Info about CARNAL:

Official game description:
**CARNAL** is a fast and challenging old-school shooter taking loving inspiration from the 90's greats made on the Quake and Build Engine.
Enter a strange world filled with mysteries, conspiracies, and paranormal activity.
Mixing classic FPS action with an unsettling horror atmosphere, every episode and unique level will keep you on the edge.
As a chad member of the Realm Defense Force, take on the terror organization known as the Sons of Anak, who have opened portals to the "other side" throughout the city of Seed Valley. Once there they plan to extract Dark Matter in order to build weapons of mass destruction.
Destroy their soldiers and operations, as well as any "other" hostile entities that plan on stopping you.
Be warned: the world looks a lot different on the "other side", and it also probably smells bad.  
**FEATURES:**
*   **3 Episodes with 17 total missions**
*   Diverse human and monster enemies that will murder you
*   Various guns that are harmful to your health
*   Keycards, swimming, secrets, and pick-ups
*   Several unique boss enemies to ruin your pace
*   Unique retro art style
*   An archaic Extra Lives system that keeps you going
*   Two difficulty modes for those who like to measure things
*   Terrible/offensive humor and game design
*   An atmosphere and feel unearthed from 1996

Release date: Apr 9, 2021

Categories: Retro Boomer Shooter, First-Person Shooter, Action Horror, Run 'n' Gun, Retro PS1-style visuals, Non-linear Exploration, Boss Fights


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $7.50
  - Reasoning: Reviews consistently treat the current sub-$1 price as a bargain and several explicitly state the game would still be worth around $5 or as much as $7.50. The highest explicit fair-value anchor is $7.50, while multiple reviewers put the floor at about $5, so the community fair base-game range is roughly $5.00-$7.50. Some reviewers also say it would be worth multiples of the current price, supporting a higher base price than the actual sale price.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 4.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 4.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Several reviews report total completion times for CARNAL clustering around 3 to 4.5 hours, including 2.5 hours, under three hours, and about 4.5 hours, so gameCompletion is set to roughly 4 hours. No review describes a separate story-only completion time, so storyCompletion is null. The one-sitting completion report supports a sessionLength near the full game length, about 4 hours. Endgame is not explicitly measured in hours; speedrunning comments and a 7.8-hour total do not isolate post-completion time, so endgame is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Reviews report an addicting, fun experience, but one says it becomes repetitive and mundane toward the end of Episode 2 and 3, while another credits varied areas for avoiding repetition.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Movement feels too basic and boring
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: N/A
- Player Archetypes:
  - Retro Boomer Shooter Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Nostalgic old-school FPS action and boomer shooter gameplay.
    - Playstyle: Fast run-and-gun movement, circle-strafing, and blasting varied enemies.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Quake; Serious Sam; Duke Nukem 3D; Half-Life 1; Wolfenstein
  - Budget-Conscious Bargain Hunter (sale)
    - Motivation: Cheap, accessible entertainment and value for money.
    - Playstyle: Casual pick-up-and-play old-school FPS sessions, often bought on sale.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Hardcore Genre Veteran Seeking Jank (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Exhausting the retro FPS genre and finding new content, even with jank.
    - Playstyle: Analytical comparison to classic shooters, tolerating rough edges for more retro FPS action.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Ion Fury; Ultrakill; Project Warlock
  - Discerning Quality-Focused Critic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Finding polished, worthwhile FPS experiences rather than wasting time on low-quality games.
    - Playstyle: Critical evaluation of mechanics, performance, and content; compares against better free or paid alternatives.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


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 value at low price (weight 0.47): Numerous reviews highlight the game's excellent value, especially at its low price point. Many consider it a steal, even more so during sales.
- Classic boomer shooter style (weight 0.43): The game successfully captures the feel of classic shooters, often described as a boomer shooter done right. It appeals to fans of old-school FPS games.
- Satisfying weapons and variety (weight 0.35): Players praise the well-designed and unique weapons that are fun to use. The variety of weapons and enemies adds to the enjoyment.
- Varied and memorable enemies (weight 0.27): The enemy roster is diverse and well-designed, with standouts that are memorable. This variety feels natural and enhances gameplay.
- Excellent synth soundtrack (weight 0.22): The soundtrack receives high praise for its quality and synthwave style. It progresses with the game and adds to the overall experience.
- Spacious and explorable levels (weight 0.21): Levels are large and fun to explore, with plenty of secrets and interesting design. They are not confusing and offer a good sense of discovery.
- Solid shooter experience (weight 0.17): Overall, the game provides a solid shooter experience that fans of the genre will enjoy. It may not innovate but delivers on core mechanics.
- Fun and humorous tone (weight 0.16): The game's humor is well-received, providing a good sense of fun. The ridiculous style often elicits chuckles from players.
- Quick and fluid gameplay (weight 0.16): The gameplay is fast-paced, smooth, and responsive, often described as schizophrenic in a positive way. It keeps players engaged.
- Fun horror elements (weight 0.09): The horror elements blend well with the boomer shooter genre, adding a unique twist. It's a fun take that enhances the atmosphere.
- Varied episode 1 (weight 0.09): Episode 1 offers enough variety to keep players interested, despite any flaws. It sets a good foundation for the game.
- Underrated retro shooter (weight 0.09): Many feel the game is underrated and deserves more attention. It stands out among other retro shooters.

Common complaints:
- Weak Level Design (weight 0.64): Level design is criticized as terrible, confusing, and lazy in places, with large empty areas, poor signposting, and inconsistent quality. Some levels are too big, too long, or too short.
- Unbalanced Difficulty (weight 0.57): Difficulty is all over the place, with some sections too easy and others unfairly hard, often requiring memorization. Enemy damage and projectile patterns can feel overwhelming.
- Rough and Unpolished (weight 0.53): The game feels rough around the edges with many flaws, janky mechanics, and a lack of polish. Several reviewers note it needs more refinement and rounds of polish.
- Weapons Feel Samey (weight 0.52): Guns all feel similar, boring to shoot, and lack impact, with many being reskins of each other. Weapon balance is poor, and some weapons are overpowered or useless.
- No Save System (weight 0.4): The game lacks any save feature, manual or automatic, and no mid-mission saves or quicksaves. This archaic design artificially extends playtime and frustrates players.
- Lack of Polish and Depth (weight 0.33): The game lacks the polish and depth of similar titles, with basic movement, no bhop, and amateurish quality. It feels like an asset flip with haphazardly thrown together elements.
- Technical Issues and Bugs (weight 0.32): The game has numerous technical problems, including glitches, buggy lighting, poor animations, and bad hit detection. Some parts are broken and the game feels unfinished.
- Edgy Humor and Propaganda (weight 0.3): The game features edgy humor, including offensive jokes and political/social propaganda that can be off-putting. Some content is anti-Semitic, racist, or QAnon-adjacent.
- Bland and Forgettable (weight 0.26): The game is average overall, not excelling at anything, and easily forgettable. It doesn't set itself apart from other retro shooters and feels like a half-baked product.
- Pacing and Length Issues (weight 0.25): Some levels are too long, others too short, and the pacing varies. The first episode is harder than later ones, which makes no sense, and the second-to-last level feels unfinished.
- Poor Enemy AI (weight 0.21): Enemy AI is half-baked, with enemies either failing to notice the player or dealing extreme damage. Some enemies forget the player when underwater, and flying enemies kill themselves.
- Lives System Frustrations (weight 0.21): The archaic lives system has no indication when losing a life, and you don't realize you've been killed until you run out. All levels unlocked from start reduces motivation.
- Enemies Hard to See (weight 0.19): Many enemies are small, dark, and blend into the environment, making them difficult to spot until they attack. This is a common complaint affecting gameplay visibility.
- Repetitive Episodes 2 and 3 (weight 0.19): Episodes 2 and 3 feel tacked on, with repetitive and mundane gameplay, lacking new content and featuring increasingly linear maps. They drag down the overall experience.
- Poor Audio Design (weight 0.16): Sound design is weak, especially explosions, and the music is unpleasant. Some weapons are excessively loud, and there's no separate volume control for sound effects.
- Story and Narrative Lacking (weight 0.15): The story is not interesting and lacks gripping elements, with no explanation of who you are or where you are. It's just a city to run around shooting with no narrative context.
- Limited Options and Settings (weight 0.14): The game lacks basic options like key bindings, separate volume controls, and mouse sensitivity adjustments. Only two difficulty levels are available, and they are poorly balanced.
- Underwater Mechanics Broken (weight 0.12): Underwater movement is severely flawed: the player crawls slowly, jumping launches you out like a dolphin, and you cannot stay on the surface. This makes water sections frustrating.
- Bosses Lack Feedback (weight 0.11): Bosses provide little to no feedback when damaged and are too easy to kill even on maximum difficulty. They are generally lackluster and unsatisfying.
- Limited Achievements (weight 0.08): Achievements are lacking, with only simple completion goals and no rewards for secrets or killable enemies. This reduces replay value and player motivation.

Gameplay feedback:
- Enemy and weapon variety (weight 0.3): Reviewers consistently mention the variety of enemies and weapons, with enemies that are not one-off gimmicks. The diverse arsenal and foe roster contribute to engaging combat.
- Quake-inspired shooter (weight 0.24): The game is frequently compared to Quake, both in atmosphere and visual style. This includes its classic Quake-like graphics and overall feel.
- Episodic structure with levels (weight 0.21): The game features a three-episode structure, with Episode 1 noted for its varied level design and larger exploration-focused levels. This episodic approach gives the game a distinct campaign flow.
- Large open level design (weight 0.2): Players note that levels are very large and feature open areas, often taking around 5-10 minutes to complete. The spacious design encourages exploration and combat encounters.
- Real-world themed locations (weight 0.09): The environments are inspired by real-world locations, adding a familiar yet stylized backdrop to the action. This thematic choice enhances immersion.
- Ballistic projectiles only (weight 0.09): All enemy attacks use ballistic projectiles rather than hitscan, requiring players to dodge and maneuver. This mechanic emphasizes movement and positioning in combat.
- Shooting is core gameplay (weight 0.08): The core gameplay revolves around shooting, as expected in a first-person shooter. This straightforward focus is central to the experience.

Performance notes:
- Smooth stable performance (weight 0.09): Players report the game runs smoothly and did not crash during their sessions. This indicates solid technical stability on their hardware.
- Roof jump jitter bug (weight 0.05): Jumping underneath a roof causes the player to jitter and stick to the surface until they reach the top. This movement bug disrupts normal platforming and can feel disorienting.
- Pitch black shadow glitch (weight 0.05): One player encountered a visual glitch where shadows render as pitch black. This issue can obscure visibility and hurt the overall visual experience.
- Mouse sensitivity tuning difficulty (weight 0.05): One player struggled to find a mouse sensitivity setting that felt comfortable and precise. This suggests the aiming controls may need better default options or finer adjustment granularity.

Recommendations:
- Outstanding Value at Low Price (weight 0.62): A large number of reviewers emphasize that the game is absolutely worth buying due to its extremely low price. They frequently mention that it is a steal and offers incredible value for money.
- Highly Recommended for Boomer Shooter Fans (weight 0.51): Many reviewers strongly recommend the game specifically for fans of retro or boomer shooters, citing similarities to classic games like Quake and Duke Nukem 3D. They suggest it is a must-play for enthusiasts of the genre.
- Great for Retro FPS Enthusiasts (weight 0.32): Reviewers highlight that the game is a worthy addition to a retro FPS collection and will appeal to fans of classic shooters. It is recommended for those who enjoy old-school FPS games.
- Not Recommended by Some (weight 0.26): A minority of reviewers do not recommend the game at all, calling it garbage and not worth the money. They suggest avoiding it even on sale.
- Short but Worth Trying (weight 0.18): Some reviewers note that the game is short but still worth trying, especially given the low price. They suggest giving it a shot if you are a budget FPS player.
- First Episode Shines, Later Content Weak (weight 0.09): Some reviewers mention that only the first episode is worth playing, while the rest of the game is lacking. They recommend playing only Episode 1 and pretending the game ends there.
- Good for Fans of Indie Games (weight 0.05): The game is recommended for fans of indie games, as it offers a unique experience that aligns with indie game preferences. It is seen as a solid choice for those who enjoy indie titles.
- Challenging for Non-Experts (weight 0.04): One reviewer notes that the game will be harder than Ancient Gods Part 1 unless you are a professional at boomer shooters. This suggests a high difficulty level for newcomers to the genre.

Other player notes:
- Quake and Classic FPS Comparisons (weight 0.97): The game is frequently compared to Quake, Doom, Duke Nukem 3D, Blood, and other 90s shooters for its visual style, gameplay feel, and overall design. It pays homage to these classics while adding its own twist.
- Extremely Low Price (weight 0.9): The game is widely described as very cheap, often under a dollar or a few dollars, with many reviewers calling it a steal at this price. It is considered an incredible bargain relative to the value offered.
- Short Campaign Length (weight 0.33): Reviewers note that the game can be completed in roughly 2.5 to 4 hours, often in one or two sittings. This short length is a common point of feedback, though some appreciate the brevity.
- Humorous Duke Nukem Feel (weight 0.32): The game features edgy humor and a tone similar to Duke Nukem 3D and Shadow Warrior, with cringeworthy jokes and a dark, bloody atmosphere. The humor and style are often compared to these classic shooters.
- Developer Support and Updates (weight 0.31): The developer is actively supporting the game, adding fixes and updates after release and responding to feedback. Some reviewers look forward to future projects from the developer.
- Retro 90s Shooter Style (weight 0.22): The game captures the aesthetic and feel of classic 90s first-person shooters, with pixelated graphics and fast-paced action. It appeals to nostalgia for late 90s and early 2000s PC gaming.
- Rough Edges Needing Polish (weight 0.21): Several reviewers mention that the game is rough around the edges and could benefit from more development and polish, particularly in enemy AI and physics. It is seen as having a low budget but high effort.
- Political Content in Billboards (weight 0.13): Some reviewers note that the game contains political and social propaganda, as well as racist imagery, in billboards and building names. However, many find this content mostly ignorable.
- Free Soundtrack DLC (weight 0.12): The game's soundtrack is available as free DLC or can be obtained for free outside the game, which is a nice bonus. The music itself is inspired by Quake 1 and tracker-style songs.
- Achievement System (weight 0.12): The game has an achievement system that includes completing levels and achieving 100% completion. Some players find the achievements straightforward.
- Level Design and Replay Value (weight 0.12): The levels are large and open, offering high replay value despite the short game length. The design is reminiscent of classic shooters and includes nods to movies.
- Technical Considerations (weight 0.11): The game runs on Unity and was played on Linux using Proton. Adjusting the FOV is recommended for better visibility. It is not technologically advanced but has a charming retro look.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.13): Players enjoy the fun, fast-paced old-school shooter gameplay with varied weapons, enemies, and level layouts. The soundtrack, retro aesthetic, and quirky humor add to the experience. Many find it a satisfying tribute to 90s shooters despite some rough edges.
- Disappointment (weight 0.13): Disappointment stems from the lack of polish and content in later episodes, which feel tacked on and repetitive. Level design is often lazy or overly large and empty, with basic gunplay and poor sound design. The game feels unfinished and forgettable overall.
- Frustration (weight 0.11): Frustration is caused by the lack of a save system, forcing restarts and making long levels tedious. Enemies are hard to spot, blend into backgrounds, and deal massive damage, leading to unfair difficulty spikes. Confusing level design and awkward controls compound the issue.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.09): Satisfaction comes from solid gunplay, huge levels, and the ability to keep weapons and lives across levels. The game offers good value for its price, with a decent length and variety in enemies and weapons. It's a worthwhile old-school shooter experience.
- Amusement (weight 0.07): Players are amused by the game's over-the-top humor, including ridiculous enemies like rocket-firing dinosaurs and killer dolls. Funny interactions and pop culture references, along with unintentionally hilarious enemy behaviors, add to the entertainment.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Appreciation is felt for the creativity and passion evident despite rough edges. The free soundtrack DLC, low price, and active developer support contribute to a positive impression. The game captures the feel of classic shooters and has a unique B-movie vibe.
- Surprise (weight 0.03): Surprise arises from the game exceeding low expectations, with more enemy variety and better AI than anticipated. It's seen as a pleasant discovery that more people aren't talking about.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): Excitement is driven by great gameplay design, huge open levels, and addicting, fast-paced action. Challenging boss fights and a classic arsenal against varied enemies keep players engaged and rewarded.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance is caused by poorly designed enemies like the American footballer, and visual issues such as overly dark levels that hinder firefights. Weapon balancing problems, loud sounds, and intrusive political billboards also irritate players.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Joy comes from playing a solid boomer shooter with well-balanced difficulty and fun, interactive gunplay. The game is charming and comparable to classics like Dusk, providing a delightful experience.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is high due to excellent sound design, movement, guns, and enemy variety. The game stands out in the boomer shooter genre, evoking a real-world Quake with references to classic FPS titles.
- Disgust (weight 0.02): Disgust is provoked by bad edgy humor that misses the mark and feels like QAnon-inspired satire. Terrible design and music further repel players.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Admiration is felt for the outstanding aesthetics, with crunchy textures and models reminiscent of Quake 2 and Unreal. The game's nonchalant feel earns it high praise, even above DUSK.
- Mild frustration (weight 0.01): Mild frustration occurs because players don't realize they've been killed until all lives are gone, and the lack of checkpoints or quicksaves forces tedious replays.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom results from samey, uninteresting weapons and empty, monotonous level design that fails to engage players.
- Mild annoyance (weight 0.01): Mild annoyance is caused by color and darkness issues in a couple of levels, and the patching of speedrun skips that limits sequence-breaking fun.
- Contentment (weight 0.01): Contentment comes from getting a decently crafted, entertaining experience for a very low price, with functional gameplay that meets expectations.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love is expressed for the game from start to finish, with some players enjoying speedrunning it for months.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is evoked by capturing the feeling of 90s era video games, reminding players of gaming in the late 90s to early 2000s, and retaining elements from Blood like phone calls and movie nods.
- Pleasant surprise (weight 0.01): Pleasant surprise is felt because the game turned out better than expected, exceeding initial low expectations.}