Info about Codename CURE II:

Official game description:
_“Stand to attention soldiers! We are looking a harsh new reality right down the barrel - the world is a post apocalyptic nightmare, all that’s left of humanity is pockets of survivors and organised military bases like ourselves. We prepared for this situation, the necessary equipment and resources were stockpiled long ago, knowing it was only a matter of 'when' and not 'if'. But we have a plan, an ambitious plan to wipe this zombie scourge from the face of the planet._  
_The enemy are no longer human, they are no longer your parents, siblings or friends, they are an organism of pure evil that seeks only to spread, mutate and destroy - its foul stench must be eliminated at any cost! We are looking for five volunteers to execute this plan - five soldiers to step up for what is almost certainly a suicide mission; which of you have the bravery and skills to get out there and meet this challenge face to ugly rotting face?"_   
**\- General Johnson, CURE HQ.**
Codename CURE II is a free-to-play, co-operative, first person shooter set in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. Assemble an elite military squad of up to five players (or play offline with bots), and fight your way through hordes of infected in a variety of dynamic objective missions, utilizing a wide variety of weaponry, scavenging for resources along the way in order to fuel your squad's arsenal, offering a truly unique experience with each play through.
*   Choose between five distinct player classes; Pointman, Support, Assault, Technician, and Sniper, each featuring their own unique arsenal, abilities and play style.
*   Embark on various missions, featuring diverse objectives and dynamic maps, which ensure no two missions are ever the same; be prepared for anything.
*   Multiple infected enemy types; battle against a variety of terrifying enemies, from commons and fallen soldiers to feral zombie dogs, adapting the gameplay as you fight the infestation.
*   Reactive gore system; making neutralising enemies feel truly satisfying, featuring full dismemberment, body deformation and multilayered damage systems, and even having their clothes and flesh burn away when lit on fire.
*   Personalize your soldier; stand out in the field with a variety of uniforms, helmets and gloves.
*   Modify your arsenal with various new weapons, and equip skins on our wide arsenal of weapons, to slaughter your enemies in style.
*   Recoup and plan your missions back at CURE HQ, where you and your squad can gear up, try out new weapons, customization, and track your progress climbing the ranks between missions.
*   Fight your way through fully procedural maps, made out of tilesets featuring a wide variety of diverse locations. Every mission is guaranteed to be a unique experience!

Release date: Jul 24, 2026

Categories: Cooperative Multiplayer, First-Person Shooter, Horde Shooter, Procedural Generation, Class-based Combat, Weapon Customization, Single-player, Free-to-Play

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair monetization with optional DLC; summary: The game is free-to-play with an optional paid DLC that adds weapons, attachments, and cosmetics. While some players find the DLC price high and note that certain weapons are locked behind it, the overall sentiment is positive, with many players voluntarily buying the DLC to support the developers. There is no evidence of microtransactions, pay-to-win mechanics, or predatory monetization.
- Proton/Linux: score 22; verdict: Works with minor tweaks; summary: Based on the available reviews, only one mentions Linux/Proton compatibility. It reports that the game runs decently on Steam Deck with a frame rate limit tweak, indicating minor tweaking is required. No other Linux-specific issues are mentioned.
- Steam Deck: score 45; verdict: Playable with tweaks; summary: The Steam Deck experience is playable but requires manual settings adjustments, particularly limiting FPS to 45, to achieve stable performance. Users also report stuttering and poor optimization, alongside unintuitive controls and settings menus. However, the game's strong feature set (offline mode, server browser, cloud saves) provides a solid foundation. Overall, the game falls into the 'Tinkering Required' category rather than being seamless or broken.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Performance is generally positive on higher VRAM systems, while lower VRAM systems show mixed results with some stability issues.
  - Sample size: 237 (20% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (mixed, 126 reports): Reports are split: some players run the game at low settings with playable framerates, while others experience crashes, freezes, and poor optimization.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 50 reports): Most players report good performance, though some note optimization issues with shadows/illumination and occasional FPS drops on high settings.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (positive, 41 reports): All sampled reviews are positive, with players reporting smooth performance and good optimization.
  - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (positive, 12 reports): Both sampled reviews are positive, with no performance complaints.
  - Caveats: 237 of 1180 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $0.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews consistently identify the base game as free-to-play. Some players find it worth trying because there is no upfront cost, while others argue that even free is not worth the time. No review suggests a paid price for the base game itself, and the only monetary mention is an optional support pack. Therefore, the community considers a fair base-game price to be $0.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 24.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The 24-hour quote indicates full completion of the game (all achievements, max rank, everything unlocked), supporting gameCompletion. Session length is supported by multiple reports: a 4-hour session, a 3-hour session, a 1-hour session, and a 60-minute session, averaging around 2 hours. No specific story completion time or separate endgame hours are provided, so those metrics are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Codename CURE II is immediately fun, especially in co-op, but many players find it becomes repetitive after a few hours, leading to a drop in enjoyment.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Crashes when opening the first door in training; Fatal error in tutorial prevents play; Game fails to start on first attempt
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: Playing with friends; Having a stable system; Enjoying co-op zombie shooters; Tolerating repetitive missions
- Player Archetypes:
  - Veteran of the Original (buy)
    - Motivation: To relive and support the original game's experience, seeing the sequel improve upon it.
    - Playstyle: Plays co-op with friends, using classes and focusing on the core extraction loop.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Codename CURE
  - Casual Co-op Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: To have fun with friends in a free, chaotic co-op shooter without spending money.
    - Playstyle: Plays with friends, focuses on fun and chaos, not deep strategy or progression.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Left 4 Dead
  - Solo Player with Bots (buy)
    - Motivation: To enjoy the game solo with competent bots, without needing a group.
    - Playstyle: Plays solo with bots, uses classes that work well alone, focuses on survival and extraction.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Discerning Critic (no buy)
    - Motivation: To find a polished, balanced co-op experience; they are disappointed by the game's flaws.
    - Playstyle: Plays both solo and co-op, but is frustrated by balance and design issues, often comparing to other games.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Left 4 Dead


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:
- Gameplay is fun and engaging (weight 0.37): Players consistently describe the core gameplay as fun, simple, and entertaining, with a loop that is both addicting and intense. The game is praised for being enjoyable despite its simplicity and for running smoothly.
- Great with friends (weight 0.26): The game is highly recommended for playing with friends, offering quick, fun, and laugh-filled sessions. Co-op play is a major highlight, especially in groups of up to five players.
- Procedural maps boost replayability (weight 0.23): Randomly generated maps ensure each run feels different, significantly enhancing replayability. Players appreciate the variety and freshness that procedural generation brings to missions.
- Extensive customization options (weight 0.16): Players can customize guns, class uniforms, headgear, and other cosmetics, with a wide range of weapons and attachments like sights and suppressors. This variety allows for personalized loadouts and playstyles.
- Gunplay feels satisfying (weight 0.12): The gunplay is described as satisfying, smooth, and on point, with weapons that feel good to use. Shooting and killing enemies is a core enjoyable aspect of the game.
- High potential for improvement (weight 0.09): Many players see the game as having a lot of potential, with a solid foundation that could be built upon. It is considered incredible in its current state but with room to grow.
- Intense and challenging moments (weight 0.08): The game offers intense, chaotic, and challenging moments that keep players engaged. It is not boring and provides a good level of difficulty without being overwhelming.
- Improvement over predecessor (weight 0.08): Players note significant improvements over the first game, including better graphics, mechanics, and more content to experiment with. It is seen as a step up in the series.
- Weapon purchasing system (weight 0.06): The game allows players to purchase new weapons and cosmetics, adding a progression element. This feature is appreciated for providing new mechanics and goals.
- Supports up to five players (weight 0.06): The game supports co-op play for up to five players, making it ideal for group sessions. This multiplayer capacity is a key feature for many players.

Common complaints:
- Insufficient weapon variety (weight 0.17): Players complain about the limited number of weapons and poor variety across classes. This restricts gameplay options and reduces tactical depth.
- Performance and optimization issues (weight 0.16): A significant number of players report poor optimization, jank, and heavy performance problems. These issues detract from the overall experience and are frequently mentioned.
- Limited map selection (weight 0.15): The game offers only three maps at launch, which players find repetitive and insufficient. This lack of variety contributes to boredom and reduces replayability.
- Repetitive gameplay (weight 0.14): Many players note that the gameplay becomes tedious and repetitive after a few hours. This is a common criticism that impacts long-term enjoyment.
- Poor graphics quality (weight 0.14): Players consistently criticize the game's visuals, describing them as mediocre, ugly, or plastic-like. This is a widespread complaint affecting overall first impressions.
- Lack of content (weight 0.14): Many reviews highlight a severe shortage of content, including limited progression and shallow gameplay depth. This makes the game feel incomplete and reduces long-term engagement.
- Worse than predecessor (weight 0.08): Several reviews state that the game is inferior to the first installment, feeling weaker and less polished. This comparison negatively affects player satisfaction.
- Unpolished and unfinished feel (weight 0.07): Players describe the game as raw and lacking final polish, making it feel like an incomplete product. This undermines confidence in the game's quality.

Gameplay feedback:
- Weapon and cosmetic customization (weight 0.26): Players can customize guns and cosmetics, with scrap collection used to unlock weapons, attachments, and costumes. This provides a meta-progression system.
- Co-op zombie shooter (weight 0.26): The game is a cooperative PvE zombie extraction shooter where players work together to evacuate a zombie-infested zone. It emphasizes teamwork and tactical gameplay.
- Zombie horde shooter (weight 0.25): The game is a classic zombie horde shooter in the style of Left 4 Dead, involving shooting zombies and strategic positioning. Players must decide when to push forward or hold position against waves of enemies.
- Procedurally generated maps (weight 0.23): The game features procedurally generated maps based on a seed, ensuring each mission is unique. This is a core feature mentioned frequently by players.
- Class-based gameplay (weight 0.2): The game has a class system with five distinct classes, each with unique weapons and abilities. Classes play a heavy role in gameplay, affecting strategy and team composition.
- Difficulty levels available (weight 0.15): The game offers multiple difficulty settings, from Casual to Insane, with higher levels being extremely challenging. The Insane difficulty is noted as very hard even with bots.
- Five-player co-op support (weight 0.15): The game supports up to five players in co-op, with options for solo play with bots. This is a key feature highlighted across many reviews.
- Limited enemy variety (weight 0.08): The game has limited enemy variety, including normal zombies, soldier zombies, dog zombies, and boss zombies. This is seen as a content limitation.
- Single-player with bots (weight 0.08): The game includes a single-player offline mode where players can play with bots. This allows solo play without an internet connection.
- Bomb planting extraction (weight 0.07): Gameplay involves reaching a bomb-planting point, planting a bomb, and then retreating for a timed extraction. This adds an objective-based layer to the shooter.
- Free-to-play model (weight 0.05): The game is free to play with optional paid DLC. This makes it accessible to a wide audience.
- Character customization (weight 0.05): The game offers detailed character appearance customization, allowing players to personalize their characters.

Performance notes:
- Poor optimization and performance (weight 0.46): Many players report poor optimization and performance issues, including low FPS, stuttering, and crashes. These issues are common across various hardware configurations, from low-end to high-end PCs.
- Good performance on high-end systems (weight 0.24): Some players with high-end PCs report excellent performance, achieving high frame rates at high resolutions and settings. This suggests the game can run well on capable hardware.
- Crashes and freezes (weight 0.11): Several players experience crashes, freezes, or fatal errors, sometimes during specific moments like tutorials or loading screens. These stability issues can make the game unplayable for some.
- Runs well on low-end hardware (weight 0.1): A subset of players with low-end or older PCs report that the game runs decently, even on minimum settings. This indicates the game is somewhat scalable to weaker hardware.
- Performance issues with large hordes (weight 0.06): Performance drops significantly when many zombies appear on screen, causing frame rate dips and lag. This is a specific optimization problem related to crowd rendering.
- Network lag and rubber-banding (weight 0.05): Some players report high ping, rubber-banding, and noticeable lag even on good servers, affecting gameplay smoothness. This is a separate issue from local performance.
- Shadow settings impact FPS (weight 0.04): Lowering shadow and illumination settings can significantly improve frame rates, with some players gaining about 20 FPS. This suggests these settings are particularly demanding.
- Upscaler options limited (weight 0.02): Only a temporal upscaler is available, with no DLSS support, which may limit performance on some GPUs. This is a specific feature request for better upscaling technology.
- Motion sickness reported (weight 0.02): One player reported motion sickness, possibly due to FOV, camera movement, or frame pacing. This is a niche but notable issue for some players.

Recommendations:
- Free game value (weight 0.22): The game being free is frequently cited as a major positive, with reviewers calling it a steal and worth trying. This makes it an accessible option for many players.
- For zombie FPS fans (weight 0.17): The game is particularly recommended for fans of zombie shooters and co-op horde games, especially those who enjoy Left 4 Dead. This highlights its niche appeal.
- Recommended overall (weight 0.16): Many reviewers give a straightforward positive recommendation, praising the game's quality and enjoyment. This indicates a strong overall approval from the player base.
- Worth trying (weight 0.15): A significant number of reviewers encourage others to give the game a try, noting that there is no downside since it is free. This suggests a generally positive but cautious recommendation.
- Not recommended currently (weight 0.13): Some reviewers advise against playing the game in its current state, citing issues or better alternatives. This suggests that while the game has potential, it may not be ready for everyone.
- Play first game instead (weight 0.09): A few reviewers suggest playing the first game in the series instead, implying that the sequel may not be as good. This is a notable criticism for potential players.
- Short-term enjoyment (weight 0.05): A few reviewers mention that the game is fun for a short period, such as an hour or a single playthrough, but may not have lasting appeal. This suggests limited replay value.
- Class recommendations (weight 0.05): Some reviewers provide specific advice on which classes to play, such as Assault or Reconnaissance, and suggest taking the tutorial. This helps new players get started.
- Support the developers (weight 0.04): Some reviewers encourage supporting the developers by purchasing DLC or simply appreciating the free game. This reflects a positive view of the studio's efforts.
- Dated but playable (weight 0.04): Reviewers acknowledge the game's dated graphics and clunky controls but still recommend giving it a chance. This indicates that the core gameplay is enjoyable despite technical flaws.
- Alternative to L4D (weight 0.03): The game is seen as a good free alternative to Left 4 Dead, especially for those on a budget. This makes it appealing to fans of the genre.
- Not for new players (weight 0.02): A couple of reviewers advise against the game for new-generation players, possibly due to its old-school style or difficulty. This suggests a niche audience.
- Play with voice chat (weight 0.02): A reviewer notes that the game is only playable with friends who use voice chat, emphasizing the need for communication. This is a practical tip for potential players.
- Good for LAN parties (weight 0.02): One reviewer highly recommends the game for LAN get-togethers with friends, highlighting its social and cooperative aspects. This is a specific use case.

Other player notes:
- Frequently compared to Left 4 Dead (weight 0.37): Many reviewers compare the game to Left 4 Dead and its sequel, noting similarities in gameplay, structure, and team reliance. Some find it a jankier or more serious version, while others see it as a free alternative or potential successor.
- Sequel to Codename Cure (weight 0.27): The game is a sequel to the original Codename Cure, and reviewers often compare it to the first game. Some find it similar or improved, while others think the original was better.
- Developed by two-person team (weight 0.27): Reviewers frequently highlight that the game was made by only two developers, often a programmer and an artist. This is seen as impressive given the game's scope and quality.
- Free to play with DLC (weight 0.21): The game is completely free to play, with optional paid DLC to support the developers. Reviewers appreciate the lack of microtransactions and the accessibility of a free game.
- Active updates and future plans (weight 0.11): The game receives constant updates and has future plans for new game modes and improvements. Reviewers note that it gets better with each update, indicating ongoing developer support.
- Engine transition to Unreal (weight 0.09): The game transitioned from the Source engine to Unreal Engine 5, which is a notable change. Reviewers mention this in comparisons to the first game, with mixed opinions on the impact.
- Recent release with potential (weight 0.05): The game is a recent release from the developer, and reviewers acknowledge its potential despite current limitations. The small team and free price point are often mentioned as positives.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.19): Players are frustrated by severe optimization problems, including FPS drops, crashes, and freezes, which make the game unplayable on many systems. The extraction timer after planting bombs is consistently cited as too short, leading to unavoidable mission failures. Additional frustrations include poor bot AI, high ping, and a lack of content variety.
- Disappointment (weight 0.15): Players are disappointed that the sequel fails to live up to the original game, citing worse graphics, a lack of atmosphere, and a significant reduction in content such as maps, weapons, and modes. The game feels unfinished and unpolished, with many reviewers noting it looks and plays like a much older title. The absence of Steam Workshop support and the paywalling of weapons further compound the letdown.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.14): Players enjoy the game primarily when playing with friends, describing it as a fun and chaotic co-op zombie shooter. The gunplay is satisfying, and the fast-paced, simple gameplay loop is engaging. The game's free-to-play nature and its ability to evoke memories of classic titles like Left 4 Dead contribute to the positive experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.1): Players feel satisfied with the game's improvements over the original, including better mechanics, satisfying gunplay, and competent bot AI. The game is praised for being a well-made free-to-play title with high replayability due to procedural map generation. Successfully completing difficult missions and the satisfying gore system also contribute to this positive feeling.
- Excitement (weight 0.08): Players are excited about the game's potential, its chaotic co-op gameplay, and the anticipation of future updates and content. The game successfully evokes the feel of classic Left 4 Dead titles, and the random generation of maps and events keeps each session fresh. The prospect of new game modes and the developers' active roadmap fuel this excitement.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Players appreciate the game's development by a small team of two, noting the evident passion and dedication in the game's design and frequent updates. The game is lauded for being completely free with no microtransactions, offering a decent amount of content and a refreshing experience in the PvE shooter genre. The competent AI teammates and the game's origin as a mod are also appreciated.
- Hope (weight 0.03): Players hope that the game's potential will be fully realized through continued development and content updates. There is optimism that the developers will address current issues and expand the game with more weapons, maps, and features. The small team's track record of updates gives players confidence in the game's future.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Players feel nostalgic as the game reminds them of classic titles like Left 4 Dead and the original Codename Cure. The gameplay and source-mod feel evoke memories of playing older FPS games, providing a sense of comfort and familiarity. For some, it brings back childhood memories of playing the first game.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Players quickly get bored due to the repetitive nature of the game, with only a few maps and a single game mode. The lack of enemy variety and the monotonous objective of planting bombs contribute to the feeling of tedium. Playing alone or replaying the same content leads to a rapid loss of interest.
- Approval (weight 0.01): Players approve of the game as a solid and well-thought-out free-to-play shooter, especially when played with friends. The game is considered good value, with no major connection issues and a fun, solid gameplay loop. The addition of more weapons and the game's overall quality earn it approval.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Players find amusement in the game's quirky elements, such as the humorous graphics that resemble older consoles and the funny behavior of certain enemies like dogs. The game's chaotic difficulty and the comedic description of the dev team also provide entertainment. These elements add a layer of lighthearted fun to the experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised by the game's quality, especially considering it is a free, low-budget title. The competent singleplayer bots and the overall fun and well-put-together nature of the game exceed expectations. The fact that a sequel was released and is this good is a pleasant surprise for many.
- Positive (weight 0.01): Players have a positive overall impression of the game, describing it as great, fun, and well-optimized. The solid fundamentals and the capability of the developers inspire confidence. The game is easy to understand and play, contributing to a favorable view.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players love the game for its addictive gameplay loop, great gunplay, and the fun of playing with friends. The fact that it is free and supports up to five players adds to its appeal. As a sequel to a beloved game, it holds a special place for many players.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire the game for being a passion project developed by just two people, which is considered a remarkable achievement. The game's unique map design, beautiful graphics, and overall quality are praised. The dedication of the developer duo is seen as admirable.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Players are anticipating future content and updates, excited by the game's potential and the developers' active engagement. The frequent updates and the promise of new features keep players looking forward to what's next. There is a belief that the game could surpass competitors like Killing Floor 3.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Players are enthusiastic about the game, describing it as underrated, extremely fun, and well-optimized. The game's resemblance to Left 4 Dead and its role as a great continuation of the series generate excitement. The positive experience with friends and bots fuels this enthusiasm.
- Discomfort (weight 0.01): Players feel discomfort due to the game's uncanny character designs and uncomfortable lighting, particularly the overly bright flashlight. The game can cause motion sickness, and the movement feels rubber-bandy, leading to a physically unpleasant experience. These issues detract from the overall enjoyment.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Players feel joy from the cooperative zombie-clearing gameplay and the pleasure of playing a sequel to a favorite game. The simple act of killing zombies is consistently fun and satisfying. The game provides a joyful experience, especially when shared with others.
- Concern (weight 0.01): Players are concerned about the game's long-term depth and replayability, noting the limited weapon attachments and lack of class ability upgrades. There is worry about the potential decline in online population and the glossy graphics possibly being a result of the engine. These factors could lead to the game becoming boring quickly.}