Info about Risk of Rain 2:

Official game description:
  
**  
SURVIVE AN ALIEN PLANET**  
Over a dozen handcrafted locales await, each packed with challenging monsters and enormous bosses that oppose your continued existence. Fight your way to the final boss and escape or continue your run indefinitely to see just how long you can survive. A unique scaling system means both you and your foes limitlessly increase in power over the course of a game.  
**  
DISCOVER POWERFUL NEW ITEMS**  
More than 110 items keep each run fresh and full of new challenge. The more items you collect, the more their effects combine, the more surprising some of those combinations might be. The more items you encounter, the more lore (and strategy) you’ll discover through the logs.  
**  
UNLOCK NEW WAYS TO PLAY**  
Unlock a crew of eleven playable survivors, each with their own unique combat style and alternate skills to master. Learn the secrets of the Artifacts to toggle gameplay modifiers like friendly fire, random survivor spawns, item selection and more. With randomized stages, enemies, and items, no run will ever be the same.  
**  
PLAY SOLO OR CO-OP**  
Tackle the adventure solo or with up to three friends in online co-op, or compete in the rotating challenge of the Prismatic Trials. Brand new survivors like the Captain and MUL-T join classic survivors such as the Engineer, Huntress, and--of course--the Commando.

Release date: Aug 11, 2020

Categories: Roguelike, Cooperative Multiplayer, Character Progression, Procedural Generation, Third-Person Shooter, Item Management, Loot-driven Combat System, Survival


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


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- High replayability and content value (weight 0.97): The base game and DLCs offer exceptional value with extensive content, including randomized levels, unlockable items, and varied playstyles. The game's replayability is further enhanced by its roguelike structure and modding support.
- Exceptional soundtrack and immersion (weight 0.67): The game's soundtrack is widely praised for its quality and ability to enhance immersion. Composed by Chris Christodoulou, the music blends genres and elevates the atmosphere, making it a standout feature.
- Strong multiplayer and co-op experience (weight 0.57): Multiplayer and co-op modes significantly enhance the game's enjoyment, allowing players to team up with friends for chaotic and rewarding experiences. Shared DLC content and inclusive mechanics make it accessible and fun for groups.
- Item stacking and build variety (weight 0.35): The game's item system allows for deep customization and synergistic builds, enabling players to create powerful and unique playstyles. This mechanic encourages experimentation and adds to the game's replayability.
- High-quality DLC additions (weight 0.27): DLCs like 'Survivors of the Void' and 'Alloyed Collective' add substantial content, including new characters, items, and mechanics. Despite initial flaws, the DLCs are well-received and enhance the overall experience.
- Challenging yet fair difficulty (weight 0.14): The game's difficulty is highly customizable, offering a range of challenges that cater to both casual and hardcore players. The scaling difficulty and rewarding progression make victories feel earned and satisfying.
- Unique art style and atmosphere (weight 0.12): The game's art style is visually appealing and functional, with detailed environments and character designs that fit the chaotic and immersive tone. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the soundtrack and lore.
- Satisfying progression and mastery (weight 0.11): The game rewards skill and experience, offering a steep but gratifying learning curve. Players feel a sense of progression as they master mechanics, optimize builds, and overcome challenges.
- Strong modding community (weight 0.1): The game benefits from a robust modding community that extends its longevity. Mods add new characters, items, and gameplay mechanics, allowing players to tailor the experience to their preferences.
- Engaging lore and world-building (weight 0.1): The game features deep and tragic lore that adds emotional weight to the experience. While not intrusive, the storytelling and world-building enhance immersion and player investment.
- Memorable boss fights and enemies (weight 0.1): Bosses and enemies are well-designed, with unique mechanics and attack patterns that challenge players. The final boss, in particular, is a standout due to its difficulty and lore significance.
- Affordable and high-value pricing (weight 0.05): The game offers excellent value for its price, especially when on sale. The base game and DLCs provide extensive content, making it a worthwhile investment for fans of the genre.

Common complaints:
- Repetitive and frustrating gameplay (weight 0.27): Players report that the game becomes repetitive after a few hours, with monotonous combat (e.g., holding left click) and limited enemy variety. New players find mechanics confusing and frustrating, especially due to punishing difficulty and permadeath.
- Steep learning curve (weight 0.2): New players struggle with unclear mechanics, overwhelming item choices, and a slow start. The initial 20 hours can feel confusing and frustrating, especially in co-op.
- Unfair difficulty spikes (weight 0.14): Players experience sudden one-shot deaths from off-screen enemies, bosses, or elite mechanics, often without warning. Late-game stages introduce brutal difficulty spikes that feel unbalanced or punishing.
- Cluttered UI and item management (weight 0.09): Late-game UI becomes cluttered, and item management is difficult, especially in multiplayer. Items hidden in obscure locations or unclear descriptions add to the frustration.
- Poor level and teleporter design (weight 0.08): Level design issues include hidden teleporters, poorly lit maps, and frustrating spawn locations (e.g., inside walls or newt altars). Navigation and boss encounters feel poorly planned.
- Gearbox mismanagement concerns (weight 0.07): Players criticize Gearbox for introducing bugs, breaking game balance, and prioritizing monetization over fixes. Updates and DLCs under Gearbox's ownership are seen as damaging to the game's reputation.
- Frustrating RNG mechanics (weight 0.06): Reliance on RNG for item drops and unlocks leads to inconsistent experiences, with some runs feeling unfair or punishing due to bad luck (e.g., tanky enemies with no items).
- No run-saving feature (weight 0.03): The lack of a save system for runs forces players to complete long sessions in one sitting, leading to frustration if progress is lost due to interruptions or crashes.
- Void mechanic nerfs (weight 0.03): The Void mechanic was nerfed, making it frustrating to play (e.g., damage scaling issues, inability to escape). Void Fields are nearly impossible for some characters, and bugs like enemies spawning under geometry persist.

Gameplay feedback:
- Roguelike core gameplay loop (weight 0.25): The game features a roguelike structure with permadeath, randomized runs, and procedural generation, creating a replayable loop of exploration, combat, and progression. Runs typically last 30 minutes to an hour, culminating in a final boss.
- Scalable difficulty system (weight 0.24): The game offers adjustable difficulty settings, including time-based escalation, customizable modes (e.g., Eclipse), and adaptive scaling for enemies and bosses. This ensures challenges remain engaging for both casual and hardcore players.
- Looping and boss mechanics (weight 0.15): The game features looping mechanics (e.g., restarting stages with retained items) to extend gameplay. Boss fights are multi-phase encounters with unique behaviors, becoming more challenging in later loops.
- Unlockable content via achievements (weight 0.13): Players unlock new characters, items, skins, and abilities through achievements and progression. This meta-progression system rewards exploration and mastery.
- Randomized progression and RNG (weight 0.12): Procedural generation creates randomized levels, item drops, and enemy spawns, ensuring no two runs are identical. RNG-based mechanics (e.g., chests, gestures) add unpredictability.
- Addictive replayability (weight 0.08): The fast-paced, hard-hitting gameplay loop encourages repeated plays, with a 'one more run' mentality. Secrets, unlocks, and high replay value contribute to long-term engagement.
- Enemy variety and counterplay (weight 0.05): Enemies feature unique attack patterns, gimmicks, and range-based behaviors, designed for counterplay. Elite variants and boss encounters add depth to combat.
- Grinding for unlocks (weight 0.05): While not mandatory, grinding for boss items or unlocks is a common player activity. The grind level is average but can be mitigated by efficient play or modding.

Performance notes:
- Performance drops in late-game (weight 0.17): The game experiences significant performance issues during intense moments, such as late-game stages (50+), high enemy counts, or multiple visual effects. Players report FPS drops, occasional hangs, and crashes due to unoptimized effects or stacked items.
- Crashes during gameplay (weight 0.15): Frequent crashes occur, particularly in late-game scenarios or due to unoptimized effects. Some crashes have been mitigated post-DLC, but issues persist, especially with projectile overload or specific stages (e.g., stage 121).
- Optimization improvements needed (weight 0.13): While the game is generally well-optimized, some players note that performance has worsened after updates (e.g., Gearbox's changes) or with the second DLC. Mods are sometimes used to mitigate performance issues.
- High hardware demands for peak performance (weight 0.1): For optimal performance, especially in late-game or multiplayer, the game requires a strong CPU and GPU. This can limit accessibility for players with lower-end systems.
- Minor bugs and clipping issues (weight 0.02): The game has minor bugs, such as enemies clipping through walls, particularly when mods are involved. These issues are not game-breaking but can affect immersion.

Recommendations:
- Overwhelmingly recommended game (weight 0.35): The game is highly praised for its addictive gameplay loop, depth, and replayability, with many reviewers strongly recommending it for various playstyles, including solo and co-op experiences. It is often described as a must-play, especially for fans of roguelikes and mindless shooting.
- DLCs enhance experience (weight 0.24): The DLCs are widely regarded as high-quality additions that provide significant value, though some reviewers suggest waiting for sales or gradual adoption to avoid overwhelm. They are recommended for players who enjoy the base game.
- Replayability through variety (weight 0.21): The game's replayability is highlighted through its support for different characters, builds, and mods. Reviewers recommend experimenting with these elements to discover new experiences and extend long-term engagement.
- Mixed reviews on bugs (weight 0.2): While some reviewers recommend the game despite bugs, others advise caution due to frustration or unresolved issues. A few suggest waiting for major updates or fixes before purchasing.
- Try before committing (weight 0.19): Reviewers suggest playing the base game first to determine if the game suits personal preferences before investing in DLCs. Some recommend starting on the easiest difficulty to better appreciate the game's depth.
- Not for everyone (weight 0.19): While the game has broad appeal, some reviewers note it may not suit players who dislike grinding, roguelikes, or chaotic gameplay. A few explicitly advise against purchasing due to frustration or bugs.
- Ideal for roguelike fans (weight 0.15): The game is frequently cited as a masterpiece of roguelite design and is highly recommended for fans of the genre. Reviewers emphasize its chaotic, rewarding gameplay and variative runs, making it a standout title in the roguelike space.
- Multiplayer boosts enjoyment (weight 0.08): Playing with friends is highly recommended, as it enhances the experience by making the game easier and more enjoyable. Co-op is frequently cited as one of the best ways to experience the game.
- Mods improve gameplay (weight 0.07): Mods are suggested to fix interface issues, improve performance, and add content, significantly enhancing replayability and enjoyment. They are recommended for both minor fixes and major gameplay overhauls.
- Value for money (weight 0.06): The game is frequently described as worth the price, even at full cost, due to its content and replayability. Some reviewers suggest waiting for sales to maximize value.

Other player notes:
- DLCs highly valued by players (weight 0.05): Players frequently highlight the value of DLC content, including specific expansions like 'Survivors of the Void' and 'Alloyed Collective.' Updates and fixes for DLCs are also noted as positive contributions to the game.
- Soundtrack enhances immersion (weight 0.03): The soundtrack, composed by Chris Christodoulou, is praised for its emotional impact and seamless integration with the game's lore, significantly enhancing immersion.
- Lore is intricate but external (weight 0.03): The game’s lore is praised for its depth, but players note that it requires external content (e.g., YouTube videos) to fully explore. This highlights a desire for more in-game storytelling.
- Demand for improved monster AI (weight 0.02): Players request enhanced AI for monsters on higher difficulties, alongside new bosses that are balanced and challenging. This reflects a desire for more engaging and dynamic gameplay.
- Desire for interactive map designs (weight 0.02): Feedback suggests players want more unique and interactive maps, including hidden secrets and mini-bosses. This would add depth and replayability to the game.
- Game as an immersive experience (weight 0.01): Players describe the game as more than just gameplay—it’s an experience. This reflects the game’s ability to engage players on an emotional and narrative level.
- Slow default movement criticized (weight 0.01): Players express frustration with the default slow movement speed, which requires holding Shift to run. This is seen as an unnecessary inconvenience.
- Demand for new elemental items (weight 0.01): Feedback calls for the introduction of new elemental items, such as frost or poison effects, to diversify gameplay strategies and build variety.
- Mixed opinions on graphics (weight 0.01): While some players appreciate the game’s visuals, others criticize them as outdated or underwhelming. This suggests a need for graphical improvements or updates.
- Desire for item-sharing mechanics (weight 0.01): Players suggest adding item-sharing mechanics that don’t disrupt game balance. This would enhance cooperative gameplay and teamwork.
- Achievements for artifact challenges (weight 0.01): Players propose adding achievements tied to artifact-based challenges, which would provide additional goals and rewards for mastery.
- Regional purchase restrictions (weight 0.01): Some players report issues with regional restrictions on purchasing or reviewing the game, which can limit accessibility and player engagement.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.21): Players experience frustration primarily due to repetitive gameplay loops, unfair difficulty spikes (e.g., one-shot mechanics, boss self-healing), and performance issues like crashes or frame drops. Multiplayer dynamics, such as loot hogging, disconnections, and being forced to spectate, further exacerbate the emotion. Poor design choices, like unclear item descriptions, hidden chests, and RNG-dependent mechanics, also contribute to repeated failures and perceived unfairness.
- Excitement (weight 0.19): Excitement stems from the game's chaotic and addictive roguelike loop, particularly the variety in characters, items, and synergies that enable powerful builds (e.g., firing 100 missiles per second). Co-op gameplay with friends amplifies the fun, as does discovering new combos or overcoming challenges. The game's depth, replayability, and visually overwhelming late-game moments create intense and memorable experiences.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.07): Satisfaction arises from mastering the game's mechanics, overcoming challenges, and unlocking content like new characters or items. Players feel rewarded by successful runs, especially when builds synergize effectively or when they achieve milestones like 100% completion. The game's depth, stylish visuals, and soundtrack enhance the sense of accomplishment, particularly during powerful or chaotic moments.
- Disappointment (weight 0.06): Disappointment is tied to the game's decline post-DLC, with players citing unaddressed bugs, poor balance changes (e.g., underpowered characters, unfair mechanics), and repetitive or unsatisfying gameplay. The 'Seekers of the Storm' DLC, in particular, is criticized for its quality, execution, and negative impact on the game's reputation. Some players feel the game now requires mods to be enjoyable or that updates have ruined its former greatness.
- Joy (weight 0.05): Joy is derived from the game's chaotic and synergistic gameplay, especially in co-op with friends. Players enjoy the unique mechanics, such as item stacking and build variety, which create fun and immersive experiences. Overcoming challenges, discovering secrets, and sharing victories with others contribute to the overall sense of happiness and engagement.
- Amusement (weight 0.04): Amusement comes from the game's absurd and humorous moments, such as cheaters helping others, treating crashes as wins, or achieving ridiculous power levels. Players also find humor in creative descriptions of characters, exploits (e.g., 'Ahoy! x100'), and chaotic co-op interactions, like stealing items from teammates or customizing turrets with silly names.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.04): Nostalgia is evoked by personal attachments to the game, such as memories of playing with friends or family, or reflecting on long-term progression. The game's evolution from its original version and its similarities to other beloved titles (e.g., COD Zombies) also trigger fond recollections of past gaming experiences.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Admiration is directed toward the game's artistic quality, including its soundtrack, lore, and design. Players praise the depth, replayability, and attention to detail, such as the tragic story of Mithrix or the atmospheric integration of music. The developers' support and the game's ability to redefine the roguelike genre are also highlighted.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger is caused by unfair or unpredictable mechanics, such as bosses spawning as healing elites or misleading design choices (e.g., false advertising of weather mechanics). Players are also frustrated with Gearbox's handling of updates, which introduced game-breaking bugs, mod incompatibility, and perceived casualization of the game's difficulty.
- Gratitude (weight 0.02): Gratitude is expressed toward the developers for their ongoing support, dedication, and improvements to the game. Players appreciate the positive impact the game has had on their lives, such as reconnecting with late family members or discovering the game despite initial disinterest. The soundtrack and its composer are also frequently praised.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Appreciation is shown for the game's quality, depth, and post-launch support. Players commend the soundtrack, art direction, and multiplayer experience, as well as the developers' continued care for the game. The DLC's improvements and the game's ability to foster passion for design are also noted.
- Relief (weight 0.02): Relief is felt when players overcome technical or design hurdles, such as being able to play on low-end hardware, mods fixing crashes, or the dev team addressing DLC issues. Narrowly escaping in-game disasters (e.g., moon destruction) or reverting to a stable version also provides a sense of relief.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.01): Enjoyment comes from the game's fun and engaging mechanics, particularly when playing with friends or exploring its depth. Characters, multiplayer dynamics, and the overall gameplay loop contribute to a captivating and satisfying experience across multiple playthroughs.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is driven by the game's depth, replayability, and high playtime. Players strongly recommend the game and its DLC, often inviting others to join them. Specific mechanics, like mushrooms and syringes, or the game's modding potential, further fuel this excitement.
- Immersion (weight 0.01): Immersion is created by the game's atmospheric soundtrack, beautiful stage design, and lore. Players feel deeply engaged when exploring secrets, uncovering the narrative, or embracing their role as a genocidal force. The game's atmosphere and exploration mechanics enhance this sense of presence.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Curiosity is sparked by the game's mysterious lore, hidden mechanics, and secrets. Players are intrigued by artifacts, endings like 'Fate Unknown,' and piecing together the world's story. Each run offers new discoveries, encouraging exploration and experimentation.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game stems from its immersive world, replayability, and personal connections. Players express long-term enjoyment, dedication to its music, and a deep attachment to its design and community. The game's ability to evoke passion and nostalgia contributes to this emotion.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is tied to anticipation for future updates, DLCs, and the game's continued growth. Players encourage others to try the game and look forward to new content, such as the Alloyed Collective DLC. The potential for the game to improve or expand its community fosters optimism.
- Awe (weight 0.01): Awe is inspired by the game's music, art, and atmosphere, which create deeply emotional and memorable moments. The reveal of Sky Meadow, the soundtrack's quality, and the game's beautiful landscapes evoke a sense of wonder and admiration for its craftsmanship.
- Humor (weight 0.01): Humor arises from playful or exaggerated descriptions of gameplay, such as self-deprecating jokes about skill issues or spoilers about favorite characters. Players also find amusement in the game's absurdity, like comparing the soundtrack to Mozart and Beethoven or making light of their struggles.}