Info about ANONYMOUS;CODE:

Official game description:
This is the latest work by STEINS;GATE creator Chiyomaru Shikura, in collaboration with returning staff from the Science Adventure Series.  
2037\. Nakano, Tokyo. Pollon Takaoka and his best friend Cross Yumikawa make a living as a pro hackers wherever they can; wherever hasn't been affected by the "Sad Morning" disaster that occurred February 6th, 2036.  
One day, Pollon declares he is going to "elope," despite the fact that he is single. However, he meets a mysterious girl called Momo in a place no one is supposed to be...  
Suddenly, mysterious assailants appear and chase after Momo.  
During the escape, Pollon receives the "Save & Load" app which allows him to save data and start over just like a video game. Little does he realize this is only the beginning...  
The mysterious, genius hacker "Cicada 3301" who organizes a series of "Quests" that seem impossible to solve. The "Gaia Institute" that reactivated the earth simulation which was supposed to be frozen. The thugs from Vatican's "513 Holy Office," working behind the scenes...  
Pollon is thrown into numerous plots as a result of his encounter with Momo, and faces a major event that shakes the world.  
What truth awaits you when you use hacking, saving, and loading?  
Hack the myriad branches of reality and "load" the ending that saves the world!  
This is the story of the hackers who will rewrite the future.  
About the gameplay  
*   ANONYMOUS;CODE is a visual novel where cooperation between you, the Player, and Pollon is the key to success.  
*   Advise Pollon on when to Save and Load. Your choices and Pollon's actions determine the outcome of the story.  
*   Use the Hacking Trigger, an interactive scenario-branching system. Instead of a conventional story system, the Player uses their own judgment and the Hacking Trigger command to help Pollon decide when to Load and change the future.
Controller Support: Developer's Recommended Configuration  
This game has partial controller support, the developer recommends the Gamepad template.

Release date: Sep 8, 2023

Categories: Visual Novel, Choice-based Narrative, Branching Narrative, Hacking Gameplay, Meta-Narrative Gameplay, Puzzle Solving, Character Development, Sci-fi

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 90; verdict: Broken; summary: The game experiences frequent crashes and significant compatibility issues, requiring additional patches and custom Proton versions to run. Text readability and lack of controller support are also major concerns, impacting the overall user experience.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Excellent character development (weight 0.95): The characters, especially the main duo Momo and Pollon, are well-written with excellent arcs. The character designs are memorable, and the chemistry between characters is highlighted. The brother-sister relationship between JUNO and Xian Dou is also noted as enjoyable.
- Engaging and fast-paced story (weight 0.93): The story is described as engaging, fast-paced, and action-packed. It combines sci-fi and conspiracy elements seamlessly and features a deep, twisty plot. The linear structure enhances emotional beats, and the story does not overstay its welcome.
- High production values and art style (weight 0.89): The game is praised for its fantastic music, gorgeous background art, and distinct art direction. It features a unique manga-style presentation, expressive character animations, and high-quality visuals. The production values are noted to be far higher than in any earlier entry, with detailed visuals and dynamic comic scenes.
- Unique save/load mechanics (weight 0.41): The game features a unique and enjoyable save/load mechanic that integrates well into the narrative. This mechanic is praised as fresh and exciting, and it is used effectively in puzzle-solving and advancing the scenario.
- High-quality voice acting (weight 0.34): The game offers both English and Japanese voice acting, with top-notch performances in both languages. The voice acting is described as excellent, with a good quality English dub that exceeds expectations.
- Innovative gameplay mechanics (weight 0.33): The game introduces new and interesting mechanics such as 'Save & Load', 'Hacking Trigger', and 'Manga Trigger'. These mechanics are integrated into the story and gameplay effectively, providing a unique and engaging interactive system.
- Meta and interactive elements (weight 0.27): The game features meta and interactive elements, such as the protagonist's awareness of the player and the use of comic-like panels. These elements break traditional forms and provide a unique experience.
- Culmination of the series (weight 0.25): The game is seen as the culmination of the Science Adventure Series, wrapping up the series and providing a must-play experience for fans. It is noted as one of the best in the series, with a well-paced narrative and important elements added to the lore.
- References to real events and series lore (weight 0.06): The game includes references to real events, terms, and theories, as well as mentions characters from other games in the Science Adventure Series. This adds depth and continuity to the series lore.

Common complaints:
- High Price for Limited Content (weight 0.94): Many players feel that the game is overpriced for the amount of content offered. The game is relatively short and lacks the depth and volume expected for a full-price game.
- Narrative and Story Issues (weight 0.88): The game's narrative is criticized for being linear, predictable, and lacking depth. Many players found the story unengaging, with a weak plot and underdeveloped characters. The latter half of the game is particularly criticized for its confusing and rushed storyline.
- Pacing and Structure Issues (weight 0.73): The game's pacing is criticized for being too fast, particularly towards the end, which sacrifices character development and emotional engagement. The structure is also criticized for being too linear and predictable.
- Lack of Innovation (weight 0.64): The game is criticized for not innovating much and feeling like a watered-down version of previous entries. It lacks the depth and complexity that players expect from the series.
- Character Development Problems (weight 0.6): Characters in the game are often described as flat, underdeveloped, and uninteresting. There is a lack of character routes and personal lines, leading to insufficient character portrayal and development.
- Gameplay Mechanics Criticism (weight 0.4): The gameplay mechanics, particularly the save/load system, are criticized for being confusing, repetitive, and poorly explained. Players also report issues with triggers and the lack of interactivity.
- Art Style and Design Criticism (weight 0.37): The art style and character designs are criticized for being inconsistent, unappealing, and less technically proficient than previous works. Some characters are described as looking uncanny or badly designed.
- Technical Issues and Bugs (weight 0.25): The game suffers from various technical issues, including crashes, screen freezing, and audio problems. There are also reports of minor bugs and translation errors.
- Comparison to Previous Entries (weight 0.15): The game is often compared unfavorably to previous entries in the series, particularly Steins;Gate. Players feel that it lacks the depth, complexity, and emotional impact of its predecessors.

Gameplay feedback:
- Save and load mechanics central (weight 0.86): The game prominently features a save and load mechanic that is deeply integrated into the storyline and gameplay. This mechanic is not just a utility but a core element that drives the narrative and player decisions.
- Hacking trigger system (weight 0.78): A unique hacking trigger system is featured, allowing players to influence the story and gameplay. This mechanic adds a layer of complexity and interaction beyond traditional visual novel elements.
- Linear narrative with multiple endings (weight 0.72): The game offers a linear structure with a focused narrative but includes multiple endings. Players are encouraged to explore different paths to avoid several bad endings and find the true ending.
- Fast-paced and action-oriented (weight 0.71): The narrative is fast-paced and action-oriented, skipping unnecessary daily life segments to keep the story moving. This pacing is designed to maintain player engagement and excitement.
- Dynamic comic-style scenes (weight 0.67): The game includes dynamic illustrations and comic-style performances, especially during intense and action-packed moments. This artistic choice enhances the visual appeal and engagement.
- Puzzle-solving elements (weight 0.6): The game includes puzzle-solving elements that are integrated with the save/load mechanics. These puzzles add a layer of challenge and engagement for players.
- Includes manga and comic elements (weight 0.56): The game includes manga and comic-style elements, particularly during intense scenes. These elements add a dynamic and visually appealing aspect to the gameplay.
- Unique art style and music (weight 0.49): The game features a notable art style with dynamic illustrations and a unique soundtrack. These elements contribute to the overall atmosphere and aesthetic appeal of the game.
- Meta gameplay elements (weight 0.44): The game incorporates meta gameplay elements, including fourth-wall breaks and interactions that acknowledge the player. These elements add a unique layer of immersion and self-awareness.
- Character design and roles (weight 0.43): Characters in the game are well-designed with unique abilities and roles. However, some supporting characters may feel underdeveloped or like mere tools for the plot.
- Controller support and accessibility (weight 0.41): The game supports controllers, making it accessible to a wider range of players. This feature enhances the gameplay experience by providing more options for player input.
- Visual novel with sci-fi themes (weight 0.35): As a visual novel, the game blends science fiction concepts with character relationships and futuristic settings. This combination creates a rich and engaging story-driven experience.
- Urban legends and hacker themes (weight 0.03): The game incorporates urban legends and hacker themes into its setting and storyline. These elements add depth and intrigue to the game's narrative.

Performance notes:
- Audio mixing issues (weight 0.16): Players report various audio problems, including issues with audio mixing and sound no longer working after a recent update. These issues detract from the immersive experience of the game.
- Frequent crashes and freezes (weight 0.15): The game experiences frequent crashes and screen freezing issues, which significantly disrupt gameplay. These technical problems are widespread and affect the overall stability of the game.
- Technical improvements for multi-monitor support (weight 0.11): Recent technical improvements have allowed for better multi-monitor support, enhancing the gaming experience for users with multiple monitors.
- Compatibility issues with Proton (weight 0.1): The game does not work out of the box on Proton due to its usage of Media Platform, limiting its accessibility on certain systems.
- Window mode limitations (weight 0.09): The game has limitations when running in window mode, which can affect the gaming experience for those who prefer or need to use this mode.
- Particle effects causing lag (weight 0.04): The game's particle effects are not well optimized, leading to noticeable lag during gameplay. This can affect the game's performance and smoothness.
- Auto-mode timing issues (weight 0.02): There are specific issues with the timing in auto-mode, which can impact gameplay mechanics and player experience.

Recommendations:
- Buy on sale (weight 0.49): The game is recommended to be purchased at a discounted price, especially for those who are not hardcore fans. Waiting for a significant price drop or a good sale is advised.
- Recommended for SciAdv fans (weight 0.32): The game is highly recommended for fans of the Science Adventure series, including those who enjoy science fiction and cyberpunk themes. It is suggested to play other main titles in the series first for a better experience.
- Not for newcomers (weight 0.3): The game is not recommended for those unfamiliar with the SciADV series. Newcomers should start with other mainline games like Steins;Gate or Chaos;Head.
- Use Committee of Zero patch (weight 0.04): Players are advised to use the Committee of Zero patch to fix localization issues and improve the overall gaming experience.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.39): Players expressed disappointment due to several key issues. The game's story and characters were widely criticized for being underdeveloped, unengaging, and lacking emotional impact. Additionally, the game's short length, high price, and technical issues such as bugs and poor performance contributed to the disappointment. Many players felt that the game did not live up to the standards set by previous entries in the series, particularly in terms of narrative depth and character development.
- Frustration (weight 0.15): Frustration stemmed from various gameplay mechanics and technical issues. Players found the game's mechanics unclear and difficult to navigate without a guide, leading to a poor user experience. Frequent crashes, unclear save/load systems, and repetitive gameplay also contributed to frustration. Furthermore, the game's high price and lack of character development added to the overall dissatisfaction.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.13): Players enjoyed the game's engaging story, unique gameplay mechanics, and high production values. The save and load mechanic was particularly praised for its integration into the narrative. Additionally, the game's visuals, UI, and soundtrack were highlighted as strong points that enhanced the overall experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.12): Satisfaction was derived from the game's overall quality, including its story, characters, and production values. Players appreciated the game's art, animation, music, and the enjoyable true ending. The game's localization and dubbing efforts were also well-received, contributing to a satisfying experience despite the high price.
- Excitement (weight 0.09): Players were excited by the game's fast-paced and engaging storyline, unique Save/Load mechanic, and high production values. The game's dynamic UI animations, detailed visuals, and action-packed scenes contributed to the excitement. The culmination of the Science Adventure Series and the integration of real-world lore also added to the thrilling experience.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Joy was brought by the game's excellent writing quality and the dynamic protagonist duo, who had great chemistry and development. The engaging and dynamic narrative, along with the dynamic UI animations and effects, contributed to a joyful experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciated the game's innovation and new features, as well as its strong mechanics, visuals, and audio. The game's unique pacing and original concept were also highlighted as aspects that players valued.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Some players regretted purchasing the game, even at a discount, due to its overall disappointing quality and lack of enjoyment. The regret was primarily driven by the feeling that the game did not meet expectations and was not worth the investment.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arose from the game's overly complex or poorly written plot, which made it difficult for players to understand the scenario and follow sudden plot transitions. The non-intuitive save/load system also contributed to the confusion.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players were pleasantly surprised by small discoveries when exploring the truth of the game's world. These surprises added an element of intrigue and enjoyment to the overall experience.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness was expressed by players who felt that the game was not recommended for either series fans or new players. This emotion stemmed from the game's failure to meet expectations and provide a satisfying experience for its target audience.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom was caused by the game's tedious comic sections, which players found slow-paced and non-skippable. These sections detracted from the overall enjoyment and engagement with the game.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance was primarily due to the game's slow-paced and non-skippable comic scenes, which players found irritating and disruptive to the gameplay experience.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope was expressed by players who believed that future entries in the series might improve upon the shortcomings of this game. This emotion was driven by the anticipation of better experiences in subsequent releases.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation was felt by players who were excited about the implications for the future of the SciADV series. This emotion was driven by the potential for future developments and improvements in the series.}