Info about Sonic Forces:

Official game description:
In SONIC FORCES, the evil Dr. Eggman has conquered much of the world with help from a powerful and mysterious new villain named Infinite. Now, you must assist Sonic and build an army to reclaim the world as they fight against chaos and destruction.  
Defeat enemies with blazing speed as Modern Sonic, catapult past perilous platforms as Classic Sonic, and create your very own Custom Hero Character equipped with a variety of powerful gadgets. Experience fast-paced action with these three unique gameplay styles, explore iconic stages, plus, fight across unique added content with Shadow as a playable character!  
Digital Bonus Edition includes:
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*   SONIC FORCES videogame  
*   EPISODE SHADOW (DLC)  
*   SEGA PACK (DLC)  
    **The fate of Sonic the Hedgehog’s world is in your hands – Join the Uprising.**

Release date: Nov 7, 2017

Categories: Action Platformer, Character Customization, 3D Platformer, 2D Side-scrolling, Speedrunning, High Mobility, Collectathon

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals significant issues with the game's controls, which are described as complicated and uncomfortable, severely impacting the gameplay experience. Additionally, the inclusion of Denuvo DRM has been a point of contention among users, affecting the game's perceived quality. Gameplay issues, particularly related to controls and physics during jumps, have also been noted. Despite these issues, some users have found the game enjoyable.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence consistently suggests that the game is not worth its full price of $40, with multiple reviews indicating that a fair price would be around $10 to $15. Many users mention that they enjoyed the game but only found it worthwhile when purchased at a significant discount. The general sentiment is that the game is overpriced at its full price but can be a good buy when on sale for $10 to $15.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 30.0h
  - Story completion: 2.5h
  - Session length: 0.0h
  - Endgame: 21.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides clear indications of the playtime metrics for Sonic Forces. The main story completion time is frequently mentioned as around 2 to 3 hours. The total game completion time, including all missions, collectibles, and achievements, is noted to be around 30 hours. Session lengths are indicated to be short, with levels taking between 1.5 to 3 minutes to complete. Endgame content involves grinding for achievements and collectibles, adding significant hours post-story completion.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts fun but quickly becomes boring due to repetitive and simple gameplay mechanics. Collecting items and customizing the avatar provide some enjoyment.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Collecting clothing and accessories for the avatar
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: Repetitive level design; Simple and boring gameplay mechanics; Short and uninspired levels
  - Unlock drivers: Collecting items; Customizing the avatar
  - Conditions: Good soundtrack; Some level designs with great pacing
- Player Archetypes:
  - Franchise Fan (sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of the Sonic franchise and character customization.
    - Playstyle: Casual play focused on character creation and franchise enjoyment.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: Sonic fan; completionist
    - Reference games: Sonic Mania; Sonic Generations
  - Creative Customizer (sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of character creation and customization.
    - Playstyle: Creative and experimental, focusing on avatar customization and varied gameplay styles.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: creator; customizer
    - Reference games: Sonic Generations; Sonic Unleashed
  - Gameplay Mechanic Enthusiast (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of gameplay mechanics and challenges.
    - Playstyle: Focused on mastering gameplay mechanics and enjoying the mix of 3D and 2D platforming.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: gamer; mechanic enthusiast
    - Reference games: Sonic Generations; Sonic Unleashed
  - Completionist Grinder (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Achieving 100% completion and collecting all items.
    - Playstyle: Grinding and completing all aspects of the game, including collectibles and achievements.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: completionist; grinder
    - Reference games: Sonic Mania; Sonic Generations


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:
- Fun and enjoyable gameplay (weight 0.45): Despite some bugs, players find the gameplay enjoyable and fun. The game is described as spectacular and wonderful, with interesting gameplay mechanics.
- Excellent soundtrack (weight 0.36): The game's soundtrack is highly praised, with players describing it as great, excellent, and outstanding. The music is a significant positive aspect of the game.
- Impressive graphics and visuals (weight 0.35): The game is widely praised for its graphics, visual design, and art style. Players appreciate the character creator, atmospheric visuals, and overall graphical improvements.
- Enjoyable avatar creation (weight 0.33): Players find the avatar creation system to be fun and creative. The customizable elements are consistent with the game's graphics and art style, adding to the enjoyment.
- Varied and fun levels (weight 0.25): The game features varied and fun levels that are enjoyable to play and replay. Some levels are particularly well-designed and creative.
- Extensive character customization (weight 0.21): Character customization is a standout feature, offering many options and adding replayability. Players enjoy the customizable protagonist and the variety of customization options available.
- Classic and Modern Sonic gameplay (weight 0.19): The game features both Classic and Modern Sonic, with levels designed to appeal to fans of both styles. The gameplay for both characters is enjoyable and well-received.
- Intriguing character Infinite (weight 0.13): Infinite is highlighted as an intriguing and well-executed new character. Players find him to be a great and cool villain.
- Enjoyable boss fights (weight 0.09): The boss fights are described as fun, interesting, and enjoyable. They add a positive element to the gameplay experience.
- Fast-paced and action-packed (weight 0.08): The gameplay is described as fast-paced and action-packed, providing a high-speed 3D action experience.
- Smooth performance (weight 0.08): The game is technically sound with no performance issues. It plays smoothly and maintains a locked 60fps with no bugs or instabilities.
- Modding enhances gameplay (weight 0.08): The modding scene significantly improves the game, enhancing gameplay and making it better with mods. Players find that mods elevate the game to an A-tier level.
- Narratively important Sonic game (weight 0.07): The game is considered narratively important to the Sonic timeline and is praised as a favorite Sonic game with a well-executed plot.

Common complaints:
- Weak and disappointing story (weight 0.52): The story is widely criticized for being poorly written, lacking depth, and feeling rushed. Many players found it underdeveloped, with poor character writing and a weak villain.
- Clunky Classic Sonic gameplay (weight 0.46): Players found Classic Sonic's gameplay to be clunky, unresponsive, and frustrating. The controls are described as stiff and imprecise, making the gameplay less enjoyable compared to other Sonic games.
- Short and uninspired levels (weight 0.4): Many levels are criticized for being too short and lacking depth. Players also noted that the levels are often linear, boring, and uninspired, with too many automated segments.
- Short gameplay duration (weight 0.35): The game is criticized for its short playtime, with many players feeling that the game is too brief and does not offer enough content to justify its price.
- Game not worth the price (weight 0.23): Many players feel that the game is not worth its full price due to its short length, lack of depth, and overall quality issues.
- Game is too easy (weight 0.13): The game is criticized for being too easy and not offering enough challenge. Players found it to be simple to a fault, demanding too little skill.
- Save data issues (weight 0.09): Some players reported issues with save data, including lost progress and save file deletion, which can be frustrating.
- Repetitive gameplay elements (weight 0.08): The game features repetitive challenges, objectives, and music, which can make the gameplay feel monotonous.
- Poor dialogue and optimization (weight 0.07): The game is criticized for its poor dialogue and dubbing, as well as optimization issues that affect the overall experience.
- Game plays itself too much (weight 0.07): A significant portion of the game is automated, making it feel like the game plays itself too much, reducing player engagement.

Gameplay feedback:
- Diverse gameplay styles (weight 0.49): The game offers multiple gameplay styles through different characters, including Modern Sonic, Classic Sonic, and a custom avatar. Each character has unique mechanics and level designs tailored to their style.
- Level design variety (weight 0.47): Levels are designed differently for Modern Sonic, Classic Sonic, and the custom avatar, offering a mix of high-speed 3D action, 2D side-scrolling, and unique mechanics for each character.
- Character creation system (weight 0.32): The game features a robust character creation system, allowing players to create and customize their own avatars with various species, special powers, and accessories.
- Control and gameplay issues (weight 0.28): The game has been criticized for control issues and bugs, particularly with Classic Sonic's gameplay, which is described as clunky, imprecise, and difficult to control.
- Nostalgia elements (weight 0.22): The game includes nostalgia elements such as old characters and levels, bringing back Classic Sonic and featuring stages reminiscent of previous Sonic games.
- Story and plot criticism (weight 0.22): The game's plot has been criticized for its quality, with specific plot points and character developments receiving negative feedback from players.
- Replayability and unlockables (weight 0.17): The game offers replay value through unlockables, missions, and diverse maps, encouraging players to revisit levels and explore different gameplay styles.
- Ease and accessibility (weight 0.14): The gameplay is described as easy, fast-paced, and intuitive, with simple controls and solid mechanics, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
- Boost and combat mechanics (weight 0.14): Modern Sonic's gameplay focuses on boost mechanics, while the custom avatar includes Wispons as weapons and a grappling hook, adding variety to combat and movement.
- Linear and repetitive levels (weight 0.13): Some levels are criticized for being linear with little exploration and repetitive design, featuring many automatic segments and scripted passages.
- Boss fights and mechanics (weight 0.12): The game includes boss fights that are criticized for being simple and not challenging, featuring multiple phases but lacking depth and complexity.
- Comparison to other games (weight 0.08): The gameplay and mechanics are often compared to other Sonic games, particularly Sonic Generations, as well as other platformers, highlighting similarities and differences.

Performance notes:
- Game-breaking bugs and crashes (weight 0.15): Several players encountered game-breaking bugs, crashes, and issues with the game not launching properly. Some experienced crashes after seeing specific logos or during gameplay.
- Excellent optimization (weight 0.09): The game is well-optimized and runs flawlessly, even on older hardware like a 2016 laptop at the highest settings.
- Performance issues and lag (weight 0.07): Some players reported laggy performance, occasional performance drops, and issues causing blue screens.
- Save data issues (weight 0.07): Multiple players experienced problems with save data, including saves not working or progress being lost upon reopening the game.
- FPS issues in cutscenes (weight 0.05): Players noted that cutscenes are locked at 30 FPS or run at low FPS even on high-end hardware.
- Patches and fixes (weight 0.05): The game has received patches to stabilize the PC release and fix major glitches and save deletions.
- Controller issues (weight 0.03): Some players reported that their controllers did not work properly with the game.
- High-quality graphics demands (weight 0.03): The game demands high-quality graphics, which can be challenging for some systems.
- Character serration with AA (weight 0.02): Players noticed character serration issues when anti-aliasing is enabled.
- Desire for performance-improving DLCs (weight 0.02): Players expressed a desire for DLCs that could improve the game's performance.

Recommendations:
- Buy only on sale (weight 0.37): Many players suggest purchasing the game only when it is discounted, as it is not worth the full price.
- Recommended for Sonic fans (weight 0.26): The game is suggested for die-hard Sonic fans but not necessarily for hardcore fans. Some recommend other Sonic games instead.
- Good for younger players (weight 0.09): The game is recommended for younger players and as an entry point for new Sonic fans.
- Worth specific price points (weight 0.07): The game is considered worth buying at certain price points, typically between $5 to $15.
- Worth trying if cheap (weight 0.05): The game is worth trying if it can be found at a low price, making it accessible for curious players.
- Not worth full price (weight 0.04): The game's content is not considered worth the full price by many players.
- Play for fun (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for those looking to have fun and not take it too seriously.

Other player notes:
- Mod management tools mentioned (weight 0.05): Players mentioned specific mod management tools such as Hedgemod Manager and Sonic Overclocked mod.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.28): Players are disappointed due to the game's weak story, lack of challenge, and mediocre gameplay. The game's short length, poor level design, and unfulfilled potential compared to previous Sonic games also contribute to this sentiment.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.2): Players enjoy the game's character customization, soundtrack, and fast-paced gameplay. Despite some flaws, the game is found fun and engaging, with enjoyable stages and missions.
- Frustration (weight 0.18): Frustration stems from the game's controls, bugs, and repetitive challenges. Poor level design, crashes, and save file issues also contribute to player frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.04): Players are satisfied with the game's character customization, music, and overall gameplay experience. Despite some flaws, the game is considered worth playing, especially with mods and on discount.
- Positive (weight 0.04): Players have a positive view of the game due to its good graphics, enjoyable storyline, and smooth gameplay. The character creator and free DLCs are also appreciated.
- Negative (weight 0.04): Negative feelings arise from the game's physics issues, short stages, and repetitive rewards. The storyline and game levels are also criticized.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): Players are excited about the game's improvements through mods, high-speed 3D action, and unique bosses. The character design, story, and graphical improvements also contribute to this excitement.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Joy comes from the enjoyable gameplay, fun missions, and positive experiences with the game. The soundtrack, character customization, and overall quality of the game are also sources of joy.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Nostalgia is felt by players due to childhood memories and references to prior Sonic lore. The game's classic elements and personal history with the franchise evoke this sentiment.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger is caused by game bugs, poor design choices, and the perceived lack of effort in the game's development. The unbearable grind and bad translation also contribute to this emotion.
- Happy (weight 0.01): Happiness is derived from the fun gameplay, detailed story, and enjoyable avatar levels. The game's engaging elements and overall experience bring joy to players.
- Frustrated (weight 0.01): Players feel frustrated due to mechanical and movement issues, lack of challenge, and problems with the character creator and story elements.
- Disappointed (weight 0.01): Disappointment arises from the game not being worth the time and money, and the lack of explanation for certain game elements. The mod's length and inherent limitations also contribute to this feeling.
- Mixed feelings (weight 0.01): Players have mixed feelings because the game is functional and fun but has a questionable narrative and safe design. The game's pros and cons create a balanced view.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement comes from Sonic's friendship, character quips, and taunts. Laughing at custom player models also adds to the fun.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised by the game being better than expected. The enjoyable game experience exceeds initial anticipations.
- Frustración (weight 0.01): La frustración surge debido a la inclusión de Classic Sonic y la falta de conexión con la historia, así como los problemas con el control y la física de los personajes.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Regret is felt due to the time spent on the game and the wish of never having bought it. Players feel their investment was not worthwhile.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Appreciation is shown for the good quest system, underrated avatar stages, graphics, and soundtrack. These elements are seen as well-done and enjoyable.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is expressed for more people giving the game a chance and for DLCs to improve performance and popularity. Players wish for a better future for the game.}