Info about DefleMask: Official game description: DefleMask is a cross-platform and multi system chiptune music tracker. The first of its kind in history. Also the first tracker with multiplayer and cross-platform collaboration. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android! Ready to be downloaded from the App Store, Play Store and STEAM of course! (in the future we would love to make a Switch release as well!) With it you can produce video game music for many old school game-consoles and computers. All the sound is produced in real time directly from emulators! **Systems supported so far: Genesis, SMS (+FM Sound Unit), GB, PCE, NES (+VRC7, +FDS), C64, Arcade, NeoGeo, MSX2** If it is made with DefleMask it is chiptune. **Multiplayer Support** ----------------------- Featuring cross-platform multiplayer collaboration! **Technical features:** ----------------------- – Full real-time emulation of the soundchips – Multiplayer support via PareidoLink! Collab with your friends live! – MIDI input devices realtime recording and chords input mode – ROM Builders! – Dynamic FM/macros/wavetable/sample instruments editor – Independent Pattern order for each channel using a Pattern Matrix – Many keyboard and mouse shortcuts for easier music creation – VGM format as the general ready-to-listen output – On the fly switch of soundchips and systems for easy song porting to other platforms Release date: Jun 2, 2023 Categories: Music Creation, Chiptune Tracker, Multiplayer Collaboration, Cross-Platform, Sound Emulation, Instrument Editor, ROM Export - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: No data - Playtime Metrics: No data - Time-to-fun: No data - Player Archetypes: - Disillusioned Veteran (no buy) - Motivation: To create music with a reliable tool, but they are currently working around bugs and questioning the value of the latest version. - Playstyle: Cautious and troubleshooting; they continue using the software but recommend alternatives to others. - Experience: veteran - Purchase stance: no buy - Labels: N/A - Reference games: N/A - Enthusiastic Beginner (buy) - Motivation: To explore chip tune music creation and enjoy the learning process. - Playstyle: Experimental and exploratory; they are figuring out the software and are optimistic about its capabilities. - Experience: newcomer - Purchase stance: buy - Labels: N/A - Reference games: N/A Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category. Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews. What players like: - Excellent for Genesis music (weight 0.76): Users report the tool works wonderfully for creating Genesis/YM2612 music and is very good at making Genesis music. It is also praised as a great chiptune creator and tracker. - Great for retro game music (weight 0.5): The software is considered good for producing retro video game music and can create legitimate retro video game tracks. It is dedicated to video game sound chips. - Easy and simple interface (weight 0.48): The program layout is simple, and the interface is easy to use, providing just enough features without confusion or overload. This makes it accessible for making music or experimenting. - Stable and solid performance (weight 0.47): Users report the program is solid and stable, running with complete ease on Steam Deck. It also brings plenty of chiptune sound to the desktop. - Broad sound modification options (weight 0.36): The tool offers a broad array of ways to modify sounds for the Genesis, including easy selection of sound chips and editing FM patches. This flexibility is highly valued by users. - Supports many consoles (weight 0.36): The software supports plenty of consoles, including Sega Genesis, GameBoy, NES, PC Engine, Neo Geo, and Sega Master System. It is considered the best way to write music for these systems. - Customizable instruments and patches (weight 0.34): The ability to customize or create own instruments or load from samples is highlighted. Users can also create FM patches and load them onto hardware like the Kasser Dafm Arcade. - Fun and cool (weight 0.26): Users find the software really cool and fun, capable of making bleepitybeeboops. This reflects the playful and creative potential of the tool. - Multiple input modes (weight 0.2): The program comes with point-and-click and musical keyboard music entry modes, making it readily accessible for different user preferences. This enhances usability for both beginners and experienced musicians. - Includes extra voice modes (weight 0.2): The Genesis/Megadrive EXT3 mode for extra voices is included, expanding the sound possibilities. This feature is appreciated by users looking for more advanced chiptune creation. - High-quality chip emulation (weight 0.2): The chip emulation is very good, ensuring authentic sound reproduction. This is crucial for users aiming to create authentic retro music. - Helpful community support (weight 0.18): The Discord community is really helpful, providing assistance and resources. This support network enhances the overall user experience. - Export to ROMs (weight 0.18): Music can be exported to ROMs for cartridges or emulators, allowing users to use their creations in actual games. This feature is essential for game developers and hobbyists. - Satisfying intros (weight 0.16): Hearing the intros is satisfying, adding to the overall enjoyment of the software. This small detail contributes to a positive user experience. Common complaints: - Software is not intuitive (weight 0.62): The software is difficult to get working even with tutorials, and the UI has bizarre choices and non-functional features. - Poor sound quality (weight 0.5): All sounds are botched, and playback runs at 10% speed, suggesting the program does not use the CPU or sound card correctly. - Crashes and instability (weight 0.48): Users report crashes (2 in 3 hours) and issues possibly due to hastily pushed updates or multiplayer features, indicating stability problems. - RAM address limitations (weight 0.36): The SID file is placed at $1000, crippling a basic program to 2KB user RAM, and the RAM address cannot be changed, severely limiting functionality. - Lack of SNES support (weight 0.34): Users are disappointed that the software does not support SNES, which limits its utility for retro music creation. - Steep learning curve (weight 0.31): There is a steep learning curve as expected with this type of software, but it may be a barrier for some users. - Inaccuracies and AI ads (weight 0.29): There are weird inaccuracies and the product is advertised with obnoxious AI-generated ads, which may mislead potential buyers. - MIDI input mutes notes (weight 0.2): MIDI keyboard input mutes underlying notes on the track at certain times, making improvisation impossible. - Misleading early access status (weight 0.2): The product is not labeled as early access, yet it exhibits unfinished behavior, leading to user frustration. - Limited C64 mod (weight 0.2): The C64 mod is limited and not suitable for extensive customization, disappointing users who expect deeper control. - Manual uses tracker jargon (weight 0.18): The manual's language is for trackers, requiring external searches for specific terms, which hampers usability for newcomers. - Only good for simple music (weight 0.18): The software is only good for plinky plonky music, indicating it lacks depth for complex compositions. Gameplay feedback: - Tool for retro music creation (weight 0.97): The product is primarily a tool for creating retro video game music, specifically chip tunes and Genesis music. It is described as a chiptune tracker and a music editor for NES. - Supports multiple retro consoles (weight 0.37): The tool supports Sega Genesis, GameBoy, NES, PC Engine, Neo Geo, and Sega Master System, making it versatile for various retro platforms. This broad compatibility is a key feature. - Can export music to ROMs (weight 0.2): The product can export music to ROMs, enabling users to integrate their compositions into actual games. This is a powerful feature for game developers. - Uses .dmp files for FM patches (weight 0.2): The product uses .dmp files for FM patch files, which is a specific technical detail relevant to sound design. This format is likely important for users creating custom patches. - Supports MIDI keyboard input (weight 0.2): The tool allows inputting notes with a MIDI keyboard, which is a convenient feature for musicians. This enhances the input flexibility. - Genesis mod is simple (weight 0.18): The Genesis modification is noted as simple, indicating ease of use for that specific console. This may appeal to users focusing on Genesis music. - Tutorials available on YouTube (weight 0.18): Users can find tutorials on YouTube, which helps with learning the tool. This external resource is valuable for new users. - Manual is simple to search (weight 0.18): The manual is easy to search, making it convenient for users to find information. This improves the overall user experience. - Includes basic tutorial to start (weight 0.18): The product includes a very basic tutorial to help users get started. This is helpful for beginners, though it may be limited. - Additional info requires external lookup (weight 0.17): Beyond the basic tutorial, the rest is documented and additional information must be looked up externally. This may be a drawback for users seeking comprehensive in-app guidance. Performance notes: - Frequent game crashes (weight 0.22): Players report experiencing two crashes within three hours of gameplay, indicating a stability issue that disrupts the experience. - Broken audio quality (weight 0.21): All in-game sounds are described as botched, suggesting a widespread audio defect that affects immersion and clarity. - Playback speed glitch (weight 0.2): The play song feature runs at only 10% of normal speed, making it nearly unusable and frustrating for players. Recommendations: - Worth full price for chiptune (weight 0.18): A reviewer states the product is definitely worth the full price for those who enjoy making chiptune music. This positive endorsement is niche but clear. - Older free version recommended (weight 0.17): One reviewer suggests using an older free version instead of the current paid one, implying the paid version may not offer enough added value. This feedback is specific but from a single source. - Good purchase overall (weight 0.16): One reviewer simply says it's definitely a good purchase, indicating general satisfaction. This is a positive but vague endorsement. - General recommendation given (weight 0.13): A reviewer gives a straightforward recommendation without specific details. This is a positive but low-information signal. Other player notes: - Furnace offers more for free (weight 0.47): Compared to Furnace tracker, which is free and does more, the product may lack value. This suggests a competitive disadvantage in features and pricing. - Steam release matches non-Steam version (weight 0.42): The software is available on Steam and is identical to the non-Steam version. This indicates a straightforward distribution without platform-specific differences. - Multiplayer features are a gimmick (weight 0.2): Multiplayer features were added as a sales gimmick, implying they are not essential or well-integrated. This may disappoint users seeking meaningful functionality. - Workshop for sharing instruments needed (weight 0.2): A workshop for uploading and downloading instruments and songs is suggested. This would enhance community sharing and content creation. - MIDI importer requested (weight 0.2): The reviewer suggests a MIDI importer, which would allow users to bring in external MIDI files. This is a common feature for music software. - Goat Tracker allows RAM address changes (weight 0.18): Compared to Goat Tracker, which has the option to change RAM address, the product may lack advanced customization. This is a specific feature request for power users. - Itch purchase blocked by sanctions (weight 0.18): The reviewer could not buy the product on Itch due to sanctions, highlighting regional restrictions. This may push users to Steam or other platforms. - Compatible with Kasser DAFM synthesizer (weight 0.17): The product is compatible with the Kasser DAFM Arcade synthesizer, which is a positive integration point. This may attract users of that hardware. - Bought despite price on Steam (weight 0.17): The reviewer purchased the product on Steam regardless of price, indicating strong interest or loyalty. This suggests the price is acceptable to some users. - Discord community exists (weight 0.17): There is a Discord community for the software, providing a space for users to interact and get support. This is a positive aspect for community building. - Previously on Itch, now on Steam (weight 0.17): The product was previously available on Itch and is now on Steam, indicating a platform expansion. This may affect discoverability and user access. Emotions: - Frustration (weight 0.28): Users report a steep learning curve due to non-intuitive UI, crashes, and broken features like the play song running at 10% speed. The lack of SNES support and inability to change RAM addresses add to the frustration, along with limited documentation for the C64 mod. - Satisfaction (weight 0.24): The software excels at creating Genesis/YM2612 music with a simple layout and stable performance. Users appreciate the easy-to-use interface, straightforward instrument editing, and good chip emulation, making it a solid choice for chip tune creation. - Disappointment (weight 0.12): Reviewers are disappointed by the lack of SNES support despite having Genesis support, and some feel they were unknowingly beta testers. This unmet expectation for SNES compatibility is a key source of dissatisfaction. - Gratitude (weight 0.12): Users are grateful that the software is now available on Steam, allowing them to legally purchase and support the developer. The Steam release makes it easier to access and use the tracker for chip tuning. - Annoyance (weight 0.04): The presence of obnoxious AI-generated ads is a source of annoyance for users, detracting from the overall experience. - Excitement (weight 0.04): Users feel excited when creating FM patches and jamming with them on hardware like the Kasser DAFM Arcade, highlighting the creative potential of the software. - Appreciation (weight 0.04): The helpful Discord community is highly appreciated, providing support and enhancing the user experience. - Amazement (weight 0.04): The ability to create legitimate retro video game music is a source of amazement, showcasing the software's capability to produce authentic sounds. - Love (weight 0.04): Users love that the product matches the version they were previously impressed by, confirming its quality and consistency. - Happiness (weight 0.04): Making bleepitybeeboops with the software brings happiness, reflecting the joy of creating simple, fun sounds.}