Info about RICO:

Official game description:
_PLEASE NOTE: Online servers for the title were disabled in early 2024, and online play is no longer supported_  
Two cops, one case and only 24 hours to take them down... can you score the bust of a lifetime? Take the role of a loose cannon police detective and face off against criminal gangs in an exciting procedurally-generated action movie FPS. Join forces with a friend, online or locally, and take down those crooks in true buddy-cop style!  
As a part of the RICO task force, your mission is clear: get in, take down the criminals and get out again. Sounds easy, but it's not - procedurally-generated cases mean you'll never know who or what's waiting for you. Pick your load-out, then use the element of surprise to get a tactical edge over the enemy. Unlock new weapons, mission types and traits, or dive into Daily Play and see how high you can climb the cop rankings!  
*   Take down criminal gangs with extreme prejudice and solve the RICO case - you've only got 24 hours, detective!  
*   Procedurally-generated cases mean no two games are ever the same - you'll never know what's waiting for you.  
*   Crack cases with a friend, either online or locally, for co-op carnage. Two loose cannons are always better than one!  
*   Daily Play cases - with leaderboards and rewards - keep you coming back for more, along with unlockable weapons, traits and mission types to discover.

Release date: Mar 14, 2019

Categories: First-Person Shooter, Cooperative Multiplayer, Procedural Generation, Roguelite, Bullet Time Gameplay, Local Co-op, Arcade Shooter, Police Simulation

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 12; verdict: Fair / No Direct MTX Evidence; summary: The reviews mention paid DLC, a DLC-related bug, and speculation that some mechanics resemble live-service monetization. None provides direct evidence of real-money in-game purchases, paid gacha, loot boxes, pay-to-win systems, or a cash shop. The score remains in the fair range because the evidence is limited to DLC complaints and speculative comparisons.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The audit finds mixed Steam Deck reports. The game can run flawlessly for some users and has good controller support, but other reviews show non-native compatibility requiring GE-Proton9-5, unverified status, difficult aiming without gyro, and strange controls. Overall it is playable with tinkering rather than broken.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $10.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews consistently reject the $19.99 asking price and anchor fair value at $10 or less. Several users say the game is worth about $10, while others consider $5 the more appropriate ceiling because the content is limited and repetitive. A few users defend $20 for co-op, but they are a minority. The dominant sentiment supports a fair base-game range of roughly $5 to $10.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 3.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: 7.5h
  - Reasoning: The 3-hour 'beat a case' quote is the only concrete RICO case/campaign completion marker, so gameCompletion is set to 3 hours. storyCompletion is null because the review explicitly says RICO lacks a huge story. The quote about dipping in for 10 minutes to a couple of hours supports a sessionLength of about 2 hours. The estimate of 5-6 hours for all weapons and accessories plus a couple more hours for level 14 perks supports an endgame progression estimate of roughly 7.5 hours.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: RICO often delivers immediate arcade FPS fun, especially through slow-motion room clearing and co-op, but many players report that repetition, difficulty spikes, and weak long-term progression erode enjoyment.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Repetitive procedural room-clearing; Online co-op server and matchmaking problems; Unclear tutorial and learning curve; Limited weapon variety and upgrades; Clunky or floaty controls and no jump; Late-game difficulty spikes and unfair enemy AI
  - Unlock drivers: Playing co-op with a friend, which reviewers say elevates the experience and makes weaknesses easier to overlook; Slow-motion bullet time, which helps manage non-regenerating health and room entries; Weapon and perk unlocks, which reviewers say provide meaningful progression and support higher difficulties; Procedural mission generation, which initially keeps levels from feeling stale
  - Conditions: Playing with a friend or in co-op; Tolerance for repetitive generated missions; Preference for arcade or boomer-shooter action; Buying at a low sale price; Working online co-op for multiplayer-focused buyers; Willingness to overlook bugs and technical issues; Solo play is less appealing than co-op for some reviewers; Ability to learn systems beyond the tutorial
- Player Archetypes:
  - Co-op Social Action Player (buy)
    - Motivation: Shared fast-paced co-op action with friends.
    - Playstyle: Coordinates with a friend in online or split-screen co-op, breaching rooms and using slow-mo.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Payday; Left 4 Dead; SWAT 4; Rainbow Six
  - Solo Roguelike Progression Grinder (sale)
    - Motivation: Unlock progression and endless randomized replay.
    - Playstyle: Runs solo Quickplay or Daily missions, grinds perks and weapon unlocks, and repeats procedural levels.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Call of Duty; Enter the Gungeon
  - Old-School Arcade FPS Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Nostalgic, skill-driven arcade FPS combat.
    - Playstyle: Aggressive room clearing with constant weapon switching, door kicks, and slow-mo bursts.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: old school FPS fan
    - Reference games: XIII; Quake 3; Hotline Miami; High Hell; Super Hot
  - Online-Co-op Dependent Skeptic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Working online co-op sessions rather than solo play.
    - Playstyle: Attempts co-op missions with a partner and avoids or struggles through solo play.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Best played with friends (weight 0.38): Many reviewers emphasize that the game is significantly more enjoyable when played with a friend or in co-op. The cooperative dynamic is frequently cited as the main reason for fun and replayability.
- Core gameplay is fun (weight 0.23): Reviewers consistently describe the core gameplay loop as enjoyable and entertaining, even when acknowledging flaws. The game is considered fun in theory and in practice.
- Stylish cel-shaded visuals (weight 0.22): The cel-shaded art style, often compared to Borderlands or XIII, is widely praised for being cool and visually appealing. Graphics are considered a strong point.
- Solid gunplay and weapon feel (weight 0.21): The shooting mechanics are frequently described as satisfying, tight, and responsive. Weapons feel good to use, contributing to the overall enjoyment.
- Procedural generation adds replayability (weight 0.19): Randomly generated levels and maps are praised for keeping each playthrough fresh and preventing staleness. This feature is seen as a key strength that enhances replay value.
- Good weapon variety and attachments (weight 0.14): Players appreciate the wide selection of weapons, gadgets, and attachments available. The variety is seen as appealing and adds depth to the gameplay.
- Local co-op support (weight 0.12): The game offers local split-screen and couch co-op, which is easy to set up and highly enjoyable with a friend or family member. This feature is a significant draw for many players.
- Fun in both solo and co-op (weight 0.09): Reviewers note that the game is enjoyable whether played alone or with friends. It supports both single-player and multiplayer modes effectively.
- Generally competent and well-made (weight 0.08): The game is described as competently produced, well thought out, and with good graphics. It plays well and has nice features.
- Good value for the price (weight 0.07): The game is considered worth it at a low price point, offering acceptable value for its cost. Many find it a good deal for the entertainment it provides.
- Breach-and-clear mechanic is satisfying (weight 0.06): The door-kicking with slow-motion shooting, often called breach-and-clear, is highlighted as a unique and satisfying gameplay loop. It adds a tactical and cinematic feel.
- Arcade-style shooter appeal (weight 0.06): The game is described as a fun arcade-style FPS, which appeals to players looking for a lighthearted and challenging shooting experience.
- Nice concept and story (weight 0.06): The game's concept and story are interesting and cool, adding to the overall appeal. It is seen as a neat idea that is well executed.

Common complaints:
- Repetitive and monotonous gameplay (weight 0.25): Players consistently describe the core loop as highly repetitive, with the same kick-door-shoot-enemies pattern repeating across missions. The gameplay becomes stale within a few levels and offers little variety.
- Online co-op servers shut down (weight 0.16): The online servers have been shut down, making online co-op completely unavailable despite being a key advertised feature. This also disables daily challenges and some single-player modes.
- Boring after short play sessions (weight 0.13): Many players report the game becomes boring very quickly, often within the first hour or after only a couple of missions. The experience fails to sustain interest beyond brief sessions.
- Poor and incompetent enemy AI (weight 0.12): Enemy AI is described as dumb, braindead, and lacking intelligence, with enemies either standing still, charging mindlessly, or getting stuck on geometry. This severely undermines combat encounters.
- Janky and unpolished experience (weight 0.11): The game feels rough around the edges, clunky, and buggy, resembling an unfinished early access title. Lack of polish affects controls and overall playability.
- Broken multiplayer matchmaking (weight 0.08): Online matchmaking rarely finds players and often fails entirely, especially in low-population regions. Long wait times make multiplayer effectively unplayable for many.
- Limited weapon variety (weight 0.07): The weapon selection is very limited and underwhelming, with players noting few guns available despite some variety. This contributes to the repetitive feel of combat.
- Overpriced for content offered (weight 0.07): Players feel the price is too high given the amount and quality of content. Full price is considered exaggerated for what the game delivers.
- Missing background music (weight 0.07): There is virtually no in-game music or background music during gameplay, which players find noticeable and detrimental to the experience.
- Solo play becomes boring (weight 0.06): Playing alone quickly becomes boring, with solo sessions losing appeal after only a few hours. The game lacks enough engagement to sustain single-player interest.
- No story or plot (weight 0.06): There is basically no story or plot to speak of, which players note as a missing element. The game provides no narrative context or motivation.

Gameplay feedback:
- Local and online co-op (weight 0.55): Players emphasize that the game supports both local and online cooperative play, with many noting it is best enjoyed with a friend. Co-op is a core feature with split-screen and online options available.
- Roguelike FPS with procedural levels (weight 0.35): The game is repeatedly described as a roguelike or roguelite first-person shooter with randomly generated levels, enemies, and items. Procedural generation and roguelite structure are central to its identity.
- Split-screen co-op support (weight 0.33): Split-screen two-player co-op is specifically mentioned as a supported feature, alongside online play. This allows local multiplayer without separate systems.
- Online multiplayer connectivity (weight 0.32): Online multiplayer, including peer-to-peer connections, is a supported feature. Some players highlight multiplayer as a strength of the game.
- Breach-and-clear tactical room clearing (weight 0.29): Core gameplay involves kicking down doors, clearing rooms of enemies, and using bullet time triggered by breaching. This tactical room-clearing loop is a defining mechanic.
- Two-player co-op focus (weight 0.27): Co-op is designed for up to two players, whether locally or online. Many players note the game is best played with a friend, though solo play is possible.
- Police-themed arcade shooter (weight 0.19): Players describe the game as an arcade-style first-person shooter where they play as police officers or agents eliminating criminals. The arcade shooter feel and police premise are frequently mentioned.
- Bullet time on door kicks (weight 0.19): A distinctive mechanic is bullet time that activates when kicking down doors, giving players a few seconds of slow motion to clear rooms. This is highlighted as a key gameplay feature.
- Multiple game modes (weight 0.15): The game offers several modes including single-player, multiplayer, and various challenges. Players note the presence of multiple difficulty settings and leaderboards.
- Daily challenges with leaderboards (weight 0.14): Daily challenges and missions provide leaderboard competition using a common level seed. Players can earn points for weapon skins through daily play.
- Bomb defusal with time limits (weight 0.14): Later levels include bomb defusal objectives that must be completed within a strict time limit. This adds urgency and challenge to the gameplay.
- Weapon variety and customization (weight 0.08): The game features multiple weapon types including handguns, rifles, shotguns, and grenades, with attachments to unlock. Weapon customization is a noted feature.

Performance notes:
- Frequent crashes and freezes (weight 0.18): Players report frequent crashes, freezes, and lockups in various situations, including gameplay, menus, loading, and quitting. These issues make the game unplayable for some users.
- High FPS and smooth performance (weight 0.13): Several players report excellent performance, with high frame rates (e.g., 400 fps, 1k fps in menus) and smooth gameplay at 4K or max settings. The game is well-optimized for some hardware.
- Performance stuttering and frame drops (weight 0.08): Many users experience stuttering, frame rate issues, and drops, especially on lower-end systems or during intense action. Some note that performance degrades after extended play.
- Bugs and glitches (weight 0.08): Various bugs are reported, including AI pathfinding issues, co-op bugs that remove gun skins and disable weapons, and general glitches. Some players find the game filled with bugs.
- Netcode and synchronization issues (weight 0.07): Online multiplayer suffers from desync on damage taken and netcode failures to register hits. Server issues also make some modes unplayable.
- Steam Deck compatibility issues (weight 0.05): The game runs well on Steam Deck for some, but others encounter compatibility problems and need specific Proton versions like GE-Proton9-5. It is unverified but often playable.
- Patch broke performance (weight 0.05): A latest patch reportedly broke the frame rate and disabled refresh rates above 60fps. However, one user notes the game was patched and is now smoother than at launch, indicating mixed patch results.
- Audio problems (weight 0.04): Players note missing gunfire sounds for allies and enemies, as well as misleading positional audio that affects gameplay awareness.
- Input lag and aiming issues (weight 0.04): The Switch version has significant input delay and inconsistent aiming. Mouse acceleration appears to be present and cannot be disabled, affecting aiming precision.
- Windows 7 compatibility mixed (weight 0.03): Some users cannot run the game on Windows 7, while others report it plays without issue. Compatibility is inconsistent.
- FOV setting degrades image quality (weight 0.02): Changing the FOV causes extreme image quality degradation, making the game unplayable for affected users.
- Bug persists after reinstall (weight 0.02): One user reports a bug that persists even after reinstalling the game and Steam and wiping the computer, indicating a severe issue.
- Physics and collision glitches (weight 0.02): Physics problems occur when killing enemies or shooting objects, leading to unrealistic behavior.
- Antivirus conflict causes startup failure (weight 0.02): The game conflicts with V3 vaccine real-time scanning and requires disabling it to run, which is an unusual compatibility issue.
- No vertical sync causes high FPS load (weight 0.02): Without vertical sync, the game runs at excessive FPS, causing pointless load on hardware. This is a minor performance concern.

Recommendations:
- Wait for a sale (weight 0.35): A recurring theme is that the game is only worth buying at a discount, not at full price. Reviewers repeatedly advise waiting for a sale or buying only on a steep discount.
- Best played in co-op (weight 0.34): Many reviewers emphasize that the game is far more enjoyable with a friend in co-op and can feel dull or frustrating when played solo. They recommend buying it specifically for cooperative sessions.
- Not worth full price (weight 0.15): Multiple clusters explicitly state the game is not worth the asking price, with some saying it is not worth buying even at a deep discount. This reinforces the strong price sensitivity.
- Recommended for FPS fans (weight 0.11): The game is frequently recommended to fans of first-person shooters and action movies, particularly those who enjoy police-themed gameplay similar to PAYDAY 2.
- Avoid if no co-op partner (weight 0.07): Some reviewers warn against buying if you plan to play alone or cannot find a friend, as the game is designed for co-op. They suggest only getting it on sale if you have someone to play with.
- Refunded due to co-op issues (weight 0.06): Several reviewers mention refunding the game because co-op did not work or the game was broken. This indicates technical problems that can ruin the experience.
- Fun despite technical issues (weight 0.06): A few reviewers acknowledge problems but still find the game fun and worth the price, suggesting the core experience can outweigh flaws.
- Do not buy (weight 0.06): A few reviewers outright advise against purchasing the game, calling it a waste of money.
- Simple recommendation (weight 0.04): A small group gives a straightforward thumbs-up without additional caveats, showing general approval.
- Worth the money (weight 0.03): Some reviewers feel the game is absolutely worth every penny, indicating that for them the content justifies the cost.

Other player notes:
- Borderlands-style cel-shaded visuals (weight 0.2): Many reviewers compare the game's art style to Borderlands, describing it as cel-shaded and comic-like. Similar comparisons are also made to Telltale games and XIII.
- Limited content and short playtime (weight 0.18): Feedback frequently mentions that the game is very short, with playtimes ranging from 0.5 to 3 hours, and lacks enough content to justify its price. Some note it becomes repetitive quickly.
- XIII-style comic graphics (weight 0.11): Graphics are compared to the game XIII, with a comic book or cel-shaded aesthetic.
- Compared to Hotline Miami (weight 0.1): The game is often described as a 3D version of Hotline Miami, evoking nostalgia but considered less enticing by some.
- Available on multiple platforms (weight 0.08): The game is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
- Early Access and abandoned support (weight 0.08): The game is in Early Access and has not received updates for a long time, leaving it feeling unfinished.
- Bullet-time similar to Max Payne (weight 0.07): The bullet-time combat is compared to Max Payne, and the game's style also evokes The Matrix and John Wick.
- Low price and frequent discounts (weight 0.06): The game is sold cheaply and often at a heavy discount, making it a budget purchase.
- Co-op support limited to two players (weight 0.06): The game supports local and online co-op but only for up to two players.
- Cartoon-like or comic art style (weight 0.06): The art style is described as cartoon-like or comic-styled, contributing to its unique look.
- Compared to Call of Duty slow-motion breaches (weight 0.06): Door breaching is compared to the slow-motion effect in Call of Duty and Medal of Honor Warfighter.
- No structured story or campaign (weight 0.05): Reviewers point out that the game lacks a proper story, campaign mode, or storytelling, feeling essentially story-less.
- Compared to Rainbow Six (weight 0.05): Reviewers compare it to Rainbow Six, noting it is less great and varied but acceptable for the price.
- Compared to Payday 2 (weight 0.03): The game reminds reviewers of Payday 2, though they note it is similar but different.
- No Chinese language support (weight 0.03): The first game lacks Chinese language support, but it is still playable without it.
- Underrated game (weight 0.03): Some reviewers feel the game is underrated or criminally underrated.
- Misleading trailer (weight 0.03): The game trailer is considered very misleading, as the game does not match what it suggests.
- Feels like a mobile game (weight 0.03): Some reviewers feel the game is simplistic and feels like a mobile game at best.
- Hopes for future improvements (weight 0.03): Reviewers hope the game will be improved with more content and updates in the future.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.2): Players are frustrated by numerous technical issues including crashes, co-op bugs preventing shooting, and persistent connection errors. Gameplay problems like awkward movement without jumping, unfair RNG, brutal timed bomb defusal, and overwhelming enemy spam make the experience feel punishing. Missing features, broken online modes, and misleading store pages compound the frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.19): Servers shutting down removed co-op and daily challenges, which were the main draws for many players. The game feels unfinished and repetitive, with limited content, sparse updates, and underwhelming execution despite a promising concept. Players expected more depth, variety, and polish for the price.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.11): Players enjoy the fun, fast-paced SWAT-style roguelike loop with satisfying slow-motion door breaching and room clearing. Co-op with friends doubles the fun, and the procedural generation and tight gunplay keep sessions engaging. Many find it a great pick-up-and-play shooter, especially on Steam Deck.
- Boredom (weight 0.09): The repetitive door-kicking and room-clearing loop quickly becomes monotonous, with little story or variety to sustain interest. Procedurally generated levels and identical enemies make missions feel the same, and solo play is particularly dull. The game gets old fast, often within a few hours or even minutes.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.06): Players feel satisfied by the challenging but fair missions, satisfying slow-motion door breaching, and precise gunplay. Clearing rooms without taking damage and the sense of destructive power are rewarding. The game offers good value, smooth mechanics, and fun short sessions, especially with friends.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): The fast, aggressive room-clearing gameplay and slow-motion door breaching create intense, action-packed moments. Co-op with a partner amplifies the thrill, and the random generation keeps players eager to see what's next. The John Woo-style takedowns and chaotic gunfights are consistently exciting.
- Annoyance (weight 0.04): Players are annoyed by frustrating design choices like forced slow motion, distracting muzzle flash, and weapon sway obscuring aim. Bomb timers that require defusing multiple bombs in tight windows feel unfair. Bugs, crashes, and lost progress add to the irritation.
- Fun (weight 0.03): The core loop of kicking down doors, using bullet time, and shooting enemies is simply fun, especially in co-op. Fast-paced gunplay, ragdoll physics, and procedural generation provide entertaining moments. Playing with a buddy enhances the experience and helps overlook flaws.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): The over-the-top slow-motion action, exaggerated violence, and hilarious ragdoll physics are amusing. Janky procedural generation and goofy NPC behavior provide comedic moments, especially with a co-op partner. The game's B-movie charm and accidental humor keep players entertained.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Players are enthusiastic about the excellent co-op experience, refreshing mix of roguelite progression and tight controls, and the arcade shooting action. The game combines familiar elements from Borderlands, Payday, and roguelikes into a unique and enjoyable package. It's highly recommended for friends.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Players are angered by the removal of online functionality from a co-op game, misleading controller support claims, and broken bomb defusal timers that cause instant failure and lost progress. The perceived lack of developer effort and squandered final attempts fuel strong resentment.
- Love (weight 0.01): Despite its flaws, players love the game's concept, engaging gameplay, destructible environments, and cel-shaded action movie feel. The charming ragdolls and overall experience create a strong affection for the title.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): The game exceeded low expectations and turned out to be a surprise gem. Its repetitive loop doesn't get old for some, and discovering it unexpectedly made it a pleasant surprise.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the strong atmosphere, good ideas, and fun roguelike shooter mix with cel-shaded graphics. The unique look and door-breaching gameplay are valued.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Players hope the developers won't abandon the game and will add more content through updates and DLC. They believe a sequel could improve on the foundation and want the game to succeed.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Players regret purchasing the game due to wasted time, unfinished state, and poor value for the price. The game turned out bad after purchase.
- Interest (weight 0.01): The appealing concept, Borderlands-like art style, and unusual tactical mechanics, especially in two-player mode, spark interest. Dynamic gameplay keeps players curious.
- Mild disappointment (weight 0.01): Players are mildly disappointed by the high price for limited content, few locations and weapons, physics glitches, and limited co-op player count. The story also feels lacking.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): The game reminds players of XIII, Borderlands, Max Payne, Matrix, and Hotline Miami, evoking fond memories of past titles. The cel-shaded graphics in particular trigger nostalgia.
- Tension (weight 0): No health regeneration and no respawns force careful play, creating tension. Low health and the risk of mistakes ruining a mission keep players on edge.}