Info about Dying Light: Bad Blood:

Official game description:
  
Enter a zombie-infested area and compete as one of 12 players to become the only survivor - or make a team and fight for survival together. Scavenge for weapons, destroy zombie hives to level up, and combine your advanced parkour mobility with brutal combat skills to outrun, outsmart, and outplay your opponents.  
It’s all in, one out in Dying Light: Bad Blood - a fast-paced and gory online game that creatively blends PvP and PvE combat while retaining the core of Dying Light’s iconic gameplay.  
Kill the zombies and destroy their hives to collect blood samples and level up your character. Prey on other players, steal their loot, and become the only one to leave the zone alive.  
Whether you run for your life, chase another player or race to the evac chopper, it’s your parkour skills that give you an edge over the enemies  
Immerse yourself in the blood-soaked FPP combat known from the highly-acclaimed Dying Light, now with greater tactical depth, new moves, and tons of vicious weapons.  
Add the element of cooperation to your ruthless fight for survival. Team up with your co-op partner, coordinate your attacks and watch each other’s back to get rid of other teams and evacuate together.

Release date: Sep 13, 2018

Categories: Extraction Shooter, Battle Royale, PvPvE, Parkour Gameplay, Melee Combat, Zombie Survival

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair; summary: Reviews explicitly mention no microtransactions.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 0.2h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews consistently report match durations of 7-15 minutes, with most citing 10-12 minutes as typical for a single session. This directly supports the session length metric. No reviews provide clear evidence for game completion (total time to finish the game) as it is a battle royale with no definitive end, nor for story/campaign completion (the game lacks a narrative campaign), nor for endgame hours (no post-story content). Thus those fields are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game offers brief initial fun through character customization after the tutorial, but quickly becomes boring due to long loading, small lobbies, and repetitive content, especially when playing solo or in low-population matches.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: After completing the tutorial and first match
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: long loading times; small lobby player count; repetitive gameplay after a few matches; lack of significant updates
  - Unlock drivers: playing with friends in private or duo mode; character progression with perks and weapons; higher player count in lobbies
  - Conditions: playing with friends or in party; choosing casual mode over competitive; sufficient player population in matchmaking; enjoying customization and weapon variety
- Player Archetypes:
  - Disappointed Original Fan (no buy)
    - Motivation: Desire for the original Dying Light PvE experience and cooperative gameplay
    - Playstyle: Prefers parkour exploration, zombie slaying, and avoiding forced PvP; plays for immersion and adventure
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: Dying Light veteran; original fan; PvE enthusiast; casual runner
    - Reference games: Dying Light
  - Competitive PvP Challenger (sale)
    - Motivation: Competitive thrill and mastering parkour-based PvP combat
    - Playstyle: Aggressive, uses PvE to gain advantages, engages in player hunting, and adapts to fast-paced mechanics
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: battle royale veteran; PvP lover; competitive player; invasion mode old-timer
    - Reference games: Dying Light; The Culling; Fortnite; PUBG; H1Z1
  - Disheartened Casual (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of parkour and zombie action with minimal competitive pressure
    - Playstyle: Plays casually for fun, tries to engage with PvE elements, but is frustrated by empty lobbies and lack of casual-friendly content
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: casual gamer; parkour fan; Dying Light explorer; casual player
    - Reference games: Dying Light


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:
- Unique battle royale and extraction mix (weight 0.33): Multiple reviews praise the game's fresh blend of battle royale and extraction mechanics, alongside Dying Light-style parkour and zombies.
- Parkour is impressive and fun (weight 0.24): The parkour mechanics are consistently highlighted as a key, enjoyable feature that works well and remains impressive.
- Great Dying Light and zombie integration (weight 0.21): The combination of Dying Light's parkour, PvP, and PvE elements with zombies is seen as a brilliant and enjoyable concept.
- Great graphics and animation (weight 0.14): The game features great, beautiful graphics and good animation, often compared to Dying Light.
- No pay-to-win mechanics (weight 0.13): Players appreciate the absence of pay-to-win elements, calling the shop fair.
- Dynamic and exciting gameplay (weight 0.12): The gameplay is described as explosive, ultra-dynamic, and fast-paced, contributing to the excitement.
- Private matches and casual mode (weight 0.09): Players can enjoy private matches alone or with friends, as well as a casual mode.
- Fast-paced 10-minute matches (weight 0.09): Matches are quick, lasting about 10 to 15 minutes, which suits the fast-paced action.
- Rich arsenal of weapons (weight 0.08): There is a wide variety of melee, firearms, throwing weapons, and gadgets available.
- Classy and good quality gameplay (weight 0.08): The gameplay is described as classy and of good quality, reflecting a polished experience.
- Will become free-to-play (weight 0.08): At full release, the game will be free to play, which is noted by reviewers.

Common complaints:
- Extremely low player count (weight 0.62): Players report consistently low online populations, with many stating only 2-10 players daily, leading to empty lobbies and inability to find matches. This is the most frequently cited issue across multiple clusters.
- Game abandoned by developer (weight 0.52): Multiple players explicitly state that Techland abandoned the game after release, with no updates, new content, or continued support. This is seen as the root cause of the game's decline.
- Game feels dead overall (weight 0.39): Many reviews describe the game as 'dead' due to the combination of low player counts, lack of support, and inability to find matches. Several players note the game died quickly after launch.
- Matchmaking takes too long (weight 0.33): Due to the low player base, matchmaking often takes 10-30 minutes or never completes, especially since matches require 12 players. Players frequently abandon queue due to excessive wait times.
- Game removed from stores (weight 0.29): The game was taken down from Steam and can no longer be purchased, effectively ending any possibility of new players joining. Players view this as a rugpull or closure of the game.
- Repetitive and boring gameplay (weight 0.21): Gameplay quickly becomes monotonous due to lack of variety in objectives, maps, and modes. Players report getting bored after 5 hours of play, with nothing new to sustain engagement.
- Lack of content and updates (weight 0.21): Players criticize the game for having very little content at launch, only one map taken from Dying Light, and no meaningful updates afterward. This contributes to the rapid boredom and low replay value.
- Stuck in early access limbo (weight 0.18): The game has remained in early access since 2018 with no full release, leaving it incomplete and unsupported. Players feel misled about the game's development status.
- Game was too short-lived (weight 0.17): Players feel the game died very quickly after release with a very short active lifespan, making it a failed experiment by the developer.
- No duo or squad mode available (weight 0.14): The game lacks duo or squad modes, forcing friends to play solo only. This limits social play and reduces the game's appeal for groups.
- Microtransactions in paid game (weight 0.12): Despite being a paid title, the game includes microtransactions for lootboxes, skins, and boosters, which players find unwelcome and exploitative given the game's poor state.
- Evacuation system poorly designed (weight 0.08): The evacuation mechanic allows players to win without eliminating all opponents, which feels unsatisfying and undermines competitive play.

Gameplay feedback:
- Battle Royale Mode Summary (weight 0.87): The game features a battle royale mode set in the Dying Light universe, combining parkour, melee combat, and zombies with 12-player matches.
- Extraction and Progression (weight 0.6): Players must collect blood or virus samples by destroying zombie nests, level up to 5, and then extract via a helicopter.
- PvPvE Hybrid Gameplay (weight 0.41): The mode mixes PvP and PvE elements, with players fighting each other while also dealing with zombie threats and looting.
- Melee Combat Focus (weight 0.41): Combat emphasizes melee weapons with modifiers, parries, and tactical attacks, supplemented by limited firearms from airdrops.
- Single Map Only (weight 0.3): All matches take place on a single static map, which is the slums area from the original Dying Light.
- Weapon Variety and Looting (weight 0.28): Players can loot melee weapons, firearms like bow, shotgun, pistol, shields, and consumables like medkits and grenades.
- Private Matches and Modes (weight 0.27): The game offers private lobby modes, duo options, and both casual and normal competitive modes.
- Parkour Movement System (weight 0.24): The game inherits Dying Light's parkour mechanics, allowing vertical movement, aerial attacks, and traversal across the map like the Harran slums.
- Helicopter Extraction Mechanics (weight 0.24): The winning condition typically involves being the sole survivor to reach and call a helicopter extraction, marked on the map.
- 12-Player Match Size (weight 0.21): Matches are capped at 12 players on a single map derived from the original Dying Light, with suggestions to increase to 24 and add duo mode.
- Short Match Duration (weight 0.21): Matches are fast-paced, lasting approximately 7-16 minutes, with a day/night cycle or time limit ending the game.
- Customization and Cosmetics (weight 0.2): There is cosmetic customization for avatars and weapons, with items earned via loot boxes or reward boxes without pay-to-win elements.
- Leveling and Progression (weight 0.2): In-match progression goes from level 1 to 5, unlocking abilities and increasing health and damage, with meta-progression via XP and cosmetic crates.
- Dying Light Combat Reminiscent (weight 0.17): Combat and controls feel similar to Dying Light 1, with hand-to-hand combat, parkour, and weapon modification systems.
- Day/Night Cycle and Game End (weight 0.11): There is no shrinking circle; instead, night arrives after 16 minutes, ending the game in a draw if medicine is not collected.
- Unique Battle Royale Twist (weight 0.08): The combination of zombies, parkour, and extraction-focused mechanics sets it apart from typical battle royale games like Fortnite or PUBG.
- Zombie Types and Threats (weight 0.08): Various zombie types like Biter, Demolisher, Goon, Bolter, and Viral appear, with infected able to bite cables causing repairs.
- Lobby and Training Area (weight 0.08): Before matches, players can use a waiting lobby with a small arena and a training parkour course.
- Solo or Co-op Play Options (weight 0.08): Players can play solo or in co-op, and the game includes a private lobby for playing with friends.

Performance notes:
- Mixed performance feedback (weight 0.19): Players report a wide range of performance experiences, from smooth 120-144 FPS on mid-range PCs (Cluster 23) to severe frame drops and 15 FPS (Cluster 1). Overall, performance appears highly dependent on hardware.
- Optimization mixed reviews (weight 0.12): Some players say optimization needs improvement (Cluster 13), while others call it great (Cluster 17) or good for early access (Cluster 22). Opinion is divided.
- Frequent crashes (weight 0.09): Multiple players report game crashes during solo mode and random crashes overall (Cluster 6, 10). This is a critical reliability issue.
- FPS drops and frame loss (weight 0.09): Frame drops and general FPS loss are commonly mentioned (Cluster 7, 16). This affects the smoothness of gameplay for many users.
- Server disconnects and lag (weight 0.09): Players experience server disconnects and slight server lag during combat (Cluster 11, 12). Network stability is a concern.
- Mid-range PC performance (weight 0.08): Players with mid-spec PCs report the game runs without lag and functions well on High-Ultra settings (Cluster 2, 8). This is encouraging for average hardware.
- Stability in movement scenarios (weight 0.05): Several players mention that the game maintains stable performance during parkour and combat sequences (Cluster 3). This indicates that core gameplay mechanics are generally well-optimized.
- Impressive graphics (weight 0.05): The graphics are described as incredible and realistic (Cluster 9), which is a strong positive point for visual quality.
- Poor optimization for low-end PCs (weight 0.05): Optimization is poor for low-end PCs (Cluster 20), suggesting that less powerful hardware may struggle significantly.
- PvP optimization issues (weight 0.05): Some players report a lack of optimization specifically in PvP modes (Cluster 4). This suggests that while other modes run smoothly, competitive multiplayer may suffer from performance drops.
- Poor performance in combat (weight 0.05): Very poor performance and fluency affect combat scenarios (Cluster 15). This undermines the core action experience.

Recommendations:
- Do not recommend buying (weight 0.53): Many reviewers strongly advise against purchasing the game, citing issues like low player count, lack of updates, and high price. Even free copies are sometimes considered not worth the time.
- Wait for free release (weight 0.33): Multiple reviews suggest waiting for the game to become free-to-play rather than buying it now. Some note it will be free at full release or is already available for free to Dying Light owners.
- Recommended for Dying Light fans (weight 0.33): Fans of the Dying Light franchise may enjoy the game for its unique parkour and PvP combat, though some say it is not good for casual fans. It's seen as a niche experience for hardcore enthusiasts.
- Not recommended in current state (weight 0.24): The game is unfinished, lacks updates, and has balance and player count issues. Many advise waiting for improvements or a full release.
- Mixed personal recommendations (weight 0.24): While some players strongly recommend the game for its unique combat, others give a negative vote. Personal preference varies widely.
- Poor value for money (weight 0.2): Reviewers complain that the price is too high for the low player count and limited content. Some suggest buying from key websites for a low price or waiting for the game to be free.
- Cheaters ruin experience (weight 0.04): There are reports of cheaters and a lack of a report option, which detracts from the multiplayer experience.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.27): Players are frustrated because the game has been taken down and is unplayable due to extremely low player count, empty servers, and long matchmaking times. Additionally, issues like balance problems, cheaters, high skill gaps, and lack of content such as duo modes further diminish the experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.2): Players feel disappointed because the game was abandoned by developers, stuck in early access since 2018, and now has a dead playerbase with no updates. The wasted potential, lack of new content, and failure to deliver on promises are key causes.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Players are excited by the unique gameplay mix of parkour, melee combat, and battle royale mechanics, which provide constant adrenaline and innovative action. The idea of PvP in a Dying Light setting with short, intense matches is highlighted as exhilarating.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.05): Players enjoy the game for its fluid parkour and melee combat, the fun PvP twist on Dying Light, and the balanced, engaging extraction shooter gameplay. Playing with friends and the good lobby atmosphere also contribute to enjoyment.
- Sadness (weight 0.05): Players are sad because the game is nearly dead with no updates, extremely low player count, and long matchmaking time, preventing them from playing multiplayer. They mourn the game's potential and the lost chance to experience full servers again.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.05): Players are satisfied with the smooth gameplay, unique mechanics, and enjoyable winning experience despite low frame rates. The game offers a good free experience with satisfying graphics, low time-to-kill, and satisfying kills.
- Hope (weight 0.03): Players hope that the game could be re-released or made free to attract a community, with balance adjustments and team modes improving the experience. They also hope Techland will release similar content in the future.
- Regret (weight 0.02): Players regret that the game, which had classy gameplay and great potential, was abandoned and never reached full release. Some regret having to refund or that it was not integrated into Dying Light 1.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Players feel nostalgic remembering the game's peak with full lobbies and its brief, intense popularity. The memory of vibrant, active servers leaves a bittersweet aftertaste.
- Fun (weight 0.02): Players find the game fun due to fast, dynamic 1v1 fights, lively PvP, and interesting combat that offers a new experience. The overall enjoyable gameplay loop keeps them engaged.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire the game's brilliant concept, tactical combat system, and unique approach. The overall quality and uniqueness of the game earn high praise.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Players get bored due to monotonous gameplay and lack of variety, which leads to the game quickly losing its appeal. Small lobbies and repetitive content contribute to this feeling.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Players express enthusiasm from a deep love for the game and its great gameplay. The core mechanics and overall experience excite them.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Players anticipate that the game will become free in the future, which might revive the playerbase. This expectation keeps them interested.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players love the game because it is part of the Dying Light franchise, or it is simply their favorite game. The franchise connection and personal preference drive this emotion.
- Recommendation confidence (weight 0.01): Players feel confident recommending the game because it remains fun and lightweight even after being shut down. The game's enduring quality despite issues supports this.
- Missing (weight 0.01): Players miss the game because it was one of the few genuinely good battle royales that was unexpectedly taken down. Its removal left a void.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Players were amused by a funny encounter where someone tried to fight with fists while the reviewer had a gun, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Players feel disgust because the camera movement causes a gag reflex, making the game physically uncomfortable to play.
- Pleading (weight 0.01): Players plead for the game to be reinstated on Steam and fixed, as its removal has left them unable to play or purchase it.}