Info about Disney Speedstorm: Official game description: JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY ========================== About the Game ============== Drift into the ultimate hero-based combat racing game, set on high-speed circuits inspired by Disney and Pixar worlds. Master each character’s unique skills on the racetrack and claim victory in this thrilling arcade racing experience from the creators of the Asphalt series! DISNEY & PIXAR GO FULL BATTLE RACING ------------------------------------ An incredible cast of characters including Mulan, Mickey Mouse, Sulley, Baloo, Captain Jack Sparrow, the Beast and more are suited and revving up for racing combat. Upgrade each racer’s stats and make the most of their unique skills that can impact the outcome of a single race and dramatically change the way you play the game! ARCADE RACING REDEFINED ----------------------- Anyone can pick up and play Disney Speedstorm, but mastering skills and techniques like timing your nitro boosts, precisely drifting around corners, and adapting to dynamic track environments are crucial to dominating each race. RACING TOGETHER HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER ------------------------------------- Pick your Racer and speed through action-packed tracks solo, or challenge friends in local and online multiplayer modes. You can even face off with players from around the globe to become an online legend. DISNEY & PIXAR INSPIRED RACETRACKS ---------------------------------- Start your engine in environments inspired by some of your favorite Disney and Pixar films. From the docks of Pirates of the Caribbean’s Kraken Port to the wilds of The Jungle Book’s Jungle Ruins or the Scare Floor from Monsters, Inc., you can experience these worlds from a fresh, exciting perspective geared specifically for racing! CUSTOMIZE TO YOUR OWN STYLE --------------------------- Choose your favorite racer’s suit, a flashy kart livery, and show off stylish wheels and wings -- all of this and more is possible with the extensive customization features in the game! NEW CONTENT RACING YOUR WAY --------------------------- The action never slows down thanks to fresh seasonal content always around the corner. New Disney and Pixar Racers will be added regularly, bringing special skills for you to master (or overcome), and unique tracks will be created often, to pump fresh strategy into the mix. Support Crew characters, environments, customization options, and collectibles will also drop in regularly, so there’s always more to experience. Release date: 18 Apr, 2023 Categories: Arcade Racing, Combat Racing, Character Progression, Character Customization, Cooperative Multiplayer, Competitive Multiplayer, Gacha System, Live Service Game - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: No data - Playtime Metrics: No data - Time-to-fun: No data - Player Archetypes: No data 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: - Excellent Core Gameplay & Controls (weight 0.53): Players consistently praise the core racing mechanics, finding the gameplay to be fast, fun, and addictive. The controls are highlighted as responsive and intuitive, contributing to a satisfying driving experience that is easy to pick up but offers depth for skill mastery. Many compare it favorably to classic kart racers like Mario Kart and Crash Team Racing. - Strong Disney/Pixar IP Integration (weight 0.26): The game's appeal is significantly boosted by its use of the Disney and Pixar IP. Players enjoy racing with a wide roster of iconic characters on vibrant, themed tracks, which evokes nostalgia and makes the game highly suitable and enjoyable for families and players of all ages. - Impressive Graphics & Soundtrack (weight 0.2): Reviewers frequently commend the game's visual and audio presentation. The graphics are described as beautiful, colorful, and detailed, with smooth animations and impressive special effects. The soundtrack, featuring remixed Disney songs, is also highly praised for enhancing the racing experience. - Varied & Creative Track Design (weight 0.13): The game offers a good variety of well-designed tracks that are visually appealing and full of dynamic elements like obstacles, shortcuts, and interactive features. These creative track designs, combined with diverse game modes, contribute to engaging and varied races. - Fair Free-to-Play Model (weight 0.09): Despite being a free-to-play title with microtransactions, many players feel the game is generous with its free content. They report being able to unlock characters and progress significantly without spending money, making the free-to-play model feel fair. - Diverse Characters with Unique Abilities (weight 0.08): The extensive roster of characters, each with unique abilities, stats, and driving styles, adds significant strategic depth and replayability. Players appreciate the variety and the distinct feel each character brings to the race. - Engaging Multiplayer Experience (weight 0.08): The multiplayer experience is a strong point, especially when playing with friends and family. The competitive ranked mode is noted for its balanced matchmaking, ensuring fair races even with varied character levels, and fostering a lively community. - Robust Cross-Platform Support (weight 0.05): The game's cross-platform compatibility, including cross-play and cross-save across PC, consoles, and mobile, is highly valued. This feature allows players to easily connect and race with friends regardless of their platform. - Strong Kart Racing Alternative (weight 0.05): The game is frequently compared to other popular kart racers like Mario Kart and Crash Team Racing, often being seen as a strong alternative or competitor in the genre. It successfully captures the essence of a quality kart racing experience. - Consistent Updates & New Content (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the consistent and frequent updates, with new seasons bringing fresh characters, tracks, and events. This active development and responsiveness to the community keep the game feeling new and exciting. Common complaints: - Aggressive Pay-to-Win Monetization (weight 1): The most prominent feedback indicates that the game is heavily monetized, featuring aggressive pay-to-win mechanics and excessive microtransactions. This system severely hinders progression for free-to-play users, making it difficult to unlock and upgrade characters, compete effectively in online modes, or access content without significant financial investment. Many players feel that success is determined by spending money rather than skill, leading to a frustrating and unfair experience. - Unbalanced Matchmaking & Progression Walls (weight 0.3): Players frequently report severe issues with the matchmaking system, which often pits low-level or new players against significantly higher-level, often 'maxed-out' opponents. This imbalance makes competitive play frustrating and nearly impossible for those unwilling or unable to spend money on upgrades. The game also forces players to grind extensively or reach certain levels to unlock basic multiplayer features like playing with friends. - Persistent Technical Issues (weight 0.3): The game is plagued by numerous technical issues, including frequent crashes, freezing, and significant lag, making it unplayable for some users. Additionally, players report poor optimization, especially on certain platforms, and a general lack of polish. These technical shortcomings detract significantly from the overall gameplay experience. - Confusing UI & Limited Multiplayer (weight 0.27): The game's user interface is widely criticized for being confusing, bloated, and overly complex, resembling a mobile game with too many menus. This makes navigation difficult and contributes to an overwhelming initial experience. Furthermore, the game's multiplayer features, such as split-screen, are either poorly implemented, removed, or locked behind extensive grinding. - Subpar Racing Mechanics & Controls (weight 0.12): Many players find the core racing mechanics and controls to be lacking, clunky, or unrefined, especially when compared to other popular kart racing titles. Specific complaints include unnatural drifting, a lack of speed sensation, and limited or absent control customization options. This diminishes the enjoyment of the actual gameplay. Gameplay feedback: - Disney's Mario Kart-style racing (weight 0.13): The game is widely perceived as a Disney-themed version of Mario Kart, featuring similar arcade racing mechanics, power-ups, and combat elements. It is also compared to other racing games like Asphalt and Hot Wheels Unleashed. - Deep character and kart progression (weight 0.1): Characters and karts have unique stats, abilities, and upgrade paths, which are crucial for progression and performance. Gameplay involves mastering drifting, boosts, and character-specific skills, with different character types offering varied playstyles. - Extensive character roster (weight 0.09): The game features a large roster of Disney and Pixar characters, with many unlockable through consistent gameplay, events, and seasonal campaigns. Unlocking all characters requires significant time investment and some luck with character shards. - Diverse multiplayer modes (weight 0.08): The game offers various multiplayer options, including online PvP, ranked matches, and local split-screen co-op for up to four players. Access to certain multiplayer modes, like local play, requires reaching a specific player level. - Free-to-play with cross-play (weight 0.05): The game is free-to-play with cross-platform support, including PC and mobile. It incorporates typical free-to-play elements such as in-game transactions and a battle pass system, though it's noted that content can be unlocked without spending money, albeit slower. - Daily missions and rewards (weight 0.02): Players can earn rewards, currency, and unlock content by completing daily missions and challenges. This system encourages regular engagement to progress and acquire new items. - Balanced regulated multiplayer (weight 0.02): Regulated multiplayer mode ensures a balanced competitive experience by leveling all players to the same standard, emphasizing skill over upgrades. This mode also offers additional free characters and weekly rewards. - Easy to learn, hard to master (weight 0.02): The game is designed to be easy for new players to pick up, with simple controls and mechanics. However, mastering the racing techniques and character abilities requires practice and skill. - Gacha collection mechanics (weight 0.01): The game incorporates gacha mechanics for collecting characters and items, typical of live-service games. This means some content acquisition relies on chance. Performance notes: - Excellent overall performance (weight 0.05): Many players report excellent overall performance, especially on Steam Deck and Linux, noting smooth gameplay and good optimization even on less powerful hardware. The game generally runs with high frame rates and without significant lag. - Improved Switch 2 performance (weight 0.01): The Nintendo Switch 2 version offers a significant upgrade over the original, running at a smoother 60 FPS and improved resolution, enhancing the visual experience. - Minor graphical imperfections (weight 0): While the overall graphics are good, some players noted minor visual imperfections like low polygon counts on character models, though these do not detract significantly from the game's aesthetic. - No reported bugs (weight 0): One reviewer stated there were no bugs, which is a positive but isolated piece of feedback. Recommendations: - Strongly not recommended (weight 0.12): A significant portion of players strongly advise against playing or investing in the game, primarily due to its aggressive monetization and perceived lack of value. Many feel it's not worth their time or money. - Mixed player reception (weight 0.06): Player sentiment is mixed, with some uninstalling due to issues like character acquisition or matchmaking, while others recommend it for casual play or express a desire for its improvement. - Great for Disney/Kart fans (weight 0.06): The game is highly recommended for fans of Disney and Pixar franchises, as well as those who enjoy arcade racing or kart-style games similar to Mario Kart. - Caution with monetization (weight 0.03): Players advise caution regarding the game's free-to-play model and microtransactions. They recommend trying it for free but strongly suggest not spending money, especially for F2P players. - Worth trying as it's free (weight 0.03): Many players suggest trying the game because it's free, implying there's no financial risk involved. They see it as a low-commitment option to experience the game. - Alternatives are superior (weight 0.02): Some players suggest that other established kart racing games like Mario Kart or Sonic & Sega Racing offer a superior experience, recommending them over this game. - Fun with casual approach (weight 0.02): The game's enjoyment is often tied to how it's approached; it's seen as fun for casual play or for long-term players, suggesting that specific playstyles enhance the experience. - Matchmaking needs balance (weight 0.01): Players highlight the need for developers to improve the matchmaking system and balance the competitive aspects of the game. - Dislikes core mechanics (weight 0.01): Some players express dissatisfaction with the game's core racing mechanics, specifically disliking the emphasis on car leveling, abilities, and the drift mechanic. - Fix bugs for recommendation (weight 0.01): Some players love the game but cannot recommend it due to existing errors or bugs that need to be fixed. Other player notes: - Monetization hinders game potential (weight 0.11): Many players feel the game has significant potential but is hampered by its monetization model, particularly its free-to-play structure and aggressive microtransactions. They suggest it would be better as a one-time purchase, similar to traditional kart racers like Mario Kart, and that monetization should be limited to cosmetic items. - Engaging for dedicated players (weight 0.06): Dedicated players spend significant time in the game, often accumulating many hours and characters. They engage with the progression system, aiming for achievements and high rankings, indicating a 'hard to master' appeal. - Character progression is time-gated (weight 0.02): While characters can be obtained without spending money, it requires significant time and patience. Game passes are seen as a way to accelerate character collection and progression. - Desire for more characters and customization (weight 0.02): Players frequently request the addition of more characters from various Disney, Pixar, and other related franchises (e.g., Star Wars, Marvel). There's also a desire for expanded character and vehicle customization options. - Varied player spending habits (weight 0.02): Player spending habits vary, with some purchasing golden passes occasionally, while others have not spent any money. Disney fans are also noted among the player base. - Low online player count (weight 0.01): A notable concern is the low and decreasing online player count, which impacts the multiplayer experience and overall game longevity. - Gameloft development noted (weight 0.01): Some players note the game's development by Gameloft, implying certain expectations or characteristics often associated with their titles, particularly regarding monetization. - Fills kart racer niche (weight 0.01): Some players were specifically looking for a kart racing game, indicating a general interest in the genre. - Suggests race reward and size changes (weight 0.01): There's a suggestion to increase prize money based on race length and to introduce larger races with more participants. Emotions: - Frustration (weight 0.26): Players frequently express frustration due to aggressive monetization, including pay-to-win mechanics, expensive microtransactions, and paywalls that hinder progression and character acquisition. Unfair matchmaking, technical issues like bugs, crashes, and connection problems, along with a tedious grind and confusing UI, also contribute significantly to this emotion. - Disappointment (weight 0.22): Disappointment stems primarily from the game's perceived decline in quality and wasted potential, often attributed to excessive monetization and pay-to-win elements. Players are also let down by the lack of desired features like offline or local multiplayer, and the overall feeling that the game prioritizes profit over player experience. - Satisfaction (weight 0.18): Satisfaction is driven by the game's core gameplay, including good controls, graphics, and engaging racing mechanics. Players appreciate the ability to unlock content without spending money, the variety of characters and tracks, and the overall fun experience, especially when playing with friends or family. - Joy (weight 0.06): Joy is consistently reported due to the fun and engaging gameplay, particularly when playing with friends and family. The game's characters, tracks, customization options, and overall family-friendly nature contribute to a positive and enjoyable experience. - Excitement (weight 0.06): Excitement is generated by the game's fast-paced, addictive gameplay, vibrant tracks, and overall dynamic experience. Players are thrilled by the quality of graphics, music, and the prospect of new content and characters, often comparing it favorably to other kart racers. - Anger (weight 0.05): Anger arises from perceived predatory monetization practices, including pay-to-win systems and aggressive microtransactions, which players view as a 'scam' or 'greedy.' Unfair matchmaking, unplayable game states due to bugs or connection issues, and a general feeling of being disrespected by the developers' practices also fuel this emotion. - Enjoyment (weight 0.04): Players enjoy the game's graphics, music, and diverse maps, finding the racing fun and addicting. The ability to play with friends, the variety of game modes, and the overall whimsical Disney theme contribute to a positive and entertaining experience. - Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is evoked by the game's Disney themes, characters, and music, reminding players of childhood memories. Comparisons to classic kart racing games like Mario Kart and Crash Team Racing also contribute to this feeling. - Acceptance (weight 0.01): Players express acceptance of the game's flaws, particularly its free-to-play model and associated grind or pay-to-win elements. This often comes with the understanding that these are inherent limitations of the F2P model or that the game serves as a satisfactory alternative to other titles. - Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion primarily stems from the game's overly complicated resource and monetization systems, making it difficult for players to understand progression. Discrepancies between their own experience and negative reviews, or issues with settings and initial gameplay, also contribute to this emotion. - Desire (weight 0.01): Players express a desire for more content, including additional characters, tracks, and game modes. There is also a strong wish for more accessible ways to acquire characters and for the premium pass to be purchasable with in-game currency. - Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom is reported due to repetitive gameplay, particularly from forced single-player quests and a lack of variety in the long term. The game's experience can become tedious and unengaging over time. - Caution (weight 0): Players express caution regarding the game's extensive microtransactions and pay-to-win aspects. They warn others about the potential financial investment required and the live service nature of the game. - Sadness (weight 0): Sadness arises from the perceived loss of enjoyment and the game's missed potential, often attributed to its transformation into a pay-to-win model. Players are disheartened by Disney's support of such monetization practices and the developers' focus on money over player experience. - Contentment (weight 0): Contentment is felt when players find the game enjoyable and manageable despite the presence of microtransactions. This includes satisfaction from progressing without making purchases and the ability to play online and upgrade favorite characters for free. - Amusement (weight 0): Amusement is derived from the game's chaotic and over-the-top nature, often described as 'Disney-fied road rage' or 'hysterical hijinks.' Some find humor in the excessive monetization or specific character voice lines. - Appreciation (weight 0): Players appreciate the game's free-to-play model, which they believe helps sustain it, along with the developers' work on game mechanics, visuals, and sound. The consistent addition of new content with each season also garners appreciation. - Annoyance (weight 0): Annoyance is caused by the game's intrusive monetization, including pay-to-win elements and microtransactions. Other sources include repetitive gameplay, occasional glitches, and the lack of desired characters or character voices. - Concern (weight 0): Concern is expressed regarding the game's monetization practices, particularly their impact on children and younger players. There is worry about the difficulty new players might face due to these aggressive monetization strategies. - Hope (weight 0): Players express hope for future improvements in matchmaking and monetization practices. They see potential in the game's core quality and wish for changes that would allow them to enjoy it more fully in the future.}