Info about HUMANITY:

Official game description:
  
 **WORK LIKE A DOG**  
HUMANITY is a third-person puzzle-action game where you become a dog to command massive, marching crowds of people to jump, turn, push, float, shoot, and climb their way to salvation across 90 story-mode stages.  
 **READY, AND…ACTION!**  
Devious puzzles and strategic thinking is broken up with more action-focused elements and platformer-like levels, even some epic boss battles!  
 **UGC = USER GENERATED CONTENT, UNLIMITED GRATIFYING CHALLENGES**  
Browse an ever-growing library of stages created by other players. Play, rate, and discover new types of puzzles in this limitless vault.  
 **CREATE AND SHARE LEVELS**  
Bring your ideas to life using the intuitive Stage Creator, be it a straightforward puzzle, action stage, or heck, even an artful sculpture!  
 **(OPTIONAL) VR Compatible**  
Immerse yourself like never before as you tower over the teeming, ant-like people! Mu ha ha ha ha!  
Whether on your standard display or in the optional VR Mode, watch as breathtaking swarms of people follow your commands to the exit, all in HUMANITY’s stark iconic style, courtesy of director and celebrated visual designer Yugo Nakamura and famed game creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi (Rez Infinite, Tetris Effect: Connected).

Release date: May 15, 2023

Categories: Puzzle Solving, Third-Person Perspective, Real-time Strategy, Platformer, User-Generated Content, Level Editor, VR Compatible, Action

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 30; verdict: Playable with Minor Issues; summary: The game generally receives positive feedback for its compatibility and performance on the Steam Deck. However, there are notable performance issues, particularly with frame rate drops during the final level, which significantly impact the user experience.

- 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:
- High-quality puzzle design (weight 0.78): The game features a variety of well-designed puzzles that are thought-provoking and clever. These puzzles are not too difficult, making them enjoyable and engaging for players.
- Unique and engaging puzzle mechanics (weight 0.61): The game offers unique puzzle mechanics that are both fun and addictive. It stands out as a masterpiece in the puzzle genre with its clever and cute design.
- User-generated content and level editor (weight 0.56): Players can create and share their own levels using an easy-to-use level editor. This feature allows for endless user-created content, adding to the game's replayability.
- Outstanding visuals and graphics (weight 0.43): The game features beautiful and arresting visuals with outstanding graphics. It includes impressive imagery and detailed shadows, effects, scenarios, and lights.
- Philosophical themes and rich tone (weight 0.35): The game includes philosophical subjects and has a richer tone, making it engaging and interesting. It masterfully exploits the sense of wonder in both gameplay and visuals.
- Unique mix of gameplay elements (weight 0.32): The game combines puzzle-solving with real-time strategy elements, offering a unique mix of gameplay. It includes variety in gameplay from puzzle to stealth and RTS elements.
- Balanced difficulty curve (weight 0.24): The game's difficulty is well-balanced, making it accessible yet challenging. It is not too hard nor too easy, providing a good difficulty curve.
- Enjoyable and engaging gameplay (weight 0.21): Players find the game enjoyable throughout, from start to completion. The gameplay is engaging and keeps players interested.
- Positive overall reception (weight 0.16): Players express a strong love for the game, calling it incredibly good and great. The overall reception is highly positive.

Common complaints:
- Genre shift issues (weight 0.55): The game shifts genres abruptly, which can be disappointing and frustrating for players expecting a consistent experience.
- Story and soundtrack criticisms (weight 0.53): The story and soundtrack of the game have been criticized for being bad, not memorable, and sometimes repetitive or annoying.
- Frustrating and cumbersome levels (weight 0.37): Some levels in the game can be frustrating and cumbersome to operate, often relying too heavily on luck and precision.
- Confusing and poorly telegraphed mechanics (weight 0.33): The game introduces new mechanics frequently but does not explore them deeply, leading to confusion and frustration.
- Imprecise controls (weight 0.32): Controls in the game can be imprecise, leading to frustration and difficulty in executing commands accurately.
- Lack of quality-of-life features (weight 0.3): Players have noted the lack of essential quality-of-life features such as undo and redo, which can make the game more tedious.
- Server and online feature issues (weight 0.3): Players are disappointed with the shutdown of servers and the removal of online features, leading to a loss of value in the game.
- Disappointing later levels (weight 0.3): The later levels of the game have been criticized for changing genre, becoming easier, and focusing more on combat rather than puzzles.
- Lack of challenging puzzles (weight 0.28): The game has been criticized for not having hard puzzles, with some players finding it too easy and grindy.
- Extensive trial and error (weight 0.27): The game often requires extensive trial and error to solve puzzles, which can be frustrating for players.
- Technical and performance issues (weight 0.25): The game has various technical and performance issues, including FPS drops, frame rate issues, and gameplay freezes.
- Precise timing required for puzzles (weight 0.23): Many players found that the puzzles in the game require extremely precise timing and execution, which can be challenging and frustrating.
- Tedious gameplay elements (weight 0.21): The game includes tedious micromanagement and platforming, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.
- Frustration with combat and stealth sections (weight 0.21): Combat and stealth sections in the game can be frustrating and feel out of place, detracting from the overall experience.
- Lack of depth in gameplay (weight 0.16): Some players feel that the game lacks depth and does not offer a deep gaming experience.
- Fast forward speed issues (weight 0.16): The fast forward speed in the game is not very fast, and players have expressed a need for a super fast forward option.
- Visibility and control issues (weight 0.16): There are visibility issues with the player character and problems with mouse cursor controls, making the game more difficult to play.
- Lack of language support (weight 0.07): The game lacks support for certain languages, which can be a drawback for non-English speaking players.

Gameplay feedback:
- Puzzle-action hybrid gameplay (weight 0.97): The game combines puzzle mechanics with various action elements, including real-time strategy, stealth, shooting, and platform challenges. It starts with static puzzles and evolves into dynamic shooting and action sequences in later stages.
- Guiding crowds as a dog (weight 0.55): Players control a dog to guide human crowds through various levels. The gameplay involves planning safe routes and directing the flow of humans to reach the goal.
- Logic puzzle gameplay (weight 0.47): The game features logic puzzles that require significant setup and planning. It starts with traditional puzzles and introduces new tools and victory criteria as players progress.
- Similar to Lemmings (weight 0.39): The game is often compared to Lemmings, with similar puzzle mechanics but a richer tone and philosophical themes. It follows the Lemmings formula but takes its own unique path.
- Introduction of new mechanics (weight 0.33): The game frequently introduces new mechanics, rules, and tools as players advance through the levels. This keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
- Trippy visuals and philosophical themes (weight 0.24): The game features trippy visuals and a soundtrack that complements its introspective journey theme. It also explores philosophical and artistic themes from a unique perspective.
- Platform and timing elements (weight 0.19): The game includes platform jumping and timing elements in its puzzle mechanics, adding variety to the gameplay.
- Boss battles (weight 0.16): The game features fun and engaging boss fights, adding an action element to the puzzle gameplay.
- Goldies as bonus humans (weight 0.11): Some stages require guiding Goldies, which are bonus humans, to the exit to unlock the level. This adds an extra layer of challenge and strategy.

Performance notes:
- Solid performance overall (weight 0.23): Many players report that the game performs well with no slowdowns, even with many characters on screen.
- Good Steam Deck compatibility (weight 0.18): The game is reported to be compatible with Steam Deck and plays well on it, although there are some frame rate issues.
- VR and camera issues (weight 0.12): VR support has problems with camera overview, and there are mouse cursor issues with camera controls.
- Music selector bug (weight 0.07): The music selector is bugged and resets to default when retrying a stage.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended puzzle game (weight 0.56): The game is highly recommended for fans of puzzle games and those interested in trippy or psychedelic experiences. It is considered one of the best puzzle games of the year and is worth playing even at full price.
- Worth supporting the game (weight 0.08): Players are encouraged to buy and play the game to support its development, indicating a strong community backing and belief in the game's potential.
- Rich and imaginative journey (weight 0.07): The game offers a rich, imaginative, and occasionally awe-inspiring journey, making it a unique experience for players.
- VR support mentioned (weight 0.07): The game has VR support, which could be an important feature for players interested in virtual reality experiences.
- Controls and completion issues (weight 0.07): Some players find the control scheme slightly awkward and note that completing 100% of the maps can be challenging, which might be a drawback for some.

Other player notes:
- Influences and comparisons (weight 0.07): The review highlights the influence of Mizuguchi and draws comparisons to the game Outer Wilds.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.2): Players appreciate the engaging and unique puzzle mechanics, along with beautiful visuals and intriguing level designs. The variety of mechanics and frequent introduction of new features keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.
- Disappointment (weight 0.14): The abrupt genre shift and frustrating design issues, along with the lack of quality-of-life features and precise controls, lead to a negative experience. Additionally, the shutdown of game servers and lack of 'Eureka' moments contribute to disappointment.
- Frustration (weight 0.1): Frustration stems from imprecise controls, tedious mechanics, and extensive trial and error required in later levels. The lack of a rewind feature and awkward movement controls also contribute to player frustration.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.05): The game evokes nostalgia by reminding players of classic games like Lemmings and games from their childhood. The engaging storyline and well-made game elements enhance this nostalgic feeling.
- Joy (weight 0.05): Players experience joy from the awesome visuals, varied puzzle mechanics, and the unique setting and atmosphere of the game. The satisfaction of completing puzzles and beautiful imagery also contribute to this emotion.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Satisfaction comes from the game's unique and enjoyable puzzle mechanics. The high quality of the game in every aspect adds to the overall satisfying experience.
- Excited (weight 0.03): The game's unique gameplay and various features generate excitement. The design and engagement level of the game also contribute to this feeling.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): Players admire the game for being a masterpiece, with the final result being more than the sum of its parts. Comparisons to highly praised games like Outer Wilds enhance this admiration.
- Awe (weight 0.03): The game's artistic and mysterious nature, along with its unique aesthetic and mesmerizing sense of scale, inspire awe. The creatively imagined game and unique mechanics contribute to this feeling.
- Fascination (weight 0.03): Players are fascinated by the intriguing philosophical narrative and the spectacle of watching large crowds of humans moving. These elements create a captivating experience.
- Nostalgic (weight 0.03): The game evokes nostalgia through comparisons to classic games like Lemmings and Super Mario Maker 2. Its reminiscent style of PS2 and DS era games enhances this nostalgic feeling.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Players feel alegria (joy) because the puzzles are very cool and at a perfect difficulty level for them. The engaging and well-balanced puzzle design contributes to this emotion.
- Happy (weight 0.02): The dream-like experience and enjoyable gameplay make players happy. The unique and engaging nature of the game contributes to this positive emotion.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Players feel confused due to the unclear genre definition and confusing mechanics. The lack of clear guidance and ambiguous game elements contribute to this confusion.
- Relaxation (weight 0.02): The super relaxing gameplay provides a calming experience. The game's design and mechanics contribute to a sense of relaxation.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Repetitive and annoying music causes annoyance. The lack of variety in the soundtrack contributes to this irritating experience.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players love the ability to take their time and keep progress after failing. This feature enhances the overall enjoyment and appreciation of the game.}