Info about SIMULACRA:

Official game description:
_From the creators of Sara is Missing, SIMULACRA is a spiritual sequel to the highly acclaimed "found phone" horror game._  
You found the lost phone of a woman named Anna. In it, you see a desperate cry for help in the form of a video message. The phone behaves strangely as you dive deeper into it. You talk to her friends and they have no idea where she is. Her texts, emails and photo gallery provides fragments of information. It's up to you to piece it together.  
Recover lost files, piece back corrupted data, and retrace her final steps. Find her before it's too late.  
SIMULACRA is an immersive narrative thriller using the interface of a mobile phone. Like all phones, you have messages, emails, gallery and all kinds of apps to look through. With a strong focus on realism, the game's characters are played by live actors and shot at real locations. Dive into Anna's life as you look at her private photos, go through her dating app or view her personal video logs.
Features
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*   Explore a fully realised world through the lens of a mobile phone.  
*   Enjoy a unique gameplay experience through popular phone apps, including a dating app, a social media app and a web browser.  
*   An expansive narrative with hours of gameplay that leads to 5 possible endings.  
*   Filmed with live actors and an extensive VO cast.  
*   Solve the recurring image and text decryption puzzles to learn more about Anna’s story.

Release date: Oct 26, 2017

Categories: Investigative Gameplay, Interactive Fiction, Psychological Horror, Multiple Endings, Found Footage Style, Puzzle Solving, Narrative Adventure


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $4.99 - $9.99
  - Reasoning: The community sentiment is divided: some reviewers find the game worth full price, while others advise waiting for a sale. A common value metric is $1 per hour of gameplay, and with a single playthrough of about 5 hours, that suggests a fair price of around $5. Sale prices as low as $0.99 indicate the base price is higher, but the mention of £3 (~$3.80) as 'super worth it' on sale implies the base price may be double that. The reviews recommending only on sale suggest the current base price is above what many consider fair, so a range of $5 to $10 captures both the value-conscious and those willing to pay full price.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 10.0h
  - Story completion: 4.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews consistently report first playthrough (story completion) taking 3.5–4 hours, so I take 4 hours as a representative value. One review explicitly states 10 hours to achieve 100% completion (all achievements), which defines game completion time. No direct evidence for typical session length or endgame-specific playtime is provided.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game's time-to-fun is mixed: some players are immediately hooked, while others experience early friction from tedious investigation and UI issues, but the narrative eventually engages most players.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: slow investigative segments with extensive text; tedious multitasking in game OS that loses form data; repetitive gameplay and information gathering; lack of skip button for dialogue on replay; boring detective work interrupting horror elements; initial impression of low quality
  - Unlock drivers: story picks up and mysterious vibe sets in; fast-dialogue option after first completion; new game plus mode after first ending
  - Conditions: player tolerance for slow pacing and reading; interest in detective investigation gameplay; expectation of horror vs. mystery; patience with repetitive mechanics; willingness to play through multiple times
- Player Archetypes:
  - The Narrative Detective (buy)
    - Motivation: Unraveling the narrative mystery and experiencing multiple horror endings.
    - Playstyle: Methodically explores the phone, reads all messages and media, makes careful choices to see all endings.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: fan of the found footage genre
    - Reference games: Sarah Is Missing; Simulacra 2
  - The Social Sleuth (buy)
    - Motivation: Sharing the horror experience with friends and engaging in social interaction within the game.
    - Playstyle: Plays with friends on voice call, interacts with in-game social media, leaves humorous comments, and explores the phone together.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - The Completionist Critic (sale)
    - Motivation: Completing all content and achievements despite acknowledged shortcomings.
    - Playstyle: Plays multiple times to see all endings, pursues achievements, and critically appraises game mechanics and flaws.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - 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:
- Multiple endings boost replayability (weight 0.61): Players consistently praise the game's multiple endings and branching narrative, highlighting that choices and file examination lead to varied outcomes. This is a major source of replay value and a defining feature of the experience.
- Choices affect story outcomes (weight 0.52): Multiple reviews emphasize that the branching story and different endings provide strong replay incentive. The variety in outcomes encourages players to explore different choices.
- Story is captivating and well-written (weight 0.28): The story is repeatedly described as captivating, gripping, and well-written, with a narrative that draws players in quickly. This is one of the most frequently praised aspects of the game.
- Game is highly engaging (weight 0.26): Reviewers frequently mention that the game is highly engaging, fun, and easy to lose hours in. The overall gameplay experience keeps players hooked and provides strong entertainment value.
- Concept is unique and interesting (weight 0.2): The game's concept is widely regarded as unique and interesting, distinguishing it from typical titles. This novel premise contributes to its appeal and memorability.
- Realistic phone interface immersive (weight 0.19): The simulated phone interface is praised for its realistic and immersive design, closely mimicking a real smartphone. This interface enhances player immersion and is considered a standout feature.
- Puzzles are fun and fair (weight 0.17): Puzzles are consistently called fun, clever, and fairly challenging, catering well to puzzle fans. The balance of difficulty makes them engaging without being frustrating.
- Frequent jumpscares create tension (weight 0.15): The game is noted for having a significant number of jumpscares, which create tension and unexpected scares. This aspect is consistently mentioned, though it may appeal mostly to horror enthusiasts.
- Among best games played (weight 0.12): Some reviewers rate the game as one of the best they have played recently, emphasizing its high quality and standout status within its genre. This strong endorsement highlights its exceptional execution.
- Great value for price (weight 0.12): The game is considered great value for its price, delivering a well-made and enjoyable experience at an affordable cost. Reviewers often mention the favorable price-to-quality ratio.
- Short but worthwhile experience (weight 0.11): The game is recognized as being short but worthwhile, with quality that justifies its length. Reviews mention that it remains replayable despite its brevity.
- Real actors enhance authenticity (weight 0.1): The use of real actors is highly praised for its authenticity and quality. Reviewers consider the acting top-notch, which enhances the overall presentation and realism.
- Gameplay is fairly good (weight 0.08): The overall gameplay is described as fairly good, serving as an alright time killer without major flaws. This moderate praise indicates a solid but not exceptional experience.

Common complaints:
- Voice acting lacks realism (weight 0.35): Voice acting is criticized as unrealistic, awkward, and scripted, with particularly poor performances for some characters like Greg. This significantly detracts from the game's immersion and overall quality.
- Jump scares are cheap and repetitive (weight 0.33): Jump scares are seen as cheap, loud, and overused, relying on sudden noise rather than atmosphere. They are frequent, poorly telegraphed, and quickly become repetitive and unscary.
- Endings frequently disappoint (weight 0.3): Multiple reviews state the ending is anticlimactic, abrupt, and lacks tension. The final twist feels weak and the conditions for the good ending are illogical, leaving many players unsatisfied.
- Story lacks depth and execution (weight 0.12): The story is described as bland, poorly executed, and lacking depth. Reviewers expected a more engaging narrative, but found it left much to be desired.
- Writing quality is poor (weight 0.11): Writing is criticized as pretty bad, lackluster, and sometimes odd. The narrative appears disconnected or unpolished, impacting the story's believability.
- Puzzles require exact English input (weight 0.11): Certain puzzles demand exact English input, which is seen as a barrier, particularly for non-English speakers. This design choice is inconvenient and alienates some players.
- Jump scares feel out of place (weight 0.09): Jump scares and supernatural endings are cited as deduction points, feeling superfluous and out of context. They fail to enhance the experience and have diminishing returns.
- Gameplay lacks excitement and depth (weight 0.06): Gameplay is seen as not exciting and lacking depth. The game fails to maintain interest and offers limited entertainment value overall.
- Game is boring at start (weight 0.06): The game is considered boring, especially at the start. It fails to capture the player's attention early on, which affects overall enjoyment.
- Minor bugs and glitches occur (weight 0.06): Some users encountered unintentional bugs or glitches during gameplay. These technical issues hinder the experience and may frustrate players.
- Phone interface is limited (weight 0.06): The phone interface is considered limited, constraining player actions and interactions. This restricts gameplay flexibility and may frustrate users.

Gameplay feedback:
- Multiple endings based on choices (weight 0.61): Players consistently highlight the presence of multiple endings shaped by dialogue choices and exploration. Specific counts range from four to five endings, with some being good or bad, encouraging replayability.
- Phone investigation gameplay (weight 0.52): The core gameplay revolves around interacting with a simulated phone interface, including apps, messages, and contacts. This unique 'lost phone' genre is a central and defining feature for many players.
- Detective puzzle solving (weight 0.39): Players describe the game as a detective mystery where solving puzzles and gathering clues are essential. This fusion of detective work and puzzle-solving is a key aspect of the experience.
- Horror with jumpscares (weight 0.31): The game is widely categorized as horror, with frequent jumpscares and psychological tension. Many reviewers note that the horror elements are effective and central to the atmosphere.
- Narrative puzzles and minigames (weight 0.21): Puzzles are integrated into the narrative, including minigames like ordering words or reconstructing images. Some puzzles are tricky but generally fair, aiding progression.
- Interactive story experience (weight 0.2): The game is often described as an interactive story or visual novel, with a strong narrative focus and heavy text. Players appreciate the story-driven approach but note it is not a traditional game.
- Dialogue choices matter (weight 0.16): Dialogue choices are a major mechanic, with players selecting responses in conversations. The game is heavily choice-based, affecting outcomes and requiring players to read carefully.
- Replayable with varied outcomes (weight 0.16): Multiple options and outcomes make the game replayable, as player choices influence the final result. Reviewers mention that different decisions lead to different paths and endings.
- Realistic phone interface (weight 0.09): The simulated phone interface is realistic and easy to navigate, mimicking real smartphone apps. This authenticity enhances immersion and usability.
- Missing woman investigation (weight 0.09): Players investigate a missing woman by exploring her messaging, dating apps, websites, and gallery. This specific premise is frequently mentioned as a unique storyline element.

Performance notes:
- Bugs and crashes occur (weight 0.07): Multiple players encountered unintended bugs and glitches, including a system crash with an IRQL error, indicating stability problems.
- Audio glitches reported (weight 0.07): Players report glitched audio recordings and audio service issues, likely disrupting immersion and clarity during gameplay.
- Lag on low-end systems (weight 0.07): Videos in the game lag on lower-end PCs, and the main menu also experiences lag, pointing to performance issues on weaker systems.
- Performance generally stable (weight 0.04): One reviewer praised the game for having light and stable performance, suggesting it runs well on adequate hardware.
- Proton compatibility successful (weight 0.04): The game runs fine under Proton on GNU/Linux, indicating good compatibility for Linux users.
- Form data loss bug (weight 0.03): The OS loses form entry data when switching tabs, a system-level bug that affects user input persistence.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for specific genres (weight 0.33): Reviewers consistently recommend the game for fans of horror, mystery, psychological horror, narrative games, and puzzle-solving. A few also mention suitability for fans of Black Mirror, visual novels, and those who can tolerate jump scares.
- Best value on sale (weight 0.31): A common theme is that the game is best bought on sale, with some reviewers noting it is not worth full price or only worth buying at a heavy discount. This suggests the game may be overpriced relative to its content.
- General positive recommendation (weight 0.18): Several reviewers give a general recommendation without specific reasons, simply stating they recommend playing the game.
- Strong overall recommendation (weight 0.15): Multiple reviewers give the game a strong overall recommendation, using emphatic language like 'highly recommended' and 'cannot recommend enough'. This indicates broad satisfaction with the game.
- Worth full price (weight 0.12): Several reviewers state the game is worth the full price, indicating they believe the content justifies the cost without a discount.
- Worth time and money (weight 0.11): Reviewers say the game is worth both the price and the time investment, indicating they found the experience rewarding and a good use of their time.
- Not worth time (weight 0.07): A few reviewers clearly state the game is not worth their time, signaling a negative experience or dissatisfaction.

Other player notes:
- Multiple endings increase replayability (weight 0.32): Players frequently mention that the game features multiple endings (ranging from four to five) and that choices affect the outcome. This encourages several playthroughs to see all endings and increases the game's replay value.
- Short playthrough length (weight 0.31): Many reviews note the game is short, with a single playthrough lasting around 30 minutes to a few hours. This makes it accessible for a quick experience but may leave some wanting more.
- Part of Simulacra series (weight 0.21): Players recognize the game as part of the Simulacra series and compare it to previous installments. Some consider it the best entry in the series, while others compare it to other games in the franchise.
- Chinese localization available (weight 0.17): The game supports English and simplified Chinese, with an official Chinese localization recently added. This is positively received by Chinese-speaking players, although some note translation quality issues.
- Comparable to other phone simulators (weight 0.14): Reviewers draw comparisons to similar lost phone or computer simulators like Replica, Orwell, and A Lost Phone. The game is also compared to the Black Mirror TV series for its style and tone.
- Low price point (weight 0.14): Multiple reviews highlight that the game is inexpensive, even at full price, and often available at a discount during sales. This makes it a good value for the amount of content and experience provided.
- Compared to previous developer works (weight 0.11): Reviewers compare the game to earlier titles by the same developer, and some express a preference for the style of a previous game. This suggests that while the game maintains the developer's signature approach, it may not surpass earlier efforts for some players.
- Requires English proficiency (weight 0.1): The game is fully in English and designed with English cultural references, so players with limited English skills may need guides or a good understanding of the language. Some mention that a certain level of English proficiency is needed to fully enjoy the game.
- Sequel enhances understanding (weight 0.09): Players note that the game has a sequel and that playing it can provide a fuller experience or better understanding of the story. The game is part of a series, and the sequel is seen as beneficial for context.
- Missing localizations noted (weight 0.08): Some reviews point out the absence of Portuguese-Brazilian and Japanese localizations, which may limit accessibility for players in those regions. This is a niche concern but important for non-English speakers.
- Horror mystery theme (weight 0.07): The game is described as a horror mystery title with a spooky detective-esque theme. This rare combination is appreciated by players who enjoy that genre.
- ARG-style experience (weight 0.06): Players comment that the game feels like an expansive alternate reality game (ARG), which adds an immersive, interactive layer to the experience.
- Available on PC and mobile (weight 0.06): The game is designed for smartphone play but is also available on PC. This flexibility allows players to enjoy it on their preferred platform.
- Developer background acknowledged (weight 0.05): A few reviews mention that the game is made by the Malaysian indie studio Kaigan Games, which has a small team of around eight people. This context helps players appreciate the scope and effort behind the game.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.16): Players were let down by weak writing, bland story, and poor execution despite a promising concept. The ending, horror elements, and voice acting fell short of expectations, with many feeling the game failed to deliver on its potential.
- Frustration (weight 0.11): Frustration was driven by a lack of save points, forced restarts, and restrictive dialogue options that often didn't match what players wanted to say. Translation issues, especially involving English typing puzzles, and a tedious replay system further compounded the annoyance.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.1): Players found the gameplay engaging and innovative, especially the unique phone-based detective mechanics and puzzle-solving. The immersive story, atmosphere, and overall experience were praised, making the game fun despite some flaws.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement stemmed from the game's cool concept and gripping mystery, which hooked players and led them to anticipate future installments. The immersive and innovative horror-puzzle experience, along with multiple endings, contributed to a thrilling playthrough.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance was caused by frequent, repetitive jump scares and a lack of a proper save system, forcing replays. Poor voice acting, unlikable characters, and constraining dialogue options also irritated players.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Players felt satisfied with the game's progression, puzzle-solving, and the rewarding investigation. The story, pacing, and multiple endings were well-received, with some expressing that the game was worth the price.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Boredom arose from repetitive gameplay and tedious investigation segments, which failed to keep players engaged. The heavy-handed theme about technology and slow pacing contributed to a lack of interest in some sections.
- Fear (weight 0.03): Fear was triggered by effective sound effects and jump scares, which often caused players to feel uneasy and even struggle to sleep. The game's unsettling atmosphere and sudden startling moments created a genuinely scary experience.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Players found humor in the game's poorly executed voice acting and absurd character actions, which became laughable. Some also enjoyed the freedom to make unethical choices, leading to funny consequences.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciated the game's unique concept and execution, particularly the smartphone interface and the horror built around it. The well-developed characters, story, and atmosphere were also praised.
- Engagement (weight 0.02): The compelling mystery and decision-based gameplay kept players engaged, with each conversation feeling like a puzzle. The immersive story and innovative format drew players in and held their attention.
- Immersion (weight 0.02): Immersion was achieved through a realistic phone interface and lifelike videos, making players feel they were uncovering dark secrets. The convincing world and ambient sounds enhanced the sense of being inside the game.
- Amazement (weight 0.01): Players were amazed by the game's psychological impact and its ability to scare them in a new way. The use of real people and the overall experience were described as incredible.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest was piqued by the game's unique concept of exploring a victim's phone and the unexpected twists in the story. The realistic unsettling feel and engaging narrative of a missing girl fueled curiosity.
- Frustrated (weight 0.01): Frustrated players were hindered by unskippable dialogs, a major jump scare that halted progress, and the need to trust an untrustworthy character for the good ending. Getting stuck due to unclear prompts also contributed.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Curiosity was driven by the mysterious nature of the game and questions about the phone owner and Anna's story. Exploring the missing woman's phone and finding clues about her disappearance was intriguing.
- Unease (weight 0.01): Unease was created by the psychological horror of invading someone's private life and the tension of unseen horrors. Simple sound effects and ambient audio built a creepy atmosphere that kept players on edge.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise came from the game's unexpected horror elements and high-quality videos. Players were startled by loud sounds and amazed by the multiple endings and surprising information.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger was provoked by the game forcing players to work with disliked characters and punishing them for interacting with a trusted friend. The poor plot, writing, and acting, along with having to side with abusive characters, fueled frustration.
- Tension (weight 0.01): Tension was maintained throughout by the suspenseful story and the decision-making stress. The disturbing atmosphere and the constant feeling that something could happen kept players on edge.}