Info about The Messenger:

Official game description:
WATCH "THE MESSENGER" EPISODE OF BEHIND THE SCHEMES
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About the Game
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As a demon army besieges his village, a young ninja ventures through a cursed world, to deliver a scroll paramount to his clan’s survival. What begins as a classic action platformer soon unravels into an expansive time-traveling adventure full of thrills, surprises, and humor.  
*   Dynamic, acrobatic gameplay and ultra tight controls worthy of an epic ninja adventure.  
*   Character upgrades, new abilities, hidden levels, and branching paths to discover.  
*   Meticulously designed 8-bit and 16-bit sprites, animations, and backgrounds in the spirit of the classics.  
*   A memorable cast of offbeat villains, bosses, and associates.  
*   Original soundtrack by renowned chiptune composer Rainbowdragoneyes, handmade using Famitracker.

Release date: Aug 30, 2018

Categories: Action Platformer, Metroidvania, Ninja Gaiden-style Platforming, Time Travel Mechanics, 8-bit to 16-bit Evolution, Retro Aesthetics, Boss Fights

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Tier 3: Instructional Data Dependency; summary: User feedback indicates a strong reliance on external guides (YouTube, wikis) to progress through the game, particularly due to hidden secrets and poorly communicated mechanics. A minor bug related to alt-tab FPS lock also appears but is secondary.
- Proton/Linux: score 5; verdict: Works Well; summary: Single user review reports that the game runs excellently on Linux with no additional configuration required, suggesting strong Proton or native Linux compatibility.
- Steam Deck: score 15; verdict: Excellent Deck Experience; summary: The game runs excellently on Steam Deck with responsive controls and no tinkering required. A single isolated crash report exists, but it is not indicative of a widespread issue.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: Reviews show mixed sentiment: some believe the game is worth its full price, while others advise purchasing only on sale. Sale prices mentioned are around $4, suggesting a significant discount from base. The community seems to agree that the game provides good value when discounted, so a fair base price should be lower than typical new indie releases, likely in the range of $10–$15 to balance those who find full price acceptable and those who prefer sale prices.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 12.0h
  - Story completion: 21.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The first evidence directly states 12 hours for 100% completion including DLC, supporting gameCompletion. The third evidence states 21 hours for the main story, supporting storyCompletion. The other evidence shows variation (26h for Platinum, 10h for all content), but these are considered as corroborating context. No reliable session length or endgame hour figures are provided; session length is only mentioned as occasional long sessions, and endgame is discussed qualitatively without specific hours.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The Messenger provides strong initial fun through linear platforming for about the first three hours, but many players report a significant drop in enjoyment once it becomes an open-world Metroidvania with forced backtracking and tedious exploration.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Transition from linear platforming to open-world metroidvania backtracking
  - Time to anchor: 3h 0m
  - Friction: N/A
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: N/A
- Player Archetypes:
  - Retro Charm Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoying the creative meta-humor, nostalgic pixel art, and satisfying platforming that honors classic games.
    - Playstyle: Explores levels thoroughly, engages with story and dialogue, and appreciates the world-building and twists.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: action-type
    - Reference games: Ninja Gaiden; Shovel Knight; Blasphemous; Celeste; Sea of Stars
  - Frustrated Grinder (sale)
    - Motivation: Completing achievements and mastering NG+ cycles for a sense of mastery, but hindered by tedious design.
    - Playstyle: Efficient, exploit-safe grinding methods, guide-assisted achievement hunting, often quitting to title screen to save time.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Genre Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: Experience a retro-style platformer without excessive frustration, and use it as an introduction to harder games.
    - Playstyle: Casual, exploratory, may ignore achievements, appreciates forgiving checkpoints and clear guidance.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: first-time Metroidvania player
    - Reference games: Celeste; Ninja Gaiden


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:
- Entertaining shopkeeper dialogues (weight 0.31): The shopkeeper's dialogue is repeatedly mentioned as a treat, with interesting, humorous, and engaging conversations that are a highlight of the game.
- Excellent boss battles (weight 0.27): Boss fights are described as excellent, well-designed, with varied mechanics that reward mastery and provide a fair challenge. Some are phenomenal.
- Outstanding soundtrack and music (weight 0.26): Players consistently praise the soundtrack as brilliant, fantastic, and catchy, with dynamic changes. Multiple reviews highlight its high quality and addictive nature.
- Innovative 8-bit to 16-bit transitions (weight 0.25): The visual and audio evolution from 8-bit to 16-bit is widely praised as mind-blowing, creative, and well-executed. This unique mechanic significantly enhances the gameplay experience.
- Beautiful pixel art graphics (weight 0.24): The pixel art is described as gorgeous, vibrant, and detailed, with both 8-bit and 16-bit styles harmoniously combined. This art style is a major highlight for players.
- Excellent metroidvania gameplay (weight 0.22): Players consider this a top-tier metroidvania with engaging exploration, fun story, humor, and great controls. It is recommended for both veterans and beginners.
- Spiritual successor to Ninja Gaiden (weight 0.21): The game is widely recognized as a loving homage to the Ninja Gaiden series, with similar combat and platforming feel, considered a worthy rival or tribute.
- Smooth and responsive gameplay (weight 0.19): The gameplay is consistently described as smooth, snappy, fluid, and precise, providing a fun and addictive experience with great feel.
- Fun and fair platformer experience (weight 0.19): Players find this a very fun platformer with precise gameplay, fair difficulty, and enjoyable exploration, even when dying many times. It has an old-school feel.
- Balanced difficulty curve (weight 0.17): The game offers a well-balanced difficulty with fair checkpoints, challenging but rewarding progression, and an enjoyable curve that is not punishing.
- Tight and fast-paced action (weight 0.13): Players highlight the tight movement, fast-paced gameplay, and precise controls, along with fantastic boss fights and challenging yet rewarding action.
- Well-designed platforming levels (weight 0.13): Level design is praised for its interesting, balanced platforming with new mechanics, remaining fluid and engaging despite limited obstacle variety.
- Well-implemented time travel mechanic (weight 0.12): The time travel mechanic is smoothly integrated, changing graphics and music dynamically, and is considered cool, unique, and smartly done.
- Outstanding side-scrolling platformer (weight 0.12): The game is recognized as an excellent side-scrolling action platformer with brilliant platforming, classic feel, and great action.
- High quality overall game (weight 0.11): Reviews summarize the game as high quality, made with care, solid, and overall amazing. It is a great value for metroidvania and platformer fans.

Common complaints:
- Excessive backtracking (weight 0.33): Many players find the backtracking in the second half tiring and frustrating, often tied to limited fast travel points or lack of teleports. This drags down the pacing significantly.
- Too much platforming (weight 0.24): Platforming segments are criticized as excessive and frustrating, with instant death traps and poorly scaled difficulty. This often disrupts the flow of the game.
- Low enemy variety (weight 0.2): Players consistently report a meager selection of enemy types, with only about 10 types total and heavy reuse of reskins. This makes combat feel monotonous and repetitive.
- Boring second half (weight 0.16): The second half of the game feels dull and uninteresting, with a forced shift from linear to metroidvania structure. This diminishes overall enjoyment.
- Unreasonable difficulty curve (weight 0.1): The difficulty spikes feel uneven and disconnected from player progression, with some parts too easy and others overly hard. This leads to frustration and a lack of balance.
- Enemy respawn issues (weight 0.1): Enemies respawning immediately when the screen scrolls or view changes is seen as annoying and dated. This forces players to refight same enemies repeatedly.
- Repetitive metroidvania exploration (weight 0.07): The metroidvania section requires backtracking through all levels in reverse, which becomes repetitive and tedious. Players find this padding artificial and unfun.
- DLC frustrating trial and error (weight 0.06): The DLC content is criticized for being trial-and-error based, making it annoying rather than fun. This detracts from the core experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Metroidvania transition mid-game (weight 0.73): The game starts as a linear platformer and transitions into a Metroidvania-style open world in the second half. This structural shift is a frequently praised design choice.
- Retro aesthetic and nostalgia (weight 0.54): The game evokes nostalgia with its 8-bit then 16-bit graphical style, reminiscent of NES and SNES eras. This is a major draw for retro gaming fans.
- Linear start with Metroidvania evolution (weight 0.51): The first half is a linear platformer, but it gradually opens into a nonlinear Metroidvania. This pacing is noted as a strength, providing a sense of progression.
- 8-bit to 16-bit evolution (weight 0.48): The game features a visual and audio transition from 8-bit to 16-bit graphics, often tied to the story and time travel mechanics. This nostalgic progression is highlighted by many players.
- Graphical and audio transition tied to story (weight 0.45): The shift from 8-bit to 16-bit graphics and music is not just cosmetic but narratively driven, enhancing immersion. Players appreciate this creative choice.
- Metroidvania exploration elements (weight 0.39): Exploration, backtracking, and ability-gated progression define the second half, giving it a classic Metroidvania feel. This contrasts with the linear early stages.
- Nonlinear second half exploration (weight 0.39): The second half of the game is nonlinear, resembling a Metroidvania with interconnected areas and ability-gated paths. This shift is a major talking point.
- Metroidvania with puzzles and backtracking (weight 0.35): In the second half, the game introduces puzzles and requires backtracking to progress. This adds variety but may not suit all players.
- Inspired by Ninja Gaiden (weight 0.35): The game is heavily inspired by the classic Ninja Gaiden series, with similar fast-paced action platforming and a ninja theme. Many players call it a spiritual successor or homage.
- Tribute to NES era (weight 0.34): The game is a clear tribute to NES-era platformers like Ninja Gaiden, with tight controls and retro visuals. It successfully captures the feel of classic action games.
- Ninja theme and gameplay (weight 0.32): The ninja-themed protagonist and wall-jumping, sword combat are directly inspired by Ninja Gaiden. This thematic consistency is a highlight.
- Platforming with fair challenge (weight 0.29): The platforming is challenging but fair, featuring precision jumps, traps, and sliding floors. Players appreciate the balanced difficulty that rewards skill without being unfair.
- Strong platforming focus (weight 0.28): Platforming is the core mechanic, with precise jumps, traps, and sliding floors. Players enjoy the responsive controls and well-designed levels.
- Genre hybrid: platformer and Metroidvania (weight 0.24): The game successfully blends platforming and Metroidvania genres, with strong traversal mechanics and puzzle-solving. It appeals to fans of both styles.
- Time travel mechanics (weight 0.23): Time travel allows players to switch between past (8-bit) and future (16-bit) timelines, affecting visuals, music, map layout, and enemy placement. This is a core gameplay gimmick.
- Instant death traps and difficulty (weight 0.18): Players mention frequent instant-death traps, especially in platforming sections and boss fights. While challenging, some find them unfair.
- Boss fights with variety (weight 0.16): Bosses have unique mechanics, multiple phases, and varying difficulty. Some feature instant death traps, but players enjoy the strategic depth.
- Time travel alters game world (weight 0.15): The time travel mechanic not only changes graphics and music but also modifies the map layout and enemy placements. This adds replayability and puzzle-solving depth.

Performance notes:
- Runs great on handhelds (weight 0.09): Players report flawless performance on Steam Deck and ROG Ally. The game runs well on these portable devices without any issues.
- Stable performance at 60 FPS (weight 0.05): Users report consistent 60 FPS performance during gameplay. No major performance problems were encountered.
- Works well on Linux (weight 0.03): The game runs smoothly on Linux without requiring any additional configuration or tinkering. This indicates solid cross-platform compatibility.

Recommendations:
- Strongly recommended overall (weight 0.36): The game receives full recommendations without caveats, with players describing it as definitely recommended, worth the money and time, and a must-play. It is praised as a high-quality experience.
- Best for retro metroidvania fans (weight 0.29): The game is perfect for lovers of old-school platformers and metroidvania-style discoveries, often described as a gem and one of the best indie games. It resonates well with fans of 8/16-bit aesthetics.
- Appeals to platformer fans (weight 0.29): The game is strongly recommended for fans of challenging and retro platformers, side-scrollers, and metroidvania games. Players who enjoy tight platforming, action, and 8-bit aesthetics will find it appealing.
- Appeals to Ninja Gaiden fans (weight 0.18): The game is highly recommended for fans of the Ninja Gaiden trilogy, as well as those who enjoy ninja action, metroidvania elements, and retro games. It is considered a worthy homage to the classic series.
- Better value on sale (weight 0.18): Many recommend purchasing the game at a discount, as it is considered worth buying on sale or at a reduced price. Some caution that it may not be worth full price.
- Must-play for genre fans (weight 0.15): Fans of side-scrolling pixel games, classic platformers, and metroidvanias are encouraged to consider this a must-play. It is highlighted as an essential title for retro enthusiasts.
- Worth full price (weight 0.1): The game is considered worth buying even at full price, offering good value for money. Some note that it is a steal on sale, but still strong at full price.
- Not for inexperienced players (weight 0.09): The game is not recommended for players who are bad at platformers or lack experience, as it is challenging and may frustrate some. It is best suited for skilled platformer fans.
- Great for nostalgia (weight 0.09): The game is recommended for retro gamers and nostalgia lovers, offering a classic platformer feel with pixel art and 8-bit music. It evokes memories of older games.
- Not recommended for some (weight 0.09): Some players do not recommend the game, citing design flaws, price concerns, or overhype. It is also not recommended for those seeking a fleshed-out metroidvania experience.
- Appeals to challenge seekers (weight 0.08): The game is recommended for players who enjoy significant challenges and have patience for repeated deaths. It offers tight difficulty for those who seek it.
- Worth at least trying (weight 0.08): The game is described as a gem worth your while and worth playing at least once, appealing to curious players who enjoy retro or platformer genres.
- Good but short experience (weight 0.07): The game is only recommended for the first half or third of its content, suggesting that the later parts may not be as enjoyable. Completing the game once is still worthwhile.
- Top indie game (weight 0.07): The game is praised as one of the best indie games, with a high rating and strong endorsement for its craft and quality. It stands out in the indie scene.
- Recommended for action fans (weight 0.06): Easy recommendation for fans of tight platformers, action games, and great music. The combination of mechanics and audio appeals to action enthusiasts.
- Only for patient players (weight 0.05): The game is only recommended for players with a lot of patience for dying, as it can be unforgiving. It is not for those who dislike repeated failure.

Other player notes:
- Wants serious dramatic title (weight 0.02): The reviewer desires the studio to create a more serious and dramatic game, indicating a preference for mature storytelling over current content.
- Hopes for additional DLC (weight 0.02): The reviewer expresses a wish for more downloadable content, suggesting satisfaction with the game and desire for extended playtime.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.24): Players frequently cite excessive backtracking and a lack of fast travel points as major frustrations, especially in the second half and DLC. Tight platforming sections with instant-death pits, difficult collectibles, and unresponsive controls like auto-wall cling contribute to a trial-and-error experience. Additionally, cryptic hints, high difficulty spikes, and mocking death messages compound the feeling of wasted time and unfair punishment.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.2): Players widely praise the game's humorous dialogues, particularly the shopkeeper's witty remarks and fourth-wall-breaking humor. The smooth platforming, engaging combat, and excellent soundtrack are consistently highlighted as enjoyable. Many also appreciate the clever time-travel mechanic and the nostalgic 8-bit to 16-bit visual transitions that keep the gameplay fresh.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.17): Satisfaction stems from mastering the game's fluid movement and tight controls, which make traversal feel rewarding. Players find satisfaction in overcoming challenging platforming sections and boss fights that require skill and practice. The sense of achievement from completing difficult optional content and earning all achievements also contributes to a positive overall experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.13): Many players express disappointment with the mid-game shift from a linear platformer to a Metroidvania, feeling it leads to tedious backtracking and repetitiveness. The limited fast travel, weak exploration rewards, and lack of enemy variety are common criticisms. Some also feel the upgrade system and boss designs are underwhelming, failing to meet the promise of the early game.
- Excitement (weight 0.12): Excitement is driven by the game's fast-paced gameplay, phenomenal soundtrack, and the surprising genre switch to a Metroidvania. Players are thrilled by the dynamic 8-bit to 16-bit graphical transition and the creative level design. The fluid movement mechanics and engaging combat generate a strong desire to master the game and explore its twists.
- Amusement (weight 0.06): The game's humor is a standout feature, with players consistently amused by the shopkeeper's sarcastic and philosophical dialogues. The fourth-wall-breaking jokes and clever meta references add charm and lighten the difficulty. Many find the comedic writing and well-localized script genuinely funny, making the experience more enjoyable.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.05): Players feel a strong sense of nostalgia due to the game's retro pixel art and chiptune soundtrack reminiscent of NES classics like Ninja Gaiden. The 8-bit and 16-bit aesthetic evokes memories of childhood gaming experiences. The homage to classic platformers and familiar gameplay mechanics creates a comforting, nostalgic connection.
- Admiration (weight 0.05): Admiration is directed at the game's high-quality pixel art, excellent soundtrack, and clever implementation of the time-travel mechanic. Players respect the developer's craftsmanship, noting the seamless 8-bit to 16-bit transitions and adaptive music. The well-written story and deep character development, especially the shopkeeper, earn praise for their emotional depth.
- Surprise (weight 0.04): Players are surprised by the mid-game plot twist and the shift from a linear platformer to a Metroidvania, which adds unexpected depth. The game's humorous and philosophical dialogues catch many off guard. Many also express surprise at the overall polish and amount of content, exceeding their initial low expectations.
- Joy (weight 0.04): Joy comes from the satisfying platforming, well-designed boss fights, and beautiful pixel art that create a fun and charismatic experience. The humorous NPC interactions and engaging story bring a lighthearted tone. Players find pure delight in the retro-inspired gameplay and the simple pleasure of mastering movement through levels.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance arises from the automatic wall-cling mechanic causing unintended deaths and the shopkeeper's repetitive mocking after failures. Long boss animations, ice sections, and a lack of fast travel points are also irritating. Some players find the humor style insufferable and the music repetitive, detracting from the experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the game's polished execution, satisfying gameplay, and strong dialogues that blend humor with depth. The love for retro games and modern polish is evident in the pixel art and music. Many value the well-balanced difficulty and the clever incorporation of 8-bit to 16-bit transitions as a showcase of the developer's care.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Boredom sets in during the repetitive backtracking and lack of enemy variety in the second half. Players find the quest to collect crystals and notes monotonous, especially with limited new abilities. The slow start and dragged sections toward the end lead to a lack of engagement, with some continuing only to finish the game.
- Love (weight 0.02): Love is expressed for the game's faithful homage to Ninja Gaiden, combined with its own identity through great pixel art, story, and humor. The soundtrack is frequently cited as exceptional, along with the time-travel concept and DLC boss fights. Many players consider it one of their all-time favorite platformers due to its overall quality and passion.
- Awe (weight 0.02): Awe is inspired by the dynamic music changes that seamlessly match the dimension-switching mechanic. The graphical transition from 8-bit to 16-bit during gameplay is visually striking and considered brilliant. Players are also amazed by the movement system's potential for impressive speedruns, showcasing the game's depth and craftsmanship.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger stems from poor platforming and control issues, particularly the double jump feeling terrible. The mid-game genre shift to Metroidvania causes frustration, with some players quitting in anger. Unavoidable deaths, half-health respawns, and the developer's perceived mocking of players further fuel negative reactions.
- Relief (weight 0.02): Relief is felt when overcoming the initial difficulty through practice, making the game more manageable. Players appreciate that checkpoints prevent having to restart the entire game, reducing frustration. Some find the game less punishing than classic Ninja Gaiden, providing a sense of relief after surviving challenging segments.
- Amazement (weight 0.02): Players are amazed by the exceptional music, level design, and boss fights that maintain high quality throughout. The game's ability to offer two complete experiences in one, with distinct eras and surprises, is deeply impressive. The creative design and unexpected unlocks at every turn leave players in awe of the developer's innovation.
- Pleasure (weight 0.01): Pleasure comes from the sense of achievement after clearing difficult platforming sections and mastering techniques. The perfect platformer part and pleasant soundtrack, which players download and listen to outside the game, enhance enjoyment. Refining reflexes and appreciating the game's depth provide ongoing satisfaction.
- Fun (weight 0.01): Fun is derived from the balanced difficulty, humorous dialogue, and engaging time-travel mechanics. The core gameplay loop is highly enjoyable despite some mid-game drag. Hilarious writing and the overall game experience keep players engaged and entertained throughout.}