Info about Dustborn:

Official game description:
Dustborn is a single-player, story-driven action-adventure game about hope, love, friendships, robots…and the power of words.
You play Pax: exile, con-artist — Anomal. Looking for a way out and a new life, Pax has been hired to transport an important package from Pacifica to Nova Scotia, across the Justice-controlled American Republic.
Explore the stunning Neo-Western landscapes of an alternate history America on a robot-driven tour bus, and stop at a dozen locations along the road to build your crew, manage relationships, complete missions, and face increasingly difficult challenges.
But the people you stole the package from want it back, and Justice is hot on your heels, so don’t forget to pack your baseball bat!
At the end of the road lies salvation…but to get there, you need to cross an entire continent.
Words have power. Like, _actual_ power. Fight with Shouts and use your Vox in conversations to manipulate people and talk your way out of hairy situations. Craft new words, and learn to wield a lingual arsenal against enemies...and friends.
On the road across an alternate history America, you’ll stop at iconic locations, take on unexpected assignments, meet a colorful cast of characters, enlist new crew members, and evade (or fight) your pursuers. See beautiful sights along the highway, rendered in a colorful graphic-novel-inspired art style that brings stunning 2D illustrations to 3D life.
Your crew is your (found) family. Round up, manage and lean on a motley mob of misfits with peculiar powers, compelling stories and clashing personalities. Branching dialogues lead to choices that shape relationships and change how your crew feels about themselves and others.
In each location you’ll explore, investigate and chat with the people you meet, use the crew to overcome challenges, craft new Shouts and Vox, and rehearse with your band. You might also find yourself throwing Molotov cocktails from a motorbike, swing a baseball bat to take down helicopters…and more. You know, just normal everyday stuff.

Release date: Aug 20, 2024

Categories: Action-Adventure, Choice-based Narrative, Rhythm Game, Beat 'em up, Visual Novel, Walking Simulator, Comic Book Art Style, Road Trip Simulation

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works well on Proton/Linux; summary: The available user feedback shows the game runs smoothly on Steam Deck (Proton/Linux) with no reported compatibility problems. No negative Linux-specific issues were mentioned.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $1.00 - $5.00
  - Reasoning: The community overwhelmingly indicates that the game is only acceptable at a deep discount, with multiple reviews citing a $3 sale price and some still feeling that is too much. Positive mentions are tied to sale pricing, while full price is consistently rejected. This suggests a fair base-game price should be very low, likely in the $1–5 range, with $3 as a common upper bound for many players.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 20.0h
  - Story completion: 12.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews report total playtime to finish the game: ~20 hours, 26ish hours, and 19 hours, so gameCompletion is set to 20 as a central estimate. One review explicitly states the campaign duration is 11-12 hours, supporting storyCompletion of 12. No reliable data exists for typical session length or endgame content, so those metrics are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Dustborn opens with a slow, boring stretch that many players endure, but the game becomes more engaging as the plot picks up steam and characters develop. For those who persist past the early chapters, enjoyment improves, though some players never find it engaging.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: After the first couple of chapters
  - Time to anchor: 2h 0m
  - Friction: Boring and slow start; Repetitive combat; Tedious dialogue and small talk; Weak hook into the main narrative
  - Unlock drivers: Plot picks up steam; Character development and empathy; Getting past the first couple chapters
  - Conditions: If you can tolerate the slow beginning; Combat stays repetitive for some players; Some players never find it engaging; The middle section can also drag
- Player Archetypes:
  - Story-Driven Narrative Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Experiencing a compelling story and character relationships
    - Playstyle: Focuses on dialogue choices, explores character interactions, and skips combat when possible
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Life is Strange 2; Telltale; Detroit Become Human; Goodbye Volcano High
  - Rhythm Game Aficionado (no buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoying the rhythm gameplay and music
    - Playstyle: Focuses on rhythm segments, completes songs, and may ignore other game aspects
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Colorful Stage; Metal Hellsinger; Guitar Hero
  - Political Message Critic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Critiquing the game's political themes and messaging
    - Playstyle: Plays through the story but is critical of the political writing
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: inFAMOUS Second Son
  - Technical Performance Critic (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Seeking a polished experience but disappointed by technical issues
    - Playstyle: Plays but encounters bugs, performance issues, and lack of customization
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: deep 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:
- Voice acting is excellent (weight 0.17): Players consistently praise the voice acting, calling it amazing, fantastic, and phenomenal. The cast is described as brilliant and each character's performance is highly regarded.
- Story is interesting (weight 0.17): The narrative is frequently described as interesting, captivating, and engaging. Players find the story immersive and note that it becomes more engaging as it progresses.
- Gameplay is enjoyable (weight 0.14): The gameplay is generally praised as nice, great, and entertaining. Players find the game beautiful, well done, and overall a decent or very good experience.
- Game is fun (weight 0.1): The game is described as colorful, fun, and enjoyable. Players find it attractive and engaging, drawing them into the experience.
- Art style is unique (weight 0.09): The art style is consistently praised as unique, cool, and great. Players appreciate the distinctive visual presentation.
- Game runs smoothly (weight 0.09): Players report that the game runs smoothly and efficiently on most computers, with no major bugs. The overall performance is considered good and bug-free.
- Comic book art style (weight 0.09): The comic book art style is highlighted as gorgeous, pretty, and nicely designed. The cel-shading and comic panels are particularly appreciated.
- Characters have distinct personalities (weight 0.09): Players find the characters endearing, with real and distinct personalities. They are described as flawed, diverse, and unique, making them enjoyable to get to know.
- Visuals are excellent (weight 0.09): The visuals and graphics are praised as excellent, beautiful, and cool. Players find them quite fun and visually appealing.
- Dialogue is funny (weight 0.07): The dialogue is frequently described as funny, clever, and full of personality. Banter between characters is particularly enjoyed.
- Choices affect story (weight 0.07): The game is a choice-based experience where choices affect the story. Players appreciate the ability to shape the narrative through their decisions.
- Character development is nice (weight 0.07): Players enjoy the story and character development, noting that it is character-driven and well-executed. The development is considered decent and enjoyable.

Common complaints:
- Combat is clunky and unsatisfying (weight 0.35): The combat is frequently criticized as strange, loose, janky, and unresponsive. Many players find it bland, stiff, and buggy, with poor button feedback and overall design.
- Ending is rushed and confusing (weight 0.26): The final chapters and ending are widely described as rushed, hasty, and confusing. Players report that the conclusion lacks closure, leaves plot points unresolved, and feels anti-climactic.
- Characters are insufferable and unlikeable (weight 0.22): Players consistently describe the cast as annoying, flat, boring, and toxic. The characters' behavior is confusing and immature, making them difficult to connect with.
- Game is boring and slow (weight 0.18): Players describe the game as boring, dull, and not engaging, with a slow pace that reduces the desire to finish. The early game is particularly drawn out and difficult to get through.
- Story and writing are poor (weight 0.14): The writing is called awful, cringy, and poorly explained, with a story that is incompetent and not good. Players find the narrative unengaging and the dialogue consistently awkward.
- Game has technical problems (weight 0.08): The game is reported to be buggy with visual glitches and game-breaking issues. Players note that it is poorly made, slow, and messy, with many imperfections throughout.
- Worldbuilding is underdeveloped (weight 0.07): The worldbuilding is criticized as poor and underutilized, lacking background and deeper lore. Players feel the game does not elaborate enough on its setting.
- Music and songs are bad (weight 0.07): The songs are described as dreadful, cringe, and mostly bad. Players find the music overwhelmingly unpleasant and a low point of the experience.
- Voice acting is subpar (weight 0.06): The voice acting is described as not stellar, awful, and lacking emotion, with some recordings too quiet or low quality. Delivery is inconsistent and flat, compounded by poorly-written dialogue.

Gameplay feedback:
- Rhythm and combat elements (weight 0.4): The game incorporates rhythm-based gameplay, including musical sections and a Guitar Hero-like minigame, alongside combat elements. These rhythm segments are a distinctive part of the gameplay.
- Choice-driven narrative game (weight 0.36): The game is primarily a choice-based narrative experience where player decisions affect the story, dialogues, and character development. It is often described as a Telltale-style or interactive fiction game.
- Combat can be skipped (weight 0.18): Players have the option to skip combat entirely or lower its difficulty, making the game more accessible for those who prefer the narrative. This feature is frequently mentioned as a positive aspect.
- Dialogue-heavy gameplay (weight 0.18): The game is heavily focused on conversations and dialogue, with most of the gameplay involving talking to characters and making dialogue choices. It is described as dialogue-first and drama-oriented rather than action-focused.
- Story-driven road trip (weight 0.14): The game is set around a road trip theme, with players traveling by bus as part of the narrative. It is a story-driven adventure that emphasizes the journey and character interactions.
- Telltale-style storytelling (weight 0.11): The game's narrative structure and choice mechanics are frequently compared to Telltale Games and Quantic Dream titles. It is described as a narrative-driven adventure with branching storylines.
- Visual novel and walking sim (weight 0.11): The game is often categorized as a visual novel or walking simulator, with a focus on story and exploration rather than traditional gameplay. It includes walking sections and minimal interaction.
- Choices affect character development (weight 0.07): Player choices significantly influence character personalities, attitudes, and interactions, as well as epilogue events. This dynamic character development is a key feature of the narrative.
- Unique character abilities (weight 0.05): Each main character has unique abilities, and the game features a progression system where more characters join the team. This adds variety to the gameplay and encourages strategic use of different characters.
- Chapter-based with comic recaps (weight 0.05): The game is divided into chapters, each ending with a 2D comic-style recap. This structure helps summarize the story and reinforces the comic book aesthetic.
- Moral choices in drama (weight 0.05): The game is an interactive drama that presents players with moral choices, affecting the narrative and character relationships. It is dialogue-heavy and focuses on ethical dilemmas.
- Mixed genre gameplay (weight 0.05): The game blends adventure, rhythm, and beat 'em up elements, creating a diverse gameplay experience. It is described as a mix of visual novel, adventure, and Guitar Hero-style rhythm sections.
- Exploration and minigames (weight 0.05): The game includes exploration, combat, and various minigames, offering a variety of activities beyond the main narrative. This diversity is appreciated by players.
- Adventure game puzzles (weight 0.05): The game features adventure-style puzzles that are a main pillar of gameplay, building upon the formula of classic adventure games. These puzzles are integrated into the narrative.
- Song-based gameplay (weight 0.05): The game's music gameplay is song-based, similar to Old School Musical, with a band music system. This rhythm component is central to the experience.
- Diverse gameplay variety (weight 0.05): Players note the game's diverse gameplay, which includes a mix of narrative, rhythm, combat, and exploration. This variety keeps the experience engaging.
- Alternate history US setting (weight 0.05): The game is set in an alternate history of the United States, with a contemporary but alternative reality. This setting provides a unique backdrop for the story.

Performance notes:
- Game is very buggy (weight 0.13): Several reviews mention a high number of bugs, including graphical glitches and game-breaking issues during combat, suggesting overall instability.
- Poor optimization and performance (weight 0.09): Players report poor optimization, excessive resource usage, and performance issues that make the game run poorly for its visual quality.
- Stuttering and frame drops (weight 0.07): The game stutters randomly, with FPS dropping from high to low without reason, and has performance issues during combat.
- Smooth performance on some systems (weight 0.06): A few players report the game runs smoothly and efficiently on most computers and on Steam Deck, suggesting performance varies by hardware.
- Frequent black screen bugs (weight 0.06): Multiple players report black screens that force a reset, indicating a serious visual bug affecting gameplay.
- Bugs causing softlocks (weight 0.06): Certain bugs prevent progress, requiring restarts or workarounds like disabling Vsync, indicating game-breaking issues.
- Visual glitches in cutscenes (weight 0.06): Players notice visual bugs during cutscenes, including interface issues and strange animations, which detract from the narrative experience.
- Character and camera glitches (weight 0.06): Characters teleport, get stuck in textures, and the camera can get stuck, affecting gameplay and immersion.
- High GPU and memory usage (weight 0.06): The game uses excessive video memory and high GPU percentages even in menus, indicating poor resource management.
- Game crashes frequently (weight 0.04): Players experience crashes, including during the tutorial and within a few hours of play, which disrupts the experience.
- Performance issues on Steam Deck (weight 0.03): On Steam Deck, the game runs hot, drains battery quickly, and has performance problems even on lowest settings, indicating poor optimization for the device.
- Minor bugs resolved by reloading (weight 0.02): Some non-critical graphic bugs can be fixed by saving and loading, indicating they are not game-breaking but still noticeable.
- Cel shading causes artifacts (weight 0.02): The cel shading style leads to aliasing and visual artifacts, which may be a stylistic or technical issue.

Recommendations:
- Not recommended by many (weight 0.36): A large cluster of reviewers strongly advise against buying or playing the game, citing it as not worth the time or money, even at a discount or free.
- Worth it on sale (weight 0.25): Many reviewers suggest waiting for a sale or deep discount before purchasing, indicating the game may be worth it at a lower price point.
- Recommended for narrative fans (weight 0.19): Several reviewers recommend the game to fans of narrative-driven, choice-based, and story-heavy games, comparing it to titles like Life is Strange and Telltale series.
- LGBT themes divisive (weight 0.12): The game's inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes and diverse characters is a point of contention, with some recommending it for those who appreciate such content and others advising against it for those who do not.
- Worth a try (weight 0.11): Some reviewers find the game worthwhile and recommend giving it a chance, even if it has flaws, suggesting it offers a valuable experience.
- Alternatives suggested (weight 0.09): Several reviewers recommend playing other games instead, such as Detroit: Become Human, Life is Strange, Dreamfall, or No Straight Roads, implying the game falls short in comparison.
- Not for all players (weight 0.09): The game is not recommended for players who dislike political themes, long conversations, or lack of accessibility options, indicating it has a niche appeal.
- Not worth full price (weight 0.08): Reviewers caution against paying full price, suggesting the game's value does not justify its cost and recommending waiting for a discount.
- Political themes polarize (weight 0.04): The game's political and anti-government rhetoric is polarizing, with some recommending it to leftists and others advising against it for those with opposing views.
- Watch playthrough instead (weight 0.04): Some reviewers suggest watching a playthrough on YouTube rather than playing the game themselves, implying the experience is not worth the time or money.
- Not for genre purists (weight 0.03): Players expecting tight mechanics or genre purity may be disappointed, as the game blends genres and may not excel in any single one.
- Refund option mentioned (weight 0.02): One reviewer suggests using Steam's refund policy to try the game, indicating uncertainty about its quality.
- Play at least 2-3 issues (weight 0.02): A reviewer advises playing at least 2-3 issues before deciding, suggesting the game may improve or reveal its strengths over time.
- Not for non-language speakers (weight 0.02): One reviewer warns that non-language speakers should stay away, implying the game relies heavily on dialogue and text.
- Not for those expecting hack and slash (weight 0.02): Reviewers clarify that the game is not a hack and slash, so players expecting that genre may be disappointed.
- Ending may disappoint (weight 0.02): One reviewer advises avoiding the game if you are put off by rushed or bad endings, indicating the conclusion may be a weak point.

Other player notes:
- Comparisons to Telltale games (weight 0.23): Many reviewers compare the game to Telltale titles, noting similar narrative-driven gameplay and story structure. This comparison is frequent and often positive, appealing to fans of that style.
- Comparisons to Quantic Dream (weight 0.15): Reviewers compare the game to Quantic Dream titles like Detroit: Become Human, often highlighting similar decision-making and story impact. Some feel the game falls short of these benchmarks.
- Comparisons to Life is Strange (weight 0.14): The game is frequently compared to Life is Strange, with some noting a sci-fi twist or a failure to match its emotional depth. This comparison is common and shapes expectations.
- Political themes are prominent (weight 0.1): Reviewers note that the game's political message is obvious and wears its politics loudly. This is a topic of discussion, with some appreciating it and others finding it heavy-handed.
- Frequent sales and value (weight 0.1): The game is often purchased on sale, and reviewers note it is worth its price point, especially when discounted. This suggests a good value proposition for budget-conscious players.
- Developer Red Thread Games (weight 0.1): The game is developed by Red Thread Games, a small team known for storytelling. Some reviewers express love for the developer, while others note the small team's influence on the game's scope.
- Diverse and progressive cast (weight 0.1): The game is praised for its diverse cast, including various pronouns, sexual orientations, races, and disabilities. This is seen as a positive aspect by some reviewers.
- Government funding noted (weight 0.06): The game received funding from government institutions, including the Norwegian Film Institute and the EU. This is mentioned as a point of interest or criticism.
- Comparisons to Dreamfall and Longest Journey (weight 0.06): The game is compared to the Dreamfall saga and The Longest Journey, which are by the same developers. Fans of those series may find similarities.
- Game length around 12-14 hours (weight 0.06): Reviewers mention the game offers approximately 12 to 15 hours of content, which is seen as a reasonable length for a narrative adventure. This is a common point of discussion.
- Comic book elements (weight 0.05): The game includes comic book art style and elements, which some reviewers highlight as a distinctive feature. This may appeal to fans of graphic novels.
- Comparisons to X-Men and other media (weight 0.05): The game is compared to X-Men, Ghostbusters, and The Handmaid's Tale, suggesting a mix of sci-fi and dystopian themes. These comparisons help set expectations for the story.
- Received as a gift (weight 0.05): Some reviewers received the game as a gift, which may influence their perspective. This is a minor point but noted in a few reviews.
- Desire for a sequel (weight 0.04): A couple of reviewers express hope for a sequel, indicating they enjoyed the game and want more content. This is a positive sign for the franchise's future.
- Comparisons to Road 96 (weight 0.04): The game is compared to Road 96, a road-trip adventure, but reviewers feel it does not match that game's quality. This is a negative comparison.
- Untranslated text issue (weight 0.04): Some reviewers note that the game has untranslated dialogue and text, which can be a barrier for non-English speakers. This is a technical issue that affects accessibility.
- Controller recommended (weight 0.04): The game is best played with a controller, as keyboard and mouse may not be optimal. This is a practical tip for players.
- Refund requested (weight 0.04): At least one reviewer requested a refund, indicating dissatisfaction with the game. This is a negative signal but not widespread.
- Music minigame with accessibility options (weight 0.04): The game includes a music minigame that has accessibility options, which is appreciated by some reviewers. This adds to the game's inclusivity.
- Unfavorable comparison to Skyrim (weight 0.03): One reviewer compares the game unfavorably to Skyrim's intro, suggesting a lack of polish or engagement. This is a minor negative point.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.2): Players were disappointed by the game's failure to meet expectations, citing a weak and disjointed story, poor writing, and unlikable characters. The rushed ending, shallow combat, and forced political messaging further compounded the sense of missed potential.
- Frustration (weight 0.18): Frustration stemmed from clunky controls, insufferable characters, and a slow pace bogged down by excessive dialogue. Technical issues like bugs, crashes, and poor optimization, along with a lack of meaningful choices, made the experience feel tedious and unrewarding.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.1): Players found enjoyment in the game's engaging story, well-developed characters, and unique art style. The variety of gameplay elements, including combat, music sections, and choice-based routes, along with a captivating road trip narrative, contributed to a fun and immersive experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Appreciation was expressed for the game's ambitious scope, unique art direction, and strong voice acting. Players valued the well-written story, meaningful emotional moments, and the game's earnestness in communicating its themes, seeing it as a labor of love.
- Boredom (weight 0.04): Boredom arose from the game's slow pacing, long unskippable cutscenes, and repetitive combat. The lack of engaging gameplay in the opening hours, combined with overly talkative dialogue and a monotonous experience, failed to hold players' interest.
- Love (weight 0.04): Players loved the game for its immersive world, compelling story, and deeply engaging characters. The unique art style, excellent music, and meaningful decisions that set the tone of the game created a beautiful and entertaining experience that resonated emotionally.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Amusement was derived from the game's unintentional humor, including absurd characters, ridiculous dialogue, and poorly executed combat that became hilarious. Players found entertainment in the game's cringe-worthy moments and narrative inconsistencies, often laughing at how bad the experience was.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance was triggered by the game's unlikable and argumentative characters, technical issues like visual bugs and poor audio mixing, and untranslated text. The forced choices, bad rhythm game, and constant bickering made the experience grating and frustrating.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.02): Satisfaction came from the game's tight mechanics, rewarding choices that affected endings, and well-written dialogue with strong character development. Players also appreciated the successful LGBTQ+ representation and the overall value, especially when purchased at a discount.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger was fueled by the game's forced political content, lack of meaningful choices, and poor optimization. Players were also upset by the horrendous combat, racist song lyrics, and the feeling that the game was deliberately deceptive or patronizing.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration was directed at the game's ambition, beautiful art style, and well-rounded character development. Players praised the engaging story, excellent voice acting, and the impressive scale achieved by a small team, viewing the game as a piece of art.
- Sadness (weight 0.02): Sadness was evoked by the game's emotional and devastating story, which brought many players to tears. The end of the game and the potential lack of a sequel, along with the feeling that few people experienced this underappreciated gem, contributed to a sense of loss.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion resulted from the rushed and incomplete ending, unanswered questions, and inconsistent character arcs. The confusing character development system, unexplained symbols, and unclear choices, especially in the German version, left players bewildered.
- Excitement (weight 0.01): Excitement was generated by the decision-based gameplay, phenomenal story, and character development. The game's depth, cool arcade machine presentation, and unique art style built anticipation, with some players eagerly awaiting its release all summer.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust was provoked by the shameful and dysfunctional characters, unbearable writing, and nonsensical story. The terrible and cringe-worthy rock music, soulless dialogue, and combat devoid of strategy made the experience repulsive to players.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise came from the multitude of plot twists and unexpected story moments. Players were pleasantly surprised by the funny moments, well-written characters, and the discovery of an unexpected gem that captivated them from the start.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy was experienced through the game's fun mechanics, beautiful art style, and engaging story. Players laughed, enjoyed the diverse gameplay, and found the overall experience very good and engaging, fulfilling their love for story, fighting, music, and exploration.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Regret was felt for wasting time on the game despite negative reviews, with some players wishing they could get that time back. Others regretted the game's criticism due to the DEI label and wished the developers had approached social issues differently.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike was directed at the unlikable characters, including the manipulative main character and the ordinary Theo. The characters' mutual animosity and the protagonist's asshole behavior made it difficult for players to connect with anyone.
- Immersion (weight 0.01): Immersion was achieved through the game's world, story, and characters, which felt real and engaging. The band music system, which showed the progress of relationships and story, helped players get lost in the experience.}