Info about SANABI:

Official game description:
You, a legendary retired veteran, are called upon for one last operation: to ascend a mega-city ruled by a corrupt conglomerate. You were chosen for this mission because of your signature chain-hook prosthetic arm and the ability to maneuver and quickly defeat enemies. The mission: to hunt down a mysterious entity known as “SANABI” and uncover corporate secrets hidden deep within the city.  
**An exhilarating platformer**
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Your giant chain-hook prosthetic arm acts as both a method for quickly maneuvering around and also a way to swiftly take out your opponents. With your legendary skills, you are capable of using your prosthetic arm to jump over cliffs and skyscrapers, dash through bullets and traps and defeat powerful enemies. It's time for you to come back out of retirement for one last mission.  
**A beautiful yet mysterious cyberpunk dystopia**
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Mega-city “MAGO” is a high-tech city ruled by a corrupt conglomerate… at least, that’s what it was 24 hours ago. After a sudden blackout, all of its citizens mysteriously disappeared and the city was left in total chaos. It’s your mission to explore the depths of the city and uncover what happened.  
**Mari, the hacker prodigy**
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A brilliant hacker and drone rider you meet during your mission. Mari can open locked doors, reveal enemy weaknesses and uncover encrypted information. Mari is lovely and reliable, but maybe just a little too chatty. Who knows though, this girl might be the key to finding SANABI.

Release date: 8 Nov, 2023

Categories: Action Platformer, Single-player Story, Speedrunning, Real-time Combat, Multiple Endings, Linear Progression, Puzzle Solving


- 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:
- Dynamic & Polished Gameplay (weight 0.99): The game offers solid, fast-paced, and engaging action-platforming. It features well-designed levels, balanced difficulty progression, and satisfying combat, ensuring a consistently fun experience.
- Gorgeous Pixel Art (weight 0.91): The game's pixel art style is consistently lauded for its stunning quality, intricate detail, and expressive animations. It creates a beautiful and immersive visual experience that enhances the game's atmosphere.
- Exceptional Narrative & Plot (weight 0.91): The game features a high-quality, compelling story with a well-structured plot that is consistently engaging. Its narrative is praised for its depth, coherence, and overall excellence.
- Undeniable Masterpiece Value (weight 0.75): The game is widely regarded as an underrated masterpiece, offering exceptional quality and value for its price. It leaves a profound and lasting impression, often cited as one of the best gaming experiences.
- Immersive Soundtrack (weight 0.18): The game features an excellent and atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly complements the visuals and narrative. Its music enhances the emotional impact and action sequences, often being memorable enough for standalone listening.
- Relatable Characters (weight 0.18): The game's characters are well-developed, expressive, and highly relatable, fostering strong player empathy. The central father-daughter relationship is particularly highlighted for its emotional depth and endearing portrayal.
- Genre-Defining Platformer (weight 0.1): The game is recognized as a top-tier 2D action-platformer, frequently drawing favorable comparisons to acclaimed titles like Katana Zero and Celeste. It stands out for its polished mechanics and overall excellence within the genre.
- Memorable Boss Battles (weight 0.08): The game's boss fights are consistently praised for their impressive design, unique mechanics, and challenging yet fair difficulty. They provide intense, visually striking, and satisfying combat encounters.
- Thought-Provoking Themes (weight 0.06): Beyond its gameplay and narrative, the game delves into deeper philosophical and emotional themes, such as fatherly love and societal issues. These themes resonate with players, prompting reflection and leaving a significant impact.

Common complaints:
- Disjointed Pacing, Narrative Overload (weight 0.4): The game suffers from poor pacing, frequently interrupting gameplay with lengthy, often unskippable cutscenes and excessive dialogue. This high ratio of narrative to gameplay breaks player immersion and flow, making the experience feel like an interactive movie rather than a fast-paced action game.
- Inconsistent, Frustrating Difficulty (weight 0.36): Players reported significant issues with difficulty balancing, including frustrating difficulty spikes, particularly in boss fights and specific chapters. The 'Legendary' difficulty mode was frequently cited as excessively challenging, tedious, and poorly implemented, often due to unfair mechanics or checkpoint placement.
- Repetitive, Monotonous Gameplay (weight 0.35): Many players found the core gameplay loop, including combat and platforming, to be highly repetitive and monotonous. This led to boredom and a feeling that the game lacked variety in mechanics, enemies, and level structures, especially in the mid to late game.
- Poor, Frustrating Level Design (weight 0.35): Several levels were criticized for poor design, featuring irritating mazes, arbitrary obstacles, and sections that felt intentionally frustrating. Specific examples like the car level or chase sequences were highlighted as particularly tedious and poorly implemented, hindering player enjoyment and navigation.
- Clunky Grappling Hook, Controls (weight 0.32): The core grappling hook mechanic and overall controls were frequently described as clunky, imprecise, and uncomfortable to use. Issues included inconsistent aim assist, misread inputs, and the hook attaching to unintended targets, leading to frustration and accidental deaths, especially in fast-paced or difficult sections.
- Predictable, Clichéd Story (weight 0.26): The narrative is often criticized for being predictable, relying heavily on clichés, and containing plot holes. Many players found the story unoriginal, with some character portrayals and dialogue choices feeling shallow or poorly written, diminishing its emotional impact.
- Subpar Localization Quality (weight 0.06): The game's localization, particularly for Chinese, Russian, and French, received significant criticism for numerous typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing. This poor translation quality, sometimes appearing machine-generated, negatively impacted player immersion and understanding of the narrative.

Gameplay feedback:
- Varied Playtime & Replayability (weight 0.26): The game offers a main story completion time of 6-12 hours, with many players reporting around 9-10 hours. It provides significant replayability through a dedicated Speedrun mode, time trials, and challenging achievements, encouraging players to master movement and optimize runs.
- Adjustable Difficulty & Challenge (weight 0.25): The game features multiple difficulty settings (Easy, Normal, Veteran, Legendary/1HP) that can be changed mid-game, catering to different player skill levels. While Easy mode allows for a stress-free story experience with infinite health, higher difficulties, especially Legendary (1HP), offer a significant challenge, often incorporating instant-kill mechanics from environmental hazards or specific boss attacks.
- Grappling Hook Core Mechanic (weight 0.21): The game's central mechanic revolves around a versatile chain arm/grappling hook, used for both fast-paced 2D platforming and combat. Players utilize it for swinging, wall-running, and momentum-based movement, as well as for one-hit kills on enemies by grappling, pulling, or launching them. An unremovable aim assist is noted for grappling.
- Linear, Story-Heavy Progression (weight 0.06): The game follows a very linear progression with no backtracking, collectibles, or character upgrades, focusing heavily on its narrative. While the gameplay flow is often described as engaging, some players found it could become repetitive after a few hours, and the numerous, sometimes lengthy, cutscenes contribute to the game's overall linearity and story emphasis.
- Compared to Katana Zero (weight 0.04): The game is frequently compared to Katana Zero due to its cyberpunk setting, pixel art style, and narrative approach, including one-hit kill mechanics. While sharing thematic and visual similarities, reviewers note that its core grappling hook gameplay provides a distinct experience from Katana Zero, Celeste, or Super Meat Boy.
- Evolving Mechanics & Skills (weight 0.04): The game introduces new mechanics, skills, and abilities gradually as the story progresses, ensuring the gameplay evolves and remains fresh. Each chapter often adds new elements, complementing the primary grappling hook mechanic and sometimes introducing puzzle-solving aspects, with frequent checkpoints supporting player progression.
- Multiple Story Endings (weight 0.03): The narrative includes a pivotal choice that leads to multiple endings, including a "true" ending path, enriching the main characters and providing subsequent story content. The story's twists can be discerned early by attentive players, adding depth to the overall experience.
- Pixel Art with 3D Elements (weight 0.03): The game features a distinctive pixel art style with integrated 3D elements, creating a cyberpunk dystopian or neo-noir aesthetic. Beyond its visual presentation, it incorporates light puzzle elements, such as controlling worker robots to clear obstacles, adding minor gameplay variety.
- Flexible Control Options (weight 0.03): The game supports both keyboard and mouse, which is often recommended by players, and controllers/gamepads. It allows for custom keybinds, providing flexibility. Notably, there is no dedicated attack button, as combat actions are integrated into the grappling hook mechanics.
- Easy to Learn, Hard to Master (weight 0.03): The game is designed to be easy to pick up, with simple initial controls and new skills introduced gradually per stage. However, it offers a high skill ceiling, allowing for complex maneuvers and speedrunning optimization, making it challenging to truly master despite its accessible entry point.

Performance notes:
- Accessible PC Requirements (weight 0.02): The game is generally well-optimized and runs smoothly on a wide range of PCs, including older or lower-spec machines, especially with the dedicated 'potato mode' for very low-end systems.
- Black Screen Bug & Fixes (weight 0.02): Some players encountered a black screen bug, particularly after certain chapters or events. This issue can often be resolved by enabling low-spec mode in game settings or manually adjusting the game's executable to high performance in graphics settings.
- Minimal Game Bugs (weight 0.01): The game is largely stable with minimal bugs, as most players reported no issues or only encountered one or two minor glitches during their playthrough.
- Small Game Size (weight 0.01): The game has a manageable file size, typically just under 4GB, making it relatively quick to download and easy to store on most systems.
- Checkpoint System Bug (weight 0): A specific bug exists where checkpoints sometimes do not function correctly, which can lead to frustration and loss of progress for players.
- Long Retry Loading Times (weight 0): Players experience noticeably long loading times when retrying sections of the game, which can disrupt the flow and pacing of gameplay.
- Effective Controller Vibration (weight 0): The implementation of controller vibration is well-done, enhancing the player's immersion and serving as an important feedback mechanism during gameplay.
- Developers Fixed Crashes (weight 0): Developers have successfully addressed and resolved previous crash-related issues, indicating good support and responsiveness to player feedback.

Recommendations:
- Genre Fans Recommended (weight 0.21): The game is highly recommended for fans of 2D platformers, grappling hook mechanics, cyberpunk themes, and story-driven experiences. Many reviewers specifically suggest it for players who enjoyed Katana Zero.
- Purchase Value & Timing (weight 0.06): Reviewers discuss the game's value, often stating it's worth its price even at full cost, or recommending buying it on sale. Some suggest watching a streamer for story-only interest, while others urge immediate purchase.
- Experience Game Blind (weight 0.06): Reviewers strongly advise playing the game without any prior knowledge or spoilers to fully experience its emotional impact and narrative twists. It is recommended to avoid looking up reviews or community discussions until after completion.
- Adjust Difficulty for Story (weight 0.04): Reviewers advise adjusting difficulty (often to easy) to fully experience the story without interruption, especially for casual players. It's also recommended to not skip cutscenes and consider replaying for different endings.
- Just Play It (weight 0.02): Many reviewers issue direct, urgent pleas for others to play the game, emphasizing that experiencing it firsthand is superior to watching videos. They also encourage playing until the very end.
- Controller Recommended (weight 0.02): A significant number of reviewers recommend playing the game with a controller for a better experience.

Other player notes:
- Misleading Game Title (weight 0.06): Many reviewers found the translated title, such as 'Dodge Assassin', confusing and unrelated to the game's actual content. They suggest a direct transliteration of 'Sanabi' would be more appropriate and appealing.
- Compared to Indie Hits (weight 0.04): Reviewers frequently compare the game to popular indie titles like Katana Zero and Celeste, noting similarities in artistic expression, gameplay mechanics (climbing, speed), and story structure. This positions it within a respected genre.
- Desire for DLC/Sequel (weight 0.03): Many players express a strong desire for future content, specifically DLC or a sequel. This indicates high satisfaction with the game and a wish for its universe and story to be expanded.
- Moderate Playtime (weight 0.02): The game is generally considered to have an average length, often completable in around 9-11 hours. It's described as suitable for an evening or occasional play, appealing to teens and adults.
- Proud Korean Indie (weight 0.01): Reviewers express pride in the game being a high-quality Korean indie title, especially in contrast to larger, monetization-heavy games. They hope for more similar games from Korea.
- Responsive Developers (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the developers' kindness and attentiveness in responding to inquiries and providing necessary files for translation. This positive interaction has also led to improved localization.
- Great Value for Price (weight 0.01): Reviewers consistently note that the game offers excellent value, especially when purchased on sale for around $9-10 USD. This indicates satisfaction with the content provided for its cost.
- Keyboard/Mouse Recommended (weight 0.01): Reviewers suggest using a keyboard and mouse for optimal play, particularly for aiming. Specific keybinding changes, like remapping dash to right-click, are also recommended for a better experience.
- Defining Atmosphere (weight 0.01): The game's atmosphere is highlighted as a defining factor in its evaluation, making other games seem dull in comparison. However, the gameplay itself was sometimes perceived as ambiguous or less clear in its identity.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.28): Players feel satisfied primarily due to the game's compelling and emotionally impactful story, featuring strong characters and a rewarding resolution. This is complemented by highly praised gameplay mechanics, including fluid movement and the unique grappling hook, contributing to an overall fun and polished experience. The game's high quality, value for money, and beautiful pixel art further enhance this sense of fulfillment.
- Sadness (weight 0.11): Sadness is overwhelmingly caused by the game's deeply emotional and tragic story, especially its impactful ending and specific plot points like the daughter's fate. The narrative's ability to evoke strong feelings and create a personal connection to the characters consistently leads players to tears.
- Excitement (weight 0.1): Excitement stems from the game's fast-paced, fluid, and exhilarating gameplay, particularly the dynamic grappling hook mechanics and satisfying combat. This is amplified by an engaging, suspenseful, and emotionally deep story, contributing to an overall high-quality experience that makes players eager to recommend and replay the game.
- Frustration (weight 0.07): Frustration arises from the game's high and often uneven difficulty, particularly in specific levels and boss fights, which are perceived as unfair or poorly designed. Issues with grappling hook controls and repetitive level design, combined with long, unskippable dialogues and slow pacing, significantly detract from the gameplay flow.
- Admiration (weight 0.07): Admiration is primarily directed towards the game's exceptional story, consistently praised for its depth, emotional impact, and cinematic quality. Players also highly admire the stunning pixel art, detailed animations, and overall visual design, recognizing the developers' skill in creating a high-quality indie title.
- Awe (weight 0.04): Awe is evoked by the game's profound and often shocking story, characterized by brilliant plot twists and emotional revelations that leave a lasting impression. This is coupled with an overwhelming appreciation for the game's overall high quality, especially its cinematic presentation and the unexpected depth achieved through its pixel art.
- Joy (weight 0.04): Players experience joy from the game's fluid, dynamic, and inherently fun gameplay, particularly the satisfying grappling hook mechanics and action sequences. This positive feeling is reinforced by the game's captivating story, endearing characters, and overall high quality, which together create a delightful and fulfilling gaming experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.04): Disappointment stems from the game's inconsistent pacing, particularly due to slow, repetitive, and unskippable story sections, which can lead to narrative fatigue. Additionally, players express dissatisfaction with repetitive or unpolished gameplay elements, including combat and level design, and sometimes the game's perceived short length.
- Emotional impact (weight 0.01): The game consistently evokes strong emotional responses, often leading players to tears, primarily due to its deeply moving and poignant story. Key emotional scenes, the tragic ending, and the profound exploration of themes create a lasting and impactful experience that resonates deeply with players.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the game for its well-crafted and emotionally resonant story, which effectively utilizes the medium to convey profound themes. The game's beautiful pixel art, detailed animations, and exceptional soundtrack are also highly valued for enhancing the overall aesthetic and immersive experience.
- Immersion (weight 0.01): Immersion is primarily driven by the game's deeply engaging and well-crafted story, featuring captivating characters and world-building that draw players into its narrative. This is significantly enhanced by the effective use of atmospheric music, sound effects, and overall direction, creating a strong sense of presence within the game world.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm for the game is rooted in its exceptionally high overall quality and the sheer enjoyment it provides, often leading players to consider it a masterpiece. This strong positive sentiment translates into a fervent desire for the game to gain more recognition and for others to experience its unique qualities.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Players express anticipation primarily for future content, such as DLC or sequels, driven by their desire for the game's compelling story and world to be expanded. The unfolding plot and the promise of further narrative revelations also create a strong sense of eagerness for what comes next.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is primarily fostered by the game's intriguing, emotionally impactful, and well-written story, which features compelling characters and a strong narrative pull. The addictive and dynamic gameplay mechanics further contribute to keeping players deeply engrossed in the experience.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger arises from perceived poor game design choices, particularly in boss fights and level design, which are often described as unfair or broken, leading to frustrating and repeated deaths. This includes issues with specific mechanics or difficulty spikes that players feel are poorly implemented.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance is caused by minor but persistent issues such as slow or repetitive dialogues, unskippable cutscenes, and awkward pacing that disrupt the gameplay flow. Additionally, players are annoyed by localization issues, including misleading titles and spelling errors, as well as repetitive gameplay gimmicks.}