Info about REAPER:

Official game description:
FEAR THE REAPER
---------------
_**REAPER**_ is a medieval-themed first-person shooter, drawing inspiration from such classic titles as Doom, Quake and Hitman.
Play as Death Incarnate, and follow the guidance of a mysterious spirit, tasking you with collecting the souls of a series of targets, and condemning them to the Hell below.
Following the "bite-sized boomer shooter" ethos of DOSMan Games, _**REAPER**_ is the culmination of a year of hard work, trials and tribulations. What we have here is a short campaign, secrets in every level, a diverse enemy roster, and boss fights aplenty. There are also many voice cameos -- see if you can guess who's who!
Cover Art by Kromenoi \\\\ Bret Ware

Release date: Oct 29, 2024

Categories: First-Person Shooter, Boomer Shooter, Melee Combat, Retro FPS, Medieval Dark Fantasy, Level Progression with Secrets, Boss Fights, Resource Management


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $2.50 - $3.00
  - Reasoning: The current base price of $3 is considered cheap by some, but a review explicitly states it is not worth that amount. Another review praises the game at $2.70, indicating that a slightly lower price is seen as excellent value. This suggests the community views a fair base price as falling between $2.50 and $3.00, balancing affordability with perceived worth.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 1.0h
  - Story completion: 1.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews consistently report total playthrough times between 45 minutes and 1.2 hours, with the median around 1 hour. This strongly supports a game completion time of approximately 1 hour. The narrative is tightly integrated with gameplay, so story completion is equivalent to game completion. No evidence of separate sessions or endgame activity is provided, so those metrics are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game is initially enjoyable with praised bosses and weapon, but quickly becomes repetitive and stale, especially towards the end of its short campaign.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: N/A
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: N/A
- Player Archetypes:
  - Retro FPS Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Nostalgia for classic DOS-era shooters and simple, satisfying melee gameplay.
    - Playstyle: Melee-focused combat with weapon switching, appreciates variety in enemy sprites and level design.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Flash of the Blade; DOSMan Games
  - Price-Conscious Critic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Obtaining a fair price relative to game quality and technical polish.
    - Playstyle: Evaluates games primarily on cost-to-value ratio; not focused on gameplay specifics.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Quality-Focused Skeptic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Desiring a fully functional, bug-free experience.
    - Playstyle: Prioritizes technical stability and polish; intolerant of bugs and missing features.
    - 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:
- Great weapon variety and feel (weight 0.77): Players appreciated the arsenal of weapons, noting that all feel useful and satisfying. The scythe melee combat and ranged magic attacks were highlights, with the flying daggers being particularly memorable.
- Clever and varied level design (weight 0.77): Levels were varied with good use of verticality, textures, and creative concepts like a garden with a farmer using a pitchfork. The designs were often large but manageable, with hidden secrets encouraging exploration.
- Memorable bosses and enemies (weight 0.75): Players enjoyed the numerous boss fights and varied enemy roster, with distinct designs and funny voice lines. The gore effects and death animations were also appreciated.
- Excellent retro-style graphics (weight 0.71): The pixelated art style and sprite work received high praise, often described as top-notch and among the best in retro shooters. The medieval dark fantasy setting and gothic architecture enhanced the visual appeal.
- Good voice acting and humor (weight 0.57): Voice acting was a highlight, including cameos and funny lines that added charm. The humor was tongue-in-cheek and appreciated, with memorable sound bites and comedic enemy designs.
- Enjoyable overall experience (weight 0.56): Reviewers had a pleasant overall experience, finding the game enjoyable, replayable, and a good way to pass time. It was fun, distracting, and easy to get into.
- Short but worthwhile experience (weight 0.48): Many reviewers noted the game is short but still provides a fulfilling experience, ending before getting boring. The length was seen as appropriate for the price point.
- Excellent music and sound (weight 0.4): The music was praised as excellent and fitting, enhancing the overall atmosphere. Sound design also gave weight to attacks and enemy movements, contributing to the experience.
- Challenging but fair difficulty (weight 0.32): The game offers a challenge with fast-paced combat and limited health, requiring strategic play. Difficulty selection was a first for the series, providing options for players.
- Improved from previous games (weight 0.32): Players saw a significant step-up from previous DOSMan games in graphics, gameplay, and flow. The release felt more polished and ambitious for the studio.
- Passion and vision appreciated (weight 0.25): The passion put into the game was evident and appreciated, with a cohesive aesthetic and ambitious design. This contributed to the overall positive reception.
- Good performance and stability (weight 0.21): The game ran well on low-end hardware and was technically stable. Players appreciated the quality and solid performance overall.
- Simple but effective story (weight 0.2): The narrative was simple yet effective, with a plot about playing as Death to collect souls and defeat bosses. The thematic context grounded the experience.
- Easy to modify and customize (weight 0.15): Players found the game easy to modify files, allowing customization of controls and resolution. This added to the appeal for some users.

Common complaints:
- Gameplay is repetitive (weight 0.6): Many players found the gameplay loop monotonous and lacking depth, with repetitive combat that becomes stale quickly.
- No proper ending (weight 0.51): Several reviewers noted that after defeating the final boss, the game returns to the start without credits or conclusion, making the ending feel abrupt and unsatisfying.
- Ammo scarcity frustrating (weight 0.4): Players complained about extremely limited ammo for ranged weapons, especially on easy difficulty, which hurt gameplay flow and enjoyment.
- Hit detection issues (weight 0.4): Numerous players reported broken hit detection, including scythe having terrible range and projectiles passing through enemies, making combat frustrating.
- Level design uninspired (weight 0.39): Levels were criticized for being bland, with long empty corridors, massive open arenas, and simplistic layouts that lacked engaging exploration.
- Weak compared to other games (weight 0.35): Players felt this was the weakest entry from the developer, lacking the charm and polish of previous titles like FLASH OF THE BLADE X.
- Audio mixing poor (weight 0.34): Dialogue and sound effects were hard to hear due to poor mixing, and there were no subtitles, making the story unclear.
- Short game length (weight 0.28): Several players completed the game in under an hour, feeling the content was too short and lacked longevity.
- Bugs and glitches present (weight 0.28): Various bugs were mentioned, including getting stuck, clipping through walls, crashes on loading saves, and inconsistent weapon ammo counts.
- Story is threadbare (weight 0.27): The narrative was almost nonexistent, with unclear goals and minimal dialogue, leaving players without a compelling reason to continue.
- Forgettable experience (weight 0.27): Overall, the game was deemed mediocre and forgettable, with little to engage the average player.
- Difficulty balance poor (weight 0.27): The game was either too easy for some or frustratingly hard for others, with cheap enemy placement and unbalanced resource drops.
- Mechanics lack depth (weight 0.26): Gameplay mechanics were simplistic, with no real progression or variety, leading to a shallow experience.
- Save files corrupted frequently (weight 0.24): Multiple players reported corrupted save files, often requiring a full restart. This is a severe technical issue that undermines progress.
- Melee-focused combat weak (weight 0.24): The game heavily emphasizes melee combat, which is simplistic and lacks variety, making the experience feel less engaging and more repetitive.
- No achievements or cloud saves (weight 0.21): Players noted the absence of achievements and cloud saves, which are expected features and reduce the game's value.
- No reward for exploration (weight 0.09): Finding secrets yielded little satisfaction, and there was no incentive to explore the bland environments.

Gameplay feedback:
- Boomer shooter style (weight 0.94): The game is consistently described as a boomer shooter, with retro aesthetics and mechanics similar to classic FPS titles. Players highlight its small-scale, bite-sized nature and old-school FPS elements.
- Melee-focused combat (weight 0.86): Combat is primarily melee, using weapons like a scythe and sword, rather than traditional shooting. Players emphasize the melee-centric approach, with only a few ranged weapons available, making it play like a hack-and-slash.
- Level progression with secrets (weight 0.58): The game features level-by-level gameplay with enemies, keys, secrets, and bosses, similar to classic FPS structure. Levels are compact and self-contained, with hidden secrets to discover and various gimmicks.
- Retro FPS gameplay (weight 0.54): The game evokes classic first-person shooters like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein 3D, with old PC style, pixelated graphics, and 2D maze-like levels. It uses an independent engine and offers a nostalgic experience.
- Weapon progression system (weight 0.4): There is a clear weapon progression starting with melee, then ranged, and upgrading to more powerful versions. Players have access to a scythe, swords, a staff, and a bow, with all weapons feeling useful.
- Melee kiting strategy (weight 0.32): Combat involves baiting enemy attacks and then hitting them, with melee kiting as a viable strategy. Players must rely on movement and spatial awareness since there is no cover or health regeneration.
- Enemy variety and AI (weight 0.31): Enemies are diverse but simple, with melee variations and some ranged attackers that gravitate toward the player. Their action patterns are straightforward, requiring basic strategies to overcome.
- Grim Reaper protagonist (weight 0.29): Players assume the role of the Grim Reaper, collecting souls and slaying enemies with a scythe. This unique character choice is a central theme in multiple reviews, adding to the game's identity.
- Medieval dark fantasy setting (weight 0.27): The game is set in a medieval dark fantasy world, with a gloomy atmosphere and no RPG elements, akin to King's Field. This setting complements the melee focus and Grim Reaper theme.
- Resource management (weight 0.26): Health and ammo pickups are often trapped inside breakable objects like chests and barrels, and ammo is scarce, pushing players toward melee combat. This creates a survival-based resource management loop.
- Difficulty options available (weight 0.22): Players can choose from easy, normal, and hard difficulties at the start, allowing for adjustable challenge. This is a feature that adds replayability and accommodates different skill levels.
- Movement and controls (weight 0.2): Movement is solid, and all melee weapons hit directly in front, providing consistent control. Players must use movement and spatial awareness to survive, as there is no cover or health regen.
- Boss battles require strategy (weight 0.17): The final boss requires more than circle strafing, suggesting a need for tactical approaches. This adds challenge and depth to the boss encounters.
- Save system flexibility (weight 0.15): The game allows saving and loading anywhere, with F5 quick saves, offering convenience for players. This feature is common in retro FPS and facilitates experimentation.
- Similar to first game (weight 0.15): The gameplay is the same as the first game in the series, maintaining continuity. This may appeal to fans but could be seen as repetitive for others.
- Independent engine usage (weight 0.14): The game runs on the EFPS engine, an independent engine that contributes to its retro feel. This technical choice supports the old-school aesthetic and performance.
- Lack of health regeneration (weight 0.12): The game has limited health and no health regeneration, increasing difficulty and emphasizing careful play. This makes health pickups crucial, often hidden in breakable objects.
- Weekend shooter appeal (weight 0.08): Described as a weekend shooter, the game is perfect for quick sessions due to its short length and pick-up-and-play nature. This makes it suitable for casual players or those with limited time.

Performance notes:
- Frequent crashes reported (weight 0.17): Players report the game crashes constantly, sometimes every few minutes, making it unplayable. High-end hardware like the RTX 4090 at 3440x1440 still experiences crashes, indicating stability issues across configurations.

Recommendations:
- Worth price, but skip or sale (weight 0.32): Several reviewers mention the game is worth its price point, fine for its price, or worth the price of admission, but one suggests it is worth skipping or buying on sale for those curious. This indicates a mixed but generally favorable view on value.
- Recommended for retro FPS fans (weight 0.29): Multiple reviewers highlight the game's appeal to fans of old, simple FPS games from the DOS or early Windows era, as well as boomer shooters and arena-based combat. It is described as an easy buy for this audience.
- Not recommended in current state (weight 0.23): Some reviewers state the game is impossible to recommend or cannot be recommended in its current state, suggesting significant issues or shortcomings. This negative sentiment is notable but less frequent than positive recommendations.
- Positive, good effort from DOSMan (weight 0.09): Reviewers are positive about the game, calling it another good effort from DOSMan Games. This reinforces the developer's reputation.
- Must-have for shooter collections (weight 0.09): The game is described as a must-have for shooter collections, indicating high value for genre enthusiasts. This is a strong positive endorsement.
- Easy to recommend (weight 0.09): The game is easy to recommend, suggesting broad appeal and few drawbacks. This is a positive but general statement.
- Liked it, wants sequel (weight 0.08): One reviewer liked the game and would like a sequel, indicating positive reception and desire for more content. This is a niche but positive signal.
- May deter low mileage players (weight 0.08): The game may put off those with low mileage for fantasy medieval/melee combat, suggesting a specific audience limitation. This is a niche concern.
- Advises playing remastered original (weight 0.08): One reviewer advises playing a remastered original instead, implying the game may not offer enough over its predecessor. This is a specific critique.
- Recommends if interesting (weight 0.08): One reviewer recommends the game if it looks interesting, suggesting a conditional recommendation based on personal interest. This is a mild positive.
- Recommends with other DOSMan games (weight 0.08): The game is recommended along with other DOSMan games, indicating it fits well within the developer's catalog. This is a positive but specific endorsement.
- Great for Halloween (weight 0.07): One reviewer notes the game is great for Halloween, suggesting a seasonal appeal. This is a niche positive.

Other player notes:
- Game is very short (weight 0.69): Multiple reviews highlight that the game can be completed in about an hour, with some mentioning a few hours of content. This is a common criticism affecting perceived value.
- Comparisons to classic shooters (weight 0.49): The game is frequently compared to retro FPS titles like Wolfenstein 3D, Heretic, Hexen, and Catacomb 3-D, often noting its engine and style. These comparisons frame it within the boomer shooter genre.
- Low price and value (weight 0.37): The game is sold at a very low price, even without sales, and is considered worth its cost. Some see it as a cheap time waster, while others note it competes with many free games.
- Comparisons to other DOSMan titles (weight 0.35): Reviewers compare this game to other DOSMan games, with some recommending Quartermain and the Cult of Cthulu as the top choice. Others mention that previous projects were better.
- Developer is DOSMan Games (weight 0.32): The game is developed and published by DOSMan Games, and it is part of their series of FPS titles. This context is important for fans of the developer's previous work.
- Improvement over previous DOSMan games (weight 0.22): Several reviews note that this game is a step up from earlier DOSMan titles in terms of graphics, gameplay, and flow. This indicates positive evolution within the developer's catalog.
- Built with EasyFPSeditor (weight 0.16): The game was made using the Easy FPS Editor tool, which may explain its retro feel and limitations. This is a technical detail that some players mention.
- Low player count and limitations (weight 0.16): The game has a very low all-time peak player count, and Valve has marked it as 'Profile Features Limited', meaning it does not give profile achievements or badge count. This may affect community engagement.
- Comparisons to Flash of the Blade X (weight 0.15): The game is compared to Flash of the Blade X in terms of gameplay and weapon progression, as well as pacing and polish. This provides a reference point for players familiar with that title.
- Cover art and credits (weight 0.14): The cover art is by Kromenoi and Bret Ware, and the game includes a large roster of guest stars. This may be of interest to fans of the artists or voice actors.
- Targeted at hardcore fans (weight 0.09): The game seems aimed at hardcore fans of the developer or the boomer shooter genre, which may limit its appeal to a broader audience.
- Story told by ghost lady (weight 0.09): The game tells a story through a ghost lady, but it is hard to hear, which may detract from the narrative experience.
- Competing with free games (weight 0.09): The game competes with many free games on Steam, which may be a challenge given its low price point. This is a market context that some reviewers mention.
- Replayability from mastery (weight 0.09): Replayability comes from mastery rather than content volume, suggesting that players may replay to improve their skills. This is a positive aspect for some.
- Lacks Chinese language support (weight 0.08): The game does not support Chinese, which may be a barrier for some players. This is a specific localization issue.
- Potential for sequel (weight 0.08): There is potential for a sequel, as some reviewers see room for expansion. This indicates that the game has a foundation that could be built upon.
- Steam cards and drops (weight 0.08): The game has Steam cards and drops, which may be a small incentive for collectors. This is a feature that some players appreciate.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.18): Players found the game fun due to its engaging action, melee combat, and enemy design, along with its art direction, humor, and music. The short length was seen as appropriately priced, providing a fun and worthwhile experience.
- Frustration (weight 0.16): Frustration stemmed from frequent save file corruption, crashes, and bugs that trapped players. Poor hit detection, limited ammo, and weak melee combat further detracted from the experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.16): Disappointment arose from the game's short length, abrupt ending, and lack of a real story. Repetitive gameplay, bland levels, and limited weapon/enemy variety made it feel inferior to the developer's previous titles.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.07): Satisfaction came from mastering the demanding combat and enjoying a satisfying arsenal of weapons with diverse enemies. The game's technical stability and entertainment value at its price point also contributed to a pleasant experience.
- Love (weight 0.04): Players loved the game for its medieval fantasy setting, the feel of the sword, and the violent combat. Despite its short length, the overall atmosphere and boss encounters left a strong positive impression.
- Boredom (weight 0.04): Boredom resulted from repetitive melee combat and monotonous locations that quickly became stale. The game felt like wandering a half-finished map with little to do, leading to a loss of interest.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Admiration was expressed for the game's wonderful atmosphere and beautiful graphics. It was seen as an ambitious and polished ode to old-school shooters, surpassing the studio's previous releases.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement was driven by the fast-paced, brutal combat and a soundtrack that stood out. The first level's large, Blood-like design also added to the thrill, making the game a blast to play.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Amusement came from funny voice acting and the fun of secret hunting. The game provided an entertaining way to kill time, adding to its lighthearted appeal.
- Fun (weight 0.03): The game itself, with its combat, visuals, and music, provided a fun experience. Players found it enjoyable overall, with these elements combining for a positive impression.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Enthusiasm was sparked by the game's fantastic simplicity and the immediate gore of exploding knights. Impressive level design and graphics further fueled this positive reaction.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Appreciation was given for the art design, difficulty selection, and clever verticality in levels. The game's focused design that respects the player's time was also valued.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arose from inaudible ghost dialogue with no subtitles option, making it hard to follow. The abrupt ending without credits or end-of-game text also left players puzzled.
- Liking (weight 0.01): Players liked the game as a fun budget boomer shooter, finding it enjoyable for its price point.
- Underwhelmed (weight 0.01): The game felt weaker than the developer's other titles, with repetitive gameplay that failed to impress. This led to a sense of being underwhelmed.
- Charm (weight 0.01): The game was found to be charming, with its overall presentation and style appealing to players.
- Shock (weight 0.01): The ending featured a shocking reveal that surprised players, leaving a strong impression.
- Guilt (weight 0.01): Guilt was felt when using the overpowered floating daggers that stun-lock enemies, including bosses, as it made combat feel too easy and unfair.
- Indifference (weight 0.01): Players found the game forgettable overall, leading to a sense of indifference toward it.
- Concern (weight 0.01): Concern was raised because fire damages the player from a distance, which seemed unfair and poorly balanced.}