Info about Ad Infinitum:

Official game description:
Trapped between the walls of your family home and the trenches of World War I, you try to piece together your past and take back control of your life.
BREAK THE CYCLE
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Will the nightmare of the war ever end? Will you find inner peace one day? In Ad Infinitum, you play as a German soldier haunted by the horrors of the Great War. While your mind grapples with memories of your family home and the trenches on the front, you try to break the endless cycle of suffering.  
BETWEEN A DREAM AND REALITY
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You wake up in your bedroom, unchanged from your teenage years, in a run-down and deserted manor house. Suddenly and inexplicably, you are transported to the trenches where the horrors of war are overshadowed by vile and even more terrifying creatures. Unable to distinguish between reality and nightmare, you must fight to regain control of your life's narrative.  
NIGHTMARES THAT BECOME REAL
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Unspeakable nightmares come to life in the recesses of your mind. To escape the death traps and terrifying creatures, you must understand the source and motivation of each monster and solve the puzzles that stand in your way. From blind demons who can hear your softest footsteps to hideous disjointed puppets who move in the dark, horror is around every corner.  
A FAMILY TORN APART
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The fallout of the war is felt far from the front. Peel back the shroud that hides the secrets of your family, torn apart by the Great War, and try to remember your past. Through exploration and by solving riddles and puzzles between the walls of your home and the barbed wire of No Man’s Land, you ultimately reveal a chapter in the story of a German family torn apart by war.

Release date: 14 Sep, 2023

Categories: Psychological Horror, Puzzle Solving, Single-player Story, Exploration, Stealth Gameplay, Multiple Endings, Investigative Gameplay


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


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Stunning Visuals & Atmosphere (weight 0.97): The game is consistently praised for its stunning visuals, detailed environments, and immersive atmosphere, which effectively convey the game's themes and enhance the player's experience. The art style, lighting, and overall design contribute significantly to its appeal.
- Impactful WWI & Trauma Portrayal (weight 0.46): The game excels in its unique and impactful portrayal of World War I, focusing on the psychological and physical trauma experienced by soldiers and families. It effectively uses the setting to explore themes of PTSD, mental anguish, and the brutal realities of war without glorifying it.
- Effective Psychological Horror (weight 0.43): Reviewers consistently highlight the game's effective psychological horror, which relies on tension, atmosphere, and disturbing imagery rather than cheap jump scares. The game successfully creates a sense of unease and dread, immersing players in a truly scary experience.
- Deep & Engaging Storytelling (weight 0.39): The game's narrative is frequently lauded as its strongest asset, offering a deep, emotional, and thought-provoking story that unravels gradually. It explores complex themes like trauma, guilt, and family dynamics, keeping players engaged and reflective.
- Immersive Sound & Music (weight 0.27): The sound design and music are consistently praised for their immersive quality, significantly enhancing the game's atmosphere and tension. Reviewers note how the audio elements contribute to the overall sense of dread and draw players deeper into the experience.
- Original Creature Designs (weight 0.25): The game's creature and boss designs are highly praised for their originality, intricate detail, and symbolic representation. These designs are noted for being both visually striking and effectively contributing to the game's horror and narrative themes.
- Accessible & Engaging Puzzles (weight 0.14): The puzzles are generally well-received for being entertaining, well-integrated into the gameplay, and not overly difficult. They provide a good balance of challenge and accessibility, adding another dimension to the experience without causing frustration.
- High-Quality Voice Acting (weight 0.1): The voice acting, particularly in French and German, receives consistent praise for its quality and emotional depth. Reviewers note that the performances enhance character personalities and contribute to the game's immersive narrative.
- Meaningful Core Message (weight 0.07): The game is recognized for its distinctive core message and unusual, meaningful plot. Reviewers appreciate that it's more than just a game, emphasizing its strong underlying ideas and relevant themes.
- Overall Amazing Experience (weight 0.06): Many reviewers describe the game as an amazing and worthwhile experience from beginning to end. They express high satisfaction and enjoyment, indicating that the game delivered on expectations and was worth the time invested.
- Improved Progression & Design (weight 0.05): The game's progression, particularly in level design and gameplay, is noted to improve significantly as the story unfolds. Initial limitations or confusion give way to a more interesting and coherent experience as players delve deeper.

Common complaints:
- Slow and Boring Gameplay (weight 0.62): Many players found the game's pacing to be excessively slow, leading to boredom and a lack of engagement. This often made the gameplay feel tedious and uninteresting, with long stretches of inactivity.
- Technical Issues and Bugs (weight 0.56): The game is plagued by numerous technical issues, including poor optimization, frequent crashes, and various bugs such as collision problems, getting stuck in environments, and unresponsive controls. These issues significantly hinder the player experience.
- Clunky Controls and Animations (weight 0.53): Players frequently reported that character movement and interactions felt clunky and unresponsive. This includes issues with controls for opening doors, navigating environments, and general character animations, making gameplay frustrating.
- Repetitive Enemy/Boss Encounters (weight 0.21): Enemy encounters and boss fights were often criticized for being repetitive, uninspired, and lacking challenge. Monsters were described as unmemorable and easily bypassed, with boss mechanics being simplistic and reused.
- Limited Replayability (weight 0.13): The game has very limited replayability, partly due to the lack of a chapter selection feature, which forces players to restart the entire game to experience different endings or find missed items. This made pursuing alternative outcomes tedious.
- Overpriced for Content (weight 0.07): Many reviewers felt the game was significantly overpriced for the content and quality it offered. They suggested it was not worth its full price, especially given its short duration and lack of replayability.
- Inconsistent Puzzle Design (weight 0.07): Puzzles in the game were often described as either too simple and obvious or, conversely, unintuitive and obscure, sometimes requiring trial and error or external guides. This inconsistency made them tedious or frustrating.
- Underutilized WWI Setting (weight 0.06): The game failed to fully utilize its World War I setting, with many players feeling it didn't adequately portray the horrors of war or provide a compelling historical context. The narrative often deviated from the setting's potential.
- Tedious Mansion Exploration (weight 0.06): The mansion segments were frequently criticized for being tedious and confusing to navigate due to their large size and lack of clear guidance. Players often felt lost and bored while searching for objectives or notes.
- Extremely Negative Sentiment (weight 0.03): Some reviews expressed extreme dissatisfaction, labeling the game as 'garbage,' 'pure trash,' or 'one of the worst.' These highly negative, emotional responses often lacked specific constructive feedback and show signs of review bombing.

Gameplay feedback:
- Short Playtime (weight 0.47): The game is relatively short, with playthroughs typically ranging from 3 to 8 hours. The duration can vary depending on whether players focus solely on the plot or take time to explore and read all lore.
- Simple, Easy Puzzles (weight 0.38): The game primarily features simple and easy puzzles, often integrated into the environment. While some find them interesting, others consider them basic and uninspired, serving more as roadblocks than challenging gameplay elements.
- Multiple Endings & Choices (weight 0.27): The game offers significant replayability through its multiple endings, which are determined by player choices made during boss encounters. There are typically three endings (good, neutral, bad) influenced by decisions to spare or eliminate bosses.
- Puzzle-Based Bosses & Evasion (weight 0.18): Boss fights are present but are not combat-focused; instead, they are essentially puzzles requiring players to activate mechanisms or evade enemies. Enemies are generally easy to avoid or outmaneuver, and direct confrontation is rare or discouraged.
- Story Through Collectibles (weight 0.11): The story is primarily conveyed through found documents, notes, letters, and audio logs. Fully understanding the complex narrative and character backstories requires players to actively collect and read these scattered lore pieces.
- Stealth Gameplay (weight 0.08): The game incorporates stealth mechanics, particularly in sections with enemies. Players must crouch, avoid sound-triggering devices, and use distractions to evade threats, as direct combat is not a primary option.
- Predictable Jump Scares (weight 0.08): The game utilizes jump scares, though opinions vary on their effectiveness. Some find them predictable and typical of the genre, while others note they are used sparingly. The horror elements are often described as classical psychological horror.
- Good Ending Outcome (weight 0.04): The game features multiple endings, including a 'good ending' where the protagonist overcomes inner demons and achieves reconciliation. This ending typically involves specific choices during boss encounters, such as sparing them.

Performance notes:
- Inconsistent Optimization & FPS (weight 0.12): Many players reported inconsistent optimization, leading to significant FPS drops and unstable framerates, especially in specific areas like the hospital section. While some found the graphics good, the technical performance often hindered the experience.
- Inconsistent Animation Quality (weight 0.03): Some players noted issues with specific animations, such as aiming or spotlight movements, appearing at very low frame rates (e.g., 13-30 FPS), which detracted from the visual fluidity. There were mixed opinions on overall animation quality.
- Unrealistic Lighting/Shadows (weight 0.01): The lighting and shadow systems occasionally created unrealistic visuals or made it difficult for players to navigate, impacting visibility in certain areas.
- Enemy AI Malfunctions (weight 0.01): One specific mention indicated that enemy AI sometimes malfunctioned, which could impact gameplay experience.
- In-Game Object Issues (weight 0.01): There were reports of problems with in-game objects, though specific details were not provided.
- FPS Limit Workaround (weight 0.01): A specific workaround for a problematic door involved setting a 60 FPS limit, suggesting a potential frame rate-related bug.
- Linux Performance Issues (weight 0.01): One user reported unexpected performance issues on Linux with a high-end GPU at 4K resolution, indicating potential platform-specific optimization challenges.
- High System Resource Usage (weight 0.01): One reviewer noted their computer became very loud due to cooling demands, suggesting high resource usage.
- Extensive Customization Options (weight 0.01): The game offers extensive customization options for graphics and controls, allowing players to tailor their experience.
- DLSS/FSR Support (weight 0.01): The game supports modern upscaling technologies like DLSS and AMD's equivalent, which can improve performance.

Recommendations:
- Recommended, especially on sale (weight 0.37): The game is generally recommended, especially when purchased on sale. Many reviewers suggest waiting for a significant discount, indicating that the full price might not align with the perceived value for some players.
- Strong for psychological horror fans (weight 0.26): The game is highly recommended for fans of psychological horror, particularly those interested in narrative-driven experiences and themes related to World War I. It's noted for its atmospheric horror rather than jump scares or action.
- Play with German audio (weight 0.03): Several reviewers suggest playing the game with German voice acting and subtitles for a more immersive and authentic experience, indicating that the original language enhances the atmosphere.
- Alternatives like Amnesia: The Bunker (weight 0.02): Some reviewers suggest that other games, like Amnesia: The Bunker or Layers of Fear, offer a more compelling or similar horror experience, implying that this game might not fully satisfy those looking for specific horror subgenres.

Other player notes:
- Solid Mid-Tier Experience (weight 0.06): The game is considered a solid, albeit not groundbreaking, experience, often seen as good value for its price. Its length is around 8-12 hours, with limited replayability for casual players but more for achievement hunters.
- Genre Ambiguity & Niche Appeal (weight 0.04): There is some debate on whether the game truly fits the horror genre, with some reviewers stating it's not a horror game. Its specific thematic focus and style might not appeal to all players.
- Protagonist's Sensory Deprivation (weight 0.02): The protagonist's experience is characterized by constant physical discomforts like hunger and thirst, alongside a pervasive sense of being watched and a strong, unsettling inner voice that contributes to the psychological tension.
- Family-Centric Narrative (weight 0.02): A significant aspect of the game's narrative involves the protagonist's family, with the family mansion serving as a central setting and key characters close to the protagonist appearing as bosses.
- Indie Developer Debut (weight 0.02): The game is noted as being developed by an indie studio, often described as talented but young, suggesting it's their first significant work.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.3): Players felt satisfied due to the game's compelling and impactful story, often praised for its thematic depth, particularly in depicting war and psychological trauma. The immersive atmosphere, strong art style, sound design, and overall high quality of the game, including its graphics and monster designs, also contributed significantly to this positive emotion. The game's ability to provide a complete and enjoyable horror experience, often with multiple endings and well-balanced puzzles, further enhanced player satisfaction.
- Disappointment (weight 0.16): Disappointment stemmed primarily from the game not meeting players' expectations, especially regarding its horror elements, which many found lacking or unengaging. Technical issues, outdated graphics, slow pacing, and repetitive gameplay also contributed to this feeling. The high price for perceived low quality and a confusing or unfulfilling story further exacerbated the disappointment, leading to a general sense of unfulfilled potential.
- Frustration (weight 0.13): Frustration was largely caused by numerous technical issues, including game-breaking bugs, crashes, and poor optimization. Players also expressed frustration with clunky controls, confusing navigation, obscure or difficult puzzles, and repetitive or tedious gameplay mechanics. Poor level design, unhelpful enemy AI, and issues with sound and visibility further contributed to a frustrating experience.
- Boredom (weight 0.05): Boredom arose from the game's slow pacing, excessive reading, and lack of engaging or challenging gameplay. Players found the movement clunky and the overall experience repetitive and uninspired. The minimal horror elements and dull gameplay mechanics also contributed to a lack of interest in continuing the game.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Players appreciated the game's strong symbolism and thematic depth, particularly its sensitive and effective portrayal of WWI, trauma, and PTSD. The unique horror approach, outstanding art direction, and immersive atmosphere were also highly valued. The developers' effort and dedication in creating a peculiar and well-crafted project with a powerful narrative resonated deeply with players.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement was generated by the game's immersive atmosphere, engaging plot, and unique monster designs. Players were thrilled by the unexpected depth and overall high quality of the game, even for those typically averse to horror. The compelling narrative, intriguing puzzles, and the anticipation of experiencing the final chapters also contributed to this feeling.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration was felt for the game's effective portrayal of war horrors, PTSD, and its profound message. Players admired the unique story, thematic depth, and the overall artistic quality, especially considering it was an indie title. The attention to detail in environmental design and historical reconstruction, along with the developer's achievement in creating such an impactful experience, also garnered significant admiration.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Players experienced enjoyment through the game's overall immersive atmosphere and interesting story. The fun gameplay and the profound, emotional, and tense experiences provided by the horror elements contributed to a positive and engaging time with the game.
- Engagement (weight 0.02): Engagement stemmed from the game's gripping narrative, which effectively explored psychological trauma and war themes. The immersive and unsettling qualities of the story, combined with compelling puzzles and the tension created by the protagonist's sanity, kept players deeply involved in the experience.
- Awe (weight 0.02): Awe was inspired by the game's masterful combination of horror and WWI traumas, along with the profound and thought-provoking story of sorrow, pain, and tragedy. The high quality of the visuals, sound design, and the developers' dedication in effectively portraying war horrors and their psychological impact contributed to this sense of wonder.
- Fear (weight 0.01): Fear was primarily caused by the game's effective psychological horror elements, including scary moments, jump scares, and the unsettling presence of creatures like Mayhem. The game's overall ability to provide a genuinely frightening experience contributed to this emotion.
- Mixed feelings (weight 0.01): Mixed feelings arose from players acknowledging both positive and negative aspects of the game, leading to an overall ambivalent recommendation. This often involved a conflict between an interesting story and a less satisfying completion, or a focus on trauma over action, combined with issues in game structure, pacing, or overall quality.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest was sparked by the game's unique setting, compelling atmosphere, and intriguing story progression. The game's distinct theme and the way its narrative unfolded kept players curious and engaged.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance was caused by repetitive character sounds, simple monster designs, and specific frustrating in-game mechanics like the dynamo machine. Technical and gameplay issues, along with the early access system and the presence of a tinnitus sound effect, also contributed to player irritation.
- Emotional (weight 0.01): Players felt emotional due to the significant impact of the game's story and its various endings. The narrative and character development were particularly effective in evoking strong emotional responses from players.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness was evoked by the game's story content, its overall tone, and its ability to portray emotional depth and thematic success. The game's narrative, particularly its themes, had a profound emotional impact on players, leading to feelings of sorrow.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger stemmed from frustrating game design choices, poor monster animations, and simplistic gameplay. Technical issues, including the inability to play a paid game, and poor visual quality also contributed to players' anger.
- Immersion (weight 0.01): Immersion was achieved through the game's captivating atmosphere, detailed world, and effective sound design. The unfolding story and compelling visuals further drew players into the game's experience, making them feel deeply connected to the environment and narrative.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise arose from the game's unexpected quality, particularly its well-written story and effective soundtrack. Players were also surprised by the game's ability to immerse them in a soldier's mentality and effectively convey the horrors of war.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy was experienced through the game's overall high quality, engaging story, and attention to detail. The emotional impact of the game and its excellent soundtrack also contributed to a sense of happiness and enjoyment for players.}