Info about Insurgency: Sandstorm:

Official game description:
Special Edition
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About the Game
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Insurgency: Sandstorm delivers hardcore tactical combat where death is instant, ammunition is precious, and victory demands skill and coordination. Experience modern warfare's raw brutality through deadly ballistics, devastating artillery strikes, light attack vehicles, and HDR audio that puts the fear back into combat.
Push through war-torn streets, secure objectives, and survive lethal firefights. With no crosshair, minimal HUD, and realistic damage, every engagement demands tactical awareness and precision. Manage your ammunition carefully, use cover wisely, and coordinate with your squad—because in Sandstorm, there are no second chances.
Modern combat rewards those who communicate and adapt. Choose from specialized classes, coordinate devastating support strikes with your spotter, and respond to constantly shifting frontlines. Individual skill matters, but teamwork wins the fight.
Battle in intense PvP matches with up to 14v14 players or face relentless AI in co-op missions that demand tactical precision and squad coordination. Whether you prefer competitive firefights or cooperative survival under pressure, Sandstorm delivers.
Powered by gritty visuals and an unmatched soundscape, the chaos of combat comes alive without clutter or distraction. This isn't your typical shooter—this is war as it truly is: brutal, ruthless, and unforgettable.

Release date: Dec 12, 2018

Categories: First-Person Shooter, Tactical Shooter, Cooperative Multiplayer, Realistic Combat, Team-based Combat, Weapon Customization, Competitive Multiplayer, Hardcore Difficulty

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 45; verdict: Medium Severity with Functional Issues; summary: The game features cosmetic microtransactions and paid DLCs for skins, which are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay. However, there are significant issues with the functionality of DLCs, including problems with purchased content being locked or not working. The game also receives free updates, which is appreciated by the community.
- Wiki: score 10; verdict: Needs Improvement in UI and Game Mechanics; summary: The primary issues identified from user feedback revolve around user interface problems and insufficient explanations of game mechanics. These issues significantly impact the user experience, particularly for casual players and those trying to understand game objectives.
- Proton/Linux: score 20; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game generally runs well on Linux using Proton, with multiple users reporting a positive experience. However, there are some desires for better native support and a specific issue reported with Nobara Linux that could affect the user experience on certain distributions.
- Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The game has significant issues with anti-cheat systems, performance, and optimization, which severely impact the user experience. While there are positive aspects such as fun gameplay and Linux compatibility with Proton, the need for tinkering and the presence of critical bugs and performance issues cannot be overlooked. The overall experience is marred by these technical barriers, making it less enjoyable and more frustrating for many users.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Performance varies significantly across hardware cohorts, with higher-end systems generally reporting smoother gameplay. Lower-end hardware often experiences noticeable performance issues, particularly with FPS drops and stability problems.
  - Sample size: 203 (3% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / <16GB RAM (mixed, 79 reports): Users report a mix of satisfactory performance with some graphical adjustments and significant FPS drops during intense scenes.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / 16-31GB RAM (negative, 39 reports): This cohort experiences severe performance issues, including sudden FPS drops and constant freezing.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 34 reports): Generally good performance with some minor issues like occasional stuttering.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (positive, 27 reports): Good performance overall, though some users note optimization issues and low FPS.
  - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (positive, 16 reports): Excellent performance with high-end hardware, though there are isolated reports of memory issues.
  - Caveats: 203 of 7177 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that the community generally finds the game worth purchasing, particularly when it is on sale. Several reviews mention that the game is worth buying at a discounted price, with specific mentions of prices around $10 to $15 being fair. One review even states that the game is worth the full price of $30, but it is better value when on sale. This indicates that the community considers the fair price range to be between $10 and $30, with a strong preference for the lower end of this range during sales.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 300.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides direct and indirect mentions of playtime. The first quote mentions a player initially playing 6-8 hours and then returning to put in 112 hours. The second quote mentions a player having 130-150 hours across PC and console. The third quote mentions a player with over 2000 hours of playtime. The fourth quote mentions a player with around 300 hours of playtime. These quotes help to estimate typical playtime metrics for the game.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game is highly enjoyable, especially in co-op modes with friends, and offers an immersive and challenging experience once players overcome the initial learning curve.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: Starting co-op mode with friends
  - Time to anchor: 0h 30m
  - Friction: Steep learning curve for newcomers; Technical issues like FPS drops; Challenging gameplay requiring strategic thinking
  - Unlock drivers: Playing with friends; Engaging in co-op modes; Overcoming the initial learning curve
  - Conditions: Playing with friends; Co-op modes; Strategic thinking and positioning
- Player Archetypes:
  - Veteran PVE Strategist (buy)
    - Motivation: Strategic gameplay and teamwork
    - Playstyle: Strategic and cooperative
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: core players; veteran; hardcore
    - Reference games: Squad; Arma; Hell Let Loose
  - Tactical Casual Hybrid (sale)
    - Motivation: Balanced gameplay between realism and accessibility
    - Playstyle: Tactical yet accessible
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: casual-friendly; tactical shooter fans
    - Reference games: Call of Duty; CS:GO; Arma
  - Newcomer Seeking Accessibility (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoyable and relaxed gameplay
    - Playstyle: Learning and adapting
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: new players; casual gamers
    - Reference games: Call of Duty; Battlefield
  - PVE Relaxed Co-op Player (sale)
    - Motivation: Relaxed and cooperative gameplay
    - Playstyle: Cooperative and leisurely
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: PVE enthusiasts; co-op players
    - Reference games: Left 4 Dead; Rainbow Six Siege


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:
- High level of realism (weight 0.46): The game is appreciated for its focus on realism, including realistic physics, gun handling, and immersive sound design.
- Outstanding gunplay mechanics (weight 0.36): The game features highly praised gunplay mechanics, including realistic physics, good shooting mechanics, and amazing gun sounds.
- Tactical and rewarding gameplay (weight 0.3): The gameplay is noted for its tactical depth, requiring strategic planning and teamwork, which makes it challenging and rewarding.
- Excellent co-op mode (weight 0.21): The co-op mode is frequently highlighted as one of the best features, offering enjoyable and intense gameplay experiences.
- High-quality sound design (weight 0.21): The sound design is frequently praised for its authenticity and quality, enhancing the overall immersive experience.
- Immersive experience (weight 0.2): Players find the game extremely immersive due to its graphics, sound effects, and intense gameplay scenarios.
- Extensive customization options (weight 0.18): The game offers a variety of customization options for characters and weapons, adding depth to the gameplay experience.
- Excellent graphics and optimization (weight 0.08): The game is noted for its stunning graphics and excellent optimization, contributing to a visually appealing experience.

Common complaints:
- Awful controls and mechanics (weight 0.15): Players find the controls and movement system to be poorly designed. Additionally, the AI programming and weapon handling are criticized for being subpar, leading to a frustrating gameplay experience.
- AI lacks intelligence (weight 0.13): The AI in the game is criticized for being unintelligent and lacking tactics. Players find the AI behavior to be inconsistent and frustrating, particularly in PvE modes.
- Declining player base (weight 0.11): The game has a small and gradually declining online player base. Players report few active lobbies and a small community, making it difficult to find matches.
- Removal of Ambush Mode (weight 0.08): Players are dissatisfied with the removal of Ambush Mode, which was taken out without notice or explanation. This has led to frustration among the player base.
- High ping issues (weight 0.07): Players experience high ping, especially on EU servers, which affects gameplay. Server lag is a common issue that detracts from the gaming experience.
- Developers have abandoned the game (weight 0.07): Players believe that the developers have given up on the game and are no longer providing updates or support. This has led to a perception that the game is abandoned.
- Lack of new content (weight 0.07): The game suffers from a lack of new content, particularly in terms of weapons. Players find the available guns ineffective and desire more variety.
- Game becomes boring quickly (weight 0.07): The game tends to become boring after a short period, with players reporting that it loses its appeal after 30 minutes to a few hours of gameplay.
- Game is full of cheaters (weight 0.06): Cheaters are a significant issue in the game, with players reporting widespread cheating that affects the overall gaming experience.
- Frequent connectivity issues (weight 0.06): Players experience frequent connection issues and disconnections, which disrupt gameplay and lead to a poor gaming experience.
- Unbalanced matchmaking (weight 0.06): The matchmaking system is criticized for being unbalanced and having long wait times. This affects the overall gaming experience and player satisfaction.
- Limited and uninteresting game modes (weight 0.06): Players find the available game modes to be limited and uninteresting. There is a desire for new and varied game modes to enhance the gaming experience.
- DLC content issues (weight 0.05): Players have concerns about the DLC content, practices, and quality. The DLC policy is criticized for not meeting player expectations.
- Teamkilling problems (weight 0.05): The game has issues with teamkilling and friendly fire, which are seen as poorly designed and frustrating by players.
- Poor team behavior (weight 0.05): The game suffers from poor team behavior and bot behavior issues. Players report a lack of team balance, which affects gameplay.
- Limited variety of maps (weight 0.05): The game has a limited number of maps, which players find restrictive. There is a desire for more variety in maps to keep the gameplay experience fresh.
- Steep learning curve (weight 0.05): The game has a steep learning curve, particularly for new players. This can make it difficult for new players to get into the game and enjoy the experience.
- Ineffective reporting system (weight 0.05): The in-game report function is seen as ineffective, with players reporting that it does nothing to address issues. This leads to frustration among the player base.
- No Russian servers (weight 0.05): Players report the absence of Russian or CIS servers, which affects the gaming experience for players in those regions. The removal of these servers is seen as a negative aspect.

Gameplay feedback:
- Variety of game modes (weight 0.22): The game offers multiple game modes including PvE, PvP, Deathmatch, Co-Op, and FireFight, providing a diverse range of gameplay experiences.
- Emphasis on teamwork (weight 0.19): Teamwork and communication are crucial elements in the game, enhancing the cooperative experience and requiring players to coordinate effectively.
- Realistic mechanics (weight 0.18): The game features realistic sniper physics, ballistics, weapon handling, and combat scenarios, providing an immersive and authentic experience.
- Engaging and tactical gameplay (weight 0.16): The gameplay is engaging, objective-based, and tactical, with a slower pace that rewards careful planning and execution.
- Extensive customization options (weight 0.16): Players can customize their guns and characters extensively, allowing for a personalized gaming experience.
- Realistic gun mechanics (weight 0.07): The game features weighty gun mechanics, realistic ballistics, and recoil, enhancing the overall realism and immersion.
- No hit markers or crosshairs (weight 0.07): The game does not include hit markers or crosshairs, adding to the realism and challenge of the gameplay.
- PvP mechanics and balance (weight 0.05): The game includes PvP mechanics that are well-balanced, offering a competitive and fair multiplayer experience.
- Close-quarters combat focus (weight 0.05): The game emphasizes close-quarters combat, providing intense and immersive firefights in tight spaces.
- Progression and achievement systems (weight 0.05): The game features progression and achievement systems, allowing players to track their progress and earn rewards.
- Diverse map selection (weight 0.05): The game offers a variety of maps, providing diverse environments and strategic opportunities for players.

Performance notes:
- Performance and Optimization Issues (weight 0.24): Many players report various performance issues such as lag, connectivity problems, FPS drops, and optimization issues. These problems are frequent and affect the overall gaming experience.
- Good Performance on Specific Hardware (weight 0.16): Some players report that the game runs well on low to medium settings and on mid-tier hardware. This indicates that the game can be enjoyed on a variety of systems, provided the settings are adjusted appropriately.
- Server and Connectivity Issues (weight 0.15): There are numerous reports of server issues, including high ping, desync, and problems with entering matches. These issues significantly impact the multiplayer experience.
- Game Stability and Bugs (weight 0.15): Reviews mention various stability issues, including freezing, crashes, and random bugs. These issues can disrupt gameplay and cause frustration.
- Long Loading Times (weight 0.1): Several reviews mention long loading times and issues with the game freezing or hanging at specific percentages during loading. This can be frustrating for players trying to start or continue their gameplay.
- Anti-Cheat and Compatibility Issues (weight 0.07): Some players have reported issues with the Easy Anti-Cheat system and compatibility problems with specific operating systems or hardware configurations. These issues can prevent the game from starting or running properly.
- Graphical and Visual Issues (weight 0.05): Some players have noted graphical issues such as blurry graphics and texture bugs. While these do not necessarily affect gameplay, they can detract from the overall visual experience.

Recommendations:
- Buy on sale for best value (weight 0.19): Many reviewers recommend purchasing the game during a sale or discount period to get the best value for money. The game is frequently on sale, making it a more attractive purchase at a lower price point.
- Recommended for tactical shooter fans (weight 0.1): The game is specifically recommended for fans of tactical shooters. Players who enjoy this genre are likely to find the game appealing and worth trying.
- Add more weapons and accessories (weight 0.06): Players are requesting more weapons and accessory options for weapons, indicating a desire for greater variety and customization in gameplay.
- Try other tactical shooters (weight 0.05): Some reviews suggest trying other tactical shooters like Grey Zone Warfare and Ground Branch for a similar or enhanced experience.
- Highly recommended despite issues (weight 0.04): The game comes highly recommended by many players, even though some acknowledge that it has certain issues. The overall experience seems to outweigh the problems for most players.
- Worth the price (weight 0.04): Several reviews indicate that the game is worth its price, suggesting that the content and experience provided justify the cost.
- Custom game modes and harder difficulties (weight 0.04): Players are interested in having custom game modes and harder difficulty settings for higher ranks, suggesting a desire for more challenging and varied gameplay options.
- Improve marketing and belief in the game (weight 0.04): There are suggestions to improve the marketing of the game and for the developers to believe in the game's potential, indicating a desire for better promotion and confidence in the product.
- Worth buying cosmetic sets (weight 0.02): Some reviews mention that the cosmetic sets available for purchase are worth buying, adding value to the game experience.
- Recommended for players with jobs and families (weight 0.02): The game is recommended for players who have jobs and families, indicating that it can be enjoyed even with limited gaming time.
- Consider personal preferences and PC configuration (weight 0.02): Potential buyers should consider their personal preferences and PC configuration before purchasing the game to ensure it meets their expectations and system requirements.
- UI improvements for immersion (weight 0.02): Suggestions include making teammate markers and objective point UI transparent to increase immersion, indicating a focus on enhancing the gaming experience through UI improvements.
- Bring the game back to Gamepass (weight 0.02): There is a suggestion to bring the game back to Gamepass, indicating that players found value in having it available through this service.
- Recommended for masochists and challenge seekers (weight 0.02): The game is recommended for those who enjoy a challenge and may even be considered masochistic in their gaming preferences.
- Not recommended for new PVP players (weight 0.02): The game is not recommended for new players in PVP, suggesting that it may be too challenging or unforgiving for beginners.
- Buy Deluxe or Gold Edition for additional cosmetics (weight 0.02): For those interested in additional cosmetics and weapon skins, the Deluxe or Gold Edition is recommended, indicating that these editions offer valuable extras.
- Buy base game only if not interested in cosmetics (weight 0.02): It is recommended to buy the base game only if you are not interested in cosmetics, suggesting that the additional content may not be worth the extra cost for some players.
- Switch to keyboard and mouse (weight 0.02): There is a recommendation to switch to keyboard and mouse for a better gaming experience, suggesting that this control scheme may be more effective or enjoyable.
- Suggests playing solo and learning the hard way (weight 0.02): Some reviews suggest playing solo and learning the game through trial and error, indicating that this approach can be rewarding.
- Do not recommend due to unjust system (weight 0.02): Some reviews do not recommend the game due to an unjust system, indicating significant issues with the game's mechanics or policies.
- Add silencer attachment for the Welrod (weight 0.02): A specific suggestion to add a silencer attachment for the Welrod, indicating a desire for more weapon customization options.
- Battlefield 6 for good MP combat (weight 0.02): A suggestion to try Battlefield 6 for good multiplayer combat, indicating that it may offer a better or different experience in this regard.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.33): Players are frustrated primarily due to technical issues such as lag, server problems, and game crashes. Additionally, the presence of cheaters, poor team behavior, and lack of new content contribute significantly to this frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.16): Players express satisfaction with the game's realistic gunplay, tactical gameplay, and enjoyable mechanics. The positive community interaction and successful teamwork also enhance their overall experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.14): Disappointment stems from the lack of updates and significant improvements over the original game. Players also express dissatisfaction with the removal of features, poor gameplay experience, and the game's decline in quality.
- Excitement (weight 0.08): Players are excited about the realistic and immersive gameplay mechanics. The dynamic battles, customization options, and intense gameplay experiences contribute to their excitement.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): Enjoyment comes from the tactical and balanced gameplay, engaging PVE gameplay, and detailed weapon models. Players also appreciate the variety of gameplay modes and the realistic combat mechanics.
- Joy (weight 0.04): Joy is derived from fun gameplay elements, positive gameplay experiences, and the emphasis on sound and shooting mechanics. The challenging and fun nature of the game also brings joy to players.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.04): Enthusiasm is driven by the game's unique and enjoyable gameplay experience, the rewarding moments, and different strategies. The excellent focus on realism and great gameplay mechanics also contribute to this enthusiasm.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger is primarily caused by the developers' actions, poor game quality, and performance issues. Players are also angry about toxic behavior, cheating, and the company's focus on profit over game improvement.
- Frustrated (weight 0.02): Players are frustrated with technical issues such as freezing during session loading and lack of accessibility options. Cheating and toxic behavior in the community also contribute to their frustration.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Nostalgia is evoked by comparisons to the first game and memories of playing with older players. The reminiscing about unique scope mechanics and Ambush Mode also brings a sense of nostalgia.
- Excited (weight 0.01): Players are excited about the unique gameplay modes and the blend of milsim and arcade shooter elements. The fun experienced in PvE mode and comparisons to other popular shooters also generate excitement.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is driven by the game's potential to surpass other popular shooters and its unique identity. Players hope for more content and improvements to keep the community engaged.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement comes from seeing humorous events in the game and descriptions of player behaviors and roles. The dynamic gameplay and humorous anecdotes also contribute to this emotion.
- Positive (weight 0.01): Players feel positive about the game's ability to hold up against modern shooters and the amazing gameplay experiences it offers. The game being good every now and then also contributes to this positivity.
- Concern (weight 0.01): Concern is primarily about the declining online player base and the lack of a ranking system, which could lead to potential stagnation in the game's community and development.
- Engaged (weight 0.01): Players are engaged by the detailed map design and realistic weapon mechanics. The comparison to souls-like games and extensive customization options also keep them engaged.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Admiration is driven by the great atmosphere and weapon customization. The excellent mechanics and unique gameplay blend also contribute to this feeling.
- Nostalgic (weight 0): Players feel nostalgic when comparing the game to playing Counter Strike for the first time, evoking memories of their initial experiences with similar games.}