Info about Solasta II:

Official game description:
Early Access Launch Content
===========================
Roadmap
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_This roadmap presents the Early Access plan as of March 2026 and does not include all planned content.  
Features and updates not yet implemented are subject to change and evolve._
About the Game
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_From the creators of Solasta: Crown of the Magister comes another intriguing tactical RPG faithful to the world's most popular TTRPG's ruleset._
Create and guide your party of 4 adventurers as they head to the faraway continent of Neokos in a quest driven by their family legacy. In the face of the threat by the ancient and enigmatic Shadwyn, what choices will you make to push back the impending tide of corruption?
Solasta II is a grand sequel to Solasta: Crown of the Magister, a much beloved Tactical RPG known for its faithfulness to the Tabletop experience. Decades after defeating the Sorak menace, a new flegdling party of heroes travels to distant lands in search for redemption. 
Solasta II remains true to its promise to deliver gameplay based on the world's most popular TTRPG. Prepare your spells, land that sneak attack, smite this monster - bathe in the familiarity of your Tabletop experience.
But that's not all Solasta II will have to offer. This new opus will also allow you to freely roam the lands of Neokos, to explore and uncover the map as you will. Whether you stick to familiar roads, or head off into the wilderness... The choice is yours. Just be careful - because as we've always said...
You make the choices, dice decide your destiny.

Release date: Mar 12, 2026

Categories: Turn-based Tactical, Character Customization, Story-driven Gameplay, Role-Playing Game, Cooperative Gameplay, Exploration, Dialogue-based Gameplay, Tactical Combat

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals several significant issues with the Steam Deck experience. Stability issues, including crashes and overheating, are prominent. Compatibility with Proton is necessary but leads to performance problems. Controller support needs improvement, and there are notable performance issues, including low FPS and forced downscaling technologies. These factors contribute to a less-than-optimal user experience.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $30.00 - $40.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that users find the current price acceptable and are willing to pay full price if improvements are made. The mention of an EA discount implies that the full price is considered reasonable, and users see value in purchasing the game at its current price point. The sentiment that people might regret not buying the game at its current price further supports that the community finds the base game price fair.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 250.0h
  - Story completion: 15.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provided includes several mentions of playtime hours. The first quote mentions 250+ hours of playtime, which likely includes game completion, story completion, and endgame content. The second quote mentions 700 hours, which also suggests extensive playtime across all aspects of the game. The third and fourth quotes specifically mention a 15-hour campaign, which can be inferred as the typical time to finish the main story/campaign.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game initially has friction due to unclear tutorials and a boring start to the story, but it becomes more enjoyable once players understand the mechanics and progress past the first city.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Getting out of the first city
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: Lack of clear tutorials; Boring initial story
  - Unlock drivers: Understanding game mechanics; Progressing past the first city
  - Conditions: Smooth pacing; Natural flow of story and gameplay
- Player Archetypes:
  - Franchise Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Continuation and improvement of the beloved original game.
    - Playstyle: Immersive, strategic, and deeply engaged with game mechanics and lore.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Franchise fan; D&D lover
    - Reference games: Solasta: Crown of the Magister; Baldur's Gate 3
  - Cautious Critic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Seeking a polished and complete gaming experience.
    - Playstyle: Critical and analytical, focusing on the game's flaws and potential improvements.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: Experienced gamer; Quality-conscious
    - Reference games: Baldur's Gate 3; Divinity: Original Sin 2
  - D&D Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of D&D mechanics and lore, and support for faithful adaptations.
    - Playstyle: Strategic and role-playing focused, with a preference for games that adhere closely to D&D rules.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: D&D fan; Tabletop enjoyer
    - Reference games: Baldur's Gate 3; Divinity: Original Sin 2; Solasta: Crown of the Magister


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:
- Fun and enjoyable gameplay (weight 0.73): Many players find the gameplay fun, satisfying, and enjoyable. The combat is particularly highlighted as engaging and tactical.
- Improved graphics and visuals (weight 0.68): The game features improved graphics, better environments, and visual enhancements. Players note the visual improvements and stunning graphics.
- Compelling and intriguing story (weight 0.35): The main story is described as interesting, engaging, and well-crafted. Players appreciate the plot and its presentation.
- Stable and well-optimized (weight 0.29): The game is reported to be stable with no major crashes or bugs. Players appreciate the decent optimization and technical stability.
- High-quality voice acting (weight 0.27): The voice acting is praised for being well-done, convincing, and immersive. Players appreciate the quality of the voice cast and their performances.
- Solid D&D implementation (weight 0.18): The game is praised for its solid implementation of D&D-style combat and ruleset. Players enjoy the D&D mechanics and character creation system.
- Extensive character customization (weight 0.14): The character creator offers many options and extensive customization, allowing players to create in-depth and personalized characters.
- Great soundtrack and music (weight 0.13): The music is described as great, chill, and appropriate. Players appreciate the quality of the soundtrack and its contribution to the overall experience.

Common complaints:
- Character customization needs improvement (weight 0.97): Players consistently report that the character creation system is lacking in options and versatility. Many find the character models ugly and the animations poor, leading to a generally unsatisfactory experience.
- Graphics and performance issues (weight 0.43): Players have noted various graphical glitches, texturing issues, and frequent FPS drops. These problems affect the overall visual experience and gameplay smoothness.
- Facial animations need work (weight 0.41): The facial animations are often described as clunky, uncanny, and in need of polish. This issue detracts from the overall immersion and visual quality of the game.
- Faces lack variety (weight 0.25): Players note that faces for all races are very similar and lack variety. This results in characters looking androgynous and reduces the uniqueness of character creation.
- Limited classes and races (weight 0.22): The game offers a limited number of classes and races, which restricts player choices and customization options. This lack of variety is a common complaint among players.
- Game feels unpolished (weight 0.14): Many players describe the game as unpolished, raw, and even unfinished. This perception of incompleteness affects the overall enjoyment and immersion.
- Cutscenes need improvement (weight 0.13): Character models often behave incorrectly in cutscenes, with awkward animations and odd movements. These issues detract from the cinematic experience.
- Presence of bugs (weight 0.11): Players have reported the presence of numerous bugs, both minor and significant. These bugs affect the overall gameplay experience and can be quite disruptive.

Gameplay feedback:
- Uses D&D 5.5 edition rules (weight 0.29): The game follows the D&D 5.5 edition ruleset, which is based on the SRD 5.2 rule set. This provides a familiar experience for players of tabletop D&D.
- Solid and enjoyable combat system (weight 0.24): The combat system is widely praised for being solid, enjoyable, and well-implemented. Players find it fun, fast, readable, and improved from previous versions.
- Turn-based tactical combat (weight 0.16): The game features turn-based tactical combat, which is a core mechanic that players enjoy. This style of combat is central to the gameplay experience.
- Enhanced graphics and character models (weight 0.15): The game features upgraded graphics and detailed character models. Players appreciate the visual improvements and character creation options.
- Improved UI and presentation (weight 0.11): The user interface and overall presentation have seen significant improvements. Players appreciate the enhanced animations and interface elements.
- Variety of races and classes (weight 0.09): The introduction of new classes and races adds variety and depth to character creation and gameplay.
- Map and overworld exploration (weight 0.08): The game includes map and overworld exploration, providing players with content to discover and explore.
- Direct character control mode (weight 0.08): The addition of a direct character control mode gives players more control options, enhancing the gameplay experience.
- Role-playing and movement mechanics (weight 0.08): The game features interesting role-playing and movement mechanics that players find engaging.
- Cooperative and multiplayer modes (weight 0.07): The game includes cooperative and multiplayer modes, allowing players to enjoy the game with friends.
- Story choices impact gameplay (weight 0.07): The choices players make in the story have a significant impact on the gameplay, providing a dynamic and interactive experience.
- Fully voiced dialogue (weight 0.05): The game features fully voiced dialogue, enhancing the storytelling and immersion.
- Multiclassing options (weight 0.05): The game features multiclassing options, allowing players to combine different classes for their characters.
- Customization of appearance and weapons (weight 0.05): Players can customize their character's appearance and weapons, adding a layer of personalization to the game.
- Dialogue and cutscenes (weight 0.05): The game includes dialogue scenes and cutscenes that enhance the storytelling and immersion.
- Random and role-play events (weight 0.05): The game includes random and role-play events that add unpredictability and depth to the gameplay.
- Enemy visibility and spawning (weight 0.05): The game has mechanics related to enemy visibility and spawning, which affect combat and exploration.
- Inventory management (weight 0.04): The game includes inventory management and sorting mechanics, which are important for organizing and accessing items.
- Androgynous character faces (weight 0.03): The game features androgynous character faces, providing a range of appearance options for players.

Performance notes:
- Performance issues (weight 0.44): Performance varies widely among players. Some report poor performance with low FPS, while others experience smooth gameplay. Specific areas and actions can cause performance drops.
- Graphics and visual issues (weight 0.32): Many players report various graphical problems, including glitches, artifacts, and subpar visual quality. These issues affect the overall visual experience and immersion in the game.
- Optimization needed (weight 0.27): There is a significant call for better optimization. Players experience performance issues due to lack of optimization, affecting gameplay smoothness and overall experience.
- Stability and crashes (weight 0.25): The game exhibits mixed stability, with some players experiencing crashes and others finding it stable. Crashes can occur during specific actions like adjusting settings or startup.
- Mixed performance on different systems (weight 0.25): Performance varies across different systems, with some players experiencing smooth gameplay on high-end or older machines, while others struggle with performance issues.
- Loading and performance hiccups (weight 0.18): Players experience stutters, loading problems, and occasional freezes. These issues can disrupt the gameplay flow and overall experience.
- Cutscene and cinematic problems (weight 0.17): Players report issues during cutscenes and cinematics, including lag, slowdowns, and graphical hitches. These problems disrupt the narrative flow and visual experience.
- Gameplay bugs (weight 0.17): Various bugs affect gameplay, including issues with interactions, screen tearing, and specific gameplay mechanics not working as intended.
- Overheating and system shutdowns (weight 0.11): The game causes overheating and, in some cases, system shutdowns. These issues can pose risks to hardware and disrupt gameplay.
- Lip-sync and animation delays (weight 0.09): Some players notice delays in lip-syncing and animations, which can detract from the game's realism and immersion.
- Audio issues (weight 0.06): Audio-related problems include lag and volume changes after shaders load. These issues affect the auditory experience and immersion in the game.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for RPG and D&D fans (weight 0.22): The game is highly recommended for fans of RPGs, particularly those who enjoyed Baldur’s Gate 3, Solasta 1, and tabletop D&D games.
- Try the game to see if you like it (weight 0.2): Many reviewers suggest trying the game, especially the demo, to determine if it suits your preferences. This is based on the current state and potential for improvement.
- Wait for full release (weight 0.17): Several reviews advise waiting for the full release if you prefer a finished game. This is particularly recommended for those who are not enthusiasts or do not trust the developers.
- Potential strong alternative to BG3 (weight 0.04): The game is seen as a potential strong alternative to Baldur’s Gate 3 after its full release.
- Avoid comparing to Baldur’s Gate 3 (weight 0.04): Some reviews caution against comparing the game to Baldur’s Gate 3 due to differences in studio sizes and budgets.
- Provide constructive criticism (weight 0.04): Reviewers encourage showing developers grace and providing constructive criticism to help improve the game.
- Try using pre-con characters (weight 0.03): Suggestions include trying out pre-constructed or semi-random characters to enhance the gaming experience.
- Allow players to mod (weight 0.03): There is a recommendation to allow players to modify the game, which could enhance its appeal and longevity.

Other player notes:
- Game in Early Access (weight 0.06): The game is currently in the Early Access phase of development.
- Uninteresting cosmetic pack (weight 0.03): The supporter pack available for purchase is purely cosmetic and not appealing to players.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.17): Players are primarily disappointed with the character creation system, citing limited options, poor facial animations, and unappealing character models. Additionally, the game's lack of optimization, missing features like multiplayer support at launch, and various bugs contribute to the overall dissatisfaction.
- Frustration (weight 0.16): Frustration stems from the character creation system's limitations and bugs, including poor facial animations and limited customization options. Performance issues, such as game crashes, freezing, and technical bugs, further exacerbate this frustration.
- Hopeful (weight 0.12): Players express hope due to the game's potential and the expectation of future improvements and updates. They believe the game can become excellent with further development and polishing.
- Frustrated (weight 0.07): Players are frustrated with the character creation system due to its poor design, limited options, and bugs. Performance issues, such as game crashes and audio lag, also contribute to this frustration.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): Excitement is driven by the game's potential and future updates, including new subclasses and content. Players are also excited about the engaging combat mechanics and the overall improvement and potential of the game.
- Excited (weight 0.06): Players are excited about the game's potential and future updates, including cooperative gameplay. The enjoyable gameplay experience and positive aspects of the game also contribute to this excitement.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.05): Enjoyment comes from the game's combat mechanics, story, and overall gameplay experience. Players appreciate the voice acting, narrative, and character dynamics, which enhance their enjoyment.
- Hope (weight 0.04): Hope is based on the game's potential to improve and become a strong alternative to other games like Baldur’s Gate 3. Players hope for future patches and developments that will enhance the game.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Satisfaction is derived from the game's performance, visuals, music, combat, and voice acting. Players are also satisfied with the improvements over the previous game and the solid gameplay experience.
- Satisfied (weight 0.02): Players are satisfied with the combat system and the overall gameplay experience. Despite some issues, the game delivers tactical satisfaction and meets expectations for a sequel.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation is driven by the expectation of new races, classes, and improvements in the official version of the game. Players look forward to more content and future updates.
- Happy (weight 0.01): Happiness comes from enjoying the game and supporting the project. Players are happy with the current content and language support, which enhances their overall experience.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is driven by the positive gameplay experience and the game's innovative features. Players are impressed with the game's features and recommend trying it.
- Optimism (weight 0.01): Optimism is based on the game's potential and promising features. Players believe the game has a good foundation and can become an excellent sequel with future development.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust is primarily due to the character models and animations, which players find unappealing and poorly designed.
- Hopefulness (weight 0.01): Hopefulness is driven by the positive aspects of the game and its potential for development. Players are optimistic about the game's future improvements.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Appreciation comes from the improved world and character appearance compared to the previous game. Players also appreciate the dialogue system and character mention, which enhance the storytelling and combat.
- Encouragement (weight 0.01): Encouragement is based on the improvements in graphics and gameplay. Players are encouraged by the game's development and recommend playing it.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is primarily due to issues with the character creation system, including poor design and limited diversity. Players are also angry about the unappealing character models.}