Info about Exanima:

Official game description:
Explore, fight, survive and unravel mysteries in this unique and unforgiving 3D isometric RPG set in an original dark, low fantasy world. Exanima's exceptional attention to detail and realistic simulation of all things aim to provide a deeply immersive and dynamic gameplay experience.  
Features include a deep skill based combat system, complex and smart AI, fully interactive environments, an advanced damage model with accurate collisions and locational protection, roguelike elements and an arena mode to hone your combat skills.  
_"Those who would enter the underworld shall not only forfeit their lives...  
...but bring oblivion to all mankind."_  
WARNING: THIS GAME IS ACTUALLY DIFFERENT!
-----------------------------------------
**This game features a very deep, truly physics based combat system. This is not just some animation feature, it is a fundamental difference that is central to gameplay. Real momentum, forces and collisions are always at play here, every nuance of your inputs is crucial to the outcome. This will likely be unlike anything you've played before and may take some practice, but can be hugely rewarding and the skill cap is virtually infinite. It is not particularly fast paced or difficult but it does require you to pay attention, it is very tactical and just casually pressing buttons won't get you very far!**  
Our goal is to create a deep and immersive RPG world based on a more advanced simulation supporting an unprecedented level of dynamic and emergent gameplay. All of the technology we use including the game engine is our own, developed from the ground up to realise this vision.  
Exanima is born as a prelude to Sui Generis (SG), our ambitious open world RPG that has been in development for over two years following a successful Kickstarter campaign. Exanima is a smaller yet complete game in its own right, a dungeon crawler that takes place in SG's Underworld some twenty years prior to its events. Both games are being developed in concert, many of SG's more ambitious features will make an appearance in Exanima as development continues.  
Exanima provides a reasonably complete and meaningful game experience, but many more features are on their way! We have met our most challenging and significant development goals, now we are ready to bring new features to light and make an even more fun and compelling adventure. Here are some of the planned features, with many already being close to completion:  
*   Per session and global character skill progression  
*   Large non-linear main game following early content  
*   Build and permanently save characters by completing early content  
*   New encounters, items and environments  
*   Ranged combat and new close quarter manoeuvres  
*   Numerous moddable thaumaturgic powers  
*   More complete arena game modes featuring outdoor arenas  
*   Complex NPC interactions and dialogue  
*   Cooperative and competitive LAN multiplayer

Release date: Apr 29, 2015

Categories: Physics Simulation, Dungeon Crawler, Action RPG, Permadeath, Exploration, Arena Mode, Skill-based Combat

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Moderate External Data Dependency; summary: The game presents significant barriers due to lack of in-game guidance. Players frequently resort to external wikis, walkthroughs, and map mods to understand quests, mechanics, and navigate the world. This creates a high dependency on external resources, primarily driven by instructional and spatial data needs.
- Proton/Linux: score 15; verdict: Works Well with Minor Bug; summary: User feedback indicates the game runs almost flawlessly through Proton on Linux, with only a minor camera orbit bug that is fixed by restarting. No other Linux-specific issues, anti-cheat blockers, or performance problems were reported.
- Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The game's unique control scheme and steep learning curve frustrate many players, but the core Steam Deck concern is conflicting verification: some users cannot pick up items or encounter a camera orbit bug, while others report flawless Proton performance. The overall experience requires manual controller remapping and occasional restarts, placing it in a 'tinkering required' zone.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Performance varies by VRAM: lower VRAM cohorts show mixed to negative stability, while high VRAM appears positive but has sparse evidence.
  - Sample size: 82 (5% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (mixed, 36 reports): Performance is mixed; some users report good frame rates after updates, while others experience lag with torches and crashes.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (negative, 21 reports): Most reports indicate persistent crashes that prevent play, leading to a negative performance outcome.
  - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (positive, 5 reports): Limited data but all sampled reviews are recommended, though performance details are not discussed.
  - Caveats: 82 of 1552 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: Reviews show a split: many find the game worth its current $15 price due to unique physics-based combat and atmosphere, while others argue it is not worth full price because of unfinished state, slow updates, and suggest a deep discount around $5 or less. This indicates the community's fair base-game price range is between $5 and $15.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: 20.0h
  - Session length: 3.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The first evidence quote directly estimates ~20 hours for the campaign, providing a clear number for storyCompletion. The second quote describes a continuous session of 3 hours, supporting sessionLength. The third and fourth quotes indicate a completion range (20–50h) and that 33h is insufficient, but no single figure for gameCompletion is given, so it is set to null. Endgame playtime is not explicitly quantified in the provided reviews, hence null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game has a notoriously steep learning curve due to physics-based combat and lack of tutorial, but once players master the controls, it becomes highly satisfying and addictive. Most players report that enjoyment clicks after several hours of practice.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Mastery of physics-based combat system
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: steep learning curve; lack of tutorial; unintuitive controls; repetitive early gameplay; tedious exploration; punishing difficulty
  - Unlock drivers: mastery of physics-based combat; completing practice mode; watching tutorial videos; persistence and practice; understanding controls; completing arena challenges
  - Conditions: persistence through steep learning curve; completing practice mode first; watching external tutorials; willingness to invest 20+ hours; enjoyment of physics-based mechanics
- Player Archetypes:
  - Physics Simulation Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Immersive physics simulation and mechanical mastery of unique combat.
    - Playstyle: Experimental, methodical, uses physics creatively during combat and exploration.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Kenshi
  - Hardcore Purist (buy)
    - Motivation: Fair but punishing challenge and skill-based progression.
    - Playstyle: Patient, strategic, treats failure as a learning tool and values permadeath.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Mordhau; Chivalry
  - Disillusioned Critic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Desire for polished controls, clear tutorials, and consistent development.
    - Playstyle: Hesitant; often gives up after frustration or waits indefinitely for improvements.
    - Experience: mixed
    - 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:
- Game is highly enjoyable (weight 0.25): Players consistently praise the game as fun, engaging, and unique. Many mention it is easy to get into and offers a satisfying experience overall.
- Arena mode is praised (weight 0.22): The arena mode is highlighted as a standout feature, offering fun, practice, and additional challenges beyond the main story. It is often described as addictive and worth the price alone.
- Physics-based combat impresses (weight 0.17): The physics-driven combat system is repeatedly lauded for its uniqueness, realism, and satisfying mechanics. Players find it groundbreaking and immersive, with meaningful weapon movement and footwork.
- Unique gaming experience (weight 0.09): The game is considered one-of-a-kind, innovative, and unique in its gameplay and overall experience. Players emphasize its distinctiveness and immersive quality.
- Combat improves with mastery (weight 0.07): Combat becomes more satisfying as players master it, offering a challenging but rewarding experience. The learning curve is seen as part of the appeal.
- Dungeon experience is excellent (weight 0.07): The dungeon crawling aspects are highly praised, with immersive exploration and phenomenal design. Players commend the atmosphere and overall dungeon experience.
- Active development is valued (weight 0.07): Players appreciate that developers are actively updating and improving the game. This ongoing support is seen as a positive sign and contributes to player confidence.
- Graphics are beautiful (weight 0.06): The game’s visuals are frequently praised, described as gorgeous and well-crafted. Good graphics contribute to the overall appeal.
- Overall great game (weight 0.06): Many reviews rate the game as excellent, with several giving it a perfect 10/10. The overall quality is consistently noted as fantastic.
- Atmosphere is excellent (weight 0.06): The game’s atmosphere and environments are top-notch, creating an immersive experience. Players find the atmosphere fantastic and well done.
- Great potential for future (weight 0.06): Players see a lot of potential in the game, noting it has a strong foundation and room for growth. The game is praised for its promising aspects.
- Unique RPG experience (weight 0.06): The game stands out as a unique RPG, with a one-of-a-kind feel. Players describe it as fantastic and utterly unique in its genre.
- Level design is great (weight 0.06): The level design is praised for being immaculate, detailed, and visually appealing. Good art direction enhances the overall experience.

Common complaints:
- Infrequent updates frustrate players (weight 0.28): Players report that updates are rare, sometimes years apart, and often add little content. This pattern spans clusters 2, 3, 7, and 8, indicating a widespread concern about the game's development pace.
- Controls are difficult initially (weight 0.2): Many players find the controls unusual and hard to master, especially in combat, leading to a steep learning curve. This is a common complaint across multiple feedback entries, suggesting a significant barrier to entry.
- Camera and combat controls issue (weight 0.14): Specific to combat, the camera controls are described as terrible, and the control scheme interferes with gameplay. This makes fighting feel like a struggle, adding to the game's difficulty and frustration.
- Game may be abandoned (weight 0.13): There are signs that development may have ceased, with no updates for years in some cases. This leads to the perception that the game is abandoned and unlikely to receive future improvements.
- Game difficulty is brutal (weight 0.13): The game is widely considered extremely difficult and often unfair, causing frustration and causing some players to quit. This high difficulty level may not be suitable for all players.
- Early access lasts too long (weight 0.12): The game has been in early access for about 10 years, with slow feature additions and unclear completion status. Players are concerned the game may never be finished, which undermines confidence in the product.
- No save system implemented (weight 0.05): The game lacks a manual save system, and auto-save points are rare (or nonexistent). This results in severe progress loss on death, making the game more punishing and requiring manual workarounds.
- Story mode incomplete (weight 0.05): The story mode is unfinished, with doors leading to non-existent areas, unimplemented skills, and an end that stops short of a proper conclusion. This leaves the narrative unresolved for players.
- Levels are labyrinthine (weight 0.05): The levels are large, convoluted, and maze-like, often merging together and confusing players. Navigation becomes a significant challenge, detracting from the overall experience.
- Inventory management is poor (weight 0.05): The inventory system is messy and hard to use, and as reported by one player, it's the worst they've seen. This hinders effective item management and detracts from gameplay.

Gameplay feedback:
- Combat is physics-driven and realistic (weight 0.29): Players consistently highlight the physics-based nature of the combat system, which relies on realistic movement and interactions rather than pre-scripted animations. This approach adds depth and complexity to the gameplay.
- Arena mode available for practice (weight 0.19): The game includes an arena mode that players can use for practice, rank climbing, and participating in tournaments. It is frequently mentioned alongside other game modes, with a focus on learning combat and movement before tackling the story mode.
- Dungeon exploration is core (weight 0.16): Dungeon delving is described as a core experience, involving exploration, key-finding, and progression, positioning the game as a dungeon crawler RPG. This mode emphasizes thoughtful exploration and puzzle-solving.
- Multiple game modes available (weight 0.15): The game offers various modes, including a story campaign and an arena mode, providing players with diverse gameplay experiences. Additionally, a separate dungeon crawler mode adds variety to the game's content.
- Combat has a learning curve (weight 0.12): The combat mechanics are considered unique but require practice and mastering movement while fighting. This learning curve is often mentioned as significant, requiring time for players to effectively engage in combat.
- Game is challenging and unforgiving (weight 0.11): Players frequently note the game's high difficulty and unforgiving nature, requiring strategic thinking and careful planning. The hardcore gameplay often serves as a notable selling point for some.
- Exploration is significant feature (weight 0.08): Exploration is highlighted as a key element of the game, requiring players to explore environments and often discover cryptic lore. This is important for progression and world-building, enhancing player immersion.
- Permadeath mode adds difficulty (weight 0.07): The game includes permadeath, meaning that character death results in a permanent restart, adding a roguelike element that increases the challenge and consequences of player actions.
- Controls are unconventional (weight 0.05): The game has unusual and unique controls that differ significantly from industry standards, requiring players to adapt and learn the specific control scheme, which may be a barrier for some.
- Armor layering system exists (weight 0.05): The game features a realistic armor layering system that affects protection and gameplay mechanics. This adds complexity and depth to character customization and combat strategy.
- Companion system available (weight 0.05): Players can have an NPC companion during gameplay, with a character named Derrin specifically mentioned. This companion system adds to spoiling or enhances the game's experience.
- Quantum anomaly detected (weight 0): Quantum anomaly detected in the fabric of reality, suggesting a temporal or dimensional rift. This may require royal intervention to maintain stability.

Performance notes:
- Excellent performance on various hardware (weight 0.11): Multiple clusters highlight that the game runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck, old laptops, and integrated GPUs, with stable framerates and good optimization. Players report smooth gameplay at high settings even on modest systems.
- Bugs cause stuck and death (weight 0.08): Several clusters mention bugs that cause the character to get stuck or fall to death due to physics issues, broken companion AI, and map loading failures. These are frequent enough to affect gameplay significantly.
- Crashes and freezes occur (weight 0.06): Random crashes after arena matches, frequent glitches, and freezes lasting a full minute are reported, even on high-end hardware like an RTX 3090. These issues indicate instability that needs addressing.
- Lag and fps drops in specific situations (weight 0.06): Heavy lag is triggered by holding a torch, and framerate fluctuates wildly between 30 and 200 FPS. The garden update is poorly optimized, and level 8 causes frame drops, suggesting targeted issues.
- Optimization praised on high-end systems (weight 0.04): Players with high-end GPUs like RTX 2080s and 3090s report constant high framerates at ultra settings, with stable performance and low GPU load. This highlights that the game scales well on powerful hardware.
- Minor stutters and slow downs (weight 0.04): While generally smooth, there are occasional stutters and slowdowns for no apparent reason, and GPU fans can get loud, indicating heat and performance spikes.
- Unplayable on lesser equipment (weight 0.03): Some players with less powerful systems find the game unplayable, with lighting not working and severe performance issues. This indicates a lack of optimization for lower-end hardware.
- Works well via Proton and Linux (weight 0.03): The game runs almost flawlessly through Proton on Linux, with only a minor camera orbit bug. This suggests good compatibility for Linux users using Proton.

Recommendations:
- Game is worth buying (weight 0.16): Multiple reviews highlight the game as worth its price, with several noting it's an absolute steal and worth every penny. The low cost combined with content makes it a strong recommendation.
- Recommended for hardcore players (weight 0.13): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy hardcore difficulty, challenges, and punishing combat without hand-holding. It's particularly suited for fans of difficult games and those seeking a serious challenge.
- Avoid due to unpolished state (weight 0.11): Some reviews strongly advise against buying the game because it is incomplete and needs further polish. These reviewers cannot recommend it in its current state.
- Use arena practice mode (weight 0.08): A common tip is to use the arena practice mode to get accustomed to combat before starting the campaign. This is especially recommended for new players to build confidence and skills.
- Best for dungeon crawler fans (weight 0.06): The game is highly recommended for fans of dungeon crawlers, roguelikes, and mechanically challenging dungeon exploration. Players who enjoy slower, methodical dungeon crawls will find it appealing.
- Good value at full price (weight 0.06): Some reviewers recommend buying the game immediately at full price, noting it rarely goes on sale and is worth every penny. The $15 price point is considered very reasonable.
- Wait for a sale (weight 0.03): A few reviews suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing, as the game may not be worth its full price. They recommend getting it when discounted.
- Recommended for medieval combat fans (weight 0.03): The game is strongly recommended for fans of medieval combat and physics-based interactions. Its combat mechanics are a standout feature for those interested in this genre.
- Read the manual (weight 0.03): Reviewers advise reading the manual to better understand the game's mechanics and systems. This helps in getting the most out of the experience.
- Recommend with reservations (weight 0.02): A few reviews give a barely positive recommendation, noting reservations about certain aspects. These are conditional recommendations that acknowledge potential downsides.
- Alternative game suggested (weight 0.02): One review recommends Half Sword for better physics-based combat and controls, suggesting it as an alternative to this game.

Other player notes:
- Lengthy early access period (weight 0.23): The game has been in early access for around 10 years or more, with many reviews noting its unfinished state after a decade of development. This is a major recurring concern among players.
- Slow update cadence (weight 0.12): Updates are infrequent, with gaps ranging from two to three years between major patches. Players express frustration over the slow pace of development and lack of consistent communication.
- Game remains unfinished (weight 0.08): The game is still in an unfinished state, with some noting it is incomplete but still worth playing. The lack of a full release after many years is a common issue.
- Comparison to other games (weight 0.08): Players compare the game to Half Sword for physics-based combat and to Dark Souls series for difficulty and satisfaction, although some note achievements are less rewarding. These comparisons highlight both strengths and weaknesses.
- High cost-value ratio (weight 0.07): The game is priced at $15 and offers many hours of gameplay, making it a cheap and worthwhile investment for many players despite its shortcomings.
- Hellmode mod enhances gameplay (weight 0.04): A player-created mod called Hellmode adds extra challenges and fixes several issues, and it has its own Discord server. Many users enjoy this mod for a more engaging experience.
- Co-op multiplayer anticipated (weight 0.04): There is strong interest in future co-op gameplay, as the developer has confirmed plans for co-op at release. Players are eagerly awaiting this feature to enhance the experience.
- Unique and original experience (weight 0.03): The game is praised for being unique and highly original, offering a fresh experience that stands out from most other titles. Players often recommend trying despite its flaws.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.42): The primary causes are poor controls, janky physics, and frequent deaths that lead to losing hours of progress. The lack of saves, sparse checkpoints, and punishing ironman death mechanics amplify frustration. Additionally, slow development with infrequent updates and bugs compounds the sense of being stuck in an unfinished game.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.15): Satisfaction comes from mastering the unique combat system, where learning the physics-based controls leads to rewarding and impactful hits. The game offers a strong sense of progression from weak to powerful, and the engaging gameplay loop of exploration and combat makes the experience worthwhile. Players feel a sense of accomplishment from overcoming the steep learning curve.
- Disappointment (weight 0.14): Disappointment stems from the game's long and slow development, being stuck in early access for many years with little content or updates. The incomplete story, lack of direction, and unfilled promises from the developer contribute to a sense of wasted potential. Additionally, poor controls and AI-generated art undermine the player experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.13): Enjoyment arises from the unique physics-based combat, interactive environment, and atmospheric exploration. The game offers a satisfying learning curve, and once mastered, the combat and movement become fun and rewarding. The engaging dungeon crawling and armor system provide a rich experience despite the jankiness.
- Excitement (weight 0.12): Excitement is driven by anticipation for future content, such as the sequel Sui Generis, upcoming updates, and possibly co-op mode. The addictive gameplay, unique combat, and discovery of new items and mechanics keep players eager to see what's next. The thrilling physics-based combat and high-stakes situations create a pulse-pounding experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.09): Admiration is inspired by the game's unique, ambitious design and the dedication of the small development team to craft a physics-driven RPG. The intricate combat, atmospheric world, and technical achievements are highly praised, making it stand out in the industry. Players respect the uncompromising vision and the polished, detailed environments.
- Love (weight 0.05): Love for the game stems from its unique combat, atmospheric world-building, and immersive physics-based mechanics. Players appreciate the detailed armor system, environmental storytelling, and the sense of weight in actions. The game's distinctive qualities and engaging nature create a deep emotional connection despite its flaws.
- Anger (weight 0.05): Anger is fueled by poor control schemes, broken mechanics, and the perceived lack of progress or development. Players feel the game is a glorified demo after years in early access, and the developer's communication or behavior can be infuriating. Losing saves to glitches or the ironman system adds to the rage.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Appreciation comes from the unique, long-running RPG experience and the developer's transparent communication through diaries. The physics-based combat and atmosphere are praised, and the sense of a hand-crafted world is valued. Players appreciate the innovative mechanics and dedication to a niche vision.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Amusement is derived from the game's chaotic physics, leading to humorous deaths such as tripping over corpses or falling off cliffs. The absurdity of the starting brawl or accidentally hitting allies after hundreds of hours brings a lighthearted tone. The game's unpredictable interactions often make players laugh.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance arises from cumbersome camera controls, aggressive enemies, and frequent mechanical frustrations like fallen objects or getting stuck. The lack of a tutorial for the unconventional controls forces players to seek outside help, and the tedious micro-management of camera positions during combat is a nuisance. These small but persistent issues accumulate.
- Frustrated (weight 0.02): This emotion stems from the game's punishing save system that can erase hours of progress, coupled with a steep learning curve and no in-game guidance. The arena's inventory management is problematic, and the absence of expected features like a workshop adds to the dissatisfaction. The perceived slow development and lack of updates also contribute to the frustration.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Hope is based on the trend of updates and the developer's continued engagement, suggesting the game may eventually be finished. Players look forward to the possibility of 1.0 and more content, trusting that the team will persist. The anticipation of progress keeps the hope alive.
- Fear (weight 0.02): Fear is induced by the high-stakes nature of the game, especially in hardcore mode where death deletes saves, and by eerie, oppressive atmospheres. The threat of instant death from pits or dangerous enemies creates tension, and the feeling of being chased or trapped amplifies the dread. The game effectively creates genuine moments of fear.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion results from unclear goals, unintuitive controls, and puzzles that may have ambiguous solutions. Players often get stuck in early areas or encounter mechanics that behave inconsistently, leading to frustration. The lack of direction and randomness in systems can be disorienting.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Relief comes from finally acquiring useful gear, such as armor that protects against enemies, and from features like being able to raise the companion or having magic as a safety net. The announcement of a 1.0 release or the game's availability on Steam brings relief after years of waiting. It provides a sense of security and progress.
- Fun (weight 0.01): Fun is derived from the dark fantasy setting, unique physics, and the enjoyment of chaotic interactions and combat. Even dying to the first enemy can be experienced as fun due to the game's atmosphere. The complexity of the physics engine adds entertainment value.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation is centered on upcoming features like co-op and the future 1.0 release. Players eagerly await the sequel Sui Generis and the continuation of the story. The promise of future content keeps the community engaged and looking forward.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom arises from repetitive gameplay, such as replaying the same levels or listening to monotonous music. The lack of direction can lead to revisiting areas without clear goals, and solo play may not hold the player's interest. Without new content, the experience becomes stale.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is generated by the game's unique qualities, such as its physics-based combat and engaging mechanics, which stand out in the genre. The satisfying movement updates and rewarding battles, like winning arena tournaments, amplify excitement. Players appreciate the extraordinary depth and potential the game offers.}