Info about HOPE 01:

Official game description:
**EXPLORE THE HAB CLUSTER, FIND HAB 01!**
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Wake up in a deteriorating underground facility with nothing but a mysterious request to find HAB 01.  
Explore the perilous interconnected labyrinth of what once was, help survivors, and ultimately dictate the fate of humanity with multiple endings.
**SHOOT & DODGE YOUR WAY THROUGH DANGEROUS ENEMIES AND BOSSES**
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Utilize various items to dispatch the dangerous enemies that wander the halls of the hab cluster.  
Equip yourself with variety of guns, gadgets, and usable items to build your ideal loadout for any situation!  
**FIND AND TEST OUT OVER 70+ WEAPONS**
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Weapons have various qualities, like rate of fire, muzzle velocity, reload time, and penetration!  Experiment and find out which are best for what situations and build a kit that suits your current needs!  
**LOOT EQUIPMENT AND EXTRACT SAFELY**
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Find weapons, armor, and gadgets while exploring the facility to build your arsenal.  
Survive to bring your spoils back to your hideout or... die and lose it all...
**SCAN YOUR LOOT AND FABRICATE THEM LATER!**
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Collect over 200 useful items in your fabricator!  Print them back at your hideout for a dangerous outing or prepare for a well equipped boss run!

Release date: Sep 15, 2026

Categories: Metroidvania, Extraction Gameplay, Survival Horror, Side-scrolling Shooter, Looting and Crafting, Multiple Endings, Pixel Art Style

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 8; verdict: Works Well; summary: The available Linux/Steam Deck feedback is entirely positive. Users report that the game works without problems on Steam Deck, with one recommending the Linux Scout runtime instead of Proton and another saying it plays perfectly. No Linux-specific crashes, performance issues, anti-cheat/DRM blockers, or Proton workarounds are reported.
- Steam Deck: score 10; verdict: Seamless; summary: The audit of Steam Deck user feedback reveals a completely seamless experience. All reviewed comments are positive, reporting that the game works with no problems, plays absolutely perfect, and requires no Proton workarounds. No technical barriers such as small text, external launchers, battery drain, or stability issues were mentioned.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $19.99 - $24.99
  - Reasoning: The reviews consistently indicate that the current $11.99 base price undervalues the game. One reviewer explicitly states that doubling the price to roughly $24 would still be worthwhile, while others call it way too cheap and worth the price and time. This supports a community fair base-game price range above the current price, centered around $20 to $25.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 80.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 1.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The 35-hour-in review shows the game is not finished at 35 hours and that half the facility plus quests remain, while the 80+ hours claim supports an overall completion estimate of about 80 hours. The 20-hour review confirms substantial progression is still ongoing at 20 hours. A translated Japanese review reports playing for about an hour in a session, so sessionLength is set to about 1 hour. No separate story-only completion or endgame/post-completion playtime is stated, so those metrics are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Players overwhelmingly describe the game as fun from the start, with combat, exploration, and discovery delivering immediate hook and binge appeal. One report notes a later pacing slowdown after a few hours, so the time-to-fun profile is mostly immediate with a conflicting drop report.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Vague tutorial and note provide little direction; Steep learning curve from insufficient in-game guidance; Difficulty spikes and getting lost without strong mapping sense; Grindy material requirements, including double-jump gating in the scrap area; Tedious inventory movement without shift-click
  - Unlock drivers: Finding an alternative material farming route
  - Conditions: Good mapping sense is needed to avoid getting lost; Double jump is required in the scrap recycling area; Better in-game guidance would reduce the steep learning curve; Shift-click would reduce inventory tedium
- Player Archetypes:
  - Exploration-First Metroidvania Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Discovering and mapping out an interconnected metroidvania-style world without grind gating
    - Playstyle: Explores a large connected map, unlocks shortcuts, and gathers resources and lore through natural exploration
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Extraction Shooter Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Getting the extraction-shooter tension and risk-reward loop without the toxic multiplayer crowd
    - Playstyle: Runs solo extraction missions, weighing risk and reward against a challenging survival-horror atmosphere
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: fan of extraction shooters
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Loot and Gun-Variety Collector (sale)
    - Motivation: Building up an arsenal by collecting loot and a wide variety of guns
    - Playstyle: Grinds and hunts for specific weapons and loot, treating upgrades as optional but enticing goals
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Nostalgia-Seeking Action Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Recapturing the intense, nostalgic excitement of beloved past action and horror games
    - Playstyle: Seeks hard-hitting, challenging encounters that evoke strong emotional highs
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Monster Hunter World; Dying Light


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:
- Engaging Exploration and Discovery (weight 0.97): Exploration is repeatedly praised as fun and full of unknowns, with a strong sense of discovery driving players to explore everything available. The large, interconnected, handcrafted map and varied scenery further reinforce this enjoyment.
- Exceptional Developer Responsiveness (weight 0.86): The solo developer is exceptionally responsive to feedback and bug reports, providing quick updates and regularly communicating in forums and Discord. A reported bug was fixed within hours, and the developer actively engages with the community, including non-English speakers.
- Great Value and Content Rich (weight 0.86): The game offers an enormous amount of content relative to its low price, with many considering it a steal and worth far more than the asking price. Even in early access, it provides dozens of hours of gameplay with quests and unexplored areas remaining.
- Highly Fun Overall Game (weight 0.84): Players overwhelmingly describe the game as very fun, amazing, and fantastic, with many calling it a great or well-made game. This broad positive sentiment spans many clusters and reflects strong general satisfaction.
- Excellent Extraction Gameplay Loop (weight 0.77): The core gameplay loop of killing, looting, and extracting is highly enjoyable and addictive, with tense and intriguing extraction mechanics and multiple exit options. Players find the loop satisfying and respectful of their time.
- Rich Item and Weapon Variety (weight 0.75): The game boasts a massive number of weapons and usable items, each with unique attributes and comfort zones. Guns must be extracted to unlock printing rights, adding depth, and all items serve a purpose, whether useful or situational.
- Immersive Horror Atmosphere (weight 0.75): The sci-fi horror atmosphere is terrifying, with resource scarcity, unknown enemies, and scary background sounds creating a constant sense of dread. The game effectively uses light and dark, eerie creatures, and environmental storytelling to immerse players.
- Detailed Pixel Art and Visuals (weight 0.69): The pixel art style is beautiful, consistent, and arcade-y with retro charm, featuring a detailed world with distinct areas and animations. The protagonist's bright design pops against the brutalist environments, and the attention to detail is incredible.
- Challenging but Fair Difficulty (weight 0.67): The game is challenging yet not impossible, with deaths feeling understandable and fair. Preparation, careful play, and planning can overcome any obstacle, and early difficulties can be solved gradually through exploration and upgrades.
- Intriguing Lore and Storytelling (weight 0.61): The game features actual lore and an interesting story with organic storytelling, and uncovering lore pieces is very satisfying. Item descriptions mix usage and background, and almost any problem has a reasonable in-game answer, enriching the world.
- Strong Metroidvania Extraction Fusion (weight 0.6): The blend of 2D side-scrolling metroidvania exploration with extraction shooter mechanics is widely praised as a charming and super cute take on both genres. The interconnected map with unlockable shortcuts and entry points strongly supports this fusion.
- Unique Scan and Fabrication System (weight 0.59): The scan-and-fab system allows players to copy and print items, providing a revolutionary sense of progress and a safety net after risky runs. It makes dying less punishing than in typical extraction shooters and is highly innovative.
- Deep and Satisfying Gunplay (weight 0.58): Shooting is enjoyable with in-depth ballistics and realistic gun mechanics, including armor simulation and overpenetration. The ballistics gel testing and player-recorded weapon data display add a unique layer of depth to mastering each gun.
- Accessible and Comfortable Controls (weight 0.54): Once accustomed, the control scheme becomes second nature, with fluid movement and decent keyboard controls after a short adjustment. The game provides laser sights and flashlights to aid aiming and visibility, making it very comfortable.
- Solid Early Access Release (weight 0.51): For an early access title, the game is exceptionally well-made, complete, and polished, with many calling it one of the most solid EA releases. It feels complete enough for the most part, and players look forward to future content.
- Streamlined Looting and Inventory (weight 0.44): Looting is streamlined and every item has meaning, with a grid inventory that is loved and manual management that adds weight to decisions. Loot containers respawn each raid, and rare loot feels genuinely rare.
- Excellent Sound Design (weight 0.4): The sound design is fantastic, with punchy gunfire, distant creature noises, and satisfying canned food and med-spray sounds. Details like shell casings bouncing and reloading sounds differ based on ejected rounds, greatly enhancing immersion.
- Rewarding Quests and Objectives (weight 0.39): Quests are enjoyable and push players toward exploring new areas, with multiple endings depending on how you play. Most endings are not tied to the initial objective, adding replay value and narrative depth.
- Cute and Charming Aesthetic (weight 0.37): The game features a super cute take on extraction and metroidvania gameplay, with fun and funky NPC personalities and a charming protagonist. The hardcore gameplay contrasts with the cute aesthetic, creating a unique and lovely experience.
- Fun and Impactful Boss Fights (weight 0.33): Boss fights are present, enjoyable, and drastically different from each other, offering tough and memorable encounters. They require preparation and cunning, and are a highlight of the exploration experience.

Common complaints:
- UI and inventory management issues (weight 0.69): The UI is difficult to use, with tedious inventory management, limited inventory space, and lack of convenience features like shift-click.
- Harsh difficulty and death penalties (weight 0.64): The game is extremely hard, with drastic difficulty spikes and harsh death penalties that cause strong frustration.
- Awkward and clunky controls (weight 0.54): Many players report that controls are unintuitive, clunky, and take time to get used to, affecting overall gameplay experience.
- Map and navigation frustrations (weight 0.46): Maps are hard to memorize, no built-in navigation, and static maps are torturous, leading to players getting lost.
- Grindy and repetitive gameplay (weight 0.43): Players find the game extremely grindy and unenjoyable, with repetitive tasks and padding. This severely impacts enjoyment and is a common complaint.
- Flashlight design problems (weight 0.4): Flashlight is poorly designed: delays, conflicts with aiming, not always available, and weapon light doesn't count.
- Quests feel like padding (weight 0.39): Quests are seen as handwaved afterthoughts that disrespect player time, with tedious objectives like low drop rate kills.
- Missing localization for non-English (weight 0.35): The game lacks Chinese and Japanese localization, making it hard for non-English speakers to understand item descriptions and story.
- Poor aiming and gunplay (weight 0.35): Gunplay feels bad, with near-zero aim ability, recoil issues, and no laser sight making medium-range aiming impossible.
- Inventory space too limited (weight 0.27): Inventory is very small and fills up quickly, with no reason to explore when the pack is full.
- Monorail extraction system flaws (weight 0.27): The monorail has long wait times and inconsistent availability, discouraging exploration and causing frustration.
- Bugs and glitches (weight 0.26): Players encountered bugs such as teleportation issues and minor gameplay glitches, affecting stability.
- Reused assets and level design (weight 0.26): Many reused assets and weirdly long corridors pad out content, leading to repetitive environments.
- Limited controller customization (weight 0.2): Players cannot rebind controller controls properly, and simple actions require many presses, leading to frustration.
- Poor lighting in cave areas (weight 0.19): Cave area lighting is terrible, making it impossible to see anything, and turning on a light only slightly improves visibility.
- Unclear character embodiment (weight 0.19): Players are unsure whether they are playing as the heroine, a machine, or a third-party controller, reducing immersion.
- Lack of story guidance (weight 0.12): No direct story guidance or introduction to the plot via cutscene, leaving players confused about the narrative.
- No difficulty or drop rate customization (weight 0.11): Players cannot customize drop rate or difficulty, and the developer has stated this will not change.
- Sound direction issues (weight 0.11): Cannot judge sound directions from environmental noises like item drops, pipe creaks, and friction sounds, impacting awareness.
- Armor mitigation feels random (weight 0.11): Armor mitigates damage based on type with a percent chance to proc, so damage can still be massive and unpredictable.

Gameplay feedback:
- Survival horror elements (weight 0.67): The game incorporates survival horror elements, with an atmosphere and mechanics reminiscent of the Resident Evil series. This includes inventory management and tense combat.
- Extraction shooter genre (weight 0.66): Many reviewers describe the game as an extraction shooter, often with a 2D side-scrolling perspective and single-player focus. Some highlight its apocalypse setting or lore integration.
- Weapon variety and gunplay (weight 0.57): There is a wide variety of guns with realistic ballistics and mechanics. Gunplay is a core mechanic, with options like laser sights and flashlights.
- Metroidvania extraction hybrid (weight 0.53): Several reviews note the game merges extraction shooter mechanics with metroidvania exploration, creating a unique hybrid. This combination is frequently mentioned as a key aspect.
- Interconnected map design (weight 0.52): The game features a large, handcrafted, interconnected map with shortcuts and unlockable points of entry. This design encourages exploration and backtracking.
- Fabrication and recycling (weight 0.44): Items can be scanned and reprinted at a base, using a fabricator system. Recycling mechanics allow conversion of items into currency called Fabricks.
- Challenging and methodical gameplay (weight 0.44): Reviewers describe the game as tough, requiring a slow and careful approach. Realistic mechanics like recoil recovery and injury effects add to the challenge.
- Extraction mechanics (weight 0.4): Extraction is a core mechanic, with options like waiting for a monorail or using instant extraction points. Regular evac occurs every 10 minutes, and extraction points unlock as you progress.
- Resident Evil inspiration (weight 0.39): Multiple reviewers point out inspiration from Resident Evil games, particularly in inventory design and combat feel. This influence is noticeable in the overall vibe.
- Inventory management system (weight 0.39): A grid-based inventory management system is present, requiring players to manage limited space carefully. This adds a layer of strategy and tension.
- Boss fights (weight 0.37): The game includes boss encounters, with three distinct bosses mentioned. Bosses are also a source of materials for upgrades.
- Injury and survival systems (weight 0.37): Injuries like fractures and bleeding affect gameplay, requiring medical supplies. Stamina management and healing animations add to survival tension.
- Environmental interaction (weight 0.35): Players can interact with the environment in various ways, including using spray paint for navigation and observing road signs. Puzzles and scavenging are part of the experience.
- Multiple endings (weight 0.31): Player choices lead to multiple endings, adding replay value. The narrative choice ultimately decides humanity's fate.
- Horror and atmosphere (weight 0.31): The game features horror elements such as dark environments, chasing creatures, and a tense atmosphere. Light and dark mechanics are utilized.
- Early access status (weight 0.3): The game is currently in early access, with a large amount of content already available. Future updates are planned, including additional localization.
- 2D side-scrolling action (weight 0.26): The game is presented in 2D side-scrolling style, with pixel art graphics. This perspective is integral to its gameplay and aesthetic.
- Progression and upgrades (weight 0.25): Character upgrades and body enhancements exist, costing fabricks and rare materials. A skill tree or similar progression system is implied.
- Single-player experience (weight 0.18): The game is designed for single-player, with PvE content. This focus allows for a tailored narrative and gameplay pace.
- Steam Deck compatible (weight 0.1): The game is Steam Deck compatible, allowing for portable play. This is a notable feature for accessibility.

Performance notes:
- Performance drops in some rooms (weight 0.11): One reviewer noted that certain rooms lag, with frame rates dropping to 60-80fps compared to the usual 100fps. This indicates inconsistent performance in specific areas.
- Well-optimized game (weight 0.1): A review commends the game for being optimized very well, implying smooth performance and efficient resource usage. This is a positive point for overall technical quality.
- Battery life praised (weight 0.1): One player appreciates that the game can be played for quite a while unplugged without draining the battery quickly. This highlights good power efficiency for portable play.

Recommendations:
- Strong Overall Recommendation (weight 0.66): Many reviewers strongly recommend the game, urging players to buy it without hesitation and stating it is a must-play. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive across multiple clusters.
- Great Value for Price (weight 0.55): Reviewers frequently mention that the game is superb for its price, offering excellent value and worth more than the cost. It is considered a solid purchase especially in its price range.
- Ideal for Extraction Shooter Fans (weight 0.53): The game is highly recommended for fans of extraction shooters and similar genres, including those who enjoy PvE extraction. It appeals to players familiar with the genre.
- Niche Appeal to Genre Connoisseurs (weight 0.33): The game may particularly appeal to connoisseurs of the genre, including fans of specific titles like Zero Sievert and Darkov. It is seen as a solid entry for enthusiasts.
- Pixel Graphics Acceptance Required (weight 0.28): Many reviewers note that the game is recommended even for those who typically dislike pixel graphics, as long as they can look past the art style. The pixel aesthetic is a common point of discussion.
- Loot-Focused Gameplay (weight 0.27): Fans of looting and collecting will find plenty to enjoy, with a focus on loot fiestas and inventory management. The game caters to those who love accumulating items.
- Easy Recommendation for Genre Fans (weight 0.27): The game is an easy recommend for fans of similar genres, with simple graphics and engaging gameplay. It offers a comfortable yet challenging experience.
- In-Depth 2D Gun Mechanics (weight 0.2): The game is praised for its detailed 2D gun mechanics and variety, appealing to players who enjoy deep weapon customization and shooting mechanics. This is a standout feature for many.
- Exploration and Incremental Progress (weight 0.2): Reviewers highlight the game's exploration, incremental progression, and PvE combat as key strengths. It offers a rewarding loop for players who enjoy gradual advancement.
- Hardcore Difficulty and Controls (weight 0.19): Some reviewers caution that the game is not for everyone due to awkward controls, high difficulty, and hardcore mechanics like no map and fragile protagonist. It may frustrate casual players.
- Appeals to Sci-Fi Horror Fans (weight 0.12): Reviewers recommend the game for those who enjoy sci-fi horror but prefer to avoid jump scares. It fills a niche for horror fans seeking a different kind of tension.
- Refunded Due to Grind (weight 0.11): One reviewer refunded the game, citing excessive grind and lack of customization as dealbreakers. This negative feedback highlights potential drawbacks for some players.
- Controller Recommended (weight 0.11): Playing with a controller is recommended by some users, suggesting that the game controls better with a gamepad. This can enhance the overall experience.

Other player notes:
- Early access with demo (weight 0.66): The game is currently in early access and also offers a demo version. Reviewers note that it is making the most of its early access period.
- Massive content amount (weight 0.66): The game provides a huge amount of content, with many hours of play and easily over 80 hours for some players. Reviewers are impressed by the sheer volume of items, bosses, and endings.
- Comparisons to other games (weight 0.5): Reviewers compare the game favorably to titles like Resident Evil, Monster Hunter World, Dying Light, Signalis, and NEO Scavenger. The 2D gun system is praised as in-depth.
- Limited language support (weight 0.34): The game currently only supports English, which requires translation software for non-English speakers. Japanese is planned for version 1.0 at the end of early access.
- Solo developer project (weight 0.33): The game is developed and independently published by a solo developer, Bending Boy Games. Reviewers note the effort put into the game despite the small team.
- Active Discord community (weight 0.27): There is an active and friendly Discord community where the developer interacts with players. The developer is very present on Discord.
- Future content planned (weight 0.26): More content is planned through updates leading up to version 1.0. The game is presented as a foundation for what is to come.
- Steam Deck compatibility (weight 0.2): The game works without problems on Steam Deck, but users should use Linux Scout rather than Proton for optimal performance.
- Huge map with many rooms (weight 0.19): The developer describes the map as having over 500 rooms, contributing to the game's large scale. This adds to the overall content volume.
- Not a horror game (weight 0.19): Despite comparisons to horror titles, the game does not frighten or create tension after the first 15 minutes. It is less gritty than other extraction games but has actual lore.
- Expect UI improvements (weight 0.18): Reviewers expect UI issues to be ironed out as the game develops. The developer seems open to adding quality of life features.
- Low bug count (weight 0.11): Some players encountered zero bugs during their playtime. The launch was relatively smooth.
- Browser engine-based (weight 0.1): The game is built using some sort of browser engine. This technical detail is mentioned by a reviewer.
- Steam page misrepresentation (weight 0.1): The Steam page does not fully represent the game. Some reviewers feel the store description is lacking.
- Remake of No Time For Pants (weight 0.1): The game is a remake of the title 'No Time For Pants'. This fact is noted by a reviewer.
- Luxury labeled items (weight 0.1): The game includes luxury labeled items. This minor detail is mentioned by a reviewer.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.13): Players enjoy the game's satisfying gunplay, exploration, and sense of discovery in its 2D extraction metroidvania format. The atmosphere, sound, and loot variety contribute to a fun experience that grows more engaging as players get used to the controls.
- Frustration (weight 0.12): Frustration stems from tedious grinding, harsh penalties, and inventory limitations that make progression feel slow and unforgiving. Awkward controls, lack of quality-of-life features, and a steep learning curve further aggravate players.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Satisfaction comes from the game's complete and mature feel, with a rewarding survival horror extraction loop that offers good value for its price. The printer/recycler mechanic reduces death penalties, and the game runs well on Steam Deck.
- Love (weight 0.06): Players love the perfectly tuned gameplay loop, unique mechanics, and the effort put in by the developer. The art style, setting, and grid inventory system contribute to a deeply appreciated experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.06): Excitement is driven by the intense adventure of getting lost and finding a way home, combined with fantastic sound design and a rewarding extraction loop. Players look forward to future development and story anticipation.
- Disappointment (weight 0.05): Disappointment arises from grindy and unenjoyable gameplay, bad gunplay, and poor value for the price. Players also find no incentive to explore once their inventory is full.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Appreciation is expressed for the cute art style, excellent value, and quality of the remake with improved mechanics and level design. The developer's responsiveness and frequent updates are highly valued.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.04): Enthusiasm is fueled by the game's unique blend of extraction shooter, sci-fi horror, and in-depth 2D mechanics, all crafted by a passionate solo developer. The game serves as an entry point into extraction shooters for many.
- Annoyance (weight 0.04): Annoyance is caused by UI issues, inventory stacking problems, and inability to find previous clone's loot. Unskippable timers, small inventory, and expensive body enhancements add to the irritation.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Admiration is directed at the high-quality implementation by a solo developer, offering huge content for its price. The game is polished for early access with incredible attention to detail.
- Engagement (weight 0.03): Engagement is high because the game hooks players strongly, especially during the demo, with an addicting loop that respects their time.
- Surprise (weight 0.03): Surprise stems from the game having much more content than expected for an early access title, including unexpected enemy gimmicks.
- Hope (weight 0.03): Hope is inspired by the game renewing expectations for what an early access release should be, and the belief that it will become a remarkable pastime.
- Tension (weight 0.03): Tension arises from tough enemies, the risk of running out of ammo, and extraction pressure with limited evac windows.
- Amazement (weight 0.03): Amazement is due to the game's overall quality and atmosphere.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger is triggered by terrible cave lighting that makes it impossible to see, and issues with recycled materials not merging or going to the bank.
- Fear (weight 0.01): Fear is caused by horror elements that make players jump.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Curiosity is driven by the desire to explore everything available and interest in what the developer will do next.
- Fun (weight 0.01): Fun comes from playing cautiously and deliberately in the sidescrolling extraction shooter gameplay.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Gratitude is felt when the developer responded quickly and fixed a reported bug without requiring Discord.}