Info about GOD EATER 3:

Official game description:
Rise Above a World of Desolation  
The latest entry in the hugely popular God Eater action series is here!  
• Fight in Style with Brand-new God Arcs!  
Expand your close-combat armory with the dual-wield God Arc “Biting Edge” and the two-handed moon axe ""Heavy Moon"", or fight from afar with the new ""Ray Gun"" God Arc!  
• New Abilities for Exhilarating Battles!  
Ground, Air, and Step attacks evolve into powerful techniques with Burst Arts, and the new Dive dash attack allows you full freedom of movement to hunt down wandering Aragami!  
• Fearsome New Threats: Ash Aragami and Devour Attacks!  
Dangerous new foes, Ash Aragami can utilize Devours Attacks and enter Burst Mode, increasing their strength exponentially! These enemies are not to be trifled with and will require you to take your weapon and your game to the next level!

Release date: Feb 7, 2019

Categories: Action RPG, Character Customization, Weapon Customization, Cooperative Multiplayer, Hunting, Monster Hunting, Third-Person Perspective

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game generally runs well on Linux/Proton, particularly on the Steam Deck, with smooth performance reported by multiple users. However, there are minor graphical issues with pre-rendered cutscenes that may require some tweaks depending on the Proton version used.
- Steam Deck: score 65; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The Steam Deck experience for this game is marred by several significant issues. Users frequently report problems with small text and blurry screens, which make the game difficult to play for extended periods. Additionally, frequent crashes during missions and gameplay severely impact the stability and playability of the game. Performance issues, such as locked frame rates and problems with pre-rendered cutscenes, further detract from the overall experience. Graphical issues, including subpar textures and lighting effects, also affect the visual quality. Control problems have been noted as well, adding to the list of concerns. Despite these issues, some users have had a positive experience with smooth performance and good controller support.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $6.00 - $9.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence consistently points to a price range around 900 to 1000 yen during sales, which translates to approximately 6 to 9 USD. Users frequently mention that they found the game satisfying and worth the purchase within this price range during seasonal sales. This indicates that the community considers this range to be a fair price for the base game.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 35.0h
  - Story completion: 7.0h
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides several direct and indirect references to playtime metrics. The first quote mentions that achieving 100% completion in co-op takes around 30-40 hours, which suggests a typical game completion time. The second quote indicates that the core gameplay experience without additional activities is around 5-10 hours, which could be interpreted as the main story completion time. The third quote shows a player's experience after 7 hours of gameplay, indicating a session length. The fourth quote provides a comparative playtime experience but does not specify exact hours.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts with repetitive and grindy solo gameplay but becomes significantly more enjoyable in co-op mode, especially as players progress and unlock better gear and more content.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Access to better gear and more varied content in mid-to-late game.
  - Time to anchor: 3h 0m
  - Friction: Repetitive solo gameplay; Grindy early game; Boring and lengthy tutorials; Repetitive missions and environments
  - Unlock drivers: Cooperative multiplayer; Progression to better gear; Access to more varied content
  - Conditions: Playing with friends; Engaging in cooperative multiplayer mode; Progressing to mid-to-late game content
- Player Archetypes:
  - Co-op Hunter Enthusiast (sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of cooperative gameplay and hunting mechanics.
    - Playstyle: Cooperative multiplayer focused on hunting and combat.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: Anime Fans; Monster Hunter Fans
    - Reference games: Monster Hunter; God Eater series
  - Solo Story Seeker (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of storyline and solo gameplay.
    - Playstyle: Solo play with a focus on story and combat.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: Casual Gamer; Story-Driven Player
    - Reference games: Monster Hunter; God Eater series
  - Build-Crafter Grinder (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of deep progression systems and customization.
    - Playstyle: Focused on weapon mastery and build customization.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Build-Crafter; Grinder
    - Reference games: Monster Hunter; God Eater series


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:
- Fun and engaging gameplay (weight 0.4): The gameplay is widely praised for being fun, enjoyable, and engaging. Players appreciate the challenging nature of the combat, which requires skill and quick thinking. The fast-paced and dynamic combat mechanics contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment.
- Extensive character customization (weight 0.24): The game offers a wide range of character customization options, including character creation, fashion, and equipment. Players appreciate the depth and variety of customization available.
- Well-designed characters (weight 0.23): Characters are well-designed and appealing, with pleasant personalities and detailed backgrounds. Players appreciate the character interactions and development throughout the game.
- Improved graphics and animations (weight 0.23): The game features improved graphics, animations, and effects. Players note the visual enhancements and smoother animations, which contribute to a more immersive experience.
- New combat mechanics and weapons (weight 0.14): The introduction of new weapons and combat mechanics adds freshness and excitement to the gameplay. Players appreciate the improved and faster-paced combat systems.
- Good value for money (weight 0.12): The game is considered a good value, especially when purchased on sale. Players feel they get a worthwhile experience for the price paid.
- Good soundtrack and music (weight 0.08): The game features a solid and impactful soundtrack, with good background music that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the quality of the in-game OST.
- Unique monster designs (weight 0.07): The game features unique and detailed monster designs, which enhance the visual appeal and combat interactions. Players enjoy the variety and high-quality graphics of the monsters.
- New 'Dive' mechanic (weight 0.07): The new 'Dive' mechanic is praised for improving movement and combat, adding a comfortable and exhilarating feature to the gameplay. Players find this new action useful and enjoyable.
- Japanese voice acting (weight 0.07): The game includes Japanese voice acting, which is appreciated by players. Some players also find the English voice acting useful for language learning.

Common complaints:
- Weak and repetitive story (weight 0.63): The story is criticized for being weak, predictable, and lacking depth. It is often compared unfavorably to previous iterations, with many players finding it cliché, poorly written, and unengaging.
- Repetitive gameplay mechanics (weight 0.34): Players find the gameplay to be highly repetitive, with recycled missions, monsters, and weapons. This repetitiveness leads to boredom and a lack of engagement.
- Issues with enemy behavior and combat (weight 0.21): Players report issues with enemy behavior, including hit detection and attack patterns. The combat system is criticized for being either too difficult or too easy, and lacking depth compared to other games like Monster Hunter.
- Problematic camera and controls (weight 0.18): The camera controls are often cited as poor and problematic, leading to a frustrating user experience. The overall control scheme is also criticized for being poorly designed.
- Limited and degraded Bullet Edit feature (weight 0.1): The Bullet Edit feature is severely degraded and has ammunition restrictions, making it less useful and more frustrating for players.
- Poor map and level design (weight 0.07): The map and level design is criticized for being poorly designed and monotonous, contributing to the overall repetitiveness of the game.
- Clunky UI and poor user experience (weight 0.07): The user interface is described as clunky and uncomfortable, leading to a poor user experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Extensive weapon customization (weight 0.26): Players can customize and upgrade their weapons, with a variety of options available. This system allows for individuality and strategic choices in combat.
- Fast-paced, action-oriented combat (weight 0.22): The game features high-speed, intense combat that is faster and more fluid compared to similar games. This makes for an action-packed and engaging experience.
- Co-op and multiplayer focus (weight 0.2): The game emphasizes cooperative gameplay, supporting up to four players in multiplayer missions. It can also be played solo, offering flexibility in gameplay modes.
- Similarities to Monster Hunter (weight 0.16): The game shares mechanics and gameplay elements with Monster Hunter, including hunting monsters and crafting equipment from their parts.
- Burst Arts combat system (weight 0.11): The Burst Arts system allows players to carry and use different types of special attacks, enhancing the combat mechanics and providing strategic depth.
- NPC interactions and customization (weight 0.11): The game includes interactions with NPCs, with dialogue and customization options for specific roles. This adds depth to the gameplay and character development.
- Diverse combat mechanics (weight 0.08): The combat system includes various weapons with different attack combos, special attacks, and aerial maneuvers, providing a rich and varied combat experience.
- High character mobility (weight 0.08): The game features high character mobility, allowing for better movement and combat strategies compared to other similar games.
- Variety of enemies and AI behavior (weight 0.08): The game offers a variety of enemies with different AI behaviors and attack patterns, adding challenge and diversity to combat.
- Story-driven and open-world exploration (weight 0.08): The game combines story-driven gameplay with open-world exploration, offering a mix of narrative depth and freedom to explore.
- Mission-based structure (weight 0.07): The game features a mission-based structure, with combat and dialogue integrated into missions, providing a clear and engaging progression system.
- Capable AI companions (weight 0.07): AI companions in the game provide support and damage, enhancing the gameplay experience by assisting the player in combat.

Performance notes:
- Smooth performance on different hardware (weight 0.16): The game runs smoothly on various hardware configurations, including low-end and older PCs, as well as the Steam Deck.
- Frame rate performance (weight 0.14): The game has stable frame rates with occasional drops, and some players report consistent 60 FPS.
- Mixed graphics feedback (weight 0.14): Players have varying opinions on the graphics, ranging from outdated and poor to stunning and improved.
- Technical issues and bugs (weight 0.13): Various bugs and technical problems affect the gameplay experience, including crashes and performance issues.
- Optimization issues (weight 0.12): The game has significant optimization problems, affecting overall performance and user experience.
- Specific hardware issues (weight 0.11): There are specific issues related to certain hardware, such as graphics cards and CPUs, causing performance problems.
- Loading times (weight 0.06): Long and frequent loading times are a common issue reported by players.
- Display and resolution issues (weight 0.06): Problems with resolution settings and display issues, such as blurry screens and shimmering, are reported.
- Multiplayer and netcode issues (weight 0.04): Multiplayer stability and netcode issues are reported, affecting the online gaming experience.
- Miscellaneous performance solutions (weight 0.04): Solutions to fix performance issues using Nvidia settings and other manual configurations are discussed.

Recommendations:
- Wait for a sale (weight 0.31): Many players suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing the game, as it is often seen as not worth the full price but offers good value when discounted.
- Recommended for fans (weight 0.17): The game is highly recommended for fans of the God Eater series, as well as fans of similar games like Monster Hunter and Code Vein.
- Good for action and multiplayer (weight 0.11): Players recommend the game for those who enjoy action games and multiplayer experiences, despite some noting a low player population.
- Recommended for specific interests (weight 0.08): The game is recommended for players with specific interests such as character design, anime, and complex build systems.
- Highly recommended with caveats (weight 0.08): Some players highly recommend the game despite its flaws, suggesting it is worth trying if you can overlook its shortcomings.
- Not for story-focused players (weight 0.04): The game is not recommended for those who prioritize story, as the narrative is seen as weak or disappointing.
- Consider other games (weight 0.04): Some players suggest replaying other similar games like Monster Hunter or Nioh instead, or recommend other titles in the God Eater series.
- Recommended for grind-oriented gamers (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for players who enjoy grinding and repetitive gameplay.
- Worth buying the bundle (weight 0.02): Players suggest that buying the bundle for extra content can be a good value.
- Hope for future improvements (weight 0.02): Some players express hope for future updates, improvements, or even a sequel.

Other player notes:
- NVIDIA users need crash workarounds (weight 0.05): Players using NVIDIA graphics cards are experiencing crashes and are seeking workarounds to fix these issues.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.24): Players are frustrated primarily due to technical issues such as performance problems, game crashes, and optimization issues across various platforms. Additionally, repetitive gameplay elements, including repetitive missions and grinding for materials, contribute significantly to this frustration. Control and camera issues, along with poor game mechanics and design choices, further exacerbate the negative experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.21): Disappointment stems from the game's lack of innovation and evolution compared to previous versions in the series. Players feel let down by the repetitive missions, lack of progression, and poor story development. The removal of certain features and the overall deterioration of gameplay mechanics and combat systems also contribute to this sentiment.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Players express satisfaction with the game's combat mechanics, character customization, and overall gameplay improvements. The value for money, especially during sales, and the enjoyable action gameplay contribute to a positive experience. Additionally, the variety of weapons, engaging story, and stable performance enhance player satisfaction.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.1): Enjoyment is derived from the game's engaging story, solid soundtrack, and fun gameplay mechanics. Players appreciate the fast and fluid combat, variety of weapons, and the overall gameplay loop. The cooperative multiplayer experience and the unique characteristics of weapons also add to the enjoyment.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.04): Nostalgia is evoked by memories of playing previous games in the series and the personal attachment to the series. Players reminisce about their experiences with the original games and the classic elements that remind them of their youth. The tribute to the first game's story and the desire for the continuation of the series also contribute to this feeling.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement is generated by the game's combat system, gameplay experience, and the evolution of the series formula. Players are excited about the improved localization, voice acting, and the connection to the anime. The dynamic combat system and engaging storyline also contribute to this excitement.
- Joy (weight 0.04): Joy comes from the enjoyment of game mechanics, characters, and the overall gameplay experience. Players find happiness in the improved graphics, story pacing, and the heartwarming ending. The fun combat, varied weapons, and the impactful soundtrack also bring joy.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger is caused by the degradation of the game's features and content, including the Bullet Edit feature. Players are angry about poor gameplay mechanics, design choices, and the meaningless staged missions. The overall decline of the series and the company's practices also contribute to this anger.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom arises from the repetitive gameplay cycle and the repetitive nature of fighting monsters. Players find the game boring due to its monotonous plot, combat system, and the lack of interesting features. The ultra-short scenario and the game's ease also contribute to this sentiment.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is driven by the positive experience with the game series, its story, and characters. Players are enthusiastic about the new mechanics, overall gameplay experience, and the improved gameplay. The recommendation to buy the game on sale and the physics details also add to this enthusiasm.
- Frustrated (weight 0.02): Players are frustrated with the complex controls, lack of meaning, and performance issues with the game. The misleading character customization system and the ineffective FPS settings further add to the frustration. Fast monster movements, confusing combos, and map design problems also contribute to this sentiment.
- Negative (weight 0.01): Negative feelings stem from disappointment with the game's quality, direction, and age. Players are disappointed with the game's value, quality, and enjoyment level. Unwanted romantic interactions and the lack of enjoyment also contribute to this negativity.
- Disappointed (weight 0.01): Disappointment is caused by the misleading character customization and the lack of story depth. Players are disappointed with certain mechanics, story elements, and the reduced customization. The enemy design and the overall lack of innovation also contribute to this sentiment.
- Satisfied (weight 0.01): Satisfaction comes from the improved combat mechanics, value for money during seasonal sales, and the overall good features of the game. Players are satisfied with the port's quality, superior graphics, and the enjoyable gameplay. The game meeting expectations and having good features also add to this satisfaction.
- Excited (weight 0.01): Excitement is generated by the enjoyable gameplay, large maps, and the dynamic combat system. Players are excited about the tactical approach to battles, new weapon types, and the engaging opening and character creation. The addition of new modes and the detailed combat mechanics also contribute to this excitement.
- Happy (weight 0.01): Happiness comes from the fun and intricate combat, the story, and character emotional rendering. Players are happy with the improved gameplay after the initial phase and the companionship of NPCs. The enjoyable story and character customization also bring happiness.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance is caused by reused models and bosses, slow attacks making enemy attacks unavoidable, and frequent loading and language issues. These factors contribute to a frustrating and annoying gameplay experience.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is driven by the desire for more people to try the game and the wish for a new game in the series. Players hope for a sequel and the continuation of the series, expressing a positive outlook for the future.
- Positive (weight 0.01): Positive feelings stem from the overall enjoyment of the game and the appreciation of the protagonist's line during the story's last part. Players have a positive experience with the game's mechanics, story, and characters.
- Nostalgic (weight 0): Nostalgia is evoked by the enjoyment of previous games in the series and the comparison to the previous series. The nostalgic soundtrack and the memories of playing the original games contribute to this feeling.}