Info about Distant Worlds 2:

Official game description:
  
Distant Worlds Returns! Distant Worlds, the critically acclaimed 4X space strategy game is back with a brand new 64-bit engine, 3D graphics and a polished interface to begin an epic new Distant Worlds series with Distant Worlds 2.  
Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game. The Universe is Yours!  
Huge Galaxies with up to 2,000 star systems and tens of thousands of planets, moons and asteroids are yours to explore and exploit, whether peacefully through mining and diplomacy or by conquest! The complex process of generating a galaxy ensures that every new game will be different and the many galaxy setup options ensure incredible replayability as well as the ability to have your game be just the way you like it.  
Galaxies are so deep, fun and immersive that you won’t want to finish the game. Choose from seven playable base game factions which cover a wide variety of playstyles.  
Build, expand and improve your empire while playing through the storylines, with victory conditions or in an open-ended sandbox mode. Each galaxy is packed with life and activity. Encounter other empires, independent alien colonies, traders, pirates and space monsters. Explore star systems, asteroid fields, galactic storms and black holes. Discover evidence of civilizations long since past, uncovering secrets about the galaxy's troubled history...  
Intelligent automation allows you to tailor the game to your preferred playstyle and scale. Decide how much you want to control and which gameplay areas suit you best. You can limit your focus to just one ship or expand it all the way up to everything in a vast galactic empire. Let your advisors and the intelligent automation handle the rest!  
A Built-in Game Editor allows you to fine-tune your own galaxy, adding or removing star systems, planets, asteroids, ships, star bases, space monsters or anything else. Modify the attributes of any empire in your game for the ultimate custom experience.  
Extensive In-Game Help is included. Exhaustive, built-in, context-sensitive help is always only a single key-press away. Press F1 at any time for a detailed explanation of the current game screen, your currently selected item, and so on, or just browse the complete “Galactopedia”  
Tutorials are included to quickly familiarize you with all of the game elements and tools.  
Best of all, these all combine to let you play the game your way: enjoy a quick, intense game in a crowded sector of space or take your time in an epic game spread across a vast galaxy!

Release date: Mar 10, 2022

Categories: 4X, Grand Strategy, Real-time with Pause, Space Simulation, Empire Building, Ship Customization, Dynamic Campaign, Economic Simulation

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 55; verdict: Aggressive Monetization; summary: The analysis of user reviews reveals significant concerns regarding the game's monetization practices, particularly around the frequent release of DLCs, predatory DLC practices, and overpriced DLCs. These issues contribute to a perception of the game as a cash grab, which can negatively impact player satisfaction and trust in the developer.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: The game suffers from a significant lack of in-game information and tutorials, forcing players to rely heavily on external resources like wikis and guides. This dependency on external information, along with a poorly designed user interface, creates a steep learning curve and a frustrating user experience.
- Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals several key issues impacting the Steam Deck experience. Notable problems include UI/UX issues such as small text and functional but less appealing UI elements, compatibility issues requiring Proton finagling for Linux users, and significant stability issues leading to frequent crashes. These issues collectively contribute to a less than optimal user experience.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $25.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that the community generally finds the game overpriced at its current base price of $49.99. Many reviews indicate that the game is worth buying only when it is on sale, with specific mentions of a 50% discount making it more reasonable. Some users suggest that even a 50% off sale price of $25 might be acceptable, while others feel that $30 could be a fair price. The sentiment is that the game provides value but not at the full price point.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 150.0h
  - Story completion: 100.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides multiple instances of players reporting their total playtime, which helps to estimate the typical total time to finish the game and the typical time to finish the main story/campaign. The mentions of long play sessions and the depth of the game suggest that players spend significant time on it. However, specific session lengths and endgame hours are not explicitly mentioned, making it difficult to provide precise estimates for those metrics.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game becomes fun when players start to see their empire grow and understand the automation mechanics, leading to a satisfying experience of managing a vast, complex empire.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Understanding automation and seeing significant empire growth
  - Time to anchor: 2h 0m
  - Friction: Steep learning curve; Slow initial pace; Complex UI and mechanics
  - Unlock drivers: Understanding automation; Seeing empire growth; Managing complex systems
  - Conditions: Willingness to learn complex mechanics; Patience for slow initial progression; Enjoyment of detailed resource management
- Player Archetypes:
  - Hardcore 4X Strategist (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastery and long-term engagement with complex systems.
    - Playstyle: Deeply engaged with all aspects of the game, from fleet management to resource logistics, and enjoys the complexity and scale of the game.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: hardcore; 4X fan
    - Reference games: Stellaris; Aurora 4X; X4 Foundations
  - Learning Enthusiast (sale)
    - Motivation: Learning and adapting to new game mechanics.
    - Playstyle: Uses guides and resources to understand the game, and is willing to invest time to learn and adapt to the game's complexities.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: new player; 4X fan
    - Reference games: Stellaris; Crusader Kings
  - Critical Assessor (no buy)
    - Motivation: Seeking a polished and well-functioning game.
    - Playstyle: Critical of the game's current state, and expects a higher level of performance and stability.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: experienced gamer; critical player
    - Reference games: Stellaris; X4 Foundations


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:
- Comprehensive automation features (weight 0.23): The game offers extensive and highly customizable automation options, which are praised for their effectiveness and depth. Players appreciate the flexibility and scalability of the automation system, which enhances empire management.
- Complex and immersive systems (weight 0.21): The game features heavily simulated and complex systems that are deep and immersive. Players appreciate the detailed and dynamic simulation aspects.
- Enjoyable and fun experience (weight 0.16): Players report having a fun and enjoyable experience with the game. The gameplay is described as fun and engaging, providing many hours of entertainment.
- Detailed resource management (weight 0.14): The game features a detailed and realistic simulation of resource management and economy. Players appreciate the depth and complexity of the logistics and resource management systems.
- Fantastic space empire simulation (weight 0.13): The game is praised for its detailed and realistic space empire simulation. Players enjoy the epic scale and depth of the space 4X gameplay.
- Highly regarded strategy game (weight 0.11): The game is considered one of the best strategy games, offering a thoughtful and rewarding puzzle-like experience. Players praise its depth and complexity.
- Engaging combat and gameplay (weight 0.1): The game offers engaging and unique gameplay dynamics, with an enjoyable combat system. Players find the gameplay to be fun and engaging.
- Extensive tech tree (weight 0.09): The game features a large and rich technology tree, which is praised for its complexity and depth. Players appreciate the extensive research options available.
- Visually appealing and optimized (weight 0.09): The game is visually appealing and well-optimized, with improvements over its predecessor. Players appreciate the visual details and the game's performance on smaller to medium-sized maps.
- Strategic warfare and logistics (weight 0.08): The game features strategic warfare that involves disrupting enemy supply lines and managing logistics. Players find the need to protect fuel tankers and secure resupply points adds depth to the combat.
- Detailed ship management (weight 0.08): The game offers detailed and unique ship designs, with individual management options. Players appreciate the impact of ship details on gameplay and the ability to manage each ship individually.
- High level of customization (weight 0.08): The game offers a high level of customization, including customizable controls and automation. Players appreciate the ability to tailor the game to their preferences.
- Dynamic diplomacy system (weight 0.08): The game features a dynamic and improved diplomacy system, adding depth to the gameplay. Players appreciate the complexity and detail of the diplomatic interactions.
- Robust ship designer (weight 0.08): The game offers a robust and detailed ship designer, allowing for specialized and fun ship building. Players appreciate the depth and width of choices available in the ship designer.

Common complaints:
- Clunky and confusing UI (weight 0.31): The user interface is widely criticized for being outdated, unintuitive, and cumbersome. Players find it overwhelming and poorly designed, leading to a miserable user experience.
- Steep learning curve (weight 0.15): The game has a very steep learning curve, making it difficult for beginners to understand and get into. Players find it challenging to learn the game mechanics.
- Weak diplomacy system (weight 0.12): The diplomacy system is seen as ineffective and simplistic. Players feel it needs significant improvement to be more engaging and functional.
- AI behavior issues (weight 0.11): The AI's decision-making is often suboptimal, leading to poor performance and economic management. Players note that the AI is still a work in progress.
- Lack of coherent vision (weight 0.11): The game lacks a clear direction for goals and suffers from shallow statecraft and economy depth. Players feel there is a lack of explanations and depth in various aspects.
- Poor ship design system (weight 0.08): The ship design system is criticized for being obscure, lacking documentation, and cumbersome. Players find it poorly designed and limiting.
- Fleet movement issues (weight 0.08): Players report issues with fleet movement, including ships getting lost and fleets getting stuck. This leads to frustration and difficulty in managing fleets.
- Limited language support (weight 0.08): The game lacks support for multiple languages, including Polish, Chinese, and Portuguese. Players express a need for more language options.
- Outdated graphics (weight 0.07): The graphics are criticized for being old-looking, basic, and low poly. Players find the visuals outdated and unappealing.

Gameplay feedback:
- Extensive automation features (weight 0.48): The game provides comprehensive automation capabilities, allowing players to automate various processes and systems. This includes customizable automation settings and flexible control over automation, making it easier to manage complexity.
- 4X Space Strategy Game (weight 0.31): The game is a deep 4X strategy space game, combining tactical combat with empire building. It stands out in the 4X genre, offering a well-fleshed-out space 4X experience with real-time strategy elements and a space sci-fi sandbox.
- Detailed ship design (weight 0.27): Players can design ships for various purposes, including military and civilian uses. The ship designer includes various technologies and components, allowing for extensive customization and fleet management.
- Private economy management (weight 0.26): The game features a private economy system that players need to manage. This includes civilian ships and economic strategies, with the private economy having a significant impact on gameplay and resource management.
- Real-time fleet battles (weight 0.23): The game offers real-time fleet battles that are influenced by ship design and technology. These battles are detailed and cinematic, providing a rewarding experience for players' economic planning and military tactics.
- Deep economy and logistics simulation (weight 0.22): The game simulates a deep economy and logistics system, requiring players to manage resources and logistics in real-time. This adds a layer of complexity and realism to the gameplay.
- AI-assisted management (weight 0.18): The game features AI-assisted empire management, where the AI can handle various tasks autonomously. This includes managing the empire and handling aspects of the game for the player.
- Galactic exploration mechanics (weight 0.12): Players can explore the universe and discover resources through various exploration mechanics. The game includes a detailed exploration system and galaxy simulation, enhancing the space exploration and management experience.
- Customizable game setup (weight 0.07): The game offers a high level of customization, allowing players to tailor various game elements to their preferences. This includes customizable controls and gameplay experiences.

Performance notes:
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.2): Many players report frequent game crashes, including crashes to desktop and crashes during specific actions like zooming or researching.
- Performance issues (weight 0.2): Players experience various performance issues, including slowdowns in mid-game and late game, as well as frame drops and lag when zooming.
- Optimization problems (weight 0.17): There are mixed reports about optimization. Some players report good optimization, while others report insufficient optimization and performance issues with large star counts and fleets.
- High RAM and CPU usage (weight 0.09): The game is reported to use a lot of memory and CPU resources, with high RAM usage up to 20GB and CPU running at 100% consistently.
- Graphics and rendering issues (weight 0.09): Players report various graphics-related issues, including low poly graphics, rendering issues, and frame drops caused by UI settings.
- Compatibility and stability issues (weight 0.08): There are reports of compatibility issues with multiple computers, corruption issues, and general stability problems.
- Engine and technical issues (weight 0.04): Some players mention the need for a transition to a 64-bit, multi-threaded 3D engine and issues related to graphics drivers updates.
- Miscellaneous bugs (weight 0.04): Various other bugs are reported, including ships turning out frozen in space and general bugs affecting gameplay.

Recommendations:
- Essential for hardcore 4X fans (weight 0.22): This game is highly recommended for players who enjoy large-scale, long-term, deeply simulated space 4X games. It is particularly praised by fans of complex and deep gameplay, offering more depth than other similar games like Stellaris.
- Recommended for genre fans (weight 0.13): The game is recommended for fans of the 4X and grand strategy genres. It is engaging and worth trying out, especially for those who enjoy this type of gameplay.
- Try before committing (weight 0.05): Players suggest giving the game a try for a few hours to see if it suits your preferences. It's worth a shot, especially if you are a fan of the genre.
- Post-launch support praised (weight 0.04): The game is recommended due to its excellent post-launch support and the developer's commitment to improving the game.
- Use guides and recommended settings (weight 0.04): New players are advised to read guides and use recommended settings until they understand the game mechanics better.
- Wait for sale (weight 0.04): Some players recommend buying the game on sale, especially if you are budget-conscious. This can make it more accessible and affordable.
- Wait for fixes (weight 0.02): Some players suggest waiting for fixes and updates before diving into the game to ensure a smoother experience.
- Not recommended for all 4X fans (weight 0.02): Despite the general positive reception, some players would not recommend the game to all fans of 4X grand strategy games, indicating it might not suit everyone's tastes.
- Consider buying DLC (weight 0.02): Players are considering buying the DLC for additional content and enhanced gameplay experience.

Other player notes:
- Chinese localization issues (weight 0.04): Players have reported issues related to Chinese localization, including problems with the localization pack.
- Comparison with Stellaris (weight 0.02): Players are comparing this game to Stellaris, suggesting similarities or differences in gameplay or features.
- DLC content (weight 0.02): Some reviews mention DLC, indicating that players are discussing additional content or expansions for the game.
- Humble Bundle Choice mention (weight 0.02): There are mentions of the game being part of the Humble Bundle Choice, which might be relevant for marketing or availability.
- External guide reference (weight 0.02): There are references to external guides, indicating that players might be seeking additional help or information outside the game.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.36): Players are frustrated by a multitude of issues including frequent game crashes, performance problems, and a steep learning curve. The clunky and unintuitive UI, coupled with ineffective AI behavior and excessive notifications, further exacerbate the frustration. Additionally, the lack of language support, automation issues, and the overwhelming complexity of managing large empires contribute to a challenging and often unsatisfying gameplay experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.16): Players express disappointment due to the game's lack of depth in narrative and species creation, as well as the absence of multiplayer mode. The gameplay feels overly automated and monotonous, especially in the mid and late stages. Many players feel that the game does not meet the expectations set by its predecessor, with some mechanics not being as deep as desired and the overall experience lacking innovation and immersion.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.13): Players are satisfied with the game's depth, complexity, and automation features, which work well and are well-designed. The game's customization options, flexible automation, and detailed mechanics provide a deep, strategic experience that meets expectations. Additionally, the improved UI, better battle management, and the game's scale and unique features contribute to a satisfying and enjoyable experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.11): Players enjoy the game's depth, complexity, and the unique gameplay experience it offers. The detailed fleet battles, adjustable settings, and high level of customizable automation provide a fun and engaging experience. The simulation-driven gameplay, along with the game's depth and complexity, makes it a highly enjoyable strategy game.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Players are excited about the game's depth, potential, and the enjoyable aspects of exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination. The detailed and immersive gameplay mechanics, along with the game's scale and customization options, provide an engaging and exciting experience. The variety of activities and emergent gameplay, coupled with the game's depth and scale, contribute to a highly engaging and exciting gameplay experience.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Players experience joy from the game's unique and different gameplay experience. The positive aspects of the game, such as its depth and complexity, along with the personal enjoyment of ship design and gameplay mechanics, contribute to a joyful and positive gameplay experience.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Players feel hopeful about the game's potential and the support from the developers. The game updates and improvements, along with the potential for future improvements, give players hope for a better and more enjoyable gaming experience in the future.
- Disappointed (weight 0.02): Players are disappointed with the game's lack of language support and outdated interface. The clumsy and shallow gameplay, along with the game's incompleteness and pricing model, contribute to a disappointing experience. Additionally, specific features like the Migrant Fleet do not meet player expectations.
- Hopeful (weight 0.01): Players are hopeful about the potential for improvement with updates and future developments. The hopes for better AI and the addition of Russian localization, along with the potential for future improvements, give players a sense of optimism for the game's future.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Players are confused by the game mechanics and context menu issues. The lack of clear instructions and manual control, along with the initial difficulty understanding the game and the lack of direction in the tutorial, contribute to a confusing and challenging gameplay experience.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Players feel anger due to the AI not playing the same game as the player and the population providing little research. The developers' approach to game bugs and DLCs, along with fleet management issues, contribute to a frustrating and anger-inducing experience.
- Overwhelmed (weight 0.01): Players feel overwhelmed by the game's unnecessarily complex mechanics and very steep learning curve. The fast expansion and constant attacks, along with the difficulty understanding the systems, contribute to an overwhelming and challenging gameplay experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire the game's depth, flexibility, complexity, and scale. The detailed and immersive gameplay mechanics, along with the game's depth and customization options, provide an admirable and engaging experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Players feel nostalgic about the previous version of the game. The mention of the first game's icons being better and the comparison with the first game contribute to a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the game's real-time gameplay and detailed ship combat. The detailed ship designs and strategic gameplay, along with the game's depth and complexity, provide an appreciative and enjoyable experience.
- Addiction (weight 0.01): Players find the gameplay addictive and mention being addicted to the game. The dangerously addictive nature of the game, along with its depth and complexity, contributes to a highly engaging and addictive gameplay experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised by the game's depth and complexity. The realization of the game's depth and complexity, along with the game being surprisingly not very soul-crushing, contributes to a surprising and enjoyable gameplay experience.
- Excited (weight 0.01): Players are excited about the game's depth and features. The engaging gameplay and combat, along with the game's depth and potential, provide an exciting and enjoyable experience.
- Positive (weight 0.01): Players have a positive view of the game's addition to the 4X strategy genre. The flexible gameplay options and good UI, along with the game's depth and complexity, contribute to a positive and enjoyable gameplay experience.}