Info about Rum & Gun:

Official game description:
Journey across the Indian Ocean, uncover the secrets of the Drunken God, and become a legendary pirate captain. Rum & Gun mixes fast-paced shooter action with ARPG loot and character progression. You're not on the Caribbean anymore...  
Notable features
----------------
*   Enter an epic pirate adventure in single-player. Four acts worth of hand-crafted levels are waiting for you to plunder. Not that you'll remember any of it from all that drinking.  
*   Live the pirate's life: Drink the finest rum instead of those weird-colored potions and elixirs. Boost morale by playing your music instruments. Gamble your gold away in a game of Liar's Dice. Dominate the waves in naval combat. You may also hunt legendary beasts if you can solve their mysteries.  
*   ARPG? I say YARRRPG! Looting is a pirate's profession. There are 33 hat fashions, 30 weapon types, 15 species of pets and plenty more to collect. Every weapon can have up to 2 Spell Runes with their own level-ups, modifying their attacks in wild ways. Character perks aren't missing either. Customization is as deep as the seven seas!  
*   Gun is half the title! The core game loop is that of a hectic top-down shooter, but melee and spellcaster builds are also viable. Note that movement is with the keyboard, since you need the mouse for aiming. The game is also using an active reload system.  
    WARNING: gamepad support has been discontinued!  
*   Done with the story? Enter the Arena or the randomly generated maps of the infinite Treasure hunt mode. Try it in LAN Co-op with as many mates as your network can handle, or make your own maps with the included map editor. You could even share them in the Steam Workshop.  
*   Made with dedication: The game is being made by one person since 2018, with a custom-built game engine and original assets paying homage to low-poly classics of times gone by.  
*   Kick a zombie in half while playing the fiddle!
Borington is a one-man development project based in Transylvania. Rum & Gun is my first desktop release, after 2 web-based projects.  
Got some ideas or questions? Join our Discord server:

Release date: Aug 26, 2024

Categories: Action RPG, Twin-stick Shooter, Loot-driven Gameplay, Pirate Theme, Naval Combat, Character Progression, Weapon Customization, Cooperative Multiplayer


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews consistently indicate the game is underpriced at its current $5 price point, with players stating it's worth double or triple that amount. This suggests a fair base price range of $10-15 USD.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 14.0h
  - Story completion: 14.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews provide explicit estimates for completing the main campaign (game/story completion): 13-15 hours, 15-20 hours, and about 10 hours. These cluster around 14 hours, so I set both gameCompletion and storyCompletion to 14. No review gives a specific session length or hours spent in endgame content, so those metrics are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game is fun from the start but becomes repetitive and tedious in the mid-game, leading to a drop in enjoyment for some players. Early friction with controls and unexplained mechanics is minor and doesn't prevent initial fun.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Early game
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: controls take getting used to; lack of manual; restrictive early progression
  - Unlock drivers: getting used to controls; in-game tutorial prompts; leveling up offers perk choices
  - Conditions: enjoy twin-stick shooters; enjoy light RPG progression; enjoy pirate theme; play co-op; tolerate repetitive gameplay
- Player Archetypes:
  - ARPG Loot Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Loot progression and mastering unique weapon mechanics
    - Playstyle: Min-maxing gear, experimenting with builds, mastering combat
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Diablo; Path of Exile; Victor Vran; Dark Spore; Grim Dawn
  - Co-op Crew Player (buy)
    - Motivation: Shared experience and teamwork with friends
    - Playstyle: Cooperative play with role division and communication
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Casual Nostalgia Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: Relaxation and nostalgic ARPG comfort
    - Playstyle: Casual, short sessions, not min-maxing
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Solo Dev Appreciator (buy)
    - Motivation: Appreciating indie passion and incredible value
    - Playstyle: Thorough exploration, noticing details, supporting indie
    - Experience: familiar
    - 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:
- Unique and charming ARPG (weight 0.46): The game is praised as a fun, well-done ARPG with a unique pirate theme that distinguishes it from others in the genre. Its charm, humor, and personality are frequently noted as appealing aspects.
- Fun and engaging gameplay (weight 0.4): Many reviews highlight the game as genuinely fun, long-lived, and enjoyable to play. The engaging gameplay and overall positive experience are frequently mentioned as key strengths.
- Wide variety of weapons (weight 0.37): Players consistently praise the game for its extensive arsenal, ranging from bombs and spears to sniper rifles and melee weapons. This variety allows for diverse builds and playstyles, enhancing replayability.
- High enemy and level variety (weight 0.28): The game features a surprisingly high variety of enemies, bosses, and handcrafted levels, each with unique quirks and special attacks. This diversity keeps combat and exploration fresh.
- Large and interesting skill tree (weight 0.19): Players appreciate the broad, diverse skill tree that allows for meaningful builds and customization. The talent tree is considered well-balanced and interesting.
- Solid hack-and-slash elements (weight 0.16): The game is recognized for its strong hack-and-slash elements, fitting well within the genre. The straightforward yet fun combat and smooth gameplay are appreciated.
- Impressive for single developer (weight 0.16): Many reviews express admiration that the game was developed by a single person, considering it a significant achievement. The quality and scope of the game are seen as remarkable for a one-person project.
- Includes level editor and multiplayer (weight 0.16): The presence of a custom level editor and multiplayer mode adds significant value and replayability. Players enjoy creating and sharing custom maps, as well as playing with others.
- Long and well-done campaign (weight 0.13): The campaign is described as lengthy and well-executed, providing a substantial amount of content. Players appreciate the extended playtime and quality of the story.
- Lots of loot and customization (weight 0.13): The game offers plenty of loot drops and extensive customization options, allowing players to tailor their experience. This variety in gear and equipment is a major draw.
- Innovative and surprising mechanics (weight 0.13): Players note the game's innovative and unusual gameplay ideas that keep them hooked. The high level of ingenuity and surprising mechanics are seen as standout features.
- Promising future and updates (weight 0.12): The developer's continued updates and the game's potential for future growth are noted positively. Players see the game as having a promising future and absurd potential.
- Interesting rune system (weight 0.07): The rune system is praised as a neat take on Diablo-style gems, offering interesting customization options. Players find it adds depth to character builds.
- Egg minion army mechanic (weight 0.07): The ability to pick up eggs and have an army of creatures assist in fights is a unique and fun feature. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy and charm to combat.
- Fiddle playing mechanic (weight 0.07): Playing the fiddle while drunk is highlighted as a core and fun mechanic, with the fiddle being one of the most enjoyable items in the game. It adds to the game's quirky charm.
- Decent endgame content (weight 0.07): The game includes a decent endgame mode, providing additional challenges beyond the main campaign. Players appreciate having content to engage with after completing the story.

Common complaints:
- Game is clunky and unpolished (weight 0.41): Multiple reviews describe the game as clunky, unpolished, and having bugs. Specific issues include janky combat, stuttery animations, and a general lack of polish.
- Skill and perk system is poor (weight 0.41): The skill tree is lopsided, with many useless talents and perks. Level-up offers only four random upgrades, and there is no real build diversity, with most skills dedicated to dual-wielding pistols.
- Loot and inventory are frustrating (weight 0.37): Loot is uninteresting, and collecting items is a chore. Storage is woefully short, there is no inventory sort button, and item info text boxes are overwhelming. Gold has few places to spend it.
- Lack of explanations and tutorials (weight 0.33): The game lacks a manual and fails to explain mechanics like rune levels, saturation, and treasure maps. Unclear keywords and stats make it confusing for players.
- Ship controls are clunky (weight 0.33): Ship combat and movement are janky, with stuttery animations and sluggish turning. Controlling larger ships is clunky, and boat navigation with WASD is disturbing.
- Reload mechanic is annoying (weight 0.3): The reload timing minigame is bothersome, and reload times are long when disabled. This mechanic makes guns harder to use and is a core part of combat, causing frustration.
- Bugs and game-breaking issues (weight 0.29): There are several bugs, including a boat spawning on land, a broken UI, and an unreachable treasure point. Some bugs are game-breaking, forcing map replays or preventing further play.
- Combat is unsatisfying (weight 0.29): Combat is not satisfying, with projectiles often missing, melee sometimes missing, and enemies being bullet sponges. The combat becomes bothersome long term and lacks excitement.
- Controls are awkward and dated (weight 0.27): Controls are described as dated, wonky, and requiring getting used to. Default keybindings are weird, and the character runs in the direction they face, leading to accidental moonwalking.
- Story and progression are weak (weight 0.25): The story is weak and ends abruptly, with little narrative depth. Progression is restrictive early on but gives too much freedom later, and the last act is possibly irrelevant progression-wise.
- Graphics and audio are subpar (weight 0.24): Graphics are simplistic, with character textures of lower quality and unfinished animations. The soundtrack is short and repetitive, and audio is bare-bones.
- Rune and spell system is flawed (weight 0.21): The rune/spell system does not work well, with spells from socketing runes having no use and runes not being very good. The difference between spells and runes is unclear, and the system is not worth the trouble.
- Specific missions are frustrating (weight 0.21): Certain missions, like the prison sequence and tower defense, are awful. Escort missions are frustrating due to poor AI, and the stealth mission is wonky.
- Lack of quality-of-life features (weight 0.19): The game lacks quality-of-life features like a manual, inventory sort, and minimap expansion. Some controls, especially during boat sequences, feel nonsensical.
- Balance is inconsistent (weight 0.17): Balance is all over the place, with difficulty spikes depending on playstyle. The curse system is irritating, and enemies become bullet sponges in later stages.
- Map editor has usability issues (weight 0.15): The map editor interface is confusing at first, does not show which texture is selected, and lacks options like changing faction of placed units. It also does not reset the hero's death state when testing.
- Enemy spawning and AI issues (weight 0.14): Enemies spawn almost on top of the player, and they are too accurate with projectiles. Enemies hidden by environment elements are not visible, and spawning behind the player is unfair.
- Multiplayer and co-op are clunky (weight 0.11): Multiplayer requires IP direct connection and lowering security to LAN level, and it does not support Remote Play Together. The multiplayer experience is a bit clunky.
- Content is short and shallow (weight 0.1): The game's content is shorter than other hack-and-slash games, ending in under 20 hours. Endgame is shallow, and there is little replayability.

Gameplay feedback:
- Pirate ARPG with Diablo influences (weight 0.68): The game is consistently described as an action RPG with a pirate theme, often compared to Diablo. It features loot-based progression, hack-and-slash combat, and a variety of weapons.
- Large randomized skill tree (weight 0.31): The game has a massive skill tree, but skills are randomized on level-up, offering four random choices each time. This provides variety but may reduce build control.
- Rune system grants skills (weight 0.27): Players slot runes into gear to gain active abilities and stat boosts. This system is central to character customization and is mentioned across multiple clusters.
- Ship combat and sea battles (weight 0.21): The game includes ship combat maps and sea battles, adding a naval dimension to the pirate theme. Ships are a key mechanic.
- Reload timing minigame (weight 0.2): Guns feature a reload mechanic with a timing minigame that can be disabled in the options. This adds a skill-based element to combat.
- Loot-driven gameplay (weight 0.15): The game is heavily loot-driven, with constant drops and a system that includes attributes and skins. Looting is a core loop.
- Pirate theme with rum healing (weight 0.14): Rum is used as a healing item, but with certain affixes it can cause damage. This thematic mechanic adds depth to resource management.
- Weapon switching with number keys (weight 0.13): Weapons are switched using number keys, with the first weapon on 0. Up to 7 weapons can be equipped and switched instantly.
- Tower defense maps (weight 0.11): Special maps feature tower defense gameplay, offering a different mode from the standard ARPG combat.
- Sell items from inventory (weight 0.1): Items can be sold directly from the inventory, allowing for on-the-go selling without visiting a vendor.
- Curse system affects difficulty (weight 0.08): A curse system raises enemy HP and damage, and also increases loot level. Dying reduces the curse level by one.
- AOE weapons available (weight 0.07): There are area-of-effect weapons that can hit multiple enemies, useful for crowd control.
- No class system (weight 0.07): The game does not have classes; there is only one class, relying on the skill tree and runes for customization.
- Damage reduction perks (weight 0.07): There are perks that reduce damage, including a flat 1 reduction and a high-level perk that reduces virtually all incoming damage by 75%.
- Enemies spawn behind player (weight 0.07): Enemies tend to spawn behind the player in cleared locations, which can be frustrating and requires constant awareness.
- Minigames and endgame activities (weight 0.07): The game includes minigames like Liar's Dice and endgame activities, adding variety beyond the main campaign.
- Dice and treasure map mechanics (weight 0.07): Dice rolling and treasure map mechanics are present, likely tied to exploration and rewards.
- Many controls and customization (weight 0.07): The game has many controls and mechanics, with lots of customization options, which may be overwhelming but offers depth.
- Arena mode available (weight 0.07): The game features an Arena mode with a progression system, providing a separate challenge for players.
- Bombs affect allies and enemies (weight 0.07): Throwing bombs damages both enemies and allies, and can toss them around, adding tactical considerations.

Performance notes:
- Performance praised across devices (weight 0.2): Players report excellent performance on various hardware, including Steam Deck, low-end laptops, and older systems. The game maintains smooth frame rates even with many enemies on screen.

Recommendations:
- Great value for price (weight 0.35): Reviewers frequently mention the game is a steal or worth the price, emphasizing its cost-benefit ratio. This suggests the game offers good content relative to its cost.
- Recommended for ARPG fans (weight 0.23): The game is specifically recommended for fans of action RPGs, especially those who enjoy Diablo-like games. This highlights its genre appeal and target audience.
- Highly recommended by reviewers (weight 0.21): Multiple reviewers strongly recommend the game, using phrases like 'highly recommended' and 'must buy'. This indicates a generally positive reception.
- Recommended for Diablo fans (weight 0.18): Several reviewers explicitly recommend the game to fans of Diablo or similar loot-based ARPGs. This suggests the game successfully captures the essence of the genre.
- Recommended for pirate/nautical theme lovers (weight 0.12): Reviewers recommend the game to fans of pirates, rum, and high-seas adventures. The nautical theme is a distinctive selling point.
- Recommended for co-op play (weight 0.09): The game is recommended for multiplayer co-op hack-and-slash experiences, whether solo, with friends, or as a pair. This indicates strong multiplayer appeal.
- Thumbs down from some (weight 0.07): Some reviewers give a thumbs down, indicating a negative experience for a minority of players.
- Recommended for twin-stick shooter fans (weight 0.05): One reviewer recommends the game to players who enjoy twin-stick shooters with light RPG progression. This highlights a specific gameplay style.
- Recommended for keyboard and mouse players (weight 0.05): A reviewer recommends the game to keyboard and mouse players who are comfortable with an unusual control scheme. This suggests the controls may be unconventional.
- Recommended for relaxing play (weight 0.05): The game is recommended for those looking for a relaxing game to play between longer titles. This indicates it is not overly demanding.
- Recommended for action game lovers (weight 0.05): The game is recommended to action game enthusiasts, suggesting it delivers satisfying action gameplay.
- Recommended for 'What if?' enthusiasts (weight 0.04): One reviewer recommends the game to those who enjoy 'What if?' ideas and can tolerate a lack of overall quality. This suggests the game has creative concepts but may be rough around the edges.
- Recommended for early access potential (weight 0.04): A reviewer recommends the game because it has good potential to improve in the future and is in early access. This indicates optimism about future updates.
- Recommended to support developer (weight 0.04): One reviewer recommends supporting the developer, stating they truly deserve it. This suggests a positive view of the developer's efforts.
- Recommended for one playthrough (weight 0.04): The game is described as perfect for a single playthrough, implying limited replay value but a solid initial experience.
- Limited recommendation (weight 0.04): One reviewer gives a limited recommendation, suggesting the game may not appeal to everyone.
- Not recommended for polished quality (weight 0.04): A reviewer does not recommend the game for those wanting a polished, high-quality product, indicating potential technical or production issues.
- Skippable game (weight 0.04): One reviewer states the game is pretty skippable, suggesting it may not stand out in the genre.
- Prefer Path of Exile (weight 0.04): A reviewer would choose Path of Exile over this game any day, indicating a preference for a competing title.
- Recommended to everyone (weight 0.04): One reviewer recommends the game to everyone, suggesting broad appeal.

Other player notes:
- Comparisons to Diablo and Path of Exile (weight 0.73): Many reviewers compare the game to Diablo, Path of Exile, and similar ARPGs, often noting it as better or more enjoyable. This indicates the game fits well within the genre and appeals to fans of these titles.
- Developed by a single person (weight 0.38): A significant number of reviews highlight that the game was made by a solo developer, often using a custom engine. This is seen as impressive and adds to the game's appeal.
- Campaign length and structure (weight 0.31): The campaign consists of four acts with around 13 levels each, taking roughly 15-20 hours to complete. Some reviewers note the game ends abruptly or on a cliffhanger, hinting at a sequel.
- Active developer support and updates (weight 0.27): Reviewers praise the developer for consistently pushing updates, fixing bugs, and communicating with the community via forums and Discord. This ongoing support is a positive factor for players.
- Early access and ongoing development (weight 0.16): The game is noted to be in early access or beta, with some content still incomplete. However, the developer continues to add content and improve the game.
- Endgame and post-game content (weight 0.16): The game offers endgame modes, including generated maps, endless arenas, and treasure hunts. However, some compare it to Path of Exile and find the endgame less extensive.
- Modding and customization options (weight 0.13): The game includes a map editor, workshop integration, and moddable scripts in .js format. This allows players to create and share content, enhancing replayability.
- Story and setting are pirate-themed (weight 0.13): The story involves an eldritch Drunken God and pirates, but it is noted as linear and serviceable. Some reviewers appreciate the silly tone, while others find it not epic.
- Multiplayer and co-op features (weight 0.11): The game supports multiplayer, including local co-op, but some note that it is LAN-only and requires IP direct connection. This may limit accessibility for some players.
- Lack of language support (weight 0.11): Several reviews point out missing localization options, such as Hungarian, Japanese, and Brazilian Portuguese. This can be a barrier for non-English speakers.
- Technical issues and controls (weight 0.1): Some players report issues with controller support, such as PS4 DualShock not being recognized, and the game requires manual key binding on Steam Deck. There is also a 'Move relative to mouse cursor' option that changes WASD controls.
- Game size and performance (weight 0.07): The game takes very little space and supports high resolutions like 5120x1440. It runs well on Steam Deck with some adjustments.
- Game is not a pirate simulation (weight 0.04): A reviewer clarifies that the game does not let you roam the high seas with a ship and crew, which may disappoint players expecting a pirate simulation. It focuses on being a shooter instead.
- Difficulty and challenge (weight 0.04): Some levels are difficult and may require multiple attempts, which can be frustrating but also rewarding for players seeking a challenge.
- Soundtrack length (weight 0.04): A reviewer notes that the game's soundtrack is shorter than they would like, which may be a minor drawback for some players.
- Gambling mechanic is unreliable (weight 0.04): One review warns that gambling in the game is not recommended because the gambler is a liar, indicating a quirky but potentially frustrating mechanic.
- Developer is Hungarian (weight 0.03): The developer is Hungarian, which may explain the lack of Hungarian localization despite the developer's origin. This is an interesting fact for players.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.23): Players are frustrated by numerous bugs, including broken achievements, invincibility glitches, and UI-breaking issues that halt progress. Combat is also a major pain point, with unsatisfying gunplay, tedious reload mechanics, clunky ship controls, and poor enemy AI that makes encounters feel unfair and repetitive.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.18): Players find the game genuinely fun, praising its engaging combat, varied weapons, and charming pirate atmosphere. The game offers a lengthy campaign with lots of content, and many appreciate the humor, graphics, and overall gameplay loop that keeps them entertained for hours.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.09): The core shooting and looting loop is highly satisfying, with players enjoying the steady progression of gear and abilities. The game provides excellent value for its price, offering a well-crafted ARPG experience with deep build variety and rewarding combat that scratches a Diablo-like itch.
- Excitement (weight 0.06): Players are excited by the game's fast-paced combat, deep weapon and rune systems, and the many build possibilities it offers. The constant updates and the promise of future content keep players engaged, and the game's addictive gameplay makes it hard to put down.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Players appreciate the game's unique pirate theming, which is deeply integrated into every mechanic, and its excellent value for money. The game is praised for its solid campaign length, good atmosphere, and the developer's quick response to bugs, making it a well-crafted and inspired title.
- Impressed (weight 0.04): Players are impressed by the game's depth and polish, especially considering it was developed by a single person. The surprisingly good combat, fully voiced dialogues, and smooth performance on Steam Deck exceed expectations, making it a standout indie title.
- Disappointment (weight 0.03): Players are disappointed by the lack of variety in gameplay, which becomes dull over time, and the game-ruining prison sequence in Act 3. The slow projectiles, clunky feel, and abrupt ending with a cliffhanger also detract from the overall experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.03): Players are surprised by how much the game exceeds expectations, especially given its low price and single-developer origin. The game's size, unique mechanics, and overall quality are far better than anticipated, with many rating it much higher than expected.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): Players admire the developer's immense talent and passion, having packed so much content and innovation into the game as a solo project. The game is seen as a marvel with fresh mechanics and a level editor, reflecting the developer's exceptional skill and dedication.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Players are amused by the game's humorous elements, such as the liver being an inventory slot that can be sold and the funny pirate roleplay style. The game's quirky details and surprising UI quality for its price point provide plenty of laughs.
- Fun (weight 0.02): Players have a lot of fun with the game's shooting, looting, and inventory upgrading systems, along with its silly humor. The upgrade system for skills and weapons is particularly enjoyable, making for a very fun and solid hack-and-slash experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): The game evokes strong nostalgia, reminding players of childhood action figures, old CD-ROM games, and the 2000s MMORPG Puzzle Pirates. The time spent playing, filled with laughter and good company, is remembered fondly as the real treasure.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Players are annoyed by the tedious reload mechanic, shooting mechanics, and map design, which force them to choose weapons and skills based on how least annoying they are to use. These elements detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- Pleasant surprise (weight 0.01): Players are pleasantly surprised by the game's quality, finding it pretty cool overall. The naval combat levels and levels with strategy elements were unexpected highlights that added variety and enjoyment to the experience.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Players are angered by a game-breaking bug that forces them to replay maps, and by enemies spawning behind their backs in an unfair manner. These issues significantly harm the gameplay experience and cause frustration.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players love the game's pirate theme and the unique Hungarian accents in the voice acting. These elements add charm and personality, making the game stand out and endearing it to players.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Players experience real joy playing the game, especially when sharing the experience with others. The game is described as a genuine joy to play, providing tons of fun and memorable moments.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Players are enthusiastic about the game's fun gameplay, nice graphics, and deep content. The game is considered a gem with many qualities, generating strong positive feelings and excitement.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Players become bored in the mid-game due to repetitive gameplay, which consists mainly of entering a map, killing all enemies, and progressing. The last hour or so becomes monotone, with the only goal being to see what the next area holds.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Players are confused by the lack of task guidance from chapter 1 to chapter 2, leaving them unsure of where to go. This lack of direction hampers the gameplay experience and causes frustration.}