Info about Herald of Havoc:

Official game description:
**Features**
------------
*   A campaign with 21 short and varied levels. Ranging from relatively calm levels with a lot of exploration and secrets... to huge arenas with hundreds of enemies at the screen. It takes roughly 3 hours to beat on normal difficulty without looking for secrets.
*   Need more? An Survival Mode is present with a Steam leaderboard. Loot random items and survive waves of enemies. 4 maps are available, ranging from simple arenas, to more complex maps with doors to unlock, and traps to activate.
*   12 unique weapons, each one having a primary and secondary fire, (and even a tertiary special ability for some of them). Some shoot bullets, some call down a huge lightning strike, one can even open a portal that spawn skeletons that fight for you... There's much more.

Release date: Jun 25, 2023

Categories: First-Person Shooter, Boomer Shooter, Arena Shooter, Retro FPS, Fast-paced Combat, Horde Survival


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $10.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews repeatedly criticize the game's short campaign and limited content as not worth full prices around $17, $20, or $25. Multiple users recommend waiting for a sale, and one explicitly says $8 felt worth every penny. This suggests the community sees a fair base-game price well below the current $16.99, anchored around the $5-$10 range.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 7.0h
  - Story completion: 3.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews consistently describe the main campaign as roughly 3 hours, with first-playthrough reports clustering around 2-3 hours, supporting storyCompletion at 3 hours. One review explicitly reports 7 hours to complete all achievements, which supports gameCompletion at 7 hours. The 5.5-hour hardest-difficulty report is a full playthrough variant and supports the short completion range, but no review gives a reliable standalone play-session duration; level times describe individual maps, not sessions. Survival and endless mode are mentioned qualitatively for replayability, but no numeric endgame duration is provided, so sessionLength and endgame are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Some players find the arcade combat immediately engaging, but the clearest time-to-fun signal is that enjoyment grows toward later levels as the aesthetic and level design improve. Per-level resets and shallow enemy damage cause others to bounce off before that point.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Reaching later levels/towards the end, where the aesthetic and level design grow on the player
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Low-poly graphics feel weak or overly simple; Enemies die in one or two hits, making combat feel boring; Arena room locking is only enjoyable when core gameplay is strong; Weapons, HP, and armor reset each map with no carry-over; Weapons are constantly stripped at each map, undermining progression; Rocket launcher is tedious due to easy self-damage in Endless Mode
  - Unlock drivers: Aesthetic grows on the player toward the end; Later levels are interesting and well-designed; Per-level reset creates new pacing, progression, and combat scenarios; Secrets are satisfying and rewarding without breaking level progression; High enemy volume makes choosing weapons against rushes engaging
  - Conditions: Preference for low-poly graphics; Preference for creepier aesthetics like Dusk/Cultic; Desire for short, hands-on engagement rather than a 100-hour RPG; Higher difficulty adds more monsters and high-tier monsters; Multiplayer is desired but not required for value; Tolerance for per-level stat and weapon resets; Interest in arena or Endless Mode
- Player Archetypes:
  - Retro Boomer-Shooter Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Reliving and continuing the fast, weapon-focused old-school FPS rush.
    - Playstyle: Fast run-and-gun single-player shooting, often on higher difficulties, with an eye for weapon feel and pacing.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: hardcore fans of retro shooters; veteran FPS fans; fan of retro shooters
    - Reference games: Quake; Doom; DUSK
  - Casual Price-Conscious Newcomer (sale)
    - Motivation: Cheap, easy-to-pick-up action fun without needing deep story or high skill.
    - Playstyle: Casual single-player sessions on easier difficulties, prioritizing fun and value over mastery.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Indie Retro Gem Supporter (buy)
    - Motivation: Discovering and supporting a polished solo-developed retro FPS gem.
    - Playstyle: Single-player campaign completion, appreciating compact design and moderate challenge; may hope for future multiplayer.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Quake 3; Unreal
  - Arena Horde Challenge Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: Intense arena fights and satisfying horde-clearing challenge.
    - Playstyle: Arena-based run-and-gun combat with heavy enemy pressure, often on normal or higher difficulty.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Painkiller; Quake; Serious Sam


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:
- Versatile and Satisfying Weapons (weight 0.97): Clusters 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 14, and 15 highlight that the game offers a wide variety of weapons, each with unique firing modes and satisfying feel. Players appreciate that every weapon feels useful, powerful, and fun to use, with creative designs.
- Excellent Level Design (weight 0.38): Clusters 4, 7, and 20 praise the levels as interesting, well-designed, and non-monotonous. The levels flow well, are short but packed with action, and maintain high quality throughout.
- Fast-Paced Combat and Movement (weight 0.32): Clusters 9, 15, and 18 emphasize that combat is fast, demanding, and satisfying, with solid movement and gunplay. Players enjoy the fast-paced action that keeps them engaged.
- Overall Game Quality (weight 0.26): Clusters 6 and 13 state that the game is great, fantastic, and definitely worthwhile. It is well worth playing and extremely solid overall.
- Retro Shooter Excellence (weight 0.25): Clusters 8 and 18 describe the game as a fantastic retro shooter with Quake 1 vibes, one of the best throwback shooters that outperforms many others. It delivers a nostalgic yet superior experience.
- Dynamic Shooter Experience (weight 0.16): Cluster 5 describes the game as a great shooter with interesting dynamic gameplay, an amazing boomer shooter, and a great FPS experience. It stands out as a top-tier shooter.
- Well-Balanced Difficulty (weight 0.12): Cluster 17 notes that the difficulty is well-balanced, challenging but never unfair, with a well-done difficulty curve. This provides a satisfying challenge for players.
- Varied and Aggressive Enemies (weight 0.12): Cluster 16 mentions a decent variety of enemies with unique attack patterns and calibrated aggressiveness. This keeps combat interesting and diverse.

Common complaints:
- Generic graphics and art (weight 0.37): Graphics and art design are often described as generic, uninspiring, and lacking atmosphere. Many feel they are too clean or flat.
- Almost no story (weight 0.28): The game lacks a substantial narrative, with reviewers describing the story as barely there or non-existent. This leaves the game feeling shallow for those expecting a plot.
- Overpriced for content (weight 0.26): Reviewers feel the game is not worth the full price due to its short length and lack of content. Many suggest waiting for a discount.
- Mediocre level design (weight 0.26): Level design is often criticized as mediocre, bland, and lacking in creativity. Some maps feel like empty hallways or filler.
- Difficulty imbalance (weight 0.22): Difficulty settings are unbalanced: easy is too boring, normal is too hard, and hard is extremely punishing. There is no satisfying middle ground.
- Forgettable music (weight 0.2): The soundtrack is considered generic and forgettable, with some noting it is hard to hear over weapon sounds or quickly becomes unnoticeable.
- Episode 3 disappoints (weight 0.2): The third episode is widely criticized for being hacky, effortless filler, and having strange moments. It is seen as a low point compared to earlier episodes.
- Movement physics issues (weight 0.19): Movement feels floaty with too much inertia, and there are problems with sticking to walls, sliding on slopes, and jittery camera movement.
- Weak final boss (weight 0.19): The final boss fight is considered trivially easy and underwhelming. Some also dislike multistage bosses with platforming.
- Lacks innovation (weight 0.19): The game does not innovate or stand out in the saturated boomer shooter market. Other games offer better experiences at similar or lower prices.
- No progression between maps (weight 0.17): Weapons, health, and armor reset at each map, removing any sense of progression. This design choice is widely disliked.
- Short levels (weight 0.16): Levels are often brief, which contributes to the overall short game length. Some players find this disappointing.
- Tutorial and hints lacking (weight 0.16): The game fails to properly tutorialize special abilities and alt-fire modes, leaving players confused. Some only discovered key mechanics after finishing the game.
- Mouse acceleration problems (weight 0.14): Mouse acceleration is present and cannot be disabled in-game, which breaks the experience for many players. This is a common technical complaint.
- Save and softlock bugs (weight 0.14): Saving during scripted sequences or trap sections can break scripting and cause softlocks. This is a severe technical issue.
- Poor enemy variety (weight 0.13): Enemy variety is lacking, with many types behaving similarly. This leads to repetitive combat encounters.
- Lack of dash/slide (weight 0.13): The absence of dash or slide moves makes dodging difficult, especially in arena mode. This is seen as a step back from similar games.
- Bullet sponge enemies (weight 0.1): Many enemies, especially larger ones, are bullet sponges that take excessive damage to kill. This makes combat feel tedious rather than enjoyable.
- Low replayability (weight 0.09): The game offers little replay value outside of endless mode, partly due to its emphasis on setpiece levels.

Gameplay feedback:
- Old-school retro FPS style (weight 0.42): Reviewers frequently describe the game as an old-school, retro-inspired first-person shooter in the style of classic 90s shooters. This nostalgic appeal is a major draw for fans of the genre.
- Large varied weapon arsenal (weight 0.41): The game offers a substantial arsenal of around a dozen weapons, including shotguns, rocket launchers, and lightning guns, each with unique characteristics. Weapon variety is a standout feature.
- Pistol start each level (weight 0.39): Every level begins with only the starting sword and pistol, stripping any weapons collected previously. This design enforces a consistent reset and is a core part of the retro shooter identity.
- Fast-paced action combat (weight 0.26): Combat is consistently praised for being fast-paced, dynamic, and intense, with a strong emphasis on movement and shooting. The high speed keeps players engaged throughout.
- Massive enemy hordes (weight 0.26): Many levels feature overwhelming numbers of enemies, from dozens to hundreds, creating chaotic and thrilling battles. This horde-style combat is a signature element of the game.
- Alternate fire modes (weight 0.23): Most or all weapons have multiple firing modes, such as primary, secondary, and even tertiary attacks, adding depth to combat. This mechanic is frequently highlighted as a strong point.
- Well-designed interesting levels (weight 0.22): Level design is often described as fun, exciting, and well-crafted, with layouts that encourage exploration and combat. The variety and quality of levels receive consistent praise.
- Quake-like inspiration (weight 0.22): The game draws heavy inspiration from Quake, with similar weapons, enemies, and map design, appealing to fans of that classic series. Many reviewers explicitly compare it to Quake.
- Havoc difficulty intensifies challenge (weight 0.19): The Havoc difficulty setting significantly increases enemy counts, introduces tougher enemies earlier, and limits available weaponry, offering a hardcore challenge. Players seeking a tough experience appreciate this option.
- Arena shooter elements (weight 0.18): The game incorporates arena shooter mechanics, with confined spaces and swarms of enemies, blending classic arena combat with a single-player campaign. This appeals to fans of both styles.
- Levels organized into episodes (weight 0.13): The campaign is split into episodes, typically three, with varying numbers of levels (e.g., 8, 8, and 5). This structure provides a clear progression and pacing.
- Secrets hidden in levels (weight 0.13): Levels contain hidden secrets tucked away in nooks and crannies, rewarding exploration and careful observation. Finding secrets adds replay value and engagement.
- Levels feature keys and enemies (weight 0.13): Many levels use keycards and lock-and-key progression, paired with varying enemy counts from around 50 to over 500. This classic structure keeps gameplay focused and goal-oriented.
- Weapons do not carry over (weight 0.11): Weapons are stripped at the end of each level, resetting the player to the starting sword and pistol for the next level. This is a deliberate design choice that reinforces the retro gameplay loop.
- Powerups add combat variety (weight 0.09): Powerups like dual-wield, quad damage, haste, slow-mo, and infinite ammo are available and significantly alter combat dynamics. They provide strategic options and moments of empowerment.
- Infinite mode with arenas (weight 0.09): An infinite mode offers endless arena combat across multiple maps with waves of enemies. This mode extends replayability beyond the main campaign.
- Single-player campaign focus (weight 0.09): The game is primarily a single-player experience with a full campaign, which is appreciated by solo players. The absence of multiplayer is not a major complaint.
- Melee combat with swords (weight 0.08): Melee combat using swords is available and described as meaty, providing an alternative to gunplay. It adds a visceral layer to close-quarters encounters.
- Infinite ammo on some levels (weight 0.08): Certain levels grant infinite ammo, allowing for unrestricted shooting and experimentation. This feature is noted as a fun break from resource management.
- Simplistic gunplay and boomshoot (weight 0.08): The gunplay is described as solid and straightforward, catering to fans of boomshoot-style action. It focuses on satisfying shooting without overly complex mechanics.

Performance notes:
- Excellent Overall Performance (weight 0.29): Most players report smooth, well-optimized performance, even with large numbers of enemies on screen. The game is easy to run and does not demand high-end hardware.
- Crashes Reported (weight 0.09): A few players experience constant crashes, including system-level crashes that reboot the PC. This appears to be a minority issue.
- FPS Drops With Many Enemies (weight 0.09): Performance dips occur when around 80 enemies spawn simultaneously, likely due to CPU load from enemy count rather than poor level optimization or particle effects.
- Steam Deck Compatibility (weight 0.05): Runs great on Steam Deck with specific settings: using WASD gamepad with mouse and lowering sensitivity.

Recommendations:
- Appeals to Quake and Doom fans (weight 0.42): Many reviewers strongly recommend the game for fans of classic shooters like Quake, Doom, and old-school FPS titles. It is repeatedly called a must-have for those nostalgic for the original games.
- Positive general recommendations (weight 0.33): A large number of reviewers give the game a straightforward recommendation without specific caveats. It is widely praised as a good game worth playing.
- Mixed opinions on pricing (weight 0.3): Some reviewers recommend buying only on sale, citing insufficient content or high price for the length. Others suggest supporting the developer at full price.
- Recommended for boomer shooter fans (weight 0.26): Numerous reviewers recommend the game specifically to fans of the boomer shooter genre. It is seen as a solid entry that will satisfy enthusiasts of retro-style shooters.
- Short but engaging experience (weight 0.21): Reviewers note the game is compact but intense, perfect for a quick session. It is described as a great way to spend an afternoon or a few evenings.
- Good value for money (weight 0.2): Several reviewers feel the game is worth its price and offers good value. However, some note that the amount of content may not justify the full price.
- Recommended for retro shooter fans (weight 0.16): The game is frequently recommended to fans of retro shooters and fast-paced FPS games. It appeals to those who enjoy classic-style shooting action.
- Support indie developers (weight 0.12): Several reviewers encourage buying the game to support the indie developer. They believe the developer deserves support for their work.
- Recommended for Dusk fans (weight 0.09): The game is specifically recommended to fans of Dusk, indicating a similar style and appeal. It fits well within the niche of Quake-like shooters.
- Good for genre newcomers (weight 0.09): The game is recommended as a great starting point for those new to the boomer shooter genre. It provides an accessible introduction to the style.
- Casual and engaging shooter (weight 0.08): The game is described as perfect for when you want an engaging activity without a long commitment. It is easy to pick up and enjoy in short bursts.
- Recommend playing on harder difficulties (weight 0.08): Some reviewers suggest playing on veteran difficulty or higher for a better experience. This implies the game may be more enjoyable at higher challenge levels.
- Worth trying with free demo (weight 0.05): Some reviewers suggest trying the free demo before buying. It is seen as a low-risk way to experience the game.
- Technical issues hinder experience (weight 0.05): One reviewer mentions that mouse acceleration is a problem that, if fixed, would make the game a must-play. This suggests potential technical drawbacks.
- Multistage bosses with platforming criticized (weight 0.05): A reviewer downvotes the game due to multistage bosses that include platforming sections. This indicates a specific gameplay complaint.
- Not a must-play but enjoyable (weight 0.05): One reviewer states the game is not a must-play but is enjoyable without caveats. This suggests a more moderate positive opinion.

Other player notes:
- Quake and Doom comparison (weight 0.54): Reviews consistently compare the game to classic Quake and Doom titles, often calling it a Quake-like or boomer shooter with Doom influences. The combat and level design evoke these older shooters, though some note it lacks the full polish of genre peers.
- Short campaign duration (weight 0.47): Many players report the main campaign lasting only 2.5 to 4 hours, with a few extending to 6-9 hours. This brevity is frequently mentioned, sometimes positively as short and sweet, but often as a drawback.
- Serious Sam similarities (weight 0.22): The game is often compared to Serious Sam for its arena shooter style and mix with Quake and Doom elements. This indicates a shared audience and gameplay loop.
- Dusk comparisons (weight 0.22): Players compare the game to Dusk, noting similar spirit but with a more Quake/Unreal aesthetic and meatier combat. Some feel it is less ambitious or polished than Dusk.
- Replayability and extra modes (weight 0.16): The game offers good replay value, including an endless arena mode with waves and multiple maps. This adds longevity beyond the short campaign.
- Positive ratings (weight 0.08): Some reviewers rate the game highly, such as 9 out of 10, indicating strong satisfaction within the genre.
- Solo developer project (weight 0.08): The game was created by a single developer, which is notable for its scope and quality. This context often influences reviews positively.
- Early access period (weight 0.08): The game spent about 6 months in early access before full release. This may have affected content and polish.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.24): Players enjoy the game's fluid movement, diverse and satisfying weapons, and well-designed levels that deliver fast-paced, action-packed combat. The retro-inspired mechanics and polished gunplay create a highly replayable and fun experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.23): Disappointment stems from weak level design, lack of enemy variety, and a short campaign, especially in the third episode which feels rushed and inconsistent. Technical issues, floaty movement, and missing features like multiplayer further detract from the experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.18): Satisfaction comes from well-balanced weapons and enemies, rewarding secrets, and cathartic shooting mechanics that make players feel powerful. The solid level design and fast-paced combat provide a deeply fulfilling experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.17): Excitement is driven by intense, adrenaline-fueled combat with powerful weapons and dynamic encounters. The game's fast-paced action, epic boss fights, and energetic level design keep players engaged and eager for more.
- Appreciation (weight 0.08): Appreciation arises from the game's successful blend of classic retro shooter elements with modern improvements, featuring tight controls, creative weapons, and replayable gameplay. It stands out as one of the best in the genre.
- Frustration (weight 0.07): Frustration is caused by technical issues like crashes and save bugs, along with unfair difficulty spikes and bullet-spongy enemies. Movement problems and missing quality-of-life features further aggravate players.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.06): Enthusiasm is fueled by the game's fast and dynamic gameplay, creative weapon design, and catchy music. The intense combat and rewarding exploration evoke classic shooters while feeling fresh.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Joy comes from the satisfying feel of specific weapons like the Rotary Shotgun and ChainShotgun, and the fun of discovering secrets in fast-paced shooting sequences.
- Surprise (weight 0.03): Surprise results from the game exceeding low expectations, with unexpectedly fun and challenging combat despite simple visuals. Many players find it to be one of the best retro shooters they've played.
- Anticipation (weight 0.03): Anticipation is high as players look forward to replaying the game and are eager to see what the developer creates next, indicating strong engagement and desire for more content.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.03): Nostalgia is evoked by the game's classic Doom-like pistol starts and overall reminiscent feel of old-school shooters, delivering familiar feelings in a new package.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Hope is expressed for the game to gain more recognition and for the developer to receive resources for modding or a sequel, reflecting a desire for the game's continued growth.
- Fun (weight 0.02): Fun is had through strategic survival gameplay in Endless Mode and hectic, enjoyable shooting with a variety of guns that are satisfying to use.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Dissatisfaction is caused by the rocket hitbox being too large, leading to unintended self-damage and frustrating gameplay moments.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike is directed at multistage bosses that include platforming sections, which some players find unenjoyable and disruptive to the combat flow.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance stems from hitscan enemies spamming everywhere and the lack of progression carry-over between maps, which can make the game feel repetitive and frustrating.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom occurs when the game becomes meaningless and tedious due to difficulty balancing issues, making it hard for some players to stay engaged and finish.
- Delight (weight 0.01): Delight is felt from the recoil animations of weapons like the machine gun and shotgun, which add a satisfying and enjoyable tactile feel to combat.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness is expressed that not many people know the game exists, reflecting a desire for wider recognition and appreciation of the game's quality.
- Concern (weight 0.01): Concern is raised about the price seeming steep for the amount of content offered, indicating potential value-for-money issues for some players.}