Info about Despot's Game: Dystopian Battle Simulator: Official game description: Prepare to die, humans! ----------------------- A group of people wake up in a strange post-apocalyptic labyrinth — naked, with no memories and with a bunch of weapons. Is this a joke, a crazy experiment, or... a game? You'll find out soon enough, just try not to die first! Get your pretzels ready ----------------------- Your puny squad is capable of much more. Choose your loot and transform the squishy humans into wizards, cultists, ninjas and dozens of other heroes, including the mythical stale pretzel throwers. With perks and class combos, there are thousands of ways to build your army. The man-eating cabbage will appreciate the variety in its diet! Crush your rivals ----------------- If you can survive the labyrinth, you'll meet THE UNSTOPPABLE END-GAME BUILDS OF OTHER PLAYERS! You'll beat each other to death and only one will be spared by d'Spot. No offense, but in his own game he writes the rules! Indirect combat --------------- Prepare your warriors and let them fight it out on their own! Indirect combat allows you to focus heavily on tactical considerations rather than reflexes. Strengthen your front line with fridge-movers, aim your food-throwers and look after your Forbidden Summoners! Endless exploration ------------------- The dungeons are generated from scratch every time, and there is no chance puny humans will ever find the way out! And even if they strike lucky — don't worry, there are endless ways to die in Despot's Game! Release date: Sep 29, 2022 Categories: Auto-battler, Roguelike, PvP, Class-based Gameplay, Resource Management, Synergy System, Asynchronous Multiplayer Feature scans: - Wiki: score 50; verdict: The Student; summary: The user feedback emphasizes that the game's difficulty, particularly in DLC content, requires players to seek external guides and strategies, with a notable mention of the missing in-game wiki as a contributing factor to this dependency. - Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: Based on the single provided review, the game runs very well on Steam Deck with no reported friction or required workarounds. The review does not mention any Proton, native Linux, or compatibility issue. Therefore, the game is considered well-supported on Linux. - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: - Community fair range: $5.00 - $10.00 - Reasoning: The majority of reviews indicate that the game is not worth its full price, and users recommend purchasing it at a discount. Specific price points mentioned include $5 on sale, a limit of $2-3, and a suggestion that €10 (approximately $11) would be a fairer price than the current €20. This consensus points to a community fair base price range between $5 and $10, with some willingness to pay slightly more but not at the full price. - Playtime Metrics: - Game completion: 10.0h - Story completion: 2.5h - Session length: N/A - Endgame: N/A - Reasoning: Multiple reviews state the main campaign is short (2-3 hours) and that session lengths are typically 30-60 minutes per run. Total game completion times range from 6 to 10 hours, with the most direct evidence being a 10-hour clear (Japanese). Endgame is described as brief PvP after each run, with no substantial playtime reported, leading to a null value for that metric. - Time-to-fun: - Summary: The game offers immediate short-session fun, but the core experience becomes repetitive after a few hours, and early difficulty and learning curve block deeper engagement until players unlock key content. - Stance: Fun then drops - Anchor: After unlocking key content and overcoming the initial learning curve - Time to anchor: N/A - Friction: High difficulty in first few floors; Steep learning curve for auto-battler mechanics; Repetitive content after initial hours; Unlock-gated modes and mutations; RNG-dependent meta strategies - Unlock drivers: Unlocking additional modes and mutations; Learning optimal builds and strategies; Persisting through early frustration to reach endgame - Conditions: Short play sessions (10-15 min) are most enjoyable; Trial-and-error mindset helps overcome learning curve; Appreciation for asynchronous PvP and meta competition; Solo play is less rewarding than multiplayer endgame - Player Archetypes: - PvP-Focused Competitor (buy) - Motivation: Competitive ranking and meta mastery - Playstyle: Optimizes builds for PvP, follows seasonal meta, uses guides to counter opponents, treats PvE as a means to an end. - Experience: mixed - Purchase stance: buy - Labels: competitive player; meta strategist; ranked grinder - Reference games: Mighty Quest for Epic Loot; Teamfight Tactics - Casual PvE Roguelike Lover (deep sale) - Motivation: Relaxing, humorous single-player experience - Playstyle: Casual experimentation with builds, enjoys resource management and humor, plays for fun without competitive pressure. - Experience: familiar - Purchase stance: deep sale - Labels: casual gamer; roguelike fan; single-player enthusiast - Reference games: FTL; Hades; bullet hell games - Completionist Grinder (no buy) - Motivation: Unlocking all achievements and mutations - Playstyle: Grind-focused, uses specific strategies like food runs to trigger events, repeats many runs for meta conditions, prioritizes completion over fun. - Experience: veteran - Purchase stance: no buy - Labels: achievement hunter; completionist; dedicated grinder - Reference games: N/A - PvE-First Dissatisfied (no buy) - Motivation: Expectation of deeper PvE content and balanced gameplay - Playstyle: Initially tries to enjoy PvE but becomes frustrated by lack of variety and forced PvP grind, seeks a single-player experience that feels complete. - Experience: familiar - Purchase stance: no buy - Labels: disappointed player; PvP skeptic; single-player purist - Reference games: Teamfight Tactics; Mighty Quest for Epic Loot 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: - Gorgeous pixel art (weight 0.18): The pixel art and animations are consistently praised for their beauty and detail, enhancing the visual appeal of the game. - Fun and engaging gameplay (weight 0.15): Players find the core gameplay loop enjoyable and fun, with a strong emphasis on the 'fun while playing' experience. - Great roguelite autobattler (weight 0.15): The blend of roguelite and autobattler genres is praised as a successful and enjoyable combination, offering a unique experience. - Good value for price (weight 0.14): Players feel the game offers excellent value for its cost, citing it as a worthwhile purchase with a good price point. - Multiple game modes (weight 0.14): The variety of game modes is a key positive, providing significant replayability and keeping the experience fresh for players. - Addictive and easy to learn (weight 0.12): The game is described as both simple to learn and addictive, with a rewarding progression loop that keeps players engaged. - Excellent soundtrack (weight 0.11): The soundtrack is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with players noting its frantic, catchy, and high-quality nature. - Good humor with pop culture (weight 0.11): The inclusion of humor and pop culture references is well-received, making the game feel lighthearted and enjoyable, especially for fans of such content. - Fun autobattler concept (weight 0.11): The autobattler concept, especially in PvP, is described as fresh and innovative, providing a new and enjoyable take on the genre. - Interesting and original game (weight 0.11): Players find the game to be quirky, original, and interesting, with a unique charm that sets it apart from other titles. - Satisfying synergies (weight 0.11): The synergy and combo systems are highlighted as satisfying and fun to explore, rewarding players for strategic team building. - PVP mode adds depth (weight 0.11): The King of the Hill PvP mode is praised for adding strategic depth and replayability without being overly stressful, enhancing the overall experience. - Strong replayability (weight 0.08): The game offers high replayability due to its multiple modes, synergies, and PvP options, keeping players engaged over time. Common complaints: - Low replay value (weight 0.27): The game offers little replayability after initial completion, with limited incentives to revisit content or try new strategies. - Not worth full price (weight 0.23): Players feel the game is overpriced and recommend waiting for a deep discount or sale before purchasing. - PvP balance issues (weight 0.22): The game's balance is skewed toward PvP, harming PvE experiences and making progression feel unfair or grindy. - Repetitive gameplay (weight 0.2): Core mechanics become monotonous quickly due to lack of variety in enemies, items, and upgrade paths. - Lack of depth in content (weight 0.19): The game lacks depth and variety, especially in single-player content and build diversity, leading to shallow experiences. - Game becomes boring quickly (weight 0.18): Multiple reviews report that the game loses its appeal after a short playtime, leading to fatigue and reduced enjoyment. - Limited events and content (weight 0.14): The game suffers from a shortage of events and overall content, leading to repetitive gameplay and early staleness. - Randomness hinders runs (weight 0.14): Excessive randomness in runs can make strategic planning feel pointless, especially when enemy types are unknown. - Food system frustrating (weight 0.13): The food mechanic is confusing and punishes backtracking, adding unnecessary frustration to gameplay. - Mutations often useless (weight 0.13): Mutations are frequently non-synergistic with team composition, offering only stat boosts without meaningful changes. - Long PvP grind (weight 0.08): Achieving 100 PvP wins requires a lengthy PvE grind, which many players find tedious and unbalanced. - UI rough and confusing (weight 0.08): The user interface is difficult to understand and needs improvement for better player experience. - Healer AI is broken (weight 0.08): The healer AI malfunctions, stopping healing when allies are full and then melees, never healing again. - Healer scaling issues (weight 0.07): Healer healing does not scale with HP, and there is no automatic HP regen after battles, making healing ineffective. Gameplay feedback: - Auto-chess with roguelike progression (weight 0.53): The game combines auto-chess mechanics with roguelike elements, including character leveling, equipment builds, and random runs. This hybridization is frequently cited as a core feature. - Roguelike strategy with auto-battler (weight 0.35): Players describe it as a roguelike strategy game featuring army building, dungeon crawling, and auto-battler combat. The fusion of tactical roguelike elements with auto-battler mechanics is a central theme. - PvP and brawl modes (weight 0.3): Multiple modes exist, including PvP with ladder rankings, brawl mode with alternate rules, and a KING OF THE HILL multiplayer mode. This variety provides competitive replayability. - Class and resource management (weight 0.26): The game includes resource management with food, where moving between rooms costs food, and classes like healer, fighter, mage offer synergies. This adds strategic depth to the roguelike experience. - Asynchronous multiplayer and leaderboards (weight 0.19): Asynchronous PvP and online leaderboards are key features, allowing players to compete against others via saved battles and rankings. This is noted in several clusters. - Food resource system (weight 0.16): Food is a key resource used for moving between rooms, and can be bought or sacrificed for humans. This resource management mechanic is critical for strategic decisions. - Class-based synergies and combos (weight 0.14): Players can experiment with team combos and class-based synergies, such as squad combos that enhance gameplay. This encourages strategic team building. - Game has both PvP and PvE modes (weight 0.14): The game features both PvP and PvE modes, including stage-based and competitive gameplay. This dual focus caters to varied player preferences. - Visual pixel art style (weight 0.08): The game features a pixel art visual style, which is consistent with its retro roguelike aesthetic. This is a deliberate design choice that appeals to fans of the genre. - Dungeon crawl with ten floors (weight 0.08): The core gameplay involves a 10-floor dungeon crawl, where players navigate rooms and face random encounters. This structure is typical of roguelike dungeon crawlers. - Skill upgrades and progression (weight 0.08): The game includes skill upgrades and progression systems, allowing players to enhance their characters over runs. This is a common roguelike feature that adds depth. - Auto-chess with units and upgrades (weight 0.08): The game features auto-chess style with units, gear, mutations, and a skill tree, emphasizing strategic depth. This is highlighted as a core mechanism for unit customization. - Squad formation with front and back rows (weight 0.08): Combat involves pre-battle formation placement with front row, back row, and healer roles. This tactical auto-battler setup is crucial for effective team positioning. - Run duration of 30 to 60 minutes (weight 0.08): Normal runs last 30 to 60 minutes, indicating a moderate playtime. This is typical for auto-battler roguelikes, balancing depth with session length. - Roguelike with competitive elements (weight 0.08): Competitive elements like PvP and leaderboards are integrated into the roguelike structure. This merging of genres is a notable design choice. - Auto-battler in Despot universe (weight 0.07): The game is set in the Despot universe, featuring auto-battler mechanics with team composition and an upgradeable shop. This contextualizes the gameplay within a specific franchise. - Random encounters and mutations (weight 0.07): Random events and mutations are applied to different unit classes, adding unpredictability. This roguelike element enhances replayability by altering each run. - Mage and other class types (weight 0.07): Class types like mage and swordsman are available, offering diverse playstyles. This class system supports strategic team composition in the auto-battler. - Teleporter rooms for map traversal (weight 0.07): Teleporter rooms allow limited map traversal, providing strategic options for navigating the dungeon. This feature adds a spatial element to the roguelike progression. - Director's Cut high difficulty mode (weight 0.07): A Director's Cut high difficulty mode exists, offering enhanced challenge. This appeals to players seeking a tougher experience after standard runs. Performance notes: - Steam Deck performance praised (weight 0.14): Multiple reviews highlight that the game runs smoothly and is well-optimized for the Steam Deck, with good battery life also noted. - 4K resolution causes issues (weight 0.08): Players report that the game is unplayable at 4K due to poor resolution and FPS settings, and collision detection is also broken at this resolution. - High RAM usage noted (weight 0.04): Some feedback indicates that the game consumes a large amount of RAM, which may affect performance on lower-end systems. - Late game performance drop (weight 0.04): A review mentions performance issues in the late game, suggesting possible optimization problems as the game progresses. - Simple graphics run anywhere (weight 0.04): The game features simple graphics that can run on virtually any PC, making it accessible to a wide range of hardware. Recommendations: - Strongly recommended for genre fans (weight 0.59): Clusters 2, 4, 6, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24, 39, 44, 55, 57, 77, 78 strongly recommend the game to fans of roguelikes, auto-battlers, strategy, and similar genres. - Recommended for auto-battler fans (weight 0.49): Clusters 2, 4, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24, 55, 57, 77, 78 strongly recommend the game for auto-battler genre fans. - Recommended for specific genres (weight 0.48): Clusters 2, 4, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24, 55, 57, 77, 78 recommend the game for fans of auto-battlers, roguelikes, strategy, and competitive play. - Worth the price overall (weight 0.47): Multiple clusters (1, 5, 14, 25, 31, 67, 70, 71, 74, 75) indicate the game is generally worth buying, with many calling it a solid 8/10 or 10/10 experience. - Not recommended at full price (weight 0.44): Clusters 3, 8, 29, 36, 41, 42, 48, 52, 64, 73, 84, 86 advise against buying at full price and recommend waiting for a sale or deep discount. - Wait for sale (weight 0.42): Clusters 3, 8, 29, 36, 41, 42, 48, 52, 73, 84, 86 advise waiting for a sale before purchasing. - Buy only on sale (weight 0.38): Clusters 8, 9, 29, 36, 41, 42, 48, 52, 73, 84, 86 explicitly state the game is worth it only when purchased at a discount or on sale. - Not for all players (weight 0.29): Clusters 10, 22, 47, 62, 79, 80, 81, 87, 88 indicate the game is not recommended for those who dislike difficulty, RNG, lack of content, or PVP focus. - Recommended for competitive players (weight 0.28): Clusters 2, 6, 77, 78 recommend the game for players who enjoy competitive play, optimization, and PVP. - Not recommended due to issues (weight 0.2): Clusters 12, 47, 62, 79, 80, 81, 88, 89 express that the game has problems with content, depth, or PVP focus, and is not recommended. - Recommended for short sessions (weight 0.19): Clusters 11, 38, 46, 70, 71 highlight the game as ideal for players with limited time, short breaks, or casual play. - Not for those who dislike difficulty (weight 0.16): Clusters 10, 22, 87, 88 state the game is not recommended for players who get frustrated by difficulty or RNG. - Recommended for strategy fans (weight 0.16): Clusters 15, 18, 23, 44, 75 recommend the game for strategy game fans. - Not for PVP focus (weight 0.16): Clusters 49, 50, 61, 79, 80 indicate the game is not recommended if the player dislikes PVP or wants singleplayer content. - Recommend watching guides before purchase (weight 0.1): Clusters 19, 78, 87 advise watching gameplay videos or guides before buying to understand the game. Other player notes: - Scale power every three stages (weight 0.05): Players suggest that new characters should have their power levels adjusted every three stages to maintain balanced gameplay progression. Emotions: - Frustration (weight 0.22): Players experience frustration due to confusing mechanics, particularly the Magic Damage system, and unbalanced numerical values. The broken Twitch integration and forced PvP after a short campaign also cause significant disappointment. - Disappointment (weight 0.14): Disappointment stems from a lack of depth in classes and synergy, leading to monotonous gameplay after the first few hours. Many players feel the game is short, shallow, and fails to deliver on its promising premise. - Enjoyment (weight 0.12): Enjoyment is derived from the fun auto-battler gameplay, unique classes and mutations, and amazing soundtracks. Players appreciate the humor and references, finding the game engaging despite some flaws. - Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Satisfaction comes from the deep build system and resource management, making winning feel earned. The game is easy to pick up but feels deep, with good performance and content that justifies its value. - Excitement (weight 0.09): Excitement is fueled by the frantic soundtrack and cool visuals, with PvP competition providing a rewarding challenge. Players are thrilled by the innovative strategic elements and the potential for building dream teams. - Amusement (weight 0.06): Amusement is found in the silly costumes and abilities, strange humor, and pop culture references that make the experience enjoyable. Players appreciate the quirky and ironic nature of the game. - Boredom (weight 0.06): Boredom sets in quickly due to repetitive gameplay and limited content, with the game becoming stale after a single clear. The food mechanic is seen as a boring concept that restricts enjoyment. - Surprise (weight 0.02): Surprise comes from the unexpectedly engaging and addictive nature of the game, surpassing initial expectations. Players are amazed by the depth and quality, especially in PvP battles. - Addiction (weight 0.01): Addiction is driven by the highly engaging and time-consuming gameplay, despite poor design. Players find themselves planning ahead and watching little humans fight, finding it compelling. - Interest (weight 0.01): Interest is sparked by the online feedback on formation and the game's intriguing mechanics, offering variety. Players need to read and think to become decent, which adds depth. - Fun (weight 0.01): Fun is derived from enjoying the simple yet entertaining dynamic, with the game's references and humor providing a solid base. The gameplay itself is a major contributor to the fun. - Appreciation (weight 0.01): Appreciation is felt for the constant balance monitoring and attention to details, with the music and art being well done. Players also value the game not requiring fast reflexes. - Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is placed in future updates that will add more content and balance patches, with developers actively improving the game. Players expect ongoing development to enhance the experience. - Concern (weight 0.01): Concern is raised over limited replayability and a potentially high price, with some finding the game repetitive. Players worry about the long-term value and content depth. - Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is triggered by high RAM usage and specific tasks that cause stress, like corners of the map. Using certain units feels like punishment, leading to frustration. - Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance stems from jarring writing and a humor style that becomes annoying over time. The consistency of this tone detracts from the overall experience. - Contentment (weight 0.01): Contentment comes from the ability to play casually without time pressure, enjoying the chilled strategy. This relaxed approach is a key positive for some players. - Joy (weight 0.01): Joy is found in the fun with synergies and surprise at a new game's quality after 35 years. Players appreciate the variety in items, mutations, enemies, and bosses. - Affection (weight 0.01): Affection grows from growing fond of the rag-tag crew as they survive and develop, with a fondness for pink babies. Players love the art, style, writing, and mechanics. - Admiration (weight 0.01): Admiration is felt for the clever food system and mutation design, which is seen as extremely thorough. The well-executed concept earns high praise for its depth and creativity.}