Info about Follia - Dear father:

Official game description:
  
Marcus Pitt, a young man whose only claim to fame is that both his parents work at a university, is drawn into the horrors that have emerged on the campus of the very same institution. His journey to find his parents, or at least find out what has happened to them, will take him into his worst nightmares – the seat of learning has been transformed into a place of death and horror. As he makes his way through the madness, Marcus will have to fight to make it out alive and with his sanity intact. Starting with just a handful of items to help him navigate the dimly lit corridors, he has to summon all his strength to survive and continue the search for his parents. Even though it might already be too late, his hopes of finding them alive will not die – unlike everyone else on campus, who already seem to have met their own gory end.  
Explore and look for clues that will help you unravel the mystery of how a university has become a slaughterhouse. Keep your eyes open – your flashlight could die any minute and engulf you in darkness. Sneak along corridors, explore every room you come across, and backtrack to find more clues and access additional parts of the university’s campus. But remember – whatever has happened here, evil has now seeped into every part of this immense university.
Main Features
-------------
*   Immersive survival horror experience – You never know where enemies will appear from in the darkness.  
*   Replay value – Challenge yourself in three difficulty modes, from beginner to hardcore gamer.  
*   Keep low and quiet – Stealth is the key to survival... sometimes!  
*   Explore – Find items, resources, and collectables to uncover every secret.  
*   Hear that?! – An atmospheric soundtrack and ambient sounds that will make your blood run cold.  
*   Engulfing VR experience DLC – Completely immerse yourself in the horror with virtual reality (available for HTC Vive).  
*   Backtrack – Unlock additional parts of the map. Your exploration will be rewarded!  
*   Horrifyingly deadly enemies – Each one is different, so make sure you know what you're doing before you approach them.
**Remember that 'FOLLIA - DEAR FATHER', was developed by ONLY 2 DEVELOPERS**

Release date: Apr 29, 2020

Categories: Survival Horror, Stealth Gameplay, First-Person Perspective, Puzzle Solving, Limited Resources, Flashlight-based Combat, Backtracking, Virtual Reality

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Playable with Friction; summary: The reviews mainly criticize performance and optimization, including frame drops and clipping, frequent loading interruptions, and poor controls. Complaints about the flashlight battery refer to an in-game mechanic rather than Steam Deck hardware drain. There is no explicit evidence of Proton Experimental toggles, external launchers, anti-cheat failures, unreadable UI, or launch failures, so the game appears playable but burdened by friction.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 5.0h
  - Story completion: 5.0h
  - Session length: 1.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Completion reports for Follia - Dear Father cluster around 4-7 hours: one player finished at about 4 hours, another at just over 5.5 hours, and another at almost 7 hours. The median of these explicit completion times is about 5 hours, so I use that for gameCompletion. Because the reports refer to finishing the game's story, the same finish times also support storyCompletion at about 5 hours. Early-play comments at roughly one hour suggest a typical session length near 1 hour, though this is weaker evidence. No review gives a distinct post-game or endgame playtime, so endgame is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Players describe a slow, rough opening that gives way to a much stronger experience once the third chapter is reached; early pacing, movement, interaction, and polish issues are the main drags. Some negative late-game reports exist, but the strongest direct evidence supports delayed rather than absent or reversed enjoyment.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Hitting the third chapter
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Slow opening; Wonky pacing and unclear pathing; Slow character movement; Fiddly E/use interactions during urgent moments; Lack of polish and clichéd design
  - Unlock drivers: Reaching the third chapter, where the game reportedly ramps up
  - Conditions: Reaching the third chapter; Getting through a slow, poor beginning; Tolerating wonky pacing and unclear route guidance; Tolerating slow movement and fiddly interactions; Tolerating lack of polish and clichéd design
- Player Archetypes:
  - Outlast-Style Horror Devotee (buy)
    - Motivation: To find a competent stealth-horror experience that fills the gap left by Outlast and similar genre classics.
    - Playstyle: Methodical stealth evasion, hiding from enemies and managing limited resources while comparing mechanics to genre benchmarks.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: horror fans; RE fan
    - Reference games: Outlast; Outlast II; Amnesia; Remothered; Resident Evil
  - Value-Conscious Bargain Hunter (sale)
    - Motivation: To get a reasonable horror experience at a price that matches its short length and indie production values.
    - Playstyle: Patient purchasing, waiting for discounts and evaluating content-to-price ratio before committing.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Indie Underdog Supporter (buy)
    - Motivation: To support passionate small developers and reward ambitious indie horror despite rough edges.
    - Playstyle: Forgiving playthrough that focuses on heart and effort rather than production polish.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Atmosphere-Seeking Thrill Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: To feel genuine fear and tension through immersive atmosphere and sensory horror.
    - Playstyle: Plays in the dark with headphones, savoring slow-burn tension and jump scares.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: 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:
- Strong graphics and visuals (weight 0.33): Reviewers frequently praise the graphics as beautiful, smooth, and well lit. Visual quality is one of the most consistent positives across feedback.
- Effective jump scares (weight 0.29): Jump scares land well and keep players on edge without feeling excessive. Reviewers highlight them as a key part of the horror experience.
- Highly entertaining gameplay (weight 0.22): Players describe the game as very enjoyable, engaging, and well made. Most consider it a fun and captivating experience overall.
- Fantastic atmosphere (weight 0.22): The atmosphere is repeatedly called fantastic, spectacular, and well achieved. It is a core strength that immerses players in the experience.
- Engaging story (weight 0.21): The story is considered interesting and motivating, keeping players invested. Multiple reviewers highlight it as a reason to continue playing.
- Well-crafted music and audio (weight 0.21): Music and sound design are praised for enhancing the atmosphere. Voice acting and soundtrack are also noted as strong.
- Solid horror elements (weight 0.15): Horror elements are described as well placed and effective. The game delivers a consistent sense of dread throughout.
- Minimal bugs and glitches (weight 0.12): Players report few or no game-breaking bugs, and any issues do not hinder enjoyment. Technical stability is generally solid.
- Scary moments deliver (weight 0.09): Specific scary segments and tense moments are effective and memorable. Players cite them as highlights of the horror experience.
- Standout indie horror (weight 0.09): The game is seen as a solid indie horror title that rises above others in the genre. It is recommended for fans of indie horror.
- Enjoyable despite rough edges (weight 0.09): Even with some performance issues, players find the game great and worth playing. The overall experience outweighs the flaws.
- Sustained tension (weight 0.09): Tension remains high throughout the game until the very end. Players appreciate the consistent sense of suspense.
- Outlast-like experience (weight 0.09): Gameplay and atmosphere draw comparisons to the Outlast series. Fans of that style will find familiar spooky moments here.
- Emotional ending (weight 0.09): The ending is described as touching and very emotional. It leaves a strong impression on players.
- Developer passion evident (weight 0.08): Reviewers feel genuine care and love were put into the game's creation. This adds to the overall appreciation of the title.

Common complaints:
- Flashlight battery drains too fast (weight 0.2): Players report the flashlight battery depletes in just a few minutes, often leaving them in darkness. This frequent loss of vision is a major frustration point.
- Poor overall game quality (weight 0.17): Multiple reviews describe the game as mediocre, with low playability and not great overall. This reflects a widespread dissatisfaction with the core experience.
- Game fails to start (weight 0.17): Some players cannot get past the save selection screen, rendering the game unplayable. This is a critical technical issue.
- Terrible controls (weight 0.13): Reviewers consistently criticize the controls as disastrous and poor, impacting basic gameplay. This is a fundamental issue affecting playability.
- Stamina system unrealistic (weight 0.13): The protagonist gets out of breath after only a few steps, making movement feel sluggish and unrealistic. This hampers exploration and escape sequences.
- VR support broken (weight 0.13): The VR DLC does not work with most headsets, making the VR experience inaccessible. This is a significant problem for players who purchased the VR content.
- Unpolished indie feel (weight 0.12): The game is often described as rough around the edges and lacking polish, typical of indie horror titles. This suggests a lack of refinement in presentation and mechanics.
- Stiff animations (weight 0.12): Character animations are frequently described as stiff, reducing immersion. This contributes to the game's unpolished feel.
- Full of bugs (weight 0.1): The game is reported to have numerous bugs and flaws, affecting stability and gameplay. This contributes to a poor user experience.
- Checkpoint system flawed (weight 0.1): After dying, the game sometimes loads an earlier checkpoint, forcing replay of story segments. This is frustrating and wastes time.
- Blatant Outlast rip-off (weight 0.1): The game heavily copies Outlast in models, scenes, textures, sound effects, and plot. This lack of originality is a major criticism.
- Excessively long loading times (weight 0.09): Loading screens are extremely long, with multiple stages totaling 30-40 seconds. This disrupts pacing and frustrates players.
- Abandoned by developers (weight 0.09): The game is perceived as abandoned, with no updates or support. This leaves bugs unfixed and players feeling neglected.
- Unsatisfying gameplay (weight 0.09): Gameplay is often described as not good enough and could be better, lacking engagement. This is a core criticism of the game.
- Slow walking speed (weight 0.09): The character walks very slowly, making traversal tedious. This is exacerbated by the stamina system.
- AI ignores hiding players (weight 0.09): The enemy AI fails to detect players hiding under desks or in stalls, even when in plain sight. This breaks immersion and challenge.
- Repetitive experience (weight 0.09): Players find the game repetitive, with same situations repeating endlessly. This leads to boredom and reduces replay value.
- Worse than Outlast (weight 0.09): Reviewers compare the game unfavorably to Outlast, stating it is inferior in every aspect. This highlights shortcomings in design and execution.
- Outdated graphics (weight 0.09): Graphics are considered correct but look about ten years old, failing to impress. This detracts from the horror atmosphere.
- Mediocre voice acting (weight 0.08): Voice acting is described as so-so and passable but not great, failing to elevate the experience. This is a minor but noticeable flaw.

Gameplay feedback:
- Flashlight battery management (weight 0.46): Players must manage a flashlight that runs on scarce batteries, using a lighter as a secondary light source. This resource constraint adds tension to exploration.
- Jump scares and horror atmosphere (weight 0.3): The game employs jump scares alongside sustained tension and horror set pieces to create a frightening experience. These elements are central to its horror identity.
- Darkness and limited lighting (weight 0.16): The game relies heavily on darkness and limited lighting to create tension. Monsters lurk in the dark, heightening fear.
- Stealth and hiding mechanics (weight 0.15): Players must sneak past enemies and hide in shadows to avoid detection. Stealth is a core gameplay element for survival.
- Outlast-style horror gameplay (weight 0.15): The game is described as similar to the Outlast series, featuring first-person horror with chase sequences and stealth. This comparison highlights its gameplay style.
- Crowbar combat and blocking (weight 0.15): Players can use a crowbar to attack, parry, and block enemy attacks. This melee tool serves both offensive and defensive purposes.
- Puzzle-solving progression (weight 0.15): Puzzle solving is integrated into the game's progression, requiring players to find switches, keys, and solve puzzles to advance. This adds variety to the horror gameplay.
- VR support available (weight 0.14): The game lists VR support and is designed for VR, though it is also playable on flat screens. This provides an immersive option for players.
- Indie survival horror (weight 0.14): It is an indie survival horror game, combining independent development with the survival horror genre. This sets expectations for scope and style.
- Story-driven horror experience (weight 0.13): The game is a story-driven horror experience with spooky moments and a focus on narrative. Atmosphere and storytelling are emphasized.
- Movement and interaction abilities (weight 0.09): The player can run, push objects, crouch, crawl, and hide, with running also possible while crouched. These mechanics support exploration and evasion.
- Stamina system with heavy breathing (weight 0.09): The protagonist has a stamina system that causes severe out-of-breath effects after brief movement. This adds realism and vulnerability.
- School campus setting (weight 0.09): The game is set in a university campus and its exteriors, providing a familiar yet eerie environment. The school setting enhances the horror atmosphere.
- Lighter extinguishes when running (weight 0.08): Running with the lighter lit causes it to extinguish due to wind, adding a risk to using the lighter as a light source. This mechanic forces players to choose between speed and visibility.

Performance notes:
- Poor optimization widely reported (weight 0.23): Multiple reviewers describe the game as poorly optimized, with general performance issues across configurations. This is the most frequent complaint and affects overall playability.
- Low frame rates and stuttering (weight 0.2): Players report low FPS, frequent frame drops, and severe stuttering especially while moving. Even on a 1080Ti at 1080P, scene frame rates remain low.
- Graphics glitches with reflections (weight 0.12): Enabling reflections causes wall glitches, and players also report easy clipping issues and falling through the map. These visual bugs detract from the experience.
- Some report smooth performance (weight 0.11): A few players report the game runs fluidly, does not consume many resources, and has no unexpected crashes, contrasting with the majority.
- Startup failure with special characters (weight 0.09): The game fails to start and gets stuck at the save selection screen when the Steam account name contains special characters. The menu is broken in this scenario.
- Settings changes ineffective (weight 0.09): Lowering graphics settings does not improve the frame rate, which stays at around 45 fps on ultra. This suggests poor scalability and optimization.
- Missing VSync and screen tearing (weight 0.08): There is no VSync option available, leading to screen tearing on certain settings. This is a notable omission for a PC game.
- Performance issues on RTX 2060 (weight 0.05): Tremendous performance problems are reported specifically on an RTX 2060, indicating optimization issues on mid-range hardware.
- Capped at 60 fps (weight 0.05): The game appears to be capped at a maximum of 60 fps, which may limit performance on high-refresh-rate monitors.
- GPU usage reported as 0% (weight 0.04): One player reports GPU usage showing 0% while playing, indicating a potential monitoring or driver issue.

Recommendations:
- Strong recommendation for horror fans (weight 0.36): Multiple reviewers highly recommend the game to players who enjoy horror, especially those who like scary or spooky experiences. It is praised as a fun and engaging horror title.
- Not recommended or refunded (weight 0.3): Several reviewers do not recommend the game and some requested refunds. Complaints include inaccurate information and inability to play.
- Only worth it on sale (weight 0.28): Many reviewers state the game is not worth full price but recommend it at a discount. The value proposition is repeatedly mentioned as a key factor.
- Favorable comparison to Outlast and Resident Evil (weight 0.26): Reviewers frequently compare the game to Outlast, Resident Evil, and Silent Hill, recommending it to fans of those franchises. Some suggest playing Outlast first or buying it instead.
- Atmospheric and immersive with headphones (weight 0.13): Reviewers suggest using headphones and playing at night with good sound to enhance the horror atmosphere. The dark atmosphere is highlighted as a strength.
- Short but enjoyable indie horror (weight 0.12): The game is described as a short indie horror experience that is fun and can be freaky at times. It is recommended for killing a few hours.
- Mature content for adults only (weight 0.12): The game is noted to be for audiences 18 and over. Horror fans who don't mind gore are the target audience.
- VR only works on original Vive (weight 0.09): A specific technical issue is raised: the VR experience is only viable on the original Vive headset. Other VR users are advised against purchasing.
- Emotional and challenging for some (weight 0.09): Some reviewers highly recommend it for emotional horror stories or for those seeking a very difficult challenge. It offers a real challenge and emotional depth.
- Good for genre newcomers with caveats (weight 0.09): One reviewer recommends it only for those new to horror games, provided they don't need look inversion or a keyboard. Another says it's not a good starting point for the genre.
- Manage expectations for indie production (weight 0.09): Buyers should expect a small-team game, not a high-budget production like Outlast II. Price/quality is considered fair for what it offers.
- Good for spooky thrills and boredom (weight 0.08): Reviewers recommend it to those looking to get spooked or when bored, especially after a discount. It serves as a decent horror diversion.
- Evaluate carefully before purchasing (weight 0.05): One reviewer advises buyers to evaluate carefully before purchasing due to potential issues. This caution reflects mixed experiences.
- Play over two hours for true value (weight 0.05): One reviewer advises playing at least over two hours and reaching the ending to experience the game's true value. This suggests the experience improves with time.
- Trial and error gameplay accepted (weight 0.05): The game is recommended for players who have no problem with light trial and error. This indicates some gameplay frustration but tolerable for some.
- Try it for yourself (weight 0.04): A simple recommendation to definitely try the game. This reflects a positive but less detailed endorsement.

Other player notes:
- Frequent Outlast comparisons (weight 0.63): Reviewers repeatedly compare the game to Outlast, describing it as heavily inspired by, modeled after, or even a clone of that series. Some consider it an inferior imitation while others say it succeeds in its own way.
- Made by tiny two-person team (weight 0.5): Many reviewers note the game was created by a two-person Italian team with minimal budget, often with Unity. This small-team context is frequently used to frame expectations about the game's limitations and polish.
- Very short playtime (weight 0.27): Reviewers frequently note the game can be beaten in roughly 2 to 7 hours, with several citing around 4 hours. This short length is a recurring point of discussion about value.
- Compared to Resident Evil, Silent Hill (weight 0.27): The game is often mentioned alongside classic survival horror franchises like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Comparisons cover genre influences, cutscenes, door-opening animations, and audience fit.
- VR support sold as paid DLC (weight 0.23): The VR mode is distributed as a separate paid DLC and requires it to access VR. Some reviewers report the VR support does not work as advertised despite the store description.
- Rough indie production feel (weight 0.18): The game has a raw, low-budget indie quality that reviewers acknowledge, often tying it to the small development team. Opinions vary on whether the ambitions outweigh the limited polish.
- Mixed localization quality (weight 0.13): Localizations are inconsistent: Spanish and Turkish subtitles are supported with minor errors, while the Japanese translation suffers from poor quality and translation errors.
- Good hardware and controller support (weight 0.13): The game runs smoothly on mid-range PCs and higher-end GPUs, and reviewers report full Xbox 360 controller support and no bugs during playthrough.
- Graphically dated, but praised lighting (weight 0.12): The graphics are considered outdated, sometimes attributed to VR support, yet reviewers praise the lighting effects and dark atmosphere.
- Fair-to-mediocre quality reception (weight 0.12): Overall reception is mixed, with scores ranging from about 6/10 to 8/10 and descriptions of being better than expected but ultimately passable for a short playthrough.
- Outlast clone comparisons disputed (weight 0.12): The game is often labeled an Outlast clone, but some reviewers disagree, pointing out differing story directions and only loose similarities in modeling, music, and scenes.
- Pastiche of many horror games (weight 0.12): The game draws heavily on numerous horror titles, lifting elements like Resident Evil door animations and building a patchwork of familiar genre features.
- Low price, but still called overpriced (weight 0.11): Pricing is debated: some find the price fair for the content and note it is cheap after discounts, while others consider it overpriced for its quality.
- Suspenseful, tragic storyline praised (weight 0.1): Some reviewers highlight a strong tragic storyline and substantial content, crediting the suspense and story as standout strengths.
- Developers abandoned post-launch support (weight 0.09): Reviewers report that the developers released the game and then stopped supporting it, which is cited as a negative for long-term quality.
- Includes Chinese localization (weight 0.08): The game ships with Chinese language support and localization. This is noted as a positive for Chinese-speaking players.
- Localization and UI issues noted (weight 0.07): Beyond translation quality, reviewers flag an underused user interface and an outdated main menu compared to the in-game visuals.
- Includes Steam achievements and cards (weight 0.07): The game offers 15 Steam achievements, some requiring replays, along with Steam trading cards.
- Headphones and VR immersion recommended (weight 0.07): Reviewers suggest headphones for the best experience, and some believe VR support would make the game more immersive.
- Sparse voice lines (weight 0.04): Voice acting is limited, with too few lines and talking occurring only at the start of the game.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.2): Players are frustrated by extremely slow movement, slippery controls, and cramped level design that cause constant snagging and inability to escape enemies. Bugs like falling through maps, checkpoint resets, and broken VR support compound the sense of unfair difficulty and wasted time.
- Disappointment (weight 0.14): Disappointment stems from the game failing to meet expectations set by trailers and promotion, with generic story, poor graphics, and buggy performance. Broken VR support, locked settings, and an autosave system that forces repetition make the final product feel unfinished and unoriginal.
- Fear (weight 0.1): Fear is effectively generated through well-timed jump scares, a tense and oppressive atmosphere, and creepy environmental sounds. The dark school setting, terrifying enemies like the female zombie, and sustained suspense create genuine horror moments.
- Annoyance (weight 0.07): Annoyance arises from unrealistic flashlight battery drain, repeating triggered sounds, and AI that ignores hiding players. Slow walking speed, stiff controls, long loading times, and unexplained mechanics like the dog section add to the irritation.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): Players enjoy the interesting story, solid horror atmosphere, and well-executed scares. Varied monsters, good sound design, and overall fun gameplay make the experience worthwhile despite performance issues.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger is caused by floaty and imprecise controls, the game failing to start, and unfair combat where weapons are useless against spamming ghosts. Repeated deaths, lost progress from the save system, and broken VR mode DLC intensify the fury.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Satisfaction comes from a good story conclusion, rewarding exploration, and well-executed atmosphere and horror. Effective jump scares and a touching ending make the experience feel complete despite difficulty.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): Excitement is driven by suspenseful jump scares, great set design like the opening home scene, and intense gore-filled horror. The game delivers a top-level horror experience with Outlast vibes and a spooky VR epilogue.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Appreciation is shown for the graphics, music, story, and monster variety, with well-made designs and backstories. The game offers a rare scary indie horror experience with strong atmosphere, especially in the cafeteria chapter.
- Mild disappointment (weight 0.02): Mild disappointment stems from the game being inferior to its inspirations and sprinting being too slow compared to walking. The lack of action and room for better gameplay and graphics also contribute.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is felt for the well-constructed story and extraordinary ending, especially given the game was made by a two-person team with almost no budget. The honest heart and talent of the small team stand out.
- Irritation (weight 0.01): Irritation comes from the character hyperventilating while sneaking, which prevents hearing enemies, and from enemies catching the player in the dark and getting stuck. Many small flaws accumulate over playtime.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom results from wandering through silent darkness with no events and monotonous, constant jump scares. The reviewer could not stick with the game despite hearing the story was good.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from unclear objectives in the wider university area and not understanding the story's message. The reviewer also disagrees with negative reviews about bugs and graphics.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike is caused by excessive gore that does not always make for good horror, a specific enemy, and crawling around vents. These elements detracted from the experience.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is driven by the overall quality of the horror experience, including plot, suspense, soundtrack, and graphics. Perfectly balanced tension, jump scares, and atmosphere impressed the reviewer.
- Helplessness (weight 0.01): Helplessness is felt due to the inability to run away or win fights, despite a cool atmosphere and nicely staged scenarios. The game creates a sense of being trapped.
- Entertainment (weight 0.01): Entertainment comes from the trashy and wild horror style and the game being fun despite its flaws. The reviewer found enjoyment in the chaotic experience.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust is caused by terrible controls and story, along with very poor graphics quality. These elements made the game unpleasant to play.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement is derived from the protagonist panting heavily after only a few steps and the game being sometimes funny and fun. These unintentional comedic moments lightened the experience.}