and cheap frights.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: veteran horror player; horror game veteran
    - Reference games: Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum; Sweet Home; Resident Evil 7; Visage; Alien: Isolation
  - Cultural Heritage Explorer (buy)
    - Motivation: To immerse in authentic Chinese/Hong Kong horror folklore and support domestic game development.
    - Playstyle: Slowly explores environments, reads notes, appreciates visual details and folklore references.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Ironic Casual Enjoyer (buy)
    - Motivation: To enjoy the story, characters, or comedic value, not the horror elements.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on character designs, humor, and narrative rather than horror; plays casually or ironically.
    - Experience: mixed
    - 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:
- Horror atmosphere is excellent (weight 0.22): Reviewers consistently note the well-executed horror atmosphere, with dark, spooky lighting and effective scene layout. The game is appropriately scary for a horror title.
- Chinese-style horror is unique (weight 0.18): The game's Chinese-style horror atmosphere is highlighted as unique and impactful, featuring authentic cultural elements that stand out in the market. Reviewers appreciate this distinct approach.
- Game is generally enjoyable (weight 0.17): The game is described as fun, good, and worth trying, with overall positive sentiment. Players find it an enjoyable experience despite minor issues.
- Hong Kong horror style authentic (weight 0.13): The game successfully emulates the vibe and feel of Hong Kong horror movies, with a strong cultural flavor. Fans of this style find it particularly enjoyable.
- Puzzle design is good (weight 0.13): Puzzles are well-designed with appropriate difficulty, interesting mechanics, and moderate challenge. Reviewers find them engaging and balanced.
- Game is sufficiently scary (weight 0.11): The game is scary enough to cause players to sleep with lights on, though some find it not scary at all. Overall, it delivers a frightening experience for many.
- Story is well-crafted (weight 0.11): The story receives praise for being good, with interesting twists and a well-thought narrative. Reviewers find it engaging and well-executed.
- Cantonese voice acting immersive (weight 0.09): Full Cantonese voice acting and folk elements add significant immersion, enhancing the horror experience. Reviewers highly recommend this feature.
- Music enhances horror atmosphere (weight 0.08): Dramatic background music effectively boosts the fear atmosphere, using audio-visual contrasts to build tension. The sound design is well-made and contributes to immersion.
- Good for horror beginners (weight 0.06): The game is suitable for newcomers to horror games, helping them ease into the genre. Its moderate difficulty and accessible puzzles make it a great entry point.
- Pacing is tight (weight 0.06): The story does not drag, maintaining a good pace throughout. The plot is tightly woven and not drawn out, keeping the experience engaging.
- Strong immersion throughout (weight 0.06): The game provides strong immersion, especially in the first half, with atmospheric scenes and effective design. Players feel fully absorbed in the experience.
- Ferris wheel scene memorable (weight 0.06): The ferris wheel scene in the last chapter is highlighted as well-done and impressive, leaving a lasting impression on players. It is a memorable highlight.
- Graphics are high quality (weight 0.06): The graphics are praised for being good, with great models and quality that fit the horror atmosphere. Visuals contribute positively to the game's impact.

Common complaints:
- Relies heavily on cheap jumpscares (weight 0.39): Multiple reviews emphasize that the game's horror is almost entirely dependent on predictable jump scares and loud sounds, lacking atmospheric variety or genuine scares. This reliance makes the horror feel cheap and repetitive.
- Incomplete story with cliffhanger ending (weight 0.22): The story ends abruptly with a 'to be continued' cliffhanger, but no sequel is planned, leaving players frustrated. The narrative feels half-finished and lacks closure or resolution.
- Poor driving controls in sequences (weight 0.2): Several reviews highlight that vehicle controls are difficult and unresponsive, especially during key chase sequences, where cars get stuck or handle poorly. The driving mechanics significantly harm gameplay experience.
- Protagonist movement is slow (weight 0.17): Players consistently complain that the main character moves very slowly and cannot jump, which drags pacing and reduces urgency during chase scenes. This movement limitation feels awkward and frustrating.
- Inadequate in-game guidance (weight 0.11): Players mention that the game lacks clear instructions or tutorials, making it difficult to understand objectives and mechanics. This poor guidance leads to confusion and frustration.
- Game is too short (weight 0.11): Many players report the game can be completed in about an hour to four hours, feeling significantly shorter than expected for the price. The short length contributes to a sense of incompleteness and low replay value.
- Poorly designed character models (weight 0.1): Character models are criticized for being ugly, having stiff animations, and unnatural facial expressions. This weak visual presentation reduces immersion and overall quality.
- Lacks cloud save support (weight 0.05): The game does not support cloud saves, causing players to lose progress when switching computers. This is a significant technical oversight that forces unnecessary restarts.
- Gameplay lacks variety and innovation (weight 0.05): The gameplay is described as monotonous and repetitive, offering little variety or innovation. This leads to boredom and diminishes suspense.
- Poor interaction implementation (weight 0.05): The interaction system is poorly implemented and designed, causing frustrating and unintuitive player actions. This hinders exploration and puzzle solving.

Gameplay feedback:
- Puzzle-solving core gameplay (weight 0.27): The game incorporates various puzzle-solving elements, including compass and fortune stick puzzles, as a central part of its gameplay. These puzzles are often combined with hiding and chase sequences.
- Stealth and hiding mechanics (weight 0.21): Players must use stealth, such as crouching to reduce footsteps and hiding in closets, to avoid ghosts. This survival horror element is central to the gameplay.
- Chase sequences included (weight 0.2): The game features numerous chase sequences, including encounters with female ghosts and a car chase against a ghost. These intense moments add to the horror experience.
- Chinese horror theme (weight 0.18): The game is set in a Chinese horror style, drawing from old Hong Kong urban legends and folk horror elements. This cultural setting distinguishes it from typical Western horror games.
- Dating simulation elements (weight 0.12): The game includes dating simulation features, with girls pursuing the player and romance options. This is a unique twist that blends romance with horror.
- Driving sections included (weight 0.11): The game includes driving sequences, such as a parking lot section and a final level where players drive a car to hit a ghost. These driving mechanics add variety to the gameplay.
- Boss fights present (weight 0.08): The game features boss fights, including a boss at a theater, adding climactic encounters to the horror gameplay.
- First or third person (weight 0.08): The game is played in first-person perspective, though some reviews mention third-person. This perspective choice enhances immersion in the horror setting.
- Walking simulator elements (weight 0.07): The game is partially a walking simulator, focusing on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than constant action. Boss encounters and puzzles add structure to the experience.
- Hide-and-seek with ghosts (weight 0.07): The game involves hide-and-seek gameplay where players must hide from ghosts and avoid being spotted. This mechanic is core to the horror experience.
- Urban legend storytelling (weight 0.06): The game's story is told through a series of urban legends, focusing on campus and old Hong Kong tales. This narrative approach adds depth to the horror.
- Easy and fun horror (weight 0.04): Some players found the game easy and fun, with a mild scare level, making it accessible to a broader audience.
- Urgent thinking required (weight 0.04): The game requires players to think critically and solve puzzles, adding a cerebral element to the horror survival gameplay.
- Ferris wheel section featured (weight 0.04): The game includes a level featuring a ferris wheel, providing a distinctive setting within the horror narrative.
- Galgame-like interactive elements (weight 0.04): The game includes galgame-like interactive elements, emphasizing character interactions and choices, which appeals to fans of the genre.
- Step-horror gameplay style (weight 0.04): The game uses a step-horror style, building tension gradually through levels rather than relying solely on jump scares.
- Psychological horror elements (weight 0.04): The game features psychological horror, focusing on mental tension and atmosphere rather than just physical threats.
- Red-dressed female ghost (weight 0.04): The game features a female ghost in a red dress as a recurring enemy, who can spot and chase the player, adding a iconic horror element.

Performance notes:
- Optimization issues pervasive (weight 0.16): Multiple players report serious optimization problems including FPS drops, stuttering, and frame rate crashes. These issues occur across different hardware setups and specific gameplay sections.
- Technical glitches common (weight 0.06): Several players encounter technical glitches such as doors failing to open, collision problems, and objects teleporting. These bugs break immersion and hinder progress.
- Entry-level system requirements (weight 0.03): The game has entry-level system requirements, which may be positive, but optimization issues still cause low frame rates on capable laptops.
- Brightness and dark visuals (weight 0.03): The game is too dark without any brightness adjustment option, making it difficult for players to see clearly. This is a significant quality-of-life issue.
- Audio issues reported (weight 0.03): A player reported no sound in the game, and switching speakers or updating drivers did not resolve it. This is a critical bug preventing full gameplay experience.
- Performance on Steam Deck (weight 0.02): The game runs poorly on Steam Deck with intermittent stuttering even at full power, indicating a lack of optimization for portable hardware.
- Scene transition black screens (weight 0.02): Optimization issues cause black screens during scene transitions, disrupting gameplay and potentially causing progress loss.
- Motion sickness from modeling (weight 0.02): Poor modeling contributes to motion sickness, making the game uncomfortable to play for some users.
- Missing animations (weight 0.02): Missing animations for doors and actions are noted, which contributes to overall jankiness and breaks immersion.

Recommendations:
- Good for horror beginners (weight 0.24): Many reviewers recommend this game as a gentle entry point for players new to horror, describing it as mild and suitable for those who are afraid of the genre.
- Best bought on sale (weight 0.2): A significant number of players advise waiting for a discount, stating the game is not worth its full price and recommending purchasing it only during sales.
- Not for full price (weight 0.18): Multiple reviewers state the game is not worth its full price and recommend waiting for a discount or buying it only when on sale.
- Recommended overall play (weight 0.16): Some reviewers simply recommend the game without specific conditions, urging others to play it and calling it a worthwhile experience.
- Play with friends (weight 0.11): Several reviewers suggest playing with friends or family, either as a social activity or to have others watch, enhancing the experience and reducing fear.
- Strong recommendation (weight 0.08): A few reviewers strongly urge everyone to play the game, calling it a must-play and highly recommending it.
- Ideal for night play (weight 0.07): Players recommend playing alone at night with the lights off for maximum immersion and a more intense horror experience.
- Watch playthroughs instead (weight 0.07): Some reviewers suggest watching someone else play the game rather than buying it, either to avoid fear or because they found the experience more enjoyable that way.
- For Hong Kong horror fans (weight 0.07): The game is specifically recommended to players who enjoy Hong Kong-style folk horror and authentic Chinese horror atmospheres.
- Enjoyable for horror fans (weight 0.07): Fans of horror games and those unafraid of being scared are recommended to play this title, with some calling it a must-play for the genre.
- Not for polish seekers (weight 0.07): Players seeking a polished experience with a complete story may be disappointed, as the game is noted for its simplicity and lack of depth.
- Good for social viewing (weight 0.05): The game is suitable for having friends watch while you play, and some recommend it as a social activity with family and friends.
- Avoid if motion sick (weight 0.04): Players prone to motion sickness or 3D discomfort should be cautious, as the game may trigger these symptoms.
- Check game for heart patients (weight 0.04): The game is not recommended for individuals with heart conditions or severe psychosomatic disorders due to its stressful nature and jump scares.
- Use Cantonese voice acting (weight 0.02): Reviewers strongly recommend enabling Cantonese voice acting for a more authentic and immersive experience.
- Play during Hungry Ghost Festival (weight 0.02): One reviewer suggests playing the game during the Hungry Ghost Festival for thematic relevance and added atmosphere.
- Enjoy for achievement hunters (weight 0.02): The game is recommended for achievement hunters because achievements are easy to obtain, providing a quick completion.
- Play with headphones (weight 0.02): Using headphones is recommended to enhance the audio experience and increase immersion in the horror atmosphere.

Other player notes:
- Sequel anticipated and desired (weight 0.19): Multiple reviews indicate the game ends with a sequel hook or to-be-continued message, and many players are hoping for a sequel. However, the development team has disbanded, making a sequel unlikely.
- Game length is short (weight 0.15): Reviewers note the game is very short, with typical playtimes ranging from 50 minutes to about 5 hours. This short length is a common point of criticism.
- Small development team (weight 0.13): The game was developed by a very small team, often noted as two people or a small studio. This explains the limited scope and short length of the experience.
- Peak of Chinese horror (weight 0.12): The game is regarded as a standout in Chinese horror games, considered by some as the best in the genre. It is seen as representative and influential among domestic horror titles.
- Price not justified by content (weight 0.11): Several reviewers feel the game's content does not justify its price, especially given its short length. The perceived value is low, leading to negative price-to-content ratio.
- Hong Kong horror aesthetic (weight 0.06): The game's setting is inspired by the Kowloon Walled City and features old Hong Kong ghost film aesthetics, including elements like Tong Lau and Cantonese opera stages. This unique atmosphere is highlighted as a strength.
- Cantonese and Mandarin voice acting (weight 0.04): The game features both Cantonese and Mandarin voice acting, which is praised for adding to the authentic Hong Kong horror atmosphere.
- Small game size (weight 0.04): The game is noted for being small in scale and file size, which aligns with its short duration and limited content.
- Korean language support issue (weight 0.04): The Steam page indicates no Korean support, but the game actually does support Korean. This discrepancy has been noted by reviewers as a translation or listing issue.
- Achievements present (weight 0.04): The game includes 8 achievements that players can complete, providing some additional challenges beyond the main story.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.17): The game's controls, especially for driving and movement, are widely criticized as unresponsive and anti-human, leading to repeated failures and deaths. Poor guidance, unclear objectives, and a lack of cloud saves compound this by causing players to get lost or lose progress. The pacing is also considered slow and repetitive, with tedious chase and puzzle sections that make the experience exceptionally frustrating.
- Disappointment (weight 0.16): The game fails to deliver a consistently scary experience, relying on predictable jump scares and lacking genuine horror depth. Technical issues, a poorly told story, and a short length with an incomplete ending contribute to the sense of letdown. The lack of updates and the developers' disbandment also disappoint players who hoped for more content or a sequel.
- Fear (weight 0.08): The game's horror elements, particularly the oppressive atmosphere, dramatic sound design, and sudden jump scares, are highly effective and create intense fear. The cultural familiarity of Chinese and Hong Kong folklore makes the horror more personal and psychologically disturbing. Many players report being too scared to play alone or continue, highlighting the game's ability to provoke strong trepidation.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Players find the game enjoyable due to its immersive story, interesting puzzles, and fun chase gameplay that balances scares with engaging mechanics. The Hong Kong-inspired settings, Cantonese voice acting, and charming characters add to the positive experience. Many appreciate the game for being a simple yet entertaining horror title that can be played alone or with friends.
- Anger (weight 0.05): The game incites anger through its poorly designed driving sequences, frequent cheap jump scares, and anti-human controls that lead to repeated unfair deaths. Game-breaking bugs, such as unresponsive doors and unclear interaction prompts, exacerbate the frustration, especially when they block progression. The nonsensical story and a final segment that feels intentionally annoying add to the player's rage.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.04): Players are satisfied with the game's well-balanced mix of story, puzzles, and adversarial encounters, which provides a fulfilling experience. The refined guidance, immersive voice acting, and effective horror atmosphere create a rewarding playthrough. Despite minor flaws, the game offers enough content and engaging elements to leave players with a positive impression.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): The game generates excitement through its thrilling chase sequences and unpredictable jump scares that keep players on edge. The presence of multiple attractive female characters and romantic elements adds to the engagement, making the experience titillating and fun. The intense horror moments and interactive gameplay foster a sense of adrenaline and excitement.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): The game is appreciated for its atmospheric and culturally immersive horror experience, with detailed settings like Kowloon City and authentic Cantonese elements. The strong voice acting, compelling music, and well-crafted scares contribute to a deep sense of appreciation for the game's quality. Players also value the attention to detail and the creative story twist, finding it both psychological and engaging.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Players find humor in the game's unintentionally funny moments, such as rough character animations and absurd ghost movements that make the horror comical. The discrepancy between the game's reputation and its actual scare level leads to jokes about it being more like a dating sim. Shared experiences with friends, like getting scared, also add to the amusement.
- Disappointed (weight 0.02): The game fails to maintain the initial scare intensity, becoming repetitive and dull in later chapters with predictable jump scares. Poor narrative, plot holes, and low-quality graphics further disappoint players who expected a more polished horror experience. The lack of new mechanics and a rushed ending contribute to the overall letdown.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): The game earns admiration for its effective atmosphere, memorable soundtrack, and beautiful character designs, particularly the female protagonist. It is praised as a standout title in Chinese horror, offering a genuinely creepy haunted house experience with cultural depth. The fact that it was developed by a small team adds to the admiration for its high production quality and storytelling.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): The game's slow pacing and repetitive gameplay, including monotonous chases and predictable puzzles, induce boredom. A lack of engaging story elements and simple mechanics without challenge make the experience feel tedious and uninteresting. The absence of scares in some sections leaves players feeling the game is a waste of time.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Players are annoyed by the game's unpolished interactions, such as stiff animations and awkward car controls that cause frequent crashes. The excessive darkness, centered flashlight, and lack of key rebinding add to the frustration. Tedious sequences like the office section and an achievement that forces a full replay without a chapter select further irritate players.
- Frustrated (weight 0.02): The game is frustrating due to unfair enemy encounters and persistent bugs, including black screens that prevent progress. Poor control schemes, difficult vehicles, and unresponsive interactions lead to repeated failures and lost saves. Unclear clues and sparse hints cause meaningless wandering, and translation issues further hamper the experience.
- Satisfied (weight 0.01): Players feel satisfied after completing the game, especially with the support of friends, and appreciate the rich content and well-executed horror elements. The effective atmosphere, engaging chases, and cultural details like Kowloon City exceed expectations. Despite minor drawbacks, the game delivers a rewarding experience with generous scares and good depiction of scenes.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): The story is difficult to follow due to translation issues and numerous cultural references that are hard to grasp without a guide. Many players initially don't understand the plot or why the game is popular, leading to confusion. The unclear storytelling and obscure elements contribute to a sense of bewilderment.
- Excited (weight 0.01): The game creates excitement through its tense and thrilling horror atmosphere, with boss fights at chapter ends providing adrenaline-pumping moments. The inclusion of erotic content and attractive female characters adds an enticing element. Players also get excited by the chase sequences and the overall intensity of the experience.
- Warmth (weight 0.01): The game provides a warm and heartwarming experience through the caring interactions with the sister and mother characters, who constantly hug and support the player. The narrative is filled with love and comfort, and the beautiful, cute NPCs add to the cozy feeling. This warmth stands out despite the horror setting, offering a soothing and affectionate tone.
- Bored (weight 0.01): The game becomes boring due to repetitive puzzles and chase sequences that lack variety and engagement. The later sections drag with little story progression, making the experience tedious. Hide-and-seek mechanics come across as simple mini-games with no depth, leading to disinterest.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): The game provokes disgust due to its cheap overall quality, including poorly designed monsters with low-quality models and ugly textures. The lack of polish and perceived lack of effort in production contribute to a negative impression. Some players find the game aggressively bad, with no redeeming aspects.}