Info about Risk of Rain Returns:

Official game description:
  
Carefully designed, beautifully remastered, and loaded with new ways to play—Risk of Rain is back and better than ever! Dive into the iconic roguelike full of unique loot combinations, entirely new Survivors, overhauled multiplayer, and more!  
Hone your skills and abilities, discover new Survivors, and dive into progressively stronger runs! Discover secrets of ancient design lying dormant beneath the surface of Petrichor V. Search under every log, stone, and Gup to find new ways to play!  
Many Survivors fled the mysterious attack on your ship. Slice, dice, and serve justice cold with the return of Chef, hold the front line and shield your team as Enforcer, or lay down a path of toxic sludge as everybody’s favorite purple monster: Acrid! Forge new paths to explore with 15 unique Survivors, each with new abilities to master. Two entirely new Survivors are making their debut in Risk of Rain Returns.  
Also introducing The Drifter! This resourceful brawler gathers scrap from conquered foes and can spawn items that temporarily empower teammates. She can also take them for herself and unleash an unbridled blaze of area-wide destruction. The Drifter is the perfect addition to any group of Survivors. Her ability to support the team while laying down her own brand of hurt will prove she’s more than just a stowaway.  
Drop to the surface solo or with your crew! Choose Survivors that complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses, or go wild and choose whoever has the largest guns (spoiler: it’s Loader). With up to four-player online and couch co-op, you’re not alone in this fight.  
Risk of Rain Returns features new and improved multiplayer services to ensure the only thing that gets between your crew’s survival are the ever-growing hordes on Petrichor V.  
Fight your way to the surface while uncovering precious cargo. These items serve as your redemption, helping you move faster, deal more damage, or jump a little higher. Still others empower you in more dramatic ways—like the rare Ukulele, which empowers your attacks with electrifying music.  
If explosions are what you’re after, hunt down the Brilliant Behemoth and watch as even your most mundane attacks erupt in a barrage of beautiful blasts. The magic comes in the unpredictable combinations you create. Exploding chain lightning is only the beginning of your frenetic masterpiece!  
The denizens of Petrichor V are as diverse as the many planets they once called home. As these monsters approached extinction on their own worlds, a mysterious force brought them to Petrichor V. The planet quickly grew to be a menagerie of the most dangerous monsters in the galaxy, and they’re not thrilled by interlopers (aka YOU).  
Variety is the spice of destruction. Select from more than 10 Artifacts that each mutate your run! Perhaps you’d like to start with a random equipment item that changes every time it’s used, or maybe you’d like to experience a rampant Imp invasion every 10 minutes. Play around with combinations of Artifacts and discover exciting new ways to play.

Release date: Nov 8, 2023

Categories: Roguelike, Roguelite, Cooperative Multiplayer, Local Co-op, Character Progression, 2D Platformer, Shooter, Procedural Generation

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game demonstrates excellent compatibility with Linux/Proton, running flawlessly on the Steam Deck without requiring any tweaks. Users report significant playtime without issues, highlighting a smooth and reliable experience.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals significant issues with frequent crashes and some concerns about UI scaling and the lack of a save feature. However, there are also numerous positive reports about the game's performance on the Steam Deck, indicating a mixed but generally positive user experience with notable technical barriers.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence indicates that users generally find the game worth its price, especially when purchased on sale. The quotes suggest that a fair price range is around $10 to $15, with some users finding it worth even at full price, which is likely higher. The mention of minor and major sale percentages also supports the idea that the game is often considered a good value within this price range.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 50.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 0.5h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provided gives some insight into the playtime metrics for 'Risk of Rain Returns.' The first quote suggests a long-term engagement with the game, indicating a high replay value and potentially long sessions. The second quote implies that the user finds the game engaging and superior to other versions, suggesting significant playtime. The third quote indicates that the user has spent considerable time progressing through the game but has not yet completed it, hinting at a lengthy campaign. The fourth quote suggests that despite some negative feelings, the user keeps returning to the game, indicating engaging session lengths.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game's multiplayer mode presents initial challenges such as scaling issues and disconnects, but it can become enjoyable once these hurdles are overcome, especially when playing with friends.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Successful multiplayer sessions with friends
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: Multiplayer scaling issues; Frequent disconnects; Poor chest scaling
  - Unlock drivers: Coordinating abilities with friends; Improvements in multiplayer lobby system
  - Conditions: Playing with friends; Improvements in multiplayer stability
- Player Archetypes:
  - Nostalgic Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Nostalgia and updated experience
    - Playstyle: Enjoys classic gameplay with modern improvements
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: 老玩家; franchise fan
    - Reference games: Risk of Rain; Risk of Rain 2
  - Roguelike Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Depth and complexity
    - Playstyle: Enjoys exploring different builds and strategies
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: roguelike fan; strategy gamer
    - Reference games: Risk of Rain 2; Dead Cells
  - Co-op Multiplayer Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Social interaction and cooperation
    - Playstyle: Enjoys playing with friends and coordinating strategies
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: co-op gamer; social player
    - Reference games: Risk of Rain 2; Dead Cells


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:
- Rewarding and addictive gameplay (weight 0.5): The gameplay is frequently described as rewarding, fun, and addictive, with satisfying mechanics and a good gameplay loop that keeps players engaged.
- Excellent remaster and remake (weight 0.38): The game is praised for being a great remaster and remake, retaining everything great from the original and adding enhancements.
- Beautiful pixel art (weight 0.35): The pixel art graphics are highly praised for being charming, impressive, and beautiful, enhancing the visual appeal of the game.
- Loved by fans of the series (weight 0.32): Fans of the original Risk of Rain appreciate this game as a great remake and a straight upgrade from the first game, capturing everything good about the original.
- Enjoyable Providence Trials (weight 0.29): The Providence Trials are highlighted as challenging, enjoyable, and well-designed minigames that add to the fun.
- Surprisingly fun and entertaining (weight 0.17): Many reviewers find the game to be surprisingly fun, enjoyable, and entertaining, adding to its appeal.
- Excellent music (weight 0.17): The music in the game is frequently praised as great, awesome, and excellent, enhancing the overall experience.
- New features and minigames (weight 0.17): The addition of new minigames, gameplay options, features, and items is well-received by players.
- Top-tier roguelite game (weight 0.17): The game is considered one of the best 2D roguelite games, with high praise from fans of the genre.
- Variety of characters (weight 0.16): The game offers a variety of characters, including 15 unique characters, adding to its replayability and appeal.
- Great value for money (weight 0.16): The game is seen as offering excellent value for its price, making it a satisfying purchase.
- Interesting and attractive game (weight 0.16): The game is described as interesting, beautiful, wonderful, and attractive, with a simple yet appealing design.
- Feels fresh and new (weight 0.14): The game is praised for feeling fresh, new, and amazing, with refreshing new elements.
- Lots of unlockable content (weight 0.14): The game offers lots of items to unlock and plenty of secrets, adding to its depth and replayability.
- Improved UI and graphics (weight 0.14): The game features an improved UI, better graphics, navigation, and tutorials, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Quality of life improvements (weight 0.13): The game includes various improvements, better equipment, and enhanced quality of life features.
- Harder than the original (weight 0.13): The game is noted for being noticeably harder than the original Risk of Rain, with more content and improvements.
- Creative enemy design (weight 0.13): The game features a variety of enemies and creative enemy design, including robot enemies, adding to its richness.
- Preferred over sequel (weight 0.13): Some reviewers find the game more fun than its sequel and recommend it to fans of the series, noting its similarity to other roguelikes/roguelites.

Common complaints:
- High difficulty level (weight 0.44): The game is frequently described as very difficult, which can be frustrating for some players.
- Issues with Providence Trials (weight 0.29): Providence Trials are criticized for varying in quality and being monotonous or difficult, making them less enjoyable.
- Poor level and control design (weight 0.28): The game is criticized for poor design choices, including level layouts and controls, which can be unresponsive and difficult to use.
- Repetitive gameplay loop (weight 0.27): The gameplay loop is often seen as repetitive and boring, which can lead to a lack of long-term engagement.
- Aiming difficulties (weight 0.24): Players find the aiming mechanics difficult, particularly the inability to aim up and down, which affects gameplay.
- Lack of updates and support (weight 0.23): Players feel that the game lacks sufficient support and content updates, making it less engaging compared to its predecessor.
- Problems with flying enemies (weight 0.13): Flying enemies are seen as a nuisance due to the difficulty in hitting them, especially with the 2D perspective.
- Massive maps and traversal (weight 0.09): Some maps are overly large, making traversal difficult and less enjoyable.
- Long grind for achievements (weight 0.08): The game requires a long grind to achieve certain goals, which can be tedious for players.
- Dodging mechanics are challenging (weight 0.08): Players find the dodging mechanics to be less forgiving and very hard to master.
- Item pool dilution (weight 0.08): The item pool is seen as diluted, affecting the overall gameplay experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Roguelike gameplay mechanics (weight 0.41): The game features a variety of roguelike and roguelite elements, including high difficulty and unique mechanics that differentiate it from modern roguelike games.
- Item and loot systems (weight 0.41): The game includes a variety of items and a loot system that allows for item combinations and progression, enhancing the gameplay experience.
- Multiplayer and co-op modes (weight 0.35): The game offers various multiplayer experiences, including online play, splitscreen co-op, and different gameplay modes that enhance the multiplayer functionality.
- 2D combat and controls (weight 0.31): The game features 2D fighting style, controls, and combat mechanics, with a pixel-art aesthetic.
- Level design and mechanics (weight 0.31): The game includes special levels, timer-based levels, and unique level design elements such as verticality and teleporter mechanics.
- High difficulty and balance (weight 0.29): The game is known for its difficult gameplay and arcade-style challenge, with a focus on game balance and difficulty progression.
- Character diversity and abilities (weight 0.28): The game offers a range of characters with unique abilities and movement options, adding to the diversity and replayability.
- Unlockable content (weight 0.22): Players can unlock new characters, secrets, skills, and items, providing additional content and challenges.
- New gameplay elements (weight 0.2): The game introduces new items, abilities, minigames, and gameplay elements, adding fresh content and challenges.
- Gameplay loop and replayability (weight 0.15): The game emphasizes a strong gameplay loop and replayability, with elements like rogue-like mechanics and various gameplay modes.

Performance notes:
- Runs well on various systems (weight 0.41): The game runs smoothly on a variety of hardware, including laptops, older PCs, and even the Steam Deck. It also performs well on weaker computers and does not strain the battery or hardware excessively.
- Crashing and technical issues (weight 0.2): Some players have reported game crashes and other technical issues, such as infinite loops on startup and disconnection from host errors.
- High frame rates and performance (weight 0.13): The game supports high frame rates, with some players reporting smooth performance at 60 FPS, 80-120 FPS, and even with maxed-out graphics settings.
- Hardware demands and optimization (weight 0.12): The game can be more demanding on hardware, with some players experiencing FPS drops on lower-end systems. There are also mentions of optimization needs to prevent crashes.
- Improved graphics and resolution (weight 0.09): The game features improved resolution and revamped graphics, enhancing the visual experience for players.
- Versatile input support (weight 0.05): The game supports both keyboard and mouse (KBM) and controller inputs, providing flexibility for players.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for Risk of Rain fans (weight 0.55): This game is highly recommended for fans of the Risk of Rain series, including both the original and the sequel. It is also suggested for those who enjoy roguelike games in general.
- Worth the price (weight 0.09): Many reviewers feel that the game is worth its price, indicating good value for money.
- Not for everyone (weight 0.08): The game may not be suitable for those who do not enjoy side-scrolling games or find the difficulty too high.
- Try before committing (weight 0.08): Some reviewers suggest trying the game and refunding it if it does not meet expectations, indicating a mixed reception.
- High replayability (weight 0.05): The game is highly recommended for its fun factor and replayability, suggesting it has engaging content that keeps players coming back.
- Highly rated (weight 0.05): The game has received high ratings from some reviewers, indicating a positive reception.
- Offline play available (weight 0.05): The game does not require an internet connection, making it accessible for offline play.
- Try different trials (weight 0.05): Reviewers recommend trying out the different trials the game offers, indicating varied gameplay experiences.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.16): Players are frustrated primarily due to technical issues such as game crashes, freezes, and lack of a save feature, which leads to loss of progress. Additionally, the high difficulty, steep learning curve, and gameplay mechanics, including control scheme changes and awkward aiming, contribute to the frustration. The long grind, lack of support, and unfixed bugs also exacerbate the negative experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.15): Players express excitement due to the game's addictive and intense gameplay mechanics, which include fun combat and challenging moments. The introduction of new content, characters, and improvements, along with the high replayability and variety of gameplay, also contribute to this excitement. The enjoyable music and overall engaging experience further enhance the players' enthusiasm.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.13): Players are satisfied with the game's performance and improvements, including its ability to run well on weaker hardware and the addition of new features and content without requiring additional purchases. The stable multiplayer experience, enjoyable gameplay mechanics, and positive comparisons to the original game also contribute to their satisfaction. The high-quality content and unique gameplay mechanics further enhance their overall positive experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.13): Players enjoy the game's fun and challenging gameplay loop, which includes a variety of items and characters. The enjoyable music, beautiful pixel art, and the ability to play with friends also contribute to their positive experience. The game's high replayability and overall fun nature, despite difficulties, make it a favorite among players.
- Disappointment (weight 0.09): Players feel disappointed due to the game's lack of significant improvements and new content, as well as the absence of a mobile version. The repetitive gameplay, lack of strategy, and the game not meeting expectations compared to Risk of Rain 2 also contribute to their disappointment. Additionally, the lack of updates and support, along with certain skills and items being locked behind trials, further exacerbate their negative experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.07): Players experience nostalgia due to the game's faithful remake of the original Risk of Rain, which brings back memories of playing the 2013 version. The modern improvements and the return of the original vibe and gameplay elements contribute to this nostalgic feeling. The connection to 80s/early 90s platformer games and the comparison to the original game further enhance this sentiment.
- Love (weight 0.05): Players express love for the game due to its enjoyable gameplay loop, art style, and unique characters. The improvements and new features, along with the game's mechanics and player experience, contribute to their deep affection. The transition from 2D and the game's overall quality further solidify their love for the game.
- Positive (weight 0.05): Players have a very positive impression of the game, praising its improvements, new characters, and multiplayer functionality. The overall enjoyment of the game's chaos, gameplay, and features, along with the appreciation for the remake and new additions, contribute to their positive sentiment. The return of specific game features and the faithfulness to the original game further enhance their positive experience.
- Joy (weight 0.04): Players experience joy from the fun and humorous gameplay, as well as the satisfaction of building good character setups. Playing with kids and exploring the game's content, along with the enjoyable art, animations, and overall quality, contribute to their positive experience. The fun gameplay experience and pixel art graphics further enhance their joy.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the game's best character system in the series, along with its pixel graphics and music. The unique gameplay mechanics and the customization and combat mechanics contribute to their appreciation. The newfound appreciation for the original game further enhances their positive sentiment.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Players admire the game's design and its impact on the genre, as well as its cosmic-level visuals and gorgeous art. The pixel-art style and character adaptation further contribute to their admiration for the game.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Players are curious about learning what the game teaches as they go and exploring the small challenges or mini-games within it. The potential change of mind with more playtime also piques their interest.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Players express regret over not playing the game sooner, feeling that they missed out on a valuable experience. The game's value for money further contributes to their regret.
- Disappointed (weight 0.01): Players are disappointed with the game due to the lack of permanent upgrades and the changes made that do not bring enough new content. These factors contribute to their overall negative sentiment.
- Negative (weight 0.01): Players express a negative sentiment towards certain gameplay mechanics and specific enemies, such as the big jellyfish. This criticism contributes to their overall negative experience.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Players experience boredom due to the repetitive and uninteresting level design, as well as the gameplay mechanics. These factors contribute to their overall negative sentiment.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised by the level of fun and polish in the game, as well as the quality of the remaster. These unexpected positive aspects contribute to their overall surprise.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Players are enthusiastic about the game's beauty and addictive nature, as well as their desire for more content from the developers. These factors contribute to their overall positive sentiment.
- Excited (weight 0): Players are excited to finally play the game and express enthusiasm about its features and improvements. These factors contribute to their overall positive sentiment.
- Satisfied (weight 0): Players are satisfied as the game lived up to their expectations, providing a fulfilling experience. This fulfillment contributes to their overall positive sentiment.}