Info about Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader:

Official game description:
Begin your adventure aboard your personal, giant voidship, traveling between the multitude of systems within the Koronus Expanse, a barely charted and incredibly perilous region of space. Despite being considered a backwater of the Imperium, this region encompasses an enormous stretch of the void, filled with dangerous creatures and prodigious opportunities for profit and exploration.
Rogue Traders never travel alone. Gather your retinue of righteous heroes, twisted psykers, and perfidious xenos. All of them are ready to follow you into the darkness between the stars. They will offer you counsel, aid you in battle, and allow you to amass ever more power. In return, you can guide them through their own personal journeys, changing their destinies forever. 
During quests show your subjects mercy or disdain, stay faithful to the God-Emperor, or consort with enemies of Mankind - your every decision and every act, even in character creation, is changing the in-game open world and those who inhabit it.
Slaughter the enemies of Mankind in a fully-fledged isometric turn-based tactical combat. Take advantage of cover, the environment, and careful positioning to overpower your enemies. When that is not enough - use your companion\`s powerful abilities to turn the tide of battle and achieve victory even in the direst of situations. Our video game adaption of the classic Rogue Trader ruleset allows an enormous number of possibilities for you to explore.

Release date: Dec 7, 2023

Categories: Turn-based Tactical, Character Progression, Multiple Endings, Exploration, Ship Combat, Choice-based Narrative, Turn-based RPG

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 30; verdict: Mixed Feedback on Monetization; summary: The analysis of user reviews reveals a mix of positive and negative feedback regarding the game's DLC and monetization strategies. While some users appreciate the additional content and are willing to purchase more, others express concerns about the completeness and value of the Season Pass, as well as potential pay-to-win elements in certain DLCs. The overall sentiment suggests that while there are issues to address, there is also a strong user base that values the game and its additional content.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Complex but Rich; summary: The game is praised for its rich lore and detailed in-game encyclopedia, which helps players understand the complex Warhammer 40K universe. However, the character building and leveling system is often criticized for being overly complex and time-consuming, likened to managing an Excel spreadsheet. Many users feel the need to rely on external guides to progress, indicating a steep learning curve. Technical issues and the significant time investment required are also noted concerns.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game generally runs well on Linux with positive feedback on compatibility and performance. However, there are isolated reports of issues such as cloud sync problems and crashes on Steam Deck. Overall, the user experience on Linux appears to be positive with minor issues reported.
- Steam Deck: score 70; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: The analysis of user feedback for the Steam Deck experience reveals several critical issues impacting the overall gameplay experience. Significant performance issues, including frame rate drops and stuttering, are frequently reported, particularly during combat and cutscenes. Stability problems, such as frequent crashes and black screens, are also prevalent, disrupting the gaming experience and requiring multiple restarts. Graphical issues, particularly with FSR, and problems with the user interface and controller support further detract from the experience. Additionally, some users express dissatisfaction with certain game design elements, such as outdated visuals and limited character options. These issues collectively contribute to a less than optimal gaming experience on the Steam Deck.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Performance varies significantly across hardware cohorts, with lower VRAM configurations experiencing more issues. Higher VRAM setups generally report better stability and performance.
  - Sample size: 93 (1% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (mixed, 32 reports): Some users report stable performance and 60 FPS on low settings, while others experience frequent crashes and poor performance.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 30 reports): Users report good performance despite some flaws, indicating a generally stable experience.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (negative, 16 reports): Users report frequent crashes, leading to a poor overall experience.
  - Caveats: 93 of 13637 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $30.00 - $45.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows that while some users find the game worth it even at full price, the majority suggest waiting for a sale to purchase the game. This indicates that the community generally considers the game to be fairly priced but more attractive at a discounted rate. The repeated mentions of the game being worth it on sale suggest a fair base price range slightly lower than the current full price.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 100.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows that players report a typical game completion time of around 100 hours, with some players taking slightly longer or shorter depending on their playstyle and how much side content they engage with. The story completion time is not explicitly mentioned, but it is implied to be a significant portion of the total playtime. Session lengths are not directly mentioned, but given the depth and complexity of the game, it is reasonable to infer that players might engage in longer sessions. Endgame content is suggested to be part of the overall 100-hour experience, indicating a substantial amount of post-story gameplay.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts slowly and can be challenging and tedious initially, but it becomes more enjoyable and engaging once players progress past the early stages, particularly by Act II.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Act ii
  - Time to anchor: 2h 0m
  - Friction: Very slow start; Enormous difficulty spikes; Complex combat mechanics; Limited early combat options; Tedious early gameplay
  - Unlock drivers: Progressing to Act II; Overcoming initial learning curve; Engaging story and lore; Diverse combat options later in the game
  - Conditions: Patience to overcome early challenges; Willingness to learn complex mechanics; Interest in deep lore and story; Enjoyment of tactical combat
- Player Archetypes:
  - Lore Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Immersive storytelling and rich lore
    - Playstyle: Focuses on narrative and character interactions, often using guides or cheats to navigate complex mechanics.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Warhammer 40k fan; Story-driven player
    - Reference games: XCOM2; Pathfinder; Baldur's Gate 3
  - Roleplaying Connoisseur (buy)
    - Motivation: Deep character customization and impactful choices
    - Playstyle: Focuses on character development and narrative choices, often replaying to explore different paths.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Roleplaying enthusiast; Choice-driven player
    - Reference games: Pathfinder; Baldur's Gate 3; Pillars of Eternity
  - Tactical Strategist (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastering complex combat mechanics
    - Playstyle: Focuses on strategic planning and tactical execution, often seeking out challenging encounters.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Strategy gamer; Tactical mastermind
    - Reference games: XCOM; Divinity: Original Sin; Shadowrun
  - Co-op Companion (sale)
    - Motivation: Shared multiplayer experience
    - Playstyle: Focuses on cooperative play and shared storytelling, often playing alongside friends or family.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: Co-op enthusiast; Social gamer
    - Reference games: Divinity: Original Sin; Baldur's Gate 3; Neverwinter Nights


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:
- Enjoyable and immersive story (weight 0.33): Players enjoy the game's story and setting, finding it engaging, immersive, and fun. The narrative is well-developed and compelling, with a unique storyline that keeps players interested throughout their playthrough.
- Engaging and well-written characters (weight 0.22): The game features a variety of interesting, memorable, and well-developed characters with unique personal stories and characteristics. Players appreciate the depth and complexity of the characters, as well as their compelling dialogues and interactions.
- Challenging and addictive gameplay (weight 0.21): The game offers a fluid, intuitive, and well-balanced gameplay experience with deep mechanics and flexible difficulty settings. Players find the gameplay challenging, action-packed, and addictive, contributing to high replayability.
- Meaningful player choices (weight 0.17): The game incorporates player choices that have significant impacts on the story, characters, and world. These choices lead to various consequences, making the gameplay experience more engaging and personalized.
- Fun and tactical combat system (weight 0.16): The game's tactical combat system is well-designed, enjoyable, and deep. Players appreciate the fun and action-packed battles, as well as the tactical grid map combat that adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay.
- Immersive Warhammer 40K universe (weight 0.13): The game provides a deep and immersive interpretation of the Warhammer 40K universe, offering a good introduction to its lore. Players appreciate the unique perspective and the in-depth representation of the universe.
- Best Warhammer 40K game (weight 0.11): Many players consider this game to be the best Warhammer 40K game, praising it as one of the best cRPGs in the universe. It is seen as an exceptionally stellar title and a great adaptation of the Warhammer 40K universe.
- Immersive atmosphere and writing (weight 0.11): The game's writing and atmosphere are immersive and true to the Warhammer 40K universe. Players appreciate the credible game world, deep lore, and the gothic splendor that envelops them from the start.
- Satisfying and rewarding gameplay loop (weight 0.1): The game offers a satisfying and rewarding gameplay experience with an enjoyable gameplay loop. Players find the progression, tactical combat, and role-playing aspects incredibly satisfying.
- Excellent world-building and writing (weight 0.09): The game is praised for its excellent writing and world-building. Players appreciate the rich lore, fantastic world-building, and the impeccable writing that brings the lore to life.
- Intuitive and satisfying combat mechanics (weight 0.08): The game features intuitive and detailed combat mechanics that players find satisfying. The combat system is well-designed and feels good to play.
- Engaging space and ground battles (weight 0.06): The game offers engaging space and ground battles, featuring impressive spaceship combat and classic battles. Players appreciate the interesting and fun battle system.
- High replay value (weight 0.05): The game has a high replay value with extensive replayability and a long playtime. Players appreciate the good replayability and the expansive gameplay duration.
- Believable character development (weight 0.04): The game features believable and satisfying character development with unique and quality storytelling. Players appreciate the good character creation and development, as well as the character romances.

Common complaints:
- Presence of bugs (weight 0.24): The game has noticeable bugs and script errors that affect gameplay. These bugs range from minor annoyances to significant issues that can hinder progress.
- Lack of voice acting (weight 0.19): The game is not fully voice-acted, with many parts lacking voice acting, including important scenes and key moments. This partial voice acting is seen as a drawback by many players.
- Combat mechanics criticized (weight 0.18): The game's combat system is widely criticized for being rudimentary, poorly balanced, and frustrating. Players report issues with hit detection, class balance, and overall combat mechanics.
- Game balancing issues (weight 0.13): The game's difficulty and balancing are not well-received, with players reporting that the game can be either too easy or too hard, leading to an unbalanced gameplay experience.
- Tedious space battles (weight 0.11): Space battles are criticized for being tedious, too long, and not interesting. Players find the space battle minigame difficult and routine, detracting from the overall enjoyment.
- Slow battle pace (weight 0.08): The game's combat is often described as slow and dragging, with long combat times that can make battles feel tedious.
- Outdated graphics (weight 0.08): The graphics are criticized for being outdated, with some players describing them as indie-level and reminiscent of the 2000s. There are also reports of graphic mishaps.
- Repetitive gameplay (weight 0.07): Players find the side quests and interactions repetitive, which can make the gameplay feel monotonous and less engaging.
- Overwhelming for new players (weight 0.06): New players might be overwhelmed by the game's complexity and the number of options available, making it difficult for beginners to get into the game.
- Map design issues (weight 0.05): The game lacks a mini-map and has poor map design, which can make navigation difficult. There are also issues with the lack of map markers.
- Confusing abilities (weight 0.05): Character abilities are reported as confusing and not working as described. Players suggest that ability descriptions could be simplified.
- Verbose and complex dialogue (weight 0.05): The game's dialogue is criticized for being convoluted, verbose, and too complex, making it difficult for players to follow and enjoy the story.
- Optimization issues (weight 0.05): There are occasional optimization issues with the game's graphics, which can affect the overall gaming experience.
- Graphics compared to Baldur's Gate 3 (weight 0.05): The game's graphics and voice acting quality are not on par with Baldur's Gate 3, with players noting a clear difference in budget and visual appeal.

Gameplay feedback:
- Story-driven narrative gameplay (weight 0.29): The game emphasizes a narrative-driven experience with engaging storytelling and reactivity. Players can enjoy a deep storyline with side quests and narrative missions.
- Character progression and customization (weight 0.29): Players can develop and customize their characters with a wide range of choices and abilities. The progression system offers meaningful choices that shape character development and abilities.
- Multiple gameplay paths and endings (weight 0.23): The game offers high replayability with branching storylines, multiple endings, and varied gameplay options. Players' choices shape their path and the story outcomes.
- Turn-based tactical combat (weight 0.23): The game features a turn-based combat system similar to XCOM, with tactical and strategic elements. Players engage in combat on a grid map, managing unit turn sequences and utilizing various RPG mechanics.
- Dialogue system with consequences (weight 0.15): The game features a dialogue-heavy system with immersive and authentic dialogue choices. Players' decisions have real consequences and shape the narrative.
- Space and ground battles (weight 0.1): Combat includes both space and ground battles, with various modes such as voidship battles, boss fights, and fleet battles.
- Complex combat and gameplay mechanics (weight 0.1): The combat system is complex and based on player builds, featuring armor and dodge systems. The gameplay mechanics are interactive and engaging.
- Warhammer 40K setting (weight 0.09): The game is set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, featuring its rich lore and dark future setting.
- Multiple game modes (weight 0.08): The game offers various modes, including adventure mode, ironman mode, and different gameplay modes like ship and team management.
- Co-op mode issues (weight 0.06): The cooperative mode has synchronization issues and other problems that affect the multiplayer experience.
- Exploration-based gameplay (weight 0.05): Players can explore star systems and planets, engaging in exploration-based gameplay.
- Inventory and equipment management (weight 0.05): The game features an inventory management system where players can manage equipment and loot.
- High-quality DLC content (weight 0.04): The game offers multiple high-quality DLC expansions with additional content.

Performance notes:
- Game-breaking bugs and crashes (weight 0.18): Numerous bugs and crashes are reported, including game-breaking bugs, save-breaking bugs, and frequent crashes, significantly impacting gameplay.
- Performance and optimization problems (weight 0.16): The game suffers from performance drops, optimization issues, and high resource usage, leading to a subpar gaming experience on various platforms.
- Excessive loading times (weight 0.14): Players frequently report long and excessive loading screens, which disrupt the gaming experience and cause frustration.
- Graphical issues and weak graphics (weight 0.12): Players have noted various graphical issues, including weak graphics, graphic mishaps, and visual bugs, detracting from the overall visual experience.
- Multiplayer desync issues (weight 0.07): Multiplayer mode is plagued with frequent desync issues, causing instability and disrupting the gaming experience.
- Technical and camera issues (weight 0.06): Technical issues, including keyboard problems and camera angle issues during cutscenes, have been reported by players.
- Mixed reviews on stability (weight 0.06): Some players report that the game does not crash and has no critical bugs, while others mention frequent bugs and technical issues.
- Platform-specific performance (weight 0.06): The game has excellent performance on Linux but issues with high GPU usage and temperatures on other platforms.
- Gameplay balance and pacing issues (weight 0.05): Players have noted issues with gameplay balance and pacing, including slow combat pace and inconsistent results from the same actions due to bugs.
- Script and navigation errors (weight 0.03): There are errors in dialog scripts and navigation algorithms, leading to inconsistencies and bugs in gameplay.
- Expectation of post-launch improvements (weight 0.02): Players mention that the game, being from a specific developer, is expected to have many bugs at launch and will likely require several months of patching to become enjoyable.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended for Warhammer fans (weight 0.26): The game is frequently recommended for fans of the Warhammer 40K universe, turn-based RPGs, and those who enjoy deep storytelling and character development.
- Recommended for RPG enthusiasts (weight 0.14): The game is highly recommended for those who enjoy RPGs, especially those who appreciate deep gameplay, character development, and engaging stories.
- Recommended for long gameplay sessions (weight 0.08): The game is suggested for players who enjoy long games with plenty of content, deep gameplay, and exploration.
- Recommended for classic CRPG fans (weight 0.08): Fans of classic CRPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 and Planescape: Torment are likely to enjoy this game.
- Alternative game recommendations (weight 0.07): Some players recommend trying other games like Baldur's Gate 3, Divinity: Original Sin 2, or XCOM first to gauge interest.
- Recommended despite flaws (weight 0.06): Many players recommend the game despite its flaws, suggesting that its strengths outweigh its weaknesses.
- Suggests buying DLCs (weight 0.06): Players recommend purchasing the season pass and DLCs, indicating that additional content enhances the gaming experience.
- Recommended during sales (weight 0.05): Players suggest buying the game during sales to get the best value for money.
- Suggestions for improvements (weight 0.04): Players have various suggestions for improving the game, such as making certain characters romanceable, improving companion writing, and adding more optional bosses.
- Recommended for choice-driven gameplay (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for those who enjoy choice-driven gameplay and customizable difficulty settings.
- Use of mods for enhancements (weight 0.03): Players suggest using mods like Toybox to enhance the gaming experience, such as cheating through certain parts of the game.
- Technical improvements needed (weight 0.03): Some players recommend the game after addressing technical issues, indicating that there are areas needing improvement.
- Future recommendations (weight 0.02): Some players recommend the game for future improvements or after certain updates, indicating potential for future enhancements.
- Specific DLC recommendation (weight 0.01): The Void of Shadows DLC is highlighted as standing out, suggesting it adds significant value to the game.
- Co-op play suggestions (weight 0.01): Players suggest using tools like Parsec or AnyDesk for co-op play, indicating a desire for cooperative gameplay options.

Other player notes:
- Playtime and awards mentioned (weight 0.04): Players frequently mention the playtime and the awards received by the game. This feedback often includes industry context and comparisons.
- Unique preparation experience (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the unique experience of preparing the pieces in the game. This aspect stands out as a memorable part of the gameplay.
- Dedicated to a tester (weight 0.02): There is a mention of the game being dedicated to a tester. This is a specific detail that may hold significance for certain players.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.29): Players are frustrated by a variety of gameplay issues, including excessive monster stacking, repetitive and tedious space exploration, and combat pacing problems. Inventory management issues, bugs, and a complex leveling system also contribute to this frustration, along with camera mechanics and unbalanced combat encounters.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.12): Players enjoy the game's setting, mechanics, and combat system, as well as the interesting characters and good story. The detailed combat mechanics, variety of weapons, and overall improvements in the game contribute to a positive experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.12): Players are excited about the game's narrative, combat system, and character customization. The engaging story, high replayability, and enjoyable expansion, along with the game's depth and the power fantasy it sells, contribute to this excitement.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.12): Players feel satisfied with the game's combat, story, and character progression. The ability to customize difficulty, engaging storytelling, and solid story, along with impressive art direction and engaging RPG elements, contribute to this satisfaction.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.08): Players are enthusiastic about the game's narrative, combat system, and lore. The depth of dialogue and story customization, along with the game's setting and mechanics, contribute to this enthusiasm.
- Disappointment (weight 0.07): Players are disappointed with the overall quality of the game, particularly in comparison to its predecessor. Issues such as lack of research and engineering mechanics, changes in combat gameplay, and poorly written segments contribute to this disappointment.
- Joy (weight 0.04): Players experience joy from the game's excellent writing, character development, and atmosphere. The immersive storyline, humor, and deep engagement with the game and lore contribute to this joy.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the game's good plot, world-building, and engaging system. The deep lore, positive experience with character development and story, and good introduction to the lore of the 40K universe contribute to this appreciation.
- Engagement (weight 0.02): Players are engaged by the game's great story, variety of missions, and tactical combat. The immersive storyline, decision-making, and rich lore contribute to this engagement.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire the game's depth, emotional impact, and world-building. The atmospheric music and role-playing aspects, along with the passion of the developers, contribute to this admiration.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Players are angry about poor optimization, lack of fixes, and misleading voice acting. Multiplayer issues and game balance and performance issues also contribute to this anger.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Players feel gratitude for the developers' work and the quality of the game. The addition of Turkish language support and the character Sister Argenta contribute to this gratitude.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are pleasantly surprised by the combat mechanics and overall gameplay. The game's unheralded status and the positive surprise it brings contribute to this feeling.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Players are amused by the game's humor and unique character endings. The temptation to restart the game after understanding it better contributes to this amusement.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Players feel nostalgia for the game's setting and its return to classic RPG elements. The Warhammer 40K setting and the game's ability to evoke memories of older RPGs contribute to this nostalgia.
- Hooked (weight 0): Players are hooked by the game's mechanics and lore. The immersive experience and engaging gameplay contribute to this feeling of being hooked.
- Excited (weight 0): Players are excited about the gameplay experience and rewards. The engaging gameplay and extensive lore contribute to this excitement.
- Immersed (weight 0): Players feel immersed in the game's atmosphere and lore. The well-balanced gameplay and immersive universe contribute to this feeling of immersion.
- Immersion (weight 0): Players experience deep immersion in the game's world and lore. The incredible story, amazing characters, and rich narrative contribute to this immersion.
- Love (weight 0): Players express love for the game's characters, mechanics, and overall experience. The enjoyable story, characters, and combat contribute to this love.}