Info about Among Us:

Official game description:
  
Play with 4-15 player online or via local WiFi as you attempt to prepare your spaceship for departure, but beware as one or more random players among the Crew are Impostors bent on killing everyone!  
Originally created as a party game, we recommend playing with friends at a LAN party or online using voice chat. Enjoy cross-platform play between Android, iOS, PC, and console.  
*   Win by completing tasks to prepare the ship or ejecting all Impostors.  
*   React quickly to undo the Impostor's sabotages.  
*   Check the Admin map and Security cameras to keep tabs on other Crewmates.  
*   Report any dead bodies immediately to start discussion of who the suspected Impostor is.  
*   Call emergency meetings to discuss suspicious behavior.  
*   Vote to eject suspected Impostors.
*   Kill Crewmates and frame bystanders.  
*   Pretend to run tasks to blend in with the crewmates.  
*   Sneak through the vents to quickly move about the ship.  
*   Use sabotages to cause chaos and divide the crew.  
*   Close doors to trap victims and kill in private.
Features
--------
*   Customization: Pick your color, hat, visor, skin, and pet.  
*   Lots of game options: Add more Impostors, more tasks, different roles, and so much more!  
*   Different modes to choose from: Classic or Hide n Seek.  
*   4 different maps to play in: The Skeld, MIRA HQ, Polus, and the Airship.  
*   Quickly find a game online from the host list.  
*   In-game text chat.  
*   Rich Discord integration.  
*   Cross-platform play between PC, console, Android, and iOS!

Release date: Nov 16, 2018

Categories: Social Deduction, Multiplayer, Party Game, Online Co-op, Asymmetrical Multiplayer, Social Interaction, Teamwork, Deception

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 30; verdict: Fair Monetization with Minor Concerns; summary: The game offers a variety of cosmetic customization options that can be unlocked through in-game currency or real money. While there is no pay-to-win elements, the use of premium currency for cosmetics and the addictive nature of purchasing DLC are notable concerns. Overall, the monetization strategy is seen as fair but has areas that could be improved to enhance player satisfaction.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: External Data Dependency; summary: The primary user complaints revolve around the need for external data sources to understand complex game mechanics and navigate the game. Users frequently refer to wikis, tutorials, and external forums to grasp specific rules and locations, highlighting a significant dependency on external data for learning and navigation.
- Proton/Linux: score 50; verdict: Mixed Compatibility; summary: The game has mixed reviews regarding its compatibility and performance on Linux. While some users report significant issues with launching and performance, others have had positive experiences, particularly on Chromebooks. The lack of support and guides for Linux users is a notable concern.
- Steam Deck: score 60; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals several key issues impacting the game experience. Significant problems include Linux compatibility issues, controller support issues, anti-cheat problems, and black screen issues. Despite these challenges, there are positive reports of the game running well on Steam Deck. The overall experience is marred by technical difficulties that require attention to improve user satisfaction.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: The game generally performs well across most hardware cohorts, with positive feedback dominating in lower VRAM configurations on Windows. However, performance issues and instability are notable in higher VRAM configurations and Linux/Proton environments.
  - Sample size: 760 (2% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (positive, 571 reports): The game runs smoothly on most systems, even on older hardware and integrated GPUs.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (negative, 79 reports): Users report significant performance issues and instability.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 60 reports): Mostly positive feedback with some reports of lag and optimization issues.
  - Linux / Proton <8GB VRAM (negative, 10 reports): Users experience frequent crashes and bans due to instability.
  - Windows unknown VRAM (positive, 8 reports): Runs great even on lower-spec PCs.
  - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (positive, 7 reports): Runs very well with no complaints on performance.
  - Caveats: 760 of 46236 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $3.00 - $5.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows that users generally find the game worth its price, especially when playing with friends. Several reviews mention that the game is worth around $4.50 to $5, and some even suggest that getting it on sale for less than $3 is a great deal. The sentiment is that the game provides good value for its price, particularly when played with a group of friends.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 28.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 1.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides direct and indirect mentions of playtime. The first quote mentions playing for an entire day, which suggests a long play session. The second quote explicitly states the time it took to complete the game, which is 28 hours. The third quote mentions playing for hours on end almost daily, indicating extended play sessions. The fourth quote mentions not logging a full day's worth of playtime, which implies that a full day of playtime is a common metric for this game.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Among Us is a social deduction game that thrives on player interaction and deception. The fun starts almost immediately due to its simple mechanics, but the experience is significantly enhanced when played with friends or a communicative group.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: Playing with friends or a communicative group
  - Time to anchor: 0h 0m
  - Friction: Public lobbies can be toxic or quiet; Repetitive gameplay without mods or big friend groups; Limited appeal without friends or an active community
  - Unlock drivers: Playing with friends; Voice chat; Cross-platform play
  - Conditions: Playing with friends; Using voice chat; Cross-platform play; Active and communicative group
- Player Archetypes:
  - Social Group Gamer (sale)
    - Motivation: Social interaction and group fun
    - Playstyle: Enjoys playing with friends and family, values updates and new roles.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: casual gamer; social player
    - Reference games: Jackbox Party Packs; Mafia
  - Frustrated Solo Player (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Seeking a smooth and fair gaming experience
    - Playstyle: Prefers playing alone or with a small group, often faces technical issues.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: solo player; technical issues
    - Reference games: Fall Guys; Minecraft
  - Reflective Social Strategist (buy)
    - Motivation: Appreciation for game design and social dynamics
    - Playstyle: Enjoys the strategic and social aspects of the game, values the emotional and interactive experiences.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: strategic player; social gamer
    - Reference games: Werewolf; Avalon
  - Emotional Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Emotional connection and personal enjoyment
    - Playstyle: Deeply enjoys the game's charm and social interactions, often plays with friends.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: fan; emotional player
    - Reference games: Stardew Valley; Animal Crossing


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 with Friends (weight 0.37): Playing with friends is a recurring theme, with many players finding the game more enjoyable and fun in a social setting. The game is seen as a great way to have a good time with family and friends.
- Positive Game Reception (weight 0.27): Players consistently express enjoyment and satisfaction with the game, praising its overall quality, entertainment value, and graphics. Many recommend it as a great online experience, especially when played with good-natured people.
- Engaging Gameplay Mechanics (weight 0.25): The gameplay is frequently described as fun, addictive, and engaging. Players appreciate the simplicity yet effectiveness of the mechanics, which create exciting and strategic interactions.
- Enjoyable Experience (weight 0.2): The game is described as enjoyable and funny, suitable for players of all ages. It offers a fun and engaging experience that many players find highly entertaining.
- New Maps and Features (weight 0.18): The addition of new maps and features is well-received, keeping the game fresh and exciting. Players enjoy the variety and the fresh content these updates bring.
- Balanced and Fresh Roles (weight 0.14): The introduction of new roles is well-received, adding a strategic twist and making the gameplay more diverse and interesting. Players appreciate the balance and variety these roles bring.
- High Customization and Replayability (weight 0.14): Players appreciate the high level of customization options available, which enhance the replayability of the game. The variety of customization options keeps the game fresh and engaging.
- Fun as Impostor (weight 0.09): Playing as the impostor is highlighted as a particularly fun and exciting aspect of the game. Many players enjoy the unique experience and challenges that come with this role.
- Well-Optimized for PC (weight 0.08): The game is praised for its optimization, running smoothly on various PC configurations, including less powerful ones. This makes it accessible to a wide range of players.
- Promotes Teamwork and Critical Thinking (weight 0.07): The game is noted for promoting teamwork, critical thinking, and sociability. Players appreciate the skills they develop while playing, such as analytical reasoning and decision-making.
- Regular Updates with New Content (weight 0.06): Players appreciate the consistent updates and new content, which keep the game fresh and engaging. Regular updates are seen as a positive aspect of the game's development.
- Social Deduction Mechanics (weight 0.06): The social deduction aspect of the game is well-received, with players enjoying the mechanics and the simplicity of the gameplay. It is seen as a fun and effective social-deduction experience.
- Easy to Learn, Hard to Master (weight 0.05): The game is praised for being easy to learn but challenging to master, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. This balance is appreciated by the player base.
- Teaches Lying and Social Skills (weight 0.04): The game is noted for teaching players how to lie and not trust others, as well as improving skills like reading body language and recognizing lies. These aspects add a unique and educational dimension to the gameplay.

Common complaints:
- Lack of security and hackers (weight 0.18): There is a significant issue with game security, as it is easily hackable and lacks proper accountability and bans, leading to a prevalence of hackers.
- Frequent disconnections (weight 0.16): The game suffers from frequent disconnections and crashes, making it unplayable at times and leading to penalties for leaving games.
- Toxic player base (weight 0.16): The community behavior is often toxic and immature, which negatively impacts the gaming environment.
- Game is buggy and conflictive (weight 0.15): The game is reported to be riddled with bugs and glitches, causing frequent crashes and conflicts, which disrupts the overall gaming experience.
- Penalty system issues (weight 0.14): Players face penalties for disconnections and leaving games, even when caused by server issues, which is seen as unfair.
- Server and login issues (weight 0.11): Players experience server-related problems, poor server performance, and login issues, including duplicate errors.
- Limited and unbalanced maps (weight 0.1): Players express dissatisfaction with the limited variety and poor balance of available maps, leading to a repetitive and unfair gaming experience.
- Repetitive gameplay (weight 0.09): Players find the gameplay repetitive, especially without mods, which diminishes the enjoyment after many hours of play.
- Dependence on player groups (weight 0.08): Gameplay experience heavily depends on the group of players, which can be unpredictable and sometimes ruin the experience.
- Developers ignoring issues (weight 0.06): Developers are criticized for not addressing game issues and focusing on skins instead of fixing problems.
- Lack of content updates (weight 0.06): There is a lack of new game modes and content updates, leading to a stagnant gaming experience.
- Ineffective moderation system (weight 0.06): The community moderation is poor and ineffective, leading to a lack of accountability and a rise in disruptive behavior.
- Bots ruining lobbies (weight 0.06): Bots are prevalent in the game and often ruin lobbies, disrupting the gameplay experience.
- Poor translation and controls (weight 0.06): The game has poor translation, mobile controls, and chat censorship, which detracts from the overall experience.
- Chaotic public lobbies (weight 0.06): Public lobbies can feel chaotic and lack coordination and communication, leading to a poor gaming experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Roles and objectives (weight 0.29): Players take on various roles such as crewmates and impostors, each with different objectives. Crewmates complete tasks while impostors sabotage and deceive.
- Social deduction and teamwork mechanics (weight 0.21): The game heavily focuses on social deduction and teamwork, where players must use deception and communication to figure out roles and objectives. It involves psychological gameplay, lying, and accusing others to achieve goals.
- Multiplayer and social gameplay (weight 0.21): The game is designed for multiplayer interactions, emphasizing social gameplay and cooperation. Players can enjoy the game with friends, enhancing the overall experience.
- Crewmate and imposter roles (weight 0.17): The game features multiple roles for crewmates and impostors, each with specific tasks and abilities. New roles like detective and shapeshifter add variety to the gameplay.
- Voting and discussion mechanics (weight 0.16): The game features voting mechanics where players discuss and vote to identify impostors. Meetings and discussions are crucial parts of the gameplay.
- Hide and seek mode (weight 0.13): A popular game mode where players can hide or seek, adding a unique twist to the traditional gameplay. This mode comes with its own set of mechanics and music.
- Identifying the imposter (weight 0.12): A core mechanic involves identifying the imposter among the crewmates. Players use detective skills and discussions to find and vote out the imposter.
- Character customization (weight 0.1): Players can customize their characters with various costumes and options using in-game currency. Customization provides personality without mechanical advantages.
- Murder mystery gameplay (weight 0.1): The game revolves around solving murders and identifying the culprit. Players take on roles in a murder mystery setting, adding intrigue and suspense.
- Accusations and conflicts (weight 0.1): Players can make accusations and engage in conflicts, adding a layer of tension and strategy to the gameplay. Defending against accusations and betrayals is part of the experience.
- Chaotic and fun gameplay (weight 0.09): The game is known for its chaotic and fun rounds, filled with intense discussions and laughter. The short but intense rounds contribute to the overall enjoyment.
- Unique roles and abilities (weight 0.08): The game features multiple roles with unique abilities, adding depth and variety to the gameplay. Customizable roles and functions enhance the player experience.
- Learning deception skills (weight 0.08): Players learn to lie and bluff confidently as part of the gameplay. Teamwork and deception are key elements in achieving objectives.
- Emergency meetings and discussions (weight 0.06): The game features emergency meetings where players can discuss and vote on suspicions. These meetings are crucial for identifying impostors and making decisions.
- Simple but addictive gameplay (weight 0.06): The game mechanics are simple but highly addictive, making it easy for players to pick up and enjoy. The straightforward tasks and objectives contribute to its appeal.
- Critical thinking and communication (weight 0.06): The game requires players to use reasoning and critical thinking to achieve their objectives. Effective communication is essential for success in the game.
- Open chat communication (weight 0.06): The game features open chat communication, allowing players to interact freely. This enhances the social and cooperative aspects of the gameplay.
- Progression and achievement system (weight 0.06): The game includes a progression system with XP and achievements. Players can unlock various rewards and track their progress.
- Cheating and hacking issues (weight 0.05): Some players have reported issues with cheaters and hacking, which can disrupt the gameplay experience. These issues affect the overall enjoyment and fairness of the game.

Performance notes:
- Frequent bugs and glitches (weight 0.19): Players report various bugs and glitches, including menu screen glitches, black screen issues, and minor bugs. These technical issues significantly impact the gameplay experience.
- Disconnections and login errors (weight 0.15): Many users experience frequent disconnections and login errors. These issues disrupt the gaming experience and cause frustration among players.
- High FPS and optimization (weight 0.13): The game runs smoothly with high FPS on various systems, indicating good optimization. Players appreciate the stable performance and low memory usage.
- Server and lag issues (weight 0.12): Players report lag caused by bots, cheaters, and poor server performance. These issues affect the overall gameplay experience and cause disruptions.
- Game crashes frequently (weight 0.06): Players report frequent game crashes, which disrupt the gaming experience. Some users also mention that the game does not crash, indicating mixed experiences.
- Long loading times (weight 0.04): Some users experience infinite loading bugs and long loading times. These issues can be frustrating and disrupt the gaming experience.
- Mixed PC requirements (weight 0.04): The game has low PC requirements but also requires a high-end graphics card for optimal performance. This mixed requirement can be confusing for players.
- Character getting stuck (weight 0.02): Some players report issues with characters getting stuck in the floor. This bug can be frustrating and disrupt gameplay.
- Servers are still available (weight 0.02): Despite various issues, players note that the servers are still available. This indicates that the game remains accessible despite other problems.
- Bugged corpse reporting (weight 0.02): Players report issues with bugged corpse reporting. This specific bug can affect certain aspects of gameplay.
- Check system requirements (weight 0.02): Some players suggest checking if you can run basic software like paint, indicating concerns about system requirements.

Recommendations:
- Great with friends (weight 0.38): The game is highly recommended for playing with friends, as it enhances the fun and social interaction.
- Social and entertaining (weight 0.25): The game is praised for its entertainment value and unique social interaction, making it ideal for those who enjoy cooperative and social games.
- Worth buying on sale (weight 0.16): Many reviews suggest that the game is worth buying, especially when it is on sale, offering good value for money.
- Recommended for all players (weight 0.16): The game is recommended to all types of players, including different age groups, and is seen as a must-play for everyone.
- Recommended for mystery fans (weight 0.15): The game is recommended for fans of mystery and social deduction games, offering a fun 'Who done it?' type experience.
- Good but needs improvements (weight 0.08): The game is recommended despite its flaws, with hopes for more updates and improvements, and is rated positively with room for growth.
- Enhanced with voice chat (weight 0.04): The game is best experienced with voice chat, which improves the overall gameplay and social interaction.
- Age-appropriate for older children (weight 0.04): The game is considered suitable for ages 8 and up, but not recommended for children under 8-9 years.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.46): Players experience frustration due to a variety of technical and social issues. These include frequent disconnections, server problems, and bugs, as well as toxic behavior, hackers, and trolls in public lobbies. Additionally, the luck-based gameplay, repetitive tasks, and the low frequency of being assigned the imposter role contribute to the frustration.
- Joy (weight 0.29): Players find joy in the game primarily through social interactions and engaging gameplay. Playing with friends and family, the fun of being deceived, and the chaotic nature of the game create memorable and enjoyable moments. The variety of cosmetics and customization options also add to the overall fun experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.28): The game generates excitement through its engaging and unpredictable social interactions. Players enjoy the tension and suspense of being either a crewmate or an imposter, the strategic gameplay, and the fun of accusations and betrayals. The variety of roles, maps, and potential future updates keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.1): Players enjoy the game for its fun and engaging gameplay, especially when playing with friends. The social interactions, customization options, and the variety of roles and maps contribute to a positive and enjoyable experience. The game's simplicity, yet depth, makes it easy to pick up and play for extended periods.
- Disappointment (weight 0.09): Disappointment stems from the game's lack of updates and the perception that it is not worth the money. Players are disappointed with the poor community behavior, unbalanced maps, and the developers' focus on collaborations instead of fixing bugs. The presence of cheaters and exploiters also contributes to the disappointment.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.04): Players feel satisfied with the game's high customization options, good graphics, and engaging gameplay. The developers' responsiveness to player feedback and the game's optimization and bug fixes contribute to a satisfying experience. The game's impact on critical thinking and decision-making is also appreciated.
- Anger (weight 0.04): Anger is primarily caused by the presence of cheaters and the lack of effective anti-cheat measures. Players also express anger over unfair bans, connection issues, and the perceived unfair treatment by the moderation team. The discovery of mobile features being unlocked for PC players adds to the frustration.
- Happy (weight 0.04): Players are happy with the game's fun and engaging gameplay, especially when playing with friends. The game's affordability, the enjoyment of guessing the imposter, and the cute depiction of murder contribute to a positive and happy experience. The game's improvements on PC, such as easier card swipe and consistent FPS, also add to the happiness.
- Amusement (weight 0.04): Amusement comes from the chaotic and humorous social interactions in the game. Players find the lobby dynamics, hilarious discussions, and unique in-game scenarios entertaining. The Proximity Chat mod and personal anecdotes with friends add to the overall amusement.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.03): Nostalgia is evoked by memories of playing the game during the COVID pandemic. Players reminisce about the old textures, walk animations, and the legendary changes in 2020. The game's cultural impact and personal history with it contribute to a sense of nostalgia.
- Love (weight 0.03): Players love the game for its fun and engaging social experience, especially when playing with friends. The unique place it holds in their hearts, the enjoyment of the game mechanics, and the cool star stuff contribute to a loving appreciation of the game.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom sets in due to the lack of socializing and playing alone. The gameplay can become boring quickly, especially when there is a lack of engaging social interactions or variety in tasks.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Players feel gratitude for the game as it helped them kill time and make friends during the COVID pandemic. The companionship and social interactions provided by the game are greatly appreciated.
- Happiness (weight 0.01): Happiness is derived from the consistent updates from the developers and the game's improvements over the years. Players are happy to have found friends in the game and appreciate that it has not changed for the worse.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance is caused by bugs, glitches, and some annoying tasks in the game. Negative experiences with other players, such as trolls and disruptive behavior, also contribute to the annoyance.
- Excited (weight 0.01): Players are excited about the enjoyable gameplay experience and find the game very interesting. The engaging and unpredictable social interactions, as well as the strategic gameplay, contribute to the excitement.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Admiration comes from the game's ability to command global cultural relevance and its psychological depth. The balanced roles, good game design, and the emphasis on communication, deduction, and accessibility are highly admired.}