Info about Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs:

Official game description:
_This world is a Machine. A Machine for Pigs. Fit only for the slaughtering of Pigs._  
From the creators of Amnesia: The Dark Descent and Dear Esther comes a new first-person horrorgame that will drag you to the depths of greed, power and madness. It will bury its snout into your ribs and it will eat your heart.  
_The year is 1899_  
Wealthy industrialist Oswald Mandus awakes in his bed, wracked with fever and haunted by dreams of a dark and hellish engine. Tortured by visions of a disastrous expedition to Mexico, broken on the failing dreams of an industrial utopia, wracked with guilt and tropical disease, he wakes into a nightmare. The house is silent, the ground beneath him shaking at the will of some infernal machine: all he knows is that his children are in grave peril, and it is up to him to save them.
Unique Selling Points
---------------------
*   Fresh and new approach to the Amnesia world while staying true to its origins.  
*   The darkest, most horrific tale ever told in a videogame.  
*   Stunning soundtrack by award-winning composer Jessica Curry.

Release date: Sep 10, 2013

Categories: Walking Simulator, Atmospheric Horror, First-Person Exploration, Narrative Adventure, Victorian Gothic, Steampunk

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Tier 3 - The Student: external research dependency drives the primary complaints; summary: The feedback centers on the game's reliance on external information: players report having to read wiki entries for lore context and to search Google after hours of trial, concluding the experience is not worthwhile without outside help. This external-data dependency for understanding and completing content aligns with the instructional 'Student' barrier. Secondary evidence exists for technical defects (intermittent crashes and an FPS lock that requires tabbing out and back in) and a genre characterization as a guided 'walkthrough' rather than a survival game. No evidence of resource farming or inventory/crafting concerns is present.
- Proton/Linux: score 28; verdict: Mostly Works - Minor Linux Issues; summary: The Linux/Proton evidence is mostly positive: users report the game running fine on the native Linux build and on Proton, including the default Proton configuration, with no mention of launch options or heavy workarounds. The only explicit Linux-specific complaint is a single report that the native Linux build is 'borked', which is contradicted by others stating the native build ran fine. A separate frequent-crash complaint never ties the crashes to Linux, Proton, SteamOS, or Wine, so it is treated as a generic cross-platform issue and excluded from scoring. Overall the game works on Linux with only minor, isolated friction, placing it in the low end of the scoring range.
- Steam Deck: score 75; verdict: Broken: Frequent crashes and instability dominate the experience; summary: Steam Deck feedback for this title is dominated by stability problems: users report frequent crashes (roughly one per hour) and crashes specifically on loading screens, alongside clunky controller-based object interaction and sub-30fps performance in some areas. Linux/Proton results are inconsistent, with one user calling the native Linux build 'borked' while others report it running fine on native, default Proton, and Proton GE. Positive notes highlight the story, atmosphere, music, and Linux availability, but recurring crashes push the experience into the Broken range.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: The provided Windows cohorts consistently report severe crash and loading or save instability, with no evidence of a generally stable experience.
  - Sample size: 53 (6% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (negative, 27 reports): Reviewers report frequent crashes during chapter transitions and later gameplay, often making the game unplayable.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (negative, 9 reports): Players report crashes at loading points and poor optimization, with one reviewer recommending constant saving to avoid lost progress.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (negative, 8 reports): The available review describes the game as nonfunctional due to constant crashes in loading screens and saves, preventing completion.
  - Caveats: 53 of 871 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $4.99 - $7.99
  - Reasoning: The reviews consistently reject the full price and recommend waiting for a sale or deep discount. One reviewer states that even $8 feels overpriced, while others consider €4 or $5 on sale to be worth it. The €19.50 price tag is called unworthy, and many advise only buying on a deep discount or in a bundle. This supports a fair base-game price range well below the current full price, around $5 to $8.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 4.0h
  - Story completion: 4.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Multiple player reports place a normal playthrough of Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs in the 3-4.5 hour range: one says 3.5 hours, another says 3 or 4 hours to complete, and a Spanish review says about 4 hours for a thorough completion. Because the game is a short linear narrative, story completion and game completion are effectively the same; I use 4 hours as the central estimate for both. The 100% completion guide estimate of 5 hours supports that full completion is only slightly longer. No review gives a clear game-specific session length or endgame hour count, so those are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Reports are split: several players call the opening slow and boring, then say the game becomes enjoyable after about the first hour or by midgame/second act; others find it remains a chore throughout. The strongest time-cued turn points to a delayed click rather than immediate fun.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: After the first hour
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: slow and boring opening; tedious, verbose notes and dialogue; removed survival mechanics and simplified puzzles; linear, scripted progression with little challenge; pacing disrupted by journal or hallucination slowdowns; non-threatening enemies that can be run past
  - Unlock drivers: reaching the second act, when the game completely hooks the player; progressing to midgame and becoming involved in the process; after the first hour, being happy with the design choice
  - Conditions: patience through the slow opening; preference for story and atmosphere over survival-horror mechanics; tolerance for linear walking-sim progression and simple puzzles; willingness to engage with dense notes and dialogue; prior experience with The Dark Descent can make the first hours feel strange; learning the lamp and realizing the game is not very dangerous; whether the second-half pacing works for the player
- Player Archetypes:
  - Story-First Narrative Reader (sale)
    - Motivation: Uncovering a dark, literary story and atmosphere through notes and environmental storytelling.
    - Playstyle: Slow, guided exploration focused on reading notes and absorbing narrative rather than combat or puzzles.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: patient reader
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Amnesia Series Veteran Horror Purist (no buy)
    - Motivation: Seeking the sustained tension, threat, and interactive survival-horror mechanics that defined the original games.
    - Playstyle: Mechanically engaged survival-horror play, expecting interaction with objects, inventory, and genuinely threatening enemies.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: horror fan; veteran
    - Reference games: Amnesia: The Dark Descent; Penumbra
  - Casual Newcomer Seeking Short Scares (buy)
    - Motivation: Getting an accessible, low-pressure spooky experience or an easy entry into the horror genre.
    - Playstyle: Short, guided, low-challenge playthroughs for seasonal or limited-time scares.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: getting into the horror genre
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Achievement and Series Completionist (sale)
    - Motivation: Completing achievements, platinum trophies, and the full Amnesia series collection.
    - Playstyle: Objective-driven runs collecting missable notes and ticking off achievements across platforms.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: completing your sagas
    - Reference games: Amnesia: The Dark Descent


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:
- Strong and engaging story (weight 0.36): Many players praise the story as nice, interesting, powerful, and memorable. It is often described as the best in the series and a step-up from previous games.
- Excellent atmospheric presentation (weight 0.27): The atmosphere is consistently highlighted as well done, effective, and immersive. Players appreciate the ominous, creepy, and gloomy mood that enhances the experience.
- Incredible music and soundtrack (weight 0.25): The music is praised as incredible, magnificent, and perfectly matched to moments. Jessica Curry's soundtrack is specifically highlighted as extraordinary and hauntingly beautiful.
- Superb sound design (weight 0.2): Sound design is excellent, creating tension and immersion. It is often mentioned alongside music as a key strength of the game.
- Outstanding voice acting (weight 0.13): Voice acting is frequently described as great, phenomenal, and top-notch. It adds significantly to the overall quality of the game.
- Overall enjoyable game (weight 0.08): Players find the game great, enjoyable, and pleasantly surprising. The vibe and insanity of the game are satisfying.
- Good graphics for its time (weight 0.07): Graphics are considered very good, beautiful even for a 2013 game, and satisfying. Some players rate them highly, though a few find them just okay.
- Philosophical and thought-provoking story (weight 0.07): The story has philosophical subtext that leaves a strong impression and provides food for thought. It is deep, meaningful, and stays with players.
- Scares through atmosphere, not jumpscares (weight 0.07): The game does not rely on cheap jump scares, instead frightening players through atmosphere and concepts. This is appreciated by many reviewers.
- Accessible horror experience (weight 0.06): The game offers a light horror experience suitable for those not into intense gaming or novice horror players. It is great for players who want a horror game that is not too scary.
- Well-designed puzzles (weight 0.06): Puzzles are described as good, much better, and well-designed. They are enjoyable and add to the gameplay experience.
- Solid walking simulator (weight 0.06): The game is a good walking simulator that does the style well. It is enjoyable for fans of the genre once they get used to it.

Common complaints:
- Inferior to The Dark Descent (weight 0.53): Comparisons to Amnesia: The Dark Descent are overwhelmingly negative, with players stating the game is worse in atmosphere, story, gameplay, and horror. It is often called a step back for the series.
- Less scary than predecessor (weight 0.36): Many players find the game significantly less frightening than Amnesia: The Dark Descent, lacking the constant dread and effective scares that defined the original. This is a recurring complaint across multiple clusters and is often cited as the biggest disappointment.
- Gameplay lacks depth and interactivity (weight 0.31): Reviewers frequently note that gameplay is minimal, stripped down, or almost nonexistent, with limited interaction with the world and few mechanics. The game often feels more like a walking simulator than a survival horror experience.
- Simplified puzzles and reduced challenge (weight 0.22): Puzzles are described as overly simple, very easy, and lacking challenge compared to previous Amnesia titles. Many players feel the puzzle design has been watered down and requires little thought.
- Missing core mechanics: no inventory (weight 0.15): The removal of inventory management is a common complaint, as it eliminates a key survival horror element present in earlier Amnesia games. Players miss the resource management and item interaction.
- Missing core mechanics: no sanity system (weight 0.13): The sanity system, a signature feature of the Amnesia series, has been completely removed. This removal is frequently cited as a major downgrade that reduces tension and horror.
- Boring and unengaging experience (weight 0.07): Several reviewers found the game boring to play, with a lack of engaging mechanics or story. The overall experience feels dull and fails to hold attention.
- Outdated graphics (weight 0.06): The graphics are considered outdated, with rough textures and models that look poor by modern standards. This detracts from immersion for some players.

Gameplay feedback:
- Walking simulator with puzzles (weight 0.3): Players frequently describe the game as a walking simulator with occasional or simple puzzles. The genre label is applied broadly, with many noting minimal interaction and straightforward progression.
- Infinite lantern and flashlight (weight 0.24): The lantern and flashlight have unlimited power and do not require oil or fuel. This removes resource management from the lighting mechanics.
- Few enemy encounters (weight 0.16): Enemy encounters are infrequent and often scripted. Monsters are present but rarely dangerous and can be easily avoided.
- First-person horror adventure (weight 0.13): The game is commonly categorized as a first-person horror adventure with exploration elements. It is often described as a narrative-driven horror experience.
- Linear and scripted gameplay (weight 0.06): The game is highly linear and story-driven, with scripted events. Many describe the structure as guided with little deviation.
- Auto health regeneration (weight 0.05): Health regenerates automatically, and there is no need for healing items like laudanum. This further simplifies survival mechanics.
- Hiding from monsters (weight 0.05): Some encounters require hiding from monsters, such as pigs. However, many note that hiding is rarely necessary due to infrequent threats.
- No weapons or combat (weight 0.05): The game lacks weapons and combat mechanics. Players must run or hide when feeling vulnerable.

Performance notes:
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.14): Players report that the game crashes often, sometimes as frequently as once per hour. This is a widespread and persistent issue that significantly impacts playability.
- Crashes on level transitions (weight 0.09): The game frequently crashes when transitioning between levels or entering new areas, often preventing progression. This occurs almost every level for some players.
- Crashes cause loss of progress (weight 0.06): Crashes often result in lost progress, sometimes forcing players to restart chapters or lose 10-15 minutes of gameplay. This is highly frustrating for players.
- Longstanding crash issues (weight 0.03): Crashes have been present since the game's launch and have not been fully addressed. This indicates a chronic problem.

Recommendations:
- Buy Only on Sale (weight 0.22): Many reviewers strongly advise purchasing this game only when discounted, citing its short length and overall value. They consistently warn against paying full price.
- Play Original Amnesia Instead (weight 0.21): Reviewers frequently recommend playing Amnesia: The Dark Descent, SOMA, or other series entries instead of this game. They consider it a weaker installment that fails to live up to the original's standards.
- Not Recommended for Everyone (weight 0.13): A notable number of reviewers explicitly state they cannot recommend this game to anyone or advise skipping it entirely. They cite lack of scares, poor value, or disappointment as reasons.
- Enjoyable Narrative and Atmosphere (weight 0.13): A portion of reviewers praise the game's story, atmosphere, and visual elements, recommending it to those who prioritize narrative over mechanics. They find it worth playing for the plot and immersive experience.
- General Recommendation (weight 0.12): Many reviewers give a straightforward recommendation, often with caveats that the game is not for everyone. They suggest it is worth trying for those interested in the genre.
- Mixed Recommendations (weight 0.1): Some reviewers give conditional recommendations, such as for fans of the series or those who enjoy psychological horror. They often note that it is not for everyone.
- Recommended for Horror Fans (weight 0.09): Some reviewers recommend the game specifically for hardcore horror enthusiasts or dedicated fans of the Amnesia franchise who want to experience the entire series. They suggest it may appeal to those with a strong interest in the genre.
- Appeals to Narrative Seekers (weight 0.07): Those looking for a narrative-driven experience may enjoy this game, as it focuses on story over complex gameplay. It is recommended for players who value storytelling.
- Skip If Not Curious (weight 0.06): Reviewers suggest skipping this game unless you are specifically curious about it. They recommend other horror titles for a better experience.
- Recommended for Walking Simulator Fans (weight 0.05): Reviewers note that the game appeals to those who enjoy walking simulators with light horror elements. It is recommended for players who prefer exploration over intense action.
- Not for Scare Seekers (weight 0.05): Players seeking intense horror and scares are advised to avoid this game, as it lacks the fear factor of the original. It is not recommended for adrenaline junkies.
- Worth Trying for Franchise Fans (weight 0.03): Dedicated fans of the Amnesia series may still find value in playing this installment to complete the franchise. It is suggested as a worthwhile try for those invested in the lore.
- Recommend to Everyone with Caution (weight 0.03): A few reviewers recommend the game to everyone, but often with the caveat that it may not appeal to all tastes. They suggest trying it regardless of experience with the series.
- Not Recommended as Standalone (weight 0.03): Reviewers advise against buying this game as a standalone title at full price, as it does not offer the same value as The Dark Descent. They recommend the original instead.
- Good for Psychological Horror Fans (weight 0.03): Fans of psychological horror and dark narratives may appreciate this game's themes. It is recommended for those who enjoy a slower, story-driven horror experience.
- Worth It for Atmosphere Alone (weight 0.03): Some players find the atmosphere and visual design compelling enough to warrant a purchase. They recommend it for those who value immersive environments over gameplay.

Other player notes:
- Short game length (weight 0.2): The game is frequently described as short, with most playthroughs taking around 3-6 hours. Some reviewers note this limits replayability.
- Developed by The Chinese Room (weight 0.18): The game was developed by The Chinese Room, known for Dear Esther, rather than Frictional Games. This change in developer is frequently mentioned and sometimes linked to differences in style.
- Not a direct sequel to Dark Descent (weight 0.16): Many reviewers clarify that the game is not a direct sequel to Amnesia: The Dark Descent, but rather a spiritual successor or spin-off. It does not follow the plot of the first game and offers a different experience.
- Shorter than previous games (weight 0.12): The game is noticeably shorter than its predecessors, often about half as long. This is a common point of comparison with The Dark Descent and Rebirth.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.28): The game is widely criticized for removing core survival horror mechanics from its predecessor, such as the sanity system, inventory, puzzles, and resource management, resulting in a simplified and less tense experience. Many players also find it lacking in scares, with predictable enemies and a weaker story, making it feel like a walking simulator rather than a true Amnesia game. Technical issues and a short length further contribute to the letdown.
- Frustration (weight 0.12): Frequent crashes, especially during level transitions and loading screens, cause significant frustration and lost progress. Performance issues like low FPS, stutters, and bugs further exacerbate the problem, sometimes making the game unplayable. These technical problems often force players to replay sections and use workarounds to progress.
- Appreciation (weight 0.08): Players appreciate the game's strong narrative, atmospheric setting, and excellent sound design and music. The story is often praised for its thought-provoking themes and emotional depth, with well-written dialogue and voice acting. The artistic design and unique steampunk aesthetic also receive positive mentions.
- Boredom (weight 0.06): Many players find the gameplay monotonous, with repetitive walking simulations, simple puzzles, and a lack of engaging mechanics. The slow pacing, empty locations, and minimal threat contribute to a boring experience, often feeling like a chore rather than a horror game.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Despite its flaws, many players enjoy the game's atmospheric storytelling, immersive world, and sound design. The narrative and philosophical themes are compelling, and the horror elements, while different, still provide a creepy and engaging experience for some.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Players feel satisfied by the game's strong story, atmospheric experience, and impactful ending. The narrative-driven horror and philosophical themes resonate with the right audience, and the game is often praised for its quality and memorable moments.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance arises from mechanics like forced powerlessness, blurry camera effects, and poor enemy AI. Frequent crashes and technical issues, along with confusing exploration and easy puzzles, further irritate players.
- Fear (weight 0.02): Fear is evoked by the game's oppressive atmosphere, sound design, and unexpected scares. The pig enemies and existential horror elements create a sense of dread and tension, making players feel genuinely frightened at times.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is expressed for the game's brilliant story, music, and atmosphere. The ending and philosophical depth are particularly praised, with some considering it one of the best horror games in the past decade.
- Engagement (weight 0.02): Engagement is driven by the game's gripping story, immersive atmosphere, and philosophical themes. The narrative keeps players hooked and thinking, with unexpected scares and a deep plot that pulls them in.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion often arises from the game's unclear story and cryptic notes, leaving players with many unanswered questions. Some also don't understand the hate the game receives, especially compared to the first.
- Unease (weight 0.02): Unease is created by the game's disturbing atmosphere, sound design, and oppressive environmental design. The psychological horror and gloomy story contribute to a constant sense of nervousness and discomfort.
- Immersion (weight 0.01): Immersion is achieved through the game's atmospheric Victorian and industrial settings, gripping story, and top-notch sound design. The dark tone and voice acting draw players into the experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise often stems from the game being better than expected, given its negative reception. The bizarre story and eerie atmosphere also catch players off guard, leading to unexpected enjoyment.
- Excitement (weight 0.01): Excitement is generated by engaging gameplay, tense moments, and scares that keep players interested. The game's atmosphere and story moments are more heart-felt and exciting, especially in VR or with mods.
- Indifference (weight 0.01): Indifference arises when the game feels just okay, with stale themes and a lack of substance. The story fails to develop characters or intrigue, making it skippable for some players.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement comes from the game's unintentionally funny moments, such as clumsy pigmen and nonsensical story elements. The pseudo-poetic narrative and enemy behavior often provoke laughter rather than fear.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Dissatisfaction stems from the game's disjointed story, removal of gameplay elements, and poor visual execution. Many feel it fails as a standalone game and lacks the engaging mechanics of its predecessor.
- Mixed feelings (weight 0.01): Mixed feelings are common due to the contrast between the game's strong atmosphere, story, and sound design, and its weak gameplay, removed mechanics, and short length. Players appreciate the artistic elements but are disappointed by the lack of engaging gameplay.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is primarily caused by technical issues such as crashes, bugs, and save resets, which ruin the experience. The game's inferiority to its predecessor in many aspects also fuels frustration.}