Info about The Riftbreaker: Into The Dark:

Official game description:
Ashley was taught to leave no stone unturned during her Riftbreaking missions. That’s exactly what she did on Galatea 37. What she found will make her reconsider her training. The Riftbreaker: Into the Dark takes you into the unknown depths of an expansive cavern system below the surface of Galatea 37. Its unique ecosystem hides not only unthinkable riches but also a dark ghost from Ashley’s past. Into the Dark will pose a set of unique challenges and test your adaptation skills as danger lurks around every corner.
About The Expansion:
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Into the Dark is the second World Expansion for The Riftbreaker. Its brand-new Story Campaign branch will take our heroes on a journey through the caverns of Galatea 37. A series of anomalous neutrino bursts and unusual seismic activity will lead Ashley and Mr. Riggs to face a world-ending threat. They will have to use all of their skills to find their way around the caverns and uncover the root of the problem. Dig your way through the caverns, collect research samples, invent new technologies, and save this world from an enemy within.
Features:
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*   Play a new branch of the Story Campaign taking place in an underground biome.
*   Dig your way through the caverns using a new drilling gameplay mechanic.
*   Collect information on new creatures, vegetation, and other curiosities found only in this environment.
*   Repel attacks from massive underground beasts using new weapons and technology.
*   Adapt your base-building methods to make the most of the difficult terrain and power-generation issues.
*   Discover previously unknown details from Ashley’s past.
Contents of this Expansion:
---------------------------
The Story portion of this Expansion is integrated with the Main Campaign from the base edition of The Riftbreaker. The new branch and the contents of the expansion will unlock as you progress through the game. If you have previously completed The Riftbreaker Story Campaign, you can continue your adventure where you left off. The additional part of the Story will unlock immediately, giving you the option to explore the new part of the world.

Release date: May 29, 2023

Categories: Base Building, Tower Defense, Twin-stick Shooter, Survival, Resource Management, Action RPG, Exploration

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair / Traditional DLC; summary: The reviews focus on DLC/expansion pricing and content. Some praise the DLC as cheap and worthwhile, while a few criticize content quality or value. There is no direct evidence that the game sells real-money in-game purchases, loot boxes, premium currencies, paid power, or battle passes. The monetization therefore appears to be a traditional paid DLC model, which is fair under the scoring rules.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $25.00 - $35.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews show that the community accepts full price for content it finds worthwhile, while a common sentiment is to wait for a discount. This balance indicates a fair base-game price in the mid-tier rather than a premium or budget-only range. The positive value assessments and discount sensitivity support a moderate range of roughly $25 to $35.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 6.0h
  - Story completion: 4.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The 6-hour quote directly reports completing Into the Dark, so it supports gameCompletion at 6 hours. The Polish and Chinese quotes estimate the DLC campaign or underground exploration at 3-4 or 4 hours, supporting storyCompletion around 4 hours. The 2-3 hour quote is a lower estimate for the DLC experience. No review gives a clear typical session length or a separate endgame duration, so those metrics are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: According to these reports, the DLC does not develop a fun phase; players describe it as boring, tedious, and adding little useful content, with a difficulty spike that makes early starting worse.
  - Stance: Never clicks
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Difficulty spike when started early; Tedious cave system for base building and exploration; Repetitive events and difficult building; Fewer chances to use towers; Long, boring dialogues outside the core moment; No useful equipment or technology added for the rest of the game
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: Starting the DLC only after reaching mid-to-late game in the normal campaign; Enjoyment inherited from the base game rather than the DLC itself
- Player Archetypes:
  - Base-Building Wave-Defense Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: To build and optimize bases while defending against large-scale enemy attack waves.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on base construction, outpost management, and twin-stick combat against huge enemy swarms.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Veteran Challenge-Seeking Optimizer (sale)
    - Motivation: To find and preserve a meaningful combat challenge rather than trivialize the game with late-game power.
    - Playstyle: Delays DLC content, manages gear tiers carefully, and analyzes enemy resistances and attack patterns.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Metal Terror
  - Dev-Supporting Franchise Loyalist (buy)
    - Motivation: To support the developers, keep the game growing, and remain connected to its community.
    - Playstyle: Plays the base game plus DLCs, follows community streams, and advocates for future features like co-op.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Metal Terror
  - Tactical Cave-Mechanics Explorer (sale)
    - Motivation: To discover and exploit the DLC's new underground mechanics and tactical possibilities.
    - Playstyle: Explores cave routes, uses drilling and stealth tools to shape enemy paths, and experiments with defensive setups.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - 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:
- New biome and enemies added (weight 0.97): The DLC introduces new underground biomes, enemies, weapons, and defensive structures. These additions provide variety and fresh challenges for players.
- DLC is fun and enjoyable (weight 0.78): Overall, players report having a good time with the DLC, finding it a fun and refreshing addition to the base game. The new content is engaging and provides many hours of entertainment.
- New mechanics and underground gameplay (weight 0.67): The DLC introduces unique gameplay mechanics such as digging, limited energy generation, and underground base building. These changes offer a fresh experience compared to the surface gameplay.
- Story and campaign expanded (weight 0.54): The DLC expands the game's storyline, particularly focusing on Ashley's backstory, and adds new campaign missions. It integrates well with the main game, allowing players to hop in and out.
- Boss fights are enjoyable (weight 0.4): The addition of boss fights is well-received, with many praising their mechanics and the challenge they provide. Some note that the fight can end quickly with high-damage weapons.
- New items and buildings (weight 0.37): The DLC adds a variety of new items, buildings, and defensive structures. These integrate well with the base game and offer new strategic options.
- DLC is worth the price (weight 0.33): Many reviewers find the DLC to be excellent value for money, especially at its low price point. It offers substantial content and enjoyable gameplay relative to its cost.
- New weapons and towers (weight 0.32): New weapons, such as the Immolator and Bouncing Blades, and towers like the energy pylon are highlights. They are practical and add to the combat variety.
- Unique enemy designs (weight 0.29): New enemies with well-defined roles, such as the Necrodon summoner and reanimating enemies, add variety and challenge to combat. Their designs are often described as interesting and terrifying.
- Visuals and atmosphere praised (weight 0.28): The new underground environments are visually striking, with beautiful lighting and bioluminescent flora. The crystal caverns and overall aesthetic are frequently complimented.
- Digging and terrain interaction (weight 0.21): The ability to dig tunnels and create custom paths is a unique and enjoyable mechanic. It adds a new layer of strategy and exploration to the game.
- Energy management changes (weight 0.19): The DLC changes energy generation, with limitations on solar and wind power and a reliance on geothermal energy. This forces players to rethink their base layouts and expand further.
- Stable performance and bug fixes (weight 0.19): The DLC is noted for being relatively bug-free, with no progress-blocking issues. Developers are also praised for quickly addressing any minor bugs that arose.
- Lore and story depth (weight 0.1): The DLC provides more lore about Ashley and her backstory, expanding the game's narrative. The story is well-done and leaves players wanting to learn more.
- Technical and graphical improvements (weight 0.1): The DLC features graphical enhancements and runs smoothly on a technical level. The game looks and plays amazingly according to some reviewers.
- Integration with base game (weight 0.09): The DLC integrates seamlessly with the main game, allowing players to access new content without disrupting their existing progress. This flexibility is appreciated.
- Branching story paths (weight 0.08): The DLC includes branching story routes and decisions that affect the rest of the mission tree. This adds replayability and a sense of consequence.
- Free update enhancements (weight 0.07): A substantial free update accompanies the DLC, adding new features like a trap system. This is seen as a generous bonus for all players.
- Campaign length and pacing (weight 0.04): The DLC campaign is around 10 hours long, which many consider an ideal length. It doesn't overstay its welcome and provides a satisfying experience.
- Map regeneration and replayability (weight 0.04): Map regeneration makes the game feel fresh each time and adds complexity. This feature is appreciated for extending the game's longevity.

Common complaints:
- Game-breaking progression bugs (weight 0.28): Several bugs block progression: after building the fourth seismic analyzer, the drill elevator cannot be activated. After defeating the behemoth, the player cannot descend or return, ending the campaign.
- DLC is boring and uninteresting (weight 0.25): Players find the DLC boring, junk, and the least interesting of the bunch. Many describe it as not fun and lacking engaging content.
- Longstanding bugs remain unfixed (weight 0.2): Multiple reports indicate a bug has persisted for years, since 2023, despite patches. Patches have been released but the bug remains unresolved.
- Story is weak and undeveloped (weight 0.17): The story is considered meh, with a good idea that is too little developed and botched. It lacks a proper start and end.
- Underground stuck progression bug (weight 0.15): The game gets stuck when going underground, making it impossible to continue. Players cannot enter the underground cave, blocking progress.
- DLC mechanics annoying and buggy (weight 0.14): The DLC includes the most annoying mechanics and is pretty buggy. Digging mechanics are time-consuming and slow down progress significantly.
- DLC disconnected from main campaign (weight 0.12): The DLC does not connect to the main campaign or previous DLC in any way. It adds little beyond dialogue and lacks narrative integration.
- Poor balance and overwhelming enemies (weight 0.12): The game is far too poorly balanced with too many enemies that are far too strong. Players get swarmed and die repeatedly.
- Metal Terror was better (weight 0.11): Players compare the DLC unfavorably to Metal Terror, stating it was much better and better balanced. The new DLC is less fun and shorter.
- Performance drops and lag (weight 0.11): Performance drops over time when staying long in the new biome, even after reloading. Monster spawns increased until the game lagged and froze.
- Reskinned enemies lacking variety (weight 0.11): Most enemies are just reskins, with some areas having reskinned enemies. This reduces excitement compared to previous DLCs like Metal Terror.
- Excessive plot running back and forth (weight 0.11): The plot keeps going, making you run back and forth across maps. You must build otherwise-useless plot buildings, some requiring water and pipes through rock.
- Save file corruption and loss (weight 0.09): Reloading several times corrupted the save file, losing dozens of hours of progress. Another case involved a Steam Deck save overriding the desktop save.
- Earthquake laboratory building bug (weight 0.08): The earthquake laboratory cannot be built; the prompt appears but the building does not show up. This occurs in the crystal cave halfway through the mission, with only the icon flashing.
- Loading screen stuck bug (weight 0.08): The game gets stuck on a loading screen on the second descent. Loading a save does not resolve the issue.
- DLC not worth the price (weight 0.08): Players feel the DLC is not worth it unless you love new features or are a huge fan. It is rated around 5/10.
- Tedious gameplay with obstacles (weight 0.08): The execution is a pain with tight spaces and destructible rock requiring constant melee carving. Obstacles only take explosion damage, making melee weapons useless.
- Annoying events and kiting (weight 0.08): Events are more annoying than challenging, especially long kiting events where things fall from the sky for minutes. Underground meteor showers follow you and destroy buildings.
- Lack of new defensive facilities (weight 0.08): Besides the crystal wall, there are no new defensive facilities, making the content feel low. Players want new defense towers and energy sources.
- Crystal wall feature unexplained (weight 0.05): The crystal wall automatically rebuilds after destruction, but this important feature is not documented. The building description only mentions damage when destroyed.

Gameplay feedback:
- Digging and Cave Exploration (weight 0.36): A core new mechanic involves manually digging tunnels through soft rock to create paths. This is tied to a cave or underground setting, adding exploration elements.
- Boss Fights with Story (weight 0.31): The DLC includes boss fights integrated into the story, some with their own arenas and dialogue choices. This adds narrative and challenge.
- Base Building and Exploration (weight 0.29): The DLC emphasizes base building and map exploration, allowing players to construct underground bases and outposts. This adds a strategic layer.
- New and Reskinned Enemies (weight 0.25): The DLC adds a variety of new enemies, including armored and difficult foes, as well as variants of existing ones. Many monsters are introduced, enhancing combat variety.
- New Weapons and Unlocks (weight 0.2): The DLC introduces new weapons such as Shard Gun, Sonic Fist, and Sonic Grenade, along with buildings and walls. These unlocks expand gameplay options.
- New Biomes and Environments (weight 0.19): The DLC includes new biomes, such as a cave biome with bioluminescent flora, that change gameplay habits. These environments offer fresh visual and strategic experiences.
- Energy Mechanics and Limitations (weight 0.17): The game features an energy mechanic with production, turrets, and limited power sources. This adds resource management and strategic depth.
- Branching Story and Missions (weight 0.14): The DLC features a separate story branch with branching routes and includes missions with equipment and technology. This adds replayability and narrative depth.
- New Enemy Abilities (weight 0.08): New enemy types include one that can revive fallen enemies and another that summons allies, such as a necromancer. These abilities add tactical challenges.
- Tech Tree Progression (weight 0.08): The DLC includes a tech tree progression system, allowing players to unlock new technologies and equipment. This adds long-term progression.
- Additional Map Choices (weight 0.08): The DLC offers additional map choices and adds a few additions to the base game. This provides more variety in level selection.

Performance notes:
- Performance issues in new zone (weight 0.12): Multiple reviewers report heavy lag, stuttering, and freezing in the new zone or biome, especially with many monsters spawning. The game also experiences crashes and performance degradation over time.
- Unoptimized even on high-end PCs (weight 0.09): The game lags and stutters on top-tier hardware such as an i9-13900k and RTX 4090. This indicates severe optimization problems across all system configurations.

Recommendations:
- Optional DLC, skippable but enjoyable (weight 0.41): Many reviewers consider this DLC optional side content, not essential to the base game. Some enjoyed it but wouldn't miss it if skipped.
- Wait for sale or discount (weight 0.3): A recurring recommendation is to wait for a discount or sale, as the DLC is not worth full price. Some suggest a deep sale of 90% off.
- Worth full price for many (weight 0.27): Numerous reviewers found the DLC worth it at full price, citing good content and reasonable pricing.
- Recommended for base game fans (weight 0.2): Those who enjoy the base game and want more content are likely to appreciate this DLC. It is recommended for fans seeking additional hours.
- Support small developers (weight 0.19): Some reviewers recommend buying the DLC to support the small independent development team, even if the content is not essential.
- Good value for price (weight 0.17): Many find the DLC offers good value for its price, especially when on sale. The content justifies the cost for many players.
- Enjoyable gameplay and content (weight 0.16): Reviewers who enjoyed the DLC highlight the gameplay, new biome, and overall fun factor.
- Not recommended, negative reviews (weight 0.15): Some reviewers strongly advise against buying the DLC, citing lack of value or other issues.
- Positive but with reservations (weight 0.15): Several reviewers recommend the DLC but with caveats, such as only for huge fans or those who love the new features.
- Metal Terror preferred over this (weight 0.14): When comparing DLCs, reviewers consistently recommend Metal Terror over Into the Dark. If choosing between the two, Metal Terror is the better pick.
- Recommended for late-game players (weight 0.11): Some suggest tackling this DLC in the mid-to-late game or after progressing a good while. It is best suited for later stages.
- Skip and enjoy base game (weight 0.07): Some reviewers advise skipping the DLC and enjoying the base game with 100% content instead.
- Too easy, lacks challenge (weight 0.05): A few reviewers noted the DLC is extremely easy, especially if players have advanced gear. Those seeking a challenge should attempt it before obtaining powerful items.
- Game-breaking bug blocks recommendation (weight 0.05): At least one reviewer cannot recommend the DLC due to a game-breaking bug that prevents playability. This is a critical issue.
- Recommended for first playthrough (weight 0.04): One reviewer suggests buying the DLC for the first playthrough of the game, including the second DLC.
- Takes about 8 hours to complete (weight 0.04): A reviewer noted that clearing 100% of the DLC's content takes roughly 8 hours.
- Steam generator tip for mines (weight 0.03): One reviewer recommends inventing the steam generator so that mines become invisible to enemies.
- Translation issues affect experience (weight 0.03): A reviewer mentioned borderline recommendation due to translation problems, affecting overall enjoyment.
- Not worth it unless love new features (weight 0.03): One reviewer states the DLC is not worth it unless players really fall in love with one of the new features.
- Do not support developers (weight 0.03): A single reviewer explicitly says not to support these developers, citing unspecified reasons.

Other player notes:
- Often compared to Metal Terror (weight 0.4): Many reviewers compare this DLC unfavorably to the previous Metal Terror expansion, citing less excitement, less balance, and less impressive rewards. Some say Metal Terror was better overall.
- Bug workarounds with save reload (weight 0.19): Some players encounter bugs that require workarounds such as saving and reloading the game or using console commands to finish stuck triggers. The developer also fixes bugs quickly.
- Second DLC in series (weight 0.18): This is the second DLC for The Riftbreaker, part of a series of add-ons. It is sometimes bundled with the first DLC in a complete pack.
- Comparisons to other games (weight 0.17): Reviewers compare this DLC to various games like Deep Rock Galactic, StarCraft, Dungeon Keeper, The Binding of Isaac, and Hell Let Loose. Some note similarities in art style and mechanics.
- Good visuals and new biome (weight 0.15): The DLC offers pretty visuals and improved graphics, with a new biome that is more pleasant visually than the first DLC's biome. The crystal caverns map is also available for free in survival mode.
- Least fun among DLCs (weight 0.15): Multiple reviewers consider this DLC the least enjoyable of the three DLCs for The Riftbreaker. It is often described as the least compelling and least impressive compared to the others.
- Variable playtime based on difficulty (weight 0.15): Playtime varies depending on tech level and difficulty settings, with some completing in 6 hours including optional missions, and others taking about 10 hours. One reviewer played on Custom mode with Hard/Brutal enemies.
- Story connections and additions (weight 0.12): The DLC adds a new arc to the story and connects to the main plot, though some reviewers note no link to previous DLC or main story. Dialogue can be funny but choices lack meaning.
- Free update alongside DLC (weight 0.12): The DLC launched alongside a free update that added optimizations like area repair and rebuild to the base game, not exclusive to the DLC. Voice acting was also added.
- Short playtime of 2-4 hours (weight 0.12): The DLC is frequently noted to be very short, typically lasting about 2 to 4 hours. One reviewer completed it in 2 hours, while another took 3-4 hours.
- Small independent developer support (weight 0.11): The expansion is made by a small independent team based in Poland, and reviewers support the developers with their purchase. The developers are described as awesome and have a Discord.
- Adds content to base game (weight 0.11): The DLC expands the base game with additional content of the same type. It includes an update and new content, continuing the core gameplay.
- Limited content amount (weight 0.11): Some reviewers feel the DLC has relatively low content amount, with only a few additions to the base game and no new defensive facilities besides the crystal wall. Others wish there were more content.
- No co-op multiplayer support (weight 0.1): The DLC does not support co-op multiplayer, and online/local co-op is highly requested but not yet implemented. The base game includes multiplayer server connection but not for this DLC.
- One-time exploration map design (weight 0.09): The map is designed for one-time exploration, with opportunities for colored eggs and enemy summon towers. By the end, players accumulate plenty of rare weapons.
- Adds new towers and weapons (weight 0.08): The DLC introduces new defensive towers and weapons, including the Immolator which one reviewer calls their favorite in the whole game. Additional technologies are also included.
- Optional side content (weight 0.07): All DLCs for The Riftbreaker are optional side content that expands an already complete game. They are playable after completing the campaign mode.
- Poor Chinese localization (weight 0.07): One reviewer notes that the DLC has Chinese localization but finds it poorly done. Another mentions partial Russian translation with the end in English.
- Additional achievements for completionists (weight 0.04): Each DLC includes its own additional achievements for players aiming to 100% the game, adding replay value.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.22): Players report numerous progression-blocking bugs, such as the inability to build the earthquake laboratory, the Behemoth Cave bug, and mission triggers failing after defeating bosses. These issues often force reloads, corrupt saves, or leave players stuck on loading screens. Additionally, overwhelming enemy swarms, resource scarcity, and tedious digging mechanics compound the frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.21): The DLC is criticized for being short, lacking substantial content, and not living up to its potential. Many feel the story is underdeveloped, the new weapons are weak, and the gameplay focuses too much on combat with little building. Technical issues like save corruption and poor localization further diminish the experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.13): Players find satisfaction in the new underground biome, challenging enemies, and strategic base-building. The DLC offers good value for its price, with unique mechanics and a fair difficulty curve. The story and boss fights are also praised as enjoyable and well-executed.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): The DLC provides fun through its new caves biome, interesting enemies, and weapons. The integration with the main game and the ability to freely switch between storylines adds to the enjoyment. Building bases and experimenting with loadouts are key sources of fun.
- Annoyance (weight 0.06): Annoyance stems from repetitive mechanics like constant drilling, frequent 5-minute timers, and unskippable dialogue. Inconsistent voice acting, useless items like the crystal wall, and power connection issues also irritate players. Forced digging and enemy swarms further contribute to the annoyance.
- Boredom (weight 0.04): The DLC becomes boring due to tedious mechanics, resource constraints, and waiting for timers. The cave biome is hard to traverse and lacks interesting content, leading to a formulaic and unengaging experience. Digging paths feels like a way to artificially prolong playtime.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger is fueled by a long-standing progress-blocking bug that remains unfixed, and by maps filled with tough monsters that restrict weapons and skills. The requirement to own the DLC for multiplayer and the appearance of DLC buildings in vanilla maps also provoke anger.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the new enemy type that spawns endless hordes and the Immolator weapon. The look of underground bases and story missions, along with the voice acting by dev Void, are also highlighted as positive additions.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.02): Dissatisfaction arises from a story that lacks a proper start and end, and gameplay systems that feel poorly implemented. The cave system makes building and exploring tedious, and the new map needs more water pools to support farming.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement is driven by new equipment and buildings that are useful, such as the energy pylon. Players look forward to more content, including co-op, and enjoy the new enemies, boss battles, and terrain.
- Exhaustion (weight 0.01): Exhaustion results from a plot that requires constant running back and forth, building useless structures, and dealing with repetitive kiting events. Fighting infinite respawn loops of monsters that also cause crashes adds to the fatigue.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike is centered on the tunnel-digging map feeling strenuous rather than fun, and on underground areas disabling long-range defenses. Digging in pit-like areas further reduces enjoyment.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players express love for the base game and the DLC's mysterious underground setting, well-made map design, new mechanics, and boss fight. Even with bugs, the overall experience is still cherished.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest is sparked by trying something new in the gameplay, such as digging through rocks, making own paths, and having limited ways to get energy. These mechanics are seen as pretty interesting.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is expressed for improved camera controls and future DLC focused on base building and resource management. Players want to see these aspects enhanced in updates.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Regret is felt for buying the DLC even at a discount, and especially at full price when it turns out to be shorter and less fun than expected. The purchase feels like a waste.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from not understanding why there are so many complainers, and from the DLC story not triggering on a completed save. These issues leave players puzzled.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Relief is found by discovering workarounds like saving and reloading, or simply relaunching the game to fix bugs. These simple actions resolve frustrating issues.
- Indifference (weight 0.01): Indifference is expressed because the addition of a new map, new enemies, and new tools feels like nothing special. The content does not stand out or evoke strong feelings.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust is directed at the game-breaking bug that has existed for so long and ended the campaign. The persistence of such a critical issue is repulsive to players.}