Info about SYNTHETIK 2:

Official game description:
**Fight as part of the human defiance against the relentless Machine Legion.**
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Pick your **android prototype class**, experiment with powerful gear and **upgrade yourself to match the Machine Gods!**
*   **1-4 Player Co-Op Mayhem**
*   **120+ Weapons with Deep Mechanics**
*   **Limitless Replayability & Modding!**
**▩ CO-OP MAYHEM**
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*   Fight the Machine Legion **Solo** or in chaotic **2-4 Player co-op!**
*   Level your android classes, unlock new loadouts and experiment with new builds every run!
*   Find powerful loot, experiment with many classes, endless load-outs and tons of crazy tech!
**▩ NEXT LEVEL GUNPLAY**
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*   Master the satisfying **manual reload** system,
*   leverage the unique **top-down headshots**, now more accurate than ever!
*   A **new attachment system** allows for even more varied upgrade paths!
*   Weapons can now upgraded to new heights!
*   Weapons can jam and overheat—keep your cool or burn out!
**▩ MEET YOUR ARSENAL**
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*   Explore powerful Faction Arsenals
*   Each weapon can come in many variants, defined by their Faction
**▩ DEEP GAMEPLAY:**
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*   **Make hard choices** with expansive item and class upgrades and our unique weapon upgrades!
*   Play either as Commando, Riotguard, Breacher, Recon, Demolisher, Machine Hunter, Chrono Trooper...
*   **The 10 Classes** play very differently, slow, fast, tactical or brawling, choose your style!
**▩ NEXT GENERATION MODDING:**
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*   Our powerful new framework, **UniversEdit** brings unending new possibilities for you & us!
*   Use our truly **next-level modding** / content creation tools right within the game:
*   **Create** and share your own items, abilities, weapons, classes and more **within minutes**!
**▧ NEW IN SYNTHETIK 2 - vs - SYNTHETIK 1:**
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*   4 Player co-op unleashes complete mayhem!
*   Explore more and **more varied environments** with destruction, physics & **full 3D**!
*   Fight the **Machine S.A.T Police Force**, **Chrono Squad and Machine Military** and their bosses!
*   The now **10 Classes** play more differently, slow, fast, tactical or brawling, choose your style!
*   Master new mechanics such as **single shell reload**, **dual wield** and more!
*   A deeper, tailored **attachment and item upgrade** system allow for more customization than ever!
*   **Armor 2.0** enables rear-armor hits, deflections, ricochets and more realistic gunplay!
*   The new Difficulty **Directives** System allows adding new enemies or other powerful challenges!
*   Create new Classes, Items and Weapons with ease with **UniversEdit!**
    **Other Improvements:**
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*   **Power Slots** - all items can either be set to automatic or manually activated!
*   **Weapon Technologies** - All weapons come with randomized technology-based perks
*   **Faction Variants** - Each weapon faction has their own set of unique variants!

Release date: Nov 11, 2021

Categories: Top-Down Tactical Shooter, Cooperative Multiplayer, Roguelike, Character Progression, Weapon Customization, Mod Support, Tactical Combat, Class-based Combat

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Needs Instructional and Navigation Improvements; summary: The primary user complaints revolve around the need for better instructional data and improvements in navigation and bug fixes. Users frequently mention the lack of accessible tutorials and detailed information about game mechanics, which forces them to rely on external wikis. Additionally, there are notable frustrations with the game's control scheme and the need to alt-tab out, indicating navigation and bug issues.
- Proton/Linux: score 25; verdict: Works Well with Minor Tweaks; summary: The game is generally well-received on Linux and Steam Deck, with users highlighting its enjoyable gameplay and positive overall experience. However, there are notable performance issues, particularly with DX11 and DX12, which can be mitigated with Vulkan support. Some technical issues require workarounds, and there are mentions of bugs affecting stability, particularly in co-op mode. Despite these issues, the game is considered playable and enjoyable on Linux.
- Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The Steam Deck experience for this game is marred by significant issues with UI and controller support, performance and stability, and visual quality. Users have reported needing to use Proton Experimental and deal with various troubleshooting steps, which add friction to the experience. Despite these issues, some users find the gameplay fun and addictive.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Performance varies significantly across different hardware cohorts, with higher VRAM generally yielding better results. Lower VRAM systems often report crashes and instability, while higher VRAM setups experience fewer issues but still face some performance limitations.
  - Sample size: 75 (7% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (mixed, 28 reports): Users report a mix of solid performance and significant issues like crashes and FPS drops.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (negative, 22 reports): Performance issues and crashes are frequently reported, overshadowing the few positive experiences.
  - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (positive, 12 reports): The game runs well overall, though users note it may not reach very high FPS even with high-end settings.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (mixed, 10 reports): Performance is generally fine but users report memory leaks and late-run performance degradation.
  - Caveats: 75 of 1002 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that the community generally finds the game worth purchasing only when it is on sale or deeply discounted. The specific mention of $14.99 as a recommended sale price provides a clear data point. Additionally, multiple reviews advise waiting for a sale or discount, indicating that the full price is not considered fair by the community. The negative reviews further support that the game is not worth the full price due to various issues.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 20.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: 10.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides some insights into playtime metrics. The first quote mentions clearing the last boss several times and progressing far on the second loop, suggesting significant investment in game completion and endgame content. The second quote indicates short session lengths of around 3 minutes, though this is in the context of troubleshooting. The third quote suggests a couple of hours to understand the game's mechanics, implying session length. The fourth quote implies a desire to invest similar hours into SYNTHETIK 2 as were spent on the first game, hinting at extensive playtime for game completion.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game's fun is anchored around its cooperative multiplayer mode, which, despite initial bugs and connectivity issues, provides a highly engaging and satisfying experience once stable.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Cooperative multiplayer mode
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: bugs and crashes; connectivity issues; multiplayer instability
  - Unlock drivers: stable multiplayer experience; cooperative gameplay
  - Conditions: playing with friends; cooperative multiplayer mode; overlooking bugs and issues
- Player Archetypes:
  - Tactical Shooter Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoys tactical gameplay and visual improvements.
    - Playstyle: Strategic and methodical, appreciating the depth and visual uniqueness of the game.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: tactical shooter fan; strategy gamer
    - Reference games: Synthetik 1; Binding of Isaac; Risk of Rain
  - Optimistic Early Adopter (sale)
    - Motivation: Belief in the game's potential and future improvements.
    - Playstyle: Adaptive and forgiving, focusing on the core gameplay and potential future content.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: early adopter; potential believer
    - Reference games: Risk of Rain; The Binding of Isaac
  - Frustrated Critic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Frustration with bugs and performance issues.
    - Playstyle: Critical and comparative, often reverting to the first game due to dissatisfaction.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: critic; disappointed fan
    - Reference games: Synthetik 1
  - Co-op Multiplayer Fan (sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoys cooperative multiplayer gameplay.
    - Playstyle: Social and cooperative, focusing on multiplayer experiences with friends.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: co-op gamer; multiplayer enthusiast
    - Reference games: Deep Rock Galactic; Helldivers 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:
- Positive gameplay feedback (weight 0.32): Players consistently praise the gameplay, describing it as amazing, fun, enjoyable, and phenomenal. The core gameplay mechanics are solid, and the combat feels rewarding and satisfying.
- Game improvements and updates (weight 0.27): The game has seen significant improvements and updates since its initial release. Players note that the game is improving, with graphical enhancements and overall better gameplay experiences.
- Comparison to Synthetik 1 (weight 0.25): Players often compare the game to its predecessor, Synthetik 1, noting improvements and differences. Some prefer the new game over the first one.
- Diverse and unique classes (weight 0.19): The game offers a variety of classes, each with unique gameplay styles and abilities. This diversity adds depth and replayability to the game.
- Satisfying weapon mechanics (weight 0.16): Weapons in the game are described as satisfying and powerful. The sound and visual effects of the weapons enhance the overall gameplay experience.
- High potential and promise (weight 0.15): Players see a lot of potential in the game, noting its high ceiling for growth and variety. The game shows promise and has improved over time.
- Roguelike elements (weight 0.12): The game is recognized as a great roguelike with reliable and fun gameplay. It offers tons of content and is considered one of the best in the genre.
- Responsive and talented developers (weight 0.11): The developers are highly responsive and committed to improving the game. They are open to community input and have shown talent in their work.
- Unique gameplay mechanics (weight 0.11): The game features unique gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other games in the genre. These mechanics are praised for being engaging and satisfying.
- Excellent sound design (weight 0.09): The sound design in the game is praised for being excellent and high-quality. It contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment and immersion.

Common complaints:
- UI and technical bugs (weight 0.42): The game suffers from numerous UI issues, including bugs, clunky navigation, and poor design choices. Players frequently report bugs related to the UI, menus, and overall technical stability.
- Co-op and multiplayer issues (weight 0.26): Co-op and multiplayer modes are plagued with stability and connectivity problems. Players experience frequent disconnections, unstable sessions, and overall poor multiplayer performance.
- Frequent crashes and performance issues (weight 0.21): The game frequently crashes and suffers from performance issues, including stutters, freezes, and frame rate drops. These issues significantly impact the gameplay experience.
- Weapon variety and power (weight 0.14): Weapons feel weak, underpowered, and lack variety. Players report that weapons are less unique and upgrades need improvement.
- Main menu problems (weight 0.12): The main menu is glitchy, barely usable, and frustrating to navigate. Players encounter various issues, including performance problems and navigation difficulties.
- Poor boss design and balancing (weight 0.1): Bosses are poorly designed and unbalanced, leading to a frustrating gameplay experience. Players report that bosses feel overtuned and lack proper design.
- Localization and translation problems (weight 0.1): The game suffers from poor translations and incomplete localization, particularly affecting non-English speaking players.
- Game feels worse than original (weight 0.09): Players feel that the game does not live up to the original, with many aspects feeling weaker or less intuitive.
- Lack of content compared to original (weight 0.06): The game has fewer unlocks, customization options, and content compared to the original. Players feel that it lacks features and content present in the first game.
- Keybinding issues (weight 0.06): Players experience problems with keybindings, including resets and swapping issues. This leads to frustration and inconvenience.
- Quest system issues (weight 0.05): The quest system is poorly designed and lacks purpose. Players find the quests to be unsatisfying and problematic.
- Data loss and save file issues (weight 0.04): Players report instances of data loss and lost save files, which can result in the loss of progress and frustration.
- Poorly explained mechanics (weight 0.04): The game's mechanics are not well explained, leading to confusion and difficulty in understanding how to play effectively.
- Meta progression needs work (weight 0.04): The meta progression system is underdeveloped and needs improvement. Players feel that it lacks depth and proper implementation.
- Regional connectivity issues (weight 0.04): The game cannot be played or has connectivity issues in certain regions, such as Russia.
- Invisible med kits and enemy shots (weight 0.04): Players report issues with invisible med kits and enemy shots, which can impact gameplay and cause frustration.

Gameplay feedback:
- Diverse class system (weight 0.27): The game features a wide variety of character classes, each with unique strengths, abilities, and variants. Players appreciate the dynamic class diversity and the leveling system that enhances gameplay.
- Weapon and upgrade variety (weight 0.22): Players enjoy the variety of weapons, upgrades, and mods available in the game. The weapon upgrade system is based on weapon classes, adding depth to the gameplay.
- Co-op gameplay mode (weight 0.13): The game offers a cooperative mode that supports up to 4 players, providing a focused co-op experience that enhances the overall gameplay.
- Game progression system (weight 0.13): The game features a rogue-lite progression system that allows players to save their progress and continue improving their characters and loadouts.
- Addictive and replayable gameplay (weight 0.1): The game is highly replayable and offers addictive, action-packed gameplay that keeps players engaged.
- Manual reloading and ammo types (weight 0.1): The game features manual reloading and various types of ammunition, adding a layer of realism and strategy to the combat.
- Game balance issues (weight 0.09): There are some balancing issues in the game, particularly with class mechanics, that may need to be addressed through balance patches.
- Satisfying gunplay mechanics (weight 0.08): Players appreciate the satisfying gunplay mechanics, which include detailed combat and shooting systems with recoil and weapon management.
- UI design issues (weight 0.08): Some players have reported problems with the user interface, indicating that there may be room for improvement in UI interactions and design.
- Variety of enemies (weight 0.08): The game includes a variety of well-designed enemies, although some players find certain enemies to be challenging or lame.
- Class and loadout customization (weight 0.07): Players can customize their classes and loadouts, adding a layer of personalization and strategy to the gameplay.
- Tactical and fast-paced action (weight 0.07): The game combines tactical elements with fast-paced action, providing a dynamic and satisfying combat experience.
- Roguelike and roguelite elements (weight 0.07): The game incorporates roguelike and roguelite elements, adding variety and potential to the gameplay.
- Multiplayer and lobby system (weight 0.07): The game features public multiplayer modes and a lobby system for matchmaking, enhancing the cooperative gameplay experience.
- Boss variations and stages (weight 0.06): The game includes various bosses and stages, providing players with different challenges and goals to reach.
- Top-down shooter perspective (weight 0.06): The game is played from a top-down perspective, which is a common feature in the shooter genre and adds a tactical element to the gameplay.
- 3D engine and visual improvements (weight 0.06): The game features a fully 3D engine and has received visual improvements and new content additions, enhancing the graphical experience.
- Twin-stick shooter mechanics (weight 0.05): The game is praised for its twin-stick shooter mechanics, which are considered among the best in the genre.
- Adjustable difficulty levels (weight 0.05): Players can adjust the difficulty levels, providing a customized gaming experience that caters to different skill levels.
- Modding support (weight 0.05): The game includes a mod browser and supports modding, allowing players to enhance their gameplay experience with custom content.
- Quality of life improvements (weight 0.04): The game has undergone quality of life improvements and changes, enhancing the overall player experience.
- Developer involvement (weight 0.04): The developers are actively involved and passionate about the game, taking community input into account for improvements and updates.

Performance notes:
- Game instability and bugs (weight 0.26): The game suffers from various instability issues and bugs, particularly in multiplayer mode. Players report frequent crashes, disconnects, and general bugginess.
- Performance and stuttering issues (weight 0.21): Many players experience stuttering, FPS drops, and general performance issues. These problems are noted across different hardware setups and can be particularly severe on AMD CPUs.
- Multiplayer functionality issues (weight 0.14): Multiplayer mode is reported to be barely functional with various stability issues. Players experience disconnects, connection problems, and lobby crashes.
- Optimization and polish needed (weight 0.12): The game lacks optimization and polish, leading to various performance and stability issues. Players note that the game feels unoptimized and could benefit from improvements.
- Graphical and visual effects issues (weight 0.11): There are issues related to graphical and visual effects, including flickering, frame drops, and problems with specific settings like DLSS and color filters.
- Hardware and system compatibility (weight 0.09): The game's performance varies widely depending on the hardware and system specifications. Some players report smooth performance, while others experience significant issues.
- Main menu performance problems (weight 0.07): The main menu has significant performance issues, including high GPU usage and general instability. This affects the overall smoothness of the game.
- Miscellaneous performance hiccups (weight 0.06): There are various minor performance hiccups reported, including random lag spikes, frame drops during late-game, and issues with specific game mechanics like folding the map.
- Server and connection issues (weight 0.05): Players report various server and connection issues, including forced connections to specific servers and delays in the online GUI.
- Specific level and map issues (weight 0.04): Certain levels and maps have specific performance issues, such as FPS drops and crashes. For example, the snow level and motherboard map are noted for their problems.
- Loading times and technical debt (weight 0.04): Loading times are reported to be horrible, and there is a general sense of technical debt affecting the game's performance and stability.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended purchase (weight 0.18): A significant number of players highly recommend this game, citing it as a worthwhile purchase, especially for fans of tactical shooters and similar games.
- Wait before buying (weight 0.1): Some players suggest waiting before buying the game, either for improvements, a sale, or the full release.
- Recommended for specific fans (weight 0.08): The game is recommended for fans of specific genres or previous games, such as Synthetic 1, Enter the Gungeon, and Nuclear Throne.
- Avoid due to issues (weight 0.07): Some players recommend avoiding the game due to its current issues and suggest sticking to the original game.
- Future potential and updates (weight 0.06): Players express hope for future updates, more content, and DLCs, indicating a belief in the game's potential.
- Technical suggestions (weight 0.04): Players have specific technical suggestions, such as using mouse/keyboard over a controller and exiting global chat immediately.
- Try different classes (weight 0.04): Players suggest experimenting with different classes and loadouts to enhance the gaming experience.
- Play with friends (weight 0.02): The game is recommended for playing with friends, despite some issues like friendly fire.

Other player notes:
- Performance stability improvements (weight 0.02): Players want the game's performance to be stabilized to ensure 100% consistency.
- Quest rework needed (weight 0.02): There is a demand for reworking the quests to improve gameplay experience.
- More toys and classes for 1.0 (weight 0.02): There is a request for additional toys and classes to be included by the time the game reaches version 1.0.
- Main Menu UI cleanup (weight 0.02): Players are requesting a cleaner and more organized Main Menu UI for better navigation.
- Early Access state (weight 0.02): The game is in Early Access, which is a significant topic among players.
- Steam Deck compatibility (weight 0.02): Players are discussing the game's compatibility and performance on the Steam Deck.
- Class with a pet (weight 0.02): Players are noting the presence of a class that includes a pet, which is seen as a bonus feature.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.36): Players are frustrated primarily due to a myriad of technical issues, including frequent crashes, bugs, and performance problems. Multiplayer connectivity issues, such as disconnections, lag, and server instability, further exacerbate the frustration. Additionally, UI and navigation issues, along with game mechanics and balance problems, contribute significantly to the negative experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.15): Players express satisfaction with the game's polished feel, engaging gameplay loop, and improvements over the original. The satisfying use of weapons, tactical gameplay, and positive development progress contribute to a rewarding experience. Additionally, the game's challenge, visual feedback, and overall quality make it a worthwhile sequel.
- Disappointment (weight 0.14): Players are disappointed due to the game's numerous bugs, crashes, and performance issues, which are seen as a step back from the original. Changes from the first game, including design decisions and removal of features, have led to a less enjoyable experience. Additionally, the slow update cycle and lack of significant improvements contribute to the disappointment.
- Excitement (weight 0.11): Players are excited about the game's intense and fun gameplay, including co-op mode and customizable progression. The unique gameplay experience, variety of classes and weapons, and positive updates contribute to the excitement. The game's potential, improvements, and engaging combat mechanics also generate a sense of thrill and anticipation.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): Players enjoy the game's addictive and fun gameplay, unique gunplay mechanics, and overall positive experience. The polished gameplay, improvements over the original, and mastering controls contribute to the enjoyment. Despite some issues, players find the game fun and engaging.
- Frustrated (weight 0.03): Players are frustrated with game crashes, balance issues, and difficulty joining matches. Server reliability issues, game instability, and progress loss further add to the frustration. Connection and co-op issues, along with occasional gameplay problems, contribute to a negative experience.
- Excited (weight 0.03): Players are excited about the game's incredible and addictive nature, fun experiences, and intense gameplay. The co-op experience, positive game development, and powerful builds contribute to the excitement. Detailed combat scenarios and finding a class that clicks also generate enthusiasm.
- Hope (weight 0.03): Players express hope for future improvements, updates, and the game's potential. They look forward to a full stable update and believe the game can become better than its predecessor. The talent of the developers and the game's potential for improvement contribute to this hopeful outlook.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Players are angry due to the game being unplayable because of crashes, unstable multiplayer, and frequent issues. Connectivity problems, broken controls, and menus, along with the perception of insult to the original game, contribute to the anger. The game's performance and various bugs make it unplayable in some regions, further fueling the frustration.
- Happy (weight 0.02): Players are happy with the final game experience, familiarity with controls, and good performance. Despite some bugs, the game is fun and very good, leading to an enjoyable experience. The game's design, value, and gameplay elements contribute to the happiness.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Players are enthusiastic about the game's addictive gameplay, excellent sound design, and unique gun experience. The diverse and engaging gameplay mechanics, along with the desire to replay the game, contribute to the enthusiasm. Both Synthetik 1 and Synthetik 2 are praised for their worth and gameplay.
- Hopeful (weight 0.02): Players are hopeful that the game will improve with more work, future mod support, and fixes. They believe the game can become great with time and that people who liked the first game might enjoy this one. The developer's efforts and the game's potential contribute to this hopeful sentiment.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Players find amusement in funny and unique gameplay scenarios, such as humorous takes on the game's mechanics. The game's janky nature and builds are seen as amusing and enjoyable, adding a light-hearted aspect to the experience.
- Satisfied (weight 0.01): Players are satisfied with the enjoyment of the game's features, diverse build options, and pacing. The game's weapons and overall experience contribute to a sense of contentment and fulfillment.
- Positive (weight 0.01): Players have a positive outlook on the game's new direction, gameplay options, and unique features. The enjoyment of the game's effects, weapons, classes, and co-op mode, along with roguelite mechanics and gunplay, contribute to the positive sentiment.
- Disappointed (weight 0.01): Players are disappointed due to the game being inferior to the original and ongoing issues. The early demo experience and comparison to the first game contribute to the sense of letdown and dissatisfaction.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the developer's responsiveness, involvement, and passion. The community input and the developers' talent are recognized and valued, contributing to a sense of gratitude and respect.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Players are confused about the game's direction and the lack of significant changes to the core gameplay. The recent update and its impact on the game's direction contribute to the confusion and uncertainty.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Players feel nostalgic about the original game, which holds a special place in their hearts. The comparison to the first game evokes a sense of longing and fond memories of the past experience.}