Info about Volcanoids:

Official game description:
Volcanoids is a base-building open-world survival shooter that replaces the boring old base with a steampunk drill. Alone or with up to 3 other crewmates, explore an ever-changing volcanic island, build out your drill, and fight hostile machines to reveal what's been hiding in the depths of the underground.  
**EXPLORE AN EVER-CHANGING VOLCANIC ISLAND**  
Explore a seemingly abandoned island cursed by persistent eruptions. Utilize your drillship's ability to travel underground to survive these eruptions as you discover new parts of the island, gather resources, and uncover secrets.  
**BATTLE ROBOTS AND DESTROY THEIR MACHINERY**  
Battle hostile mining robots of all shapes and sizes who roam the island's surface as well as underground. Capture any of their resources and technology that might be useful and destroy the rest.  
**CRAFT, UPGRADE AND AUTOMATE**  
The "drillship" is your very own mobile fortress. Customize it from inside out using the building system. Progress through technology tiers to upgrade, expand, automate, and weaponize different parts of the drillship.

Release date: Jan 29, 2019

Categories: Base Building, Survival, Crafting, Automation Game, Cooperative Multiplayer, Exploration, Resource Management, Shooter

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 90; verdict: Broken; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals significant issues with the Steam Deck experience, particularly in the areas of performance, controller support, and system stability. These issues severely impact the user experience and need to be addressed urgently.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


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 gameplay experience (weight 0.5): Players find the game enjoyable, especially when playing with friends, and it becomes more fun as they get the hang of it.
- Mobile base concept (weight 0.44): The idea of a mobile base, particularly the drillship, is appealing and enjoyable for players who love survival games.
- Enjoyable drillship customization (weight 0.37): Building, upgrading, and customizing the drillship is a fun and creative aspect of the game.
- Game has potential (weight 0.33): The game is seen as having potential with interesting and addictive gameplay, though some find it just okay.
- Good co-op experience (weight 0.24): The game provides a good co-op experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment when playing with friends.
- Active development and updates (weight 0.21): Developers are constantly improving the game and adding new features, showing active development and consistent updates.
- Well-explained tutorials (weight 0.2): The tutorials are in-depth, helpful, and easy to follow, guiding players effectively.
- Lots to explore (weight 0.18): The game offers a lot of exploration and achievements, providing players with plenty to do.
- Satisfying combat system (weight 0.14): The combat system is decent and satisfying, adding to the overall gameplay experience.
- Moderate system requirements (weight 0.12): The game has moderate system requirements and grind level, making it accessible and worth the price, especially on sale.

Common complaints:
- Repetitive gameplay cycle (weight 0.33): The gameplay is frequently described as repetitive and unfulfilling, making the experience boring and monotonous.
- Clunky and unrefined gameplay (weight 0.31): The game features clumsy controls and clunky combat mechanics, leading to a rough and unpolished experience.
- Disappointing gunplay mechanics (weight 0.31): The gunplay is described as terrible, very basic, and off, with poor hit detection and overall unsatisfactory mechanics.
- Late game difficulty spike (weight 0.29): The game becomes significantly more difficult towards the end, with a noticeable difficulty spike in later areas.
- Graphics need improvement (weight 0.27): The graphics are criticized for being of low quality, outdated, and in need of significant improvement.
- Game fails to meet expectations (weight 0.26): The game is criticized for not living up to expectations, featuring repetitive gameplay, poor shooting and upgrade systems, short length, bugs, and environmental issues like holes in the floor.
- Poor UI and accessibility (weight 0.22): The user interface is overwhelming, unintuitive, and poorly designed, leading to a bad user experience.
- Unbalanced game mechanics (weight 0.22): The game suffers from balancing issues, making it unplayable and not fun due to poor game balance.
- Bland and unoriginal storyline (weight 0.2): The storyline is described as linear, boring, monotonous, and lacking originality.
- Tesla weapons issues (weight 0.18): Tesla weapons make certain items like grenades useless and have issues such as shooting through walls and terrain.
- Boring exploration (weight 0.15): Exploring the game world is described as bland, boring, and unengaging.
- Lack of enemy variety (weight 0.15): The game lacks sufficient enemy variety, particularly at the start, making combat feel repetitive.
- Optimization issues (weight 0.12): The game has poor optimization, leading to issues with FPS and overall performance.
- Numerous bugs (weight 0.12): The game is plagued with numerous bugs, affecting the overall experience.
- Lackluster combat feel (weight 0.12): The combat lacks depth and tactics, feeling repetitive and unengaging.
- Map size and variety (weight 0.12): The map is criticized for being too small and lacking variety, suggesting a need for a larger and more diverse map.
- Quick enemy spawning (weight 0.12): Enemies spawn too quickly and are often overpowered, leading to an unbalanced and frustrating experience.
- Short game length (weight 0.11): The game is criticized for being too short, providing a limited amount of content and gameplay time.
- Endless waves of robots (weight 0.11): The game features endless waves of robots that are not fun to fight, often described as brain-dead and overpowered.
- Empty gameplay world (weight 0.11): The game world is described as very empty, lacking content and music.
- Enemies have aimbot-like accuracy (weight 0.11): Enemies are criticized for having aimbot-like accuracy, using hitscan weapons and never missing.
- Small inventory size (weight 0.11): The inventory is too small, with only 36 slots and ingots stacking to 40, making inventory management difficult.

Gameplay feedback:
- Drillship customization and management (weight 0.64): The game heavily focuses on managing, improving, and expanding a drillship. Players can customize their drillship with various upgrades and weapons, making it a central mechanic of the gameplay.
- Combat and gunplay mechanics (weight 0.39): Combat involves various types of enemies and weapons, including guns and robots. Players will engage in aiming and shooting mechanics, defending against powerful enemies.
- Exploration and resource gathering (weight 0.36): Exploration is a key aspect of the game, with players able to explore the island and underground areas. Resource gathering is essential for upgrading and crafting.
- Survival and crafting mechanics (weight 0.33): The game includes survival crafting elements, where players must gather resources, build, and craft to progress. Automation mechanics are also present to aid in crafting and resource management.
- Steampunk theme and design (weight 0.3): The game is set in a steampunk-themed world, featuring steampunk design elements throughout, including the drilling machine and overall aesthetic. The theme is inspired by a mix of Vernes and Wells.
- Variety of weapons and combat (weight 0.29): Players have access to a variety of weapons and explosives, enhancing the combat experience. Combat involves defending against various enemies using different types of weapons and turrets.
- Volcanic eruption mechanics (weight 0.25): Volcanic eruptions are a significant gameplay feature, forcing players to manage their drillship and hide underground to survive. These eruptions add a layer of strategy and urgency to the game.
- Enemy spawn and combat mechanics (weight 0.21): The game features constant enemy attacks and specific mob spawning mechanics. Players must defend against various enemies, including robots and tanks.
- Co-op and multiplayer gameplay (weight 0.19): The game supports cooperative gameplay, allowing players to team up and share missions. Multiplayer features enhance the overall gaming experience.
- Difficulty settings and progression (weight 0.18): Players can choose from different difficulty modes, including a hard mode. The game features difficulty progression, providing a challenge for players.
- Single-player mode (weight 0.11): The game is fully playable in single-player mode, allowing players to enjoy the experience solo without the need for multiplayer.

Performance notes:
- Performance and optimization issues (weight 0.26): The game has significant optimization issues, including performance problems even on high-end hardware. Some players report good optimization, but many experience frequent hitches and FPS drops.
- Frequent crashes (weight 0.23): The game crashes often, with some players experiencing crashes every time they try to play. This includes frequent freezing and crashing issues.
- Graphics quality concerns (weight 0.19): Players report that the graphics quality is low, with visuals appearing blurry and comparable to older games like Quake 3. Some mention that the game looks like it's running on medium settings.
- Runs well on various systems (weight 0.19): The game runs well on different platforms, including Linux, PC, low-end devices, and older machines. Some players report good performance in co-op mode.
- Multiplayer and minor bugs (weight 0.11): There are reports of multiplayer lag and minor bugs with loot and mobs. Some players also experience jittering late in the game.
- UI and tutorial improvements needed (weight 0.08): The UI could be clearer, and tutorials could be improved in certain areas to enhance the player experience.
- Visual artifacts and settings issues (weight 0.07): Players experience jumping around and ghost images all over the place. Additionally, some report the same performance issues even on low settings.
- Steam OS compatibility issues (weight 0.04): Some players report that Steam OS breaks during game boot, indicating compatibility issues with this platform.

Recommendations:
- Worth the price (weight 0.37): The game is considered worth the money, especially at discounted prices. Players suggest buying it on sale for a better value.
- Recommended for survival and building fans (weight 0.32): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy survival games with a focus on building and light combat. It is often compared to games like Subnautica, No Man's Sky, Astroneer, and Slime Rancher.
- Multiplayer enhances experience (weight 0.22): Playing with friends is highly recommended for a more enjoyable experience. The game supports multiplayer cooperation, making it more fun with others.
- Recommended despite flaws (weight 0.2): Many players recommend the game despite its flaws, citing fun and engaging gameplay, as well as a unique concept that makes it enjoyable.
- Hidden gem with unique mechanics (weight 0.15): The game is considered a hidden gem with unique and interesting mechanics. It is recommended for those who enjoy games with a twist.
- Technical suggestions for improvement (weight 0.08): Players have suggested technical improvements such as using hitscan or dynamic rigidbodies on bullets and having more control over the Drillship.
- Good date night activity (weight 0.05): The game is recommended as a good activity for date nights, providing a fun and engaging experience for couples.
- Beginner-friendly (weight 0.05): The game is recommended for beginner gamers, offering a good balance of content and difficulty.
- Modding support (weight 0.05): The game supports Steam Workshop for mods, allowing players to customize and enhance their gameplay experience.

Other player notes:
- Game in early access (weight 0.23): Multiple reviews mention that the game is still in early access or beta, indicating that players are aware of its developmental stage.
- Gameplay duration (weight 0.13): Reviews indicate varying gameplay durations, with mentions of 10-hour and 21-hour playtimes, suggesting differing experiences or content engagement levels.
- Value for money concerns (weight 0.1): Several reviews express concerns about the game's value for money, suggesting that it might not be worth the price at the time of review unless purchased on sale.
- Free access mentioned (weight 0.08): Some players mention receiving the game for free, either through beta testing or other means, which might influence their perception of value.
- Additional content via Patreon (weight 0.05): Mentions of Patreon indicate that there is additional content or support available through this platform, which could be of interest to dedicated fans.
- Turkish language support (weight 0.05): The game supports Turkish language, which is noted in the reviews and could be important for Turkish-speaking players.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.33): Players are frustrated primarily due to game mechanics and performance issues. This includes unbalanced gameplay, difficulty spikes, repetitive tasks, and frequent bugs or crashes. Specific complaints involve confusing systems, ineffective weapons, and the necessity of team play, which disrupts solo experiences.
- Disappointment (weight 0.21): Disappointment stems from the game not meeting expectations, particularly in terms of graphics, content, and overall execution. Players feel let down by repetitive gameplay, lack of narrative depth, and discrepancies between promotional materials and the actual product.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.16): Enjoyment is derived from the fun and unique gameplay mechanics, particularly in multiplayer and co-op modes. Players appreciate the building, crafting, and exploration aspects, as well as the overall simplicity and cool concept of the game.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Satisfaction comes from the game's fun progression and automation mechanics. Players feel they get good value for the price, enjoying the drillship management, customization, and the overall positive experience despite minor bugs.
- Excitement (weight 0.09): Excitement is generated by the game's unique premise and engaging gameplay elements. Players are thrilled by the management of a moving fortress, the effective use of weapons, and the potential for future updates and improvements.
- Excited (weight 0.04): Players are excited about new updates, future content, and the unique gameplay elements. The anticipation of new features and the enjoyment of current mechanics contribute to this excitement.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Joy is experienced through the fun gameplay and multiplayer functions. Players enjoy the exploration, specific mechanics, and the overall fun experience, especially when playing with friends.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Boredom sets in due to the repetitive and monotonous nature of the gameplay. Players find the lack of engaging content and high repetition in late-game content particularly tedious.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger is caused by the game's poor quality, frequent crashes, and unreasonable difficulty. Players are frustrated with the use of early access as an excuse for the game's shortcomings.
- Disappointed (weight 0.02): Disappointment arises from the game's low quality, lack of completion, and endless waves of robots. Players feel the game lacks depth and meaningful content.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Appreciation is directed towards the developers' passion, effort, and continuous updates. Players value the care and love put into the game, as well as its potential.
- Love (weight 0.02): Love for the game is driven by its unique concept and the enjoyment of games with a moving base. Players express strong positive sentiments towards the game's overall idea.
- Impressed (weight 0.02): Players are impressed by the game's quality and flawless execution. The high standard of the game's performance and design elements contribute to this impression.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement is found in the game's unique and fun elements, such as the free lava Jacuzzi. These quirky and enjoyable features bring a sense of humor and light-heartedness to the gameplay.
- Positive (weight 0.01): Players have an overall positive experience with the game, appreciating its fun and engaging aspects. The positive sentiment is driven by the enjoyable gameplay and the game's unique features.}