Info about Tails of Iron:

Official game description:
Bright Fir Forest - Free Expansion
==================================
**Tails of Iron** now includes ‘**Bright Fir Forest**’, a second free expansion that continues Redgi’s regal journey. Featuring 13 new quests (four story quests and nine side quests) this end-game expansion takes the young Rat King to the Squirrels’ renowned Festival of Leaf Fall, adds three new challengers in the Mole Arena, further broadens character customisation with new weapons and armour, includes eight cosmetic upgrades for the Crimson Keep, and more.  
King of Frogkind, the maniacal **Greenwart** has been vanquished, but despite the joyous celebrations in the forest, a new amphibious menace may be about to bubble through the pond scum… can Redgi overcome the emerging threat and be back in time to enjoy an acorn cup of Bright Sap under the luscious green canopies of Bright Fir?  
Your tail continues…
Bloody Whiskers - Free Expansion
================================
**Tails of Iron** now includes ‘**Bloody Whiskers**’: a free expansion which introduces a new post-game questline, two additional difficulty modes, five new bosses, a selection of special armours and weapons, and a secret that was perhaps better left forgotten…  
With the tyrannical **Greenwart** now defeated, King **Redgi’s** vast lands chime with celebration. But the recently crowned saviour isn’t free to rest easy on his throne just yet. As decreed by an ancient Rat tradition, the new King must prove his worth… in a deadly trial of combat.  
Defeat the most lethal warriors from across the land to claim the key to the old King’s room. But what heinous secret lurks within?  
Your tail continues…
About the Game
==============
Set in a grim land plagued by war, Tails of Iron is a hand-drawn RPG Adventure with punishingly brutal combat. As Redgi, heir to the Rat Throne, you must restore your broken Kingdom by banishing the merciless Frog Clan and their ferocious leader, Greenwart.  
As you explore the deceivingly charming world, you’ll encounter a cast of unique companions, ready to aid you in your adventure. And you’ll need all the help you can get, whether that’s new meal recipes, blueprints to forge deadly weapons and armour, or even a land-chugging, armour-plated mole mobile!  
Overcome your fears. Rescue your brothers. Restore Your Kingdom.  
Your tail has begun…
Explore a Treacherous Kingdom
-----------------------------
Fully accompanied by the deep, raspy narrations of the legendary Doug Cockle (celebrated within the world of RPGs), prepare to embark on an epic adventure across the mediaeval-fantasy Rat Kingdom. Complete side quests and faction hunts for some additional gold-on-the-side, or join forces with a sharp-eyed companion to help even the playing field.  
Master Brutal Combat
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From frog zombies to gargantuan grubs - and everything in-between - the Kingdom is awash with danger. To overcome each perilous encounter, you’ll need to study your opponent’s attacks and react accordingly! Thankfully, there’s a range of deadly abilities at your disposal, including parry bashes and fatal executions, not to mention ranged attacks with your nifty bow and arrow.  
Customise your Attack
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Adapt Redgi’s combat style to the task at hand. Heavy armour may provide better protection but can you really afford to slow down your dodge-roll? And then there’s the question of weapon; axes pack a punch, while spears are quick and nimble. Perhaps you’d prefer the all-round performance of a trusty broadsword?  
Overcome Savage Boss Fights
---------------------------
While danger lurks around every toadstool, you’ll need to keep your wits sharp and your blade sharper when it comes to the devastating boss fights. Cold-blooded in every sense of the word, these oversized amphibians each present their own unique combat challenge, and you’ll need more than a good set of armour to come out on top.  
Brew Recipes, Craft Weapons, Forge Armour
-----------------------------------------
Redgi’s keep is also home to his brothers, Rem-Rem, Bam-Bam and Dug. Rem can cook up a health-boosting feast with ingredients found throughout the world, while Bam can craft new weapons and armors from special blueprints you’ll uncover… if you look hard enough. And then there’s Dug, who’ll update you about new quests available throughout the Kingdom.  
Features:
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*   Master brutal combat, inspired by the souls-like genre, featuring dodge-rolls, parry bashes, and fatal executions!  
*   Explore a vast and treacherous Kingdom, comprising six distinct biomes, each with its own hidden paths and secrets  
*   Immerse yourself in a compelling story, narrated by the deep, raspy vocals of the legendary Doug Cockle  
*   Customise your attack style with a vast array of distinct weapons and armour  
*   Assemble a band of brave companions, ready to aid you on select missions  
*   Complete side quests to earn additional gold-on-the-side  
*   Unearth special blueprints to forge new and powerful weapons  
*   Collect rare ingredients to cook up health-boosting feasts  
*   Overcome savage boss fights against the Frog Clan’s deadly, oversized generals  
*   Lose yourself in the gorgeous and lovingly-crafted 2D hand-drawn art style.

Release date: Sep 17, 2021

Categories: Soulslike Combat, Metroidvania, Action RPG, Hand-drawn Animation, Boss Fights, Crafting, Exploration

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 60; verdict: Tinkering required; summary: The game's native Linux build is broken, causing black screens and launch failures. Users must force specific Proton versions (e.g., 8.0-5, GE-Proton, Experimental) to get it running. While many achieve playability, there are reports of freezes, save corruption, and some users unable to launch even with tweaks. Overall, the game requires significant tinkering and is not stable out of the box.
- Steam Deck: score 45; verdict: Playable with Proton workaround; summary: Tails of Iron is advertised as Steam Deck Verified but fails to launch out of the box, presenting a black screen. Users must manually force a specific Proton version (e.g., Proton 8.0-5, GE-Proton, or Proton Experimental) to make it playable. After this tinkering, the game runs well with solid performance and battery life. The main friction is the initial setup and the misleading verification status, which causes frustration and negative reviews despite the game's quality.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Both hardware cohorts report the game running well, with only minor setup caveats on Steam Deck requiring a custom Proton version.
  - Sample size: 118 (5% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (positive, 69 reports): Runs well even on lower-end GPUs like a GTX 1650, with smooth performance at high resolutions.
  - Steam Deck / handheld (positive, 5 reports): Works after installing a GE Proton version via ProtonUp Qt; otherwise the game may not display correctly.
  - Caveats: 118 of 2465 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The community overwhelmingly indicates that the full price of $24.99 is too high for the game's short length and limited replayability. Specific fair price mentions include $9.99 and $15, while one review considers $25 fair but notes the short content. The consensus points to a fair base-game price between $10 and $15, as this aligns with the content quality and typical indie pricing for similar experiences.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 9.3h
  - Story completion: 6.8h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 0.8h
  - Reasoning: The first quote directly states 9.3 hours for full completion, supporting gameCompletion. The second quote provides 6.8 hours for the main story and 0.75 hours for the endgame expansion, supporting storyCompletion and endgame. The third quote corroborates story completion around 7.5 hours and endgame 0.5-1 hour, but we use the more specific 6.8 and 0.75 from the second quote. No evidence for session length, so it is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Tails of Iron is enjoyable in its opening hours but becomes repetitive and tedious as players progress, leading to a clear drop in fun.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: clunky combat; misleading tutorial; inconsistent dodge timings; tedious backtracking
  - Unlock drivers: combat mechanics clicking; learning parry and dodge
  - Conditions: player tolerance for backtracking; enjoyment of 2D soulslike combat; appreciation for the art style; interest in Redwall-style rat furry themes
- Player Archetypes:
  - The Completionist Achievement Hunter (sale)
    - Motivation: Achieving 100% completion and unlocking every achievement.
    - Playstyle: Methodical, thorough, often replaying on higher difficulties to unlock all content.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: completionist
    - Reference games: N/A
  - The Souls-like Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Seeking challenging, skill-based combat and the satisfaction of overcoming difficult bosses.
    - Playstyle: Methodical, precise, often using parry and dodge mechanics, optimizing builds.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Dark Souls; Elden Ring; Hollow Knight
  - The Casual Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoying a charming story and world without excessive difficulty.
    - Playstyle: Relaxed, exploring at their own pace, often playing on lower difficulties.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: casual
    - Reference games: N/A
  - The Art & Story Enthusiast (sale)
    - Motivation: Experiencing a beautiful, hand-crafted world and engaging narrative.
    - Playstyle: Exploratory, taking screenshots, appreciating details, often playing on lower difficulties to enjoy the story.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - 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:
- Combat is challenging and satisfying (weight 0.37): Players consistently describe the combat as difficult but rewarding, requiring timing and precision. The challenge provides a sense of achievement without being overly frustrating.
- Art style is beautiful (weight 0.29): The hand-drawn art style is frequently praised for its beauty, detail, and uniqueness. It stands out as a major highlight, contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere.
- Story is simple but engaging (weight 0.28): The narrative is described as straightforward yet captivating, with a well-told story that holds interest. It is considered well-written and serves its purpose effectively.
- Graphics are impressive (weight 0.21): Reviewers commend the game's visual presentation, noting the graphics are top-tier and aesthetically pleasing. The 2D visuals are described as a work of art.
- Game is fun and engaging (weight 0.18): Overall, the game is highly enjoyable, with addictive gameplay and a good balance of challenge. Players find it entertaining and worth playing.
- Difficulty is well balanced (weight 0.17): The game offers a fair challenge that is neither too hard nor too easy, avoiding frustration. Players appreciate the balanced difficulty across different settings.
- Soundtrack is enjoyable (weight 0.09): The music is well-received, with a soundtrack that complements the gameplay and enhances the experience. It is described as good, engaging, and beautifully done.
- Victories feel rewarding (weight 0.06): Winning battles gives a strong sense of achievement, especially when relying on skill. Each victory feels earned, contributing to overall satisfaction.

Common complaints:
- Hitboxes are broken and unfair (weight 0.24): Players consistently report that hitboxes are imprecise, oversized, or mismatched with visuals, causing dodges to fail and unfair deaths. This issue is especially prominent in boss fights and on higher difficulties, artificially inflating fight times and frustrating players.
- Dodge mechanics lack invincibility frames (weight 0.12): Multiple reviews state that the dodge roll provides no i-frames, making it unreliable even with perfect timing. The dodge is also described as short, slow, or delayed, compounding the hitbox problems and making evasion nearly impossible in some encounters.
- Hardest difficulty is unbalanced (weight 0.11): The highest difficulty settings, including Bloody Whiskers, are criticized for being untested and unfair, with enemies dealing two-hit kills and leaving little room for error. Players feel the difficulty spike is frustrating rather than challenging, ruining replay value.
- Side quests are mandatory and tedious (weight 0.1): Players complain that side quests are forced to progress the main story, requiring repetitive backtracking and feeling like artificial padding. The quests are described as boring, tiring, and monotonous, detracting from the overall experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- 2D soulslike metroidvania adventure (weight 0.25): The game is a 2D side-scrolling action-adventure that combines soulslike combat with metroidvania exploration elements. It features challenging gameplay and a dark fantasy atmosphere inspired by the genre.
- Combat uses parry and dodge (weight 0.18): The combat system revolves around parrying, dodging, blocking, and counter-attacking, requiring precise timing and strategic management of defensive actions. Players must master these mechanics to succeed in battles.
- Bloody Whiskers is hardest mode (weight 0.16): The game features a special high-difficulty mode called Bloody Whiskers, which is required for platinum trophy completion. It is described as the highest difficulty setting alongside a normal mode.
- Metroidvania elements are present (weight 0.12): The game incorporates metroidvania-style exploration, though some players note it is fairly linear with limited backtracking. It blends these elements with soulslike mechanics to create a hybrid experience.
- Post-game content and achievements (weight 0.06): The game includes post-game content such as additional fights, fetch quests, and recycled bosses, along with achievements to unlock. This extends the gameplay beyond the main story and offers extra challenges.
- Action RPG with soulslike elements (weight 0.06): The game is classified as an action RPG with strong soulslike and metroidvania influences, featuring a fairy-tale setting. It combines role-playing progression with challenging combat and exploration.
- Extensive weapon and armor variety (weight 0.06): Players can obtain hundreds of weapons and armor pieces, offering a wide arsenal for different playstyles. The game features a robust equipment system that encourages experimentation and customization.
- Game is very linear (weight 0.05): The main story is highly linear with short maps, making the game more straightforward than other metroidvanias like Hollow Knight. This linearity is a notable aspect of the game's design.

Performance notes:
- Steam Deck black screen issues (weight 0.09): Multiple users report a black screen on Steam Deck, often at launch or when transitioning areas. Workarounds include using PROTON EXPERIMENTAL or GE-Proton, but the issue is persistent and affects cutscenes as well.
- Long loading times (weight 0.06): Several reviews mention long loading times, especially between areas, even on high-spec computers. Some users note that a game update fixed the issue, but others still find it slow.
- Game crashes and hangs (weight 0.04): A few users report constant crashes, game hangs requiring Alt+F4, and other critical bugs. These issues disrupt gameplay and may require workarounds.
- Performance issues with Stalker enemies (weight 0.01): One user notes frame drops and lag when fighting Stalker enemies, indicating specific combat scenarios may cause performance problems.
- Scenery disappearing due to bugs (weight 0.01): A user reports that parts of the scenery disappear due to bugs, which can affect visual immersion and gameplay.
- Gamepad not working on PC (weight 0.01): One user reports that the gamepad does not work on PC, which is a significant issue for players preferring controller input.

Recommendations:
- Worth buying on sale (weight 0.17): Many reviewers emphasize that the game is worth purchasing, especially when discounted. They recommend waiting for a sale to get the best value.
- Definitely worth playing (weight 0.17): Several reviewers strongly recommend the game, stating it is definitely worth playing and spending time on. They consider it a worthwhile experience overall.
- Recommended for soulslike fans (weight 0.13): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy souls-like mechanics and challenging combat. It appeals to fans of the genre and those who appreciate high difficulty.
- Controller recommended for play (weight 0.07): A significant number of reviewers advise using a controller for a better experience. They note that keyboard and mouse controls are more difficult and less enjoyable.
- Play on normal difficulty (weight 0.05): Reviewers recommend playing on normal difficulty for a balanced experience. They caution against the hardest difficulty, which may be frustrating or unbalanced.
- Do not buy (weight 0.05): A few reviewers do not recommend buying the game at all. They suggest it may not be worth the money or effort, possibly due to frustration or lack of enjoyment.
- Not recommended at full price (weight 0.05): Some reviewers advise against buying the game at full price. They suggest waiting for a discount to get a fair value for the experience.
- Avoid Bloody Whiskers mode (weight 0.04): Players advise against playing on Bloody Whiskers mode, especially for a first playthrough. It is only recommended for achievement hunters, not for enjoyment.
- Not for new players (weight 0.03): The game is not recommended for newcomers to the soulslike genre. It is better suited for experienced players who are familiar with challenging combat and mechanics.
- Recommended for Hollow Knight fans (weight 0.03): Fans of Hollow Knight and similar metroidvania games will likely enjoy this title. It shares stylistic and gameplay elements that appeal to that audience.

Other player notes:
- Price value debated (weight 0.16): Many reviewers mention the game's price, with some saying it's not worth full price but is a good buy on sale. Others find it worth the price, especially with discounts.
- Playtime around ten hours (weight 0.13): The game's length is commonly cited as around 10 hours, with some estimates ranging from 8 to 15 hours. This is seen as a moderate playtime for the genre.
- Compared to Dark Souls (weight 0.11): The game is frequently compared to Dark Souls and other Soulslike titles, with reviewers noting similarities in difficulty, map design, and overall feel. Some call it a 'Souls wanna be' or 'rat souls'.
- Compared to Hollow Knight (weight 0.11): Many reviewers compare the game to Hollow Knight, noting similarities in movement, difficulty, and overall style. Some feel it's almost the same as Hollow Knight, while others note it's more linear or constrained.
- Sequel exists (weight 0.09): The game has a sequel, and some reviewers mention purchasing it after playing this game. This indicates a series that continues beyond the first installment.
- DLC included (weight 0.08): The game includes DLC content, with some noting two free DLCs that add post-game missions. This is seen as a positive addition to the base game.
- Game is short (weight 0.08): Several reviewers note the game is relatively short, especially for experienced players, and can be completed in a couple of evenings. However, some feel it doesn't lack content despite its brevity.
- Achievements require high difficulty (weight 0.06): Some achievements require playing on the highest difficulty, such as Bloody Whiskers mode, and killing the final boss on that difficulty. This is a warning for completionists.
- Indie title praised (weight 0.06): The game is recognized as an indie title that deserves more credit, with some calling it an 'indie gem'. This highlights its quality despite being from a small team.
- Geralt voice actor narrates (weight 0.05): The narrator is voiced by Doug Cockle, who is known for voicing Geralt in The Witcher 3. This is a notable feature for fans of that series.
- Compared to Salt and Sanctuary (weight 0.04): Reviewers compare the game to Salt and Sanctuary, often in combination with Hollow Knight, noting similarities in difficulty and gameplay. Some describe it as Salt and Sanctuary's gameplay with Hollow Knight's art style.
- Steam Deck compatibility issues (weight 0.04): The game is marked as verified on Steam Deck, but some reviewers still encountered issues. A community fix using Proton Experimental exists for playing on Linux and Steam Deck.
- Runs on low-end hardware (weight 0.04): The game can run on a potato PC and has a small file size, making it accessible to players with older or less powerful systems.
- Platinum trophy achievable (weight 0.03): The game has a platinum trophy on PS4, and some reviewers have achieved 100% completion on PC. This indicates a manageable achievement list.
- Hand-drawn visuals (weight 0.03): The game features hand-drawn illustrations and graphics, which is a distinctive visual style that appeals to many reviewers.
- Compared to Darkest Dungeon (weight 0.02): The graphic style is compared to Darkest Dungeon, with reviewers noting the gothic aesthetic. This comparison highlights the visual tone of the game.
- Limited replayability (weight 0.02): Some reviewers note that the game has little replayability, with limited reasons to play again after completion. This is a common criticism for shorter games.
- Shallow fairy tale story (weight 0.02): The story is described as shallow and like a fairy tale, not deep. This suggests the narrative is simple and may not be a strong point for some players.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.26): Players are frustrated by unfair and unbalanced difficulty, especially on the highest modes, with one-hit kills, broken hitboxes, and no invincibility frames on dodges. Combat feels unresponsive and punitive, with stun locks, input delays, and bosses that teleport or attack with unavoidable patterns. Excessive backtracking, repetitive side quests, and poorly placed save points further compound the annoyance.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.12): Players enjoy the game's beautiful hand-drawn art, engaging story, and satisfying combat that is challenging but fair on normal difficulty. The fun comes from learning enemy patterns, exploring the world, and the overall atmosphere, with many praising the game as a great soulslike experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.1): Satisfaction arises from overcoming difficult but fair challenges, with each victory feeling earned through skill and learning. The combat is weighty and rewarding, and the game's progression and exploration provide a strong sense of achievement. Players appreciate the well-balanced difficulty and the sense that their actions matter.
- Disappointment (weight 0.07): Disappointment stems from the game's flaws outweighing its strengths, such as repetitive side quests, poor combat feel, and a lack of meaningful weapon variety. The story is often seen as shallow, and the game fails to live up to its potential as a soulslike, with some players finding it too hard or not engaging enough.
- Admiration (weight 0.06): Admiration is directed at the game's exceptional hand-drawn art style, atmospheric world, and attention to detail. The soundtrack, story, and overall craftsmanship are highly praised, with many considering it a masterpiece and one of the best games they have played.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciate the game's beautiful visuals, engaging combat, and atmospheric storytelling. The hand-drawn art, narrator, and world design are frequently highlighted as positive aspects, making the game a memorable and enjoyable experience.
- Annoyance (weight 0.04): Annoyance is caused by janky hitboxes, tedious backtracking, and mandatory side quests that require excessive running. The lack of fast travel, slow movement, and occasional bugs also contribute to the irritation, along with some platforming and combat issues.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger is fueled by unfair boss fights, one-hit kill mechanics, and the game's punishing difficulty, especially on the highest settings. Poor controls, input detection issues, and design flaws that feel intentionally frustrating lead to strong negative reactions.
- Love (weight 0.02): Love for the game comes from its charming art direction, engaging story, and the overall atmosphere that resonates with players. The game's design choices, including the balance between difficulty and exploration, make it a favorite for many, with some calling it their all-time favorite.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom sets in due to repetitive gameplay, monotonous map design, and predictable quests. The post-game content, which involves fetch quests and recycled bosses, fails to hold interest, and the game becomes tedious after the initial novelty wears off.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement is generated by the game's fun and challenging combat, engaging story, and the anticipation of the sequel. The art, music, and narration combine to create an exciting experience, and players are eager to continue playing and explore more of the world.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Surprise comes from the game exceeding low expectations, with many players not expecting to enjoy a game about rats. The game's quality, engaging story, and satisfying gameplay pleasantly surprise players, making it a hidden gem.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement is derived from the game's absurd premise of a rat fighting frogs, insects, and moles, which is both humorous and entertaining. The cute rats and the game's quirky take on serious themes provide a lighthearted and fun experience.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust is triggered by the poor combat feel, bad controls, and stiff animations that make the game unpleasant to play. The battle system, quests, and story are also criticized, with some players finding the overall design nauseating.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest is sparked by the game's intriguing art style, story, and mechanics, which keep players engaged. The first few hours are particularly interesting, and the game's unique premise appeals to those who enjoy a fresh take on the soulslike genre.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is driven by the game's captivating story, atmospheric world, and fun boss fights. The narrative, told through narration and visuals, keeps players invested, and the challenges are intense and rewarding.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy comes from the game's beautiful art, fun gameplay, and the pure enjoyment of playing. The game brings smiles even when frustrating, and the overall experience is described as pure fun with a charming presentation.
- Suffering (weight 0.01): Suffering is experienced on the hardest difficulty, which is described as grueling and torturous. The game's punishing combat, lack of invincibility frames, and slow controls make it a masochistic experience for some players.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is generated by the game's engaging mechanics, easy-to-learn controls, and the discovery of free DLCs. The game is seen as a standout indie title that delivers a dark, intense, and rewarding experience, making players eager to continue.
- Immersion (weight 0): Immersion is achieved through the game's incredible sound design, unique art style, and atmospheric world. The soundtrack and visual presentation draw players into the game, creating an immersive experience.}