Info about BE-A Walker:

Official game description:
STORY
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Dying Earth is overpopulated and humanity searches for new planets to colonize and to extract much needed resources. Eldorado is an Earth-like planet covered with huge jungles and mountains full of rare minerals and it is an ideal option for colonization. But two things are making colonization quite complicated: the first one is the atmosphere which is poisonous to the human race, and the second one is the native race of warlike humanoid creatures that is not going to share its home with some sky people. Although the first problem can be solved by air filters, even the battle armor can't help against huge sprears and other missiles of the hostile tribes.  
GAMEPLAY
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You are the pilot of battle mech “BE-A Walker” (Biped Enhanced Assault Walker). Your mission is to defeat the hostile natives to protect the colony population. But annihilation of the native race is not the only way to stop the war. Choose your side and make the decision that suits you best: to be a human, a true son of Earth fighting for survival of your race and killing whoever stands in his way, or to be a humanist who's trying to protect the poor natives, victims of the greedy invaders.  
Controlling the mech is not an easy thing. Raise up one leg, move it to the left or to the right, and then make a step. Repeat it for another one. This is how the walker walks.  
Control every leg to smash the enemies or to avoid grenades and missiles.
FEATURES
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*   Seamlesly generated world.  
*   Lack of loot-boxes.  
*   The weirdest and most cruel walking simulator out there.  
*   Upgrade your mech and weapons to become more dangerous.  
*   Defeat the natives or lead them in their effort to protect their homeworld.

Release date: May 7, 2020

Categories: Mech Combat, Side-scrolling, Walking Simulator, Resource Management, Multiple Endings, Character Progression, Arcade Mode, Hardcore Gameplay

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 15; verdict: Seamless; summary: The user feedback focuses on gameplay issues such as off-screen enemy attacks and unconventional controls, but there is no evidence of technical barriers like external launchers, small text, crashes, or anti-cheat errors. A positive Linux compatibility review suggests the game runs natively on Linux, which is a strong indicator for Steam Deck playability. The main concerns are design-related rather than technical, so the overall friction is low.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $3.00 - $7.00
  - Reasoning: The community sentiment is mixed but leans toward the game being worth a modest price, with many recommending to wait for a sale. One user found the full price (approx $8.5 USD) worth it, while others consider it overpriced at full price and only worth it at a discount like $2. This suggests a fair base price range between $3 and $7, where the game is seen as a good value without being a steal.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 6.0h
  - Story completion: 4.3h
  - Session length: 12.1h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The first two quotes directly report story completion times of 4.3 and 4.33 hours, supporting storyCompletion. The third quote gives a range of 5-7 hours for completing all missions along one story line, which supports gameCompletion (full mission completion) with a midpoint of 6 hours. The fourth quote indicates a single session of 12.1 hours, supporting sessionLength. No specific endgame playtime is reported, so endgame is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game is enjoyable initially but quickly becomes repetitive and tedious, leading to a drop in fun.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: repetitive gameplay; tedious controls; steep learning curve; difficulty spikes; boring missions; slow pacing
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: getting used to the controls; expecting to like the game; tolerating repetition
- Player Archetypes:
  - Mech Power Fantasy Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: To experience the thrill of piloting a powerful mech and destroying enemies with heavy weaponry.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on combat and weapon variety, often plays through on higher difficulties, and may replay for achievements.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Hardcore Challenger (buy)
    - Motivation: To master the game's complex mechanics and overcome the unforgiving challenge of Hardcore mode.
    - Playstyle: Plays on Hardcore, optimizes cooldowns and energy usage, and experiments with turbo/rest modes to manage resources.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Casual Arcade Player (buy)
    - Motivation: To enjoy the game without the pressure of hardcore mechanics, focusing on accessible and straightforward fun.
    - Playstyle: Plays on Arcade or easy difficulty, ignores optional survival mechanics, and prioritizes a relaxed experience.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Story-Focused Critic (no buy)
    - Motivation: To experience a compelling and satisfying narrative, which the game fails to deliver.
    - Playstyle: Plays through the story, but may stop or become frustrated if pacing or narrative quality declines.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - 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:
- Graphics are visually appealing (weight 0.21): Players consistently praise the game's graphics and presentation, noting they are pleasant, well-designed, and beautiful despite simplicity. The visuals are a standout positive aspect across multiple reviews.
- Game has unique identity (weight 0.09): Players describe the game as having a memorable identity and being very interesting, with a unique and fun quality that sets it apart. This distinctiveness is a key positive point.
- Exceeds player expectations (weight 0.09): Reviewers note the game is a lot more fun than expected and can be very good or very fun. The game positively surprises players who may have had low initial expectations.
- Music enhances atmosphere (weight 0.08): The music is praised as good and creating a perfect atmosphere, though one reviewer found it merely okay. Overall, the soundscape contributes positively to the experience.
- Game is well-crafted (weight 0.08): Reviewers call the game nice, nicely crafted, and excellent, indicating high overall quality. The craftsmanship is a notable positive aspect.
- Walking mechanic is unique (weight 0.08): Players highlight the walking mechanics as cool, very unique, and unique to the gameplay. This distinctive movement system is a standout feature.
- Story is decent (weight 0.08): The story is considered decent and enjoyable, with storytelling that is pleasant. While not groundbreaking, the narrative is a positive element.
- Shooting is fun (weight 0.06): Reviewers find shooting with guns, lasers, and rockets to be fun, adding to the gameplay enjoyment. The combat shooting mechanics are positively received.
- Worth low price (weight 0.05): Players consider the game worth playing at a low price and interesting for its price point. The value proposition is a positive factor.
- Premise is interesting (weight 0.05): Reviewers find the premise interesting and the proposition intriguing. The core concept of the game captures player interest.
- Story offers choices (weight 0.05): The game has a choice in the story and an interesting story, giving players agency in the narrative. This interactive element is appreciated.
- Mechanics are engaging (weight 0.05): Players describe the mechanics as interesting, good, and engaging. The gameplay systems are a strong point of the game.
- Walker stomping is excellent (weight 0.05): Reviewers like the walker stomping gameplay and find the walker movement gameplay excellent. This specific mechanic is a highlight.
- Combat is chaotic but satisfying (weight 0.05): The combat is described as chaotic but satisfying and intense. Players enjoy the energetic and rewarding combat experience.
- Game is small and simple (weight 0.05): The game size is small and the gameplay is small and simple, which may appeal to some players. This compactness is noted as a characteristic.
- Sound design is solid (weight 0.05): Good sound work and pretty solid sound design are noted by reviewers. The audio quality is a positive aspect of the game.

Common complaints:
- Gameplay is repetitive and monotonous (weight 0.43): A common complaint is that missions, levels, and gameplay loops become repetitive quickly, leading to boredom and a lack of variety. The game is often described as dull and mind-numbingly repetitive.
- Endings are abrupt and unsatisfying (weight 0.39): Multiple reviews criticize the game's endings as short, rushed, and anti-climactic, with some noting a cliffhanger that leaves the story incomplete. The lack of reward and clarity makes the conclusion disappointing.
- Controls are clunky and difficult (weight 0.38): Players frequently mention awkward, cumbersome controls that make the game harder and less enjoyable, especially at the start. The controls are described as unintuitive and even bizarre, requiring time to get used to.
- Game difficulty is poorly balanced (weight 0.15): Reviews note that the game can become incredibly hard and unforgiving, with balance issues between players and enemies. The difficulty spikes quickly, making the experience frustrating rather than challenging.
- Weapons and armor are weak (weight 0.1): Players complain that weapons overheat too quickly and are pathetically weak, while armor is ineffective, especially against rear attacks. This makes combat feel underpowered and unsatisfying.
- Minefield sections are tedious (weight 0.1): The minefield missions are singled out as particularly tedious and annoying, forcing players to walk through dangerous areas. This adds to the overall repetitiveness and frustration of the game.
- Upgrade system is lacking (weight 0.05): The upgrade system is criticized for being poor and offering too few upgrades, limiting player progression and customization. This contributes to the game feeling shallow and repetitive.
- Translation errors are noticeable (weight 0.05): Some reviews point out that the game's translation is sub-par, with noticeable errors that detract from the experience. This can affect the clarity of the story and instructions.
- Oxygen mechanic hinders gameplay (weight 0.05): The oxygen limit is seen as a frustrating mechanic that seriously hinders gameplay, adding unnecessary pressure. It contributes to the overall difficulty and annoyance.

Gameplay feedback:
- Bipedal walker manual control (weight 0.4): The game features a bipedal walker where each leg is controlled separately, requiring deliberate steps and manual walking cycles. This unique control scheme is a core mechanic, with players using different buttons or sticks for each leg.
- Story choices and endings (weight 0.26): The game features a story campaign with decisions that affect the narrative, including choices of sides and multiple endings. Players can side with different factions, leading to varied outcomes.
- Mech controls are deliberate (weight 0.18): The mech controls are intentionally designed to be difficult and deliberate, offering a challenging piloting experience. While some find them intuitive, the overall design emphasizes careful management of movement.
- Weapon variety and reloads (weight 0.15): The game features a variety of weapons, including machine guns, cannons, rocket launchers, and death rays, some with reload mechanics. Players can select and change weapons before missions.
- Mission objectives vary (weight 0.14): Missions include eliminating all enemies, avoiding crushing people, and not stepping on certain objects. These varied objectives keep gameplay engaging and test different skills.
- Arcade mode available (weight 0.14): The game includes an arcade mode for a more casual experience, with no or very slow air consumption. This mode contrasts with the hardcore mode, providing accessibility options for players.
- Multiple difficulty settings (weight 0.14): The game offers difficulty options including HARDCORE, NORMAL, and EASY, with moderate-high difficulty even on normal mode. An adaptive difficulty system may also be present, catering to different skill levels.
- Weapons overheat (weight 0.13): Weapons, including a primary laser, can overheat quickly, requiring players to manage heat levels during combat. This adds a resource management layer to the gameplay.
- Equipment progression (weight 0.13): Players can upgrade their walker with armor, weapons, and additional oxygen, using money earned from missions. This progression system allows for customization and improved capabilities.
- Two-lane shooting system (weight 0.12): Shooting is divided into two lanes, with enemies approaching from these lanes. This system requires players to manage attacks from multiple directions.
- Oxygen management system (weight 0.11): The game requires managing oxygen levels to avoid depletion, with oxygen drones available to assist. This system is more demanding in high-consumption modes, adding survival elements.
- Minefield missions (weight 0.1): The game includes missions that involve navigating minefields, requiring careful movement to avoid stepping on mines. These missions add a strategic element to the walking mechanics.
- Unusual control scheme (weight 0.1): The game has a novel and non-standard control scheme, which may cause confusion for some players. The unique leg-control mechanics contribute to the game's distinctive identity.
- Side-scrolling action (weight 0.09): The game is a side-scrolling action game, with combat involving walking, shooting, and stomping enemies. This perspective complements the mech-based gameplay.
- Enemy attack directions (weight 0.09): Enemies can attack from the front, behind, and air, including rear attacks. This requires players to be aware of their surroundings and defend against threats from all sides.
- Enemy variety and numbers (weight 0.09): Enemies appear in large numbers and include different types, such as goblins and aliens. This variety keeps combat dynamic and challenging.
- Hardcore mode challenges (weight 0.05): A hardcore mode offers a more unforgiving experience, requiring management of weapon overheating and air supply. This mode is designed for players seeking a greater challenge.
- Giant robot combat (weight 0.05): Players control a giant robot equipped with machine guns and grenade launchers, engaging in combat against various foes. The scale of the robot adds to the game's spectacle.
- Auto-walk option (weight 0.05): The game includes an auto-walk or autopilot feature, allowing players to automate movement. This can reduce the complexity of manual leg control for some players.
- Combat vehicles and combat (weight 0.05): The game features combat vehicles and general combat mechanics, with players engaging in battles. This is a core aspect of the gameplay experience.

Performance notes:
- Runs well on Linux (weight 0.03): The game performs well under Linux Ubuntu 21.10, even with the open-source Nouveau driver for Nvidia cards. This indicates good compatibility and performance on Linux systems.
- Smooth frame rate (weight 0.03): Players report a smooth frame rate, indicating stable performance without significant stuttering or drops. This contributes to an enjoyable gaming experience.

Recommendations:
- Price concerns and sale recommendations (weight 0.26): Many reviewers feel the game is not worth its full price but is acceptable when discounted. They recommend waiting for a sale or buying at a low price to get fair value.
- Mixed overall recommendations (weight 0.24): Several reviewers give general positive recommendations, encouraging others to try the game, while a few explicitly do not recommend it. The overall sentiment is cautiously positive but not universal.
- Niche appeal for mech fans (weight 0.18): The game is strongly recommended for enthusiasts of mech games, stompy robots, and walker pilot fantasies. It appeals to a specific audience that enjoys giant war machines and power fantasies.
- Not for everyone (weight 0.17): Reviewers note that the game will not appeal to all players, and some may find it frustrating or not to their taste. It is best suited for those with specific interests in unusual mechanics and settings.
- Difficulty and control tips (weight 0.1): Reviewers suggest playing on easy or arcade mode due to large enemy numbers, and warn about potential arm strain from controls, recommending short play sessions. They also provide specific gameplay tips for managing oxygen and combat.
- Gameplay and story recommendations (weight 0.08): Some reviewers recommend the game for its gameplay and interesting storyline, while others advise buying it for the game rather than the story. A few suggest playing only story missions and avoiding achievements.
- Desire for additional modes (weight 0.03): One reviewer suggests adding a survival mode and a proper ending, indicating that the current content may feel incomplete. They would be willing to buy the game again if these features were added.
- Comparison to other mech games (weight 0.03): One reviewer recommends Brigador for those seeking more action with mechs, implying this game may be slower or less action-oriented. This provides context for players looking for similar experiences.

Other player notes:
- Story heavily inspired by Avatar (weight 0.33): Multiple reviews note the game's plot closely mirrors the movie Avatar, including the human ending and the hero joining the enemy. This comparison is the most frequent theme across clusters.
- Gameplay compared to AT-ST (weight 0.26): Players frequently compare the gameplay to piloting an AT-ST from Star Wars, often in the context of fighting Ewok-like natives. This comparison appears in several clusters, indicating a strong gameplay identity.
- Short game length (weight 0.16): Several reviews mention the game is short, lasting only a few hours or a couple of evenings. This is a common criticism, with some noting it can be completed in 3-4 hours.
- Developer and publisher details (weight 0.12): The game is developed by Tequilabyte Studio and published by Games Operators and PlayWay S.A. Some reviews also mention the developer's lack of updates and unlikely future support.
- Comparison to mobile and flash games (weight 0.12): Some reviews compare the game to mobile or flash games, noting its simple content and controls. This suggests a perception of it being a casual or low-budget title.
- Multiple endings and storylines (weight 0.12): The game features multiple endings and two storylines, but some reviews note the endings are very similar and equally sad. This is a mixed aspect of the narrative.
- Homage to Amiga Walker (weight 0.11): The game is identified as a re-design or spiritual homage to the 1993 Amiga game Walker, with similar pros and cons. This connection is noted in multiple clusters.
- Limited gameplay and replayability (weight 0.1): Reviews indicate the game has limited mechanics and little replay value, with some suggesting it's only worth playing twice to see both routes. This is a notable weakness.
- Comparisons to other games and media (weight 0.1): The game is compared to various other works, including Dead Paradise, Earn to Die, QWOP, Let Them Come, Frostpunk, and Half-Life. These comparisons highlight its unique blend but also its derivative nature.
- Colonization and native conflict (weight 0.09): The storyline involves colonizing another planet and dealing with hostile native tribes, often compared to historical colonization and Avatar. This is a central theme.
- Unfinished and underdeveloped (weight 0.08): Some reviews state the game feels unfinished and sold half-made, with developers admitting to limited resources. This contributes to a negative perception of the product's quality.
- Miscellaneous features (weight 0.08): The game includes trading cards, cloud achievements, a Hardcore mode, and gamepad support. These are minor features that some players appreciate.
- Technical and feature limitations (weight 0.07): The game lacks Workshop support, has no French localization, and has limited updates. These technical shortcomings are noted in individual reviews.
- Localization and language support (weight 0.06): The game has a Russian translation and supports automatic Japanese translation via mods, but lacks French. Localization quality is mixed.
- Community and modding (weight 0.06): The game's community is critical, and there is no Workshop page. Some suggest adding Workshop support to sustain the player base.
- Narrative and ending comparisons (weight 0.06): The ending is compared to The Sopranos, and the story is seen as a typical colonization narrative. Some reviews find the story adequate but not a masterpiece.
- Setting on planet Eldorado (weight 0.05): The story is set on a planet called Eldorado, which is a key part of the game's premise. This is mentioned in a couple of reviews.
- Audio and visual settings (weight 0.05): The game offers adjustable graphics, resolution, and separate volume controls for music and sound effects. This is a positive feature noted in reviews.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.32): Players are overwhelmingly frustrated by the deliberately cumbersome and unintuitive leg-based control scheme, which makes basic movement and aiming a constant struggle. This is compounded by punishing design choices like instant-death minefields, enemies spawning behind the player, and an oxygen mechanic that can softlock progress. The overall difficulty is poorly balanced, with weak weapons, restrictive ammo, and missions that force restarts due to NPC pathing or unavoidable mistakes.
- Disappointment (weight 0.19): The primary source of disappointment is the story, specifically the abrupt, open-ended, and unsatisfying endings that provide no closure and fail to justify the player's choices. The gameplay also falls short of expectations, with repetitive levels, stiff movement, a lack of weapon variety, and a poor upgrade system. Many players felt the game did not live up to its premise or the potential shown in its trailer, especially when compared to the original Walker game.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.14): Players who enjoyed the game found the core loop of stomping, shooting, and incinerating enemies as a giant mech to be genuinely fun and engaging. The unique control scheme, once mastered, provided a satisfying power fantasy and a sense of agility on the battlefield. The engaging story, fun shooting, and overall gameplay loop were cited as reasons to keep playing, with many noting the game is simple and very enjoyable for fans of big stompy mechs.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.06): Satisfaction stems from the game's highly destructive and responsive combat, which makes the player feel like a true powerhouse. The unique control scheme, particularly using shoulder triggers to lift the walker's feet, was praised for its responsiveness and contribution to the satisfying gameplay. The game is also lauded for its beautiful graphics, good music, and a demanding yet pleasant challenge that provides a fulfilling experience.
- Anger (weight 0.04): Anger is primarily directed at the game's narrative, particularly the poorly written and sudden 'humanity' ending that forces a weak and unsatisfying conclusion. Players are also angered by the forced death of the protagonist and the lack of meaningful choices, which undermines the story's premise. Additional frustration comes from specific design flaws like the lack of a rear turret and the poorly designed medical mission.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance is driven by the monotonous and repetitive nature of the missions, which quickly become a chore. The leg-by-leg movement system is a major source of irritation, being both super annoying and repetitive to execute. Specific mission types, like those requiring the player to avoid stepping on NPCs, are particularly frustrating because the NPCs walk directly into the robot's path, making progress nearly impossible.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom arises from the dull and slow-paced gameplay that becomes repetitive before the third mission. The core mechanics fail to hold the player's interest, and the mine sections in particular become tedious and boring after the first playthrough. The overall lack of variety and engaging content leads to a feeling of monotony that drives players away.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Amusement is derived from the game's absurd and humorous elements, such as the premise of a cartoon woman trying to prevent massacring aliens with a mech. Players found the stomping weapon and the comparison of the story to the history of the discovery of America with mecha to be funny. The cute walking animation when probing for mines with the toes also provided a lighthearted moment.
- Interest (weight 0.02): Interest is sparked by the game's unusual and unique control scheme, which stands out from typical mech games. The core concept and gameplay are intriguing enough to draw players in, and the project is considered interesting for its price point. The novelty of the mechanics and the premise are the main drivers of this curiosity.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement is generated by the engaging storyline and the fantastic, heavy movement of the mech, which makes every shot feel impactful and fun. The game is described as revolutionary fun, comparable to the first time playing Half-Life. The adrenaline and anxiety of combat are the main selling points, providing a thrilling experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game is rooted in its visual style and the sheer fun of the gameplay, particularly the manual movement mechanic that allows players to step on enemies. The idea of controlling each leg is considered a 10/10 concept that is very fun to play. Players fell in love with the game after purchasing it, indicating a strong positive emotional connection.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness is felt due to the unlikelihood of a sequel or DLC, leaving the story and its endings feeling incomplete and sad. Players became attached to the narrative but were left without closure, which is a significant source of emotional letdown. The lack of resolution for the story and characters contributes to a lingering sense of melancholy.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy is a direct result of having fun while playing the game, with the experience being so enjoyable that one reviewer stayed up until 6 am. The gameplay itself is the primary source of this happiness, providing a deeply engaging and pleasurable experience. The overall positive emotional response is strong enough to keep players invested for extended periods.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise comes from the project exceeding expectations despite not aiming for high achievements. The game turned out to be more fun than the reviewer expected, which is a pleasant and unexpected outcome. This positive surprise enhances the overall impression of the game.
- Immersion (weight 0.01): Immersion is achieved through the feeling of piloting a human mech, similar to the experience in Avatar. The unusual movement system makes the player feel like they are truly controlling a walker, enhancing the sense of presence. This unique mechanic successfully draws the player into the game world.
- Stress (weight 0.01): Stress is induced by the oxygen supply management, which cuts it close even on the first map, creating constant pressure. Clearing each mission feels stressful with little reward, making the experience more tense than enjoyable. The combination of resource management and high-stakes missions contributes to a stressful gameplay loop.
- Engagement (weight 0): Engagement is maintained despite the monotonous gameplay, indicating that the core mechanics are compelling enough to keep players invested. The game manages to hold the player's attention even when the content becomes repetitive. This suggests a strong underlying hook that drives continued play.
- Hatred (weight 0): Hatred is expressed towards the game as it is considered the worst game played recently. This strong negative emotion is a result of the overall poor experience, encompassing multiple aspects of the game that failed to meet even basic expectations. The intensity of this feeling suggests a deeply unsatisfying and frustrating playthrough.
- Despair (weight 0): Despair is triggered by the dull gameplay, which was so unengaging that the reviewer expressed a desire to harm themselves. This extreme emotional response indicates a profoundly negative experience with the game's core mechanics. The lack of any redeeming qualities in the gameplay led to a feeling of hopelessness and frustration.
- Fear (weight 0): Fear is specifically related to the hardcore difficulty mode, with the reviewer expressing apprehension about what it entails. This fear is likely a result of the already challenging base game, making the prospect of a harder mode intimidating. The anticipation of increased difficulty creates a sense of dread.}