Info about Propnight: Official game description: ADD TO WISHLIST =============== About the Game ============== Propnight is a 4-on-1 multiplayer physics-based hide-and-seek with classic horror survival. PLAY AS A SURVIVOR TO ESCAPE ---------------------------- • Turn into a chair, a toy, or any object from the surroundings • Customize and choose perks to fit your own personal strategy • Use various items and unique abilities PLAY AS A KILLER TO HUNT SURVIVORS ---------------------------------- • Crush and destroy everything on the location • Use frightening abilities • Cause events that lead to horrific disasters on the location BECOME THE BEST IN COMPETITIVE MODE ----------------------------------- • Enjoy level progression • Earn gold and get loot boxes • Master your skills to become the best Release date: Dec 1, 2021 Categories: Asymmetric Multiplayer, Hide-and-seek Mechanics, Multiplayer, Survival Horror, Prop Hunt, PvP, Ranked Matchmaking - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: - Community fair range: $4.00 - $8.00 - Reasoning: Multiple reviews indicate that the original price (around $25 or 70 yuan) is too high, with explicit suggestions that a price around 35 yuan (~$5) is reasonable, or that the game should be bought on sale. This implies the community considers a fair base-game price to be significantly lower than the original, roughly in the $4–$8 range. - Playtime Metrics: - Game completion: N/A - Story completion: N/A - Session length: N/A - Endgame: N/A - Reasoning: The reviews report total playtime hours ranging from under 2 to over 600 hours, but none specify time to complete the game, story completion duration, typical session length, or endgame playtime. Therefore, no specific playtime metric can be reliably extracted. - Time-to-fun: - Summary: The game is immediately fun when played with friends, but becomes less enjoyable over time due to tedious progression, poor matchmaking for beginners, and a disliked update that degrades the experience. - Stance: Fun then drops - Anchor: N/A - Time to anchor: N/A - Friction: Friends required for fun; Poor beginner matchmaking; Lack of progression system; Tedious coin grinding; Disliked update ruining gameplay - Unlock drivers: Playing with friends; Ignoring matchmaking rating; Muting random players; Avoiding the REBORN update - Conditions: Must have friends to play with; Must ignore matchmaking rating; Must tolerate lack of progression; Must avoid the REBORN update if possible - Player Archetypes: - Social Group Player (buy) - Motivation: Social fun and laughter with friends - Playstyle: Group play, casual, MMR-agnostic - Experience: familiar - Purchase stance: buy - Labels: N/A - Reference games: Dead by Daylight; Prop Hunt; CS:GO; Garry's Mod - Competitive Veteran (no buy) - Motivation: Desire for fair competition and ranked progression - Playstyle: Competitive, solo or group, frustrated by imbalance - Experience: veteran - Purchase stance: no buy - Labels: DBD veteran - Reference games: Dead by Daylight 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: - Great with friends (weight 0.3): A significant number of players mention the game is especially fun when played with friends or in co-op. It is described as a favorite social game, enhancing enjoyment through shared experiences. - Game widely considered fun (weight 0.29): The majority of reviewers agree the game is fun, enjoyable, and immersive. Many describe it as thrilling, unique, and generally excellent, making it a highly praised title overall. - Novel and unique concept (weight 0.21): Reviewers frequently praise the original and novel premise of the game, combining hide-and-seek with asymmetric multiplayer. The innovative concept and fresh mechanics are highlighted as key strengths. - Visuals and art praised (weight 0.19): Many reviewers appreciate the game's visual style, noting beautiful maps and a pleasing cartoon art style. The graphics contribute positively to the overall experience. - Better than Dead by Daylight (weight 0.15): Players consider the game more interesting and appealing than Dead by Daylight, citing better characters and a cuter, more laid-back atmosphere. It is recommended for fans of both prop hunt and DBD. - Prop transform mechanic fun (weight 0.13): The ability to transform into objects and props is a particularly fun and humorous feature. This mechanic creates tense yet amusing moments, adding a distinctive layer of gameplay. - Fast-paced and dynamic (weight 0.07): The game is described as fast-paced and dynamic, which appeals to players who enjoy quick, energetic matches. This pace keeps the gameplay exciting and engaging. - Developers actively update (weight 0.07): Developers receive praise for frequent updates and responsive communication. Regular patches show attentiveness to the community, which is appreciated by reviewers. - Best among many games (weight 0.07): A small number of reviewers outright call the game the best among many played, relating its uniqueness and quality. These are extremely positive but less frequent opinions. Common complaints: - Game permanently shut down (weight 0.53): Multiple clusters indicate the game was permanently shut down, leaving players unable to access the game they purchased, with no refunds or restoration options. This is the most critical issue, affecting the game's existence entirely. - Poor servers and balance (weight 0.4): Players consistently report poor server stability and severe balance problems, with killers or survivors having unfair advantages depending on the patch. Specific issues like overpowered impostor killers and frustrating MMR systems worsen the experience. - Matchmaking and queue issues (weight 0.32): Low player counts lead to extremely long queue times and ineffective matchmaking, with MMR pairings that are unfair. This is compounded by players avoiding the killer role, causing further delays. - Toxic player community (weight 0.25): Toxic behavior, including insults and harassment in voice chat, is a major deterrent, especially for new players. This creates a hostile environment that drives players away. - Bugs and unfinished state (weight 0.25): The game is described as unfinished with numerous bugs that directly affect gameplay, such as survivors incorrectly seeing gates open or being unable to repair generators. Lack of updates leaves these issues unfixed. - Developer abandoned the game (weight 0.24): Players report the developer abandoned the game and removed it from Steam without warning, breaking trust and leaving the community unsupported. This highlights a lack of communication and commitment. - MMR system ineffective (weight 0.15): The MMR system either doesn't work or causes stress, often matching players with huge rating gaps. This leads to unfair matches and a frustrating experience. - Role assignment problems (weight 0.12): Players cannot choose survivor or killer roles, and often get assigned the killer role which many abandon, leading to matchmaking failures and incomplete games. - Updates ruined the game (weight 0.12): Updates have degraded the game over time, with drastic changes that alienated players and made the game worse overall. - Cheater problem severe (weight 0.12): Cheaters are rampant and cannot be reported in-game, with the issue unresolved for a long time, undermining fair play. - Lack of tutorial (weight 0.07): New players receive insufficient guidance, lacking a proper tutorial, making it hard to learn the game and contributing to a poor onboarding experience. - No progression system (weight 0.07): There is no clear progression or leveling system, giving players little incentive to continue playing long-term. Gameplay feedback: - Hide-and-seek asymmetric multiplayer (weight 0.45): The game combines hide-and-seek mechanics with asymmetric multiplayer, emphasizing both hiding and hunting. Players can either hide as survivors or hunt as the killer. - Asymmetric 4v1 horror gameplay (weight 0.29): The game is an asymmetric multiplayer survival-horror experience where one killer faces four survivors. Each killer has unique abilities, and survivors can use items and obstacles to stun the killer. - Survivors transform into props (weight 0.26): Survivors can transform into various environment props, such as chairs, crates, pumpkins, or small objects, to hide from the killer. This prop-hunt mechanic is a core gameplay feature. - Generator repair objectives (weight 0.16): Survivors must repair generators to escape, a mechanic directly borrowed from Dead by Daylight. This objective drives the survivor gameplay loop. - Stun mechanic for survivors (weight 0.13): Survivors can stun the killer using doors, items, or by jumping on top of them as a prop. This stun mechanic provides a counterplay option for survivors. - Fast-paced engaging gameplay (weight 0.12): Players describe the game as fast-paced and engaging, making it a quick and fun experience. The pacing is a highlight for many reviewers. - Clear win conditions (weight 0.11): The killer wins by eliminating all survivors or catching three, while survivors win if at least one escapes. This clear win condition shapes the game's pacing and strategy. - Chair sacrifice mechanic (weight 0.07): Killers catch survivors and sacrifice them on chairs, which serve as the elimination method. This adds a unique twist to the typical elimination system. - Ranked matchmaking with MMR (weight 0.07): The game includes a ranked matchmaking system with a hidden MMR. This provides a competitive layer for players seeking ranked play. - Unique character abilities (weight 0.07): Each character has a unique ability or ability system, adding variety to gameplay. Players can choose characters that suit their play style. - Variety of survivor items (weight 0.07): Survivors can use items like a camera to stun, a medkit to heal, an energy drink for endurance and speed, and a book for invisibility. These items offer strategic options during matches. - Killers gain speed from chases (weight 0.07): Killers increase their speed through chases, rewarding aggressive play. This encourages killers to engage in pursuit rather than passive hunting. - Killer skills slow survivors (weight 0.07): Killers have difficulty seeing survivor skills, but they can use their own skills to slow survivors down. This creates a stealth aspect for survivors and a control tool for killers. - Creative and varied maps (weight 0.07): The maps are dynamic, creative, and colorful, contributing to a visually engaging environment. Variety in map design adds to the gameplay experience. - PvP with friends support (weight 0.07): The game supports PvP gameplay with friends, enhancing the social and cooperative aspects. This is important for players who enjoy multiplayer with peers. - Playable maniac character (weight 0.07): Players can assume the role of a maniac character, adding a distinctive theme to the gameplay. This character archetype is a notable feature in reviews. - Map size reduction trend (weight 0.07): Some recent maps have been reduced to one-third of their original size, which may impact gameplay dynamics. This change could be a point of contention among players. Performance notes: - Optimization needs improvement (weight 0.14): Multiple players note suboptimal performance, including frame rate caps at 60, network problems, and general lack of optimization. Even where the game runs better than a test server, further optimization is still needed. - Manual fixes for frame rate (weight 0.08): A player provided workarounds such as editing configuration files and NVIDIA settings to disable V-Sync or uncap frame rate to improve performance. This shows there are manual fixes for optimization issues. - QTE input delay (weight 0.04): Input delay is reported in quick-time events (QTEs), which can frustrate players and reduce responsiveness. This is a gameplay-specific issue affecting a certain mechanic. - Optimization good on some systems (weight 0.04): One player notes good optimization and that the game works without a VPN, contrasting with others' performance complaints. This suggests performance may vary by system or region. - Graphics simple but bright (weight 0.04): The graphics on Unreal Engine are described as simple but bright. This indicates visual style is clean but could be more complex. Recommendations: - Game unplayable, just nostalgia (weight 0.17): Multiple clusters note the game is no longer playable due to server closures. It is only recommended as a nostalgic memory, not as an active game. - Avoid buying and refund (weight 0.17): Several clusters advise against buying from this developer and recommend refunds. There is strong negative sentiment toward the developer's practices. - Buy only on sale (weight 0.16): The game's value is questioned; some say it is not worth full price. It is recommended to buy only on sale or if you have extra money. - Best played with friends (weight 0.15): The game is recommended for playing with friends, particularly in private matches. It is a fun activity for a few evenings but not for extended play. - Recommended for DBD fans (weight 0.11): The game is repeatedly recommended for players who enjoy Dead by Daylight and prop hunt modes. It appeals to those who like asymmetric multiplayer and hide-and-seek gameplay. - Genre fans should try (weight 0.09): Some recommend ignoring MMR and just having fun. Overall, if you like the genre, it is worth giving a chance and improves with updates. - Not for sensitive players (weight 0.07): The game is not recommended for those with poor mental health or who dislike the genre. It can be depressing and harm faith in humanity. - Cheaters and balance pending (weight 0.07): There is a suggestion to wait until issues with cheaters are fixed. Balance patches should be made carefully, indicating ongoing problems. Other player notes: - Game shutdown without refunds (weight 0.82): The game was shut down by its developers, with servers closed and no refunds offered, leaving purchased copies unplayable. The shutdown was abrupt and the community's requests for a peer-to-peer mode or code handover were ignored, with Discord servers deleted on shutdown day. - No refunds after shutdown (weight 0.45): The game was shut down after a limited time without offering refunds, leaving players who paid with no compensation. This lack of refunds was a major point of frustration. - Prop hunt and horror mix (weight 0.35): The game was described as a mix of Dead by Daylight and prop hunt modes from Garry's Mod or CS:GO, with a unique atmosphere that some found distinct from DBD. These comparisons highlight its niche appeal in the asymmetrical horror genre. - Comparisons to DBD (weight 0.23): Reviewers made direct comparisons to Dead by Daylight, with some saying it was more interesting and had better characters, while others felt the atmosphere was different. Overall, the game shared the same genre but had a unique identity. - Regional player and language issues (weight 0.23): The player base was largely from Japan and Korea, with some complaints about Korean players' behavior and a perceived priority on Western regions over CIS. The game lacked official Chinese localization, adding a language barrier. - Low player base and queues (weight 0.22): Multiple reviews cited a low player base, leading to long queue times, difficult matchmaking, and unbalanced matches due to hidden MMR not working. The small population is a common trend in 4v1 games besides Dead by Daylight. - Overpriced and unfinished product (weight 0.21): Several reviewers felt the game was priced too high for an unfinished product, describing it as an alpha test sold as complete. They recommended buying only on sale, with issues such as lack of optimization, poor graphics despite screenshots, and no balance. - Steep learning curve (weight 0.2): The game had a steep skill curve for new players, and the small player base meant mostly experienced players remained, making it unwelcoming for casual play. This contributed to the low player numbers. - Community hopes for revival (weight 0.16): Despite the shutdown, many players consider it a beloved co-op game and hope for its revival, with some willing to pay again if it returns. The community's requests for code handover were ignored, but the desire remains. - Lacks content and polish (weight 0.15): The game was considered incomplete, with unfinished aspects, limited content, restricted map and game mode variety, and no in-game descriptions for characters and skills. This lack of polish was a common complaint. - Desire for game return (weight 0.15): Players expressed a strong desire for the game's return, hoping rights holders would consider revival. Some are willing to pay again, and the community's emotional attachment to the co-op experience is clear. - Developer failure killed game (weight 0.14): The developer FNTASTIC shifted focus to The Day Before, which was widely considered a scam, leading to server issues and eventual shutdown. The studio's bankruptcy after The Day Before's failure directly killed this game. - Bankruptcy caused shutdown (weight 0.14): The developers ran out of money, and the studio declared bankruptcy, leading to server closures. This financial failure was a key reason for the game's shutdown. - No offline or P2P mode (weight 0.14): Instead of moving the game to peer-to-peer or adding an offline mode, the developers shut down the servers, preventing any future play. Community requests for code handover were ignored, eliminating any chance for a community-run version. - Useless digital item (weight 0.12): After the shutdown, the game became a useless digital item in players' libraries, no longer purchasable and with no online population. The developer announced studio closure on Twitter, and the Discord was deleted. - Mix of DBD and GMod (weight 0.12): Specific comparisons to Dead by Daylight and Garry's Mod prop hunt were frequent, with some noting the game as a combination of both. These comparisons were used to describe the game's gameplay to new players. - Dead by 2024, no offline (weight 0.11): The game's servers were closed in January 2024, with the shutdown announced in December 2023. No offline mode exists, making the game completely unplayable after the server closure. - Scandals around the game (weight 0.11): The game was surrounded by multiple scandals, including the studio closure announcement on Twitter and The Day Before being considered a scam. These scandals damaged trust and may have contributed to the game's decline. Emotions: - Frustration (weight 0.25): Players are frustrated by the game being shut down or removed despite having paid for it, leaving it unplayable and without refunds. Additionally, pervasive issues such as cheaters, balance imbalances between killers and survivors, long queue times due to low player counts, toxic player behavior, and various bugs and technical problems contribute to a highly unsatisfactory experience. - Disappointment (weight 0.18): The primary cause is the game being shut down or abandoned, often shortly after purchase, which wasted players' money and ended a unique and enjoyable experience. Other factors include a lack of meaningful updates, poor balance, missing localizations, and an unfinished or buggy state that made the game not worth its price. - Anger (weight 0.11): Players are angry because they paid for the game only to have its servers shut down and become unplayable without refunds, feeling scammed by the developers. Cheaters going unpunished, toxic player behavior, and harmful updates or removals of perks also incite significant anger. - Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Many players enjoyed the game for its fun and original prop-hunt hide-and-seek gameplay, especially when playing with friends. The combination of prop hunt and asymmetric multiplayer was satisfying, and the game provided a relaxing and enjoyable break from titles like Dead by Daylight. - Sadness (weight 0.05): The game's shutdown and removal from stores has made it inaccessible, leaving players sad about losing a game they loved. They mourn the loss of the fun times with friends and the game's potential that was cut short. - Joy (weight 0.03): Players experienced joy from playing with friends and engaging in the novel gameplay of hiding as objects and stunning the killer. The ability to transform into items and beat the killer as a cabbage brought laughter and delight. - Hope (weight 0.03): Players hope for the game to make a comeback or return in some form, and they wish for the developers to improve the game, add progression systems, and communicate better with the community. - Excitement (weight 0.03): The innovative prop-hunt mechanics and the thrill of sneaking up to stun the killer generated excitement. Players were eager about the game's concept and the tense moments of hiding while the killer approached. - Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance stems from toxic players, especially Korean players who insult and curse, as well as buggy graphics and teammates exposing hiding spots. The inability to choose roles and frequent cheaters also contribute to irritation. - Amusement (weight 0.03): Players found amusement in the game's physics glitches, such as props being carried into walls, and the absurdity of being driven insane by a jar of nails or a grave cross. The transmogrification system and recognizing a YouTuber in cover art were also sources of laughter. - Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Players miss the game and cherish the memories of playing with friends, including spending time in internet cafes. The fond memories of the unique gameplay evoke strong nostalgia. - Satisfaction (weight 0.02): Satisfaction came from the game being fun and worth the price, with good graphics, optimization, sound design, and appealing character designs that made the experience immersive and rewarding. - Frustrated (weight 0.02): Players are frustrated by technical issues like a Windows error preventing launch, the developer abandoning the game despite potential, unsportsmanlike teammates, and long queue times with killers leaving matches. - Concern (weight 0.01): Concerns include global voice chat giving humans an unfair advantage, cheaters persisting despite anti-cheat, the game being unwelcoming to new players, and encountering cheaters and bugs that harm the experience. - Love (weight 0.01): Players loved the game and appreciate the dedication felt in its development, despite its absence now. - Betrayal (weight 0.01): Players feel betrayed because the game shut down but their money was kept, with the developer seemingly scamming players by taking payment for a game that became unplayable. - Sad (weight 0.01): Players are sad because the game was shut down and is no longer available, ending the enjoyment they had. - Disappointed (weight 0.01): Players are disappointed that the developers gave up on the game and abandoned it, halting support and updates. - Boredom (weight 0.01): The game's limited content and map/mode variety, combined with a lack of meaningful progression and rewards, made grinding feel tedious and repetitive, leading to boredom. - Admiration (weight 0): Players admired the game, considering it the best in its category.}