Info about Grim Dawn - Forgotten Gods Expansion:

Official game description:
Journey beyond the bounds of the Erulan Empire, traversing burning sands, lush oases and volcanic wastes to reach the sun beaten ruins of a city with secrets that should never have been disturbed. The flames of a forgotten god have been rekindled, sending ripples through the Eldritch realm and sowing terror even among the Witch Gods themselves. Discover hundreds of new unique items, unlock all-new mobility powers and venture into a brand-new game mode with endless replayability.  
**_Forgotten Gods requires the Ashes of Malmouth DLC to play._**
Key Features:
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*   Enter the Shattered Realm – a brand new game mode will have you face off against Cairn’s foes in ever more challenging shards of an unstable reality. Earn unique rewards and mountains of loot!  
*   A New Class Mastery – smite your foes with a divine new mastery: the Oathkeeper, which can be combined with the other Masteries, raising the total number of combinations to a staggering 36!  
*   Rune Augments – Apply a new category of enchantments to your Medals, unlocking powerful mobility skills available to all masteries, including Leap, Teleport and more.  
*   A Massive Story Chapter – Journey beyond the remnants of the Erulan Empire to dangerous new lands teeming with forbidden secrets. Battle alongside the Witch God cults to vanquish the rising threat of a forgotten god.  
*   New Environments – Discover foreboding deserts, explore lush oases, survive the heat of a land ravaged by a god’s burning rage, witness the wonders of the Eldritch Realm itself.  
*   Difficulty Merits – Embrace new challenges by starting the game on Elite or Ultimate difficulty from the very beginning by purchasing Difficulty Merits for your new characters!  
*   Transmutation – Visit the Inventor to reroll your duplicate Set Items to create new Set Pieces from the same set or entirely different sets.  
*   Four Factions – Align yourself with one of the three Witch God cults and face off against Eldritch Horrors serving a forgotten power.  
*   9 Constellations – Unleash the powers of forgotten gods with 9 new Devotion Constellations that offer even more ways to traverse Grim Dawn’s massive celestial tapestry.  
*   Collect Hundreds of New Items - Dozens of new Monster Infrequents and Hundreds of Epic and Legendary items are waiting to be added to your collection, including sets exclusive to the game's Roguelike dungeon and the Shattered Realm!  
*   Expanded Stash – Protect your precious wealth with an additional Personal and Transfer Stash Tab.  
*   New Nemesis and Super Bosses – The Eldritch Realm houses terrors beyond imagining. Face off against its nemesis for unique loot. Uncover the secrets of the Korvan Basin and unleash a supremely powerful foe.  
*   A New Rogue-Like Dungeon - the Tomb of the Heretic has been discovered within the Korvan lands. Getting inside, however, may not be so simple!  
*   Monster Totems - explore every corner of the world to discover Monster Totems that will assault you with waves of foes in exchange for mountains of loot.

Release date: Mar 27, 2019

Categories: Action RPG, Character Progression, Looter Shooter, Roguelike, Dungeon Crawler, Character Customization, Endgame Content, Multiplayer

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 30; verdict: Mixed Monetization Concerns; summary: The user reviews for this DLC present a mixed picture. While there are significant concerns about the monetization strategy, including mentions of P2W aspects and the necessity to buy additional DLCs, there are also positive comments about the value of the DLC despite its high price. Some users find the pricing high relative to the content offered, suggesting that waiting for a sale might be a better option.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game appears to run well on Linux with Proton, with users reporting no significant issues. The overall experience seems smooth and reliable, with specific mentions of successful gameplay on Ubuntu with Proton.
- Steam Deck: score 10; verdict: Seamless; summary: The game runs smoothly on Linux with Proton, with users reporting no major issues. The experience is described as seamless and compatible with various hardware configurations.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $15.00 - $25.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that while some users find the game worth the full price, others feel it is a bit expensive and recommend waiting for a sale. This indicates that the community considers the fair price to be somewhat lower than the current full price. The mentions of waiting for discounts and comparisons to other expansions imply that a fair price range would be below the full price but still reflective of the game's value to dedicated fans.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 100.0h
  - Story completion: 20.0h
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: 100.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence provided gives a clear indication of the playtime metrics for the Grim Dawn - Forgotten Gods Expansion. The first quote suggests that the endgame content can take over 100 hours of grinding for gear. The second and third quotes indicate a high level of engagement with the game, suggesting long playtimes for game completion and story completion. The fourth quote reinforces the idea of extensive playtime, mentioning 100 hours easily.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game has a slow start with a tedious endgame grind, but it can become fun with engaging combat dynamics and multiplayer interactions.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Engaging combat dynamics and multiplayer interactions
  - Time to anchor: 2h 0m
  - Friction: Boring grind at the endgame stage; Tedious and repetitive shattered realm mode; Lack of new or better items in the endgame
  - Unlock drivers: Movement skills; Multiplayer interactions
  - Conditions: Playing with friends; Focusing on combat dynamics
- Player Archetypes:
  - Story-First Explorer (sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of story and gameplay without excessive grinding.
    - Playstyle: Prefers engaging with the story and gameplay mechanics rather than focusing on endgame grinding.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: Grim Dawn fan; Story lover
    - Reference games: Black Desert Online; Diablo 2
  - Content-Completionist (buy)
    - Motivation: Engagement with varied content and extensive gameplay.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys grinding and exploring all aspects of the game, including new locations, bosses, and gear.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: ARPG fan; Completionist
    - Reference games: Diablo 2; Titan Quest
  - Grind-Tolerant Critic (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Tolerance for grinding with a critical view on its extent.
    - Playstyle: Accepts grinding as part of the game but finds it tedious and time-consuming.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: ARPG player; Critic
    - Reference games: Diablo 2
  - Social Story-Seeker (sale)
    - Motivation: Interest in multiplayer and story elements.
    - Playstyle: Prefers playing with friends and engaging with the story, but is hindered by technical issues.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: Multiplayer fan; Story enthusiast
    - Reference games: Diablo 3


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:
- Praised expansion quality (weight 0.54): The expansion is highly praised for its quality, polish, and engaging story that continues from previous expansions. Players appreciate the enjoyable content and new areas.
- Introduction of Oathkeeper class (weight 0.48): The new Oathkeeper class is a significant addition, offering unique abilities and versatility. Players find it better than expected and enjoy the new class combos it provides.
- New story and content (weight 0.38): The expansion introduces a new self-contained story with exciting storylines, NPCs, and factions. Players appreciate the fresh content and systems added.
- New classes and builds (weight 0.33): The expansion adds new classes and builds, expanding build possibilities with new gear and class masteries. Players find the new classes interesting and well-designed.
- Desire for more additions (weight 0.32): Players express a desire for more additions, including new features, quests, and content. This indicates a strong engagement and interest in further expansions.
- New areas to explore (weight 0.27): The expansion includes new large and varied locations that are beautiful and enjoyable to explore. Players appreciate the diversity in new areas.
- Beautiful desert scenery (weight 0.27): The new desert area is loved for its beautiful and well-designed scenery. Players appreciate the charm and design of the desert locations.
- Transmute system for set items (weight 0.26): The new transmute system allows players to transmute items to complete a set. This feature is appreciated for its utility in set item completion.
- Highly recommended expansion (weight 0.22): The expansion is highly recommended by players, who find it well worth the money. This indicates a high level of satisfaction and value.
- New endgame content (weight 0.22): The expansion adds new endgame content, including a new endgame area. Players appreciate the additional endgame challenges and activities.
- Diverse game world (weight 0.22): The game world is noted for its diversity and beautiful environments. Players appreciate the variety in enemy types and locations.
- Grim Dawn's lasting appeal (weight 0.22): Grim Dawn is praised for its lasting appeal and high quality as an RPG. Players appreciate how well-made the game is and its ability to bring them back.
- Enjoyable and intense gameplay (weight 0.22): The gameplay is noted for being rewarding and intense. Players find the game enjoyable and engaging.
- Well-designed enemies (weight 0.21): The enemy design is praised for its quality and variety. Players appreciate the well-designed enemies and their aesthetics.
- Shattered Realm mode (weight 0.21): The new Shattered Realm mode is a notable addition, providing a new endgame challenge. Players appreciate this new mode for its unique gameplay.
- Amazing artwork and music (weight 0.21): The expansion is praised for its stunning visuals, amazing artwork, and excellent music. Players appreciate the high-quality aesthetics.
- New factions and enemies (weight 0.21): The expansion introduces new factions and enemy types, adding to the game's diversity and loot options. Players appreciate the new friendly and enemy factions.
- Well-designed new class (weight 0.21): The new class is praised for its many possibilities and cool skills. Players find the new class to be well-designed and enjoyable.
- Quality of life improvements (weight 0.21): The expansion includes quality of life improvements and updates that are appreciated by players. These improvements enhance the overall gaming experience.
- French language feedback (weight 0.2): French-speaking players appreciate the addition of hidden quests and Easter eggs, as well as the challenging and rewarding Shattered Realms. The Oathkeeper class is praised for its unique mechanics.
- Comparison to Diablo 3 (weight 0.2): The expansion is compared favorably to Diablo 3, with players finding Grim Dawn to be better or on par with Diablo 3 and Path of Exile.
- Endgame mode similar to Diablo III (weight 0.2): The new endgame mode is compared to Diablo III's portals and rifts. Players appreciate the similarity to Diablo III's greater rifts.

Common complaints:
- Repetitive and monotonous content (weight 0.55): The game is criticized for having repetitive tasks, locations, and gameplay, including the Shattered Realm mode.
- Level cap remains unchanged (weight 0.44): Players are disappointed that the level cap and Devotion level were not increased in this update.
- Short gameplay duration (weight 0.38): Many reviews mention that the new content, including the Forgotten God campaign and new acts, is surprisingly short.
- Disappointing storyline (weight 0.36): The storyline is criticized for being straightforward, disconnected, and of lower quality writing.
- Lack of new content and loot (weight 0.32): Players feel there is a lack of decent loot and new content, making the grind for gear at level 100 particularly frustrating.
- Frequent crashes and freezing (weight 0.16): Players report experiencing frequent crashes and constant freezing, impacting the gameplay experience.
- Dependency on previous DLC (weight 0.15): The DLC requires Ashes of Malmouth and is seen as adding fewer new features compared to it.
- High price not justified (weight 0.15): Players feel that the price for this DLC is too high and not worth the cost compared to previous DLCs.
- Lacks dark atmosphere (weight 0.14): The game is criticized for not being grim or dark enough, failing to meet the atmospheric expectations of players.
- Forced narrative elements (weight 0.14): The game is criticized for having a forced narrative, particularly concerning the villain.
- Oathkeeper class lacks innovation (weight 0.14): The new Oathkeeper class is seen as disappointing and not adding anything new to the game.

Gameplay feedback:
- Shattered Realm mode introduced (weight 0.75): The expansion introduces a new roguelike gamemode called Shattered Realm, featuring random small maps, challenging enemies, and soul fragments as rewards. This mode is similar to other games' modes like Crucible and Nephalem Rift.
- Transmutation features (weight 0.42): Quality of life features include transmuting set items to different set items and converting equipment, enhancing gameplay experience.
- Desert setting and environments (weight 0.34): The game features a new desert area and environments, setting the stage in the deserts of the Erulan Empire.
- Character and class builds (weight 0.32): Players can create multiple characters with diverse skills and explore various class combos and builds.
- Movement runes added (weight 0.31): New rune slots provide movement abilities, allowing for quick character movement and adding a new dynamic to gameplay.
- Difficulty merits introduced (weight 0.2): Difficulty merits allow players to start on a higher difficulty or skip difficulties, improving the gameplay experience.
- Quest lines and faction quests (weight 0.19): The game includes various quest lines and faction quests, adding depth to the storyline and gameplay.
- Enemy design and sponginess (weight 0.13): Reviews mention enemy design and the concept of enemy sponginess, which affects gameplay intensity.
- Reward system mechanics (weight 0.13): The game features a reward system with mechanics that may include delays, affecting player experience.
- Expansion accessibility (weight 0.13): The expansion can be started in the second act and played parallel to the main story, allowing for flexible gameplay.
- Super bosses and boss fights (weight 0.13): The game includes challenging boss fights and super bosses, adding to the gameplay intensity.

Performance notes:
- Optimization improvements noted (weight 0.16): Players have observed that the game's optimization has been improved, leading to better overall performance.
- Multiplayer instability and memory leaks (weight 0.1): Players have experienced instability in multiplayer mode, including memory leaks that can impact gameplay.
- Server performance issues (weight 0.09): There are reports of server performance issues, which may affect the overall gaming experience.
- Runs well on Linux (weight 0.09): The game runs well on Linux with specific hardware configurations and Proton versions, suggesting good compatibility with this operating system.
- Runs great on Windows 10 (weight 0.09): The game runs well in 64-bit mode on Windows 10, indicating good compatibility and performance on this operating system.
- Smooth frame rates (weight 0.09): Players have experienced smooth frame rates, contributing to a better overall gaming experience.
- Good performance on Steam Deck (weight 0.08): The game runs well on the Steam Deck, indicating good compatibility and performance on this platform.
- Minor bugs present (weight 0.08): There are reports of some small bugs in the game, though they do not significantly impact the overall experience.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended for Grim Dawn fans (weight 0.54): Many reviews emphasize that this DLC is a must-have for those who enjoy Grim Dawn, enhancing the overall experience.
- Recommended for mythology and lore fans (weight 0.16): This DLC is particularly recommended for players who enjoy the game's mythology and lore.
- Wait for a sale (weight 0.14): Some reviews suggest waiting for a sale or discount before purchasing.
- Suitable for new and existing players (weight 0.09): The DLC is recommended for both new and existing players of Grim Dawn.
- Must-have for genre enthusiasts (weight 0.09): If you are into this genre, this DLC is considered a must-have.
- Best single-player aRPG (weight 0.09): Some reviews recommend this as the best single-player action RPG on the market.
- Unique character playthrough (weight 0.08): Players can enjoy a unique experience by playing a character devoted to the witch gods.
- Ideal for multiple character development (weight 0.08): Recommended for players who enjoy developing multiple characters.
- Cross-DLC multiplayer suggestion (weight 0.08): There is a suggestion for adding cross-DLC multiplayer functionality.
- Community-driven localization (weight 0.08): Recommended for those who appreciate community-driven localization efforts.
- Recommend to friends (weight 0.08): Players are encouraged to recommend the game to their friends.
- Join player organizations (weight 0.07): There is a suggestion to join player organization groups.
- Download community translations (weight 0.07): Players can download community translation packs, such as the Chinese translation.

Other player notes:
- Font patch fix needed (weight 0.09): Players have identified a need for a font patch to address localization issues, which suggests that there are problems with text display in different languages.
- Review bombing detected (weight 0.06): This feedback is unrelated to the game itself and appears to be more of a personal or religious statement rather than constructive criticism or feedback about the game.

Emotions:
- Excitement (weight 0.19): Players are thrilled by the substantial new content introduced, including new realms, classes, gameplay mechanics, and locations. The addition of new movement runes, gear, and epic boss fights, along with the discovery of Easter eggs and unique items, has significantly enhanced the gaming experience.
- Frustration (weight 0.17): Players are frustrated with various technical and gameplay issues, such as character transfer problems, unbalanced difficulty, and server performance issues. The endgame grind, loot system delays, and restrictive gameplay mechanics also contribute to this frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.14): Players express satisfaction with the expansion's high-quality content, new areas, mobs, and improvements. The consistent updates, good performance, and overall value provided by the expansion are also highly appreciated.
- Disappointment (weight 0.13): Players feel disappointed due to the lack of darkness and writing quality in the story, as well as the scarcity of inspired quests. Comparisons to previous expansions and the lack of new content, such as devotion points and level cap increases, also contribute to this sentiment.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.05): Players enjoy the new biomes and the core gameplay loop, finding the new content and mechanics engaging and fun.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Players admire the magnificent decor, original game mechanics, and amazing artwork introduced in the expansion. The graphics, animations, sound, and new features added by the DLC are also highly praised.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciate the quality of the DLC, its themes, beautiful environments, and interesting lore. The new story and content, along with the detailed localization process, are also well-received.
- Excited (weight 0.03): Players are excited about the brilliant endgame loop and the positive experiences with new settings like The Shattered Realm and the new desert area.
- Satisfied (weight 0.02): Players are satisfied with their positive experiences with the DLCs and the base game, as well as the added endgame content compared to previous expansions.
- Angry (weight 0.01): Players are angry due to perceived scams regarding DLC purchases, feeling misled or cheated.
- Amazement (weight 0.01): Players are amazed by the game's quality and its ability to bring them back, highlighting the game's enduring appeal and high standards.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Players are enthusiastic due to a detailed list of reasons to buy the expansion and positive comparisons to other games, leading to recommendations to friends.}