Info about Hydroneer: Journey to Volcalidus:

Official game description:
Sail across the sea to Volcalidus, where a new adventure awaits. This expansion delivers new mechanics to the game to aid you in your mining expedition - from huge new vehicles, to interesting new progression systems.  
*   Harness the power of the volcano with new lava-powered machinery.  
*   Explore Volcalidus, over 6 times the size of the original island!  
*   Help rebuild the capital town of New Glade, open new stores to browse.  
*   Discover new resources deep underground.  
*   Augment your tools and machinery while crafting them with buffs.  
*   Operate new vehicles, including the _huge_ Hydro-Hauler crane truck.  
*   And more!
Journey to Volcalidus takes place in a completely new location, accessible via ship from Bridgepour Harbour. Due to the distinctive new features and mechanics of this expansion, items and vehicles cannot be taken to Volcalidus.

Release date: Apr 5, 2024

Categories: Mining Simulation, Automation Game, Base Building, Resource Management, First-Person Perspective, Open-World Exploration, Vehicle Simulation, Co-op Multiplayer

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 5; verdict: Fair / Traditional DLC, No Predatory Monetization Evidence; summary: The available reviews discuss a traditional paid DLC expansion. Positive comments emphasize substantial content and good value, while the only negative points concern DLC price-to-content and an in-game endgame resource sink. There is no direct evidence of real-money gacha, loot boxes, paid power, paid convenience, battle passes, or an in-game cash shop. Under the scoring rules, this remains in the fair range.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The only direct base-game price cue recommends waiting for a discount because the base content is modest, which caps the fair full-price expectation. At the same time, other reviews point to strong long-term value and willingness to pay full price, supporting a moderate indie price rather than a premium one. Because most comments are DLC-focused and no current base-game price is provided, the estimate is conservative and confidence is limited.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 40.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The clearest DLC-specific total playtime claim is an additional 40 hours for the DLC, so gameCompletion is set to 40 hours. Another reviewer reports that the DLC progression added 20 hours, which is noted as a lower alternative estimate. The reviews discuss the bone museum main quest and endgame machines, but they provide no hour counts for story-only completion or endgame duration. The 30-minute drive is a task-level duration rather than a stable typical session length, so sessionLength is left null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game is fun initially, especially when learning the new progression and seeing buffs improve ore output, but it later drops for some players due to weak late-game progression tiers, tedium, and a lack of meaningful goals.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Engaging with the new progression systems
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Steep Logic Systems learning curve with no in-game tutorial; Long early waits for drills to mine, described as usually hours; No bulk purchase options; Tedious manual moving of items one at a time; Tedious driving; Buggy and more tedious than the main game
  - Unlock drivers: Quests and progression shops make the game easier to stick with; Substantially changed progression is fun to learn; Structured town rebuilding adds progression; Better buffs make ore output feel rewarding; Drill setups persist across tiers, improving sense of progression; Better goals and smoother progression
  - Conditions: Enjoyment tied to learning the new progression systems; Structured progression and better goals improve early experience; Quest and progression shops reduce the job-like feel of the base game; Buffs and larger ore output make the mark system rewarding despite tedium; Late-game enjoyment drops when equipment tiers are few or trivial; Tedium from manual movement, driving, and bugs reduces enjoyment; New content and mechanics provide initial interest
- Player Archetypes:
  - Base-Game Automation Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: To extend the base-game automation loop with more content, organization, and efficient machine building.
    - Playstyle: Builds and organizes large automated production setups and optimizes efficiency in the base game.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: long time players; oldschool hydroneer enjoyers
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Co-Op Casual Couple Player (buy)
    - Motivation: To enjoy a fresh, less grindy co-op experience with a spouse or partner.
    - Playstyle: Plays 2-player through streaming support, focusing on casual shared progression and reduced grind.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: casual gamers
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Grind-Averse Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: To skip the early grind and reach automation quickly as a new or returning player.
    - Playstyle: Uses starting funds and DLC progression to move rapidly into automation rather than slow manual upgrading.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: newbies; new players
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Endgame-Focused Critic (no buy)
    - Motivation: To get meaningful endgame upgrades and content beyond what the base game already offers.
    - Playstyle: Evaluates endgame machines and DLC value, comparing it against starting a fresh base-game save.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no 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:
- New vehicles are cool (weight 0.58): The new vehicles introduced in the DLC look and feel fantastic, adding to the overall enjoyment. Reviewers specifically mention the drills as really cool.
- DLC praised as excellent (weight 0.57): Many reviewers consider the DLC very fun and a great expansion, with some even saying it's better than the base game. It is highly recommended for fans of the original game.
- DLC offers massive content (weight 0.4): The DLC more than doubles the base game's content and is considered objectively bigger and better by many. It adds numerous new mechanics, vehicles, and areas to explore.
- Good value for money (weight 0.23): Reviewers find the DLC worth the price, with some saying it's worth a full price. It provides an absurd amount of content for the price, making it a reasonable purchase.
- Lots to do and explore (weight 0.19): The DLC brings many new things to do and explore, especially on the new map. There is so much content that players feel there's always something to do.
- New map looks great (weight 0.19): The new map is visually appealing and well-designed, with reviewers noting its great appearance. It is much larger than the original, encouraging exploration.
- Promising for Hydroneer fans (weight 0.17): The DLC is seen as a promising start for players who liked Hydroneer, offering more interesting progression. Fans of the base game will likely enjoy it.
- Town building is enjoyable (weight 0.11): The new town building mechanic is fun and makes the game more enjoyable. Players appreciate the ability to build up town buildings.
- Feels like an entirely new game (weight 0.11): The DLC is so extensive that it practically feels like a new game. Reviewers note that it seems like an entirely new experience rather than just an expansion.
- Improved quest system (weight 0.11): The quest system is more integrated into gameplay than in the base game, making the game more enjoyable. Players find it a positive change.
- Relaxing new music (weight 0.1): The new music added in the DLC is very relaxing and serene, enhancing the overall experience. Reviewers specifically praise the soundtrack.
- Breathtaking large island (weight 0.1): The new island is quite breathtaking and large, adding to the exploration experience. Its size and beauty are notable positives.

Common complaints:
- Vehicle and crane problems (weight 0.79): Vehicles frequently get stuck, have poor physics, and are hard to control, especially the crane truck. The crane's swaying and snapping make placing large machines frustrating.
- Bugs and technical issues (weight 0.67): Numerous bugs are reported, including glitched quests, achievements not triggering, save data loss, crashes, and performance problems like stutters and low FPS. These issues negatively impact the experience.
- DLC is a reskin of base game (weight 0.62): The DLC is perceived as a rehash of the base game with a lava theme, offering few new mechanics or ideas. It feels like Hydroneer with extra steps rather than a true expansion.
- DLC lacks progression and goals (weight 0.54): There is no clear goal or meaningful progression after tier 2, with tier 3 offering only minor stat increases. The DLC lacks a main quest or endgame purpose beyond an expensive trophy.
- Tedious travel and shopping (weight 0.54): Players spend excessive time driving between distant shops and locations, often only to buy a few items. The lack of bulk buying and the need to visit multiple towns for different supplies exacerbate the tedium.
- Complex and frustrating water system (weight 0.5): The lava-ice-water power system requires constant ice insertion to keep conveyors running, adding complexity and frustration. Managing two liquids and the need to produce ice at depth is a common complaint.
- Map too large and empty (weight 0.46): The map is 6 times larger than the base game but is mostly empty, especially the northern half. This leads to excessive travel time and makes the world feel barren.
- Terrain and navigation issues (weight 0.43): Hilly terrain, lava areas, and snow make navigation difficult and vehicles get stuck. The map lacks a compass, and roads are often obscured.
- No integration with base game (weight 0.4): Content from the DLC is isolated on its own island, and nothing carries over between the base game and the DLC. This makes the DLC feel disconnected and reduces the incentive to play both.
- Unnecessary drill and machine mechanics (weight 0.37): Large drills and harvesters are expensive and unnecessary, offering little benefit over smaller ones. The drill rigs require huge resources but are not worth the investment.
- Lack of new content (weight 0.36): The DLC adds very little new content, with most additions being more of the same or reskins. Players feel it doesn't justify the price and lacks novelty.
- Confusing economy and progression (weight 0.32): Trade coins and guild tokens are hard to obtain and are needed for progression, but the economy feels unbalanced. Money becomes obsolete quickly, and some currencies become useless.
- Forge Mark system is tedious (weight 0.3): The Forge Mark mechanic requires searching a huge map for randomly placed marks, often far from roads, and the process is time-consuming and unrewarding. It adds a gacha-like element that can worsen items.
- Removal of fishing and farming (weight 0.26): Fishing and gardening/farming are missing in the DLC, reducing the variety of activities and long-term engagement. Many players miss these features from the base game.
- Brick production is a pain (weight 0.22): Producing hardstone bricks is extremely tedious, requiring thousands of individual items to be handled and placed. The brick machine spits out bricks inconsistently, causing overflow and a mess to clean up.
- Endgame lacks reward (weight 0.22): After building everything and earning millions, money becomes useless, and there are no meaningful goals left. The endgame is unsatisfying.
- Poor onboarding and tutorial (weight 0.19): The DLC lacks explanations for new mechanics like panning and the mountain mechanic. Players are thrown into crate deliveries without basic tools or guidance.
- Tedious item management (weight 0.19): There is no inventory system or bulk buying, and players must pick up items individually. Moving items between locations is cumbersome and time-consuming.
- Achievements are bugged (weight 0.15): Several achievements do not trigger correctly, such as bone collection and race time, causing frustration for completionists.
- Lava Thaw trivializes progression (weight 0.06): Buying Lava Thaw early makes pickaxe upgrades and explosives unnecessary, undermining progression. This imbalance reduces the sense of achievement.

Gameplay feedback:
- New lava and water mechanics (weight 0.42): The DLC introduces a new mechanic where lava powers machines and melts ice to produce water for conveyor belts. This adds a new level of factory optimization.
- DLC is standalone (weight 0.4): The DLC does not overlap with the base game and can be played as a separate game. It includes its own new map and progression.
- Large map and islands (weight 0.39): The DLC features a larger map than the base game, including multiple islands such as Bastion Island and a new island that is much larger than the original.
- Bone collection for museum (weight 0.3): Players collect 36 Hydrosaur bones scattered across the map to complete a museum quest. The bones reward tokens and make driving between bases more interesting.
- Tier-based progression system (weight 0.23): The DLC includes a tier-based progression system where players grind through tiers to advance. For example, reaching tier 2 is a milestone.
- Hydrocoin currency system (weight 0.19): The DLC features Hydro Coins and Tokens as currencies. Players can earn millions of Hydro Coins in the starting area by completing various tasks.
- New island setting (weight 0.19): The DLC is set on a new island separate from the base game, providing a fresh environment to explore.
- Town building and management (weight 0.19): Players can build town buildings and shape the stores that a town has, allowing for customization of settlements.
- New forge system (weight 0.15): The DLC adds a forge system with marks, providing new forging mechanics for players to use.
- Fishing and gardening removed (weight 0.11): The DLC removes fishing and gardening activities that were present in the base game, focusing on new mechanics instead.
- RNG-based machine upgrades (weight 0.11): Upgrading production machines such as drills and harvesters depends on luck, with pure RNG determining the outcome.
- Crane mechanic for heavy items (weight 0.11): A crane is required to carry heavy items and equipment, adding a new logistical challenge to the game.
- Delivery service work (weight 0.11): The DLC includes a delivery service where players deliver packages as part of the gameplay.
- Standard drills and harvesters (weight 0.11): The DLC includes standard drills and harvesters, as well as big versions of these machines for larger scale operations.
- Modding support available (weight 0.11): The DLC supports mods, allowing players to customize and extend the game experience.
- Snowball interactions with NPCs (weight 0.11): Players can hit NPCs with snowballs and trick them into hitting each other, adding a playful element to the game.

Performance notes:
- Severe performance problems (weight 0.16): Multiple reviewers report that the game runs poorly, with one describing performance as garbage. Crashes and stutters also occur within short play sessions.
- DLC poorly optimized (weight 0.12): The DLC is reported to be more laggy than the core game on low-end PCs. One player notes the DLC runs at 20 FPS on full low graphics while the base game runs at 60 FPS on normal graphics.
- Late-game slowdown (weight 0.11): The game slows down as the player builds and mines faster. One reviewer previously experienced 10 FPS with a tier 3 mine.
- Saving and autosave stutters (weight 0.1): Saving takes forever and autosaves cause stutters. These issues compound the overall performance problems reported by players.
- Specific areas cause lag (weight 0.06): Reviewers identify certain locations as especially lag-inducing, including Dome town, the volcano and its smoke, and the foggy part of the island.
- Graphics management issues (weight 0.06): Reviewers report graphic management problems. This may relate to the broader performance and rendering complaints.

Recommendations:
- Strong value and recommendation (weight 0.49): Many reviewers consider the DLC worth the price and highly recommend it, especially for those who enjoyed the base game or want more content. It is described as an incredible expansion with more than double the content for less than the base game price.
- Essential for base game fans (weight 0.43): Frequent comments state that if you loved Hydroneer or remotely enjoyed the base game, you will love this DLC. It is recommended for both long-time players and newcomers, and seen as a must-play for fans.
- Not recommended in current state (weight 0.22): Several users cannot recommend the DLC as it is, citing issues such as forced walking, lack of updates, and disappointment with its direction. Some say to skip it or stick to the base game.
- Positive but with caveats (weight 0.19): Some reviewers only recommend buying on discount or if you have no money problems, indicating mixed feelings about the full price. Others say it's okay to buy but not essential.
- Achievement hunting is a chore (weight 0.11): Achievement hunters are warned that getting all achievements is tedious, and using mods will disable achievements. This may deter completionists from fully enjoying the DLC.
- Skip if not a fan (weight 0.11): If you weren't much of a fan of the main game, you should skip this DLC. It is also not expected to be enjoyed by inexperienced players.
- Needs serious update (weight 0.06): Needs a serious update to be better. Reviewers indicate the DLC requires improvements to meet expectations.
- Disappointment with DLC direction (weight 0.06): A reviewer would not have bought the DLC if they knew it was a last hurrah rather than funding for continued development. This reflects dissatisfaction with the game's future support.
- Finish main game first (weight 0.06): It is recommended to do most things in the main game before playing this DLC. This suggests the DLC is best experienced after completing the base content.
- Side-grade not worth money (weight 0.06): Some feel that if you liked the base game, you're better off starting a new game instead of spending money on this side-grade. It is seen as not offering enough new value.
- Worth it despite frustration (weight 0.06): Worth the money despite the frustration. Some players find the experience rewarding but acknowledge annoying aspects.
- More challenging gameplay (weight 0.06): Slightly more challenging so be prepared to learn new things. The DLC offers a steeper learning curve than the base game.
- Buy it now (weight 0.06): If you can get this you really should. Some reviewers strongly urge immediate purchase.
- Reskin concerns (weight 0.06): Happy with purchase but some parts feel like a reskin. This suggests parts of the DLC reuse assets from the base game.
- Only for mining enthusiasts (weight 0.06): If you like mining, this DLC is for you. It appeals specifically to players who enjoy mining mechanics.
- Worth it for free build fans (weight 0.06): Worth it if you like free build games. The DLC caters to players who enjoy creative building and sandbox elements.
- No reason to return (weight 0.06): No longer sees a reason to return to the main game. The DLC may replace the base game for some players.
- For errand-running fans (weight 0.06): If you enjoy running errands and travelling all over the map, this might be the DLC for you. It appeals to players who like exploration and task-based gameplay.
- For masochistic players (weight 0.05): Recommended for people who really like annoying things. This sarcastic remark implies the DLC has frustrating elements.
- Not personally recommended (weight 0.05): Do not personally recommend it. This individual review expresses a negative opinion without much detail.

Other player notes:
- Massive DLC content (weight 0.37): Many players note that the DLC more than doubles the base game's content and feels like a full-fledged game or expansion. It provides comparable content to the base game for its price.
- DLC pricing and value (weight 0.23): The DLC is priced at $10, which is less than the base game, and is considered affordable. Despite being a DLC, it offers significant value.
- Comparison to Hydroneer 2 (weight 0.23): Players often compare the DLC to a hypothetical Hydroneer 2, feeling it is like a sequel or a major step up from the original. Some say it should have been marketed as Hydroneer 2: Journey to Volcalidus.
- Better than base game (weight 0.19): Compared to the base game, the DLC is considered better and bigger, with improvements in various aspects.
- Completion time 10-15 hours (weight 0.15): Completion takes about 10-15 hours if you know what to do, including grinding. This indicates a substantial but not overly long experience.
- Collectible bones (weight 0.15): There are 36 bones scattered around the map to collect, adding a collectible aspect to the DLC.
- No further updates (weight 0.14): The game no longer receives updates, and the DLC is seen as a last hurrah rather than funding for continued development.
- Mods disable achievements (weight 0.13): There are mods to fix issues but they disable achievements, which is a trade-off for players.
- Adds little to main game (weight 0.11): The DLC adds nothing to the main game and its content is isolated from the base game.
- Dev responds to reviews (weight 0.1): The developer personally responds to Steam reviews, showing engagement with the community.
- Like Hydroneer 1.5 (weight 0.1): Some describe it as more like Hydroneer 1.5 rather than a full expansion, suggesting it's an incremental update.
- DLC named Vocalidus (weight 0.06): The DLC is called Vocalidus, though some refer to it as Volcalidus.
- Low achievement unlock rates (weight 0.06): Achievement unlock rates are less than 3% for the highest, and most are less than 1%, indicating low completion or engagement.
- Forge layout changes (weight 0.06): The DLC changes the forge layout and removes fishing and planting compared to the base game.
- Build Jeweler first (weight 0.06): Building the Jeweler first is recommended to reduce pointless driving, suggesting a strategic progression tip.
- Small dev team (weight 0.06): Developed by a small dev team, which may influence the scope and support of the DLC.
- Adds uses for materials (weight 0.06): Adds uses for your materials beyond just selling them, but otherwise adds very little.
- Sloppy Japanese translation (weight 0.05): The Japanese translation is very sloppy, which may affect the experience for Japanese players.
- New soundtrack (weight 0.05): It has a new soundtrack, enhancing the audio experience.
- Same currency on island (weight 0.05): Currency earned on the new island is the same as the main game, so no separate economy.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.24): Players are frustrated by numerous technical and design issues, including vehicle physics problems, glitches, and crashes, as well as cumbersome mechanics like crane controls and tedious grinding. The large, empty map forces long travel times, and missing features like item transfer between islands and broken achievements add to the annoyance. Performance problems and poorly implemented new systems, such as the Forge mark RNG, further exacerbate the frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.22): Disappointment stems from the DLC feeling like a rehash of the base game rather than a true expansion, with removed features like fishing and gardening and a lack of meaningful new content. Players find the progression unrewarding, the map empty, and the overall experience lacking for the price, especially with confusing starts and little explanation. The absence of a compelling endgame and the doubling down on tedious mechanics contribute to the letdown.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.13): Players enjoy the new vehicles, drills, and mechanics like lava and ice, as well as the snowy atmosphere and town-building aspects. The fresh early game and quest system provide a fun and engaging experience, with the core loop still being satisfying. The DLC offers a lot of cool things to explore and experiment with, making it an enjoyable addition.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.09): Satisfaction arises from the DLC providing good value for its price, doubling content and offering smooth progression with better goals. The new drill and harvester systems feel like a true expansion, and the developer's responsiveness to feedback, such as fixing the construction hammer, adds to the positive experience. Overall, players feel they got a worthwhile and entertaining product.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciate the new ice and water mechanics, vehicles, and the seamless connection between the new and main areas. The developers' growth and the fresh take on the gameplay loop, along with serene music, are well-received. The DLC offers substantial content for its price, which is valued compared to other offerings.
- Fun (weight 0.04): The factory building gameplay, new mechanics, and easier money earning make the game fun for players. Learning the new progression and engaging with the quest system and town building add to the enjoyment, while the fire and ice aesthetic enhances the overall experience.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Enthusiasm is driven by the new island, mechanics, and vehicles that renew the game, providing refreshing and challenging content. The added activities and exploration opportunities extend the game's lifespan and excite players about the DLC.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Boredom results from the tedious and unchallenging driving that consumes most of the playtime, with long travel times and a lack of engaging activities. The game's visuals, described as having painted-on textures, also contribute to the dull experience.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger is caused by specific bugs like the Lava Hauler bucket getting stuck, inconsistent brick production requiring manual cleanup, and poor design choices such as small bridges and oversized vehicles that hinder gameplay.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement comes from the new map, mechanics, and interactions like snowball fights, as well as the larger island that offers more exploration and discovery. The DLC adds a boatload of content to explore, generating anticipation and thrill.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from unclear game mechanics, such as the character freezing after being hit by a snowball, and a lack of indication on where to go or how to sell ore, leaving players unsure of how to proceed.
- Relaxation (weight 0.01): Relaxation is achieved through the game's relaxing gameplay and soothing music, providing a calming and stress-free experience for players.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike is expressed for the inconsistent economy where old building parts bought with special coins on the main island are sold with basic coins in the DLC, and for the feeling that the game is just replaying Hydroneer with an extra type of pipe.
- Disheartenment (weight 0.01): Disheartenment is caused by the crane's physics swaying back and forth and requiring additional length, making it difficult to control and leading to a sense of discouragement.
- Delight (weight 0.01): Delight is experienced because the game is delicious and satisfying, providing a pleasurable and enjoyable experience overall.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest is sparked by the addition of a storyline and more complex construction mechanics, which add depth and engagement to the gameplay.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love is expressed for the Hydroneer title overall, indicating a deep affection and overall positive regard for the game.
- Upset (weight 0.01): Upset is caused by the last challenge irritating the player enough to stop building the final mine, leading to a feeling of distress and interruption.
- Entertainment (weight 0.01): Entertainment is derived from the DLC being both entertaining and relaxing, providing a enjoyable and leisurely pastime.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Dissatisfaction is due to all new elements being not good, resulting in a lack of fulfillment and pleasure from the DLC's features.}