Info about Brotato:

Official game description:
A spaceship from Potato World crashes onto an alien planet. The sole survivor: Brotato, the only potato capable of handling 6 weapons at the same time. Waiting to be rescued by his mates, Brotato must survive in this hostile environment.
Features
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*   Auto-firing weapons by default with a manual aiming option
*   Fast runs (under 30 minutes)
*   Dozens of characters available to customize your runs (one-handed, crazy, lucky, mage and many more)
*   Hundreds of items and weapons to choose from (flamethrowers, SMGs, rocket launchers or sticks and stones)
*   Local Co-Op for up to 4 players
*   Survive waves lasting 20 to 90 seconds each and kill off as many aliens as you can during that time
*   Collect materials to gain experience and get items from the shop between waves of enemies
*   Accessibility options: tweak the health, damage and speed of enemies so the difficulty is right for you

Release date: Jun 23, 2023

Categories: Roguelite, Bullet-hell, Local Co-op, Wave-based Survival, Character Customization, Shooter, Action

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 30; verdict: Mixed Monetization; summary: The reviews for Brotato indicate a mixed reception regarding its monetization and DLC practices. While the game is praised for its affordability, lack of microtransactions, and high replayability, there are significant concerns about the DLC. Several reviews mention that certain achievements and 100% completion are locked behind a DLC paywall, which can be seen as a form of Day-1 DLC. Additionally, some players express regret or dissatisfaction with the value provided by the DLC, suggesting that it may not be worth the full price. Overall, the game's monetization strategy is viewed positively, but the DLC practices have drawn criticism.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Generally Positive with Some Barriers; summary: The game generally receives positive feedback for its accessibility and lack of dependency on external resources like wikis. However, there are notable complaints about the need to consult guides for understanding complex mechanics and specific playstyles, which can be a barrier for some players. Additionally, the inconsistency in recommended strategies across different guide sites adds to the confusion.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game demonstrates strong compatibility with Linux systems, both through Proton and native builds. Users report smooth performance and enjoyment, with positive feedback on the native Linux port quality. There are minor requests for better support, but overall, the experience is largely positive.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Good with Minor Issues; summary: The overall user feedback for the Steam Deck experience with this game is largely positive, with many users praising its gameplay, performance, and battery life. However, there are notable issues with crashes and stability, particularly after updates, which significantly impact the user experience. Controller support also has some reported problems. Despite these issues, the game is highly regarded for its addictive and enjoyable nature, making it a popular choice for Steam Deck users.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: The game generally performs well across most hardware cohorts, with positive feedback even on lower-end systems. However, there are some reports of performance issues on higher-end hardware.
  - Sample size: 144 (1% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (positive, 71 reports): The game runs well even on older or lower-end hardware with fluid performance reported.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 31 reports): Mostly positive feedback, though there is an isolated report of performance issues.
  - Steam Deck / handheld (positive, 12 reports): The game performs well on Steam Deck with notable features enhancing the experience.
  - Caveats: 144 of 17879 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $3.00 - $8.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows that users frequently mention the game being worth its price, especially when on sale. The prices mentioned in the reviews range from very low prices during sales to slightly higher but still reasonable prices. The overall sentiment is that the game offers great value for money, which supports a fair base-game price range that is relatively low.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 50.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 0.3h
  - Endgame: 300.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides multiple references to the typical playtime for various aspects of the game. The first quote mentions that runs are short but satisfying, typically lasting 10-20 minutes, which aligns with the session length. The second and third quotes discuss completing the game with multiple characters on high difficulty levels, indicating a significant investment of time, supporting the endgame metric. The fourth quote mentions having more than 300 hours in the game, which supports the idea of extensive endgame content and long-term engagement.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game offers immediate fun with its fluid combat and variety of weapons and characters. The short run length and rewarding progression system make it highly addictive from the start.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: 0h 0m
  - Friction: The game can become repetitive after a while.; Some balance quirks can affect the enjoyment.
  - Unlock drivers: Variety of weapons and characters.; Rewarding progression system.; Short run length.
  - Conditions: Playing with friends in co-op mode.; Experimenting with different builds.; Playing on high difficulties.
- Player Archetypes:
  - Co-op Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Social interaction and cooperative gameplay.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys playing with others, often in short sessions, and appreciates the variety of characters and builds.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: co-op lover; social gamer
    - Reference games: Vampire Survivors; Binding of Isaac
  - Variety Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: Game variety and replayability.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys experimenting with different builds and characters, and appreciates the game's depth and mechanics.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: completionist; strategy gamer
    - Reference games: Vampire Survivors; Binding of Isaac
  - Progression Critic (sale)
    - Motivation: Seeking deeper progression systems.
    - Playstyle: Prefers games with meta-progression and long-term goals, and may find the game's lack of these features frustrating.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: hardcore gamer; progression seeker
    - Reference games: Dark Souls; Dead Cells


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:
- Variety in characters and weapons (weight 0.54): The game offers a high variety in weapon and character design, with many unique mechanics, builds, and items. This variety enhances the gameplay experience and provides players with numerous options.
- Addictive and enjoyable gameplay (weight 0.44): The gameplay is frequently described as addictive, enjoyable, and easy to pick up. Players find it fun, challenging, and rewarding, with a simple yet complex mechanics that keep them engaged.
- Local co-op support (weight 0.42): The game supports local co-op and multiplayer modes, which are well-received by players. This feature enhances the gaming experience and is seen as a significant plus.
- Positive overall impression (weight 0.2): Many players express a generally positive impression of the game, calling it good, great, and fun. They enjoy the game overall and find it to be a top-quality experience.
- Great time investment (weight 0.16): Players find the game to be a great time killer and a good investment of their time. It is enjoyable and worth the time spent playing.
- Optimized for multiple platforms (weight 0.13): The game runs well on various platforms, including Mac, PC, and Steam Deck. Players appreciate the smooth performance and optimization across different devices.

Common complaints:
- Repetitive gameplay loop (weight 0.37): Many players find the gameplay becomes repetitive and boring after extended play sessions or after a few rounds. This repetitiveness is noted in various aspects of the game, including the grind and the endless mode.
- Character and balance issues (weight 0.29): Players have reported issues with character balance, noting that some characters are overpowered or underpowered. This imbalance extends to character attributes and weapon imbalances, affecting the overall gameplay experience.
- Lack of online multiplayer (weight 0.21): A significant number of players have expressed disappointment over the lack of native online multiplayer functionality. The game's multiplayer experience is noted to be poor and in need of improvement.
- Achievements locked behind DLC (weight 0.1): Players are frustrated that some achievements require purchasing DLC, making it necessary to buy additional content to fully complete the game.
- Lack of build variety (weight 0.1): There is a noted lack of variety in successful builds, with some builds being non-viable. This limits player options and can make the game feel less engaging.
- Endless mode issues (weight 0.1): The endless mode is criticized for feeling half-baked, unnecessary, and overwhelming. It contributes to the repetitiveness of the game.
- Game crashes and lag (weight 0.1): Players have reported frequent game crashes, freezes, and lag issues, which can significantly impact the gameplay experience.
- Control and design issues (weight 0.09): Players have reported poor mouse controls and overall game design issues. These problems can detract from the enjoyment of the game.
- Remote play issues (weight 0.09): Remote play functionality is reported to be poor or unplayable, causing frustration for players trying to use this feature.
- Lack of enemy variety (weight 0.08): The game is criticized for having a lack of variety in enemies, making the gameplay feel bland and repetitive.
- Frustration with luck dependence (weight 0.08): The game's high dependence on randomness and luck can be frustrating for players, affecting the overall experience.
- Lack of story depth (weight 0.05): Players have noted the absence of a deep storyline, which can make the game feel less engaging.
- DLC quality concerns (weight 0.05): Some players feel that the DLC is not as good as the original game, making the overall experience less worthwhile.
- Difficulty spikes (weight 0.05): The game has notable difficulty spikes, particularly after the 20th wave, which can be frustrating for players.
- Desire for more content (weight 0.05): Players have expressed a desire for more content, including new monsters, to keep the game engaging.
- Non-viable weapons (weight 0.05): There are reports of many weapons being useless or non-viable, limiting player options and affecting gameplay.
- Character viability issues (weight 0.05): Some characters are reported to be hard to build effectively or even impossible to play, affecting the overall gameplay experience.
- Game mechanics problems (weight 0.05): There are reports of gameplay mechanics feeling unfair or problematic, affecting the overall enjoyment of the game.
- Pacifist character issues (weight 0.05): The pacifist character is noted to break the game's rhythm and is not enjoyable to play, affecting the overall gameplay experience.
- Comparison to Vampire Survivors (weight 0.05): Some players feel that the game is not as deep or engaging as Vampire Survivors, with less skill expression.
- Controller requirement issues (weight 0.05): Non-host players needing a controller input is reported to be weird and buggy, causing issues in multiplayer.
- Insufficient item descriptions (weight 0.05): There is a noted need for better item descriptions, as the current ones are insufficient.
- Poor and infrequent updates (weight 0.05): Players have noted that the game has poor and infrequent updates, which can affect the overall quality and engagement.
- Projectile behavior issues (weight 0.05): Identical enemy projectiles are reported to behave differently, and the same graphic is used for different projectile types, causing confusion and frustration.
- Simple graphics (weight 0.04): The game's graphics are noted to be simple, which may affect the overall visual appeal.

Gameplay feedback:
- Diverse character and weapon variety (weight 0.67): The game offers a wide range of characters and weapons, each with unique traits, abilities, and playstyles. This diversity allows for extensive customization and experimentation in character builds and combat strategies.
- Roguelite elements and mechanics (weight 0.24): The game incorporates roguelite elements, such as dynamic gameplay loops and random generation, which enhance replayability and provide a fresh experience with each playthrough.
- Engaging multiplayer and co-op gameplay (weight 0.19): The game features action-packed multiplayer and cooperative gameplay modes, including shared split-screen options. These modes provide challenging and enjoyable experiences for players looking to team up and tackle the game together.
- Wave-based survival mechanics (weight 0.19): Players must survive waves of enemies, with the game saving progress after each wave. The goal is to reach wave 20 to face a boss, adding a layer of strategy and endurance to the gameplay.
- Bullet-hell gameplay style (weight 0.13): The game features bullet-hell mechanics, combining intense action with roguelite elements. This creates a challenging and fast-paced gameplay experience.
- Simple yet deep gameplay mechanics (weight 0.13): The game offers simple gameplay mechanics that are easy to understand but provide enough depth to keep players engaged and experimenting with different strategies and builds.
- Build experimentation and crafting (weight 0.13): Build experimentation is a key part of the game, allowing players to craft and test various builds. This encourages creativity and strategic planning in character progression.
- Similar to Vampire Survivors (weight 0.12): The game is often compared to Vampire Survivors, sharing similar gameplay mechanics but with its own unique personality and features.
- Synergy between game elements (weight 0.11): The game emphasizes synergy between characters, statuses, weapons, and items. This interconnectedness enhances the overall gameplay experience and encourages strategic planning.
- Character builds and upgrades (weight 0.1): Character builds and upgrades are crucial aspects of the game, allowing players to customize and enhance their characters for different playstyles and strategies.
- Adaptive and enjoyable gameplay (weight 0.09): The game features adaptive mechanics and adjustable difficulty, making it enjoyable for a wide range of players, including those with different gaming preferences and needs.
- Good overall presentation (weight 0.09): The game is praised for its good graphics, soundtrack, and pure gameplay focus, providing an excellent overall presentation and gaming experience.

Performance notes:
- Excellent Steam Deck Performance (weight 0.15): The game runs very well on Steam Deck, including the OLED version, with smooth performance and no slowdowns even at lower TDP settings.
- Runs on Low-End Hardware (weight 0.14): The game can run smoothly on low-end or older computer configurations, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Frequent Crashing Issues (weight 0.13): Players report frequent crashes and game launch issues, which significantly impact the gaming experience.
- Well-Optimized Game (weight 0.12): The game is well-optimized, providing stable and smooth performance on various platforms.
- Good Battery Life (weight 0.08): The game is noted for its minimal battery drain, making it ideal for handheld devices.
- Late-Game Performance Issues (weight 0.08): There are performance issues in the late game, particularly when the screen becomes overcrowded with enemies.
- Multiplayer Lag Issues (weight 0.06): Multiplayer mode is reported to be very laggy, which can detract from the overall experience.
- Minimal System Requirements (weight 0.06): The game has minimal system requirements and can run on a wide range of hardware, including less powerful devices.
- Stuttering at Wave 50 (weight 0.03): Some players experience stuttering specifically at wave 50, which can affect gameplay.
- No Client-Side Lag (weight 0.03): Players report no client-side lag, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
- Fast Loading Times (weight 0.03): The game loads instantly, providing a seamless experience for players.
- Responsive Controls (weight 0.03): The game features responsive controls, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
- OLED Screen Dulling (weight 0.03): The game may cause the OLED screen to dull, which could be a concern for some users.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for roguelike fans (weight 0.2): Fans of roguelike and roguelite games are particularly recommended to try this game. It is praised for its gameplay mechanics that appeal to this genre.
- Highly recommended game (weight 0.18): Many players strongly recommend the game, highlighting its value and enjoyment. It is frequently suggested as a must-buy for various types of players.
- Fun and engaging gameplay (weight 0.16): The game is noted for its fun and engaging gameplay, making it a good purchase for those looking for enjoyable experiences.
- Improved multiplayer experience (weight 0.09): The multiplayer experience, especially with Steam friends, is noted to be improved and enjoyable.
- High replay value (weight 0.08): Players mention that the game has high replay value, making it enjoyable for multiple playthroughs.
- DLC recommended (weight 0.08): Players recommend getting the DLC for an enhanced gaming experience. It is suggested to get familiar with the base game before diving into the DLC.
- Ideal for Steam Deck (weight 0.06): The game is highly recommended for Steam Deck owners, suggesting it is well-suited for this platform.
- Good for casual and hardcore players (weight 0.03): The game is noted to be good for both casual and hardcore players, offering a balanced experience for different types of gamers.
- Worth playing despite initial impressions (weight 0.03): Despite any initial impressions, the game is considered worth playing, suggesting it may exceed expectations.
- Controller recommended (weight 0.03): It is highly recommended to use a controller for playing the game, suggesting better gameplay experience with a controller.
- Suitable for teens and adults (weight 0.03): The game is considered suitable for both teens and adults, making it a versatile choice for different age groups.
- Gift to a friend (weight 0.03): The game is suggested as a good option to gift to a friend, indicating its appeal and enjoyment factor.
- Watch videos for understanding (weight 0.03): Watching videos from specific content creators is recommended for a better understanding of the game.
- Needs quality-of-life improvements (weight 0.03): Some players mention that the game could benefit from quality-of-life improvements, indicating areas for potential enhancements.

Other player notes:
- Health and cognitive benefits (weight 0.06): Players reported that the game helped with weight loss and perceived cognitive improvements.
- Simultaneous keyboard control (weight 0.03): Players want all players to be able to use keyboard controls simultaneously during Remote Play.
- Item exchange in co-op (weight 0.03): Players want the feature to exchange items within the game during co-op mode.
- Multiple items at high luck (weight 0.03): There is a desire for the ability to choose from multiple items when luck rates are high.
- Add dash/acceleration feature (weight 0.03): There is a request to add a dash or acceleration feature to the game.
- Game engine used (weight 0.03): The game was made using the Godot engine, which is noted by the players.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.19): Players enjoy the game's fun and easy-to-learn mechanics, variety in gameplay, and the engaging cooperative modes. The addictive nature, diverse character builds, and satisfying progression also contribute significantly to the enjoyment.
- Frustration (weight 0.15): Players are frustrated by frequent game crashes, performance issues, and the overwhelming number of items and weapons. Additionally, the lack of developer response, poorly explained mechanics, and repetitive gameplay contribute to the frustration.
- Excitement (weight 0.13): Players are excited about the game's variety and depth, including the different classes, build combinations, and gameplay elements. The addictive and engaging gameplay, along with the anticipation of future updates, also contribute to this excitement.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.13): Players are satisfied with the game's variety, performance, and value for money. The enjoyable gameplay mechanics, character building, and satisfying progression also contribute to their overall satisfaction.
- Joy (weight 0.1): Players find joy in the game's fun and engaging gameplay, especially when playing with friends and family. The variety of characters, weapons, and strategies, along with the game's accessibility and addictive nature, enhance this joy.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.05): Players are enthusiastic about the game's depth, challenge, and replayability. The variety of gameplay mechanics, build diversity, and the game's addictive nature contribute to their enthusiasm.
- Disappointment (weight 0.04): Players feel disappointed due to the bland and repetitive gameplay loop, lack of online co-op, and the need for DLC to achieve full content. The game's casual feel and lack of scenario diversity also contribute to this disappointment.
- Excited (weight 0.03): Players are excited about the game's variety and content, enjoying the gameplay and looking forward to upcoming updates. The incredible updates, such as the addition of pets, and the positive gameplay experience contribute to their excitement.
- Frustrated (weight 0.03): Players are frustrated by the lack of online multiplayer functionality, gameplay issues, and lack of rewards. Imbalance, difficulty spikes, and achievements not unlocking despite completing difficult maps also contribute to their frustration.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Players experience boredom due to the repetitive and monotonous gameplay. The lack of variety in weapon formats and waves, as well as the repetitive later stages and shallow content, contribute to this boredom.
- Happiness (weight 0.01): Players find happiness in enjoying the game, especially when playing with family and partners. The game's engaging and fun nature contributes to their overall happiness.
- Relaxation (weight 0.01): Players find relaxation in the game's short and engaging rounds, as well as the enjoyable and pressure-free gameplay. Playing with friends and the game's ease and replayability also contribute to this relaxation.
- Happy (weight 0.01): Players are happy with the game's fun and engaging nature, enjoying the variety and combinations it offers. The gameplay challenges and value for money also contribute to their happiness.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Players feel anger due to dissatisfaction with DLC and character balance, as well as game issues and the developers' handling of updates. Poor updates and balance issues also contribute to their anger.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Players are enthusiastic about the game's unique and satisfying gameplay, finding it addictive and chaotic. The variety of builds and weapons also contribute to their enthusiasm.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised by the game's depth, which exceeds their initial expectations. The realization that the game has more depth than initially thought contributes to their surprise.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Players find amusement in the game's humorous and specific concept, as well as the absurd situations and light-hearted ridiculous humor it presents.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire the game's design and mechanics, appreciating the developers' continued updates and the game's status as a leader in its genre.
- Hopeful (weight 0.01): Players are hopeful about future game improvements, requesting a co-op mode and anticipating future content updates and mods.
- Satisfied (weight 0.01): Players are satisfied with the game's replayability and development, enjoying different builds and gameplay. The enjoyable gameplay and value for money also contribute to their satisfaction.}