Info about Dex:

Official game description:
Explore, fight, talk and hack your way through a rich cyberpunk world in this 2D action-RPG!  
Wanted dead by a mysterious and far-reaching organization, you will traverse the futuristic city of Harbor Prime and make unexpected allies on your quest to bring down the system! In this cyberpunk adventure inspired by Blade Runner and Neuromancer, you are free to choose your playstyle: will you be a silent assassin, a hacker, a diplomat or a straightforward gunfighter?  
Designed as a throwback to earlier 2D platforming and action games combined with modern RPG elements, Dex offers real-time combat, a mature storyline and interactive dialogues.  
Customize your character’s skills, equipment and even augmentations – implants which grant you superhuman abilities and open up new paths within the game’s open world.  
A revolutionary hacking mechanic also lets you dive into Cyberspace: overcome viruses and intrusion countermeasures to deactivate turrets, overload devices, steal corporate data and cripple your enemies!

Release date: May 7, 2015

Categories: Action RPG, 2D Platformer, Cyberpunk, Metroidvania, Hacking Gameplay, Twin-stick Shooter, Story Rich, Immersive Sim

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Tier 3: The Student; summary: The review's Wiki-related dependency is centered on quest and content guidance. The user mentions using the Wiki for DIY quest DLC and outfits, and advises browsing it when stuck. No evidence points to farming, loot tables, inventory management, blueprints, or crafting requirements. The primary Wiki Tax category is therefore Tier 3: The Student, giving a score of 50.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The Steam Deck experience is playable but requires tinkering. The most impactful friction comes from awkward controller input and missing button prompts. Other issues include no cross-save between PC and Steam Deck, vague reports of Linux launch trouble, and a dialogue-heavy English text burden. There is no evidence of external launchers, anti-cheat failures, battery drain, or clearly unreadable UI, but the controller and Linux-related concerns keep the experience in the tinkering-required range.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $20.00
  - Reasoning: Full-price supporters anchor the game near the $20 level, citing 20 EUR and 14.99 GBP as acceptable when content quality is good, and several reviewers say full price is reasonable. However, many others insist on waiting for a Steam sale, and one regional review treats about 20 PLN (~$5) as fair rather than 72 PLN (~$18). The community fair base-game range is therefore centered around $10-$20, with $20 acceptable for quality but a strong expectation of discounts below $10.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 13.0h
  - Story completion: 10.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Completion reports for Dex cluster mainly around 9-15 hours. The 13-hour quote describes finishing the game while also doing all found side quests, so gameCompletion is set to 13 hours as a representative full-playthrough value; the 15-hour quote supports that all-quest completion can extend to about 15 hours. A translated Portuguese review explicitly states the campaign lasts around 10 hours, supporting storyCompletion at 10 hours. No review gives a typical single-session duration or a distinct post-story/endgame duration, so sessionLength and endgame are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Dex often starts rough due to awkward combat, a weak early build, and uneven difficulty, so fun is delayed for many players. It clicks for some after adapting to the combat and progression systems, roughly after half an hour, while others report that the tedium never fully resolves.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Adapting to the gawky battle system and finally getting into the story, cyberspace, and city hub.
  - Time to anchor: 0h 30m
  - Friction: Gawky battle system that shows its worst initially; Extremely demanding and weak early game; Rough start with lock-picking and Charisma build choices; Unclear objectives and uneven difficulty spikes; Combat that can feel like a tedious slog; No tutorial, leading to repeated early deaths
  - Unlock drivers: Learning and adapting to the gawky battle system; Installing implants; Character progression and leveling; Investing in the hacking skill; Side activity progression that helps the main path
  - Conditions: Investing about half an hour into the game; Learning to adapt to the combat; Installing implants; Choosing a build; lock-picking and Charisma can make the start rough; Investing in the hacking skill for the minigame; Adjusting to old-school gameplay after a few hours; Completing the tutorial; Progressing through side activities
- Player Archetypes:
  - Cyberpunk Retro RPG Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Immersion in a cyberpunk world with old-school RPG choices, builds, and nostalgia.
    - Playstyle: Explores the city, uses dialogue choices, stealth, hacking, melee/ranged combat, and augments to shape an RPG build.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: hardcore fans; fans of the cyberpunk genre; old players
    - Reference games: Deus Ex; Shadowrun; Mark of the Ninja; Dreamweb; Double Dragon
  - Casual Story Explorer (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoy the story, world, exploration, and side quests at a relaxed pace without hardcore challenge.
    - Playstyle: Plays on Casual, reads all dialogue, explores every area, does side quests, and avoids combat when possible.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: non-hardcore type
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Build-Optimizing Completionist (buy)
    - Motivation: Optimize character builds, complete achievements, and see different outcomes and endings.
    - Playstyle: Plans skill and implant builds, uses multiple saves, chases achievements and endings, and replays for alternate outcomes.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Combat-Frustrated Story Seeker (no buy)
    - Motivation: Experience the cyberpunk story and world but avoid or overcome tedious, punishing combat.
    - Playstyle: Tries to avoid combat, uses stealth or dialogue where possible, lowers difficulty, and may wait for patches or watch others play.
    - Experience: familiar
    - 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:
- Authentic cyberpunk atmosphere praised (weight 0.56): Many reviewers highlight the game's faithful and immersive cyberpunk setting, describing it as one of the best in years. The world, tone, and universe are consistently praised for capturing the genre perfectly.
- Meaningful and well-written side quests (weight 0.51): Side quests are frequently described as engaging, with well-crafted stories that rival the main quest. They reward curiosity and flesh out the world and characters.
- Good story with multiple endings (weight 0.4): The main storyline is well-received, with many noting its quality and the inclusion of multiple endings. Choices and consequences add depth to the narrative.
- Excellent voice acting and soundtrack (weight 0.36): Voice acting is consistently praised as outstanding, with a soundtrack that fits the game well. Reviewers note the high standard of audio production.
- Gorgeous visuals and art direction (weight 0.33): Graphics are highly praised for being visually excellent and appealing. The art direction is elegant and coherent with a retro-cyberpunk aesthetic.
- Non-linear quests with multiple outcomes (weight 0.22): Quests often have multiple ways to complete them, with different endings based on player approach. This adds replayability and depth to the game.
- Multiple playstyles supported (weight 0.2): The game allows for various playstyles including hacker, diplomat, stealth assassin, and direct combatant. This flexibility is achieved through combat, stealth, hacking, and social skills.
- Great 2D cyberpunk RPG (weight 0.19): Reviewers appreciate the game as a standout 2D cyberpunk RPG, often calling it underrated. The side-scrolling platformer approach works well for the genre.
- Advanced hacking mechanics (weight 0.19): Hacking allows interaction with computers, cameras, and even enemies, with upgrades providing new abilities. The hacking minigame is fun and affected by character progression.
- Developed character upgrade system (weight 0.17): The character progression system is noted for its depth, including implants and attribute upgrades. Players can level up to become more powerful.
- Well-written and charismatic characters (weight 0.14): Characters are frequently described as well-written, engaging, and believable. Voice acting and character design contribute to their appeal.
- Dense and fantastic atmosphere (weight 0.11): The atmosphere is a strong point, described as fantastic and dense. It contributes significantly to the overall immersion.
- Diverse and atmospheric city districts (weight 0.11): The city is divided into districts with distinct moods, from clean corporate to rundown slums. Each area has its own style and atmosphere.
- Implants enhance gameplay (weight 0.11): Implants provide enhancements like higher jump, health regeneration, and enemy detection. These affect gameplay in meaningful ways.
- Made with love and soul (weight 0.11): Reviewers frequently note the passion and care put into the game, describing it as having soul. This adds to its charm and appeal.
- Open world exploration (weight 0.11): The game features an open world within its created locations, allowing for exploration. This adds to the sense of freedom and immersion.

Common complaints:
- Combat Feels Clunky and Unrefined (weight 0.63): Many players report that combat feels clunky, rough, and lacks fluidity. This issue spans both melee and ranged combat, making fights feel unresponsive and unsatisfying.
- Hacking Minigame Becomes Tedious (weight 0.52): The hacking minigame is frequently criticized as repetitive, boring, and forced. While upgrades can trivialize it, the core mechanic remains unengaging for many players.
- Story Is Predictable and Clichéd (weight 0.36): The narrative is often seen as generic, predictable, and loaded with cyberpunk tropes. It fails to stand out or deliver a compelling plot.
- Melee Combat Is Underwhelming (weight 0.36): Melee combat is often described as underbaked, with limited options like punching only. Even with upgrades, it rarely becomes useful or enjoyable.
- Enemy Variety and AI Are Poor (weight 0.24): Enemies have little variety in attack patterns, and the AI is poor, such as not pursuing players across screens. This makes combat monotonous and unchallenging.
- Firearms Are Unnecessary and Useless (weight 0.22): Players find guns completely useless and unnecessary, often ignoring them entirely. This imbalance makes ranged combat feel like a wasted feature.
- Bugs and Technical Issues Present (weight 0.22): The game suffers from various bugs, including quest triggers and general instability. These issues can frustrate gameplay and hinder progression.
- Controller Controls Are Awkward (weight 0.22): Controller controls are often described as bad, awkward, and uncomfortable. This impacts overall gameplay and player enjoyment.
- Game Balance Is Poor (weight 0.19): Many examples of poor game balance are noted, such as enemies being stronger than the player and unbreakable blocks. This leads to frustrating and unfair encounters.
- Platforming Is Janky and Annoying (weight 0.14): Platforming sections are criticized for being janky, stiff, and unclear about where players can jump. This leads to frustrating deaths and falls.
- Stealth Mechanics Are Non-Functional (weight 0.08): Stealth is described as terrible, with near-instant enemy recognition, unclear camera views, and no hiding spots. It is effectively non-functional.
- Speech Skill Is Useless (weight 0.08): The speech skill is almost never useful and does not determine anything serious. Players find it laughably ineffective.
- Save System Works Poorly (weight 0.08): The save system is criticized for being silly and poorly implemented, only saving data already in autosaves at location entry. This can lead to lost progress.
- Gameplay Is Simple and Old-School (weight 0.08): Some players find the gameplay relatively simple and old-school, which may lack depth or innovation. This can make the experience feel dated or unengaging.

Gameplay feedback:
- 2D side-scrolling cyberpunk RPG (weight 0.78): The game is consistently described as a 2D side-scrolling RPG with a cyberpunk setting. It blends action, platforming, and exploration in a side-view perspective.
- Extensive hacking minigame (weight 0.65): A hacking minigame is a core mechanic, often resembling a twin-stick shooter or space shooter. It is used to disable cameras, turrets, and enemies, and can be upgraded.
- Side quests with choices (weight 0.44): Side quests are numerous and often involve meaningful choices that affect outcomes. Dialogue choices can change how missions resolve.
- Simple combat system (weight 0.43): Combat is functional but straightforward, featuring melee and ranged options. It includes basic mechanics like blocking, dodging, and attacking.
- Metroidvania-style exploration (weight 0.38): Many reviews highlight Metroidvania-like exploration and progression. The map opens up gradually as new abilities are unlocked.
- Character progression via implants (weight 0.36): Character development involves leveling up, installing cybernetic implants, and spending skill points. Progression supports different playstyles like combat, hacking, or diplomacy.
- Cyberpunk dystopian setting (weight 0.32): The game is set in a dystopian cyberpunk future with body augmentation and cyberspace. The world is open for exploration.
- Stealth and hacking gameplay (weight 0.22): Players can approach situations using stealth, hacking, combat, or persuasion. Stealth mechanics allow hiding and disabling security.
- Map with fast travel (weight 0.14): A map system allows instant fast travel between discovered locations. This makes navigating the open world more convenient.

Performance notes:
- Mostly Stable Performance (weight 0.23): Many players report no crashes or major bugs, with the game running smoothly at high resolutions and refresh rates like 1440p at 85Hz. Optimization is generally good, and resource consumption stays within expected values.
- Steam Deck Compatibility Excellent (weight 0.12): The game runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, providing a reliable and enjoyable handheld experience. Battery life is also reported to be long, further enhancing portability.
- Limited Graphics Options (weight 0.11): Graphics settings are minimal and not very impactful, which is expected for a pixel art game. The art quality does not justify extensive graphical adjustments.
- Low System Requirements (weight 0.09): The PC version has modest system requirements, allowing it to run well on older hardware such as an i5 6600 and GTX 970. This aligns with its 2D pixel art style and ensures broad accessibility.
- Occasional Crashes and Freezes (weight 0.09): Some players experience occasional freezes and crashes, including a severe freeze during hacking moments that required a full PC reset. These issues can disrupt gameplay sessions.
- Linux Launch Failures (weight 0.08): The game has launch issues on GNU/Linux across almost every desktop environment. Sound problems related to ALSA drivers also occur, making it unplayable for some Linux users.
- Save Corruption Problems (weight 0.05): Save files can become corrupted, leading to loss of progress and frustration. This is a critical issue that needs addressing to ensure a reliable experience.
- Main Quest Bug (weight 0.05): A bug in the beginning of the main quest prevents visiting an important location, forcing players to replay sections. This blocks progression and is highly frustrating.
- Controller Aiming Issues (weight 0.05): Ranged aiming with a controller is problematic, often causing the aim to be too high or too low. This can significantly hinder gameplay for controller users.
- Cutscene Screen Blackness (weight 0.05): During cutscenes, the screen sometimes remains black, preventing players from viewing the narrative segments. This bug detracts from the story experience.
- Control Rebinding Lacking (weight 0.05): Keyboard and mouse controls are not rebindable, which is an annoyance for players who prefer custom bindings. Some default bindings are also slightly clunky.
- Controller Works Fine (weight 0.05): Some players report no controller issues, indicating that the game can be played with a controller without major problems for some users.
- Occasional Lag Spots (weight 0.05): A few players experience occasional lag, which can momentarily disrupt gameplay. This is not widespread but worth noting.
- Minor Enemy Glitch (weight 0.04): An enemy was observed slowly falling through the floor, but this appears to be an isolated incident. Aside from this, no other bugs were reported.

Recommendations:
- Ideal for Cyberpunk Fans (weight 0.57): The overwhelming majority of reviewers recommend the game specifically to fans of the cyberpunk genre. Many consider it a must-play for anyone who enjoys cyberpunk settings, aesthetics, or RPGs.
- General Positive Recommendations (weight 0.25): Many players give the game a strong recommendation without genre caveats, calling it a gem and an absolute must-play. The sentiment is broadly enthusiastic.
- Wait for a Sale (weight 0.17): Several reviewers suggest buying the game only during a sale or at a significant discount. They feel the full price may not be justified for everyone.
- Appeal to Indie and RPG Fans (weight 0.16): The game is particularly recommended for fans of indie games, RPGs, and platformers. Its niche appeal is highlighted as a strength for those specific audiences.
- Definitely Worth Buying (weight 0.14): Multiple reviewers state the game is definitely worth buying and consider it a must-buy. This reinforces the strong recommendation sentiment.
- Wait for Patches (weight 0.09): Some reviewers strongly advise against buying the game until several patches are applied. They cite bugs as a significant issue that detracts from the experience.
- Not for Casual Players (weight 0.08): The game is not recommended for those seeking a casual experience or just wanting to enjoy the story. It requires more engagement and may be challenging for casual players.
- Deus Ex Fans Will Enjoy (weight 0.08): Reviewers note that fans of the original Deus Ex will find a lot to like here. The game shares similar cyberpunk and immersive sim elements.
- Short but Worthwhile (weight 0.08): The game's short playtime is mentioned as a factor that makes it worth trying, especially given the scarcity of cyberpunk games. Some mildly recommend it for this reason.
- Requires Patience (weight 0.08): Some reviewers advise approaching the game with patience, possibly due to its pacing or difficulty. It's seen as a good holdover while waiting for Cyberpunk 2077.
- Try the Demo First (weight 0.07): A few reviewers recommend trying the demo before purchasing. This suggests that the game may not appeal to everyone and a trial is prudent.
- Hacking and Lockpicking Tips (weight 0.07): Players share specific build advice: invest in hacking early and consider maxing lockpicking. These tips are aimed at optimizing the gameplay experience.

Other player notes:
- Short completion time around 10-15 hours (weight 0.51): Many reviewers report finishing the game in roughly 10 hours, with completionist runs and all side quests extending to about 15 hours. A few players mention 8 hours or up to 25 hours for 100% achievements.
- Deus Ex comparisons are core (weight 0.49): Players consistently describe the game as a 2D Deus Ex-like experience, citing Human Revolution and Mankind Divided as reference points. This comparison defines expectations for genre, mission design, and cyberpunk tone.
- Developed by Czech studio Dreadlocks (weight 0.29): Dreadlocks Ltd., based in Prague, developed the game and is often described as a small Czech indie studio. Publishing was handled by Dreadlocks, Techland, and WhisperGames.
- Free DLC adds outfits and content (weight 0.17): Several free DLC packs provide extra outfits, bonuses, and an additional location. One DLC must be manually downloaded and adds content that appears around mid-game.
- Strong cyberpunk literary influences (weight 0.15): The game draws heavily from Neuromancer, Blade Runner, Ghost in the Shell, and classic dystopian sci-fi. Reviewers frequently note these influences as shaping the setting and atmosphere.
- Indie 2D pixel art game (weight 0.14): The game is commonly described as an indie 2D pixel art title, not a AAA production. This visual and budget identity is part of its appeal and limitations.
- Enhanced version fixes original flaws (weight 0.08): The original release had issues that were reportedly addressed in the Enhanced version. The game is currently only sold as this Enhanced edition.
- Replayability through meaningful choices (weight 0.08): Players note that different choices lead to different outcomes, adding replay value. This aligns with the Deus Ex-inspired design of multiple approaches.
- Underrated cyberpunk RPG (weight 0.08): Some reviewers consider it a somewhat underrated cyberpunk RPG. It is often praised for its genre execution despite its lower profile.
- Soundtrack worth buying (weight 0.08): The game's soundtrack is available separately and is frequently recommended as worth purchasing. Reviewers highlight it as a strong part of the experience.
- Was in Early Access (weight 0.08): The game spent a notable period in Early Access before full release. This is mentioned as part of its development history.
- Demo available (weight 0.07): A playable demo exists for the game. This gives potential players a way to try it before buying.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.17): Combat is shallow, clunky, and lacks depth, with melee feeling imprecise and hacking becoming tedious or frustrating. The story falls apart with an abrupt, anticlimactic ending and choices that do not meaningfully affect outcomes, compounded by bugs and technical issues.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.15): Players enjoyed the compelling cyberpunk story, engaging side quests, and well-developed world of Harbor Prime. Exploration, atmosphere, soundtrack, voice acting, and a mix of platforming and RPG elements created a fun and immersive experience.
- Frustration (weight 0.13): Frequent bugs, clunky controls, and key binding resets disrupt progress and make the game hard to play. Combat is stiff, unfair, and poorly balanced, while difficulty spikes, tedious hacking, and an autosave-only system compound the irritation.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.09): A well-paced story, good controls, and a fitting difficulty curve provided a satisfying experience without overstaying its welcome. Players felt rewarded by mastering combat and hacking, exploring the cyberpunk world, and seeing their choices tracked.
- Appreciation (weight 0.07): The game's strong world-building, cyberpunk atmosphere, and surprisingly deep RPG systems were highly valued. Quality writing, voice acting, art style, and music were praised as standout elements of a carefully crafted experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): The game's unique genre blend, stylish cyberpunk visuals, and immersive narrative left a lasting impression. Its ambitious indie production, hand-drawn art, and professional storytelling were seen as remarkable achievements.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): A clear identity and genre mashup, intense combat, and a unique cyberpunk world generated excitement. Replayability with different builds, striking aesthetics, and comparisons to Deus Ex and Flashback fueled anticipation and discovery.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Technical issues like black screens during cutscenes, unnatural voice delivery, and an autosave-only system were irritating. Forced hacking, stretched finale pacing, and unclear platforming also detracted from the experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): The 90s aesthetic and structure, retro 2D art, and sci-fi story elements evoked memories of classic RPGs and old-school gaming. The game fondly reminded players of Deus Ex and childhood console experiences.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): The cyberpunk atmosphere, artistic direction, and diverse gameplay inspired enthusiasm. A substantial amount of content, multiple ways to play, and a blend of metroidvania and RPG elements made it stand out.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Combat and melee feel bland, and the hacking minigame becomes repetitive and tedious over time. Backtracking through the same locations and repetitive quests once skills max out contribute to a boring experience.
- Love (weight 0.02): A rich universe, endearing characters, and a beloved story made this a favourite game. The cyberpunk setting, aesthetic, art style, voice acting, and immersive introduction inspired deep affection.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Starting with low expectations, players were pleasantly surprised by the game's quality and overall experience. It turned out much better than anticipated and genuinely caught reviewers off guard.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Despite flaws, players believe the game could become a great cyberpunk RPG once finished and fixed. They look forward to future story developments and improvements in the developer's next title.
- Liking (weight 0.01): The story, characters, voice acting, and upgrade systems were well received. Despite issues, the game has soul, with meaningful attribute unlocks and implant customization adding to the appeal.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Moments like the funny crouch-walk animation, the Dex/Deus Ex acronym similarity, and absurd enemy reactions provided lighthearted amusement. These quirks added charm to the experience.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Understanding the hacking system initially proved difficult, and combat sometimes felt inconsistent. Item equipment and buying/selling were overly complex and poorly explained, leading to confusion.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Quests felt more engaging than many AAA projects and absorbed players throughout the 10-hour duration. The game's real and impactful quests kept attention high.
- Immersion (weight 0.01): An alive city, detailed pixel art, and varied NPCs created a strong sense of immersion. The cyberpunk atmosphere, neon lights, and CyberNoire feel made the world feel real and absorbing.
- Conflict (weight 0.01): Mixed feelings left players neither fully positive nor negative, struggling to decide. One story choice was so difficult that the reviewer had to step away and return the next day.}