Info about Drox Operative 2:

Official game description:
Drox Operative 2 is a starship action RPG with warring alien races, fierce space battles, a dynamic, evolving galaxy, and co-op multiplayer for Windows and Linux.  
Eons ago the Drox crushed and enslaved the ancient races and ruled the galaxy through their mighty Operatives. These elite starship captains were trained to accomplish the impossible at whatever cost. Whether employing stealth or brute force, they were always deadly. Using these Operatives, the Drox ruled the galaxy with an iron grip for over 100,000 years. Eventually realizing their Operatives were a threat, they attempted to assassinate all of them. They failed. The following Galactic Civil War was so devastating that the Drox are now extinct. The Drox Operative guild, now fully independent, survived.  
Newer races emerged and thrived in the power void ... for a while. Then the ancients returned. The wars were devastating, but with the Drox Operatives on their side, the ancients were beaten back and a truce was established.  
Since the devastation, a 4th wave of sentient races are emerging in the galaxy. Unlike previous waves, there are thousands in this one and no one knows anything about them. In the new space race, the ancient, mature, and young races are all scouting, colonizing, and expanding, trying to take over the galaxy through diplomacy, technology, war, and any other means necessary.  
As a Drox Operative it's NOT your job to manage an empire, you are after all the captain of a single starship. It IS your job to pick the winning side and maybe even help them conquer the galaxy if you're being nice, more importantly though is to rake in as many credits as possible, well that and build the deadliest ship in the known universe. Who will you back as an Operative? The ancient, mature, or young races? The pacifist or militaristic races? The xenophile or xenophobe races? The races that value freedom or the races that use slave labor? The strong or the weak? Your actions and inactions will impact trillions of alien lives!  
Features  
*   Explore a dynamic and evolving galaxy  
*   Explore a unique sector of the galaxy in every game, with different "monsters", ship components, quests, and even races  
*   Fight in the galactic war between the various alien races  
*   Battle hundreds of different enemy starships  
*   Build the coolest and deadliest starship in the galaxy  
*   Outfit your ship with thousands of components and crew  
*   Adventure with your friends with co-op multiplayer  
*   Essentially play an action RPG inside a universe of alien races playing a 4X game
New Features (compared to Drox Operative 1)  
*   Build a unique ship with a new skill/command system  
*   Enjoy better graphics (normal maps, better specular maps, and higher resolution textures)  
*   Enjoy new combat sound effects  
*   Deal with more treaty types (vassals, tributaries, protectorates, and federations)  
*   Find more component types (plasma cannons, ramming components, probes, ballistic bursts, plasma blasts, manual beams, chaining beams, plasma waves, etc)  
*   Experience faster movement and combat  
*   Interact with randomly generated races (just the young races)  
*   Discover way more interesting things while exploring  
*   Protect or exploit primitive races  
*   Find crew with skills  
*   Place spies on planets for better info and spying activities  
*   Access much more information on the 4X aspects  
*   Play as the rebels of each of the races (42 total known playable races, rebels, and subraces)  
*   Play as any of the unlocked young races (essentially infinite number of random playable races)  
*   Win sectors with the new Guild Win  
*   Survive Cataclysms, massive sector wide events that can greatly change the balance of power  
*   Play with better controller support  
*   Use new tools to deal with the various races in your sector (sponsor diplomatic and colony ships, vouch for races, and adventure with races)

Release date: 20 Oct, 2021

Categories: Action RPG, Cooperative Multiplayer, Space Combat, Ship Customization, 4X, Procedural Generation, Diplomacy, Character Progression


- 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:
- Enhanced Gameplay & Fun (weight 0.99): Players consistently praise the game for its significant improvements over its predecessor, including fluid combat, modernized graphics, and numerous quality-of-life features. The core gameplay loop is described as highly addictive and engaging, offering immense fun and replayability, making it a compelling space ARPG experience.
- Dynamic ARPG with 4X Blend (weight 0.36): Players highly appreciate the game's innovative blend of ARPG action within a dynamic, procedurally generated universe, where AI factions engage in their own 4X-style politics and goals. This 'living world' approach, coupled with player freedom to explore or ignore quests, ensures each session is unique and player-driven.
- Diverse Race & Skill Trees (weight 0.29): The game boasts a significantly improved skill tree system, featuring general passive skills alongside unique trees for each of the many races and unlockable subraces. This, combined with race-specific perks and ship bonuses, provides deep character customization and encourages varied playstyles across multiple playthroughs.
- Deep Ship Customization (weight 0.27): The game provides extensive ship customization options, allowing players to tailor their vessels with various heavy, medium, and light component slots and a wide arsenal of weapons. This system supports diverse playstyles and offers a satisfying progression as players continuously upgrade their ships with loot.
- Complex Faction Diplomacy (weight 0.22): The game features a rich, living galaxy with intricate political dynamics among different races, including trade pacts, alliances, and betrayals, akin to 4X strategy games. Players can actively influence faction relations through actions like sponsoring ships, transferring reputation, begging, threatening, or bribing, adding a deep strategic layer.
- Vast Replayability & Procedural Content (weight 0.14): The game offers enormous replayability through its extensive procedural generation, ensuring that no two galaxies or quests are ever the same. The large number of unlockable races, subraces, and dynamic faction interactions further contribute to a fresh and varied experience with each new playthrough.
- Scalable Depth & Difficulty (weight 0.12): The game offers surprising depth that can be explored as much or as little as players desire, ranging from accessible entry to complex mastery. Customizable difficulty settings and unpredictable random events ensure that the challenge can always be tailored to individual preferences.
- Active Developer Support (weight 0.12): The developers are highly praised for their consistent engagement, providing frequent updates, bug fixes, and actively responding to community feedback and feature requests. This dedication fosters trust and demonstrates a commitment to the game's ongoing improvement and longevity.
- Embodying Soldak's Style (weight 0.1): The game is recognized for embodying Soldak Entertainment's distinctive design philosophy, characterized by intricate dynamic worlds and impactful quests. It delivers the studio's hallmark deep ARPG experience, valuing rich gameplay over cutting-edge graphics.
- Balanced New Features (weight 0.09): The game successfully expands upon its predecessor's proven concept by introducing many new features while maintaining a healthy balance with classic content. Ongoing updates further enhance and broaden the game's offerings, including visual and auditory improvements.
- Unique Ramming Mechanic (weight 0.08): A standout new combat feature is the ability to ram enemy ships, providing a destructive and enjoyable alternative combat style. This mechanic is well-received, with players appreciating the option to build ships specifically for ramming.
- Multiple Win Conditions (weight 0.07): The game provides a variety of distinct win conditions for each sector, allowing players to achieve victory through diverse means such as espionage, trade, warfare, or sabotage. This flexibility caters to different playstyles and adds strategic depth beyond pure combat.

Common complaints:
- Outdated graphics and clunky UI (weight 0.44): Players frequently criticize the game's visuals as outdated and the user interface as confusing, clunky, and directly copied from previous titles. This aesthetic and functional deficiency detracts from the overall player experience and makes interaction difficult.
- Not a true sequel, minor update (weight 0.43): A significant portion of feedback indicates the game feels like a minimal upgrade, expansion, or a mere '1.1 version' of its predecessor, Drox Operative 1, or even other Soldak games. Players feel there are insufficient new features, mechanics, or content to justify its price as a full new title.
- Gameplay repetitive, grindy, shallow (weight 0.36): Many players report the game quickly becomes boring and repetitive, lacking meaningful progression or unique things to do. The heavily random generation fails to create interesting or diverse content, leading to a grindy experience with bland activities.
- Uninteresting loot, poor itemization (weight 0.22): Feedback highlights issues with loot, noting that even rare items lack interesting properties or significant core stat advantages. Additionally, item comparison tools are poorly implemented and descriptions are often unhelpful, making inventory management and item progression frustrating.
- Minor bugs and performance hiccups (weight 0.16): The game exhibits some performance issues and various minor, non-game-breaking bugs, such as double quests or issues with new content. While not critical, these issues suggest a need for further polish and optimization.
- Persistent minor annoyances (weight 0.09): Players note the persistence of long-standing issues from previous games, such as limited zoom-out hindering situational awareness and frequent, annoying random mines. Additionally, aggressive and illogical AI diplomacy can lead to unwelcome combat.
- Skill system lacks depth (weight 0.07): The skill building system is criticized for being uninteresting and not thought-provoking, often reducing choices to simple percentage increases or feeling less impactful than other progression methods. This lack of depth limits player customization and strategic engagement.
- Janky gamepad support (weight 0.05): Gamepad support is criticized as minimal, janky, and poorly implemented, often simulating mouse clicks rather than offering native, intuitive controls. This makes playing with a controller a frustrating experience.
- Disturbing narrative, moral ambiguity (weight 0.05): Some players express discomfort with the game's core loop, perceiving it as promoting a disturbing power fantasy where moral relativism and unethical choices (like genocide) are framed as tactical decisions for player satisfaction.

Gameplay feedback:
- ARPG with 4X Universe (weight 0.53): The game blends Action RPG elements, often called "Diablo in space," with a persistent 4X strategy game running in the background. Players control a single, leveling spaceship acting as a free-agent mercenary for the Drox Operative guild, influencing the AI-controlled 4X factions' conflicts and development.
- Deep Ship Customization (weight 0.29): The game offers extensive ship customization, typical of an ARPG. Players level up their single ship, acquiring skill points to unlock larger vessels, more component slots, and powerful abilities. Diverse races, weapon types, unique components, and crew bonuses allow for varied and strategic ship builds.
- Iterative Sequel Experience (weight 0.24): Many players perceive Drox Operative 2 as an iterative update rather than a revolutionary sequel, often calling it "Drox Operative 1.5." While featuring updated graphics and some new content, the core gameplay, feel, and mechanics remain very similar to the original game.
- Dynamic Sector-Based Progression (weight 0.22): Gameplay progresses through procedurally generated sectors, each with customizable settings like size and enemy levels. Players win sectors by achieving various conditions (e.g., military, diplomatic, economic), then carry their ship, loot, and progress to the next sector, offering high replayability.
- High Player Agency (weight 0.04): Players operate as free agents within the game's universe, not strictly tied to any single faction or race. This allows for significant player agency, enabling them to pursue their own objectives and align with or betray factions as they see fit, influencing the ongoing 4X game.

Performance notes:
- Occasional projectile-induced lag (weight 0.02): Players report experiencing noticeable performance slowdowns, specifically when a high volume of projectiles appears on screen. This issue can disrupt fluid gameplay during combat scenarios.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended, good value. (weight 0.38): Many players enthusiastically recommend the game, citing its engaging nature and potential for many hours of play. While some suggest waiting for a sale or trying the demo first, others believe it's worth the full price immediately. It's also noted as great for casual play and receives extremely positive ratings.
- Early Access state and future. (weight 0.22): The game is currently in an early access or alpha state, leading to mixed feedback regarding its current value and future potential. While some players appreciate the iterative changes and express hope for further updates, bug fixes, and increased depth, others are skeptical or have refunded due to specific issues like anti-cheat. The sentiment is that while the game feels polished, it still needs significant development and new features to mature into its full potential.
- Drox Operative 2 over 1. (weight 0.13): Players strongly advise new players to purchase Drox Operative 2 if they don't own the first game, as it's considered an improvement. Existing fans of Drox Operative 1 are also encouraged to get the sequel, expecting an even better experience.
- Appeals to specific ARPG/Sci-Fi fans. (weight 0.09): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy space-themed ARPGs, sci-fi settings, and games with robust inventory management, quest systems, and deep build customization. It's also seen as a refreshing alternative to modern, repetitive ARPGs, offering dynamic world mechanics and 4X elements.
- Skepticism about developer. (weight 0.08): A notable segment of players expresses skepticism or disappointment with the developer, Soldak, based on past experiences. They warn prospective buyers and state they will not support future titles without significant improvements to the developer's approach.
- Useful gameplay tips. (weight 0.07): Players share practical advice for improving the gameplay experience, such as disabling distracting on-screen notifications and screen shake in settings. Additionally, for repeat playthroughs, increasing the difficulty is suggested, and players are reminded they can choose to focus on combat over sector objectives.

Other player notes:
- Improve Inventory and UI/UX (weight 0.15): Players frequently requested quality-of-life improvements for inventory management, such as 'mark for sale' features, better visibility of warehouse items, and more prominent display of item details. Suggestions also included UI additions like target lock functionality, an inventory pause, and quest sorting, enhancing the overall user experience. One reviewer noted that a delay in showing actual selling price might be an intentional design choice, adding context to the suggestion.
- Game is interesting and decent (weight 0.08): Several reviewers expressed a general positive sentiment about the game, describing it as 'interesting,' 'decent,' and having a 'solid basis' with potential for greatness. This indicates a strong foundation and overall enjoyment despite specific improvement suggestions. The game is seen as a typical Soldak title in a space setting.
- Refine Mechanics and AI (weight 0.07): Feedback includes specific requests for gameplay tuning, such as a linear increase for angular velocity to improve movement control. Additionally, players suggested that AI should consider player proximity before initiating wars, and that the game's encyclopedia content could be richer. A tutorial for the 'crew punishment' debuff was also requested to improve player understanding.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.31): Players are highly satisfied with the fluid combat, engaging loot cycle, and overall sturdy game design, which provides a fun and addictive gameplay loop. Character customization, extensive upgrade options, modern graphics, and developer improvements further enhance the experience, making the game feel like a superior sequel and a great value. The dynamic universe, diverse content, and high replayability, along with responsive developer support, also contribute to a strong sense of accomplishment and enjoyment.
- Excitement (weight 0.12): Excitement stems from the game's highly addictive nature, extensive customization, and gameplay flexibility, offering significant replayability. Players are thrilled by the uniqueness of the game's mechanics, continuous updates, and anticipation of new features like ramming ships. The simulated galaxy, diverse builds, and the potential to evolve ships into powerful forces contribute to a sense of magic and deep engagement.
- Disappointment (weight 0.09): Disappointment arises from the game not meeting expectations, often due to a perceived lack of significant new content or variety compared to its predecessor, with some calling it a 'reskin.' Players also express frustration with repetitive procedural generation, performance hiccups, and a general feeling that the game is incomplete or poorly polished. The lack of creative depth in both ARPG and simulated world aspects, along with issues like janky controller support, contribute to this sentiment.
- Frustration (weight 0.08): Frustration is caused by a confusing and dated user interface, unintuitive controls, and constant interruptions from pirates or random events. Players are annoyed by the repetitive grind, lack of distinguishing loot, and poor balancing. Persistent issues like limited cargo space, bugs, and janky gamepad support further contribute to a challenging and irritating experience.
- Joy (weight 0.06): Joy comes from the overall fun factor and positive experience, particularly for players who enjoy the 'loot goblin' aspect of ARPGs. Many are delighted by the developer's return to the series and the game's ability to provide a fantastic, dopamine-inducing experience. The freedom of quests, varied gameplay, and successful fulfillment of expectations also contribute to this happiness.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Players appreciate the developer's unique approach to dynamic worlds, intricate design, and continuous improvements over the previous title. The active and responsive development, including ongoing updates and fixes, fosters a strong sense of gratitude. The commitment shown to Early Access and content additions is also highly valued.
- Hope (weight 0.03): Hope is centered around the future, with players wishing for a sequel (DO3) that addresses current flaws and introduces further improvements. There is also a desire for translations and the resolution of performance issues. Players express optimism for more future changes, depth, and unique winning strategies to be added to the game.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.03): Players find enjoyment in the core gameplay loop of running, gunning, and looting, describing it as fun and entertaining. The unique blend of 4X elements and ARPG gameplay, coupled with rewarding loot and adjustable difficulty, contributes significantly to this positive feeling. The game's mod support and cooperative play options further enhance the fun factor.
- Confusion (weight 0.03): Confusion stems from inconsistent item stats, unclear item rarity benefits, and ambiguous targeting mechanics within the game. Players also express uncertainty about how to unlock young races or which game modes are relevant for specific progress. An underlying sense of 'something missing' and questions about the balance of the skill system contribute to this feeling.
- Optimism (weight 0.03): Optimism revolves around the game's potential for continued regular improvements and future content expansion, especially during its Early Access phase. Players foresee a positive evolution of the game, anticipating new features and enhancements. This forward-looking perspective is a key driver of their positive outlook.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom is primarily caused by the repetitive nature of combat and the gameplay loop, which players feel becomes stale after a certain amount of playtime. The lack of variety in encounters and activities leads to a monotonous experience. This repetition detracts from long-term engagement.
- Addiction (weight 0.01): Addiction is driven by the game's highly engaging gameplay loop, which is compelling enough to make players lose track of time. The immersive experience and rewarding mechanics create a strong desire for continued play. This indicates a deeply captivating and difficult-to-stop gameplay flow.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is fostered by the game's interesting concept, well-executed gameplay, and dynamic simulation, which captivate players. The addictive nature of the game makes reviewers lose track of time, demonstrating a deep immersion. This indicates that the game's core design effectively draws and holds player attention.
- Caution (weight 0.01): Caution arises from concerns about potential repetitiveness, especially for players who may not enjoy shoot-'em-up genres over extended periods. There is also apprehension that the game might lack sweeping, significant changes, making it feel too similar to its predecessor. This sentiment advises potential players to manage expectations regarding long-term variety.
- Skepticism (weight 0.01): Skepticism relates to doubts about whether the game will undergo significant changes in the future, based on the developer's past practices. Players question the developer's long-term goals and commitment to evolving the game substantially. This indicates a wary outlook on the game's developmental trajectory.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is provoked by the developer's perceived unwillingness to adapt and improve the game based on feedback. Some players view the developer's approach as a 'money-grabbing' tactic, which fuels strong negative sentiment. This indicates a breakdown of trust between the community and the developer.
- Ambivalence (weight 0.01): Ambivalence stems from uncertainty regarding whether the game's price is justified as an upgrade from the previous title. Players are torn between the perceived value and the cost, struggling to determine if the new content warrants the expense. This highlights a conflicted feeling about the game's economic proposition.
- Discomfort (weight 0.01): Discomfort arises from the game's underlying themes of moral relativism and the encouragement of actions like genocide for tactical gain. Players feel uneasy with these ethical implications embedded within the gameplay. This indicates a moral qualm with certain aspects of the game's narrative or mechanics.
- Thoughtfulness (weight 0.01): Thoughtfulness is prompted by reflection on the game's design choices and their inherent moral implications, such as the encouragement of ethically questionable actions. Players engage in deeper consideration of what the game asks them to do and the consequences of those actions. This emotion signifies a critical and introspective engagement with the game's themes.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise is specifically attributed to the game's price rarely dropping below $10, which reviewers find unexpected. This indicates an observation about the game's consistent pricing strategy. The lack of significant discounts stands out to players.}