Info about ULTRAKILL:

Official game description:
  
**_ULTRAKILL_** is a fast-paced ultraviolent old school FPS that fuses together classic shooters like _Quake_, modern shooters like _Doom (2016)_ and character action games like _Devil May Cry_.  
Mankind has gone extinct and the only beings left on earth are machines fueled by **blood**.  
But now that blood is starting to run out on the surface...  
Machines are racing to the depths of **Hell** in search of more.  
*   Use your many movement abilities to stay mobile and avoid the relentless attacks of the dead, demons and other machines.  
*   Destroy them with an arsenal of incredibly powerful weapons, each with multiple available variations.  
*   Soak yourself in their blood to regain health and keep fighting.  
*   Kill fast and with SSStyle to rack up combos and gain points that can be used on weapon variations between missions.  
*   Master the many levels to achieve high ranks and take on unique optional challenges.  
*   Explore the varied and unique campaign environments inspired by **Dante's Inferno** to find plentiful hidden secrets

Release date: Sep 3, 2020

Categories: First-Person Shooter, Action, Fast-paced Combat, High Mobility, Precision Platforming, Boss Fights, High Difficulty, High Skill Ceiling

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair; summary: The game appears to be largely free of predatory monetization practices. Most reviews highlight the absence of microtransactions and pay-to-win mechanics, which is a positive sign. There are some complaints about the base price being too high, but these do not relate to in-game purchases. A few mentions of cosmetic purchases suggest the possibility of a cosmetic shop, but there is no strong evidence of aggressive or predatory monetization.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: The Student; summary: The analysis of user feedback for ULTRAKILL reveals significant reliance on external wikis to understand complex game mechanics and uncover hidden secrets. Users frequently mention the need to refer to these external resources to grasp boss fight mechanics and lore, which are not adequately explained within the game. Additionally, there are notable complaints about bugs, particularly related to the game opening on the wrong monitor. Overall, the feedback highlights a dependency on external data sources for a smoother gaming experience.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game generally runs well on Linux with positive feedback from multiple users. Some minor issues were reported, but they did not significantly detract from the overall experience.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals significant performance issues and control compatibility problems with ULTRAKILL on the Steam Deck. While some users report excellent performance, others experience frequent frame drops and difficulties with new updates. Control schemes are noted to be functional but could be improved, and there are recurring issues with Linux support. Overall, the game shows promise but has notable technical barriers that need addressing.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: The game generally receives positive feedback across most hardware cohorts, with notable performance issues in specific layers, particularly 'Fraud'. Higher-end hardware tends to have fewer complaints, while lower-end hardware and Linux/Proton setups report more frequent performance drops.
  - Sample size: 923 (1% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / <16GB RAM (positive, 485 reports): Most players report good performance with occasional lag, especially in the 'Fraud' layer.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / 16-31GB RAM (positive, 147 reports): Players report high FPS and good performance, though some note issues with the 'Fraud' layer.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (positive, 101 reports): Generally positive reviews with some mentions of performance issues and lag in certain layers.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 78 reports): Players report a good experience with minor lag at times.
  - Linux / Proton <8GB VRAM (positive, 20 reports): Positive reviews with noted performance issues in 'Fraud' on older hardware.
  - Linux / Proton 8-11GB VRAM (positive, 18 reports): Players report good optimization and performance, with occasional lag in intense scenes.
  - Caveats: 923 of 65157 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $25.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows that users generally find the game worth its price, especially when purchased on sale. Many users mention the game's high quality, engaging gameplay, and extensive content, which justify the price. Some users suggest waiting for a sale to get the best value, indicating that while the game is worth its full price, a discounted price is more appealing to a broader audience.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 100.0h
  - Story completion: 10.0h
  - Session length: 3.0h
  - Endgame: 400.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides direct and indirect mentions of playtime metrics. The first quote indicates a significant investment in completing specific challenges, suggesting a high endgame playtime. The second and fourth quotes explicitly mention total playtime, which can be used to infer game completion and endgame metrics. The third quote highlights a specific session length and the difficulty of a particular boss fight, which can be indicative of session length and endgame content.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game has a steep learning curve and initially challenging mechanics, but it becomes highly enjoyable and addictive once players master the controls and acquire key abilities like the grappling hook around the 4-4 level.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Acquiring the grappling hook
  - Time to anchor: 8h 0m
  - Friction: Steep learning curve; Initial difficulty with mechanics; Repetitive early stages
  - Unlock drivers: Mastering movement and combat mechanics; Acquiring the grappling hook; Understanding weapon variety and combos
  - Conditions: Patience to learn and improve; Willingness to experiment with different weapons and strategies; Appreciation for fast-paced, challenging gameplay
- Player Archetypes:
  - Skill-Embracing Speedrunner (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastery and challenge
    - Playstyle: Fast-paced, high-skill gameplay focused on mastering movement and combat mechanics.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Speedrunner; Tryhard
    - Reference games: DOOM; Quake
  - Casual Story-Seeker (sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment and accessibility
    - Playstyle: Flexible, can switch between casual and challenging gameplay depending on mood and preference.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: Casual gamer; Story enthusiast
    - Reference games: DOOM; Quake
  - Lore-Engaged Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Community and lore engagement
    - Playstyle: Engaged with both gameplay and community aspects, enjoys discussing lore and theories.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Lore enthusiast; Community member
    - Reference games: DOOM; Quake
  - Chaos-Enjoying Adrenaline Junkie (buy)
    - Motivation: Adrenaline and excitement
    - Playstyle: Fast-paced, chaotic gameplay focused on high-speed action and combat.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Adrenaline junkie; Chaos lover
    - Reference games: DOOM; Quake


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:
- Enjoyable and addictive gameplay (weight 0.52): The gameplay is widely praised for being fun, fast-paced, and highly enjoyable. Players find it addictive with high replay value, satisfying gunplay, and diverse gameplay modes.
- Incredible soundtrack (weight 0.2): The soundtrack is highly praised for its high energy and exceptional quality. It is considered one of the best OSTs, adding significantly to the overall experience.
- Satisfying gameplay mechanics (weight 0.16): The game features satisfying combat systems, movement mechanics, and progression systems. Players enjoy the mastery of these mechanics, which are unique and well-crafted.
- Unique and engaging levels (weight 0.16): Each level in the game is unique and well-designed. The level design is engaging, with high replay value and memorable experiences.
- Interesting and deep lore (weight 0.15): The game's lore is noted for being deep, engaging, and thought-provoking. It adds to the overall experience and fits well with the game's secrets and immersion.
- Fast-paced FPS gameplay (weight 0.14): The game is a fast-paced, high-violence first-person shooter with challenging and hard-hitting gameplay. It is praised for its fast-paced mechanics and high difficulty.
- Unique gameplay experience (weight 0.14): The game offers a unique and imaginative gameplay experience that is both engaging and rewarding. It stands out for its originality and difficulty.
- Skill-based and competitive (weight 0.12): The game is highly skill-based with a high skill ceiling. It rewards players for their skills and creativity, providing a challenging yet fair experience.
- Challenging enemies and bosses (weight 0.11): The game features challenging and enjoyable bosses and enemies. The combat is rewarding and provides a fair yet difficult experience.
- Smooth and innovative movement (weight 0.11): The movement mechanics are smooth, fluid, and innovative, allowing for creative and aggressive gameplay. Players appreciate the high-speed movement and its mechanics.
- Rewarding combat and progression (weight 0.11): The combat system is rewarding and encourages experimentation with different weapons and techniques. The game offers a fair challenge with room to learn and adapt, enhancing replayability.
- Scoring system based on style (weight 0.1): The game includes a unique scoring system based on skill and style. This system encourages creative and skillful play, adding depth to the gameplay.
- Retro visual style (weight 0.1): The game's visual style is retro and stylish, combining retro and modern elements effectively. The graphics are minimalistic yet distinctive.
- Best movement shooter (weight 0.1): The game is considered one of the best movement shooters of all time. It is praised for its exceptional gameplay mechanics and overall quality.
- One of the best games ever (weight 0.09): The game is considered one of the best games ever by some reviewers. It is highly praised for its overall quality and rewarding gameplay.
- Secrets and hidden routes (weight 0.09): The game is filled with secrets and hidden routes that enhance replayability. Exploring for secrets is enjoyable and rewarding.
- Interesting story and writing (weight 0.09): The game features an interesting and engaging story with well-written characters. The narrative is simple yet effective, adding to the overall experience.
- Beautiful pixel art (weight 0.09): The game features beautiful pixel art and environments. The artistic design and retro graphics are visually appealing and well-crafted.
- Good for aim training (weight 0.09): The game is good for aim training and developing fine motor skills, reaction, and dexterity. It requires good aim and is beneficial for FPS players.
- Enjoyed the challenge (weight 0.09): Players enjoyed the challenge and progression in the game. The challenges are fun and provide a rewarding experience.

Common complaints:
- Difficulty with specific levels and bosses (weight 0.27): Players find certain levels and boss fights particularly challenging and frustrating.
- Performance issues and lag (weight 0.2): Players experience performance issues, including lag and frame drops, particularly in specific levels like Layer 8.
- Inconsistent and punishing difficulty (weight 0.19): The game has inconsistent difficulty spikes and some mechanics are considered too punishing.
- Frustrating enemy encounters (weight 0.13): Many players find certain enemies and bosses to be overly difficult, frustrating, and at times unfair.
- Gameplay and bug issues (weight 0.13): Players report various gameplay issues, including confusion, game-breaking bugs, and softlocks.
- Lack of specific content (weight 0.09): There are complaints about the lack of certain types of content, such as sexual content and translations.
- Buggy and poorly designed levels (weight 0.07): Certain levels are reported as buggy, poorly designed, and frustrating.
- P-ranking and locked content (weight 0.07): Players find P-ranking difficult and frustrating, with some content locked behind it.
- Poor optimization and graphics (weight 0.06): The game is criticized for its poor optimization and graphics quality.
- Motion sickness concerns (weight 0.06): Some players report potential motion sickness while playing the game.
- Incomplete story and lore (weight 0.04): The game's story and lore are criticized for being incomplete and lacking clear explanations.
- Mechanics not well explained (weight 0.04): Some players find that certain mechanics are not well explained, leading to frustration.
- Game can be overwhelming (weight 0.04): The game's fast-paced combat can be overwhelming for some players, leading to frequent deaths.
- Lack of Steam achievements (weight 0.04): Players express disappointment over the lack of an achievement system on Steam.
- Game is time-consuming (weight 0.04): Some players feel that the game consumes too much of their free time.
- Lack of language support (weight 0.04): There are complaints about the lack of support for certain languages, such as Japanese.
- Criticism of the game and developer (weight 0.04): Some players criticize the game as one of the worst they have seen and criticize the developer for its quality.

Gameplay feedback:
- Unique and challenging boss fights (weight 0.24): The game includes unique and challenging boss fights that require skill to overcome. These encounters are intense and rewarding.
- Innovative and complex level design (weight 0.22): The game features unique and intricate level designs with vertical structures, gravity changes, and optional secrets. Levels are often linear but include challenging boss fights and environmental hazards.
- Fast-paced and intense gameplay (weight 0.18): The game is known for its high-speed, chaotic, and adrenaline-pumping first-person shooter mechanics. It offers a fast and frenetic gameplay experience that is both intense and engaging.
- Unique ranking and scoring system (weight 0.17): The game includes a unique ranking system based on time, enemy kills, and style. Players can achieve different ranks, including the challenging 'P rank.'
- Unique and satisfying movement mechanics (weight 0.15): The game includes a variety of movement mechanics such as dashing, sliding, wall jumps, and grappling hooks. These mechanics are fluid and add to the overall satisfaction of the gameplay.
- Deep and diverse weapon interactions (weight 0.15): The game features a wide range of weapons with unique mechanics and synergies. Players can quickly swap between weapons, adding depth to the combat system.
- Customizable and varying difficulty (weight 0.15): The game offers a range of difficulty settings, from customizable options to Dark Souls-like challenges. The difficulty progresses and varies across different levels.
- Secrets and hidden challenges (weight 0.12): The game is filled with hidden secrets, Easter eggs, and secret missions. These add an extra layer of challenge and exploration for players.
- Intense and satisfying combat (weight 0.11): The combat in the game is intense, adrenaline-pumping, and highly satisfying. It offers challenging and rewarding encounters.
- Diverse enemy behaviors (weight 0.11): Enemies in the game have different attack patterns and behaviors, providing a variety of combat options and challenges for players.
- Influences from classic shooters (weight 0.11): The game draws comparisons to classic shooters like DOOM, Quake, and Devil May Cry. It features retro-style graphics and a variety of weapons with unique abilities.
- Aggressive and skill-based gameplay (weight 0.1): The game rewards aggressive playstyles and close-range combat with health restoration. It is skill-based and appeals to players who enjoy a challenge.
- Excellent and original gameplay (weight 0.08): The game offers an incredible and unique gameplay experience that is highly engaging and enjoyable.
- Skill-based progression and ceiling (weight 0.08): The game features skill-based progression with a high skill ceiling and a low skill floor, appealing to a wide range of players.
- Satisfying parrying mechanics (weight 0.07): The game includes a parrying mechanic that is satisfying and adds depth to the combat system.
- Cyber Grind mode (weight 0.07): The game includes a Cyber Grind mode, which is an endless mode that offers additional challenges and replay value.

Performance notes:
- Performance issues and lag (weight 0.25): Several players have reported occasional lag and performance issues, particularly in specific levels or layers, which can severely impact the gaming experience.
- Optimization problems (weight 0.19): There are numerous reports of poor optimization, with some players experiencing issues after updates or in certain levels, leading to a subpar gaming experience.
- Low system requirements (weight 0.13): The game is noted for running well on low-spec devices, including cheap laptops and low-end hardware, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
- Hardware compatibility issues (weight 0.08): There are reports of compatibility issues with specific hardware, including high-end PCs and MacBooks, which can affect the game's performance.
- Positive performance on lower settings (weight 0.08): The game runs smoothly on most levels and on lower performance settings, providing a good experience for players with less powerful hardware.
- Inconsistent collision and bugs (weight 0.06): There are mentions of inconsistent collision and occasional bugs, including framerate dropoffs, which can affect gameplay.
- Visual and motion issues (weight 0.04): Some players have noted that the visuals can get hectic and cluttered, and there are reports of motion sickness, which can detract from the overall experience.
- Game size and technical state (weight 0.02): The game is noted for having just the right amount of game size and a good technical state, which contributes to a positive gaming experience.

Recommendations:
- Worth buying and trying (weight 0.24): Many reviewers recommend the game to everyone, especially if it's on sale. It is considered worth the price and a strong recommendation for those looking for a new game to play.
- Recommended for FPS enthusiasts (weight 0.2): The game is highly recommended for fans of fast-paced, skill-driven shooters and hardcore gamers who enjoy high-speed gameplay.
- Try different game modes (weight 0.06): New players are advised to try harmless mode first to get used to the game, while others recommend standard mode or choosing Violent on the first playthrough for a challenging experience.
- Highly praised for depth and design (weight 0.05): The game is highly recommended for its depth, creativity, and design. It offers a unique and well-crafted experience that stands out in the genre.
- Wait for promotions or optimization (weight 0.04): Some reviewers suggest waiting for promotions before buying the game, while others recommend waiting for game optimization to ensure a smoother experience.
- Recommended despite some flaws (weight 0.04): The game is recommended despite having some flaws. It is also suggested to try the free prelude edition or look at gameplay before purchasing.
- Loud and energetic music (weight 0.04): The game features loud music and breakcore elements, adding to the intense and energetic atmosphere of the gameplay.
- Well-crafted story (weight 0.02): The game is praised for its well-put-together story, offering a narrative that complements its intense and fast-paced gameplay.

Other player notes:
- Desire for more game features (weight 0.03): Players are expressing interest in having additional features such as fishing and a visual novel included in the game.
- Diversity representation concerns (weight 0.02): Some players feel that the game lacks sufficient representation of gay characters.

Emotions:
- Excitement (weight 0.31): The excitement stems from the game's unique and intense gameplay style, which includes fast-paced combat, satisfying gunplay, and movement mechanics. Players are also thrilled by the variety of playstyles, customizable features, and the high skill ceiling that offers a rewarding and addictive experience.
- Frustration (weight 0.16): Players experience frustration due to repeated failures, game-breaking bugs, and performance issues. Difficulty spikes, inconsistent level design, and the challenging P-Rank system also contribute to this frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Satisfaction comes from mastering the game's mechanics, achieving high ranks, and enjoying the challenging yet rewarding combat. The game's depth, replayability, and engaging storyline also contribute to a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment.
- Joy (weight 0.06): Joy is derived from the game's fun and satisfying gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and enjoyable soundtrack. Players also find joy in the freedom to choose their playstyle and the overall positive experience the game provides.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Enjoyment is driven by the game's fun and chaotic gameplay, satisfying gunplay, and excellent soundtrack. The diverse weapon arsenal, challenging bosses, and well-made gameplay mechanics also enhance the overall experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.05): Players admire the game's beautiful environments, cool mechanics, and the amount of love and hard work put into it. The blend of old-school and modern elements, along with the powerful soundtrack, also evoke admiration.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.04): Enthusiasm is fueled by the game's high-quality mechanics, enjoyable weapon usage, and the engaging features that make it addictive. Players are also enthusiastic about the game's depth, challenges, and the positive impact it has on their skills.
- Disappointment (weight 0.03): Disappointment arises from gameplay and optimization issues, lack of expected content, and changes in the game that lead to a loss of focus. Some players also feel let down by the community's behavior towards lower difficulty players.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Amusement is derived from humorous bugs, interesting characters, and the game's story. The humorous narrative and commentary about the game's features also contribute to a light-hearted and entertaining experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Appreciation comes from the developer's attention to detail, extensive customization options, and the unique combat mechanics. Players also appreciate the game's deep story, great lore, and the positive impact of updates.
- Happiness (weight 0.02): Happiness is driven by the enjoyable gameplay, positive overall sentiment, and the game's excellent visuals and additional features. The fun and non-violent gameplay also contribute to a happy and satisfying experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Nostalgia is evoked by the game's comparisons to classic games like Serious Sam and Quake. Players also feel nostalgic about their personal journey and growth with the game over time.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Gratitude is expressed for the game's influence on the player's life and skills. Players are grateful for the unique experience and the game's impact on their perspective and calmness.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game is driven by the enjoyment of its challenging nature and the learning process involved. Players love the game despite its impact on their life, appreciating its unique qualities.
- Relaxation (weight 0.01): Relaxation comes from the calm and relaxing gameplay that the game offers. The soothing atmosphere and gameplay mechanics contribute to a relaxing experience.
- Amazement (weight 0.01): Amazement is evoked by the game's creative lore, hidden secrets, and mind-blowing features. Players are amazed by the depth and creativity of the game's design.
- Determination (weight 0.01): Determination is fueled by the desire to improve and achieve better results in the game. Players are motivated by the challenges and the opportunity to overcome them, improving their skills.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise comes from the game exceeding expectations, especially when compared to other games like DOOM. Players are also surprised by unexpected performance issues with their hardware.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Curiosity is piqued by the game's interesting story, secret levels, and characters. Players are curious about the lore and the hidden aspects of the game.}