Info about Ultra Cop:

Official game description:
**Ultra Cop** is a short and challenging old-school first/third-person action game taking loving inspiration from the 90's greats on both PC and consoles of the time.
In the not too distant future, South Africa enters the second Crime War. 
As an enhanced Ultra Cop you are tasked with bringing down gangs and syndicates alike.
You're not here to arrest anyone. The protocol is simple: **ZERO TOLERANCE**
Law & Order has fallen, and you have to pick it up.
Clean the streets, one bullet at a time.
Use an array of weapons ranging from the Battle Mech, Riot Car and future firepower to destroy all criminal elements and their operations.
**Ultra Cop** aims to provide a classic action experience from the 6th Generation of gaming, hearkening back to a time when gaming was simpler.
A quick pickup and play experience, designed to be completed within a single sitting.
**FEATURES:**
*   Four unique scenarios with multiple objectives and threat types
*   Intense action with visceral effects
*   Pick up enemies/objects and throw them into hazards
*   Rescue innocent babes!
*   Switch between first and third person perspectives
*   Distinct Y2K gaming aesthetic from 1999
*   Command friendly squad AI
*   Four unique and era appropriate Soundtracks to choose from
*   Shorter format with an emphasis on replayability

Release date: Nov 19, 2024

Categories: First-Person Shooter, Third-Person Shooter, Vehicular Combat, Retro Aesthetics, Mech Combat, Fast-paced Combat, Short Session Gameplay

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: Linux and Proton feedback is uniformly positive. Users report the game runs great on Linux, including on outdated hardware with Proton Experimental, and works well on Steam Deck. The available evidence contains no Linux-specific launch failures, crashes, anti-cheat/DRM blockers, or workaround-heavy setup requirements.
- Steam Deck: score 40; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: Audit of user reviews finds that the game runs well on Linux and Steam Deck with positive feedback on controls and portable play. However, the need to use Proton Experimental on Linux introduces a manual compatibility toggle, which qualifies as tinkering required. No evidence of unreadable text, external launchers, battery drain, or crashes. The friction score is set to 40 due to the Proton Experimental requirement.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $1.99 - $2.99
  - Reasoning: The reviews consistently treat the game as a short, low-cost experience whose value is tied to a roughly $2 base price. Sale prices of $0.99 or $1 are accepted as bargains, while the 2 euro and 2 dollar price points are called fair or perfect for the content. The mention that the game is normally "just a couple of bucks" supports a normal base range around $2, with little support for pricing above about $3.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 2.0h
  - Story completion: 2.0h
  - Session length: 0.5h
  - Endgame: 1.0h
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews directly report completing all four missions in about 2 hours, with another saying the campaign can be finished in under 2 hours, so gameCompletion and storyCompletion are both best set to about 2 hours because the campaign missions are the main content. Session length is supported by the quoted design description of 15-30 minute arcade sessions and other short-session comments, making a practical session length of about 0.5 hours. Endgame/replay time is supported by a review stating that replaying missions with different vehicles could provide an hour more worth of gameplay, so endgame is set to about 1 hour. Confidence is moderately high because the completion and replay estimates are direct, while session length is an approximate midpoint from a stated range.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Players often enjoy the action immediately, but the most detailed report says the fun fades after the first mission when repetition sets in; a later jump fix improved one player's experience but does not resolve the broader drop.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Starting the first mission
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: tedious level completion rewards; modest overall content volume; lack of progression to make it worth returning
  - Unlock drivers: Jump fix in the 11/21/24 update; B-hopping becoming addicting
  - Conditions: starting the first mission; core action of blowing stuff up and shooting enemies in vehicles; after the 11/21/24 jump fix; brisk pacing; absence of boring story diatribes; added multiplayer co-op and PvP cops-and-robbers mode; added progression to make returning worthwhile; added grappling hook or grab lunge with invincibility frames
- Player Archetypes:
  - Nostalgic Retro FPS Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: To relive the look, feel, and memories of late-90s and early-2000s console and arcade shooters they grew up with.
    - Playstyle: Casual run-and-gun shooting, soaking in the blocky geometry, bold colors, and police/cyberpunk atmosphere while forgiving dated or confusing level design.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: State of Emergency; Crime Killer; Future Cop LAPD
  - Old-School Shooter Connoisseur (buy)
    - Motivation: To find an authentic classic FPS feel with the mechanics, HUD, and pacing of the genre's golden age.
    - Playstyle: Analytical and mechanics-focused; notices enemy HUD indicators, weapon feel, and level flow, and compares the experience directly against canon shooters of the past.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: old-school FPS fan
    - Reference games: Deus Ex; Invisible War; Quake; Red Faction; CARNAL
  - Budget Value Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: To get a short, low-risk burst of fun at a very low price before committing time or money.
    - Playstyle: Short, casual sessions treating the game like a cheap arcade download; judges it by runtime versus cost rather than depth or replayability.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Xbox 360 arcade titles
  - Casual Run-and-Gun Achiever (buy)
    - Motivation: To enjoy simple, casual shooting fun and quickly complete every achievement for a light sense of accomplishment.
    - Playstyle: Relaxed run-and-gun action with an eye on achievement hunting and Steam profile completion, plus wanting the platform's achievement display to work correctly.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: 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:
- Excellent soundtrack (weight 0.41): The music is frequently praised as excellent or a banger. Multiple selectable soundtracks add to the appeal.
- Drivable cars and mechs (weight 0.41): Players enjoy being able to drive various vehicles, including cars and mechs. A drivable squad car with a machine gun and a very OP mech are specifically mentioned.
- Fun and replayable (weight 0.41): Reviewers consistently describe the game as fun, cool, and replayable. Many simply state that everything about it is a lot of fun.
- Freely toggle perspectives (weight 0.38): The ability to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives is highlighted as a major plus. Reviewers appreciate being able to do this on the fly.
- Simple pick-up-and-play fun (weight 0.24): The gameplay is described as straightforward, simple, and easy to pick up. It remains fun despite its simplicity.
- Lots of fun (weight 0.23): A large number of reviewers simply state they had a lot of fun. This sentiment is repeated frequently.
- Short game to kill hours (weight 0.23): It is described as a fun little game to kill a few hours. The short length is seen as a positive for quick entertainment.
- Responsive good controls (weight 0.19): Controls are repeatedly noted as good and responsive. They contribute positively to the overall experience.
- PS1 nostalgia style (weight 0.19): The game evokes nostalgia for PlayStation One era games. Its retro aesthetic is a key selling point.
- Surprisingly mobile character (weight 0.14): The character is surprisingly mobile, with double jump and fast running. This allows for decent speed and agile movement on ledges.
- Cool killer robot (weight 0.14): The presence of a cool killer robot or big robot is highlighted. It adds to the game's appeal.
- Fight the UN mission (weight 0.13): One mission allows players to fight the UN. This unique scenario is noted by reviewers.

Common complaints:
- Punishing Unfair Difficulty (weight 0.72): Difficulty is harsh and overtuned, with accurate hitscan enemies, sparse pickups, and no difficulty options or checkpoints. Many players find it frustrating and unfair rather than challenging.
- Tanky, Accurate, Invisible Enemies (weight 0.6): Enemies are bullet sponges with pinpoint accuracy, can shoot through walls, and often blend into the environment. Turrets are especially overpowered.
- Janky Movement and Controls (weight 0.53): Jumping, grabbing, and picking up objects are unreliable and feel clumsy. The jump button often fails, and mouse sensitivity cannot be adjusted.
- Aiming and Hit Feedback Issues (weight 0.49): Shooting feels unsatisfying due to weak hit feedback, bullet-sponge enemies, and low weapon accuracy. Emptying a full LMG clip into an enemy is not rewarding.
- Bugs and Technical Problems (weight 0.44): Players report inability to save, broken ammo counters, achievement pictures not showing, and a stuck clear time statistic. A helicopter damage display bug also exists.
- Weak Vehicle Balance and Durability (weight 0.43): Vehicles explode very easily and attract all enemy fire. Destroyed vehicles like the hovercar and mech have no repair or respawn option.
- Useless Friendly AI Squadmates (weight 0.42): Allied AI is passive, slow to react, gets stuck, and provides almost no combat support. The squad command system is poorly explained and unreliable.
- Repetitive Mission Structure (weight 0.38): Every mission follows the same loop of driving, long-range shooting, rescuing hostages, and an explosion at the end. This repetitiveness quickly becomes boring.
- Poor Weapon Variety and Balance (weight 0.35): The weapon arsenal is limited and unbalanced, with shotguns being useless and most guns functioning similarly. Long-range ammo shortages are common.
- Boring and Tedious Gameplay (weight 0.33): The core gameplay loop is dull and repetitive, becoming boring by the second level. It is only entertaining for a few minutes at a time.
- No Story or Proper Ending (weight 0.32): The game has no real story, minimal cutscenes, and lacks a proper ending after the four scenarios. The main character is lifeless and the narrative is absent.
- Lack of Progression and Replayability (weight 0.3): There are no unlockables, progression systems, or meaningful rewards for replaying. All levels are unlocked from the start, making the game feel too easy and empty.
- Unclear Objectives and Navigation (weight 0.27): The minimap range is poor, targets sometimes do not appear, and the game provides no instructions for non-standard features. Players must figure things out themselves.
- Enemies Respawn Constantly (weight 0.24): Enemies respawn in cleared areas and after every death, forcing the player to re-fight through already completed sections. This undermines any tactical feel.
- Audio Design Problems (weight 0.22): Sound design is over-compressed, low in the mix, and unpleasant. Default settings produce painfully loud gun sounds and quality issues.
- Inconsistent AI Behavior (weight 0.21): Enemy AI is inconsistent, with some foes spotting the player from far away while others barely react. Enemies can run on walls and explode unexpectedly.
- Lack of Checkpoints and Revives (weight 0.2): There are no checkpoints or revive systems, and dying inside a vehicle is instant death. This compounds the game's harsh difficulty and lack of player forgiveness.
- Throwing Mechanic Nearly Useless (weight 0.19): The pick-up-and-throw mechanic only works in a few predetermined traps and otherwise does nothing. Attempting to grab enemies usually costs more health than it is worth.
- Poor Environmental Design (weight 0.13): Levels are small, linear, and filled with copy-pasted buildings. The open city feels empty and uninteresting.

Gameplay feedback:
- Mech and vehicle gameplay (weight 0.76): The game features drivable mechs, cars, and hovercars, with the mech often described as overpowered. Vehicles include police cars and a car with a mounted machine gun, and some are destructible.
- Weapon variety and impact (weight 0.51): Players praise the diverse arsenal, which includes standard firearms, futuristic armaments, rocket launchers, snipers, SMGs, rifles, shotguns, and the UMP. Weapons are noted to have good impact and each serves a different purpose.
- Fast-paced action shooter (weight 0.51): The game is described as an action-packed shooter with short, intense missions. It emphasizes fast movement and arcade-style gameplay.
- Retro 90s shooter style (weight 0.49): The game evokes a 90s or early 2000s era shooter aesthetic, reminiscent of PS1/Dreamcast titles. This retro stylization is a key appeal for players.
- Perspective switching feature (weight 0.46): The game allows players to freely switch between first-person and third-person perspectives. This flexibility is a commonly mentioned feature in reviews.
- Simple objectives (weight 0.27): Objectives are straightforward and easy to understand, such as destroying targets or rescuing hostages. This simplicity contributes to the pick-up-and-play nature of the game.
- Double jump mechanic (weight 0.26): The player character can double jump, which is useful for platforming. However, some players report that the double jump is inconsistent to trigger.
- Projectile-based enemy attacks (weight 0.26): Enemy attacks use projectiles rather than hitscan, allowing players to dodge bullets. Some enemies are hitscanners, but their shots can still be avoided.
- Bullet penetration through walls (weight 0.22): Players note that bullets can penetrate walls, allowing shooting through cover. This mechanic is mentioned as a notable gameplay element.
- Squad command ability (weight 0.18): Players can give orders to allies, adding a tactical element to the gameplay. This feature is noted as a positive aspect.
- Easy achievements (weight 0.18): The game has a simple achievement system with only 4 achievements, each earned by completing a level. Players find them straightforward and quick to obtain.
- Multiple soundtracks (weight 0.17): Players can select from four different soundtracks of various genres. This feature adds to the game's replayability and atmosphere.

Performance notes:
- Lightweight system requirements (weight 0.14): Players appreciate that the game has low system requirements and does not require much hard drive space. This makes it accessible to a wider range of hardware.
- Saving is broken (weight 0.08): A player reported that saving does not work, which is a critical issue that can prevent progress.
- Steam Deck ready (weight 0.08): Players expect the game to run great on Steam Deck, which suggests good optimization for portable play.
- Built on Unity (weight 0.07): The game is built on the Unity engine, which may influence performance and modding potential.

Recommendations:
- Strong value at low price (weight 0.91): The overwhelming majority of clusters emphasize that the game is worth its low price, especially on sale. Reviewers frequently describe it as a steal or a great deal at a few euros or dollars.
- High recommendation rate (weight 0.77): Many clusters contain explicit recommendations to buy or play the game. This sentiment appears consistently across diverse reviewer groups.
- Appeals to retro shooter fans (weight 0.59): Reviewers repeatedly recommend the game to players nostalgic for late-1990s and early-2000s shooters, N64-style shooters, and classic arcade FPS titles. Comparisons to Quake, Unreal Tournament, PS2, and Dreamcast launch games are common.
- Deserves full price (weight 0.35): Despite the low price, some reviewers feel the game definitely deserves its price. This reinforces the value proposition.
- Immediate purchase recommended (weight 0.22): A few clusters urge players to buy the game immediately, even at full price. The enthusiasm is high enough to encourage instant purchasing.
- Good for casual play (weight 0.21): Some reviewers find the game suitable for light, casual sessions. It is recommended for those who want to play without thinking too much.
- Mixed or negative feedback (weight 0.16): A small number of reviewers give a thumbs down or express reservations. One suggests waiting for a sale, while another can only recommend if you don't think too much.
- Unique combat and good challenge (weight 0.08): Reviewers highlight fast, unique, and satisfying combat with a good challenge. This is seen as a positive aspect that makes the game stand out.
- Great for Quake/UT players (weight 0.07): Fans of classic arena shooters like Quake and Unreal Tournament will feel at home. The game caters well to that specific audience.
- Positive first impressions (weight 0.06): Recommendations based on the first level indicate that the game makes a strong initial impression. Players are willing to recommend it early on.

Other player notes:
- Extremely Short Four-Mission Campaign (weight 0.99): Players repeatedly note that the entire game consists of only four missions or levels, which can be completed in roughly one to two hours. The compact structure is often seen as the most defining limitation of the experience.
- Comparisons To Retro Action Games (weight 0.67): Players compare the game to a wide range of classic titles such as Future Cop LAPD, Syphon Filter, Half-Life, Goldeneye, Max Payne, Ghost Recon, and Unreal. These comparisons are mostly stylistic or aspirational rather than direct clones.
- Homage To 90s Shooters (weight 0.64): Reviewers frequently describe the game as a deliberate throwback to late-1990s and early-2000s shooters, including PS1, PS2, Dreamcast, and N64-era aesthetics. The retro style is often called a love letter to that period.
- Single Solo Developer Project (weight 0.49): Feedback notes that the game was created by a single solo developer, often emphasizing the heart and care put into the project. This context shapes how reviewers judge the game's scope and polish.
- Developer Promises Future Content (weight 0.47): Several reviews mention that the developer plans to add more levels, weapons, achievements, and updates in the future. This ongoing support is often cited as a reason to follow the game or remain hopeful.
- Robocop And 90s Action Vibe (weight 0.45): Many comparisons link the game to Robocop, Judge Dredd, Duke Nukem, and other 90s action media. Reviewers say it captures a futuristic police action atmosphere with a clear love for those influences.
- Unreal Engine 1 Retro Aesthetic (weight 0.39): The visuals are frequently described as nailing the PS2 or Unreal Engine 1 look, with some calling it a Virtua Cop or Time Crisis style. Opinions range from charming to dated but generally fit the intended retro feel.
- Small Scope But Clear Vision (weight 0.33): Some feedback suggests the game feels like a proof of concept or a small indie project without a clear vision. Others see it as exactly what it says on the tin and a compact experience with soul.
- Arcade-Style Short Play Sessions (weight 0.32): The game is described as an arcade-type shooter with brief missions suited for short play sessions. It plays like an action movie and works well for on-the-go or Steam Deck play.
- Solo Developer Behind Carnal (weight 0.25): Reviewers note that the same developer previously made CARNAL, and some compare this game to that earlier work. The connection is used both as context and as a point of comparison for expectations.
- Four Achievements And Scenarios (weight 0.1): The game contains four achievements and four scenarios, matching its four-level structure. This is a minor detail but reinforces the compact scope of the content.
- Released Alongside Stalker 2 (weight 0.06): One reviewer points out the game launched the day before Stalker 2, which caused it to receive very low attention. This is a release timing observation rather than a gameplay critique.
- Statistics Clear Time Bug (weight 0.06): A specific technical bug in version 1.019 affects the statistics clear time display. This is a niche issue but was mentioned by at least one player.
- Low Price Compared To Twix Bar (weight 0.05): One humorous review compares the game's value directly to a Twix bar, asking if it is better. This highlights the extremely low price point in a memorable but niche way.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.14): Players enjoy the fun, fast-paced combat with satisfying gunplay and varied weapons and vehicles. The retro aesthetic, great soundtrack, and ability to cause chaos as a powerful cop add to the enjoyment.
- Fun (weight 0.13): The game is fun due to its simple, pick-up-and-play shooter gameplay with entertaining weapons and a retro throwback style. Freedom to approach levels and the overall humorous tone make it an enjoyable experience.
- Frustration (weight 0.11): Frustration arises from unfair difficulty, such as accurate enemies, lack of checkpoints, and instant deaths. Technical issues like janky aiming, mouse problems, and unreliable controls further aggravate players.
- Disappointment (weight 0.1): Disappointment stems from the game being too short with only a few levels and lacking content, making it feel like a demo rather than a full game. Gameplay becomes boring and repetitive, and some find it not fun or worth the investment.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Players feel satisfied with the good variety of weapons and vehicles, and the game provides a satisfying sense of impact. It is considered well worth the low price, offering a fluid and fun retro shooter experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.06): Nostalgia is evoked by the retro 3D style reminiscent of late Y2K era, PS1, N64, and Dreamcast games. The late 90s aesthetic and Y2K feel bring back memories of classic games and renting from Blockbuster.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Excitement comes from the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled combat and over-the-top action with cool weapons and mechs. Players look forward to future content from the developer and enjoy the chaotic freedom.
- Love (weight 0.03): Players love the game's concept, the ability to play with vehicles and shoot through walls, and the little background details and humor. The simple controls and over-the-top gameplay fighting crime are highly appealing.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance is caused by enemies being hard to see, default audio settings with deafening gun sounds, and unreliable jumping and grabbing mechanics. Enemies respawning after death and having to re-clear areas add to the irritation.
- Challenge (weight 0.02): The game presents a challenge with tough enemies, fast-moving projectiles, and limited health pickups, requiring strategic thinking and mission study. Taking down many shooting enemies is demanding.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Players hope for a more ambitious sequel or additions and tweaks that could make the game incredible. They want more missions and believe the developer will create something equally excellent.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom sets in because all missions feel the same and become tedious by the second level. The gameplay is considered tedious and boring, with unrewarding level completion.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Appreciation is felt for the developer's understanding of early 2000s games, creating an authentic retro experience with an excellent soundtrack. The humor, music, and continued updates are valued.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust is triggered by the game's perceived morally offensive content, such as the Jewish banker billboard and the mission where the player kills UN peacekeepers. Some reviewers believe the game should not exist.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike is due to poor sound design and the game throwing players directly into action with only a handful of levels, which may feel abrupt or lacking in depth.
- Liking (weight 0.01): Players like the retro HD design, retro atmosphere, and overall experience the game provides.
- Contentment (weight 0.01): Contentment comes from good value for the price, especially at a low sale price, even though some desire more content.
- Mild annoyance (weight 0.01): Mild annoyance is caused by sound issues, an imbalanced bonus vehicle, and squad AI that requires throwing squadmates to direct them.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement is derived from the game's crass humor, over-compressed audio, and the ability to fight the UN. The over-the-top heroic premise of John Ultracop saving the city is also amusing.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is high for the badass early 2000s shooter style, classic senseless shooting, and ridiculousness reminiscent of PS2 games. Playing as John Ultracop with wall penetration, a big robot, and a machine-gun car is amazing.}