Info about Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection:

Official game description:
Pilot, treasure hunter, and courier Ragna Valentine lives a life of adventure flying the high skies of Granvallen. But on a routine delivery to the remote floating continent of Ilvard, he finds himself ambushed by two dragon-riding ne’er-do-wells who send his plane spiraling to the ground.  
Fortunately for Ragna, his crash was witnessed by someone in a position to do something about it: vampire princess Alwen du Moonbria. Pulling the dying Ragna from the wreckage of his plane, Alwen forms a blood contract with him, saving his life in exchange for his services as her vassal.  
Her request is far from simple – Alwen needs Ragna’s help both to recover her stolen magic, and to retake her castle, wrested from her mere weeks ago by villains unknown. Ragna’s ready to ante up, but on one condition: instead of acting as Alwen’s servant, he wants to undertake their adventure as equal partners...even though it could very well make the going tougher!  
So begins the unlikely duo’s trek across Ilvard. Along the way they’ll meet the isle’s strange and colorful residents, battle the minions of darkness, train pets, learn potent skills from a macho masked luchador, and discover the meaning of (slightly dysfunctional) friendship. Sure, the bad guys might have the upper hand, but luckily for Ragna and Alwen, they never saw a tag-team this weird coming!
FEATURES
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*   _Two Playable Characters for Tag-Team Action_  
    No need to go it alone when you’ve got the power of two on your side. Ragna roughs up foes in melee range, while Alwen fires off salvos of powerful magic or locks down enemies from afar. Switch between the two on the fly to create crazy combos!  
*   _Unique Food-Based Experience System Gives Greater Control Over Leveling_  
    Experience is gained through eating food, so you can choose to cash in immediately, or save it to trade later for food worth even more EXP. You can even beat the game at level 1...if you dare.  
*   _Strange and Quirky Setting with Strange and Quirky Characters_  
    The residents of Ilvard are a lively lot, and you can learn more about each one in your spare time as the story progresses. What’s the deal with that chain-smoking nun? Which of the three maids shirks the most work? And... is that a girl in a giant penguin costume?  
*   _Brand New, Expanded English Voices_  
    We’ve greatly expanded on the Japanese release’s voice acting, with over 2000 never-before-voiced lines bringing the twists and turns of the main story to life.

Release date: Oct 31, 2017

Categories: Action RPG, Tag Team Combat, Dungeon Crawler, Food-based Leveling, Puzzle Solving, Character Switching, Single-player Story, Retro Aesthetics

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 40; verdict: Playable with Tinkering; summary: The game requires a specific Proton version (10.0-4) to run on Linux/Steam Deck, which adds a tinkering step. Once configured, it offers a smooth experience with good controller support, though a 30fps cap on PC is noted as a minor oddity. Overall, it is playable with some initial adjustments.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews highlight that the game is best purchased on sale or when the price drops, suggesting that the full base price feels high relative to perceived value. The Japanese list price of 3090 yen (~$20) is considered steep, especially compared to cheaper alternatives from other platforms. A fair community price range centers around sale prices (often 50% off or more), leading to a typical purchase price of $5–$15.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 65.0h
  - Story completion: 26.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The 26-hour figure is directly stated as the main story completion time, providing a clear estimate for storyCompletion. The 65-hour claim represents total game completion time (including optional and endgame content), supporting gameCompletion. The 30-hour adventure time also aligns with a more optional-inclusive playthrough, but the 65-hour figure is the most concrete for full completion. No consistent evidence for typical session length or dedicated endgame hours exists; dungeon times (10-15 min) are too granular, and mentions of extra dungeons lack hour estimates, so sessionLength and endgame are set to null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection generally becomes fun after players endure a lengthy, unskippable opening sequence (approximately 1-2 hours) and get hooked into the story, though a minority find immediate enjoyment or never enjoy it.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Getting past the lengthy opening cutscenes and dialogue
  - Time to anchor: 1h 30m
  - Friction: unskippable cutscenes and dialogue; long opening sequence; repetitive early gameplay; lack of initial variety
  - Unlock drivers: access to full gameplay after prologue; getting hooked into the story; introduction of dungeon variety
  - Conditions: tolerance for lengthy unskippable dialogue; persistence through the first hour; preference for story-driven pacing; enjoyment of anime-style presentation; interest in food-based leveling system; acceptance of repetitive early patterns
- Player Archetypes:
  - Nostalgic Patron (buy)
    - Motivation: Reliving childhood memories and spreading love for an underrated classic
    - Playstyle: Emotional engagement, focused on story and atmosphere, may complete the game again for nostalgia
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Grind Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Optimizing character growth through grinding and achieving high rankings
    - Playstyle: Systematic dungeon crawling, focusing on efficiency, collecting food and items, aiming for platinum rank
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Story Explorer (buy)
    - Motivation: Discovering narrative layers and solving clever puzzles in a charming world
    - Playstyle: Methodical exploration, seeking out easter eggs, solving puzzles, and enjoying lighthearted dialogue
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: story lover
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Reluctant Recommender (no buy)
    - Motivation: Cautious about game quality and bugs; may have expected more polish
    - Playstyle: Likely finished the game but found issues that prevent wholehearted recommendation
    - 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:
- Addictive food EXP system (weight 0.39): The unique food-based EXP and exchange mechanic is called addictive, fun, and strategic, adding depth to progression.
- Cute character designs (weight 0.33): Players consistently praise the charming and well-drawn character art, citing cute designs, funny dialogues, and specific characters like Ilwen as highlights.
- Fun and engaging gameplay (weight 0.33): Multiple reviews describe the game as fun, stable, and cozy, with simple action gameplay that is both entertaining and engaging.
- Outstanding music quality (weight 0.21): The music is frequently described as incredible, outstanding, and excellent, highlighting it as a major positive aspect of the experience.
- Charming retro appeal (weight 0.21): Players note that the game remains charming and plays well even by today's standards, calling it one of the most charming games in a long time.
- Satisfying combat system (weight 0.21): Combat is responsive, fun, and varied with upgrades, offering a satisfying feel with no downtime.
- Enjoyable dungeon puzzles (weight 0.21): Dungeons are compact with good level design, featuring enjoyable puzzles and time challenges that add variety.
- Classic Falcom charm (weight 0.2): The game is praised for its pure Falcom atmosphere and quality, with many calling it a last PC masterpiece from the developer.
- Good English voice acting (weight 0.18): English voice acting is well-received, with some noting it becomes fitting after an initial adjustment period.
- Enduring fun after years (weight 0.16): Players find the game still fun to play after many years, with mechanics remaining enjoyable.
- Outstanding localization charm (weight 0.15): The localization is described as outstanding, sharp, and witty, adding significant charm to the experience.

Common complaints:
- Missing Japanese voice acting (weight 0.97): The Steam release lacks Japanese voice acting, which many players expected from a Japanese-developed game. Some players mention workarounds like manual file swaps or mods, but the absence is widely seen as a major omission.
- No Chinese localization (weight 0.67): The game lacks official Chinese subtitles or localization, disappointing Chinese-speaking players. Some rely on unofficial fan patches, which come with their own issues.
- Poor English voice acting (weight 0.51): The English voice acting is widely criticized as monotonous, poorly delivered, and mismatched with the Japanese-style game. Multiple players express strong preference for Japanese audio, calling the English performance unacceptable.
- Fan patches block achievements (weight 0.31): Using unofficial Chinese or fan translation patches disables Steam achievements and cloud saves. Players report being forced to play in English just to unlock achievements, which frustrates the community.
- Unskippable cutscenes (weight 0.28): Cutscenes and conversations are unskippable and plentiful, with no fast-forward or skip option. This is a common complaint, especially for repeated playthroughs or after crashes.
- Game crashes frequently (weight 0.26): Multiple players report crashes, including during the final boss fight and in the final hours of the game. Some crashes require replaying sections, which is frustrating.
- Repetitive gameplay loop (weight 0.16): Players describe the gameplay as simple, monotonous, and repetitive early on. The lack of variety in mechanics contributes to a feeling of tedium.
- Censored hot spring scene (weight 0.15): A hot spring scene is censored or missing in the official release, though a separate patch can restore it. This was a point of contention, especially when paired with fan patch issues.
- Mediocre combat system (weight 0.11): The combat is described as serviceable at best and off-putting at worst. It fails to impress or engage players deeply.
- Rough 3D graphics (weight 0.11): The 3D models and graphics are considered rough by modern standards, looking dated or unpolished. This affects visual immersion.
- Unsatisfying ending (weight 0.11): The ending where Ragna leaves with his sister leaves a sense of loss and disappointment. Players found it emotionally unsatisfying.

Gameplay feedback:
- Action RPG with tag-team combat (weight 0.59): The game features an action RPG system where players control two characters, one melee fighter and one mage, with real-time tag-team switching. This dual protagonist mechanic adds strategic depth to combat encounters.
- Food-based leveling system (weight 0.47): Instead of traditional experience points, the game uses a food-based progression system where eating food dropped by enemies increases character level. This unique mechanic ties resource management directly to character growth.
- Dungeon crawling with puzzles (weight 0.36): The game offers action RPG dungeon crawling that includes puzzles, treasure hunting, weapon variety, and magic. Dungeons are varied, replayable for rankings, and include vases to break and time challenges.

Performance notes:
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.29): The game crashes often, with specific triggers including final hours, teleporting to coliseum, final boss fights, and a particular dungeon floor with flying orange enemies. This is a major stability concern affecting multiple gameplay segments.
- Good performance on integrated graphics (weight 0.21): The game runs well at full HD with 60 FPS and low GPU usage, even on Intel HD4400/HD4600 integrated graphics. It also works smoothly on integrated laptop graphics with low heat.
- 30 FPS frame cap (weight 0.13): The game appears to have a 30 FPS cap on PC, with some reports of fake 60 FPS achieved through frame doubling. This frustrates players expecting higher performance.

Recommendations:
- Broad recommendation to everyone (weight 0.35): Some reviews recommend the game to a wide audience without specific qualifiers, praising it as a universally enjoyable experience. This indicates strong overall appeal.
- Language issues hinder recommendation (weight 0.28): Several reviews note the lack of Chinese localization as a major problem, recommending players find patched or alternative versions. Some suggest using fan translations or playing on other platforms.
- Highly recommended for JRPG fans (weight 0.26): Many reviewers recommend the game to fans of classic and hardcore JRPGs, particularly those who enjoy early 2000s aesthetics and Falcom's style. It is consistently praised for its charm and nostalgic appeal.
- Good for nostalgic players (weight 0.26): The game is recommended primarily for players with nostalgia for classic JRPGs or early 2000s gaming. It evokes fond memories of that era.
- Recommended for Falcom fans (weight 0.21): Reviewers highlight that fans of Falcom action-RPGs like Ys and Trails will enjoy this game. It is also recommended for newcomers to those series.
- Suitable for fans of action RPGs (weight 0.16): Reviewers point out that fans of Ys-like action RPGs will find this game appealing, especially those who enjoy grinding and responsive combat. It offers a similar but distinct experience.
- Younger audience recommendation (weight 0.13): The game is particularly recommended for younger or less experienced players, with one review suggesting it suits those under 25. This implies a simpler or more nostalgic appeal.
- Gameplay issues make it unplayable (weight 0.12): Some reviewers find the gameplay boring, with movement and combat system flaws that render the game unplayable. This leads to a strong negative recommendation.
- Recommended with reservations (weight 0.11): A few reviews give mixed recommendations, suggesting the game has niche appeal or requires patience. It is not an easy recommend for everyone.
- Play first game for context (weight 0.06): Some advise playing the first game before the second for better story context and to appreciate easter eggs. This suggests the games are connected.

Other player notes:
- Japanese voice pack extraction (weight 0.1): A player found an old physical copy and extracted Japanese voice files to replace the English ones. Another player shared a link to download pirate Japanese voice files, showing demand for original audio.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.11): Players report numerous technical issues including frequent crashes, false malware warnings, text corruption, and unskippable cutscenes. Gameplay frustrations stem from unclear puzzles, steep level scaling making enemies tedious, a fixed camera that hinders boss fights, and a lack of quality-of-life features such as event skipping. The absence of Chinese subtitles and Japanese voice acting, along with patch-related achievement problems, further compound the negative experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.1): Reviewers frequently associate the game with fond childhood memories, recalling playing it in elementary or junior high school, often with friends or cousins. The familiar BGM, visuals, and controls evoke a strong sense of returning to a beloved game from many years ago, fulfilling childhood dreams or honoring past experiences. Many express that the game remains enjoyable and excellent even after a decade or more.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.09): Players find satisfaction in the clever food-based leveling system, well-paced dungeon design, and responsive combat that feels rewarding. Completing collections like the museum, solving puzzles of appropriate difficulty, and discovering hidden details provide a strong sense of achievement. The charming world, good English voice acting, and controller support contribute to an overall fulfilling experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.07): A major source of disappointment is the lack of Japanese voice acting and Chinese localization, which many feel reduces emotional immersion and makes the game feel incomplete. Technical issues like rough 3D graphics, patch problems blocking achievements, and a 30fps cap also detract from the experience. Some find the story formulaic, the combat shallow, and endings like Ragna leaving with his sister emotionally unsatisfying.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Reviewers highlight the charming atmosphere, humorous writing, and responsive tag-team combat that allows for cool combos as key to their enjoyment. Varied enemy and dungeon designs, along with engaging boss fights and character chemistry, keep the gameplay fresh and addictive. The food leveling system, good music, and nostalgic PS1-like graphics further enhance the overall positive experience, often earning ratings around 8/10.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Players express excitement over the improved gameplay mechanics, such as the simplified maze rating, new puzzles, and enhanced magic system, as well as the fun action RPG combat. Specific events like Subaru's hot spring scene and thrilling arena battles generate strong positive reactions. The anticipation of playing more after a promising first hour and memories of epic boss fights and hidden areas contribute to the excitement.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Players admire the game's enduring charm and polished design, noting that the art style, varied environments, and memorable soundtrack remain impressive even after 15 years. The well-crafted writing, excellent character development, and detailed attention to elements like map and enemy design are praised. The game is described as a masterpiece full of heart, reminiscent of classic Ys titles.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Joy stems from revisiting cute childhood stories and characters, clever and humorous puzzle designs, and rediscovering favorite moments like arena battles or the hot spring event with Alwen. Playing through the game evokes happiness and emotional fulfillment, especially when it fills a long-standing craving for a similar experience to Trails in the Sky. The overall sense of fun and discovery despite initial unfamiliarity with the game is also noted.
- Frustrated (weight 0.03): Specific frustrations include repetitive dungeon design, imprecise combat without a lock-on feature, and a screen zoom issue in 4K. Accidental save loading without confirmation leading to lost progress is highlighted as a critical flaw. The lack of Chinese and Japanese voice acting, along with an overwhelming number of collectibles for perfectionist players with lower skill, further contributes to the frustration.
- Affection (weight 0.02): Players express deep affection for the game's cute and charming aesthetic, with particular love for character designs such as the vampire princess and Alwen, who becomes a favorite Falcom character. Nostalgic fondness for the characters, story, and mechanics from past playthroughs reinforces a strong emotional attachment. The game is cherished as a beloved classic that holds a special place in the reviewer's heart.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Reviewers express a strong desire for the Steam version to receive an official Chinese localization and for Falcom to develop a sequel or remake to continue the story. Many wish for a third game in the series, often hoping it arrives before they get too old. The existence of fan-made patches is appreciated, but official support is eagerly awaited.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players declare their love for the game by emphasizing their willingness to replay it years later, praising the story and BGM as exceptionally good. The overall charm, including the pairing of Ragna and Alwen and attraction to characters like Ilwen, fosters passionate attachment. The game is frequently described as the reviewer's all-time favorite and a true masterpiece.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arises from unclear in-game directions, such as not knowing where to go or how to cast arcanum, and from technical oddities like a 30fps cap on PC. Inconsistencies due to different fan translation names for the princess cause difficulty in searching for information. Lore questions regarding the princess and the barrier also leave some reviewers puzzled.
- Desire (weight 0.02): The primary desire expressed is for the developers to add Japanese voice acting and Chinese subtitles to the Steam version, instead of the current English-only options. Players actively want the game to be fully localized to improve their immersion and enjoyment. This request is often repeated across multiple reviews as a key missing feature.
- Gratitude (weight 0.02): Reviewers express gratitude towards the creators of fan translation patches, noting that without them, the game might be unplayable for non-Japanese speakers. Some attribute their entire interest in anime and gaming to this game, and a few even credit it with inspiring their dream of becoming a game developer. The availability of community patches, despite technical drawbacks, is deeply appreciated.
- Regret (weight 0.02): Regret centers on the lack of a third game in the series, attributed to the commercial failure of the PC-only release, which likely would have benefited from multi-platform availability. The absence of a Chinese translation and the 30 FPS cap are also mourned. Some reviewers lament that the series probably won't see more entries, leaving the story incomplete.
- Delight (weight 0.01): Players are delighted by the colorful world design and energetic soundtrack that create a vibrant and immersive atmosphere. Creative puzzle designs and cute animal interactions add to the sense of whimsy and discovery. The overall presentation and gameplay elements combine to produce a genuinely joyful experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Reviewers are pleasantly surprised by discovering a hidden gem that continuously expands with new areas and story twists when they thought the game was ending. The high degree of DIY collectible plug-ins enhances immersion beyond initial expectations. The overall quality and depth of the game exceed what many anticipated.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance stems from poor English voice acting, weak art, a cluttered UI, and low technical quality including excessive cutscenes and a fake 60 FPS indicator. A specific save pointer issue and the protagonist being characterized as a siscon also irritate players. These elements collectively detract from the overall experience.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Players express dissatisfaction with the lack of a good Chinese localization and with censorship present in the English version. The story ending is also a point of dislike, leaving an unsatisfying conclusion. These issues, combined with other shortcomings, lead to a negative overall impression.}