Info about Fort Solis:

Official game description:
Welcome to Fort Solis
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Responding to an unusual alarm call from a remote mining base, Jack arrives at the dark and desolate Fort Solis. With storm warnings imminent, he heads inside to make desperate contact. As the night grows longer, events escalate, spiral out of control and the mystery of what happened to the crew begins to reveal itself. The storms is approching, limiting Jack’s escape as he looks to hold out until morning arrives.
Immersive Storytelling
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Fort Solis looks to deliver a high-fidelity experience designed to completely immerse the player in the cast and their long night. With performances from Roger Clark, Troy Baker and Julia Brown, Fort Solis looks to deliver emotion, fear, empathy and much more with every chapter.
Supporting the core narrative are additional instances of story such as audio logs, surveillance footage of past or present events. Accompanying those are video logs recorded by all crew detailing the events before and perhaps even after that night the alarm was triggered at Fort Solis…
A uniquely singular cinematic experience!
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The story is told across four chapters. Like a Netflix series, Fort Solis can be binged in one intense session, or played chapter by chapter like an episodic TV show.
Grounded by the visuals
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Fort Solis brings to players, the next level of details, facial and body animations. With the help of Unreal Engine 5.2 Fort Solis realistic universe is brought to life!
An isolated mining complex
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The skeleton of Fort Solis is built above and below ground. The base contains a variety of locations each with their own surface and sub surface levels. Players will be able to explore the isolated storm bearing surface, the creepy service tunnels absent of any light or the multiple departments that help Fort Solis function on a day-to-day basis such as Engineering, Medical and Communications.
As the story unfolds locations can easily be revisited for additional story context or continue to serve as a backdrop to the fate that awaits Jack with each passing hour.

Release date: 22 Aug, 2023

Categories: Walking Simulator, Single-player Story, Exploration, Investigative Gameplay, Multiple Endings


- 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:
- Exceptional Voice Acting (weight 1): The voice acting, particularly from the main cast including Roger Clark and Troy Baker, is consistently lauded as exceptional. Reviewers found the performances believable and impactful, greatly enhancing character depth and immersion.
- Stunning Graphics & Visuals (weight 0.97): The visuals are a major highlight, with many reviewers noting the impressive graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5. The attention to detail in environments, lighting, and overall art direction contributes significantly to the game's immersive quality.
- Compelling Story & Narrative (weight 0.93): The game's narrative is consistently praised for being engaging, intriguing, and well-told, often compared to a cinematic experience. Reviewers enjoyed unraveling the mystery and appreciated the slow-burn approach to storytelling.
- Immersive & Tense Atmosphere (weight 0.93): The game excels in creating a strong, immersive, and tense atmosphere. Reviewers frequently mention the palpable sense of isolation and dread, which is effectively built through environmental design and sound.
- Excellent Sound Design (weight 0.9): The sound design is highly praised for its quality and effectiveness in building tension and immersion. Reviewers noted how the audio cues, music, and sound effects significantly contribute to the overall atmospheric experience.
- Enjoyable & Rewarding Experience (weight 0.9): Many reviewers expressed high enjoyment and satisfaction with the game, often describing it as a pleasant, fun, and worthwhile experience. They appreciated the unique approach and found the overall journey rewarding.
- Believable & Relatable Characters (weight 0.9): The characters are well-received, with reviewers finding them relatable, charismatic, and believable. The strong chemistry and natural dialogue between protagonists enhance the narrative and immersion.
- Promising Indie Title (weight 0.9): The game is seen as a promising title, especially for an indie studio, with many reviewers expressing a desire for future games from the developers in a similar genre. It's considered a good, short, and relaxing experience.
- Fort Solis: A Gripping Thriller (weight 0.9): Many reviewers specifically praised 'Fort Solis' by name, highlighting its overall quality as a gripping, atmospheric, and visually impressive sci-fi thriller. Some expressed a desire for a sequel.
- Engaging Walking Simulator (weight 0.89): The game is frequently categorized as a 'walking simulator' due to its linear, narrative-focused gameplay. Reviewers who enjoyed this style found it to be a good, atmospheric, and engaging experience.
- Immersive Martian Setting (weight 0.89): The Martian setting is highly praised for its realistic and immersive depiction. Reviewers enjoyed the detailed environments and how the game effectively conveyed the atmosphere of a remote Mars colony.
- Solid Production Quality (weight 0.89): The overall production quality, including animations and visual presentation, is considered decent to good, especially for an indie game. Reviewers noted the polished feel and realistic character movements.

Common complaints:
- Slow & Clunky Movement (weight 0.86): Player movement is consistently criticized for being excessively slow, clunky, and unresponsive, often lacking a proper 'run' function. This artificial pacing is perceived as a deliberate attempt to inflate the game's short runtime, making exploration and progression tedious.
- Minimal Gameplay/Walking Simulator (weight 0.72): The game is frequently described as a 'walking simulator' with minimal to no actual gameplay mechanics, puzzles, or combat. This leads to a boring, monotonous, and unengaging experience for many players, who feel it offers little interactive value.
- Short Length, High Price (weight 0.71): The game's short duration, typically 3-5 hours, is a major point of contention, especially given its full price. Many reviewers felt the content offered did not justify the cost, leading to a poor value-for-money perception.
- Unsatisfying & Weak Story (weight 0.61): The story and its ending are widely criticized as unsatisfying, predictable, and underdeveloped. Many players felt the narrative was confusing, left too many questions unanswered, or ended abruptly without a meaningful resolution, failing to capitalize on its initial premise.
- Poorly Implemented QTEs (weight 0.38): Quick Time Events (QTEs) are heavily criticized for being poorly implemented, sudden, and often inconsequential to the story's progression. Players found them annoying, frustrating due to strict timing or unresponsive controls, and ultimately pointless as success or failure rarely mattered.
- Technical Issues & Bugs (weight 0.31): The game suffers from significant technical issues, including poor optimization, frequent stuttering, low FPS, and various visual glitches like flickering and ghosting. Numerous game-breaking bugs and crashes were also reported, often remaining unfixed, severely impacting playability.
- Confusing & Useless Map (weight 0.08): The in-game map and navigation system are widely criticized for being useless, confusing, and poorly designed. Players found it difficult to orient themselves, locate objectives, or rely on the map for effective traversal.
- Poor Steam Deck Performance (weight 0.07): The game performs poorly on Steam Deck, with unreadable text, significant frame drops, and input lag, making it largely unplayable despite being listed as 'verified'. This indicates a lack of proper optimization for portable devices.
- Weak Voice Acting/Characters (weight 0.06): The voice acting and character writing are often criticized, with some finding the dialogue cheesy, unrealistic, or the character portrayals annoying. This detracted from immersion and made it difficult for players to connect with the protagonists.

Gameplay feedback:
- Minimal Gameplay, Short Length (weight 0.64): The game is consistently described as a 'walking simulator' or 'interactive movie' due to its minimal gameplay, slow pace, and focus on narrative. Players primarily walk, explore, and interact with objects to advance the story, with very few traditional game mechanics like combat or complex puzzles. This design choice leads to a short overall playtime, typically 3-6 hours.
- Inconsequential Quick Time Events (weight 0.18): Quick Time Events (QTEs) are present throughout the game, but a significant number of reviews highlight that failing these events has little to no consequence on the story or progression, except for a single instance at the very end that can influence one of the two endings. This makes many QTEs feel inconsequential and poorly implemented.
- Sci-Fi Thriller Narrative (weight 0.14): The game is consistently categorized as a sci-fi thriller or mystery, often compared to interactive movies or narrative-driven adventure games like those from Telltale or Quantic Dream. It is set on a desolate Martian base in 2080, focusing on atmosphere and suspense rather than traditional horror or action elements.
- Story Through Collectibles/Exploration (weight 0.14): The game's narrative is primarily delivered through environmental storytelling and the collection of various in-game items such as audio logs, video diaries, emails, and notes. Players must actively explore and interact with these elements to piece together the mystery and fully understand the plot, which unfolds gradually.
- Multiple Endings, Replay Challenges (weight 0.08): The game features two possible endings, with the 'good' or 'bad' outcome often determined by a single, late-game QTE. While there are achievements for both endings and collecting all items, the auto-save system and lack of chapter selection mean players often need to replay the entire game to experience the alternate ending or find missed collectibles.

Performance notes:
- Frequent FPS drops and stutters (weight 0.17): The game suffers from frequent and significant frame rate drops and stutters, especially when loading new areas or during scene changes. This occurs even on high-end hardware and significantly impacts the gameplay experience, often requiring users to lower settings or use upscaling technologies to achieve playable frame rates.
- DLSS/FSR essential for performance (weight 0.01): DLSS and FSR upscaling technologies are crucial for achieving playable frame rates, especially on less powerful hardware. Many users reported needing to enable these features to improve performance.
- Unreal Engine 5 issues (weight 0.01): The game, built on Unreal Engine 5.2, exhibits light shimmering issues and lacks shader precompilation, contributing to stuttering.
- High-end GPU strain (weight 0.01): Even high-end GPUs like the RTX 4070 Super and RX 7900XT are strained at max settings, indicating the game's demanding graphical requirements.
- Minor visual glitches (weight 0.01): Some minor visual glitches were noted, such as weird backlight effects around characters and strange shadow effects, indicating minor graphical imperfections.
- Intel CPU crash on launch (weight 0.01): Users with Intel 13th/14th generation processors may experience crashes on launch, which is attributed to an issue with Intel's processors.
- Blurry performance mode (weight 0.01): The game's visual quality significantly degrades when running in performance mode, becoming blurry and unappealing.

Recommendations:
- Story-driven Sci-Fi Thriller (weight 0.39): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy story-driven experiences, especially those with a focus on sci-fi, thrillers, and atmospheric exploration. It caters to those who prefer a cinematic, slow-paced narrative over action-packed gameplay.
- Buy on Deep Discount (weight 0.19): Many reviewers strongly advise purchasing the game only when it's on a significant sale, ideally at a deep discount (e.g., under $10 or 50%+ off). The full price is generally considered too high for the content and length provided.
- Walking Simulator Experience (weight 0.07): The game is frequently described as a 'walking simulator,' emphasizing exploration and narrative over complex gameplay mechanics. This style is appealing to some but a deterrent for others, who might prefer more dynamic interaction.
- Watch YouTube Playthrough (weight 0.07): A significant number of reviewers suggest that watching a playthrough on YouTube is a better alternative to playing the game, often citing the lack of engaging gameplay and the game's short, linear nature.
- Not Recommended/Avoid (weight 0.07): A notable portion of reviews express strong dissatisfaction, advising against playing or buying the game, with some even regretting their purchase or uninstalling it. This indicates a significant negative experience for these players.
- Mixed Recommendation (weight 0.05): The overall sentiment regarding recommendation is mixed, with many reviewers giving a conditional recommendation, often tied to a sale price or specific player preferences, while some outright recommend or do not recommend it.
- Varied Numerical Ratings (weight 0.02): Reviewers provided various numerical ratings for the game, ranging from 4/10 to 9/10, indicating a wide spectrum of opinions on its overall quality.
- Appeals to Space/Mars Fans (weight 0.01): The game's setting on Mars and its space exploration themes are appealing to a specific niche of players who enjoy astronaut experiences and mysteries in abandoned space environments.

Other player notes:
- Short, Cinematic Experience (weight 0.1): The game is frequently described as a short, interactive movie or cinematic experience, with many reviewers noting its brief playtime, typically ranging from 2 to 6 hours. This suggests a strong emphasis on narrative over traditional gameplay mechanics.
- Average Overall Rating (weight 0.04): Overall, the game receives mixed to average ratings, with scores typically ranging from 5/10 to 8/10. While some aspects like atmosphere are praised, gameplay often receives lower scores, leading to a generally 'okay' or 'average' consensus.
- Missed Potential (weight 0.02): Reviewers express mixed feelings, often stating the game had significant potential that was not fully realized. They suggest that with different mechanics or a broader scope, it could have been a much better experience, indicating a sense of missed opportunity.
- Easy Achievements (weight 0.02): The game includes achievements and collectible cards, and achievement hunters can complete them relatively easily within 4-10 hours. This adds replayability for those focused on completion.
- Poor Map System (weight 0.01): A recurring issue is the poor usability of the in-game map system. Players found it difficult to navigate, understand their location, or use personal markers effectively, hindering exploration and immersion.
- Rushed Endings (weight 0.01): The game features multiple endings, but some players found the ending(s) to be rushed or unfinished. The process of accessing different endings, such as needing to watch credits to continue, was also noted.
- Quick Engagement (weight 0.01): The game is noted for its ability to quickly draw players in and respect their time, offering a fast-paced experience with good intrigue. This suggests an engaging initial hook and efficient pacing.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.27): Players expressed disappointment primarily due to the game's short length, high price for the content offered, and a perceived lack of substantial gameplay, often describing it as a 'walking simulator'. The narrative was frequently criticized for being unresolved, confusing, or anti-climactic, with many feeling the story had unfulfilled potential. Technical issues such as poor optimization, low frame rates, and bugs, especially on Steam Deck, also significantly contributed to this negative emotion.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.24): Satisfaction stemmed from the game's strong atmospheric presentation, including impressive graphics, sound design, and voice acting, which created an immersive experience. Players appreciated the engaging and well-written story, particularly when expectations were aligned with an interactive movie or walking simulator genre. The overall cinematic quality and the thrill of uncovering the plot also contributed to a positive reception.
- Frustration (weight 0.21): Frustration was largely driven by technical problems like frequent crashes, stuttering, and poor optimization, making the game unplayable for some. Clunky controls, slow character movement, and poorly implemented Quick Time Events (QTEs) were also major sources of annoyance. Additionally, a confusing map, unreadable text, and illogical character actions added to the frustrating experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.05): Enjoyment was derived from the game's compelling story, immersive atmosphere, and high-quality graphics. Players who appreciated the interactive film or walking simulator genre found the experience engaging and suspenseful. The strong voice acting and the overall cinematic presentation also contributed to a positive and enjoyable adventure.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Boredom arose from the game's slow pacing, repetitive gameplay, and perceived lack of engaging content or action. Players found the constant walking, empty environments, and a story that dragged or became uninteresting contributed to a monotonous experience, especially in later chapters.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger was primarily directed at the developers due to unaddressed bugs, poor optimization, and perceived design flaws that made the game unplayable or frustrating. Players also expressed anger over the game's short length and high price, feeling ripped off, and were particularly upset by abrupt or nonsensical endings and a lack of player agency.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement was generated by the game's creepy moments, tension-filled atmosphere, and engaging story. Players found the immersive experience and compelling narrative gripping, leading to a desire to recommend the game and anticipate future projects from the developers.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion stemmed from the game's unclear or unresolved storyline, particularly the ending, which left many players questioning what had happened. Difficulties with navigation due to a confusing map system and illogical character behaviors also contributed to this feeling.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement was fostered by the game's immersive atmosphere, compelling narrative, and intriguing mystery. Players felt drawn into the story and world, appreciating the cinematic experience and the suspense created by the unfolding plot.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Admiration was directed towards the game's high-quality visuals, immersive atmosphere, and exceptional voice acting, particularly from the main cast. Players appreciated the artistic direction, technical execution, and the overall narrative experience, especially considering it was an indie title.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance was caused by specific gameplay mechanics such as frequent and poorly implemented Quick Time Events (QTEs), slow walking speed, and a confusing map. Repetitive dialogue and unskippable content also contributed to this negative feeling.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Appreciation was expressed for the game's strong visuals, immersive atmosphere, and high-quality voice acting. Players valued the effort put into the graphics, animation, and overall cinematic experience, recognizing the unique style and narrative.
- Mixed feelings (weight 0.01): Mixed feelings arose from the game's inconsistent quality, often characterized by a contrast between strong visuals and story elements versus problematic gameplay, technical issues, or a slow pace. The overall experience left players with a sense of ambivalence due to these conflicting aspects.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise was experienced when the game's quality or genre differed from initial expectations, often in a positive way. Unexpected endings, the game's ability to exceed initial hopes, or the presence of unfixed bugs also contributed to this emotion.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy was a result of the game's overall enjoyable experience, particularly its cinematic qualities, immersive atmosphere, and beautiful graphics. Players found pleasure in the narrative and the aesthetic presentation of the game.
- Desire (weight 0.01): Desire was expressed for more content, a sequel to resolve unanswered story questions, or additional features like combat or more player choices. Players wished for a longer game experience and more detailed explanations within the narrative.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope was focused on the developers' future projects, particularly for more horror games or longer 'movie game' style experiences. Players expressed a desire for a sequel to the current game and anticipated continued quality from the indie team.
- Neutrality (weight 0): Neutrality reflected an overall balanced assessment of the game, often influenced by a low purchase price that tempered expectations. Players noted aspects like game length, linearity, and gameplay depth without strong positive or negative sentiment.
- Immersion (weight 0): Immersion was achieved through the game's strong atmosphere, compelling visuals, and engaging story. Players felt drawn into the game world, particularly experiencing the loneliness of space through effective level design.
- Intrigue (weight 0): Intrigue was sparked by the game's compelling narrative, mysterious plot, and thought-provoking themes. Players were drawn in by the initial story and the puzzle-like nature of uncovering its secrets.}