Info about Intravenous 2:

Official game description:
**A LOVE LETTER TO TACTICAL STEALTH ACTION**
--------------------------------------------
Enter the world of Intravenous 2 as Sean and Steve - an unlikely duo with a common mission: to save a life while taking down those responsible for Sean's predicament. Your choices define your path in this world of old-school stealth, hardcore tactical gunplay, and dynamic storytelling.  
**Key Features**
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*   **Stealth or Firepower:** Your approach is your choice. Sneak through shadows, tamper with lights, lockpick doors, or unleash a hail of bullets. The game adapts to your playstyle.  
*   **Two Protagonists:** As Sean unravels the mystery of his father's kidnapping, Steve pursues his own leads, intertwining their fates in a gripping narrative.  
*   **Customize Your Skills:** Progress your skills your way, whether it's mastering the art of stealth or becoming a gunslinging virtuoso.  
*   **Bullet Time:** Sean's unique ability allows him to bend time, gaining an edge in tense situations.  
*   **Vast Arsenal:** Choose from 29 weapons, 17 gadgets, and a range of ammo types to tackle challenges creatively.  
*   **Weapon Modification:** Personalize every firearm with suppressors, laser sights, and more, tailoring your arsenal to the task at hand.  
*   **Responsive AI:** Engage in intense battles with enemies who react to your actions, seeking cover, using tactics, and calling for backup.  
*   **Multiple Endings:** Shape the story's conclusion through your decisions, your mercy, and your choices along the way.

Release date: Aug 15, 2024

Categories: Stealth Gameplay, Tactical Shooter, Character Progression, Weapon Customization, Multiple Endings, Story-driven Gameplay, Single-player, Choice-based Narrative

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Positive with Minor Concerns; summary: The user reviews indicate a generally positive reception of the game and its DLCs. Players find the DLCs to provide good value for money and enhance the overall gaming experience. However, there are mentions of certain achievements being locked behind DLC purchases, which might be seen as a necessity for a complete experience. Overall, the sentiment is that the DLCs are worth buying, especially during sales.
- Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals several key issues with the game on the Steam Deck. The most significant problems include small text and UI elements, which make the game difficult to read and navigate. Controller support is also a major concern, with users reporting that the game is not well-suited for controllers and is better played with a mouse and keyboard. Additionally, there are performance issues such as frame drops and the need for better optimization. Despite these issues, some users have had a positive experience, indicating that the game can work well on the Steam Deck with some improvements.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: The game generally performs well across different hardware configurations, with some adjustments needed for optimal performance.
  - Sample size: 31 (2% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (positive, 18 reports): The game runs well with adjustments to settings.
  - Caveats: 31 of 1923 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $18.00 - $22.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence consistently mentions that the game is worth its price, specifically around the $20 mark. Several reviews explicitly state that the game is worth $20 or even more, indicating a strong sentiment that the fair price range is around this value. The repeated mention of the game being worth the price at $20 suggests that the community considers this a fair base-game price.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 30.0h
  - Story completion: 8.0h
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides several key points about playtime. The first quote mentions that a single run might take around 6-8 hours, but achieving all endings and beating higher difficulties can extend the playtime to around 30 hours. The second quote discusses the extensive time required to master the game on the highest difficulty. The third quote, in Japanese, indicates that it took 23 hours to unlock all achievements. The fourth quote highlights the inclusion of a DLC that remakes the first game's campaign, adding significant content. These points help estimate the typical playtime for different aspects of the game.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game has a learning curve and may not immediately appeal to all players, but it becomes highly engaging and addictive once the mechanics are understood and mastered.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Understanding the game mechanics and controls
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: Learning curve; Understanding mechanics and controls; Repetitive gameplay loops
  - Unlock drivers: Persistent gameplay; Exploration of different playstyles; Mastering stealth mechanics
  - Conditions: Enjoying progression and customization systems; Appreciating the game's art style and soundtrack; Playing on a suitable difficulty level
- Player Archetypes:
  - Enthusiastic Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: Exploration and enjoyment of a new stealth game experience.
    - Playstyle: Eager to try different approaches and styles, often comparing to other games.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: newcomer; casual player
    - Reference games: Splinter Cell; Metal Gear Solid; Hotline Miami
  - Series Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastery and completion of the game, driven by a deep appreciation for the series.
    - Playstyle: Highly skilled and focused on achieving high completion rates and mastering gameplay mechanics.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: veteran; completionist
    - Reference games: Intravenous 1
  - Versatile Strategist (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of varied gameplay styles and the challenge of adapting to different situations.
    - Playstyle: Adaptable and experimental, enjoying both stealth and action-oriented approaches.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: strategist; adaptable player
    - Reference games: Payday 2; Dishonored


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:
- Praised stealth mechanics (weight 0.55): Players consistently highlight the stealth mechanics as a standout feature, describing them as satisfying, rewarding, and well-designed. The game is frequently compared to classic stealth titles like Splinter Cell and Metal Gear, indicating a high level of quality and depth in its stealth gameplay.
- Exciting and fun gameplay (weight 0.45): The gameplay is described as exciting, fun, and top-notch, with a high level of replayability. Players enjoy the challenging and addictive nature of the gameplay loop.
- Variety of weapons and customization (weight 0.43): The game offers a wide variety of weapons, gadgets, and customization options, allowing players to tailor their loadouts to their preferred playstyle. This diversity enhances the gameplay experience.
- Engaging and well-written story (weight 0.37): The story is praised for being concise, well-written, and engaging. Players appreciate the genuine and compelling narrative, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the game.
- Intelligent enemy AI (weight 0.31): The enemy AI is noted for its intelligence and realistic behavior, making the gameplay more challenging and immersive. Players appreciate the smart tactics and adaptive fighting behaviors of the enemies.
- Outstanding soundtrack (weight 0.24): The soundtrack is highly praised, with players describing it as excellent, outstanding, and one of the best they've heard in a game. The music significantly contributes to the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of the game.
- Comparisons to classic games (weight 0.2): The game is frequently compared to classic titles like Splinter Cell, Hotline Miami, and Metal Gear, indicating that it successfully captures the essence of these beloved games while offering its own unique experience.
- Customizable difficulty settings (weight 0.15): The game offers customizable difficulty settings, allowing players to tailor the challenge to their skill level. This feature enhances the gameplay experience and adds to the game's replayability.
- Good value for money (weight 0.13): Players feel that the game is worth the purchase price, offering good value for money. They are happy with their purchase and believe the game is worth buying at full price.

Common complaints:
- Story lacks depth and originality (weight 0.36): The story is criticized for being forgettable, naive, bland, and poorly written. It is often described as simple, generic, and in need of improvement.
- Game difficulty and enemy balance (weight 0.14): The game is often criticized for being too hard, with too many enemies and performance issues during combat.
- Game bugs and crashes (weight 0.11): The game has various bugs, including crashes and collision issues, which affect the overall experience.
- Enemy detection issues (weight 0.11): Enemies have a wide and unrealistic field of vision, making stealth difficult. They can detect the player even when not seen or far away.
- Controls are clunky (weight 0.11): The controls are difficult to use, especially on PC and controllers, and can feel alien to players.
- Door mechanics are buggy (weight 0.09): Players experience difficulties with doors, which behave unpredictably and can be frustrating to interact with.
- Repetitive gameplay (weight 0.05): The gameplay loops are repetitive, which can make the game feel monotonous over time.
- Level design flaws (weight 0.05): The map and level design are criticized for being bad, which impacts the gameplay experience.
- Loot visibility issues (weight 0.05): Lootable items can be hard to spot as they blend into the environment, making it difficult for players to notice them.
- Translation and text quality (weight 0.05): The game suffers from poor translation quality and obnoxious text, affecting the overall narrative experience.
- Forced combat in stealth game (weight 0.05): The game forces combat in what is supposed to be a stealth game, which can be frustrating for players.
- Sound detection bugs (weight 0.05): There are issues with sound detection, including bugs with the noise machine, affecting stealth gameplay.
- Steep learning curve (weight 0.05): The game has a steep initial learning curve, which can be challenging for new players.
- No multiplayer options (weight 0.04): The game lacks co-op and multiplayer options, which some players find disappointing.
- Ineffective weapons (weight 0.04): Some guns and weapons are considered useless, making combat less enjoyable.
- Achievements are buggy (weight 0.04): Achievements in the game can be buggy and annoying, affecting the overall experience.
- Poor interaction system (weight 0.04): The interaction system and scene interactions are poorly implemented, affecting gameplay.

Gameplay feedback:
- Stealth and tactical gameplay (weight 0.58): The game features a strong emphasis on stealth mechanics, including social stealth, tactical shooter elements, and immersive sim components. Players can enjoy careful planning and clever routes with various strategies and playstyle options.
- Smart and realistic enemy AI (weight 0.28): The game includes intelligent and realistic enemy AI behavior, with situational awareness, coordination, and challenging detection systems. Enemies react realistically to player actions, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
- Weapon and gear customization (weight 0.13): Players can customize their gear and weapons with a variety of options and attachments, allowing for personalized gameplay experiences.
- Similar to Hotline Miami (weight 0.11): The gameplay and stealth mechanics are compared to Hotline Miami, with a mixture of influences from other games like Metal Gear Solid and Rainbow Six.
- Well-designed levels (weight 0.11): The game features large, well-built levels with intricate design, although some invisible walls may be present.
- Engaging story with conspiracies (weight 0.09): The game offers an engaging story with emotional engagement and conspiracy elements, enhancing the overall narrative experience.
- Moral choices and consequences (weight 0.09): Players face moral choices and consequences for their actions, including choice-driven dialogue and morale dilemmas.
- Multiple endings based on gameplay (weight 0.09): The game includes multiple endings based on player actions and choices, offering a branching narrative structure.
- Pixel art style (weight 0.09): The game features a pixel art style with top-view aesthetics and an emphasis on light contrast, contributing to its unique visual appeal.
- Limited save system (weight 0.09): The game includes a limited save system with manual and quick-save features, which may impact gameplay convenience.
- Day/night mission modes (weight 0.09): Players can choose between day and night options for missions, adding variety to the gameplay environments.

Performance notes:
- Game performance issues (weight 0.13): The game experiences frequent crashing, freezing, and performance issues, especially with many enemies on screen. These issues are widespread and significantly impact gameplay.
- Low system requirements (weight 0.08): The game can run on low-end PCs, often referred to as 'potato PCs,' and has low configuration requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
- Optimization and compatibility (weight 0.08): The game is well-optimized for certain Linux distributions like LMDE7 and runs well on Steam Deck. However, there are optimization issues reported by some users.
- Bugs and glitches (weight 0.07): Various bugs are present in the game, including character getting stuck in tight locations and lighting bugs with night vision. These issues can affect the overall gaming experience.
- Graphics and visuals (weight 0.05): While the game's visuals are functional, they are not stylistically interesting. Some players have suggested improvements in graphics.
- Performance issues with other applications (weight 0.03): There are performance issues, such as lags, when using Discord and screen sharing simultaneously with the game.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for stealth game fans (weight 0.28): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy stealth games, with comparisons to popular titles like Metal Gear Solid, Splinter Cell, Dishonored, and Assassin's Creed.
- Highly recommended overall (weight 0.24): The game is highly recommended by many reviewers for its engaging gameplay and cool shooter mechanics.
- Recommended for tactical shooter fans (weight 0.15): The game is recommended for fans of tactical shooters and those who enjoy good gunplay alongside stealth mechanics.
- DLCs are recommended (weight 0.14): The game's DLCs, including the remaster of the first game, are recommended for their interesting levels and additional content.
- Worth the price (weight 0.09): The game is considered worth the price, especially if purchased on sale or discount.
- Play the first game first (weight 0.09): It is recommended to play the first part of the game before this one for a better experience, and the remaster of the first game is also recommended.
- Wishlisted the sequel (weight 0.04): Many players have wishlisted the sequel, indicating anticipation for the next game in the series.
- Good for long playtime (weight 0.03): The game is a good choice for spending dozens of hours, indicating it has substantial content and replayability.
- One of the best recent shooters (weight 0.03): The game is considered one of the best shooters of recent years, indicating high quality and enjoyment.
- Recommended for teens and adults (weight 0.03): The game is recommended for teens and adults, suggesting it is suitable for a wide range of players.
- Replayability of stages (weight 0.03): The game offers the ability to replay beaten stages, adding to its replay value.
- Support for future games (weight 0.03): There is support for future installments in the series, such as Intravenous 3.
- Suggestion for open-world version (weight 0.03): There is a suggestion for an open-world version of the game, indicating player interest in expanded gameplay.
- Support smaller developers (weight 0.03): There is encouragement to support smaller developers, highlighting the game's indie roots.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Excitement (weight 0.24): Players are thrilled by the game's intense and addictive gameplay, which blends action and stealth mechanics reminiscent of classic titles like Hotline Miami and Splinter Cell. The dynamic soundtrack, variety of playstyles, and improvements over the first game contribute to an exhilarating experience, with many eagerly anticipating future installments.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.18): Players find the game fun and engaging due to its versatile gameplay mechanics, including stealth, action, and a rich variety of weapons and modifications. The challenging yet fair gameplay, combined with an engaging storyline and high replay value, makes for an enjoyable experience despite some flaws.
- Frustration (weight 0.12): Players express frustration with various gameplay mechanics, bugs, and optimization issues, including game crashes and inconsistent AI behavior. Difficulty spikes, unclear objectives, and poor map design also contribute to a frustrating experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.1): Players are satisfied with the game's deep and tactical gameplay, improved stealth mechanics, and realistic AI behavior. The variety in gameplay styles, customizable difficulty, and engaging mechanics provide a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
- Positive (weight 0.07): Players have a positive experience with the game's stealth and combat mechanics, as well as its soundtrack and story. The variety of gameplay options, customization, and overall gameplay quality contribute to high recommendations and praise.
- Excited (weight 0.05): Players are excited about the game's unique combination of stealth and action, improved AI, and dynamic soundtrack. The realistic enemy behavior and variety of tools and weapons add to the anticipation and thrill of the gameplay.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.03): Players feel nostalgic as the game brings back memories of classic stealth games like Splinter Cell, Hotline Miami, and Hitman. The comparison to these beloved titles evokes a sense of familiarity and fondness for past gaming experiences.
- Disappointment (weight 0.03): Players are disappointed with the game's story quality, lack of content, and repetitive gameplay. Weak writing and ineffective weapons also contribute to a sense of unfulfilled potential.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Players are enthusiastic about the game's stealth mechanics, improvements, and variety in gameplay. The tactical puzzle elements and overall enjoyment of the game's mechanics contribute to a high level of enthusiasm.
- Disappointed (weight 0.02): Players are disappointed with the game's story, which is described as just okay, and the ineffective weapons. The lack of stealth enjoyment compared to other games and some mistranslations also contribute to the disappointment.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire the game's new approach to gunplay and story, as well as the developer's passion and engagement with the community. The game's music and the composer Xtrullor are also highly praised.
- Satisfied (weight 0.01): Players are satisfied with the game's performance, features, and depth. The weapon and loadout customization, along with the game's freedom, contribute to a satisfying experience despite some minor issues.
- Frustrated (weight 0.01): Players are frustrated with specific gameplay mechanics such as the shotgun pellet pouch not killing enemies and poor stealth mechanics. Weapon balance and AI behavior also contribute to the frustration.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Players are engaged by the game's story and campaign length, which requires active interpretation of the narrative. The engaging storyline and sound design keep players invested in the game.
- Happy (weight 0.01): Players are happy with the game's fun and engaging gameplay, as well as the comparison to the first game and its polish. Achieving specific milestones, such as the 'duality' achievement, also contributes to their happiness.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the game's mechanics, difficulty, and improvements, as well as its homage to Splinter Cell. The game's features and customization options are also highly valued.
- Approval (weight 0.01): Players approve of the game's genre combination and comparison to other titles. The gameplay mechanics and soundtrack are also well-received and contribute to the overall approval.
- Enthusiastic (weight 0.01): Players are enthusiastic about the game's improvements, features, and replayability. The overall enhancements and engaging gameplay mechanics generate a high level of enthusiasm.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Players express gratitude towards the game and its developer. The appreciation for the developers' efforts and the game's quality is evident in their feedback.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players love the game's stealth gameplay and its theme. The enjoyment of the game's mechanics and overall experience contributes to a strong sense of love for the game.}