Info about Salt and Sacrifice:

Official game description:
**Beyond sanctuary, a realm of elemental pandemonium awaits.**  
A once-peaceful kingdom is plunged into chaos by encroaching tides of Mages: merciless embodiments of elemental chaos. The Marked Inquisitors, a doomed force of the condemned, once again mobilizes to stand against the existential threat of Magic. A buried secret threatens to bring an ancient empire to utter ruin.  
**In a land plagued by powerful and twisted Mages, the condemned Marked Inquisitors take up the hunt.**  
As a Marked Inquisitor, you’ll journey through the western frontier: pursuing, hunting, and obliterating the Mages that roam the realm.  
You may be bound to the Inquisition, but your choices are yours.  
**Wield the Power of Your Foes**  
Craft unique weapons and armor from the otherworldly flesh and bones of the Mages you destroy. Master dozens of powerful weapons and runic arts: “safe” manipulations of the corrupt Magic your foes wield.  
**A Dense and Detailed World**  
Explore a large and labyrinthine world filled with scavengers, secrets, traps, and powerful guardians.  
**Online Multiplayer**  
Team up with a fellow Inquisitor for full online co-op and drop-in quickplay online co-op, or engage in fast and chaotic PvP through various factions.

Release date: Nov 6, 2023

Categories: Soulslike Combat, Metroidvania, Cooperative Multiplayer, Crafting, Character Progression, Exploration, Boss Fights

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 10; verdict: Low Wiki Tax; summary: The primary complaints are about bugs that occur when tabbing out to check guides, and a design issue of withholding information. There is also a positive note about the wiki's existence, which helps mitigate the dependency. The overall wiki tax is low, as the main issues are technical glitches rather than a need for extensive external data.
- Steam Deck: score 20; verdict: Seamless; summary: The game runs well on the Steam Deck with good battery life, but some users experience control responsiveness and performance lag. Overall, it is a playable experience without major technical barriers like forced Proton or launchers.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $8.00 - $12.00
  - Reasoning: The majority of reviews indicate that the game is not worth its full price, with many recommending purchasing it only during a sale. Some players find it enjoyable at a discounted price, while others even at a low sale price are disappointed. This suggests the community considers a fair price to be significantly below the standard full price, likely in the range of $8-$12 USD, which is typical for a game that is only recommended on sale.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 32.0h
  - Story completion: 30.0h
  - Session length: 0.8h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The two 30-hour statements directly support storyCompletion (main story finish). The 32-hour platinum claim supports gameCompletion (full 100% achievements). The 30-minute-to-1-hour session quote supports sessionLength. No reliable evidence for endgame time, so endgame is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Salt and Sacrifice is fun at first, with a compelling early feedback loop, but quickly becomes tedious due to repetitive mage hunts and chase sequences, though co-op can significantly improve the experience.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Repetitive mage hunts; Tedious chase sequences; Enemy respawning during hunts; Boss fights that feel like a slog
  - Unlock drivers: Co-op play
  - Conditions: Playing in co-op; Early game; After obtaining the grappling hook; Playing solo; Late game; Repeated mage hunts
- Player Archetypes:
  - Disappointed Sequel Purist (deep sale)
    - Motivation: To experience a worthy successor to Salt and Sanctuary, but they are driven by disappointment and critique.
    - Playstyle: Solo, focusing on exploration and build variety, but frustrated by repetitive Mage Hunts and dead multiplayer.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: huge fan of the predecessor
    - Reference games: Salt and Sanctuary
  - Co-op Hunter (buy)
    - Motivation: To enjoy cooperative hunting and boss fights with friends, turning grind into a shared experience.
    - Playstyle: Plays in co-op, coordinating with friends, using varied builds, and focusing on teamwork.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Frustrated Solo Soulslike (deep sale)
    - Motivation: To overcome challenging solo combat and progression, but they are driven by critique of unfair mechanics.
    - Playstyle: Solo, focusing on combat mastery, but often frustrated by unavoidable damage and grind.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Monster Hunter
  - Open-minded Appreciator (buy)
    - Motivation: To enjoy a fresh soulslike experience with unique mechanics, appreciating the game on its own terms.
    - Playstyle: Likely plays solo or co-op, experimenting with weapons and runic arts, and is tolerant of the grind.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: played a lot of Sanctuary
    - Reference games: Salt and Sanctuary


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:
- Game is fun and enjoyable (weight 0.2): Many reviewers found the game fun, smooth, and engaging, with several noting it is especially enjoyable in multiplayer. The overall sentiment is positive, with players finishing the game and praising its playability.
- Mage hunting mechanic fun (weight 0.1): The mage-hunting mechanic is consistently praised as interesting, satisfying, and fun. Reviewers enjoy the challenge and variety that mage hunts bring to the gameplay.
- Seamless co-op praised (weight 0.09): Players highlight the seamless co-op experience, which supports two players without needing to exit during a playthrough. The co-op is described as stable, excellent, and very good overall.
- Map design is excellent (weight 0.06): The map design is considered high quality, with each map having its own characteristics, shortcuts, and layered exploration. Reviewers appreciate the variety and thought put into the level layouts.
- Graphics and animations beautiful (weight 0.03): The game is praised for its beautiful graphics and animations, which are considered a significant upgrade. The visual presentation adds to the overall enjoyment.
- Skill tree is good (weight 0.03): The skill tree is considered okay or better than the predecessor, with the ability to reallocate points being a positive feature. It is seen as a solid part of the game.
- Enemy variety is good (weight 0.03): The game features a large variety of enemies, which adds to the gameplay experience. Reviewers appreciate the diversity in enemy types.
- Great if flaws tolerated (weight 0.03): Some reviewers say the game is great if you tolerate its flaws, and it is not as bad as other reviews claim. The novelty is welcome despite imperfect implementation.

Common complaints:
- Worse than predecessor (weight 0.28): Players consistently state the game is a significant downgrade from the first game, lacking its depth, spirit, and overall quality. This sentiment is echoed across multiple clusters, highlighting a widespread disappointment.
- Repetitive mage hunts (weight 0.15): The mage hunting mechanic is widely criticized for being repetitive and tedious, especially as the game progresses. Players find chasing mages across maps to be a frustrating and monotonous gameplay loop.
- No map causes frustration (weight 0.14): The absence of an in-game map is a major point of criticism, leading to players getting lost and feeling frustrated during exploration. This issue is frequently mentioned and significantly impacts navigation.
- Boss fights are repetitive (weight 0.12): Boss encounters are often described as repetitive and bland, with many bosses being mages that feel like reskins. This lack of variety and challenge makes boss fights forgettable and reduces overall enjoyment.
- Combat feels clunky (weight 0.1): The combat system is described as clunky, simplistic, and lacking the smoothness of the previous game. This negatively affects the core gameplay experience and contributes to the overall dissatisfaction.
- Lacks original atmosphere (weight 0.08): The game fails to capture the dark, mysterious atmosphere of its predecessor, which is a key element of the series' appeal. This loss of atmosphere is a common complaint among players who expected a similar experience.
- Poor game design (weight 0.08): Many players feel the game is poorly designed, with numerous frustrating elements and bad ideas. The game attempts to do many things but fails to execute them well, leading to a generally negative impression.
- Game is repetitive (weight 0.07): The overall gameplay is criticized for being repetitive and tedious, leading to boredom and a lack of engagement. This issue is noted across various aspects, including combat, exploration, and boss fights.
- Platforming is problematic (weight 0.06): Platforming sections are poorly executed, with difficult jumps and long treks back after falling. This adds unnecessary frustration and is a notable flaw in the game's level design.
- Multiplayer is dead (weight 0.05): The multiplayer scene appears to be dead, with limited online interaction and a lack of active players. This is a significant drawback for those interested in the game's online features.
- Mage attacks are annoying (weight 0.04): Mage attacks are often fast, spammy, and repetitive, making fights against them feel bad. The combination of annoying attacks and chase mechanics makes mage encounters particularly disliked.
- Excessive knockback distance (weight 0.03): Enemies have an absurd knockback distance that can send players back to the start of an area. This mechanic is frustrating and disrupts the flow of combat and exploration.
- Difficulty is high (weight 0.03): The game is considered hard to get into due to its high difficulty and steep learning curve. This makes it an acquired taste, potentially alienating some players.
- Game is unplayable (weight 0.03): A few players find the game unplayable due to frustrating gameplay and overall poor execution. This extreme criticism highlights the game's failure to provide a satisfying experience for some.
- Bosses interfere with each other (weight 0.03): Bosses can move around the map and interfere with other fights, causing frustration. This design choice can lead to chaotic and unfair encounters, detracting from the boss fight experience.
- Invisible traps are unfair (weight 0.03): Traps are often invisible or very hard to detect, leading to cheap deaths. This is seen as an unfair design element that adds unnecessary frustration to exploration.
- Mage spawning is random (weight 0.03): Mages randomly spawn in maps and summon minions, sometimes without any indicator. This randomness can be confusing and frustrating, especially when mages get in the way during other activities.
- First playthrough is bad (weight 0.03): The first playthrough is described as terrible and annoying, with the second playthrough being unplayable. This suggests a lack of replayability and a generally negative experience from the start.
- Game feels rushed (weight 0.03): The game feels rushed and cobbled together, with a lack of polish and testing. This is evident in various aspects of the game, leading to a sense that it needed more time in development.
- Bosses are mediocre (weight 0.03): The story bosses are generally weak and uninteresting, with only a few exceptions. This contributes to the overall lack of excitement and engagement in boss fights.

Gameplay feedback:
- Monster Hunter and Souls-like blend (weight 0.27): The game is frequently compared to Monster Hunter and Dark Souls, blending their mechanics in a 2D format. It is seen as more Monster Hunter-like than a traditional Soulslike, with a focus on hunting and crafting.
- Boss fights with chasing (weight 0.19): The game features numerous boss encounters, including a vampire boss and final boss, with mechanics that require learning movements and chasing bosses across the map. Bosses can summon minions and even fight each other.
- Mage hunting is core mechanic (weight 0.17): The game revolves around hunting mages, which involves chasing them across different areas and fighting them in arenas. This mechanic is central to progression and gameplay.
- Mages as enemies and bosses (weight 0.13): Mages serve as both regular enemies and boss-like targets, often running away, teleporting, and summoning minions. They are fought in designated arenas and can fight each other.
- Metroidvania exploration elements (weight 0.12): The game incorporates Metroidvania-style exploration with backtracking and items that unlock previously inaccessible areas. This is combined with Souls-like and Monster Hunter elements.
- Co-op and crossplay support (weight 0.12): The game supports local and online co-op, including seamless and two-player modes, as well as crossplay. This makes it designed for cooperative play.
- Skill tree and weapon skills (weight 0.12): Progression uses a sprawling skill tree, and many weapon skills require unlocks from it. The game features a variety of weapons with unique skills and arts.
- Hub area with portals (weight 0.05): The game has a hub area called Pardoner's Veil with level selection portals and locked doors, serving as a central point for jumping into different worlds.
- Similar to Salt and Sanctuary (weight 0.05): Combat, movement, and exploration feel similar to Salt and Sanctuary, with several enemies, objects, and mechanics resembling that game.
- Platforming sections present (weight 0.05): The game includes platforming sections and is described as a side-scrolling platformer with challenging platforming elements.
- Crafting from mage materials (weight 0.04): New weapons and armor are crafted from materials obtained by defeating mages. This ties the hunting mechanic directly to equipment progression.
- No in-game map (weight 0.04): The game lacks an in-game map or minimap, though locations are smaller and easier to remember than in the first game. Some areas are still huge without a map.
- Parry and perfect block (weight 0.04): The game features parrying or perfect blocking as a central combat mechanic, with some noting it as a perfect block system instead of traditional parry.
- Grappling hook for movement (weight 0.04): A grappling hook or hook claw is used for swinging across levels, adding a movement mechanic to exploration and platforming.
- Heavy armor equipment (weight 0.04): Armor is divided into light and heavy types, with heavy armor available as an equipment option for players.

Performance notes:
- Performance praised on low-end hardware (weight 0.03): Players report the game runs smoothly on low-spec devices and on any PC, with very little battery usage on SteamDeck. This indicates good optimization for modest hardware.
- Optimization issues and frame drops (weight 0.02): Some players find the game poorly optimized, experiencing occasional frame drops or lag that disrupt timing-dependent situations. This suggests performance inconsistencies across different systems.
- Fullscreen and borderless tab-out bugs (weight 0.02): Fullscreen mode can bug out when tabbing out and prevent reopening the game, while borderless mode flickers white rapidly. These are display-related issues that impact usability.
- Crash due to NullReferenceException (weight 0.01): The game crashes with a System.NullReferenceException error, which is a specific technical issue that can frustrate players. This bug likely needs a patch to resolve.
- Hit detection feels inconsistent (weight 0.01): Players note that hit detection can sometimes feel inconsistent, affecting gameplay fairness. This is a common but vague complaint that may require further investigation.

Recommendations:
- Not for first game fans (weight 0.15): Multiple clusters indicate that fans of the original Salt and Sanctuary should avoid this sequel, as it fails to meet expectations and is considered inferior. Players are advised to play the first game instead.
- Buy only on sale (weight 0.11): Many reviewers suggest waiting for a sale or purchasing the game at a discounted price, indicating that the game is not worth its full price. This is a common recommendation across multiple clusters.
- Play first game instead (weight 0.1): Several reviewers explicitly recommend playing Salt and Sanctuary instead of this sequel, stating that the original is a better option for this type of game. This reinforces the idea that the sequel is disappointing.
- Avoid this game (weight 0.1): Several reviewers strongly advise against playing the game, stating that players will not enjoy it and should stay away. This reflects a general negative sentiment toward the game's quality.
- Recommended for soulslike fans (weight 0.08): Some reviewers recommend the game to fans of soulslike games and 2D Soulsborne titles, particularly those who haven't played the first game. This suggests the game has appeal for newcomers to the series.
- Better with friends (weight 0.07): Reviewers recommend playing the game with a friend, especially in co-op mode, as it enhances the experience and makes the game more enjoyable. Playing alone may be less rewarding.
- Not a true sequel (weight 0.05): Reviewers warn that this game should not be expected to be Salt and Sanctuary 2, as it differs significantly from the predecessor. Players who expect a direct sequel will be disappointed.
- Recommended for metroidvania fans (weight 0.02): The game is recommended for fans of metroidvania-style side-scrollers who enjoy backtracking and combat. This suggests the game has appeal for a specific genre audience.
- For masochistic players (weight 0.02): Some reviewers recommend the game for masochists or those who enjoy being tortured, implying the game is extremely difficult and punishing. This is a niche recommendation.
- Open-minded fans may enjoy (weight 0.02): Some reviewers suggest that fans of the first game might enjoy this one if they keep an open mind and accept its differences. This offers a more balanced perspective for existing fans.

Other player notes:
- Comparisons to Salt and Sanctuary (weight 0.42): Many reviews compare the game to Salt and Sanctuary, noting it is a different experience rather than a direct sequel. Some feel it is worse, while others appreciate its unique identity.
- Different from predecessor (weight 0.23): Many reviews highlight that the game is very different from the first Salt and Sanctuary, with changes to structure and gameplay. Some see this as a positive, others as a negative.
- Monster Hunter comparisons (weight 0.2): The game is frequently compared to Monster Hunter for its boss-hunting and crafting mechanics. Reviewers note it borrows elements but lacks the polish and fun of that series.
- Unfavorable comparisons to first game (weight 0.16): A significant number of reviews compare the game unfavorably to its predecessor, stating it is a downgrade in level design, atmosphere, and overall quality. The original is often considered superior.
- Dark Souls comparisons (weight 0.15): The game is compared to Dark Souls and Dark Souls 2, with some noting it shares soulslike elements but lacks polish. The hub-based world is compared to Demon's Souls and Majula.
- DLC and mods available (weight 0.06): The game has DLC content, including additional bosses, and a free DLC map. Mods are also available, adding to the game's longevity.
- Epic Games Store exclusivity (weight 0.06): The game was initially an Epic Games Store exclusive before coming to Steam. Some reviewers mention this as a red flag or a reason for disappointment.
- Game length and content (weight 0.05): Reviews indicate the game takes around 22-48 hours to complete, with 100% achievements requiring 30-40 hours. Some consider the game short, while others find it substantial.
- Price and value (weight 0.04): Some reviews mention the game is a good value when purchased on sale, while others were still disappointed even at a discounted price.
- Developer and studio (weight 0.03): The game is developed by Devoured Studios in collaboration with Ska Studios, which is known for the original Salt and Sanctuary.
- Improved since release (weight 0.02): A couple of reviews note that the game has been fixed and improved since its initial release, suggesting that patches have addressed some issues.
- Comparisons to Hollow Knight (weight 0.02): The game is compared to Hollow Knight in terms of character control, indicating a focus on tight movement and platforming.
- Comparisons to Elden Ring (weight 0.02): The game is compared to Elden Ring and other titles like Lies of P, suggesting it shares some open-world or boss design elements.
- Graphics and features comparison (weight 0.02): Reviews compare the game to the first in terms of graphics, tools, covenants, and multiplayer, noting differences in these areas.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.35): Players are frustrated by the repetitive mage hunting mechanic, which forces long chases across maps and is required for story progression. The lack of a map, combined with unfair enemy placement, knockback, and stunlocking, makes navigation and combat feel punishing. Additionally, bosses and enemies often have cheap attacks, and the game's difficulty spikes, especially in late-game and New Game Plus, contribute to a sense of unfairness.
- Disappointment (weight 0.23): Players are disappointed because the game is seen as a major downgrade from its predecessor, Salt and Sanctuary, lacking the interconnected world, atmosphere, and engaging story. The shift to a hub-based structure and the repetitive mage hunting mechanic are criticized, along with weaker boss fights and music. Many feel the game fails to live up to expectations and is not a proper sequel.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.09): Players enjoy the game's combat, which is similar to the first game and feels fun, especially in co-op multiplayer. The mage hunting mechanic, weapon variety, and crafting system are highlighted as engaging. The game's art style and world-building are also appreciated, and many find the game enjoyable once they get used to its mechanics.
- Annoyance (weight 0.04): Players are annoyed by the mage hunting mechanic, which involves chasing bosses that teleport and respawn, making exploration tedious. The lack of a map and fast travel, along with the hub's inconvenient layout, adds to the frustration. Additionally, enemies that stunlock and cheap boss attacks contribute to the overall annoyance.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Players feel satisfaction from overcoming the game's challenges, such as defeating difficult bosses and mastering combat. The sense of achievement from progressing and becoming powerful enough to hunt mages is rewarding. The game's deep and fluid combat, along with its content and map exploration, provide a satisfying experience.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Players are angered by the game's unfair mechanics, including unreasonable enemy scaling, trap placement, and boss attacks with poor hitboxes. The platforming sections and the feeling that the game is deliberately designed to annoy players contribute to the anger. Additionally, the game's downgrade from the first title and the influence of corporate decisions on the developers' vision are sources of frustration.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the game's attempt to innovate and try something different from the first game, such as the mage hunting mechanic. The level design, art style, and animations are praised as improvements. The game's deep combat and the developers' responsiveness to fix issues are also appreciated.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Players find the game boring due to the repetitive combat and the monotonous mage hunting mechanic. The need to repeatedly hunt the same bosses for materials and the homogeneous enemy design lead to a lack of engagement. The skill tree and gameplay loop become tedious over time.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players love the game despite its flaws, appreciating its unique setting, lore, and the freedom of exploration. The combat and mechanics, which are reminiscent of the original, are enjoyed in a new context. The game holds a special place for some as a childhood favorite or due to its graphic style.
- Disgust (weight 0.02): Players express disgust at the enemy spam, platforming sections, and the mage hunting mechanic, which are described as annoying and poorly designed. The game's animations and characters are considered ugly, and the combat can feel unfair with no openings to attack. The overall product is seen as disgusting and frustrating.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Players are excited by the game's engaging start and the addictive nature of its gameplay. The epic boss battles against powerful mages and the story reveal at the Heart of Altarstone are highlights. The anticipation of unlocking new gear and the potential for future content from the developer also generate excitement.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Players find amusement in the game's humorous moments, such as the bird enemy attacking from below the floor and the ability to play as a drunk character. The PvP multiplayer, though dead, is seen as ambitious and provides laughs. The game's quirky elements and the classic Dark Souls trait of not moving while drinking estus are also sources of amusement.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Players feel nostalgia for the first game, Salt and Sanctuary, and miss certain mechanics like the boss juggling. The game reminds them of their experiences with the original, and some prefer the predecessor. The memories associated with the first game evoke a sense of longing.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Players are confused by the game's story, which is harder to understand than the first game. The controls, especially with mouse and keyboard, can be confusing, and the inability to level up properly adds to the confusion. The lack of clear guidance contributes to the overall sense of being lost.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Players feel sadness because the game was abandoned by developers after heavy criticism, and it is dying due to mixed reviews. The game's memorial to a cat named Gato also evokes sadness, as the reviewer was affected by the cat's passing. The game's current state and negative reception are sources of sorrow.
- Liking (weight 0): Players like the game for its variety of weapon types based on the mage killed, which adds depth to the gameplay. The game is enjoyed similarly to the first part, and the overall experience is positive. The reviewer's liking of the game is based on these aspects.
- Tiredness (weight 0): Players feel tired from the constant pursuit of mages, which involves long chases and repetitive gameplay. The boss system, where bosses run away multiple times, is tiresome and drains the player's energy. The game's mechanics lead to a sense of exhaustion.
- Regret (weight 0): Players regret wasting time and money on the game, even when purchased on sale. The game did not meet expectations, and the time spent trying to give it a chance is seen as wasted. The overall experience leads to a feeling of regret.
- Admiration (weight 0): Players admire the game's movement, which is considered among the best in 2D games, and the combat is deep and satisfying. The game is seen as a masterpiece that takes the essence of other works and removes the bad parts. It is praised as the best 2D dark souls-like experience.
- Hesitation (weight 0): Players hesitate to buy the game due to mixed reviews and complaints about the mages. The negative feedback creates uncertainty about whether the game is worth purchasing. This hesitation is based on the game's reputation.}