Info about Airships: Conquer the Skies:

Official game description:
Check out my second airship game:
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About the Game
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In Airships: Conquer the Skies you'll need to use all of your creativity and skill to design and build fearsome airships and land vehicles to give you the edge in massive aerial battles.  
Construct your vehicles by piecing together a vast array of modules, choosing weapons, armour types, structures, equipment and resources in near endless configurations to allow you to prevail against even the toughest foes.  
The vehicles are highly detailed, teeming with sailors moving around performing their individual tasks to stay in the fight. Your choices of vehicle layouts are crucial, exploring the design space of different crafts and their matching tactics to make sure your fleet emerges victorious.  
Once your vehicles are ready for the fight, you’ll give high-level commands to your small fleet, swooping, soaring, ramming and boarding others to gain the upper hand in battle. Ships and terrain are fully destructible: they can catch fire, explode, break apart, and fall, so you’ll need to choose your tactics wisely.  
Face off against giant aerial kraken, fleshcracker mechs, huge venomous spiders, clockwork wasps, and more. Defeat them and reap the rewards.  
Play across three distinctly different modes: taking on (or creating your own) bespoke Missions; building a mighty empire in Conquest, or destroying your friends in Multiplayer matches online or via LAN.

Release date: Aug 16, 2018

Categories: Ship Building, Real-time Strategy, Conquest Mode, Sandbox Creation, Vehicle Customization, Mod Support, Steampunk, PvP

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 30; verdict: Isolated native issue, likely minor; summary: Based on a single user review, the native Linux version of the game failed to run for that user. There is no evidence of widespread Linux compatibility problems or Proton usage. The issue appears isolated and likely minor, but the lack of positive Linux feedback prevents a higher confidence rating.
- Steam Deck: score 78; verdict: Broken - Frequent Crashes and UI Issues; summary: The game suffers from frequent crashes and freezes on Steam Deck, compounded by an unreadably small user interface and missing scaling options. Linux native support is also broken, requiring workarounds.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: On Windows with less than 8GB VRAM, the game runs acceptably on lower-end systems but exhibits significant freezing with large constructions, resulting in overall mixed performance.
  - Sample size: 25 (4% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (mixed, 14 reports): Reported to run well on low-spec hardware but suffers from freezing when building large ships or bases, leading to a mixed experience.
  - Caveats: 25 of 711 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $25.00
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews indicate the current $24.99 price is acceptable for enthusiasts, but many recommend buying on sale, suggesting a broader audience considers a lower price fair. Explicit mention of $22 as a fair value and criticism of the full $24 price support a range around $20–$25.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 10.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The first two quotes indicate game completion time: one states that after 10 hours the player is 'pretty much done,' suggesting a core experience of about 10 hours; another estimates '± 20 hours of fun,' placing total content between 10–20 hours. The session length quotes show typical play sessions of 1–2 hours (casual) or longer marathons up to 4 hours, with 2 hours as a representative moderate estimate. No clear evidence for story completion or endgame metrics was found.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Airships: Conquer the Skies has a steep learning curve that frustrates new players, but after a few games of being 'steamrolled' the game 'clicks' and becomes a highly addictive blend of ship design and empire management.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: The point where the game's systems 'click' after initial struggles
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: steep learning curve; inadequate tutorial explanation; intimidating complexity for new players; unbalanced early game economy; RNG-dependent starting position can ruin campaigns; initial frustration from being steamrolled
  - Unlock drivers: learning through early losses; completing the tutorial; gaining understanding of ship design; persisting through early game failures; exploring different game modes
  - Conditions: player persists through early losses; player completes tutorial and missions; player learns ship design basics; player plays Conquest mode instead of other modes; player does not get discouraged by RNG starting position; player understands the economic and diplomatic systems; player plays with friends for cooperative enjoyment; player uses multiplayer combat mode for immediate action
- Player Archetypes:
  - Creative Builder (buy)
    - Motivation: Creative expression and engineering optimization
    - Playstyle: Spends most time in the vehicle designer, building airships or land vehicles for aesthetic appeal, roleplay, or maximum combat performance. Often tests creations in combat mode but derives primary satisfaction from the design process.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Besiege; Forts; From the Depths; Avorion; Minecraft
  - Strategic Conqueror (buy)
    - Motivation: Strategic empire expansion and tactical conquest
    - Playstyle: Focuses on the Conquest campaign, managing resources, researching technologies, engaging in diplomacy, and commanding customized fleets in turn-based/real-time battles. Enjoys long-term planning and overcoming AI or human opponents.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Total War; Mount & Blade; Highfleet; Civilization; Stellaris


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:
- Game is fun and enjoyable (weight 0.51): Many players find the game fun, addictive, and enjoyable across various modes. The gameplay is praised for being engaging, satisfying, and not overly complicated.
- Ship building is fun (weight 0.33): Players consistently enjoy the ship building mechanic, which allows for crazy customization and creativity. Building custom ships and seeing them perform in battle is highlighted as rewarding and addictive.
- Conquest mode is fun (weight 0.19): Conquest mode is described as well thought out, immersive, and exciting. It offers a fun government simulator and creates amazing storylines through gameplay, especially with friends.
- Strategic gameplay depth (weight 0.19): The game offers unique and engaging strategy gameplay that is both exciting and enjoyable. It is considered one of the most fun strategy games, with solid tactical combat.
- Extensive mod support (weight 0.17): The game supports Steam Workshop and has a large selection of mods available. Players appreciate the active community and the ability to extend playtime with mods and blueprint sharing.
- Overall high quality (weight 0.16): The game is widely praised as very good, incredible, and high quality. It is considered an excellent game that is worth its price and delivers a satisfying experience.
- Multiplayer is a blast (weight 0.14): Multiplayer is praised for being fun and surprising, with support for online and LAN play. Players enjoy playing with friends or family, whether in one-off battles or full campaigns.
- Creative airship design (weight 0.09): Players enjoy the creative freedom to design unique airships, from conventional to unconventional or horror-themed designs. This aspect is highlighted as a major fun factor.
- Sandbox mode enjoyment (weight 0.09): Sandbox mode is loved for its fun and freedom, offering plenty of things to do. Players enjoy exploring the sandbox elements and creating without restrictions.
- Engaging core gameplay (weight 0.07): The core gameplay of building airships, land warships, and fortresses is engaging with many design considerations. Players enjoy commanding their creations in battle.
- Fun building variety (weight 0.07): Building gigantic zeppelins, dreadnoughts, landships, and intricate structures is fun. Players enjoy the variety in construction, from airships to defensive structures and giant tanks.

Common complaints:
- UI is bad and unpolished (weight 0.12): The user interface is criticized as horrific, unpleasant, and not adapted for modifications, with clunky controls and minor polish issues. This hinders the overall user experience.
- Conquest mode needs more depth (weight 0.11): Players report that Conquest mode lacks depth in diplomacy, internal politics, and overall mechanics, making it feel shallow and reducing replay value after a single playthrough. This is a common and specific criticism.
- No tutorial for campaign (weight 0.1): The game lacks a tutorial, especially for the campaign, making it confusing and challenging for new players to get used to. This contributes to a steep learning curve.
- Multiplayer is dead or broken (weight 0.1): Players report that multiplayer is either dead due to low population or broken after recent updates, with servers not working. This affects the game's longevity and replayability.
- Game has bugs (weight 0.09): Players encounter various bugs, including minor ones and some that affect gameplay. While not always severe, the presence of bugs is a recurring issue.
- AI is generally dumb (weight 0.07): The AI is described as stupid or dumb in various contexts, including combat and strategic behavior. This reduces the challenge and immersion.
- Ship AI causes collisions (weight 0.07): Ship AI often fails to avoid flying islands and friendly ships, leading to frequent crashes and damage. This is a significant gameplay frustration mentioned by multiple players.
- Mac support is poor (weight 0.06): The game runs poorly on Mac, with maintenance issues and a painful experience for Mac users. This is a platform-specific but notable complaint.
- Ship control is difficult (weight 0.06): Ships struggle to follow orders, are hard to control, and frequently get stuck on terrain. This makes navigation and combat frustrating for players.
- Game feels incomplete (weight 0.04): The game is still in Early Access and not a finished experience, with players noting it is not complete. This is a common concern for early access titles.
- Ship editor is fiddly (weight 0.04): The ship editor is considered fiddly and some parts are unclear, making it less user-friendly. This is a specific usability issue.
- Building ships blocked by logistics (weight 0.04): Poor cargo supply access and crew coverage can prevent players from building ships, causing frustration. This is a gameplay hindrance.
- Story and worldbuilding absent (weight 0.04): The game lacks a story mode and worldbuilding, leaving players without narrative context or engagement. This is a notable absence for many players.
- Performance issues in large battles (weight 0.04): Optimization is not top-level, with lag experienced during huge battles. This affects gameplay fluidity in intense moments.
- Economy too restrictive (weight 0.04): Non-capital regions cannot support units or defensive buildings due to low income, making them useless. This limits strategic expansion.
- Diplomacy system missing (weight 0.04): The game initially lacks a diplomatic or alliance system, contributing to a rough, unfinished feel. This is a feature that players expect in strategy games.

Gameplay feedback:
- Deep shipbuilding and design system (weight 0.72): The core gameplay revolves around designing and building ships, airships, landships, and other vehicles from scratch, with extensive customization and trial-and-error.
- Vehicle building and combat (weight 0.44): Players construct a variety of war machines, including airships, tanks, and fortresses, then deploy them in real-time battles against AI or other players.
- Diverse buildable units (weight 0.35): Players can build not only ships but also tanks, fortresses, and defensive structures, allowing for varied strategies in land, sea, and air warfare.
- Airships as central theme (weight 0.34): Airships are a prominent feature, with design mechanics and aerial combat taking center stage, often set in a steampunk fantasy world.
- Multiplayer and cooperative modes (weight 0.31): Players can engage in online, LAN, and local multiplayer battles, including cooperative campaigns and one-off duels, enhancing replayability and social play.
- Combat-focused gameplay (weight 0.28): Combat is a key element, with strategic maneuvering and tactics playing a significant role in battles between custom-designed vessels.
- Conquest mode with strategy (weight 0.24): The game features a large-scale conquest mode on a strategic map, where players capture territories, manage diplomacy, and engage in empire-building with AI opponents.
- Campaign mode with progression (weight 0.17): The game offers a campaign mode with a strategic map, diplomacy, and progression, providing a structured single-player experience beyond sandbox battles.
- Steampunk fantasy setting (weight 0.16): The game is set in a fantasy steampunk era, blending historical influences with retrofuturistic technology and weapons.
- Modding support and community (weight 0.16): The game supports modding via Steam Workshop, with an active community creating and sharing mods to extend gameplay.
- Sandbox creative freedom (weight 0.12): The game provides a sandbox environment where players can freely build and experiment with designs, offering high creative freedom and long playtime.
- 4X strategy elements (weight 0.12): The game incorporates 4X mechanics, including exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination, within its strategy mode.
- Customization of airships and landships (weight 0.1): Players have extensive customization options for airships, landships, and buildings, allowing for personalized designs and playstyles.
- Strategy layer and management (weight 0.09): Beyond combat, the game includes a strategic layer where players manage resources, fleets, and territorial expansion, blending strategy with action.
- Easy to learn, hard to master (weight 0.09): The game is accessible for beginners but offers depth and complexity for experienced players, with a learning curve that rewards mastery.

Performance notes:
- Mixed performance reports overall (weight 0.23): Players report both smooth performance and significant optimization issues. Some experience flawless gameplay while others face stuttering and crashes.
- Large battles cause lag (weight 0.15): Large-scale battles with many ships or units frequently cause severe lag and FPS drops, especially on lower-end hardware. This is a common complaint.
- Crashes during massive battles (weight 0.08): Players report crashes or freezes during large battles, especially when fast-forwarding or with many ships. This disrupts gameplay and is a major issue.
- Game fails to start (weight 0.03): Some players cannot launch the game at all. This is a critical issue that prevents any gameplay.
- Linux mouse input problems (weight 0.02): The native Linux version has mouse input issues, making the game less playable on that platform. This is a technical bug.
- Single-core performance limitation (weight 0.02): The game relies heavily on single-core performance, which may limit frame rates on modern multi-core CPUs. This is a technical limitation.
- Long load times with large data (weight 0.02): Loading times become long when there is a large amount of data active, such as many ships or complex constructions. This affects gameplay pacing.
- Multiplayer lag issues (weight 0.02): Multiplayer experiences lag issues, which can be disruptive in online play. This is a network-related problem.
- Zoom limitations at high resolution (weight 0.02): At 2k resolution, zoom limitations prevent players from viewing the battlefield effectively. This is a UI/gameplay issue.
- Video problems observed (weight 0.02): Some players have experienced video problems, such as glitches or artifacts. This is a vague but notable issue.
- Workable game size (weight 0.02): The game has a workable size, which may be a positive aspect. This is a minor point.

Recommendations:
- Strongly recommended overall (weight 0.28): Many reviewers explicitly recommend the game, with phrases like 'strongly recommended' and 'can't recommend enough.' This indicates high overall satisfaction and a willingness to endorse the game to others.
- Worth full price (weight 0.21): Reviewers consistently state the game is worth its full price tag, often using emphatic language like 'worth every copper' and 'definitely worth full price.' This suggests the game provides good value for its cost.
- Great for airship fans (weight 0.18): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy steampunk airships, building them, and using them in combat. This is a recurring theme across multiple clusters, indicating a strong niche appeal.
- Appeals to builders (weight 0.16): Players who love building ships, vehicles, and fortresses will find the game enjoyable. It's often compared to other building-centric games like From the Depths and Space Engineers, but with a simpler approach.
- Good for strategy enthusiasts (weight 0.16): Fans of strategy games, including RTS and 4X genres, are likely to enjoy this title. It combines strategic planning with creative ship design, offering a unique blend of gameplay.
- Mixed recommendations (weight 0.09): A few reviewers give mixed or negative recommendations, citing issues like AI problems or not being able to force themselves to play. These are outliers but worth noting.
- Suitable for sandbox lovers (weight 0.09): The game is recommended for those who enjoy sandbox-style gameplay and steampunk worlds. It offers freedom to build and experiment, which appeals to creative players.
- DLC enhances value (weight 0.07): Reviewers mention that the DLC adds replay value and is worth the purchase. They suggest picking it up if you enjoy the base game, though it's not mandatory for a good experience.
- Recommended for specific games (weight 0.07): Players who liked games like Highfleet, Forts, or From the Depths are likely to enjoy this title. It shares similarities in building and combat mechanics.
- Highly replayable (weight 0.06): Reviewers mention they would play again or buy again, indicating high replay value. The game offers multiple ways to play and build, keeping it fresh.
- Building advice shared (weight 0.05): Reviewers provide tips on ship design, such as armoring important parts and building defenses. This shows the community is engaged and helps each other improve.
- Great for casual play (weight 0.04): The game is suitable for casual strategy players or those looking for a light vehicle design combat experience. It's not overly complex, making it accessible.
- Graphics may deter (weight 0.04): Some reviewers note the pixel graphics might not be for everyone, but they don't detract from the gameplay for most. It's a minor point for potential buyers.
- Refund possible if disliked (weight 0.03): A couple of reviewers mention they would refund the game if it wasn't to their liking, suggesting the game might not suit all tastes but is worth trying.
- Playtime is substantial (weight 0.02): One reviewer mentions it takes 50 to 100 hours to beat the bots at max difficulty, indicating the game offers long-term engagement and replayability.
- Buy as developer support (weight 0.02): One reviewer suggests buying the game as proof of the developer's quality, indicating trust in the developer and a desire to support their work.

Other player notes:
- Strong modding community and support (weight 0.33): Players consistently praise the game's modding scene, noting a large selection of mods on the Steam Workshop, community balance patches, and extensive mod support. This enhances replayability and player engagement.
- Game receives regular updates (weight 0.18): Reviewers highlight that the game is still actively updated years after release, with consistent quality-of-life improvements and content additions. The developer's dedication is frequently mentioned as a positive aspect.
- DLC adds significant content (weight 0.14): Players find the DLC to be worth purchasing, as it adds substantial content and depth to the game. The DLC is often described as cheap and enhancing the overall experience.
- Early access with ongoing development (weight 0.14): The game is currently in early access, with content gradually improving and a full release expected soon. Some reviewers note that the game is still raw and lacks some planned features, but updates are ongoing.
- Pricing and value concerns (weight 0.12): Feedback on pricing is mixed: some consider the game too expensive at its current price, while others find it worth the price, especially when on sale. The game's value for money is a recurring topic.
- Comparison to Highfleet (weight 0.09): Several reviewers compare the game to Highfleet, noting similarities in gameplay and 4X elements. Some mention that both games have their own flaws, but the comparison is common in reviews.
- Developed by single person (weight 0.09): Several reviews mention that the game is developed by a single person, often credited as David Stark. This is seen as impressive given the game's scope and quality.
- Comparison to Total War (weight 0.08): The strategic campaign is often compared to Total War and Risk, with players noting similarities in the grand strategy layer. This comparison appears in multiple reviews.
- Favorable comparison to From the Depths (weight 0.07): The game is compared favorably to From the Depths, with reviewers noting it has a lower barrier to entry due to being 2D and less simulated. It is seen as an alternative for those who find From the Depths too complex.
- Language support lacks Spanish (weight 0.07): The game is available in many languages, including Japanese and Korean, but notably lacks Spanish. This is a localization gap that some players point out.
- Underrated and deserves attention (weight 0.06): Some reviewers feel the game is underrated and deserves more attention than it currently receives. They praise its quality but note that it may be overlooked by the wider gaming community.
- Diplomacy update improves game (weight 0.06): Recent updates have added diplomacy and cooperative features with both AI and players. Reviewers consider this an improvement that enhances the game.
- Best airship game on market (weight 0.04): Some reviewers consider the game to be the best airship game on the market, praising its strategy and ship design elements. This strong endorsement comes from a couple of reviews.
- Community active on Discord (weight 0.04): There is an official Discord server where most of the active player base is located. This is highlighted as a key hub for community interaction and support.
- Guides available for ship editor (weight 0.04): An entire guide exists for the ship editor parts that are unclear, indicating a learning curve. This resource helps players understand the game's editor.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.16): Players derive great enjoyment from the creative freedom of designing custom airships and vehicles and then testing them in combat. The combination of sandbox building with strategic empire management, along with the satisfying physical destruction of enemy ships, creates a highly engaging and replayable experience.
- Frustration (weight 0.14): Frustration stems from a combination of technical issues like poor optimization, crashes, and broken multiplayer, as well as gameplay balance problems such as overpowered AI, unfair difficulty spikes, and repetitive enemy tactics. A clunky and unintuitive UI, a lack of documentation, and unclear mechanics further compound the player's sense of being hindered by the game itself rather than challenged by it.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Satisfaction arises from the rewarding loop of designing a unique vessel and seeing it succeed in battle, whether through cost-effective wins or spectacular destruction. Players also find deep fulfillment in the game's mechanical depth, the creative freedom it offers, and the sense of accomplishment from mastering complex systems and achieving strategic victories.
- Disappointment (weight 0.07): Disappointment is largely driven by the game's shallow strategic layer, limited campaign content, and a perceived lack of balance and depth in systems outside of ship design. Long-time players express letdown over the game's slow evolution, feeling it still resembles early access, and note that the AI and diplomacy systems fail to live up to their potential, undermining long-term engagement.
- Excitement (weight 0.06): Excitement is fueled by the immense creative freedom to design and test unique war machines, combined with the anticipation of epic battles and strategic conquest. The game's deep mechanics, frequent updates, and the promise of future content create a strong sense of engagement and a compelling arms-race loop that keeps players hooked and eager for more.
- Fun (weight 0.06): The core fun comes from the creative and destructive sandbox of designing unique airships and landships and using them in combat, especially with friends. The game's simple yet deep mechanics, offering both thoughtful strategy and explosive action, provide a highly replayable and enjoyable experience across its various modes.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciate the game's deceptively deep mechanics hidden beneath a simple 2D pixel art aesthetic, which rewards thoughtful engineering and experimentation. The developer's long-term commitment to updates and support, along with the game's unique charm and the creative freedom it provides, are highly valued and seen as making the experience worth any minor flaws.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Admiration is directed at the game's exceptional depth and the brilliant combination of engineering and strategy, which is compared favorably to complex titles like Dwarf Fortress. The superb customization options, unique art style, and the developer's dedication over many years are seen as creating a polished and singular experience that stands out as a hidden gem in the genre.
- Love (weight 0.04): Players express a deep, personal love for the game, often ranking it among their all-time favorites due to its unique steampunk setting, creative ship-building, and the fulfilling empire management gameplay. The strong emotional connection is built on the freedom to create and the lasting memories and experiences the game has provided over many hours of play.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Joy is found in the simple, yet endlessly entertaining act of designing custom warships and watching them, along with their tiny animated crews, in action. The game provides a unique sense of delight through its creative freedom, sandbox mechanics, and the pure fun of shared multiplayer experiences, often evoking a nostalgic happiness reminiscent of childhood play.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is driven by the game's vast options for customization, strategic depth, and the fun, dynamic gameplay loop of building and battling. The variety of weapons, the engaging conquest mode, and the sheer number of construction possibilities keep players passionate and eager to share their enjoyment of this underrated title.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Amusement comes from the game's chaotic and often absurd emergent scenarios, such as AI failures, unintended consequences of designs, and humorous visual gags. Players find genuine humor in watching their carefully planned fleets get obliterated in silly ways or in seeing their crews get into ridiculous fights, making the game a source of laughter.
- Approval (weight 0.02): Approval is granted for the game's well-executed core concepts, including a detailed but accessible ship builder, engaging strategic gameplay, and unique art style. The developer's consistent hard work, successful co-op updates, and the overall quality of the package, including its modding support, earn the game's positive reception.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise stems from the game vastly exceeding initial expectations, particularly for an indie title, with its deep content, complete-feeling systems, and unexpected features. Players are often caught off guard by how much more polished and feature-rich the game is compared to its store page or previews suggest.
- Addiction (weight 0.01): The game's addictive nature is a direct result of its highly compelling combination of ship-building and strategic conquest, which creates a powerful 'one more turn' loop. Players report spending many late nights and losing track of time due to the engaging and rewarding gameplay systems.
- Amazement (weight 0.01): Amazement is evoked by the game's incredible depth, which transforms the player's childhood imagination into an interactive video art form. The epic scale of commanding massive capital ships, the detail of individual crew members being vital to operations, and the spectacular battle scenes leave players in awe of the game's complexity and vision.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion is primarily caused by the game's lack of clear in-game documentation and a tutorial that fails to explain complex systems like the economy, research, and weather effects. Players are often left unsure of how to improve or what to focus on, leading to frustrating early experiences where the logic of fleet constructions and resource management is unclear.
- Desire (weight 0.01): Desire is expressed for more content and features, such as a sequel with 3D graphics, larger maps, and expanded customization options. Players also wish for improved multiplayer and more campaign customization, indicating a strong appetite for the game's core concepts to be expanded upon.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest is captured by the game's unique combination of in-depth construction and a deep campaign map, creating a compelling and varied strategy experience. The airship design and battle mechanics are particularly noted for their ability to hold a player's attention.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom sets in when the core gameplay loop fails to provide meaningful engagement, often leading to repetitive losses or a lack of compelling activities outside of combat. The game's strategic depth is found wanting, making the experience feel dull and unrewarding for some players.}