Info about Abiotic Factor:

Official game description:
Roadmap
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About the Game
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Home to the world's greatest minds, GATE operates a global network of secretive research laboratories, spanning every field of scientific study - and the realms beyond.  
As a GATE employee you extend the bounds of human knowledge, and seek to explain the unexplainable - including anomalies and paranormal entities: from gravity-distorting artifacts to supernatural creatures with an unbridled instinct for violence. Safety, security, and secrecy are of the utmost importance… usually.  
After a catastrophic containment breach, your workplace has become a cosmic battle zone: anomalous entities are on the loose, enemies from other dimensions are invading via portals, and an arcane military sect - known as The Order - is targeting personnel and entities indiscriminately, aiming to seize artifacts and put an end to the chaos.  
Containment procedures have failed and help isn’t on the way. Stranded miles beneath the surface, it’s up to you and your fellow scientists to band together, plan your escape, and make this underground complex your new home - for now.  
**Abiotic Factor brings a 90’s sci-fi twist and rich character progression to the multiplayer open world survival crafting genre.** Up to 6 players can choose their PHDs, build their scientist, gear up, and explore a massive subterranean complex, filled with supernatural artifacts, transdimensional foes, and science experiments gone awry.  
Between alien threats hunting their next meal, trigger happy soldiers, and the world’s most advanced robotic security forces attacking personnel working overtime, there’s no shortage of danger. As a scientist, fighting isn’t your forte, so you’ll need to put your PHD to work to outwit your opponents: craft ingenious and outlandish tools, weapons and gear, from simple nets and wooden bats to laser-cannons and elaborate traps - everything your big science brain can muster!  
Make yourself at home - you’re here for the long haul. Scavenge resources from vacant offices and empty labs, raid vending machines, and steal company property to build a new base of operations as you explore the facility. When it’s time for a change of scenery, pack up your belongings and move them across the facility using handcarts, forklifts, SUVs, teleporters, and more.  
Don your lab coat and earn your PhD: from Plant Geneticist to Defense Analyst and Structural Engineer (and many, many more), each with its own advantages essential to survival. Combine traits and skills, then level up to earn perks and abilities with your fellow scientists to forge a formidable scientific force.  
Working at GATE may have been a dream job, but dying here wasn’t part of your five year plan. Explore this massive underground facility as well as many worlds beyond and take full advantage of the most advanced technology unknown to mankind in this interdimensional sci-fi adventure!

Release date: 2 May, 2024

Categories: Survival, Crafting, Base Building, Cooperative Multiplayer, Open-World Exploration, Resource Management, Character Progression, Character Customization


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


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:
- Addictive, deep gameplay loop (weight 0.81): The game features an engaging gameplay loop with balanced crafting, resource management, and exploration. The crafting system is well-designed, rewarding, and integrated with the game's story and setting. The game avoids tedious grinding and offers a wealth of content, customization options, and quality-of-life features.
- Rewarding exploration, intricate level design (weight 0.73): The game features a well-designed, interconnected map that rewards exploration and offers a sense of discovery. The level design is intricate and varied, with each area offering unique challenges, enemies, and resources. The game's world feels alive and immersive, with a compelling narrative and lore that expands on an engrossing original universe.
- Responsive devs, frequent updates (weight 0.66): The developers are highly responsive to player feedback, consistently updating the game with new content, quality-of-life improvements, and bug fixes. The game feels complete and polished, even in Early Access, and the developers demonstrate a clear passion for their work.
- Nostalgic Half-Life/SCP inspiration (weight 0.45): The game's atmosphere, visual style, and narrative draw heavily from classic games like Half-Life and the SCP Foundation lore, creating a nostalgic yet unique experience. This blend of familiar elements with original content enhances the game's immersion and appeal.
- Engaging story, humorous tone (weight 0.15): The game features a well-written and engaging story with a humorous tone, charismatic characters, and intriguing lore. The voice acting is enjoyable, and the story is told with charisma and intelligence, mixing tension and comedy in a balanced way.
- Flexible, enjoyable base building (weight 0.13): The game offers flexible and enjoyable base-building mechanics, allowing players to construct bases in various locations using gathered resources. The ability to personalize bases with furniture and decorations adds to the fun and immersion.
- Appealing graphics, rich detail (weight 0.12): The game has appealing graphics and a high level of detail, with a unique art style that contributes to the overall atmosphere. The game prioritizes content and gameplay over visual fidelity, offering a rich and immersive experience.
- Dynamic day/night cycle, customization (weight 0.07): The game features a day/night cycle that significantly changes the feeling of areas, with power outages plunging locations into darkness and adding a horror element. The game also offers extensive customization of the game server, allowing players to tailor the experience to their preferences.
- Unique setting, science-based survival (weight 0.07): The game is set in a unique high-tech underground research facility, with a focus on science-based survival elements. Resources respawn in alternate dimensions, and players can craft weapons and equipment from basic materials.
- Well-executed, innovative survival game (weight 0.06): Abiotic Factor is a well-executed survival-crafting game that rewards various playstyles, especially in multiplayer. The game offers constant new content and mechanics with every small advancement, and blends survival, crafting, action/combat, and a story-rich environment.
- Detailed accessibility, customization (weight 0.05): The game includes detailed accessibility settings, such as a misophonia section with volume sliders for different sound categories. The game also offers options to tweak the experience, including disabling the need for food and water.
- Creative, improvised crafting system (weight 0.05): Players can craft weapons like a crossbow from plastic and office rubber bands. The game allows crafting of various weapons from garbage, and players can craft armor using magazines, food trays, buckets, and duct tape.
- Systems-driven, rewards learning (weight 0.05): The game is systems-driven, requiring players to learn and engage with the world's rules. The game provides an ample suite of tools to devise solutions and circumvent problematic situations, and each game session offers a new opportunity to explore, adapt, and evolve.

Common complaints:
- Technical issues and poor optimization (weight 0.55): The game suffers from numerous technical issues.  These include poor optimization leading to frame rate drops and stuttering, as well as bugs, glitches, and occasional crashes.  These issues detract from the overall gameplay experience.
- Poor combat and weapon balance (weight 0.37): The game suffers from poor combat balancing.  Enemies are damage sponges, ammo is scarce, weapons are weak and break quickly, and ranged combat is unsatisfying. This makes combat tedious and frustrating, especially in solo play.
- Slow and grindy progression (weight 0.36): The game features a slow and grindy progression system.  Leveling skills and unlocking new weapons and armor requires excessive grinding, with minimal impact on player power.  This makes the game feel repetitive and unrewarding.
- Lacks content and replayability (weight 0.29): The game lacks content and replayability.  Some areas feel empty and unfinished, and the story feels lacking.  The linearity of the game and fixed enemy spawns reduce the desire to play a second time.
- Poor map and lack of guidance (weight 0.28): The game lacks a useful map and provides poor guidance.  The map is often confusing and doesn't show the player's location, making navigation difficult.  This leads to aimless wandering and frustration.
- Limited and flawed base building (weight 0.08): Base building is limited and flawed.  The game lacks a snap grid and precise placement tools, making it difficult to create well-organized bases.  Additionally, enemies can spawn inside bases, and base raids are uninspired.
- Cumbersome inventory management (weight 0.05): The game suffers from cumbersome inventory management.  Limited inventory space, low stack sizes, and a dual weight/slot system make looting and sorting items a chore.  This is exacerbated by the large number of items in the game.
- Annoying Leyak enemy mechanic (weight 0.04): The Leyak enemy is an annoying and disruptive mechanic.  Its frequent spawns and near-instant kill ability force players to constantly interrupt their gameplay.  This mechanic is widely disliked and detracts from the overall experience.
- Poor writing and art style (weight 0.03): The game suffers from poor writing and art style.  The writing is often sarcastic and undermines the atmosphere.  The art style is unappealing and resembles older games.
- Genre tropes disliked by reviewer (weight 0.02): The reviewer expresses a general dislike for the survival crafting genre.  While they found some aspects of the game enjoyable, they ultimately felt that it suffered from the same issues as other games in the genre.
- Unwanted horror elements (weight 0.02): The game has horror elements that may not appeal to all players.  Some players may find the game too scary or anxiety-inducing.  Additionally, the game lacks accessibility options for specific fears.

Gameplay feedback:
- Exploration in a science facility (weight 0.43): The game is set in a science facility after a disaster, drawing inspiration from Half-Life and SCP. Players take on the role of a scientist and must explore the interconnected facility, uncover its secrets, and ultimately escape, encountering anomalies, creatures, and military factions along the way. The map is meticulously designed, not procedurally generated, which allows for environmental storytelling and structured gameplay.
- Scavenging and crafting for progression (weight 0.37): The core gameplay loop revolves around exploration, resource gathering, and crafting. Players scavenge for materials within the facility, often repurposing mundane objects like office supplies, to create tools, weapons, and equipment necessary for survival and progression. New crafting recipes are often unlocked by discovering new items and resources.
- Skills improve through use (weight 0.35): The game features RPG-like character progression with skills that improve through use, similar to Skyrim or Project Zomboid. Players can specialize in various skills like crafting, combat, or farming, unlocking new abilities and recipes as they level up. This system allows for diverse character builds and playstyles.
- Base building in existing structures (weight 0.32): Base building is a key element, allowing players to establish a safe haven within the facility. Unlike traditional survival games, base construction often involves repurposing existing structures and furniture, and requires managing power and defending against enemy incursions. The game encourages creative use of the environment for base design.
- Character customization and specialization (weight 0.1): The game offers a variety of character customization options, allowing players to create unique roles and playstyles. A trait system, inspired by Project Zomboid, balances advantages and disadvantages, while class selection and skill trees further enhance character specialization. This system encourages replayability and allows players to tailor their experience to their preferred playstyle.
- Interconnected map rewards exploration (weight 0.08): The game world features a complex, interconnected map with shortcuts and multiple routes, reminiscent of Dark Souls or Metroidvanias. Exploration is rewarded with the discovery of secrets, puzzles, and shortcuts that enhance traversal and provide a sense of accomplishment. The level design encourages players to think creatively and use all available tools to overcome challenges.
- Managing basic human needs (weight 0.07): The game incorporates survival mechanics such as hunger, thirst, sleep, and even the need to use the toilet. These needs must be managed to avoid negative consequences, adding a layer of realism and challenge to the gameplay. Some of these mechanics, like the 'pooping minigame', add a quirky and humorous element to the experience.
- Story told through environmental details (weight 0.02): The game features a story told through emails, journal entries, and interactions with scientists. While the main objectives are clear, the details of what needs to be done are often vague, requiring players to explore and investigate to uncover clues. The game's structure is linear, but the facility's complex layout requires players to memorize the map.

Performance notes:
- Good Linux compatibility (Proton) (weight 0.01): The game runs well on Linux through Proton, though some pop-in may occur on the Steam Deck. This indicates decent compatibility with the Linux operating system.
- Reliable dedicated server functionality (weight 0.01): The dedicated server functionality is reported to be reliable and easy to set up, even on modest hardware. The developers are also quick to address any issues that arise, contributing to a positive server experience.
- Buggy physics system (weight 0): The game's physics system can be buggy, causing loot to spill and the disc-thrower to break the aiming animation. These physics-related issues can negatively impact the gameplay experience.
- Buggy power node networks (weight 0): Power node networks can be buggy for non-host players, causing devices at the base to appear unpowered. This issue can disrupt the gameplay experience for players who are not hosting the game.
- Inadequate controller support (weight 0): Controller support is currently inadequate but is reportedly being improved. This suggests that the developers are aware of the issue and are working on providing a better controller experience.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended, unique survival experience (weight 0.97): The game is overwhelmingly recommended by reviewers, many of whom consider it a standout title in the survival crafting genre. Reviewers praise its unique blend of gameplay elements, engaging story, and immersive world, often highlighting its potential to become a classic. Many suggest it is GOTY material.
- Better with friends (co-op) (weight 0.78): While enjoyable solo, the game is frequently praised as an exceptional co-op experience, enhancing the fun and chaotic nature of the gameplay. Teamwork and shared discovery are key elements that make playing with friends highly recommended.
- Excellent value for the price (weight 0.71): Many reviewers feel the game's current price is a steal, with some stating they would gladly pay significantly more for the experience it offers. This sentiment reflects a strong belief in the game's value and quality relative to its cost.
- Excited for future updates (weight 0.65): Many reviewers express excitement for the game's future, particularly the upcoming 1.0 release and planned content updates. This anticipation reflects a positive outlook on the game's ongoing development and potential for further improvement.
- Customize sandbox settings (weight 0.56): Some reviewers suggest adjusting the game's sandbox settings to customize the difficulty and experience. This includes increasing XP gains, loot settings, or starting on the hardest difficulty for experienced players.
- Performance varies by setup (weight 0.48): Some reviewers note that the game runs well on mid-range PCs, while others recommend playing the DirectX 11 version. This suggests that performance may vary depending on the player's hardware and settings.
- Mixed reactions to specific updates (weight 0.46): Some reviewers mention specific updates, such as the 'Dark Energy' update, and express excitement for new content. However, one reviewer notes that the 'Dark Energy' update negatively impacted their experience, indicating that not all updates are universally praised.
- Long early access development cycle (weight 0.44): Some reviewers mention the game's early access roadmap, which includes new areas, items, and enemies, progressing towards the goal of escaping the facility. One reviewer notes that the game may not be finished for at least three years, indicating a potentially long development cycle.
- Play without spoilers (weight 0.43): Some reviewers recommend going into the game blind to preserve the element of surprise and discovery. This suggests that the game has a compelling story and unique elements that are best experienced firsthand.
- Recommended for SCP fans (weight 0.39): The game is recommended for players interested in SCP, with some reviewers suggesting that the game is like SCP Containment Breach set in Black Mesa. This indicates that the game captures the essence of the SCP universe.
- Potential to become a classic (weight 0.39): Some reviewers believe the game has the potential to become a classic, indicating a high level of praise and confidence in its lasting appeal.

Other player notes:
- Extensive lore in research facility (weight 0.1): The game features a substantial amount of lore and content, set within a large, interconnected research facility (Gate Cascade) where players take on the role of scientists. The story unfolds as players explore, discover journal entries, and interact with the environment, with the goal of escaping after a catastrophic incident.
- Active Early Access development (weight 0.07): The game is currently in Early Access (as of September 2024), with developers actively providing updates, bug fixes, and new content based on a public roadmap.  The game already contains a significant amount of playable content and feels nearly complete, with more updates planned.
- Blends horror and humor (weight 0.02): The game blends sci-fi horror elements with well-executed humor, creating a unique and engaging tone. The sound design enhances the atmosphere, with eerie soundscapes and humorous voiceovers contributing to the overall experience.
- Clear progression, transparent development (weight 0.02): The game features a well-thought-out player progression system with a clear end goal and a skill tree. The developers are transparent about their development process, sharing a roadmap of upcoming content and engaging with the community.
- References to other games/media (weight 0.01): The game contains numerous references, easter eggs, and parodies of other iconic games and geek culture, spanning multiple decades. This adds an extra layer of enjoyment for players who recognize and appreciate these nods to other works.
- Subjective, humorous anecdotes (weight 0.01): This cluster contains subjective and humorous anecdotes from reviewers, such as finding corn amusing or making lighthearted comments. While entertaining, these points lack specific feedback and are not broadly applicable.
- Mix of immersive sim/survival (weight 0.01): The game is described as a mix of immersive sim and survival crafting elements, combining mystery, story, and anomalous events. This blend of genres creates a unique gameplay experience.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.35): Players are highly satisfied with the game's overall quality, especially its successful blend of genres like survival, crafting, and horror, often exceeding expectations. The 1.0 release and continuous, meaningful updates from developers have significantly improved the game, adding depth through well-designed base building, exploration, and a compelling story, making it a valuable and engaging experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.17): Excitement stems from the game's engaging exploration, rich world-building, and the anticipation of future updates, particularly the 1.0 release. Players are thrilled by the endless possibilities in crafting, the unique setting, and the game's ability to consistently deliver new content and discoveries, making each playthrough feel fresh and rewarding.
- Joy (weight 0.1): Joy is primarily driven by the game's fun and unique gameplay, especially when experienced in co-op with friends, leading to memorable and often humorous moments. The engaging crafting progression, sense of discovery, and the game's overall charm contribute to a highly enjoyable and addictive experience that players eagerly return to.
- Frustration (weight 0.08): Frustration arises from various technical and design issues, including poor 1.0 release execution, frequent crashes, and performance problems like frame drops. Players also experience frustration with tedious grind, unbalanced combat (especially in solo play), unclear progression, and inconvenient inventory/map management, which detract from the overall experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.05): Disappointment is linked to the game's technical issues, such as crashes and poor optimization, particularly on specific platforms or after updates. Players also express disappointment with the late-game experience, perceived lack of depth in certain systems, and design choices that deviate from initial expectations or marketing, leading to a less enjoyable experience than anticipated.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciate the developers' dedication, consistent updates, and responsiveness to community feedback, which have significantly improved the game's quality of life features. The game's unique art style, thematic depth, and clever blend of inspirations (especially Half-Life) are also highly valued, showcasing the developers' passion and skill.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Admiration is directed towards the game's exceptional quality, thoughtful level design, and innovative approach within its genre, often comparing it favorably to AAA titles. Players are impressed by the developers' passion, craftsmanship, and consistent updates, which contribute to a deep, polished, and captivating experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.04): Players find enjoyment in the game's engaging combat, rewarding crafting, and extensive exploration, particularly when playing with friends. The game's unique blend of genres, compelling atmosphere, and well-designed progression contribute to a consistently fun and immersive experience, whether playing solo or cooperatively.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Amusement is generated by the game's unique humor, quirky gameplay mechanics (like the defecation system), and unexpected, often chaotic, player interactions in co-op. The game's creative item usage and humorous references also contribute to a lighthearted and entertaining experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Players are surprised by the game's unexpected depth, quality, and engaging nature, especially if they typically dislike the survival genre or had initial skepticism about an Early Access title. The vast amount of content, intricate map design, and unexpected plot developments contribute to a consistently surprising and rewarding experience.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game stems from its unique blend of genres, particularly its Half-Life inspired survival elements, and its overall high quality. Players are deeply connected to the game's story, atmosphere, and unique items, finding it a truly special and enjoyable experience.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation is driven by the desire for future content, particularly the upcoming 1.0 update and subsequent chapters, which promise a more complete and refined experience. Players are eager to see how the story unfolds and how new features and progression changes will enhance their long-term engagement.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is evoked by the game's strong resemblance to classic titles like Half-Life and Portal, particularly in its art style, atmosphere, and voice acting. This homage to older gaming experiences creates a familiar and comforting feeling for players who grew up with these influences.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is centered on the potential for future improvements, especially regarding performance optimization and addressing existing bugs. Players are optimistic that active developers will continue to listen to feedback and implement new features, ensuring the game's long-term success and refinement.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is expressed through strong recommendations and a desire to share the game with others, particularly fans of exploration and survival crafting. Players are excited by the game's overall quality, unique theme, and the continuous sense of discovery and progression it offers.
- Addiction (weight 0.01): Addiction is a result of the game's highly engaging and compelling gameplay loop, which encourages continuous play and exploration. Players find themselves unable to stop playing due to the game's depth and the rewarding nature of its core mechanics.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger arises from significant gameplay frustrations, including imbalanced combat, unclear progression, and unfair mechanics like the Leyak enemy. Players are also angered by loss of progress, immediate enemy respawns, and perceived poor developer/publisher decisions that negatively impact their enjoyment.
- Fear (weight 0.01): Fear is primarily caused by the game's effective horror elements, including jumpscares, monster types, and the sense of isolation, especially when playing solo or during in-game power outages. The game's atmosphere and sound design contribute significantly to this feeling of tension and dread.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is driven by the game's addictive gameplay loop, compelling story, and challenging survival mechanics. Players are deeply immersed in the game's lore, puzzles, and exploration, finding it difficult to put down due to its diverse content and rewarding systems.
- Awe (weight 0.01): Awe is inspired by the game's exceptional level design, vast world-building, and stunning environments, particularly the interconnectedness of its maps and the discovery of unique portal worlds. Players are impressed by the scope, atmosphere, and overall craftsmanship, considering it a standout in the survival crafting genre.}