Info about Pankapu:

Official game description:
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About the Game
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Jump into a neo-retro adventure with Pankapu : a taste of 90’s platformers in an oneiric world. Pankapu is a narrative action-platformer that takes place in the dreams of Djaha’rell, a child troubled by a tragic incident. Upgrade your skills, find new competencies, switch your Aegis in real time in order to get rid of Nightmare's invasion: "Fight for the safety of your land, dear Dreamkeeper"  
Told in the manner of a fable read to a child, the game has two levels of reading: the tale of Pankapu, epic and naïve, and the one about Djaha’rell's life, in the real-world, dark and tragic.

Release date: Sep 21, 2016

Categories: 2D Platformer, Action Platformer, Metroidvania, Narrative Adventure, Multiple Playable Characters, Character Switching, Boss Fights, Action-Adventure

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 25; verdict: Mostly Works; summary: The available Linux-related feedback is mostly positive: the game is described as running very smoothly on Linux, with no reports of launch failures, Proton tweaks, anti-cheat/DRM issues, or major instability. The only Linux-specific caveat is a 60 FPS framerate cap, which is a minor limitation rather than a compatibility blocker.
- Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required - Playable After Control/Steam Input Adjustments; summary: User feedback on the Steam Deck experience is dominated by control-related friction: the default key mapping is repeatedly described as sluggish, imprecise, and uncomfortable, with some players quitting within half an hour. The experience becomes acceptable only after manually enabling 'Steam Input' or editing the controls, which places the title in the 'Tinkering Required' tier. An additional isolated but severe report describes the launcher restarting four times in eight minutes, indicating launch-level instability. Positively, the game runs smoothly on Linux at a 60 FPS cap with good visuals, and the in-game peripheral control hints help mitigate the mapping confusion.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $4.99 - $9.99
  - Reasoning: The reviews strongly reject the $19 full price as poor value and compare it unfavorably to cheaper sales of quality games. Several reviewers advise waiting for a discount, with one citing about 90p as the point where the game becomes worthwhile. At the same time, a few positive comments allow some paid value, and non-English feedback similarly treats it as a cheap or discount purchase. This mixed but price-sensitive sentiment suggests a fair base-game range of roughly $5-$10, with the current $11.99 sitting at or slightly above the community's comfortable ceiling.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 15.0h
  - Story completion: 6.0h
  - Session length: 0.5h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: For Pankapu, completionist reports place 100%/all-achievement runs around 10-15 hours, so gameCompletion is set to 15 as a representative upper-typical value. Main-story reports say the game can be finished in about 5-6 hours, so storyCompletion is set to 6. Short-play/abandonment comments mention only half an hour (and similar 15-minute reports), so sessionLength is set to 0.5 hours. No review gives a separate time for reaching the final boss or an endgame phase, so endgame is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Pankapu has a mixed time-to-fun profile: many players are put off by clunky controls, boring early pacing, and difficulty spikes, but some report that it becomes more enjoyable in later sections.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Reaching the second half of the game
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Clunky controls and inconsistent jumping; Boring and slow early progression; Uneven difficulty spikes and demanding precision; Repetitive platforming and level design; Long stretches of precise jumps between save points; Collectibles required for level progression
  - Unlock drivers: Persisting through the boring early portion, after which the second half becomes more rewarding; Continued progress, as the game gets better the further you go; A system layer adding strategy and variety that helps prevent repetitiveness as levels become demanding
  - Conditions: Willingness to tolerate a boring early portion, roughly the first 2/5 of the game; Tolerance for uneven difficulty and challenging platforming; Tolerance for repetitive levels, platforming, and combat; Appreciation for art style and character designs; Expectations of a short or simple adventure shaping first impressions
- Player Archetypes:
  - Metroidvania Platformer Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoying creative 2D platforming and Metroidvania-style exploration with character-switching.
    - Playstyle: Backtracks and replays levels after gaining abilities, compares mechanics to Rayman and Trine, and seeks satisfying platforming and exploration.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: platforming enthusiast; Metroidvania enthusiast
    - Reference games: Rayman; Trine
  - Casual Relaxed Platformer Player (buy)
    - Motivation: Relaxing with a visually pleasing, quick platformer without a heavy story commitment.
    - Playstyle: Plays in short, casual sessions, often ignores the story, and prefers easy-to-moderate platforming.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: casual players; Casual/Occasional player
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Completionist Challenge Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Overcoming old-school challenge and completing every achievement.
    - Playstyle: Grinds achievements, does completionist runs, and seeks hard traps and challenging platforming.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Completionist
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Value-Conscious Genre Skeptic (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Finding genre-quality platformers at a low price or free, not overpaying for weaker entries.
    - Playstyle: Waits for sales or free periods, compares against other metroidvanias, and weighs story and mechanics against price.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - 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:
- Solid overall platformer experience (weight 0.37): Players widely agree the game is a good, decent platformer with fun moments and enjoyable gameplay. While it has flaws, most consider it well-made and full of potential.
- Stunning art direction praised (weight 0.36): The art direction is frequently highlighted as the game's strongest point, delivering visually stunning and cohesive aesthetics. Reviewers repeatedly describe the game as beautiful and gorgeous.
- Beautiful and colorful cartoon visuals (weight 0.26): Many reviewers love the vibrant, colorful cartoon style with smooth animations. The hand-drawn visuals and clever color coordination are especially appreciated.
- Great music and soundtrack (weight 0.21): The soundtrack is consistently described as good, beautiful, and fitting the dreamlike fairy-tale setting. Though some find it merely decent, the overall reception is positive.
- Well-paced and fair difficulty (weight 0.2): Difficulty starts easy and ramps up smoothly, with a fair progression that is approachable yet satisfying. It avoids being frustratingly hard while remaining moderately challenging.
- Excellent level design and variety (weight 0.17): Level design is praised for its creativity, variety, and rewarding exploration with collectibles and upgrades. The complexity is layered nicely, offering unique challenges per level.
- Satisfying challenging boss fights (weight 0.13): Boss fights are frequently described as intense, exciting, and satisfying in difficulty and design. They provide a good challenge that feels fair.
- Engaging and mysterious story (weight 0.13): The narrative is often described as mysterious, engaging, and full of interesting twists. It adds a pleasant layer to the overall experience.
- Character switching adds tactical depth (weight 0.13): The ability to switch between different Aegis forms (knight, mage, archer) adds strategy and variety to gameplay. This mechanic keeps combat and puzzles fresh.
- Pleasant gameplay and platforming (weight 0.09): Platforming is simple yet enjoyable, offering varied and skill-testing challenges without being excessively hard. The overall gameplay is pleasant and good.
- Tight and responsive controls (weight 0.08): The basic controls are tight, responsive, and feel great and fluid. This contributes to a smooth platforming experience.
- Metroidvania-style exploration (weight 0.06): Gradual unlocking of new abilities and Metroidvania elements encourage exploration and backtracking. This structure is well-received for enhancing progression.
- Narrator voice enhances atmosphere (weight 0.05): The narrator's voice adds a special touch and enhances the fairy-tale atmosphere. This unique feature is fondly noted by players.
- Acceptable story, though not outstanding (weight 0.05): Some find the story just alright or acceptable, lacking the depth or impact of the gameplay. It is seen as serviceable but not a standout feature.

Common complaints:
- Clunky, Uncomfortable Controls (weight 0.22): Controls are frequently criticized as clunky, awkward, or uncomfortable. Players report poor responsiveness and significant problems with general control feel.
- Unreliable Jumping Mechanics (weight 0.21): Jumping is inconsistent: the same input sometimes produces a short jump and sometimes a full jump without clear indication. Holding the jump button does not reliably yield a higher jump, and the auto-jump on landing is irritating.
- Boring, Unengaging Story (weight 0.18): Many players describe the story as boring, uninteresting, or bland. Some note it is long-winded and drags down the overall experience.
- Bad Key Bindings (weight 0.12): Key bindings are considered terrible and awkwardly arranged, with complaints about specific poor choices like A and E for page turning. The inability to customize them makes the issue worse.
- Frustrating, Tedious Gameplay (weight 0.1): Players find the game tiring and frustrating, with gameplay that becomes tedious and irritating over time. This is especially pronounced in later sections.
- Confusing Story (weight 0.1): The story becomes hard to understand and follow, with some finding it too long and difficult to grasp. Confusion persists until the very end.
- Poor Game Feel (weight 0.08): The overall game feel and handling are terrible, with clunky and unsmooth gameplay. This contributes to a generally unpleasant experience.
- Ending Never Resolved (weight 0.08): The game ends on a cliffhanger suggesting a sequel, but no sequel has materialized after 10 years. The open ending leaves the story unresolved.
- Difficult, Repetitive Platforming (weight 0.08): Platforming sections are difficult and become repetitive with increasing difficulty. Many players find the platforming worse as the game progresses.
- Simplistic Combat (weight 0.08): Combat is average and relies on constant button spamming with no combos. It is described as mediocre, simplistic, and underwhelming.
- Uneven Difficulty (weight 0.08): The difficulty progression is uneven and absurd, particularly in later sections. Players find the curve jarring and poorly balanced.
- Language Settings Not Saved (weight 0.08): Players must reset the language to Japanese every time the game launches. The settings are not saved, forcing repeated reconfiguration.

Gameplay feedback:
- 2D side-scrolling action platformer (weight 0.34): Players consistently describe the game as a 2D side-scrolling action platformer with jumping, combat, and upgrades. It is primarily a platformer with melee attacks, shielding, and moving platforms.
- Hidden secrets and collectibles (weight 0.27): Levels contain hidden secrets and collectibles to find, including memory collectibles and glowing characters. Collecting everything may require replaying levels.
- Difficult boss fights require skill (weight 0.19): Boss fights are a core mechanic and require memorization, careful timing, and developing tactics. They are considered difficult and often demand multiple attempts.
- Character switching between three forms (weight 0.19): Players can switch between three characters or forms: Warrior, Archer, and Thief/Mage. This real-time switching is a core mechanic.
- Precision platforming and combat (weight 0.19): The game features precision platforming sequences, vertical sections, and deliberate sword combat. Levels are designed around platforming challenges with varied mechanics.
- Platformer with metroidvania elements (weight 0.17): The game blends platforming with metroidvania elements, including some exploration and ability gating. It is described as a platformer with a bit of metroidvania.
- Progressive difficulty curve (weight 0.16): The game features a smooth difficulty progression, with bosses and levels getting harder as you advance. Difficulty increases with each level and area.
- Skills unlock progressively (weight 0.15): Players unlock new skills and mechanics over time as the story progresses. Characters and abilities unlock sequentially, improving mobility and combat options.
- Platforming with ability switching (weight 0.12): Platforming sections involve jumping, dodging, and switching abilities at the right time to progress. Difficulty increases with each level.
- Controls are critical to success (weight 0.12): The game's controls are a core mechanic and are considered critical to the experience. Some players find the controls awkward, but they can make or break the game.
- Multi-chapter side-scrolling platformer (weight 0.11): The game is structured as a multi-chapter side-scrolling platformer with linear progression. It is divided into areas and levels.
- Levels are fairly easy (weight 0.11): Some players find the game relatively easy, with levels that are not very hard. However, difficulty can increase when going for 100% completion.
- Jumping is a core mechanic (weight 0.1): Platform jumping is a central mechanic, with jumping focused gameplay and precision platforming sequences. Double jump is unlocked as an ability.
- No missable items, backtracking allowed (weight 0.1): Nothing is permanently missable, and players can return to previous levels to collect missed items and beat completion records. Backtracking is possible for collectibles.
- Multiple weapon types (weight 0.1): There are several weapon types, including sword, bow, and staff, with variations like normal, nature, and fire. Combat involves sword swings and shield defense.
- Story told as bedtime story (weight 0.07): The narrative is presented as a parent telling a story to a child, like a bedtime story. This framing is a distinctive feature.
- Well-crafted level design (weight 0.06): The level design is praised as well-crafted, with a mix of platforming challenges and combat encounters. The game is divided into areas and levels.
- No shield block mid-air (weight 0.05): Players cannot block in midair, which can make aerial combat more challenging. This limitation is noted in feedback.
- Save points and checkpoints (weight 0.05): The game has save points and checkpoints, allowing players to progress without losing too much progress. This is a standard feature.
- Slow camera movement (weight 0.05): Some players note that the camera movement is slow, which can affect the pacing. This is a minor issue.

Performance notes:
- Severe input lag issues (weight 0.14): Multiple reports describe significant input delay and unresponsiveness, including a 0.5-second delay on attacks and jumps. These problems make gameplay frustrating and lead to frequent deaths.
- Frequent crashes and freezes (weight 0.08): Players report crashes during the opening animation and frequent freezes that make the game unresponsive. This severely impacts the ability to play.
- Lag and performance problems (weight 0.08): The game suffers from poor optimization, terrible lag, and occasional lag causing delayed character responses. This affects overall playability.
- Minor physics and hitbox issues (weight 0.05): Some players note minor hitbox or physics inaccuracies, such as jumps not completing, which can affect precision platforming.
- Linux framerate cap (weight 0.03): On Linux, the framerate is capped at 60Hz/fps, limiting performance for users on that platform.
- Stable performance for some (weight 0.03): Despite widespread issues, some users report stable performance with no crashes or major bugs. This suggests the problems may not affect everyone equally.
- Minor lag with Xbox 360 (weight 0.03): One user experienced only a handful of lag instances with an Xbox 360 controller, indicating that lag may be less severe for some configurations.

Recommendations:
- Too frustrating or difficult for some (weight 0.21): Some players find the game not worth finishing or too demanding, with challenging platforming and uneven difficulty. It may not suit those seeking a relaxing experience.
- Not recommended for purchase (weight 0.2): Several reviewers explicitly do not recommend buying or playing the game. They advise against it for most potential buyers.
- Worth a try despite flaws (weight 0.2): Some reviewers consider it worth giving a chance or a try, even if it's not perfect. It may still offer some enjoyment for open-minded players.
- Recommended for platformer fans (weight 0.16): Many reviewers strongly recommend the game to enthusiasts of the platformer genre, noting upgrades and solid design. It is seen as a safe pick for those who already enjoy 2D action-platformers.
- Suitable for casuals and children (weight 0.15): The game is recommended especially for casual players, younger audiences, and those new to gaming. Its simple and approachable nature appeals to less experienced players.
- Worth the price / good value (weight 0.11): Many find the game worth its price, with some saying it's cheap and offers good entertainment for the cost. The price is considered reasonable for the content.
- Light or non-demanding platformer (weight 0.11): The game is recommended for those wanting a light action-platformer or a not-too-demanding experience. It appeals to players looking for something easygoing.
- Not for hardcore or experienced players (weight 0.11): Experienced platformer players may find it too simple or not challenging enough. It's better suited for beginners or casual audiences.
- Puzzle and platformer hybrid appeal (weight 0.1): Fans of puzzle-platformers like Rayman and those who enjoy parkour puzzle-solving will find a lot to like. The game blends platforming with puzzle elements.
- Outclassed by better platformers (weight 0.1): Reviewers note that many better 2D platformers and metroidvanias exist, making this one hard to recommend unless you're really into the genre. Specific alternatives like Nine Sols, Gato Roboto, and Hollow Knight are mentioned.
- Narrative and art praised (weight 0.1): Players appreciate the emotional story, beautiful art, and symbolic storytelling. Those who value narrative-driven indie games will likely enjoy it.
- Mixed or on the fence recommendation (weight 0.09): Some reviewers are on the fence or only recommend it with reservations, such as if you have nothing else to play. It's not a universal recommendation.
- Strong general recommendation (weight 0.08): A significant number of reviewers simply recommend the game to everyone without specific caveats. This broad positivity suggests a generally satisfying experience for most players.
- Jumping controls heavily criticized (weight 0.06): Reviewers strongly dislike the jumping controls, stating they cannot tolerate an entire platformer with this feel. Some say such a game should not be sold.
- Tactical combat and challenge balance (weight 0.05): The game is recommended for those who value tactical character switching in combat and are ready for challenges without hardcore grinding. It offers a balanced difficulty for some.

Other player notes:
- Comparisons to Other Platformers (weight 0.24): Reviewers compare the game to various platformers such as Ori and the Blind Forest, Mega Man, Castlevania, and Super Meat Boy. Some find it lacking, while others note its unique feel.
- Free Acquisition Dominates Feedback (weight 0.24): A large portion of reviewers obtained the game for free, including permanent free copies, limited-time free promotions, and free keys from merchants. This suggests the game's reception may be heavily influenced by its free availability.
- Ending Hints at Sequel (weight 0.21): Multiple reviewers note that the ending feels like a sequel was planned, ending on a cliffhanger or leaving room for a potential Pankapu 2. Some express uncertainty about whether a sequel will ever materialize.
- Achievement Completion Time (weight 0.21): Reviewers report varying times to complete all achievements, ranging from about 15 to 20 hours, with some noting it takes around 10-12 hours to clear the game. The achievements are described as simple but may require some grinding.
- Price and Value Concerns (weight 0.21): At $12 with DLC raising the total to $19, some reviewers feel the game is overpriced compared to other titles like Hollow Knight and Undertale. However, others consider it a fair price, especially when on sale.
- Short Playtime (weight 0.17): The game is relatively short, with playtimes ranging from 3 to 15 hours depending on completion level. Some reviewers note it can be fully completed in around 6-8 hours, with 100% taking about 10-15 hours.
- Episodic Release Criticized (weight 0.17): The game is sold in episodes, with the second episode as paid DLC, which some reviewers criticize as poor practice for a platformer. The DLC is seen as a remnant of the original episode split rather than a continuation.
- Story Incomplete or Mediocre (weight 0.13): Several reviewers feel the story is not fully told, may be incomplete, or is mediocre. Some mention a simple story aimed at a younger audience, while others note the story is properly localized but has untranslated parts.
- Controller Issues on PC (weight 0.13): Some PC players experience poor controller input, though enabling Steam Input reportedly fixes the issue. The game works fine on Switch and Xbox, and supports various controllers including Xbox and PlayStation.
- Too Kind Studio Info (weight 0.12): The game is developed by Too Kind Studio and published by Dear Villagers, a French studio. It is their only project, and the developer has stated they plan no DLC for Pankapu, working instead on a sequel.
- Japanese Localization Issues (weight 0.11): Japanese subtitles are available, but the language must be set to Japanese every time the game launches, and some parts remain untranslated. This localization issue is noted by multiple reviewers.
- Dream Mythology Story (weight 0.09): The story involves dream mythology, with a fairy tale told by a father to his son featuring Pankapu the dream guardian. Collecting upgrades reveals more of the story, which is simple but charming.
- Controls and Camera Suggestions (weight 0.09): Some reviewers suggest a more open camera view and note that the game recommends playing with a controller. The controls are compared to games from 10-20 years ago, which had better controls.
- Antivirus False Positives (weight 0.05): Antivirus false positives, including Trojan warnings, are a known issue discussed in the community since 2024. This can cause concern for players but is likely a false positive.
- Negative Free Promotion Backlash (weight 0.03): The game received a wave of negative reviews after it was temporarily free, possibly from users who obtained it for free but were not satisfied. This may have impacted the game's overall rating.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.24): Players are frustrated by bad controls and jumping mechanics, including unresponsive inputs, inconsistent jump behavior, and issues with keyboard and gamepad support. Difficulty spikes, unfair enemy placement, and poorly designed boss fights add to the frustration, leading to frequent deaths and a sense of unfairness. Technical issues like lag, crashes, and input delays further compound the problem.
- Disappointment (weight 0.15): Disappointment stems from the game failing to meet expectations, with clunky controls, shallow combat, and a bland story. Many found the level design repetitive and the difficulty uneven, while technical issues like input lag and camera problems prevented full enjoyment. The game's potential was overshadowed by these flaws, leaving players unsatisfied.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): Players enjoyed the fun class-switching mechanics, beautiful art style, and engaging platforming. The game's progression, boss fights, and collectibles provided satisfaction, and the music and visuals added to the pleasant experience. Many found it a charming and entertaining platformer.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.06): Satisfaction comes from overcoming the game's challenges, completing collectibles, and experiencing well-balanced difficulty. The combat and platforming felt rewarding, and the sense of accomplishment from beating the game or achieving 100% completion left players with a positive impression.
- Boredom (weight 0.06): Boredom arises from repetitive gameplay, a tedious intro, and an uninteresting story. The platforming and combat lack depth, making the experience feel dull and unengaging. Many found the game too simplistic and lacking in excitement.
- Annoyance (weight 0.05): Annoyance is caused by awkward controls, poor level design, and technical issues like language settings resetting and controller skipping dialogue. Unfair mechanics, such as dying due to jump control issues or progress not saving, also contribute to the irritation.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Appreciation focuses on the game's visual style, music, and storytelling. The beautiful art direction, atmospheric soundtrack, and emotional resonance were highlighted as standout features that made the experience memorable.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger is driven by bad game design choices, such as long recovery times, unfair level design, and poor controls. The forced darkness, terrible jumping system, and overpriced content further infuriated players, leading to strong negative reactions.
- Mild disappointment (weight 0.02): Mild disappointment stems from an incomplete story, an open ending, and some music and art that felt out of place. The difficulty spike and repetitive level structure also left players with a sense of missed potential.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.02): Dissatisfaction arises from imperfect controls, poor hit feel, and unrewarding combat. The forced collectibles and uninteresting exploration made the gameplay feel lacking, failing to fully engage players.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Surprise comes from the game exceeding low expectations, with unexpected difficulty and a compelling story. Many were pleasantly surprised by its quality, especially given initial impressions of a generic mobile game.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest is sparked by the game's familiar yet engaging mechanics, the second half's improvement, and the intriguing development story. The ability to revisit levels with new abilities added to the appeal.
- Mild annoyance (weight 0.01): Mild annoyance is caused by minor issues like a strange camera, stiff action, and a persistent crosshair bug. The small font in the encyclopedia and occasional loss of focus also contributed.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from unclear game mechanics, such as taking damage from stunned monsters, and an ambiguous target audience. The story's complexity and lack of clear icons added to the bewilderment.
- Excitement (weight 0.01): Excitement is generated by intense boss fights, increasing challenge, and the prospect of a sequel. The tactical combat and visible personal progress kept players engaged and eager for more.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust is caused by poor physics, ugly graphics, and floaty controls with input lag. The overall terrible quality of the game repulsed some players.
- Mixed feelings (weight 0.01): Mixed feelings result from a polarizing ending and a story that is primitive and sometimes illogical with plot holes. Players liked some aspects but disliked others, leading to ambivalence.
- Discomfort (weight 0.01): Discomfort stems from core gameplay mechanics feeling unsatisfying and controls that are uncomfortable, especially with keyboard input causing physical pain. The overall experience was uneasy for some.
- Delight (weight 0.01): Delight is brought by the gorgeous art style, charming world, and captivating melodies. Discovering a great, lesser-known game added to the joy.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Admiration is felt for the beautiful platformer with fitting soundtracks, gorgeous visuals, and dream-like play. The developers' achievement in creating such a stunning game earned high praise.}