Info about Marlow Briggs and the Mask of Death:

Official game description:
A new breed of WARRIOR returns, committed to destroying the enemies of FREEDOM  
When ONE angry man, has a world to protect - There is only ONE future – HIS OWN  
No-nonsense hero Marlow never shied away from danger or trouble. But now he faces his ULTIMATE challenge. After crash-landing in Central America, he has an industrial evil to defeat whilst bound to an ancient Mayan Death Mask who’s had no-one to talk to for 2000 years. Another day at the office only this time Marlow is PUSHED TO THE LIMIT , his sweetheart has been abducted, the bad guys are making up their own rules and only one man can judge them – and EXECUTE THE SENTENCE .  
Fearlessly fighting through Mayan temples and towering valleys, monstrous machinery, nothing, but nothing, will stand in the way of this bad ass warrior, his girl and the crushing of all opposition.  
They told him to go to HELL, he was DEAD ready!!!  
With cliffhanger over the top action and cinematic gameplay, Marlow Briggs takes inspiration from the best of blockbuster films, comic book heroes, and action games with its focus on relentless high-octane combat, exotic and danger filled environments and epic set pieces.  
• Fight the enemies of FREEDOM with stacks of awesome combos and magic abilities,  
• Single handedly destroy HUNDREDS of enemies  
• Deploy MIGHTY weapons of destruction  
• Leap out of HUGE EXPLOSIONS in slow motion  
• Reveal the DEADLY secrets of the Mayans  
• Save the ENTIRE planet

Release date: Sep 20, 2013

Categories: Hack and Slash, Action-Adventure, Third-Person Perspective, Combo-based Combat, Magic System, Fixed-Camera Perspective, Platforming, Single-player Story

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 15; verdict: Works Well on Linux/Proton; summary: Linux and Steam Deck feedback is limited but mostly positive. One user reports completing the game on Debian 13 with GE-Proton10-32, and several Steam Deck users report playing for hours or finishing the game successfully. A single Steam Deck warning exists, but it is vague and not tied to a Linux/Proton compatibility failure. Overall, the game appears to work well on Linux and SteamOS.
- Steam Deck: score 75; verdict: Broken on Steam Deck due to frequent crashes; summary: The Steam Deck experience is mixed but critically hampered by stability issues. Multiple users report frequent crashes, including one every 30 minutes, plus bugs requiring file verification or autosave reloads. Performance degrades when resolution is changed to 16:9, though 1920x1080 at around 30fps is acceptable for some. Positive reports show the game can be completed and enjoyed on Deck, and one user runs it on Linux Debian 13 via GE-Proton10-32. There is no strong evidence of external launchers, unreadable UI, or battery drain. Because frequent crashes are present, the friction score is 75 under the scoring criteria, indicating a broken and unstable Deck experience.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $1.00 - $5.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews repeatedly frame $1 as the ideal sale price and $5 as the upper acceptable regular/base-game price. One reviewer explicitly says the game is well worth the $5 price tag, while another would not buy at $5, suggesting the community sees $5 as the practical ceiling rather than an obvious bargain. No review supports a base-game price above $5, and multiple comments emphasize waiting for $0.99-$1 sales, so the fair base-game range is best estimated as $1 to $5.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 7.0h
  - Story completion: 7.0h
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews place the main campaign/story completion in the 6-8 hour range: one says around 8 hours for the story, another reports a roughly 6.5-hour runtime, and another cites a 6-7 hour campaign. This supports setting both gameCompletion and storyCompletion to about 7 hours. For session length, one review explicitly says the player purchased the game and played for 2 hours, giving a limited but direct session-length signal, so sessionLength is set to 2. There is no explicit endgame/post-game duration; challenge mode, leaderboards, and achievements are mentioned, but no hours are given, so endgame is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Players often enjoy the opening and moment-to-moment combat immediately, but the fun tends to erode later as combat and levels become repetitive and tedious.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Underwhelming industrial opening environments; Non-instant blocking and dodge without i-frames; Screen-covering magic with little invulnerability; Repetitive or copy-pasted level design; Too much platforming and pacing-disrupting puzzles; Spongey enemies without health bars
  - Unlock drivers: Exploring and upgrading weapons/abilities to reduce late-game tedium; Skill growth by late game lets players outclass enemies with long combos; Minigames and shooter sections add variety that prevents boredom
  - Conditions: Tolerance for repetitive hack-and-slash combat; Willingness to explore and upgrade; Avoiding hardest difficulty to reduce late-game tedium; Acceptance of absurd B-movie tone and humor; Looking for a cheap God of War-like experience; Genre veterans may find combat too easy and repetitive; Players expecting enemy variety may be disappointed; Short length helps repetition from overstaying its welcome
- Player Archetypes:
  - Old-School Hack-and-Slash Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Relive classic hack-and-slash action and old-school PS2/PS3-era charm.
    - Playstyle: Aggressive melee combat with combos, dodges, and straightforward campaign progression.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: God of War; DmC; Prince of Persia; Tomb Raider; Dante's Inferno
  - Budget Indie Deal Hunter (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Get solid action entertainment for very little money or a deep discount.
    - Playstyle: Run through the short campaign for completion or casual enjoyment, often waiting for sales before buying.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Achievement and Leaderboard Completionist (buy)
    - Motivation: Complete achievements, collectibles, hardcore runs, and leaderboard challenges.
    - Playstyle: Multiple playthroughs on Hardcore, guide-assisted collectible hunting, and replaying minigames for rank.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Achievement Completionist
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Casual Low-Frustration Action Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoy a low-stress, cinematic hack-and-slash power fantasy with humor.
    - Playstyle: Plays on Easy or Normal, clears crowds with simple combos, avoids higher difficulties and punishing deaths.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: casual gamer
    - 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:
- Satisfying combat feel (weight 0.62): Combat is frequently described as punchy, smooth, and satisfying, with intuitive controls and easy combo chaining. Many players highlight the lively and visceral feel of the combat system.
- Great value for price (weight 0.44): Reviewers consistently note that the game is well worth its price, especially at a discount or low price point. It is considered a bargain and a steal at the asking price.
- Variety in enemies and weapons (weight 0.4): Players appreciate the variety of enemies, weapons, and locations, which keeps the gameplay fresh. The assortment of enemies is often highlighted as pleasing.
- Beautiful visuals and graphics (weight 0.38): Graphics are often praised as spectacular, colorful, and detailed. Visuals are considered beautiful, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing.
- Humorous dialogue and banter (weight 0.38): The dialogue, especially between the protagonist and the magic mask, is frequently described as funny and entertaining. Humorous conversations and sidekick banter add to the enjoyment.
- Fun hack and slash action (weight 0.36): The game is a bombastic hack and slash that is well-made and enjoyable. The action is over-the-top and packed with excitement.
- Fun and entertaining gameplay (weight 0.3): The game is described as fun, interesting, and a great time overall. Many reviewers find it enjoyable and worth playing.
- Upgrade system for weapons and magic (weight 0.28): Players can upgrade weapons and magic using experience points, increasing health, mana, and damage. The progression system is well-received.
- Spectacular and varied combos (weight 0.26): Combos are praised for being visually impressive, plentiful, and satisfying to pull off. The variety and animation quality of combos are notable highlights.
- Fast-paced combat (weight 0.15): Combat is often described as ridiculously fast, fluid, and always on point. The speed and smoothness contribute to an exhilarating experience.
- Good level design (weight 0.14): Level design is considered great, varied, and well-crafted. It complements the gameplay and adds to the overall experience.
- Competent combat system (weight 0.13): The combat system offers several weapons and attack combinations with good differentiation. It is well-designed and provides diverse fighting styles.
- Good voice acting (weight 0.12): Voice acting is praised as very good, entertaining, and fitting for the characters. It enhances the overall experience.
- Magic abilities and spells (weight 0.12): Various magic abilities like earthquake, storm, and fire rain are available. There are four area magic spells: fire, ice, earth, and wind.
- Mayan cultural theme (weight 0.11): The game's use of Mayan culture and themes is appealing to many reviewers. It provides a unique and interesting backdrop.
- Balanced difficulty (weight 0.11): The difficulty is well-balanced, offering a challenge without being too easy or impossible. It is considered one of the most balanced difficulty sliders.
- Giant scorpion riding (weight 0.11): Players can ride and control giant scorpions, adding a unique and fun element to the game. This feature is often mentioned positively.

Common complaints:
- Camera Issues Mar Experience (weight 0.35): The fixed camera, lack of control, and odd angles are frequent complaints, causing problems in platforming and combat. Many players find the camera painful and disorienting.
- Combat Repetitive and Tedious (weight 0.26): Combat is often described as monotonous, tedious, and boring, especially as the game progresses. Some also note spongey enemies that take too many hits.
- Frustrating Platforming Sections (weight 0.26): Platforming is often criticized for being janky, average, and made worse by the camera, leading to trial-and-error deaths and frustration.
- Technical Bugs and Crashes (weight 0.23): Players report occasional bugs, glitches, and frequent crashes, which detract from the experience.
- Enemy Variety Lacking (weight 0.19): Reviewers consistently note a shortage of enemy types, making combat feel repetitive. This is highlighted as a major flaw in the game.
- Graphics Considered Dated (weight 0.14): Several reviews mention that the graphics look outdated and out of place by today's standards, though a few consider them decent.
- Odd Control Scheme (weight 0.14): The control scheme feels old and odd, and weird camera angles contribute to awkward controls.
- Low Replay Value (weight 0.12): Many feel the game lacks replayability and doesn't offer much reason to return after completion.
- Low Production Values (weight 0.09): The game is described as low-budget and janky, with noticeably poor production quality.
- Ineffective Difficulty Scaling (weight 0.08): Higher difficulties only increase enemy health or numbers without adding new enemies, making the game artificially harder rather than more interesting.
- Missing Russian Language (weight 0.08): Some players note the absence of Russian language support, which is a drawback for those expecting it.
- Annoying Credits Mini-Game (weight 0.08): A mini-game in the credits section is widely disliked and considered annoying.

Gameplay feedback:
- God of War-style Action Game (weight 0.72): Many reviewers describe the game as a third-person hack-and-slash action game heavily inspired by God of War and similar titles like Dante's Inferno. The combat and overall structure are frequently compared to the classic God of War trilogy.
- Four Unlockable Weapons (weight 0.52): The game features four distinct weapons that players unlock as they progress, each with its own combos and upgrades. This weapon variety is a recurring point in positive feedback.
- Hack-and-Slash Combat Focus (weight 0.47): Combat is the central mechanic, described as fast-paced hack-and-slash with a combo system. Many reviewers highlight the smooth and energetic nature of the combat.
- Platforming and Minigame Sections (weight 0.36): The game includes platforming sections with jumps, climbing, and occasional minigames. These elements add variety but are sometimes seen as simple.
- Progression and Upgrade System (weight 0.24): Players can upgrade weapons and abilities, and gain extra health and mana as they progress. This RPG-like element enhances the sense of growth.
- Boss Fights and Puzzles (weight 0.24): The game includes colossal boss fights and simple puzzles. These provide memorable set pieces and breaks from regular combat.
- Elemental Magic System (weight 0.22): The game features four types of magic based on elements: fire, earth, ice, and wind (or air/water). These powers are varied and add strategic depth to combat.
- Fixed Camera Restricts Exploration (weight 0.12): A fixed camera angle prevents players from looking around freely, which can be frustrating. This is a common complaint among reviewers.

Performance notes:
- Runs Smoothly on Various Hardware (weight 0.24): Many users report the game runs well, maintaining a locked 60 FPS on different systems, including a Radeon HD 7950 and a Lenovo Legion S. It also runs out of the box without needing fixes or mods.
- Frequent Game Crashes (weight 0.2): Multiple reviewers report frequent and random crashes, some occurring approximately every 30 minutes and without error messages. This affects playthroughs, including one report of four crashes in a ten-hour session.
- Steam Deck Compatibility (weight 0.16): The game is reported to run well on Steam Deck with a good overall experience, though some users encountered specific bugs like weird errors and broken cutscenes.
- Lack of Graphics Options (weight 0.15): The PC version offers minimal graphics settings, with some users noting only resolution, fullscreen, and brightness can be adjusted. The absence of options like anti-aliasing is also mentioned as a drawback.
- Performance Issues and Stutters (weight 0.13): Several reports describe frame drops, stuttering, and unstable FPS, particularly during scenes with many explosions. Stuttering is also noted when the refresh rate and resolution do not match the highest settings.
- Broken Ultrawide Support (weight 0.09): Ultrawide resolution support is improperly implemented, leading to a zoomed-in view, cut-off UI elements, and off-screen prompts.
- Resolution and Display Bugs (weight 0.08): Issues include a display bug where the chosen resolution is not utilized, and changing the resolution to 16:9 results in choppy and grainy visuals.
- Input Lag (weight 0.04): One reviewer experienced input lag, which can affect gameplay responsiveness.
- Age-Related Technical Fixes (weight 0.04): Technical problems stemming from the game's age can be resolved by running it in Windows 7 compatibility mode and adjusting DPI settings.
- Minor Bugs Occasionally (weight 0.04): Some users encountered only occasional minor bugs during their playthrough.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended at low price (weight 0.87): A large number of reviews emphasize that the game is worth buying on sale or at its low price point, often calling it a steal or bargain. The low cost makes it an easy recommendation for many players.
- Fun for casual action fans (weight 0.71): The game is recommended for those who enjoy casual, relaxed hack-and-slash action without needing a deep story or complex mechanics. It's described as mindless fun or a good way to pass an hour or two.
- Short but enjoyable experience (weight 0.39): The game is often described as a short, fun ride that can be completed in a few hours, making it ideal for a quick playthrough or to pass the time. Many appreciate its brevity and lack of complexity.
- Good for action-adventure niche (weight 0.33): The game is recommended for fans of action-adventure and hack-and-slash genres, especially those who enjoy games like Darksiders or Zelda. It fills a niche for classic-style action games.
- Good for mindless fun (weight 0.26): Many describe the game as mindless fun, perfect for when you want to turn off your brain and enjoy simple combat and explosions. It's a go-to for casual entertainment.
- Cheesy B-movie charm (weight 0.23): The game is praised for its over-the-top, cheesy action and dialogue reminiscent of a B-movie, which many find entertaining. Fans of silly, loud, and crazy experiences will enjoy it.
- Frequent discounts and cheap price (weight 0.22): The game is frequently available at a very low price or on sale, making it an easy impulse purchase. Reviewers often mention waiting for a discount to get the best deal.
- Worth full price for genre fans (weight 0.2): A few reviewers state the game is worth buying even at full price, particularly for fans of the genre. They emphasize that it provides good value regardless of cost.
- Works well on Steam Deck (weight 0.11): Some reviewers recommend the game specifically for Steam Deck owners, while one dissenting opinion advises against playing on Steam Deck. Overall, it is considered a good fit for the handheld.
- Mixed or negative opinions (weight 0.1): A small number of reviewers do not recommend the game, citing issues such as lack of depth, not being worth the time, or better alternatives like playing actual God of War. These negative views are in the minority.
- Controller recommended over mouse keyboard (weight 0.09): Multiple reviews suggest playing with a controller because the mouse and keyboard controls are considered broken or suboptimal. Using a gamepad improves the experience significantly.
- Difficulty and playstyle tips (weight 0.08): Several reviewers offer advice on difficulty settings, such as playing on Easy to avoid bullet-spongey enemies or on Hard for a challenge. These tips help players tailor their experience.
- Good for game droughts (weight 0.08): The game is suggested as a good choice during periods when few new games are released or when you want something to play between bigger titles. It offers a satisfying action experience without commitment.
- Achievement hunting and completion (weight 0.04): One reviewer specifically recommends the game for achievement hunters, providing tips for four specific achievements. This suggests the game is appealing for completionists.
- Not for graphics enthusiasts (weight 0.04): One reviewer warns that players who require high-detail textures should avoid the game. The visuals are not a strong point for those seeking cutting-edge graphics.
- Time Attack and platforming appeal (weight 0.04): For players who enjoy time attack modes and jumping platform sections, the game is worth a buy. This niche aspect adds replay value for some.
- Recommended for achievement hunters (weight 0.04): One review specifically targets achievement hunters, offering tips for four achievements and recommending the game for those aiming for full completion. This suggests it's a relatively easy or enjoyable completion.

Other player notes:
- God of War clone comparisons dominate (weight 0.54): Most feedback compares this game to God of War, often calling it a clone or heavily inspired by the PS2 classics. Some argue it is not a soulless imitation despite the similarities.
- Short playtime around 5-8 hours (weight 0.46): Many reviewers report completing the game in roughly 5 to 8 hours. This short length is a common point of discussion.
- Very cheap price, good value (weight 0.32): The game is often described as dirt cheap or sold at a low price, making it worth the cost. This contributes to its perceived value.
- Underrated hidden gem (weight 0.21): The game is described as under-the-radar, underrated, and a hidden gem on Steam. This highlights its cult following.
- Compared to Devil May Cry and similar (weight 0.2): The game is often compared to Devil May Cry, Darksiders, and other hack-and-slash titles. These comparisons highlight its genre placement.
- Language options: English voices, Spanish text (weight 0.2): The game features English voice acting with Spanish text or subtitles. No Russian translation is available.
- Similar style to PS2 God of War (weight 0.15): The visual and gameplay style is often likened to the PS2 God of War games. This reinforces the clone perception.
- Small file size around 2GB (weight 0.14): The game has a small installation size of about 2 to 2.3 GB. This is noted as a positive for storage.
- Developed by ZootFly, published by 505 Games (weight 0.14): The game was developed by Slovenian studio ZootFly and published by 505 Games. This background is sometimes mentioned.
- Closest God of War-like on Steam (weight 0.13): Before the official God of War release on Steam, this was considered the closest alternative. It is described as the best God of War-like game on the platform.
- Comparisons to Darksiders and Zelda (weight 0.12): Controls and feel are compared to the Darksiders series, and some mention Zelda. These comparisons indicate similar action-adventure mechanics.
- Released in 2013 (weight 0.12): The game was published in 2013. This release year is consistently noted in reviews.
- Mayan mythology setting (weight 0.09): The story incorporates Mayan mythology. This setting distinguishes it from other God of War clones.
- Often bought in bundles (weight 0.08): Some players acquired the game as part of a bundle purchase. This suggests it is commonly bundled with other titles.
- Reminiscent of Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (weight 0.08): Some reviewers note a similar vibe to Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. This comparison highlights its action-adventure feel.
- Xbox controller support (weight 0.08): The game is playable with an Xbox controller, and some suggest it is best with one. This is a practical note for players.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.2): Players find the game fun and worth their time, with fast-paced hack-and-slash combat, constant action, and over-the-top set pieces. Humorous dialogue and a cheesy B-movie plot add to the enjoyment, though some note bugs and average elements.
- Frustration (weight 0.16): Frustration stems from severe technical issues like crashes, ultrawide support problems, and bugs, as well as poor camera controls and platforming sections that cause repeated deaths. Combat is often hindered by damage-sponge enemies, unreliable dodging, and imprecise controls.
- Disappointment (weight 0.13): Players are disappointed by repetitive combat, weak story and characters, and a lack of innovation, feeling it is an average God of War clone. Technical issues like bugs, poor optimization, and missing features like cloud saves further contribute to the letdown.
- Amusement (weight 0.08): Amusement arises from the game's goofy humor, cheesy dialogue, and the talking Mayan mask's quips and taunts. The absurd, self-aware B-movie tone and intentionally bad voice acting provide frequent laughs.
- Surprise (weight 0.05): Surprise comes from the game exceeding low expectations, being better than expected for its low price, and impressing with decent visuals and set pieces despite a small file size. Many players had never heard of it and were pleasantly surprised by its quality.
- Fun (weight 0.04): The game offers fun through its over-the-top hack-and-slash gameplay, constant explosions, and God of War-style combat. Simple, varied combos and goofy enjoyment contribute to an entertaining experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.04): Satisfaction results from the game providing good value for its price, with a dynamic combat system, smooth combo chaining, and engaging story. It fulfills the craving for old-school God of War-style action and offers substantial content.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Appreciation is felt for the game's hidden gem quality, lively combat, and good level design despite its low budget and janky platforming. The unique Mayan/Aztec setting and impressive set pieces are also valued.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): Excitement is generated by the ridiculously fast combat, constant explosions, and cinematic set pieces that keep players engaged. Playing on Steam Deck and unlocking new skills adds to the thrill.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance is caused by frequent crashes, bad platforming and camera issues, and fixed camera angles that hide collectibles or lead to cheap deaths. Small irritations like held action shots and confusing traversal puzzles also contribute.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom arises from monotonous fights, repetitive gameplay with one effective weapon, and tedious late-game sections with damage-sponge enemies. Achievements are also found uninteresting.
- Dislike (weight 0.02): Dislike is directed at the poor magic system, unappealing characters, and unfinished cutscenes. The soundtrack and keyboard-centric controls also detract from the experience.
- Entertainment (weight 0.02): Entertainment is provided by the game's action-packed fights, diverse scenarios, and energetic combat. Its simple hack-and-slash gameplay and cinematic moments make it an engaging time-passer.
- Praise (weight 0.01): Praise is given for user-friendly design choices like single-button QTEs and the absence of collectibles that increase health/mana caps. The gameplay and aesthetics are also considered very cool.
- Liking (weight 0.01): Players like the game for its enjoyable story and similarities to God of War, as well as the protagonist's appearance.
- Pleasant surprise (weight 0.01): A pleasant surprise comes from features like manual saving at any point and the credits mini-game, as well as the game being an extremely fun and unexpected delight.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness is felt due to lost save files and the realization that games like this are rare and developers may never receive deserved recognition.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game stems from its cheesy B-movie style, God of War-like feel, and over-the-top action with cliches and great sets.
- Mild frustration (weight 0.01): Mild frustration is caused by frequent bugs with character scaling invisible walls and some boring enemies that are annoying in groups.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy is derived from the fast, heavy, and satisfying combat, as well as the unpretentious fun and feel of using heavy weapon variants.}