Combat Complex Review Summary

Engaging gameplay with responsive combat, varied weapons, and rewarding progression, though early access content feels incomplete and audio issues detract from the experience.

Game is fun and engaging: Players consistently report that the game is fun from the start, with great action and solid gameplay. The core loop is praised for being engaging and well-crafted.

Combat feels responsive and satisfying: Combat is highlighted as amazing with responsive controls, fluid movement, and a satisfying flow. The fast-paced, skill-based nature of combat is a major positive.

Weapon variety and overheating mechanic: The game features a variety of futuristic weapons with unique feels, and the overheating mechanic forces players to switch between them. This adds depth and keeps combat fresh.

Loot and progression systems are rewarding: The loot system provides a steady stream of upgrades, and the ARPG-like inventory management is cool. Players enjoy the balance between playstyle preferences and the sense of progression.

Enemy interactions add tactical depth: Enemies can damage each other, and their distinct properties require different strategies. This creates amusing scenarios and adds a tactical layer to combat.

Early access content incomplete: Many core features like crafting, story, and skill tree are missing or incomplete due to early access. Players note that content is limited and the game could use more development time.

Lack of music and audio issues: The game lacks a music backing track, with only title screen music, and the shotgun sound is bad. This detracts from the intended mayhem and atmosphere.

Difficulty spikes are harsh: Players report significant difficulty spikes, such as from floor one to two, tier 3, and after level 10, with no way to go back and grind for gear. This makes progression feel unfair and frustrating.

Performance issues on various hardware: Players experience frame rate drops, FPS spikes causing input lag, and lags even on RTX 3070. Some report it barely runs on older GPUs like the 750ti.

Gameplay is grindy and boring: The game becomes monotonous and grindy, with repetitive elements and grinding arising. Players find it hard to stay engaged due to the lack of variety and meaningful progression.

Twin-stick shooter with looter elements: The game is consistently described as a top-down twin-stick shooter that incorporates looter-shooter mechanics, blending fast-paced combat with loot collection and progression.

Skill tree and progression systems: Players can progress through a skill tree that offers non-linear paths and stat-based upgrades, with additional character customization through equipment and skill allocation.

Steam Deck performance praised: Multiple reviewers report smooth and stable performance on the Steam Deck, with one noting 45-60 FPS an hour into the game. The game also loads quickly and does not crash on this platform.

Many small bugs cause lag: Hundreds of little bugs contribute to a laggy experience, indicating a lack of polish that affects overall performance.

Positive recommendations for specific audiences: Several reviewers recommend the game to players who enjoy skill-based combat, RPG progression, roguelike elements, twin-stick shooting, and loot-chasing. This suggests the game appeals to niche preferences.

Negative recommendations due to issues: A few reviewers do not recommend the game in its current state, citing missing features like a proper quest system and suggesting the developer look at other games for inspiration. This indicates significant gameplay or content gaps.

Encouragement to try demo: Multiple reviewers suggest trying the demo before purchasing, indicating that the demo is a good way to evaluate the game. This is a common recommendation for uncertain players.

Session length: 0.5h.

The game starts slow and tedious, but picks up as players descend through the facility with more enemies, though some players find it never becomes fun due to grind and boredom.

Friction: slow start; tedious walking; low action early; repetitive; grindy; boring.

Unlock drivers: descending through the facility; more enemies on screen; getting more hectic.

Casual Player: Plays in short bursts, prefers lower difficulty, may skip hard content. Motivation: Enjoyable, low-commitment play sessions without punishing difficulty. Stance: buy.

Skill-Based Enthusiast: Engages deeply with mechanics, seeks optimal builds, appreciates skill expression. Motivation: Mastery of challenging gameplay and satisfying loot progression. Stance: buy.

Early Access Critic: Not specified, but likely plays normally and encountered issues. Motivation: They want a polished, complete experience; the current state does not meet expectations. Stance: no buy.

Steam Deck: The game is playable on Steam Deck but requires Proton Experimental and has controller mapping issues. Performance is good after configuration.

Linux and Proton: All three reviews are positive about Linux/Proton compatibility, specifically on the Steam Deck. The game runs well or perfectly, with only a single mention of using Proton Experimental as a minor tweak for controller use. There are no reports of crashes, severe glitches, anti-cheat blockers, or launch failures tied to Linux or Proton.

Early access incomplete: Multiple reviews note the game is in early access with incomplete story and content, still in alpha or beta stages. This affects overall experience and expectations.

Crafting system upcoming: Reviewers mention a crafting update is coming or in development, with some noting it's not yet fully implemented. This is a highly anticipated feature.

Steam Deck issues: The game works on Steam Deck with Proton Experimental and a controller, but all D-pad button mappings are currently broken. This is a specific platform concern.