Info about EMERGENCY 4 Deluxe:

Official game description:
_With this EMERGENCY CLASSICS re-release of the EMERGENCY 4 - originally released in 2006 – you can experience EMERGENCY 4 again. In addition this release includes the Deluxe Content previously only available in Spanish and German._  
In EMERGENCY 4 Deluxe you are taking on the role of incident commander for police and rescue units. Call your units in different scenarios, e.g. traffic accidents, fires, crimes and natural disasters! When they have their orders every second counts, because it is your job to save lives!  
Up to 30 different rescue vehicles and their teams are awaiting your commands - from emergency doctors to salvage helicopters.  
You will face ever increasing challenges in the many missions of the campaign. In free play mode you will have to deal with always changing demands in a living city. In multiplayer mode you can prove, that you can keep a cool head when cooperating with others.  
*   Realistic, unique mix of simulation and real-time strategy  
*   Campaign with 20 giant missions in a living city  
*   Gripping overseas missions in many regions of the world  
*   Multiplayer mode for 2 to 4 players  
*   Endless mode and challenge mode  
*   45 different units and vehicles

Release date: Apr 24, 2018

Categories: Real-time Strategy, Simulation, Management Simulation, Tactical, Mod Support, Cooperative Multiplayer, Mission-based Gameplay

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 45; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The game has occasional crashes and mixed feedback on AI/graphics quality, but no reports of launcher issues, small text, or anti-cheat errors. The crashes are not frequent enough to classify as 'Broken', but they require tinkering (e.g., Proton version adjustments) to mitigate.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Session length is supported by two independent reviews: one German review states that intended short play sessions often extend to two hours, and one Polish review explicitly mentions returning to play for 2 hours on a mod. A mission completion time of about one hour is also noted, but session length is consistently reported as around 2 hours. No clear evidence exists for total game completion time, campaign completion time, or typical endgame hours; the campaign is mentioned but without duration, and endgame play is described in vague terms (countless hours, hundreds of hours) without a typical value.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game suffers from a steep learning curve, poor controls, and tedious micromanagement, but becomes highly engaging once players install mods, play cooperatively, or progress through the campaign.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: After installing mods
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: steep learning curve; horrid controls; tedious micromanaging; lack of AI autonomy; outdated graphics
  - Unlock drivers: mods; multiplayer; campaign progression
  - Conditions: playing with mods; cooperative multiplayer; structured campaign mode
- Player Archetypes:
  - Modding Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Endless customization and community-driven content that extends replayability.
    - Playstyle: Installs and creates mods, explores custom maps, vehicles, and scenarios; often revisits the game for new community content.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: modder; community member
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Realism & Simulation Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Authentic simulation of emergency services and the strategic challenge of complex missions.
    - Playstyle: Methodical and strategic; pays close attention to detail, manages multiple units, and appreciates authentic emergency response mechanics.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: simulation enthusiast; emergency service fan
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Nostalgic Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Nostalgia for a classic game and desire to see it preserved and updated.
    - Playstyle: Revisits the game for nostalgia, often uses mods to refresh the experience, and advocates for a faithful remake with modern features.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: old-school player; franchise fan
    - Reference games: Emergency 2014


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:
- Mods greatly enhance gameplay (weight 0.97): Players consistently praise the modding support, noting that mods are easy to install, highly recommended, and significantly enhance the base game. The active community and ability to create mods make the game more enjoyable and extend its replay value.
- Core gameplay is engaging (weight 0.34): The core gameplay is described as fun, engaging, and cool, with a good mix of stress and relaxation. The base game offers extensive missions that are enjoyable even without mods.
- Easy mod access and free play (weight 0.19): Mods are easily accessible via a Mod Hub, and free play mode allows for extensive modifications, giving players flexibility to customize their experience.
- Balanced stress and relaxation (weight 0.11): The game offers a perfect mix of stress and relaxation, providing a balanced and engaging experience that keeps players coming back.
- Nostalgic childhood game (weight 0.1): The game holds nostalgic value for many players who played it in childhood, contributing to its lasting appeal.
- Multiplayer cooperative mode (weight 0.1): Multiplayer cooperative mode is available, adding social and collaborative gameplay elements.
- High-quality audio (weight 0.1): The audio quality is praised as very good, enhancing the overall immersion of the game.
- Considered best game ever (weight 0.09): Some players consider this the best game ever, indicating strong overall satisfaction.

Common complaints:
- Frequent bugs and crashes (weight 0.64): The game suffers from numerous bugs and crashes, including audio glitches, save/load failures, and mod installation errors. These issues often require multiple restarts or workarounds, significantly hindering gameplay.
- Technical issues on modern systems (weight 0.38): The game has significant technical issues on modern hardware, including resolution problems, lack of widescreen support, and the need to edit config files. Many players report the game not filling the screen or stretching images.
- Poor AI and pathfinding (weight 0.32): Pathfinding AI is erratic and often fails, causing units to get stuck or not reach objectives in time. This leads to frustrating micromanagement and mission failures.
- Outdated and poor graphics (weight 0.31): The graphics are widely considered outdated and unimpressive, with some calling them an 'accident.' The aging engine fails to meet modern standards, detracting from the overall experience.
- Aged poorly with declining series (weight 0.26): The game is old and shows its age, with sequels reportedly getting worse or lacking detail. Some players feel the series declined after this title, with newer entries focusing on mobile platforms.
- Steep learning curve and difficult missions (weight 0.25): The game has a steep learning curve, with difficult tutorials and missions that can be overwhelming for new players. Some missions are illogical or nearly impossible without prior knowledge.
- Complex and tedious mechanics (weight 0.21): The game is too complicated for some, with many rules and mechanics to learn. Micromanagement and lack of AI autonomy make it tedious, especially for those unfamiliar with fire department operations.
- Better alternatives available (weight 0.19): Some players recommend better alternatives like Emergency 4 or 3, and advise against supporting the studio. The original game is not for everyone.
- Lack of official patches and fixes (weight 0.19): Configuration file edits can cause crashes, and there are no official patches to fix technical issues. Players often rely on community patches for a better experience.
- Unpolished and janky gameplay (weight 0.18): The game is described as unpolished, janky, and lacking polish on the Steam version. Overall gameplay is considered mediocre or 'mehh.'
- Limited language support (weight 0.16): The game lacks language support for Chinese and Czech, and has an English language barrier for non-native speakers. This limits accessibility.
- High initial difficulty and chaos (weight 0.16): The game is initially very difficult and chaotic, often requiring save/loading and restarts for harder missions. This can be frustrating for new players.
- Overpriced for current state (weight 0.16): The game is considered overpriced for its current state, with some players unable to get refunds. The high cost does not match the outdated graphics, bugs, and reliance on mods.
- Awkward and non-remappable controls (weight 0.15): Controls are awkward and cannot be remapped in-game, leading to frustration. The lack of customization options for keybindings is a notable drawback.
- Screen and interface issues (weight 0.14): Screen size issues, such as becoming smaller or stretching, hide interaction buttons and cause interface quirks during large emergencies. This hampers usability.
- Unrealistic physics and monotonous missions (weight 0.13): Unrealistic fire physics and illogical missions detract from immersion. Missions become monotonous over time, reducing replay value.
- Desire for more content and mods (weight 0.13): Players desire more levels and a more current game with new tools. Some struggle to find many mods, limiting content.
- Long loading times (weight 0.1): Long loading times, especially after crashes or when loading mods, are a common complaint. This disrupts gameplay and requires patience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Crisis management simulation (weight 0.28): Players describe the game as a crisis management simulation where you command police, firefighters, paramedics, and engineers against crimes, accidents, and natural disasters. It is a European-based RTS emergency simulation.
- Uniformed services theme (weight 0.24): The game focuses on uniformed services such as fire, police, and ambulance, with players controlling teams to respond to various incidents. This theme is central to the experience.
- Strategy elements present (weight 0.23): The game incorporates strategy elements, requiring players to make tactical decisions under pressure. It is described as an RTS with emergency management and BOS theme.
- No campaign, just missions (weight 0.22): The game has no overarching story but includes campaign missions and challenge missions. There are approximately 20 missions in total.
- Many realistic vehicles available (weight 0.2): The game offers many vehicles, including realistically modeled German EMS vehicles like the Volkswagen Passat police car and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulance. This variety is a key positive point.
- Micromanagement-heavy rescue simulation (weight 0.2): The game involves heavy micromanagement of rescue units, requiring detailed control over fire brigades, medical units, police, and technical rescue. This is a core gameplay element.
- Complex gameplay with many rules (weight 0.2): The game has many rules and mechanics, leading to complex gameplay that requires significant brain usage. Micromanagement is a key component.
- Free Play mode with persistent city (weight 0.19): The game features a Free Play mode with a persistent city, allowing players to continue managing emergencies indefinitely. This mode is often enhanced with mods.
- Command center management with budget (weight 0.16): Players manage a command center with budget constraints, resource management, and directing emergency vehicles. City mode includes vehicle purchase, staff training, and unit upgrades.
- Multiplayer mode available (weight 0.16): Multiplayer is available, including via Hamachi, allowing cooperative play. This feature is appreciated by players who want to manage emergencies together.
- Dispatcher simulation role (weight 0.16): Players act as dispatchers, managing emergency calls on a map and dispatching units to actions. This role is central to the gameplay loop.
- Difficulty settings and mod impact (weight 0.15): The game offers difficulty settings and mission variety, with difficulty depending on mods. Complexity options allow players to tailor the experience.
- Arrest and shoot mechanics (weight 0.13): Players can arrest people on the sidewalk and shoot people, with the sniper being useful. These features add a law enforcement aspect.
- Multiple simultaneous missions (weight 0.12): Players handle multiple simultaneous missions, with many calls per day. This creates a busy and engaging experience.
- Old game needs modern updates (weight 0.12): The original game is 18 years old but still good, though players desire modern graphics, physics, new maps, vehicles, units, missions, multiplayer, and pathfinding.
- Tactical decision-making under pressure (weight 0.11): Players must make tactical decisions under pressure, requiring attention and strategic thinking. This adds depth to the gameplay.
- Firefighting simulation included (weight 0.11): The game includes firefighting simulation, allowing players to control fire brigades and respond to fires. This is a key aspect of the emergency management.
- Learning curve present (weight 0.11): The game has a learning curve, described as easy to learn but hard to master. This provides a rewarding challenge for players.

Performance notes:
- Runs well on many systems (weight 0.27): Multiple users report that the game runs well on low-end PCs, Windows 11 with compatibility mode, Fedora, and newer computers, with no issues on Windows 10. This suggests broad compatibility across various systems.
- Resolution fix via config edit (weight 0.25): Several users report that modifying the resolution in the configuration file (em4.cfg) can fix screen size issues, stretching problems, and startup crashes. This is a common workaround for display problems.
- Screen size and resolution issues (weight 0.11): Users report screen size issues and bad resolution, likely related to the game not supporting modern widescreen displays without manual configuration.
- Works on Fedora, crashes on Ubuntu (weight 0.06): One user reports that the game works on Fedora but crashes on Ubuntu, indicating potential Linux distribution-specific compatibility issues.
- Requirements depend on mods (weight 0.06): One user notes that PC requirements are decent but depend on mods, suggesting that mods can significantly impact performance.
- Traffic light bug on newer PCs (weight 0.06): One user reports a traffic light bug on newer computers, likely a compatibility issue with modern hardware.
- Graphics engine is aging (weight 0.06): One user notes that the graphics engine is aging, which may contribute to compatibility and performance issues on modern systems.
- Compatibility bugs exist (weight 0.05): One user mentions compatibility bugs in general, without specifying details.
- Sound bug with BIP line (weight 0.05): One user reports a sound bug with the BIP line, though no details or fixes are provided.
- External installations needed for mods (weight 0.05): One user notes that external installations are needed for mods, which may be a barrier for some players.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended overall (weight 0.58): A large number of reviewers give strong recommendations, calling it a 10/10, the best in the series, and a must-buy. They advise anyone considering the game to purchase it.
- Great for strategy fans (weight 0.52): The game is praised for its realistic simulation of emergency services, appealing to fans of strategy, management, and tactical games. It is recommended for those interested in first responders, rescue operations, and disaster response.
- Best in the series (weight 0.33): Several reviews claim Emergency 4 is the best in the series, better than newer versions, and the only one worth buying. Some suggest playing older Fire Department games instead, but others recommend EM4 over EM5 for mod support.
- Not for everyone (weight 0.25): Some reviewers do not recommend the game due to being unfit for modern times, unresolved issues at the current price, or being only for nostalgia. It is advised against for casuals or those not into fire departments, and one advises against supporting the publisher.
- Good value for money (weight 0.25): Multiple reviews state the game is worth its price, especially for low-end PC users. Some urge players to stop overthinking and just buy it.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.25): Players expressed satisfaction with the game's balanced difficulty between EM3 and EM20, and the ability to complete missions with 100% success by applying strategies learned from videos. The ease of installing mods and the improvements they bring, such as extended content and enhanced gameplay, also contributed to this emotion.
- Excitement (weight 0.11): Players felt excitement from the thrill of playing Emergency 20 remakes with mods, and the fact that the game still being purchased years later with mods highlights its enduring appeal. The addictive gameplay and being considered the best purchase on Steam further amplified this emotion.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.07): Nostalgia was triggered by childhood memories of playing the game and its cutscenes, evoking a sense of fondness for past experiences.
- Disappointment (weight 0.07): Disappointment stemmed from the lack of a proper HD patch and stretched widescreen support, as well as the original game not appealing to some reviewers. These technical and aesthetic shortcomings led to dissatisfaction.
- Endorsement (weight 0.07): Players strongly recommended the game to others, indicating a high level of endorsement and confidence in its value. This suggests the game met or exceeded expectations in terms of enjoyment and quality.
- Frustration (weight 0.07): Frustration arose from tedious micro-managing and lack of AI autonomy, as well as mod installation errors despite repurchasing the game. These issues hindered smooth gameplay and caused annoyance.
- Appreciation (weight 0.07): Appreciation was expressed for the excellence of mods even years later, and the wide variety of mods available for real and imaginative cities. This shows gratitude for community contributions and extended replayability.
- Joy (weight 0.07): Joy was derived from super fun gameplay and the game's long playtime, providing consistent enjoyment and value for players.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.04): Enjoyment came from mods and the gameplay style of controlling and organizing units, which offered a satisfying and engaging experience.
- Preference (weight 0.04): Preference was indicated by the belief that this version is superior to later versions, likely due to gameplay mechanics, mod support, or design choices.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.04): Enthusiasm was fueled by the potential of the game with mods and multiplayer, suggesting excitement for future possibilities and community-driven content.
- Delight (weight 0.04): Delight was experienced as mods transform the game into something wonderful, enhancing enjoyment and offering new experiences beyond the base game.
- Fun (weight 0.04): Fun was attributed directly to the gameplay being really fun, indicating a simple but strong positive emotional response.
- Urgency (weight 0.04): Urgency was felt due to the need to use a specific mod (LA 2.1) as the only one that works, creating pressure to rely on that mod for functionality.}