Info about Kenshi:

Official game description:
A free-roaming squad based RPG focusing on open-ended sandbox gameplay features rather than a linear story. Be a trader, a thief, a rebel, a warlord, an adventurer, a farmer, a slave, or just food for the cannibals.
Research new equipment and craft new gear. Purchase and upgrade your own buildings to use as safe fortified havens when things go bad, or use them to start up a business. Aid or oppose the various factions in the world while striving for the strength and wealth necessary to simply survive in the harsh desert. Train your men up from puny victims to master warriors. Carry your wounded squad mates to safety and get them all home alive.
FEATURES
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**Freeform gameplay in a seamless game world** in the largest single-player RPG world since Daggerfall, stretching over 870 square kilometers. The game will never seek to limit you or restrict your personal play style.
**Custom design as many characters as you want** and build up a whole squad to fight for you. Characters will grow and become stronger with experience, not just in their stats but their appearance too.
**Build a base** where you can research new technologies, upgrade your defences and craft new gear.
**Original take on the RTS-RPG hybrid genre.** No "hero" characters with artificially stronger stats than everybody else- Every character and NPC you meet is potentially an equal, and has a name, a life.
**You are not the chosen one.** You're not great and powerful. You don't have more 'hitpoints' than everyone else. You are not the centre of the universe, and you are not special. Unless you work for it.
**Purchase and upgrade your own buildings** to use as safe fortified havens when things go bad, or use them to start up a business.
**Variation and possibilities of gameplay.** Be good, be evil, be a businessman, be a thief, live in a town, live in the desert, travel alone, travel in hordes, build a fortress, raze a city. Devote yourself to freeing slaves, or maybe end up a slave yourself.
**Dynamic, ever changing world.** Support or hinder whoever you wish, or keep to yourself, the world won't stop moving. This is not just a "game", you are living and surviving in a simulated world.
**Get captured by cannibals and eaten alive**, or sold off by slavers and forced to work in the mines. These are not scripted events, just a regular part of this chaotic world that ruins your life by chance. Anything can happen, yet anything can be overcome if you have the strength.
**Absolutely no Level-scaling.** The world does not level up along with you, and the shops don't change their inventory to only items matching your level. At the start of the game almost everyone will be stronger than you, and survival will always be a struggle. The game won't hold your hand or help you when you're down.
**Realistic medical system that affects gameplay.** A character with a wounded leg will limp or crawl and slow the party down, wounded arms means you must use your sword one-handed or not at all. Severe injuries will result in amputees needing robotic limb replacements. Blood loss means you can pass out, and the blood will attract predators. A character’s stats are affected by equipment, encumbrance, blood loss, injuries and starvation.
**Intelligent AI** that allows for characters to reason and work towards long-term goals and desires. Squads work together and carry their wounded to safety. Characters can be setup to take care of micromanagement for you and run production in your base.
**Aid or oppose the various factions** in the world while striving for the strength and wealth necessary to simply survive in the harsh environment.
**Independently developed** with no design influences, or alterations dictated by men in grey suits who have never played a game before in their lives.
**Original game world.** There are no fantasy-knock-off clichés. No magic.

Release date: Dec 6, 2018

Categories: Open-World Exploration, Base Building, Character Customization, Survival, Sandbox, RTS, RPG, Action Adventure

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair; summary: The game is generally praised for its unique gameplay and lack of predatory monetization. Users appreciate the absence of microtransactions, battle passes, and supporter packs. Some users express concerns about potential future monetization, but these are speculative and not directly related to the current game's monetization.
- Mods: score 40; verdict: Buggy but Playable; summary: The game has significant stability issues that many users report can be mitigated with mods. Mods are widely recommended for both fixing bugs and enhancing gameplay, suggesting a reliance on community fixes and improvements. However, some users also find value in playing the vanilla version before exploring mods.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: High Dependency on External Resources; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals several key themes. A significant number of users express frustration with the lack of in-game guidance and the poor quality of the in-game tutorial, leading them to rely heavily on external resources like wikis and guides. This dependency on external resources is seen as a major barrier to enjoying the game. Some users, however, encourage independent exploration without relying on external resources, suggesting that this approach can enhance the gaming experience. Additionally, the complexity of the game mechanics is noted, which can be overwhelming and often requires external resources to fully understand.
- Proton/Linux: score 15; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game generally runs well on Linux with Proton, with many users reporting a stable and enjoyable experience. However, there are occasional reports of freezing and stability issues, indicating that while the compatibility is good, it may not be perfect for all users. Selecting the appropriate version of Proton can enhance the gaming experience on Linux.
- Steam Deck: score 70; verdict: Needs Significant Improvement; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals several key issues with the game. Stability problems, including frequent crashes and instability, are the most significant concerns, particularly on platforms like Steam Deck. Compatibility with Steam Deck is mixed, with some users finding it playable and others experiencing significant issues. The game's controls and steep learning curve are also notable barriers. Additionally, poor graphics and issues with cloud saves are mentioned, though these are less severe compared to stability and control issues.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Performance varies significantly across hardware cohorts, with higher VRAM configurations generally reporting better experiences. Lower VRAM and RAM setups often struggle with optimization issues and crashes.
  - Sample size: 445 (3% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / <16GB RAM (mixed, 159 reports): Users report a mix of experiences, with some finding the game playable with optimizations and others experiencing significant lag and crashes.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (positive, 83 reports): Generally positive experiences, though some users mention optimization issues and bugs.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / 16-31GB RAM (mixed, 81 reports): Users report both positive experiences with mods and significant performance issues, including crashes and poor optimization.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 62 reports): Mostly positive reviews, with users reporting good performance despite some FPS limitations.
  - Linux / Proton 16GB+ VRAM (positive, 11 reports): Limited feedback but positive, with users expressing enjoyment and desire for similar games.
  - Caveats: 445 of 15871 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $26.99
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that while the game is often purchased on sale, many users find it worth the full price, which is around $26.99. Several reviews mention that the game is worth buying even at full price, indicating a perceived value that aligns with the higher end of the price range. Additionally, the frequent mentions of sales and discounts suggest that the game is often considered a good purchase at lower price points, around $10 to $20.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 60.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 15.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides several direct and indirect references to playtime metrics. The first quote mentions a session length of 10-20 hours, indicating a long single-session playtime. The second quote suggests that 60 hours into the game, players are still engaged in establishing a community, implying a lengthy game completion time. The third quote discusses multiple playthroughs, suggesting high replayability and extensive playtime. The fourth quote provides practical advice that implies frequent and extended play sessions.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game has a steep learning curve and lacks clear guidance, leading to initial frustration. However, once players overcome these challenges and technical issues, they can enjoy a unique and immersive experience.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Overcoming the initial learning curve and technical issues
  - Time to anchor: 2h 0m
  - Friction: Steep learning curve; Poor in-game tutorial; Technical issues and bugs; Unpolished visuals and performance problems
  - Unlock drivers: External resources like wikis; Patience and persistence; Exploration and discovery
  - Conditions: Sandbox gameplay; Freedom of action; Long-term progression; Emergent storytelling
- Player Archetypes:
  - Freedom-Seeking Grinder (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoys the depth and freedom of the game despite its challenges.
    - Playstyle: Grinds through challenges to explore and engage with the game's systems.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: veteran player; grinder
    - Reference games: Skyrim; Minecraft; Elden Ring
  - Guide-Dependent Newcomer (sale)
    - Motivation: Seeks to overcome initial challenges and enjoy the game with the help of guides and mods.
    - Playstyle: Uses guides and mods to ease into the game and learn mechanics.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: new player; guide user
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Hardcore Survivalist (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoys the challenge and the sense of accomplishment from overcoming the game's difficulties.
    - Playstyle: Embraces the game's challenges and finds ways to persevere and succeed.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: hardcore player; survivalist
    - Reference games: Outward
  - Story-Driven Roleplayer (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoys creating and experiencing unique stories and characters within the game's world.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on role-playing and creating unique narratives.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: roleplayer; storyteller
    - 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:
- Freedom to explore and choose (weight 0.34): Players have the freedom to explore the world, choose their own paths, and engage in various activities. This freedom extends to character development and storytelling.
- Rich and diverse world (weight 0.26): The game features a vast and diverse world filled with rich lore and unique factions. The detailed world-building and deep lore enhance the overall gaming experience.
- Immersive and engaging gameplay (weight 0.26): The game offers a deeply immersive and engaging experience with captivating storytelling and challenging gameplay mechanics. Players find the experience memorable and rewarding.
- Mods enhance gameplay (weight 0.19): Mods significantly enhance the game, adding new experiences, unpredictability, and longevity. The dedicated modding community provides extensive support and improvements.
- Variety of activities and roles (weight 0.15): The game offers a wide variety of activities and roles, including farming, mining, thieving, and fighting. Players can engage in diverse gameplay options and professions.
- Rewarding progression system (weight 0.14): The game includes an engaging and rewarding progression system that allows for character improvement and development. Players find the progression satisfying.
- Vast open world (weight 0.1): The game offers a vast and impressive open world with complete freedom of action. The open-ended gameplay and large, seamless world are notable features.
- Unique atmosphere and setting (weight 0.1): The game boasts a unique and engaging atmosphere with diverse and beautiful locations to explore. The setting is both interesting and immersive.
- Infinite gameplay possibilities (weight 0.08): The game provides infinite replayability and endless possibilities for character roles and activities. The open-ended gameplay ensures abundant freedom and possibilities.
- Challenging and rewarding mechanics (weight 0.08): The game features challenging and rewarding gameplay mechanics that are both unforgiving and satisfying. Players find the difficulty and challenges highly rewarding.

Common complaints:
- Poor optimization and performance (weight 0.24): The game suffers from significant optimization issues, including high CPU usage, long load times, and overall poor performance. These issues make the game feel unpolished and affect the overall experience.
- Outdated and poor graphics (weight 0.24): The graphics are considered outdated and unappealing, detracting from the overall visual experience. Many players find the graphics to be a weak point of the game.
- Harsh and unforgiving gameplay (weight 0.18): The game world is described as harsh and unforgiving, with challenging survival mechanics and combat. This can make the game feel punishing and difficult to enjoy.
- Game-breaking bugs (weight 0.15): The game is plagued with numerous bugs, including frequent crashes and freezes. These bugs significantly impact gameplay and can make the game unplayable at times.
- Grindy and repetitive (weight 0.14): The game requires a significant amount of grinding, which can feel tedious and repetitive. This aspect of the game can be off-putting for many players.
- Clunky UI and controls (weight 0.13): The user interface and controls are described as clunky and uncomfortable, making the game difficult to navigate and play. This includes issues with AI task logic and overall interface design.
- Steep learning curve (weight 0.1): The game has a steep learning curve, making it difficult for beginners to get into. The initial difficulty can be a barrier for many players.
- Lack of tutorial and direction (weight 0.08): The game lacks a proper tutorial and clear objectives, making it difficult for players to understand what to do initially. This can lead to confusion and frustration.
- No story or multiplayer (weight 0.04): The game lacks a story or quests and does not have an online multiplayer mode. This can make the game feel incomplete and less engaging.
- Requires patience and imagination (weight 0.04): The game demands a lot of time, patience, and imagination from the players. This can be a barrier for those looking for a more casual gaming experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Factions and world-building (weight 0.26): The game features unique factions, alliances, and interactions, along with rich lore and world-building. Combat and battles are integral parts of the faction play and economy.
- Open-world survival sandbox (weight 0.25): The game is an open-world survival sandbox that offers a vast, unforgiving world with a focus on player freedom and emergent storytelling. It includes survival mechanics, combat, and character progression without a main story.
- Character customization and development (weight 0.17): Players can engage in open-ended character development with extensive customization and progression options. This includes character interactions and storytelling elements.
- Base building mechanics (weight 0.14): Base building is a key feature, including resource management, fortification, and combat mechanics. Players can also engage in settlement building and management.
- High difficulty and progression (weight 0.14): The game offers a high difficulty level with a steep difficulty curve and progression. It involves multiple gameplay cycles and requires mastery.
- Exploration and survival (weight 0.13): The game emphasizes exploration and survival mechanics in a harsh environment. Players can discover and interact with the game world while facing various challenges.
- Role-playing and martial arts (weight 0.13): The game includes role-playing mechanics and martial arts training. Players can develop their characters through various skills and actions.
- Immersive and living world (weight 0.06): The game offers an immersive and living world with rich details and interactions. Players can experience a dynamic and evolving environment.
- Player-driven and emergent storytelling (weight 0.06): The game features player-driven and emergent storytelling, allowing for unique and personal narratives. It includes dynamic storytelling elements and narrative-driven gameplay.
- Infinite and open-ended gameplay (weight 0.06): The game offers infinite and open-ended gameplay with a unique gameplay loop. It is designed for long playtime and story-driven experiences.

Performance notes:
- Game plagued by bugs (weight 0.21): The game is frequently described as buggy, unstable, and prone to crashes. Players report critical errors and constant crashing issues.
- Long loading times (weight 0.09): Players frequently mention long and frequent loading times, especially during travel. This issue persists even on high-end PCs.
- Graphics and visual quality (weight 0.08): Opinions on graphics quality vary, with some players praising the visuals while others find them lacking. Mods are often used to enhance graphics.
- Physics and collision issues (weight 0.05): Players report issues with bad ragdoll physics, clipping, and collision problems, particularly in base building. Terrain and meshes also exhibit strange behaviors.
- Game engine and technical issues (weight 0.03): The game engine is criticized for being outdated and decrepit, leading to various technical issues and bugs. Players often need to use developer tools to fix these problems.
- UI and control problems (weight 0.03): The game's UI and controls are frequently criticized as being bad and janky. This affects the overall gameplay experience negatively.
- High system requirements (weight 0.03): The game requires a decent PC to run properly, which can be a barrier for players with low or mid-range hardware.
- Movement and speed issues (weight 0.03): The game struggles to handle high movement speeds, leading to occasional movement issues and glitches.
- Positive audio experience (weight 0.02): The game's audio is praised by players, providing a good auditory experience.
- Compatibility with Proton (weight 0.01): The game runs perfectly through Proton, which is a positive note for players using this compatibility layer.
- Full-screen mode issues (weight 0.01): Some configurations lack a proper full-screen mode, which can be a drawback for certain setups.

Recommendations:
- Challenging and immersive gameplay (weight 0.61): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy challenging and immersive experiences. It offers a deep and complex gameplay experience that is both rewarding and unforgiving.
- Unique and immersive experience (weight 0.15): The game provides a unique and immersive open-world experience that is highly engaging and emotionally impactful. Despite some flaws, it is recommended for those seeking a true gaming experience.
- Freedom and personal storytelling (weight 0.12): Players who enjoy freedom, exploration, and creating their own stories will find this game highly rewarding. It offers a true sandbox experience with emergent storytelling.
- Hardcore survival and sandbox (weight 0.11): Fans of hardcore survival games and open-world sandbox experiences will appreciate the game's brutal and punishing environment. It is recommended for those who enjoy post-apocalyptic settings and grinding.
- Worth the price despite flaws (weight 0.09): Despite some initial difficulty and jankiness, the game is considered worth the price. It offers a unique experience that outweighs its flaws.
- Not for casual or graphics-focused players (weight 0.08): The game is not recommended for players who prioritize good graphics or prefer casual, relaxing, or structured gameplay. It may also not be suitable for those with low-end setups.
- Compares favorably to other games (weight 0.07): The game is often compared favorably to other popular titles like Dark Souls, Spore, Civilization, Mount & Blade, and traditional RPGs like Dragon Quest. It offers similar depth and challenge.
- Highly recommended for RPG fans (weight 0.07): RPG fans will find this game highly enjoyable due to its deep and complex gameplay mechanics. It is recommended for fans of open-ended and open-world RPGs.
- Mods enhance the experience (weight 0.06): Using mods is highly recommended to improve performance and enjoyment. Mods can tailor the experience to the player's liking and provide a better overall experience.
- Highly praised and fun (weight 0.06): The game is considered a masterpiece and highly praised for its fun and challenging gameplay. It is often rated very highly by players.
- Broad appeal and recommendations (weight 0.05): The game is recommended to a wide audience, including teens, adults, and even grandma. It has a broad appeal despite its challenging nature.
- Recommended for fantasy and Fallout fans (weight 0.05): The game is recommended for fans of fantasy genres and Fallout-like settings. It appeals to players who enjoy post-apocalyptic and survival elements.
- Patience and affordability required (weight 0.04): The game is not recommended for those who cannot afford it or lack extreme patience. It requires a significant time investment and tolerance for its challenges.
- Highly recommended for freedom and depth (weight 0.03): The game is highly recommended for its freedom and depth. It offers a unique and immersive experience with a high level of player freedom.
- Worth buying at full price (weight 0.03): The game is considered worth buying at full price due to its depth and unique experience. It offers significant value for its cost.
- Engaging character-driven stories (weight 0.03): The game is recommended for players who enjoy character-driven stories and engaging storylines. It offers deep and meaningful progression.
- Experience before sequel (weight 0.03): It is recommended to experience the game before the sequel is released. Players on the fence about getting the game are encouraged to try it.
- Wait for fixes or discount (weight 0.03): Potential buyers are advised to wait until the game is fixed or available at a discount. This is due to some initial issues and the high price point.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Excitement (weight 0.39): Players are thrilled by Kenshi's vast open-world sandbox, which offers near-infinite replayability and freedom. The game's unique blend of RPG and RTS elements, along with its challenging and immersive gameplay, creates a sense of excitement and anticipation for future adventures.
- Frustration (weight 0.26): Players express frustration due to the game's steep learning curve, harsh and unforgiving mechanics, and frequent bugs and crashes. The high difficulty, lack of tutorials, and constant setbacks contribute to a challenging and often irritating experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Players find satisfaction in Kenshi's deep and rewarding progression system, which allows for character development and skill improvement. The game's high level of immersion, content, and the sense of achievement from overcoming challenges contribute to a fulfilling experience.
- Joy (weight 0.08): Players experience joy from the game's infinite possibilities, freedom, and unique gameplay mechanics. The humorous and memorable in-game events, along with the sense of accomplishment from achieving goals, contribute to a fun and enjoyable experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.03): Players feel disappointed due to the game's lack of story and quests, shallow gameplay loops, and poor optimization. The high price, lack of multiplayer, and inefficient resource management also contribute to a less satisfying experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.03): Players enjoy Kenshi's unique atmosphere, high amount of freedom, and engaging gameplay. The variety of playstyles, mods, and the overall positive experience contribute to a captivating and enjoyable time.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Players are amused by the humorous and unique in-game experiences, such as unexpected enslavement and escape, or characters being eaten by creatures despite achievements. The funny and unpretentious writing, along with the realistic life simulation, create a lighthearted and entertaining experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Players admire Kenshi's unique fantasy world, depth, and freedom. The game's incredible lore, atmosphere, and the fact that it was created by a single developer contribute to a sense of awe and appreciation.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Players are eagerly awaiting the sequel, Kenshi 2. The excitement and anticipation for the upcoming game contribute to a sense of eager expectation.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate Kenshi's freedom, trust in the player, and unique gameplay mechanics. The diverse map, mods, and the game's inclusive concept contribute to a sense of gratitude and admiration.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Players express anger due to game crashing, stability issues, and harsh consequences for failure, such as the loss of pets. The bug that deletes the player's base and the feeling of wasted time and money on an unfinished product contribute to a sense of frustration and anger.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players express strong love for Kenshi due to its character progression, freedom, and deep connection to the game world. The unique factions, personal experiences, and the ability to build a base anywhere contribute to a sense of attachment and affection.
- Fascination (weight 0.01): Players are fascinated by Kenshi's unique and immersive gameplay experience. The exploration of the game's lore, world, and the discovery of new locations and factions contribute to a sense of wonder and intrigue.
- Determination (weight 0.01): Players feel determined to continue playing Kenshi despite initial difficulties. The challenging gameplay and the desire to improve and face challenges contribute to a sense of perseverance and resolve.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Players express gratitude for Kenshi's community mods, free DLC content, and support for the developers. The game's impact during hard times and the memorable moments it provided contribute to a sense of thankfulness and appreciation.
- Awe (weight 0.01): Players are in awe of Kenshi's harsh and immersive world, beautiful visuals, and deep lore. The emotional impact of music and dialogues, along with the detailed world-building, contribute to a sense of wonder and reverence.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Players are curious about Kenshi's unique setting, atmosphere, and philosophical themes. The exploration and discovery aspects of the game, along with the interest in its open-ended nature, contribute to a sense of intrigue and inquisitiveness.
- Relief (weight 0): Players feel relief when they finally manage to survive without being harassed or find a solution to game launch issues. These moments of respite and resolution contribute to a sense of comfort and ease.
- Sadness (weight 0): Players experience sadness due to the death of in-game characters and companions. The emotional storytelling and character experiences contribute to a sense of loss and sorrow.
- Immersion (weight 0): Players feel immersed in Kenshi's living and immersive world and lore. The connection with the game world and the sense of living within it contribute to a deep and engaging experience.}