Info about Welcome to ParadiZe:

Official game description:
SUPPORTER EDITION
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About the Game
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Do you want your very own zombie companion? A faithful friend that protects you from its peers and accompanies you on all your adventures? At ParadiZe, we make it happen! Here, the zombies do all the dirty work.
In the beautiful country of ParadiZe, ingenious survivors are testing a technology that can be used to control the zombies that have overrun the world. Once hacked, they become invaluable allies, even though they are not that smart and sometimes rather unstable.  
It's not all rosy in ParadiZe, but if you're reasonably clever and handy, maybe you'll manage to survive…
Explore ParadiZe and meet a colourful cast of extraordinary characters. The unusual flora and fauna will surprise you at every turn. Set out on adventure, in the snow or desert, alone or with your Zombot companions, and feel free to get rid of any pests that try to disturb your stay with us.  
Fancy an expedition into the wilderness or would you prefer to laze about at your camp? It's your choice, so tailor your stay as you see fit!  
However, we recommend not getting too close to the locals: they can be somewhat… aggressive.  
Shortly after arriving, you must build your camp, a cosy little nest that you can gradually upgrade. Comfort is important, but don't forget to set up defences! Add multiple traps and fortifications to repel zombies, which have the bad habit of never leaving you alone.  
It takes effort to maintain a camp, but if you don't like such menial tasks, don't worry: as we already told you, zombies do all the dirty work here.  
You can be a loner during your stay or more sociable.  
Invite up to three of your friends so they can enjoy this unforgettable experience with you.  
ParadiZe welcomes everyone with open arms!

Release date: Feb 29, 2024

Categories: Cooperative Multiplayer, Survival, Base Building, Crafting, Open-World Exploration, Top-Down Shooter, Zombie Horde Combat, Resource Management

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 80; verdict: Broken; summary: The game exhibits frequent crashes and persistent performance/visual issues that resist resolution through graphics settings. While there is some appreciation for the game's content, technical problems significantly hinder the experience.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $20.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews consistently indicate that the current $29.99 price is too high. Several reviewers suggest the game is only worth buying on sale, with acceptable prices ranging from under $20 to around $19.44, while a $25 purchase was deemed not worth it. One reviewer even suggests a heavy discount to £6-10 (~$8-13). This suggests a fair base price should be lower than $20, likely in the $10-20 range.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: 41.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The Japanese review explicitly states 41 hours of playtime and clearing both endings, directly supporting story completion time. Another English review mentions 40 hours of playtime without indicating completion, suggesting a similar total playtime for the main content. A third review reports 17 hours to uncover half the map, implying a longer total playtime consistent with a ~41-hour story completion.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game offers an engaging early experience with Zombots and co-op, but quickly becomes repetitive and boring for many players, often within a few hours.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Early game with zombots
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: slow and clunky dismounting; slow unlock pacing; no early exploration payoff; poor fast travel placement; tedious item placement; bugs and co-op issues
  - Unlock drivers: co-op multiplayer; Zombot system; tactical combat options
  - Conditions: playing in co-op; overlooking jank; accepting repetitive missions; playing with friends; having patience; buying at a discount; solo play may be less fun
- Player Archetypes:
  - Casual Co-op Player (buy)
    - Motivation: Social fun and cooperative chaos with friends
    - Playstyle: Plays in co-op, builds bases, fights zombies, experiments with weapons and zombots, goofs off
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Veteran Zombie Survival Enthusiast (no buy)
    - Motivation: Seeking a worthy successor to How to Survive with deep, polished systems
    - Playstyle: Analytical, compares to previous titles, expects complex mechanics, critical of balance and content depth
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: How to Survive; How to Survive 2
  - Solo Survival/Crafter (sale)
    - Motivation: Relaxed solo survival, base building, and resource management
    - Playstyle: Plays solo, gathers resources, builds bases, explores, takes a casual approach
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: casual player
    - Reference games: State of Decay 2; How to Survive 2
  - Price-Conscious Critic (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Getting fair value for their money
    - Playstyle: Assesses content, optimization, and price; may play solo or co-op but focuses on cost-benefit
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


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 0.31): Players consistently describe the game as fun, entertaining, and pleasant to play. The overall experience is praised as great, well-made, and aesthetically pleasing.
- Fresh take on zombie genre (weight 0.2): The game offers a unique and fresh approach to the zombie and survival genres, with a colorful and different take. This originality is a standout feature for many players.
- Zombie killing is satisfying (weight 0.19): The core zombie-slaying gameplay is highlighted as very fun, with players enjoying destroying hordes and controlling zombies. This is a major positive aspect of the game.
- Humor is a standout feature (weight 0.14): The game injects humor and lighthearted moments, with funny references and dialogues that make players giggle. This unique humor is a memorable and positive aspect.
- Combat is fast-paced and great (weight 0.12): Combat is described as great, fast-paced, and generally satisfying, with frenetic action. The combat system is a key strength that keeps players engaged.
- Addictive and keeps players engaged (weight 0.09): The game is described as very addictive and keeps players attentive. Its engaging nature makes it hard to put down and provides hours of fun.
- Large map with diverse biomes (weight 0.09): The game features a big, diverse map with multiple biomes and difficulty zones. This provides a rich environment for exploration and challenges.
- Crafting system is well-developed (weight 0.09): The crafting system is well-developed and convenient, with instant crafting, repairing, and building. This adds depth and ease to the gameplay experience.
- Co-op multiplayer supports four players (weight 0.08): The game supports co-op multiplayer for up to four players, including split-screen. This is a valued feature that enhances the fun, especially with friends.
- Relaxing and fun experience (weight 0.07): The game is described as fun and relaxing, providing a pleasant and unobtrusive experience. It doesn't take itself too seriously, making it easy to enjoy.
- Early game is enjoyable (weight 0.05): The initial gameplay experience is good and enjoyable, setting a positive tone for the rest of the game. This strong start is appreciated by players.
- Game is well balanced (weight 0.04): The game is well balanced, with good engine graphics and controls. This balance contributes to a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience.
- Weapons lack durability mechanics (weight 0.04): Weapons have no durability, which is seen as a positive feature. This removes a potentially boring mechanic and allows for uninterrupted combat.
- Great survival game overall (weight 0.04): The game is considered a great survival game, with a good balance of mechanics and a well-made design. It successfully delivers on the survival genre's core elements.

Common complaints:
- Gameplay becomes boring quickly (weight 0.22): Players report that the game becomes boring and tedious after a short time, with monotony setting in after a few hours. The lack of engaging content leads to a dull experience.
- Zombie AI is problematic (weight 0.19): Zombie AI is frequently criticized for being stupid, unnatural, and slow, leading to frustrating gameplay. Zombies often fail to follow commands, get stuck, or behave unpredictably, especially in base defense and control scenarios.
- Game is buggy and janky (weight 0.16): The game suffers from numerous bugs and janky mechanics, though many are non-issues. Technical problems like freezes, frame drops, and long loading times detract from the experience.
- Base building is pointless (weight 0.12): Base building is considered bland, rudimentary, and poorly executed, with no meaningful impact on gameplay. Players find it sad and awful, lacking depth and purpose.
- Quests are fetch-heavy (weight 0.12): The game is filled with pointless fetch quests that waste time, making the gameplay loop repetitive. Questing lacks variety and feels like filler content to extend playtime.
- Story is weak and flat (weight 0.12): The story is described as meh, weak, short, and boring, with a linear narrative lacking twists. Players find it unengaging and forgettable.
- Price not justified (weight 0.09): Players feel the game is disappointing for its price, with too little content and poor execution. The cost is considered too high for what is offered, leading to a sense of being overcharged.
- Limited zombie carrying capacity (weight 0.07): Players can only carry a limited number of zombies, with only two main zombies plus minions available. This restriction feels arbitrary and limits strategic options.
- No replayability or endgame (weight 0.06): The game is template-based with little replayability, lacking an endgame or meaningful post-story content. Players see no reason to continue after finishing the main quest.
- Difficulty is too easy (weight 0.06): The game feels easy with no way to change difficulty, offering no challenge. Players are disappointed by the lack of difficulty options and the absence of a hard mode.
- UI is cumbersome and confusing (weight 0.06): The user interface is cumbersome, confusing, and lacks intuitiveness, making navigation and management difficult. Players struggle with the UI's design and functionality.
- Controls and movement are clunky (weight 0.04): Movement feels awful with bad controls, and the game suffers from clunky mechanics. This makes navigation and combat less enjoyable and more frustrating.
- NPCs are unappealing (weight 0.04): NPCs are described as meh, stupid, and ugly, lacking depth and charisma. Their presence does not enhance the story or gameplay.
- Game fails to launch (weight 0.04): Some players cannot launch the game due to a developer bug, preventing them from playing at all. This is a critical issue that blocks access to the entire experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Zombie taming and control (weight 0.28): Players can capture, carry, equip, and control zombies, turning them into companions or workers. This unique mechanic is highlighted.
- Zombie combat and survival (weight 0.26): The game centers on killing zombies in a survival context, with hordes and various zombie types. This is a primary action element.
- Base building and defense (weight 0.22): Players can construct and customize bases, including resource extractors and defensive structures. This is a core gameplay loop mentioned frequently.
- Survival crafting elements (weight 0.17): The game blends survival mechanics with crafting, set in an open world. Players gather materials and craft items to survive.
- Co-op multiplayer support (weight 0.16): Supports up to four-player co-op, including split-screen and online play, alongside solo mode. Team play is a significant feature.
- Zombot automation system (weight 0.12): Zombots are customizable minions that automate tasks and assist in combat, with upgrade and control systems. This adds strategic depth.
- Open world exploration (weight 0.1): The game offers an open world with diverse environments, from forests to deserts, and points of interest to explore.
- Quest-based progression (weight 0.1): Gameplay is driven by fetch and kill quests, along with some story missions. This structure guides player objectives.
- Top-down perspective (weight 0.07): The game is played from a fixed top-down view, typical of action RPGs. This perspective influences gameplay and controls.
- Temperature mechanics (weight 0.06): Includes a temperature system with cold and heat effects, adding environmental survival challenges.
- Skill tree system (weight 0.06): Features a skill tree with three branches, allowing character customization. This adds progression depth.
- Linear story structure (weight 0.05): Some players note the game is linear and straightforward, with a clear story path. This contrasts with open-world elements.

Performance notes:
- Poor optimization and performance (weight 0.24): Many players criticize the game's optimization, citing bad performance, high CPU usage, and failure to fully utilize graphics cards. This leads to lag, stuttering, and low FPS even on mid-range GPUs like the 3060.
- Frequent crashes and freezes (weight 0.17): Multiple players report the game crashing, locking the computer, or freezing, including on high-end hardware like the 14900KF+5070Ti. These issues occur during gameplay, on launch, and in co-op, with some crashes preventing zombie respawns.
- Performance varies by hardware (weight 0.13): While some players report smooth performance on older GPUs like the GTX 970 and GTX 1650, others experience issues on newer cards like the 3060 and 3080. This inconsistency suggests optimization problems that depend on specific hardware configurations.
- Graphics and visual glitches (weight 0.09): Issues include blurry graphics, flickering on lower settings, and poor framerate for shadows. These visual problems detract from the experience and may be related to optimization or settings.
- Long loading times (weight 0.06): Loading times are very slow even on fast SSDs, and there is a long black screen when starting or closing the game. This adds unnecessary downtime and frustration.
- Hardware overheating issues (weight 0.05): The game causes excessive computer heat and noise, even with frame limits and low graphics settings, leading to potential hardware strain. This is a significant concern for players on various systems.
- Settings can mitigate issues (weight 0.04): Some players find that disabling the '4k textures' option (enabled by default) solves FPS drops, and lowering graphics settings can improve performance. This suggests that default settings may be too demanding for many systems.

Recommendations:
- Buy on sale, not full price (weight 0.33): Many reviewers agree the game is not worth its full price but is acceptable when discounted. They suggest waiting for a sale or buying at a heavy discount.
- Recommended for zombie game fans (weight 0.15): The game appeals to fans of zombie action games, especially those who enjoy top-down shooters and ARPG elements. Reviewers highlight its zombie-themed action and light resource management.
- Good for casual play (weight 0.15): The game is well-suited for casual gamers looking for a less intense, fun experience. It is described as a lighthearted, colorful zombie survival game that doesn't take itself too seriously.
- Not recommended currently (weight 0.12): Some reviewers advise against buying the game in its current state, citing issues like bugs, poor optimization, or lack of content. They suggest waiting for fixes or a lower price.
- Strongly recommend the game (weight 0.11): A few reviewers give a strong positive recommendation, praising the game's fun factor and overall experience. They encourage others to try it despite any flaws.
- Buy first How to Survive instead (weight 0.06): Some reviewers suggest that the original How to Survive or its sequel is a better choice than this game. They recommend skipping this title in favor of those.
- Not for solo survival players (weight 0.04): Solo players expecting a deep survival and crafting experience may be disappointed. The game is better suited for casual or co-op play rather than serious solo survival.
- Recommended for action lovers (weight 0.04): Action-oriented players will find the game enjoyable, with its top-down shooting and zombie-slaying mechanics. It is recommended for those who like fast-paced gameplay.
- Watch gameplay before buying (weight 0.02): Reviewers suggest watching gameplay videos before making a purchase decision. This helps set expectations and avoid disappointment.
- Use accelerator for unstable connection (weight 0.02): If the connection is unstable during multiplayer, using a network accelerator may help. This tip is useful for players experiencing lag.
- Prioritize zombie hacking skills (weight 0.02): In the skill tree, prioritizing zombie hacking skills is recommended for better gameplay. This tip can enhance the player's effectiveness.
- Explore and pick up everything (weight 0.02): Exploring the map and picking up all items is recommended to get the most out of the game. This helps with resource management and progression.
- Consider Deadcraft alternative (weight 0.02): If you enjoy slow-life crafting games with zombie allies, Deadcraft is suggested as an alternative. This provides a different experience in a similar genre.

Other player notes:
- Frequent How to Survive comparisons (weight 0.35): Many reviewers compare this game to the How to Survive series, noting it feels like a successor, spiritual successor, or rough reskin. Some feel it is simpler or less engaging than its predecessors, while others appreciate the familiar gameplay.
- Not a traditional zombie game (weight 0.06): Despite featuring zombie enemies, reviewers clarify that the game is not a typical zombie survival or Ark-like game. It offers a different twist on the genre, which may appeal to players seeking variety.
- Low achievement completion rates (weight 0.05): Achievements for making 10 mythic weapons and reaching max level are completed by only 0.3% of players, and clearing chapter 5 has a very low rate. This suggests many players abandon the game early.
- Sequel teaser at end (weight 0.04): The game includes a sequel teaser at the end, hinting at future content or a follow-up title. This has generated interest and speculation among players.
- Ending feels sudden (weight 0.04): Reviewers mention that the ending feels sudden and is considered a joke by some. This has led to disappointment, especially after investing significant time in the game.
- Price compared to Palworld (weight 0.04): The game's price is compared to Palworld, with some reviewers noting it is the same price. This has raised expectations regarding content and quality relative to other titles.
- Originally live service game (weight 0.04): The game was originally designed as an online or live service game but was later converted to a single-player experience. This may explain some design choices and the presence of cosmetic DLC.
- Updates stopped after seven months (weight 0.04): The game stopped updating 7 months after release, with only 9 developer diary updates from release to the end of updates. This has led to concerns about the game's long-term support.
- Humor compared to Borderlands (weight 0.04): Reviewers note that the humor feels very Borderlands 3, with offbeat comedy elements. This is a positive for players who enjoy that style of writing.
- Wheelchair old lady character (weight 0.03): The wheelchair old lady character is a psychological challenge for players and may hide secrets. This adds an intriguing element to the story.
- MMO-style structure noted (weight 0.02): One reviewer compares the game's structure to an MMO, noting the map, quest design, progression, and co-op feel like they belong to a larger MMO-style game. This suggests a design that may not fully fit a single-player experience.
- Player data carries between worlds (weight 0.02): Player data can be carried into other players' worlds, allowing for shared progression. This feature is appreciated for co-op play and community interaction.
- Demo promised a lot (weight 0.02): The demo was great and promised a lot, but some reviewers feel the final game did not fully deliver on that promise. This has led to mixed feelings about the overall experience.
- Lack of Thai language support (weight 0.02): The game lacks Thai language support, which is a drawback for Thai-speaking players. This limits accessibility for a portion of the audience.
- Free DLC for 4K textures (weight 0.02): A free DLC is required to unlock high-quality 4K textures, which updates the game by 25GB. This has been a point of contention for players expecting high-res textures by default.
- Game less popular than expected (weight 0.02): The game is less popular than expected after release, which may be due to various factors such as pricing, technical issues, or competition. This has affected the player base and community.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.31): Players are frustrated by a combination of technical issues, including frequent crashes, poor optimization, and game-breaking bugs that halt progression. Gameplay frustrations stem from clunky combat, poor AI, and restrictive base-building mechanics, which are compounded by a lack of clear guidance and tedious tasks.
- Disappointment (weight 0.2): The game is seen as a waste of potential, with an interesting concept undermined by poor execution, repetitive content, and shallow systems. Players were let down by the limited base building, weak story, and the zombot mechanic not living up to its promise, especially given the game's price.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.1): Players enjoy the core gameplay loop of killing zombies, leveling up, and collecting new items and blueprints. The game is considered fun, especially in co-op, with a humorous tone and satisfying progression that keeps players engaged.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.07): Players are satisfied with the game's balance, performance, and overall value, finding it a solid and enjoyable experience. The unique zombot system, satisfying combat, and lack of tedious grinding contribute to a positive and rewarding gameplay experience.
- Boredom (weight 0.07): The game becomes repetitive and monotonous after the initial hours, with the gameplay loop failing to stay engaging. The empty world, uninteresting points of interest, and lack of variety in combat and missions lead to a tedious experience that players quickly tire of.
- Amusement (weight 0.04): Players find the game's humor and absurdity to be a source of amusement, particularly the ability to control and modify zombies. The comedic elements, such as riding zombies and the ridiculous story, provide a fun and lighthearted experience.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance stems from time-wasting systems, such as armor RNG and long, tedious quests, as well as persistent performance issues. The inability to rotate the camera, annoying zombie AI, and the ability for other players to steal items or progress quests without consent are also significant sources of irritation.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): The unique concept of turning zombies into allies and the promise of cooperative play generated significant excitement. Players were thrilled by the hack-and-slash combat, the world full of discoveries, and the potential for a fun co-op experience.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players love the game for its comedic tone, enjoyable gameplay, and the satisfying feeling of using heavy weapons on zombies. The game's self-aware humor and similarity to beloved titles like Dysmantle have created a strong positive attachment.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Players are confused by unclear task descriptions and a lack of in-game explanations, particularly during boss fights. This is compounded by a general uncertainty about the game's overall quality and its surprisingly low rating despite being considered good.
- Fun (weight 0.01): The game is considered fun, especially when played with a friend, offering a positive overall experience. The story, gameplay, and diverse locations with lots of loot contribute to an enjoyable time, even when playing solo.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is directed at the game's abandonment shortly after release, a nonsensical finale, and poor controls in a specific mission. The loss of items and materials to dishonest players in multiplayer also incites significant anger.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Players regret spending money and time on the game, feeling that the experience was not worth the investment. The overall disappointment with the game has led to a feeling of having wasted both their money and their day.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the game's original idea, great looks, and fun factor, especially when purchased at a discount. The interesting and weird world presented in the story is also a point of appreciation.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Players hope for future development that focuses more on base building and fulfills the dream of a zombie game. Despite current shortcomings, there is a wish for the game to be improved and expanded upon.
- Relaxation (weight 0.01): The game provides a relaxing experience, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Its calming gameplay makes it a suitable choice for a rainy day or for players seeking a low-stress activity.
- Approval (weight 0.01): Players approve of the game as a very good zombie-killing title that offers good value for its price. It is seen as a worthwhile purchase compared to other, more expensive games that lack depth.
- Caution (weight 0.01): Players caution that the game is not a traditional zombie game despite featuring them, and warn of various environmental hazards. The presence of poison fog, explosives, and dangerous traps requires players to be careful.
- Surprise (weight 0): The game's ending is a surprising element that stood out to players. This unexpected conclusion was a notable part of their experience.
- Addiction (weight 0): The game is described as very addictive, keeping players engaged for extended periods. Its compelling gameplay loop has a strong pull that makes it hard to put down.}