Info about Endless Alice:

Official game description:
SURVIVE A VIRTUAL WORLD
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_Battle your way through unique and beautiful locations. Packed with challenge monsters and enormous bosses bent on taking you out, don’t give them the satisfaction!_
Pick one of six characters each with unique abilities and battle styles!
PLAY SOLO OR CO-OP
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Challenge yourself by taking on enemies alone, or with up to four of your friends online and battle cooperatively!

Release date: Jan 15, 2025

Categories: Roguelike, Cooperative Multiplayer, Character Progression, Procedural Generation, Endless Mode, Meta-Progression, Item Synergy System, Anime-inspired Gameplay

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 15; verdict: Fair Monetization; summary: The game is a buy-to-play roguelike with optional cosmetic DLC. User feedback indicates no pay-to-win mechanics, no real-money gacha, and no microtransactions. Some players note the presence of paid DLC during early access, but it is cosmetic and reasonably priced, with many praising the fair model and supporting the developers voluntarily. Overall, monetization is fair and non-predatory.
- Proton/Linux: score 35; verdict: Playable with Minor Linux-Specific Quirks; summary: The provided reviews indicate the game runs on Linux/Proton but exhibits Linux-specific friction. A locale detection issue causes the game to start in Japanese under Proton, and a recent update has reportedly degraded performance on Steam Deck. Generic performance complaints about FSR reliance were excluded as they lack a Linux-specific context. Overall, the game appears playable with minor tweaks or accepted performance quirks.
- Steam Deck: score 80; verdict: Broken; summary: The game has Steam Deck verification but suffers from performance issues (sub-30 fps, blurry visuals), frequent crashes, and controller compatibility problems, making it not a seamless experience.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Performance is generally positive across most VRAM tiers, with the 16GB+ cohort reporting excellent results and the <8GB and 8-11GB cohorts mostly positive despite some optimization complaints. The 12-15GB cohort shows mixed feedback, with crashes and inconsistent FPS.
  - Sample size: 143 (8% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (mixed, 46 reports): Performance is inconsistent: some users report high FPS at 4K, but others experience crashes or only 50-60 FPS at medium settings.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (positive, 43 reports): Most users report the game runs smoothly, though a few mention crashes on long runs or high GPU usage.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (positive, 32 reports): All reviewers recommend the game, but several note optimization issues such as low FPS even on low settings and poor graphics optimization.
  - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (positive, 11 reports): Users report excellent performance with no stutter, max settings at 1440p, and high FPS even in endgame.
  - Caveats: 143 of 1715 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $8.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviewers explicitly state the game is underpriced, with one suggesting a fair early access price of $10-$15 and another saying $8 is more than worth it. Others note that even full price is a bargain, and sale prices under $5 are exceptional deals. The community sentiment indicates the current base price is below what they consider fair, so the range reflects their willingness to pay more.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 7.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: 5.0h
  - Reasoning: The 7-hour all-achievement claim directly supports gameCompletion. The 4-5 hour max-out claim supports endgame progression. Session length is supported by the 5-hour first session and a 2-hour nightmare run, indicating typical runs last around 2 hours. No story exists, so storyCompletion is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Endless Alice starts with noticeable early friction—boring first levels, a weak tutorial, and overwhelming systems—but becomes genuinely fun once players reach late-game runs or invest in meta progression. The game clicks after a short learning curve and a few runs, though some players never find it engaging.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Late game in a run
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: early levels are boring; overwhelming information; poor tutorial; clunky controls or bugs; disgusting early game without meta progression; feels empty at first
  - Unlock drivers: meta progression skill tree; playing a few runs; reaching late game in a run; learning the game systems
  - Conditions: playing co-op with friends; reaching late game in a run; investing in meta progression; having patience for early levels; enjoying roguelite grinding; playing solo vs co-op; content exhaustion after a few hours
- Player Archetypes:
  - Risk of Rain 2 Veterans (buy)
    - Motivation: To experience a similar but enhanced roguelike loop with deeper character builds and quality-of-life improvements.
    - Playstyle: They experiment with builds, play on higher difficulties, and appreciate meta progression and item synergies.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: big fan of risk of rain; established Risk of Rain 2 player; RoR2 lover
    - Reference games: Risk of Rain 2; Risk of Rain
  - Anime Aesthetic Seekers (buy)
    - Motivation: To enjoy cute anime girls, outfits, and fanservice while also having a fun roguelike to play.
    - Playstyle: They play casually, collect outfits, and enjoy the visual style without focusing heavily on optimization.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: anime girl enjoyer; kawaii; beautiful girl
    - Reference games: Risk of Rain 2
  - Co-op Multiplayer Enthusiasts (buy)
    - Motivation: To enjoy chaotic multiplayer sessions with friends, trading items, and reviving each other.
    - Playstyle: They play in groups, coordinate loot distribution, and focus on team synergy.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Early Access Critics (deep sale)
    - Motivation: They want a polished, complete roguelike experience and are disappointed by current flaws.
    - Playstyle: They may have played extensively but are frustrated by lack of content, balance issues, or translation problems.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Risk of Rain 2


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:
- Unique character mechanics (weight 0.21): Each of the six characters has distinct attack methods, skills, and playstyles. This variety in attributes and abilities adds depth and replayability to the game.
- Great with friends (weight 0.2): The game is highly praised for its co-op experience, with many players enjoying it both solo and with friends. The multiplayer aspect is a major highlight for most reviewers.
- Overall high quality (weight 0.15): The game is described as very good, fun, and engaging overall. Players find the gameplay excellent and the game well worth its price.
- Chaotic four-player co-op (weight 0.15): Four-player co-op is described as chaotic but fun, with players enjoying rescuing each other and the stress-relieving flashy effects. The co-op mode is stable even with heavy screen effects.
- Enjoyable roguelike gameplay (weight 0.14): The roguelike elements are well-received, with players finding the gameplay enjoyable and satisfying. It is considered a good and decent roguelike.
- Cute and addictive (weight 0.11): The game is described as cute, funny, and extremely addictive. Its charming style and engaging gameplay make it lots of fun to play.
- Fun despite unfinished state (weight 0.1): Even though the game is unfinished, players find it fun and full of potential. The current state is already enjoyable and shows promise for the future.
- High replayability (weight 0.09): The game offers plenty of replayability, with players noting its high replay value. This is a key factor in its long-term appeal.
- Appealing anime art style (weight 0.09): The anime art style is a major positive, with players finding it beautiful and fresh. The style and character illustrations are well-received.
- Customizable difficulty (weight 0.07): The game offers customizable difficulty settings, allowing players to choose their preferred challenge level. The highest difficulty provides tension and challenge.
- Smooth online co-op (weight 0.07): Online co-op supports up to four players and allows others to join mid-game. The multiplayer experience is smooth and enjoyable.
- Satisfying combat feel (weight 0.07): The combat is praised for its solid and fluid feel, with good hit feedback. Movement and combat are both described as excellent and satisfying.
- Attractive female characters (weight 0.07): The anime-style female characters are a highlight, with players appreciating their beautiful art and models. The character design is generous and well-liked.
- Solid early access title (weight 0.07): The game is well put together for an early access title, running smoothly and being fun even in its current state. It has a solid foundation.
- Strategic depth (weight 0.07): The game has depth, meta-progression, and its own mechanics. It is strategic and tactical, offering interesting gameplay.
- Fast-paced combat (weight 0.07): The combat is fast-paced, dynamic, and pleasant, with amazing presentation. It is a very satisfying experience for players.

Common complaints:
- Poor character models (weight 0.19): Character models are widely criticized as low-quality, with poor faces and a cheap mobile-game look. The 3D models also fail to match the original 2D art, creating an uncanny valley effect.
- Heavily copied from Risk of Rain 2 (weight 0.17): Players consistently report that the game is a near clone of Risk of Rain 2, with items and content being almost identical. This lack of differentiation is a major criticism.
- Empty and poorly designed maps (weight 0.08): Maps are described as empty, lacking secrets and treasures, and not interesting to traverse. There are also not enough maps, which reduces exploration value.
- Lacks content and depth (weight 0.06): The game is seen as having too little content, with currency overflowing late game and a general feeling of emptiness. This limits build variety and long-term engagement.
- Buggy with collision issues (weight 0.05): Multiple bugs are reported, including getting stuck on walls, collision errors causing flying or levitation, and other glitches that disrupt gameplay.
- Clunky controls (weight 0.05): Controls are described as clunky and needing improvement, which affects the overall feel and responsiveness of the game.
- Poor DLC value (weight 0.05): The DLC is criticized for offering only recolored skins of poor quality, making it not worth purchasing.
- Translation issues (weight 0.05): The translation has errors, including character name mistakes and problems with traditional characters and grammar, affecting clarity.
- Early access rough edges (weight 0.05): The game is considered rough around the edges due to Early Access, with many glitches and a lack of polish.
- Lacks hit feedback (weight 0.05): Combat, especially for melee characters, lacks impact and feedback, making hits feel weak and unsatisfying.
- Insufficient guidance (weight 0.05): The game provides little guidance, especially at the start, leaving players confused about objectives and mechanics.
- Melee struggles against aerial enemies (weight 0.05): Melee characters have difficulty fighting flying enemies, particularly on the Neon Map, due to a lack of anti-air capabilities.

Gameplay feedback:
- Roguelike gameplay core (weight 0.29): The game is widely described as a roguelike or roguelite, featuring random elements, build variety, and meta-progression. It combines fast combat with loot-based mechanics, similar to other titles in the genre.
- Four-player co-op support (weight 0.24): The game supports online co-op for up to four players, allowing friends to play together. It also includes features like reviving teammates and drop-in, drop-out multiplayer for flexible sessions.
- Progression systems included (weight 0.22): The game features both in-run and out-of-game progression, including skill trees, character perks, and meta-upgrades. This dual-layer progression keeps players engaged and encourages repeated playthroughs.
- Multiple difficulty levels (weight 0.2): The game offers a range of difficulty settings, from Easy to Nightmare, with customizable options. Players can tailor the challenge to their preference, including a special Nightmare mode for experienced players.
- Diverse character roster (weight 0.19): Players can choose from multiple characters, each with unique playstyles, abilities, and upgrade paths. This variety allows for different strategies and builds, enhancing replayability.
- Melee and ranged combat (weight 0.12): Combat is a central focus, offering both melee and ranged options across different characters. The fast-paced action includes combos and movement, appealing to players who enjoy dynamic fighting.
- Difficulty scales over time (weight 0.12): The game's difficulty increases as time passes, with enemies growing stronger and challenges becoming more intense. This creates a sense of urgency and requires players to adapt their strategies.
- Awakening mechanic available (weight 0.09): The game includes an awakening system that provides qualitative changes to skills and abilities. This mechanic adds depth to character development and allows for unique playstyles.
- Item and skill synergies (weight 0.09): Items and skills can be combined to create powerful builds and complex combos. Players appreciate the depth of synergies, which significantly impact character performance and build viability.
- Endless mode included (weight 0.06): An endless mode is available, where players face ever-increasing enemy strength without a traditional ending. This mode tests endurance and build optimization, appealing to hardcore players.
- Random map generation (weight 0.05): Maps are randomly generated, ensuring each run feels fresh and unpredictable. This roguelike element adds replay value and encourages exploration.
- Run saving feature (weight 0.05): Players can save their runs mid-game and continue later, offering flexibility for longer sessions. This feature is convenient for those who cannot complete a run in one sitting.
- Final boss present (weight 0.05): The game features a final boss, which is also a playable character. This adds an interesting twist and provides a challenging endgame encounter.
- Vampire Survivors influence (weight 0.04): Some players note similarities to Vampire Survivors, describing the game as a cute 3D action game with a similar system. This comparison highlights the horde-clearing and upgrade mechanics.

Performance notes:
- Generally well optimized (weight 0.22): Many players praise the game's optimization, noting it runs smoothly on various hardware, including older machines and laptops, and maintains high frame rates even in chaotic situations. This positive feedback contrasts with performance issues reported by others.
- Crashes occur during gameplay (weight 0.12): Several players report crashes at various points, such as after completing levels, during long runs, or after updates, though some crashes were fixed by patches. This indicates stability issues that can disrupt the experience.
- Optimization needs improvement (weight 0.11): Some players feel the game is not well optimized, citing high power consumption, poor performance on older hardware, and the need to lower settings for playable frame rates. This indicates a need for further optimization efforts.
- Performance drops with many enemies (weight 0.1): Multiple players report significant frame rate drops, stuttering, and even severe freezes when many enemies or effects are on screen, especially during multiplayer or with stacked items. This is a common issue affecting gameplay smoothness.
- Visual effects cause performance issues (weight 0.06): Heavy visual effects, such as light pollution and numerous special effects, can cause screen lag and freezes, especially on weaker GPUs. Players suggest that optimizing visual effects could improve performance.
- Settings adjustments improve performance (weight 0.05): Players find that tweaking graphics settings, such as lowering them or adjusting resolution, helps achieve better performance and stability, including reducing crashes. This suggests the game offers flexible options to accommodate different hardware.
- Steam Deck performance varies (weight 0.04): Feedback on Steam Deck is mixed: some report smooth performance, while others say updates have degraded performance. This suggests inconsistent optimization on the handheld platform.
- Hardware-specific issues (weight 0.04): Some players encounter issues like the game using the wrong GPU or generating excessive heat, which can affect performance and stability. These are likely tied to specific hardware configurations.
- Audio and texture bugs with high fire rate (weight 0.02): High fire rates can trigger audio bugs and bullet texture issues, indicating that extreme gameplay scenarios may expose additional technical problems beyond frame rate drops.
- Performance improved in updates (weight 0.02): One player reports that performance improved from 80 fps to over 100 fps at 4K after updates, indicating that optimization efforts have been effective for some users.
- Loading times are wonky (weight 0.02): One player notes inconsistent loading times, which can affect the pacing of the game. This is a minor issue compared to other performance concerns.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for Risk of Rain fans (weight 0.19): Many reviewers recommend this game to fans of Risk of Rain and Risk of Rain 2, noting its similar gameplay style. It is also suggested for those who enjoy the combination of Risk of Rain mechanics with anime aesthetics.
- Worth buying on sale (weight 0.11): Several reviewers recommend purchasing the game on sale, noting that it is a good deal at a discounted price. Some suggest waiting for a discount if not buying at full price.
- Recommended for anime roguelike enthusiasts (weight 0.11): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy anime-style roguelikes, especially those looking for a 3D anime roguelike experience. Reviewers highlight its appeal to fans of roguelike gameplay and anime-style characters.
- Great for multiplayer with friends (weight 0.11): Reviewers strongly recommend playing the game with friends, noting that multiplayer is fun and enhances the experience. It is suggested for those who have friends to play with, especially with good coordination.
- Easy recommendation for genre fans (weight 0.06): Reviewers say the game is an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys this kind of gameplay and aesthetic. It is particularly recommended for those who like Risk of Rain and similar games.
- Worth full price or DLC (weight 0.06): A few reviewers say the game is worth buying even at full price, and that the DLC is also recommended. This suggests high confidence in the game's quality.
- Recommended for casual players (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for casual players and fans of cute characters, suggesting it is accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience. Reviewers highlight the appeal of the cute character designs.
- Try demo before purchase (weight 0.03): A couple of reviewers suggest trying the free demo first before buying the full game. This allows players to see if they enjoy the gameplay and aesthetic.
- Buy Early Access for updates (weight 0.03): Some reviewers recommend buying the game while it is in Early Access to get the latest development updates. They suggest purchasing the full game to support ongoing development.
- Buy for friends too (weight 0.03): Some reviewers recommend buying the game for friends as well, indicating that it is a fun multiplayer experience. They suggest purchasing it to enjoy together.
- Appeals to loli fans (weight 0.03): A few reviewers specifically recommend the game to those who like lolis, indicating that the character designs cater to that preference. This is a niche but notable point.

Other player notes:
- Frequently compared to Risk of Rain 2 (weight 0.59): Many reviewers draw direct comparisons to Risk of Rain 2, noting similar gameplay mechanics and structure. Some find this game better, while others prefer the original.
- Improves upon Risk of Rain 2 (weight 0.31): Several reviewers find this game to be an improvement over Risk of Rain 2, citing better mechanics, more personality, and more fun gameplay. Others disagree, preferring the original.
- Low price and good value (weight 0.28): Reviewers consistently mention the game's low price point, often noting it as a great value for the content offered. Many purchased it on sale or at a discount.
- Anime-style aesthetic and characters (weight 0.25): A significant number of reviews describe the game as an anime-style version of Risk of Rain 2, featuring cute anime girls. This aesthetic is a key differentiator for many players.
- Early access with active development (weight 0.21): The game is in early access, with reviewers noting substantial content and active development. Some mention rough edges and plans for future updates.
- Cosmetic DLC and skins (weight 0.15): The game offers cosmetic DLC, including outfits and skins. Reviewers note that these are purely cosmetic and optional, with some being recolors.
- Compared to Gunfire Reborn (weight 0.11): Some reviewers compare the game to Gunfire Reborn in addition to Risk of Rain, noting similarities in design and mechanics. Opinions vary on how well these elements are combined.
- Free skins for early access players (weight 0.08): Early access players receive free skins as a reward for their support. This is seen as a positive gesture by the developers.
- Developer listens to community (weight 0.06): Reviewers praise the developers for being active, transparent, and receptive to community feedback. This is seen as a positive aspect of the game's development.
- Includes multiple DLCs in base game (weight 0.05): The base game comes with several DLCs included, which is seen as a generous offering. This adds to the overall value proposition.
- Made by Chinese developer (weight 0.05): The game is developed by a Chinese studio, which some reviewers mention as a notable fact. This is not necessarily a positive or negative point.
- Small studio development (weight 0.05): The game is made by a small studio, which some reviewers note as a factor in their expectations. This is often mentioned in the context of the game's scope and polish.
- Similar gameplay with different mechanics (weight 0.05): While the game is similar to Risk of Rain 2, reviewers note that the mechanics differ in some ways. This provides a fresh experience for players familiar with the genre.
- Some reviewers never played Risk of Rain (weight 0.04): A few reviewers admit they have not played Risk of Rain or Risk of Rain 2, making their comparisons less informed. This is a minor point in the overall feedback.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.18): Players consistently praise the fun, fast-paced roguelike gameplay, especially in co-op with friends, and enjoy the variety of distinct characters with unique abilities. The cute anime-style characters, satisfying combat, and addictive build-crafting loop are major draws, with many noting the game is more fun than Risk of Rain 2.
- Frustration (weight 0.16): Frustration stems from numerous technical issues like crashes, performance drops, and stuttering, as well as balance problems such as overpowered bosses and unfair enemy attacks. Players also complain about the lack of a save system, confusing maps, poor hit feedback, and the developer's focus on selling cosmetic DLC instead of fixing core gameplay.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.15): Satisfaction arises from the game's low price, generous content, and smooth performance, especially on older hardware. Players enjoy the satisfying combat, flashy skill effects, and the rewarding progression of becoming extremely powerful, with many noting the game exceeds expectations and offers good value for money.
- Disappointment (weight 0.09): Disappointment is driven by the poor quality of 3D character models compared to the attractive 2D art, as well as the lack of content, story, and build variety. Players also criticize the heavy reliance on cosmetic DLC, poor localization, and the game feeling like an unfinished clone of Risk of Rain 2.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): Excitement comes from the chaotic, fast-paced combat, especially in four-player co-op with flashy effects and rescuing mechanics. Players are thrilled by the satisfying impact of attacks, the potential for powerful builds, and the game's improvements over Risk of Rain 2, with many eagerly anticipating future updates.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Players appreciate the developers' active communication, regular updates, and responsiveness to feedback, as well as the generous DLC policy and quality-of-life improvements. The cute art style, engaging character designs, and the game's clear passion for the roguelike genre are also highly valued.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Surprise is expressed because the game turned out to be much more fun and complete than expected, especially for an early access title. Players were pleasantly surprised by the smooth optimization, engaging gameplay, and the fact that it exceeded their low initial expectations.
- Addiction (weight 0.02): Addiction is fueled by the highly engaging and fast-paced gameplay loop that keeps players coming back for more. Many report playing for hours without stopping, staying up late to build stats, and finding the game increasingly addictive the more they play.
- Fun (weight 0.02): The game is described as incredibly fun, especially when playing with friends and creating powerful item builds. Players enjoy the snowball effect of becoming overpowered and find the gameplay more enjoyable than Risk of Rain 2.
- Anticipation (weight 0.02): Anticipation is high for future updates, new content, and the full 1.0 release, with players excited to see how the game evolves. Many are looking forward to more characters, maps, and quality-of-life improvements, as well as potential mod support.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is directed at the detailed character models, well-designed skins, and impressive action animations. Players also praise the top-notch art, excellent scene design, and the game's complete system, along with the developer's frequent updates.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement comes from the game's quirky elements, such as the final boss being playable, the exploding tennis ball, and the chaotic co-op. Players also find humor in the contrast between the attractive 2D art and poor 3D models, as well as the developer's responses to questions.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is expressed for the game's future, with players believing it has great potential if balance and content are improved. The active development and regular updates give players confidence that the game will continue to grow and succeed.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game is driven by its incredibly good mechanics, tight controls, and deep character progression. Players appreciate the anime-style waifus, the vaporwave city aesthetics, and the addictive endless loop, often comparing it favorably to Risk of Rain 2.
- Concern (weight 0.01): Concerns revolve around the game's development stability, with worries that the developer might abandon it or that funding could run out. Players also note balance issues, performance drops, and the dominance of trigger-based builds, as well as the high cost of cosmetic DLC.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom sets in after unlocking everything, as solo play becomes dull and repetitive. The same map sequences, limited enemy types, and lack of clear objectives contribute to the game feeling monotonous over time.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from the game's lack of guidance, complex terminology, and unclear map layouts. Players are often lost without a minimap or clear objectives, and the hit feedback system is confusing because enemies don't react as expected.
- Satisfied (weight 0.01): Satisfaction is derived from the large amount of content, well-designed maps, and diverse character builds. Players enjoy the flashy skill effects, the ability to unlock outfits without paying, and the overall polished gameplay experience.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance is caused by competitive chest looting in co-op, repetitive music, and untranslated achievements. Players also find map decorations confusingly similar to chests and altars, and boss fight red effects are hard to see.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is directed at the excessive paid promotion despite the game's flaws, the fan-service on child characters, and the developer's perceived lack of listening to the community. Some players call the game a scam due to bugs and poor quality.}