Info about Darkest Dungeon®:

Official game description:
Supported Languages
===================
Please note that the game currently supports the following languages only in-game: English, German, French, Russian, Polish, Czech, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Brazilian Portuguese.
About the Game
==============
Darkest Dungeon is a challenging gothic roguelike turn-based RPG about the psychological stresses of adventuring.
Reclaim Your Ancestor's Estate
------------------------------
Recruit, train, and lead a team of flawed heroes through twisted forests, forgotten warrens, ruined crypts, and beyond. You'll battle not only unimaginable foes, but stress, famine, disease, and the ever-encroaching dark. Uncover strange mysteries, and pit the heroes against an array of fearsome monsters with an innovative strategic turn-based combat system.  
Core Features
-------------
*   The Affliction System – battle not only monsters, but stress! Contend with paranoia, masochism, fear, irrationality, and a host of gameplay-meaningful quirks!
*   Striking hand-drawn gothic crowquill art style
*   Innovative turn-based combat pits you against a host of diabolical monsters
*   Narration system to celebrate your successes...and failures
*   16 (and counting!) playable hero classes, including Plague Doctor, Hellion, and even the Leper!
*   Camp to heal wounds or deliver inspiring speeches.
*   Rest your weary, shell-shocked characters in town at the Tavern or the Abbey to keep their stress in check.
*   Classic CRPG and roguelike features, including character permadeath, procedural dungeons, and incredible replay
Can you stem the tide of eldritch horrors erupting across your family’s ancestral estate?  
Descend at your peril!
Awards and Honors
-----------------
*   PG Gamer: Best RPG of 2016
*   Game Informer - Best RPGs of 2016: 3 Awards
*   IGN - Best of 2016: 2 Nominations
*   IGF 2016 - 3 Nominations
*   Rock Paper Shotgun - 50 Best RPGs of All Time
*   PAX 10 - 2015
*   Game Debate Best Indie Game 2016
*   SXSW Gamer's Choice Nominee 2015
*   MMORPG - Best Indie RPG (Pax East 2014), Best RPG Nomination PAX Prime 2014
*   Indie Megabooth Selection - PAX East 2014, PAX Prime 2015

Release date: Jan 19, 2016

Categories: Turn-based RPG, Roguelike, Dungeon Crawler, Character Progression, Permadeath, Stress and Trauma Mechanics, Gothic Horror, Lovecraftian Horror

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 30; verdict: Mixed DLC Experience; summary: The analysis of user reviews for Darkest Dungeon reveals a mixed sentiment regarding the game's DLCs. While some users find the DLCs overpriced and necessary to make the game easier, others appreciate the additional content and value, especially when purchased at a discount. Technical issues related to DLCs, such as inventory problems, are also mentioned. The modding community is highlighted as a positive aspect, adding significant value to the game. Overall, the reviews indicate that the DLCs have both positive and negative impacts on the user experience.
- Mods: score 30; verdict: Mods Enhance Gameplay; summary: The game has a high difficulty level and low tolerance for mistakes, making it frustrating for some players. However, mods are widely praised for rescuing the game and enhancing the overall experience. While the base game may have its issues, the modding community plays a crucial role in improving and saving the game for many players.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Complex and Challenging; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals that the primary issues are related to the game's complexity and the necessity of using external guides or wikis to understand and progress through the game. Many users find the game difficult and often frustrating without external resources. Additionally, some users report bugs and technical issues that hinder their experience. Despite these challenges, users acknowledge that the game can be enjoyable and rewarding once they understand the mechanics and strategies involved.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game generally runs well natively on Linux, with users reporting good performance. However, there are some compatibility issues with mods that require the use of Proton or Proton Experimental to function correctly.
- Steam Deck: score 70; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback for the Steam Deck experience reveals several critical issues. Users frequently encounter problems with mod compatibility, requiring the use of Proton Experimental for stability. Game crashes and instability are common, significantly impacting the user experience. Additionally, there are notable UI/UX issues, including small text and complex controls. Launch issues, such as black screens and crashes, are also reported. These technical barriers contribute to a less than optimal gaming experience on the Steam Deck.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: The game exhibits mixed performance across different hardware cohorts, with lower VRAM systems experiencing significant issues while higher VRAM configurations generally report stable performance despite some microstutter and frame timing inconsistencies.
  - Sample size: 113 (1% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (mixed, 67 reports): Performance varies with some users experiencing frequent crashes and frame rate issues, while others report smooth gameplay.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 16 reports): Generally stable performance with some reports of microstutter and frame timing inconsistencies, but overall runs well.
  - Caveats: 113 of 11841 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $1.00 - $5.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence consistently mentions prices around 7-8 RMB (approximately 1-1.1 USD) as being very affordable and offering good value for the game. This suggests that the community finds the game to be a great purchase at these low prices, indicating a fair base-game price range in USD would be slightly higher but still very affordable.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 200.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides multiple accounts of extensive playtime required to fully experience the game, with mentions of hundreds of hours spent. Players report significant time investments for completing the game, exploring different builds, and attempting various challenges. The game's depth and replayability are highlighted, indicating a substantial time commitment for full completion and mastery.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game is initially fun and addictive, especially during the early gameplay loop of expeditions and upgrades. However, it becomes repetitive and tedious over time due to grinding and level gating.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Completing the initial gameplay loop of expeditions and upgrades
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: repetitive and tedious gameplay; grinding and level gating; controlled chaos leading to repetitive fights
  - Unlock drivers: addictive gameplay loop; unpredictable events and enemies; progression and upgrading
  - Conditions: early game engagement; challenging and memorable gameplay; managing a roster of heroes
- Player Archetypes:
  - Frustrated Grinder (no buy)
    - Motivation: Seeking a challenging but rewarding experience.
    - Playstyle: Grinds through content despite finding it tedious and frustrating.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: veteran gamer; hardcore player
    - Reference games: XCOM; Darkest Dungeon
  - Atmosphere Seeker (sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoying the game's atmosphere and strategic elements.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys the game for its atmosphere and strategy but gets bogged down by repetitive tasks.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: strategy gamer; atmosphere enthusiast
    - Reference games: Darkest Dungeon; XCOM
  - Multiplayer Strategist (sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoying multiplayer and custom game modes.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on multiplayer and custom modes, enjoys strategic depth.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: multiplayer enthusiast; strategy gamer
    - Reference games: Darkest Dungeon; Call of Duty: Black Ops
  - Challenge Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoying the game's challenge and strategic depth.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys the game for its challenge and strategic elements, finds successes rewarding.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: strategy gamer; challenge seeker
    - Reference games: Darkest Dungeon; XCOM


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 Gothic Art Style (weight 0.22): The game's art style is frequently highlighted as unique, dark, and visually appealing, contributing significantly to its atmosphere.
- Engaging Turn-Based Gameplay (weight 0.21): Players appreciate the strategic and challenging nature of the turn-based combat, which is described as fun and well-executed.
- Deep and Immersive Storyline (weight 0.19): The storyline is noted for being engaging and immersive, often based on Lovecraftian mythology, which adds to the game's appeal.
- High Replay Value (weight 0.18): The game offers high replayability due to its roguelike elements and the availability of mods, ensuring long-lasting appeal.
- Challenging and Rewarding (weight 0.17): The game is often described as challenging yet fair, providing a rewarding experience for players who enjoy strategic and demanding gameplay.
- Emotional Connection to Characters (weight 0.12): Players often form a deep emotional connection with the characters, enhancing their engagement with the game.
- Excellent Soundtrack and Sound Design (weight 0.12): The game's soundtrack and sound design are frequently praised for their quality and contribution to the overall atmosphere.
- Unique Stress Mechanics (weight 0.09): The stress mechanics in the game are highlighted as unique and adding depth to the combat and overall gameplay experience.

Common complaints:
- Game is very challenging (weight 0.22): The game is frequently described as very difficult, hard, and challenging. Players mention that it requires careful planning and can be unforgiving and punishing.
- Frustrating RNG mechanics (weight 0.21): The game's reliance on randomness (RNG) is a common complaint. Players find it unfair and frustrating, affecting combat and overall gameplay significantly.
- Unbalanced and unfair gameplay (weight 0.2): Many players find the gameplay unbalanced and unfair. This includes issues with game design and mechanics that feel unjust or poorly balanced.
- Excessive grinding required (weight 0.11): Players often mention that the game requires excessive grinding, which can make the gameplay feel repetitive and tedious.
- Repetitive missions and gameplay (weight 0.07): The game is criticized for having repetitive missions and gameplay elements, leading to a monotonous experience.
- Confusing and tedious UI (weight 0.05): The user interface is often described as confusing and tedious, with design flaws that hinder the gameplay experience.
- Permadeath mechanics (weight 0.04): The permadeath feature in the game is noted as a significant challenge and can be frustrating for many players.
- Inventory management issues (weight 0.04): Players report issues with inventory management, including restrictive capacity and other related problems.
- Slow movement speed (weight 0.04): The slow walking and movement speed in the game is a common complaint among players.

Gameplay feedback:
- Challenging and punishing gameplay (weight 0.16): The game is noted for its high difficulty and challenging gameplay, often compared to Souls-like games. Players appreciate the depth and variety but also mention the punishing nature and trial-and-error mechanics.
- Character progression and permadeath (weight 0.14): The game features a robust character progression system with permadeath mechanics. Players must manage character development and cope with permanent loss, adding a layer of strategy and emotional investment.
- Stress and trauma mechanics (weight 0.11): A unique aspect of the game is its stress and trauma mechanics, which require players to manage their characters' mental states. This adds an extra layer of complexity and realism to the gameplay.
- Difficulty and fairness concerns (weight 0.09): Some players find the game's difficulty unfair due to randomness and obscurity in gameplay mechanics. This can lead to frustration and a sense of unpredictability.
- Tactical and strategic combat (weight 0.09): Combat in the game is tactical and requires strategic decision-making. Players must carefully plan their moves and manage resources effectively.
- DLCs enhance gameplay (weight 0.09): The game's DLCs are praised for adding new strategies, dimensions, and mechanics, enhancing the overall gameplay experience and providing additional content for players to enjoy.
- Dungeon crawling and grinding (weight 0.08): Players spend time grinding through dungeons, exploring, and crawling through various environments. This aspect of the game is both challenging and rewarding.
- Team formation and management (weight 0.08): The game requires players to carefully form and manage their teams, considering the strengths and weaknesses of each character to create effective strategies.
- Emotional impact of character loss (weight 0.08): Players often form emotional attachments to their characters, making their losses impactful and memorable. This emotional engagement enhances the overall gameplay experience.
- RNG-based gameplay elements (weight 0.07): The game includes randomness and luck-based elements that can affect combat and other gameplay aspects. Some players find this frustrating, while others enjoy the unpredictability.
- Boss fight mechanics (weight 0.06): The game features challenging boss fights that require strategic planning and execution. Players appreciate the variety and depth of these encounters.
- Leveling and progression systems (weight 0.05): The game includes a detailed leveling and progression system that allows players to develop their characters and unlock new abilities over time.
- Variety of enemies and bosses (weight 0.04): The game offers a diverse range of enemies and bosses, each with unique characteristics and challenges, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.
- Item management (weight 0.04): Players must manage their items effectively, using them strategically to overcome challenges and progress through the game.
- Cosmic horror theme (weight 0.04): The game is set in a cosmic horror/dark fantasy world, drawing inspiration from Lovecraftian themes. This creates a unique and immersive atmosphere.
- Immersive atmosphere (weight 0.04): The game's atmosphere is immersive, with gothic art and thematic elements that draw players into its world.
- Character roles and abilities (weight 0.04): Characters in the game have unique roles and abilities that players must understand and utilize effectively to succeed.
- Character traits and customization (weight 0.04): The game offers a range of character traits and customization options, allowing players to tailor their characters to their preferred playstyle.
- Combat mechanics and abilities (weight 0.04): The game's combat mechanics are detailed and require players to understand and use their characters' abilities effectively.
- Addictive gameplay loop (weight 0.04): The game features an addictive gameplay loop that keeps players engaged and coming back for more.
- Russian language feedback (weight 0.03): Some feedback is provided in Russian, indicating a diverse player base. Players mention the time required to master heroes and their mechanics, as well as the challenge posed by certain enemies.

Performance notes:
- Frequent crashes and errors (weight 0.06): Many players report that the game frequently crashes and has various errors, including graphical glitches. This significantly impacts the gaming experience.
- Stable performance noted (weight 0.03): Some players have experienced stable performance and noted improvements in stability, suggesting that the game can run smoothly under certain conditions.
- Occasional lag experienced (weight 0.02): Some players report experiencing occasional lag, which can disrupt gameplay and affect overall performance.
- Lack of borderless fullscreen (weight 0.02): The absence of a borderless fullscreen mode is a noted issue, which can affect the gaming experience for those who prefer or require this display option.
- Freezing during auto-save (weight 0.02): The game has been reported to freeze during the auto-save process, which can be frustrating and disruptive to the gaming experience.
- Performance adjustments needed (weight 0.02): Some players indicate that adjustments are needed to achieve optimal performance, suggesting that the game may require tweaking of settings for the best experience.
- Runs on low-end PCs (weight 0.02): The game is noted to run on low-end PCs, which is a positive aspect for players with less powerful hardware.
- Streaming difficulties with OBS (weight 0.02): Players have found it challenging to stream the game using OBS, indicating potential issues with compatibility or performance when using streaming software.
- Screen flickering issues (weight 0.02): Players have noted issues with screen flickering, which can be bothersome and affect the visual experience of the game.
- Mod-related issues (weight 0.02): There are reports of issues related to mods, which can affect players who use modifications to enhance or change their gaming experience.
- 32-bit limitation (weight 0.02): The game only runs in 32-bit mode, which can be a limitation for players with 64-bit systems looking for potentially better performance.
- Steam Deck performance issues (weight 0.02): There are reported issues with the game's performance on the Steam Deck, which can affect players using this platform.
- Rare bugs encountered (weight 0.02): While not widespread, some players have encountered rare bugs that can occasionally impact the game.
- Mouse cursor problems (weight 0.02): Some players have experienced problems with the mouse cursor, which can impact navigation and gameplay.
- Minimal technical issues (weight 0.02): Some players report minimal technical issues, indicating a relatively smooth experience for certain users.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended game (weight 0.14): The game is highly recommended by many players for its emotional depth, challenging gameplay, and overall experience. It is particularly suggested for fans of the genre and those who enjoy tough games.
- Recommended for strategy and atmosphere (weight 0.11): The game is recommended for players who enjoy tough games with a strong atmosphere and satisfying progression. It is also suggested for fans of strategy and atmospheric games.
- Worth the investment (weight 0.06): The game is considered worth the price, especially when on sale. It is seen as a valuable investment for those who enjoy the genre.
- Worth experiencing despite flaws (weight 0.06): The game is considered worth experiencing despite its flaws and challenges, offering a unique and engaging experience.
- Recommended for specific fan bases (weight 0.06): The game is recommended for fans of dungeon crawlers, dark atmosphere, black humor, team management, and Lovecraftian themes.
- Mods enhance personal experience (weight 0.06): Using mods is highly recommended to tailor the game to personal preferences and improve the overall experience.
- Recommended for turn-based strategy fans (weight 0.06): The game is highly recommended for fans of turn-based strategy games and RPGs. It is particularly suggested for hardcore turn-based strategy fans and those who enjoy squad management.
- Guides enhance gameplay experience (weight 0.05): Playing without guides can be more rewarding, but using guides can also enhance the gameplay experience, especially for those who enjoy challenges and strategic planning.
- Recommended for masochists (weight 0.05): The game is recommended for those who enjoy extreme challenges and suffering, catering to a niche audience.
- Recommended for RPG and roguelike fans (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for fans of RPGs and roguelikes, as well as those who enjoy resource management games.
- Worth investing time to learn (weight 0.04): The game is considered worth investing time to learn its mechanics and master its challenges, leading to an engaging and addictive gameplay experience.
- Radiant difficulty for new players (weight 0.04): Starting with Radiant difficulty is recommended for new players to ease into the game's challenges.
- Explore different modes (weight 0.04): The game is worth exploring for its different modes and unique mechanics, offering a variety of gameplay experiences.
- Recommended for challenging and humorous games (weight 0.03): The game is recommended for those who enjoy challenging and humorous games, as well as those seeking a difficult game with less manual dexterity.
- Prepare for learning curve (weight 0.03): The game is recommended with the understanding that it has a steep learning curve and requires preparation for its challenges.
- Higher difficulties for brutal experience (weight 0.03): Experienced players are suggested to try higher difficulties like Stygian or Bloodmoon for a more brutal and challenging experience.
- Wait for discounts (weight 0.03): Some players suggest waiting for discounts or promotions before purchasing the game to get the best value.
- Try the sequel after mastering (weight 0.02): Players are recommended to try the sequel after mastering the first game to continue the challenging experience.
- Advice on early game strategies (weight 0.02): Players advise not upgrading the tavern early, suggesting specific strategies for better progression in the game.

Other player notes:
- Similar to Dark Souls' hubs (weight 0.02): Players have noted that this game's hub area is reminiscent of Firelink Shrine and Majula from the Dark Souls series.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.35): Players are frustrated with the game's high difficulty, unfair randomness, and repetitive grinding. Technical issues, such as bugs and crashes, along with unclear mechanics and poor guidance, also contribute to this frustration.
- Excitement (weight 0.11): Players are excited by the game's unique atmosphere, engaging gameplay mechanics, and challenging combat. The thrill of overcoming difficult situations and the sense of accomplishment from strategic planning and tactical depth also contribute to this excitement.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.09): Players enjoy the game's challenging and fair gameplay, tactical battles, and unique atmosphere. The engaging combat, character customization, and strategic gameplay elements are also significant contributors to their enjoyment.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.09): Players feel satisfied with the game's depth, variety, and rewarding gameplay. The sense of accomplishment from overcoming challenges and the game's high-quality elements, such as art and narrative, contribute to this satisfaction.
- Joy (weight 0.04): Players find joy in the game's engaging and rewarding gameplay, unique mechanics, and enjoyable dungeon experiences. The fun gameplay, character synergies, and the excitement of victory against challenging odds also bring them joy.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.03): Players feel nostalgic due to their long-term engagement and personal connections with the game. Memories of playing the game over the years and the emotional connections to characters and experiences evoke this nostalgia.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Players feel anger due to the game's high difficulty, unfair mechanics, and the loss of high-level characters. Frustrating gameplay elements, such as unclear enemy positions and RNG-based mechanics leading to character death, also contribute to this anger.
- Engagement (weight 0.02): Players are engaged by the game's unique gameplay mechanics, emotional attachment to characters, and strategic gameplay. The detailed narrative, character management, and customization options also enhance their engagement.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Players admire the game's artistic direction, emotional depth, and unique gameplay mechanics. The engaging dungeon crawling, stress mechanics, and high-quality voice acting also contribute to their admiration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.02): Players feel disappointed due to various aspects of the game not meeting their expectations, such as repetitive tasks, grinding, and unbalanced gameplay. Issues with game balance, progression, and the lack of saving options also contribute to this disappointment.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Players are enthusiastic about the game's engaging character backstories, unique combat style, and immersive gameplay. The rich storytelling, character development, and the excitement of new content and modding scene also fuel their enthusiasm.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players love the game's challenging and masochistic gameplay, unique mechanics, and Gothic art style. The character design, story, and the overall interesting gameplay also contribute to their love for the game.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the game's design, soundtrack, and excellent mechanics. The respect for the player's time, detailed advice, and strategies provided, along with the modding community, also contribute to their appreciation.
- Addiction (weight 0.02): Players find the game addictive due to its engaging and challenging gameplay loop. The fun and rewarding nature of the game keeps them coming back for more.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Players are amused by the game's unique and sometimes humorous scenarios. The black humor and detailed examples of stressors in the game also contribute to their amusement.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Players feel sadness due to the loss of beloved characters and the emotional impact of character death. The mention of Wayne June's passing and the emotional connection to characters also evoke this sadness.
- Challenge (weight 0.01): Players feel challenged by the game's high difficulty, strategic gameplay, and permanent hero loss. The initial complexity and the need for tactical planning also contribute to this sense of challenge.
- Despair (weight 0.01): Players feel despair due to the futility of their efforts in the game's world, character deaths, and game mechanics issues. The realization of the game's punishing nature and mod issues also contribute to this despair.
- Fascination (weight 0.01): Players are fascinated by the game's unique art style, strong atmosphere, and engaging gameplay mechanics. The immersive setting and the depth of the game's design also contribute to their fascination.}