Info about ENDLESS™ Space 2 - Penumbra:

Official game description:
**Endless Space 2 – Penumbra** introduces the long-awaited **hacking** feature, invisibility and the community-created faction: the **Umbral Choir**.
The Umbral Choir
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The Umbral Choir have been roaming the universe since the dawn of time, silent observers of the woes of the world. At last, they heard the death cry of the Endless Galaxy and decided to rush to the aid of those who suffered.  
The Umbral Choir only own a single hidden system throughout the entire game. They can however expand and fuel their economy by building sanctuaries on neutral or enemy system anonymously. This faction heavily relies on its ability to stay undetected and on its formidable use of the hacking feature.  
Hacking
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In the new scan view, players can now initiate hacking operation from a system they own to a target system. While the hack progresses, the player and their target will be able to set up offensive and defensive programs to influence its progression. If the hack succeeds, the attacker will be able to choose among several potentially crippling outcomes...  
Invisibility
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Penumbra also comes with new invisibility modules allowing your fleets to infiltrate enemy lines without being detected. However, there are multiple levels of invisibility and these can always be countered by detection modules.

Release date: Jan 24, 2019

Categories: 4X, Hacking Gameplay, Stealth Gameplay, Espionage, Space Exploration, Diplomacy, Faction Management

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair - No Predatory Monetization; summary: The user reviews focus on the DLC's price-value, gameplay design, and a technical achievement bug. There is no evidence of microtransactions, pay-to-win mechanics, real-money gacha, or any post-purchase monetization. All complaints relate to the one-time DLC purchase and its content quality.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews focus on a DLC, but they reveal a price-sensitive community. Positive feedback is conditional on sales or specific features, while full-price value is questioned. This suggests the base game should be priced moderately to match perceived value, likely in the $20-$30 range, as the community expects discounts for additional content and may view the core game as more essential but still not premium-priced.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The reviews provide only vague time references: 'a few hours' without a specific number, 'first game' indicating completion but no duration, a refund window allusion (typically 2 hours) but not an actual playtime, and a single session without length. No explicit hour values for game completion, story completion, session length, or endgame are given for this DLC. Therefore all playtime metrics are unsupported and set to null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The Penumbra DLC's hacking mechanic is widely reported as tedious, poorly explained, and boring, preventing the game from becoming fun for many players, despite some enjoyment from the Umbral Choir faction and cloaking.
  - Stance: Never clicks
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Poor tutorial for hacking; Unclear odds for hacking and defending; Tedious hacking mechanics; Requires micromanagement; Confusing notifications about hacks; Hacking feels intrusive and annoying
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: Playing in multiplayer; Reaching late game for cloaking; First playthrough as Umbral Choir; Establishing house rules against broken mechanics; Early game fragility requiring passive play
- Player Archetypes:
  - Stealth Espionage Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of a unique, non-combat espionage playstyle that emphasizes hacking, diplomacy, and multiplayer mind games.
    - Playstyle: Avoids direct conflict, uses hacking and stealth, engages in diplomacy and cooperative mind games with friends.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Frustrated Newcomer (no buy)
    - Motivation: Wants to enjoy the game but is blocked by opaque hacking mechanics and poor explanations, leading to frustration.
    - Playstyle: Attempts to engage with hacking but fails due to lack of guidance; may give up or disable the DLC.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: casual gamer
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Disappointed Veteran (no buy)
    - Motivation: Seeks high-quality content consistent with the base game; disappointed by the DLC's balance and design flaws.
    - Playstyle: Plays traditional 4X strategies, likely military or expansion-focused, and finds the Umbral Choir's playstyle unappealing or broken.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Endless Space 1; Endless Space 2
  - Selective Recommender (sale)
    - Motivation: Appreciates the novelty and challenge of the Umbral Choir but recognizes its divisive nature; wants to guide others to the right purchase decision.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys the Umbral Choir's unique mechanics but is aware of its flaws; plays with a flexible approach, adapting to the faction's quirks.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - 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:
- Umbral Choir is fun and unique (weight 0.76): Multiple reviews highlight the Umbral Choir as a fun, unique, and well-designed faction that adds variety to the roster. Its parasitic playstyle and distinct mechanics are praised as enjoyable and interesting.
- Hacking mechanic is deep and helpful (weight 0.34): The hacking mechanic is repeatedly praised for its depth, interesting costs and benefits, and its role in teaching players the Umbral Choir's playstyle. It is considered well-designed, fun, and not complicated to learn.
- Stealth and cloaking add strategy (weight 0.23): Players appreciate the new stealth and cloaking mechanics, noting they add a new layer of strategy and are excellent additions to the game. Early cloaking is seen as a fresh gameplay element to adapt to.
- Hacking enables pacifist sabotage (weight 0.08): Hacking is highlighted as a way for pacifist players to harm enemies without declaring war, adding a diplomatic and non-combat strategic option. This is seen as a valuable addition to the game.
- Umbral Choir is hard to master (weight 0.08): Some reviews note that the Umbral Choir is hard to master but rewarding, requiring more interaction through diplomacy and hacking. This adds depth but may be divisive among players.

Common complaints:
- Hacking lacks proper explanation (weight 0.47): The hacking system is poorly explained, confusing for new players, and lacks sufficient tutorial support. Many players found it unintuitive and required trial-and-error to understand.
- Umbral Choir is problematic (weight 0.27): The Umbral Choir faction is not fun to play or play against, and it is poorly implemented. The faction's unique mechanics, like cloaking and lack of colonization, are seen as unbalanced and uninteresting.
- DLC makes game worse (weight 0.19): The DLC is criticized for not playing to the strengths of the base game and adding more unnecessary features than good ones. It is seen as neither fun nor adding depth, and in some cases, it is considered broken.

Gameplay feedback:
- Hacking is a core mechanic (weight 0.57): The DLC introduces a hacking system that allows players to infiltrate enemy systems, steal technology, and sabotage resources. This mechanic is central to the expansion and is used by all factions.
- Umbral Choir uses stealth (weight 0.38): The Umbral Choir faction is invisible and operates in hiding, using cloaking to avoid detection. This stealth-based approach is a defining characteristic of the faction.
- Umbral Choir faction introduced (weight 0.33): The expansion adds the Umbral Choir, a new faction that relies heavily on hacking and stealth. This faction is unique in its playstyle, focusing on espionage and covert operations.
- Umbral Choir has one system (weight 0.27): The Umbral Choir faction starts with only one system and can relocate it across the galaxy. This unique mechanic forces players to adapt to a nomadic playstyle.
- Umbral Choir expands via hacking (weight 0.2): The Umbral Choir uses hacking to colonize and expand, placing backdoors in enemy capitals and merging minor factions into remote bases. This allows them to grow without traditional colonization.
- Hacking enables espionage actions (weight 0.17): Hacking allows players to steal technology, place infiltrators, and sabotage enemy resources. These actions provide strategic depth but are noted as having low success rates and poor rewards.
- Cloaking mechanics for ships (weight 0.14): Ships can equip stealth modules to become invisible, and cloaking an entire fleet requires only one module slot. This mechanic is essential for the Umbral Choir's stealth playstyle.
- Umbral Choir lacks traditional systems (weight 0.14): The Umbral Choir does not own systems traditionally and lacks colonization and influence zones. Instead, they create hidden sanctuaries on other empires' planets.
- Umbral Choir is pacifist (weight 0.08): The Umbral Choir is a pacifist faction that prefers diplomatic victories and can teleport away if in danger. This makes them best suited for a diplomatic playstyle.
- Academy faction exists (weight 0.07): The game includes a faction called Academy, though details are sparse. This faction is part of the game's roster but is not elaborated on in the feedback.

Performance notes:
- Crash during assimilation (weight 0.05): The game crashes when attempting to assimilate a minor civilization immediately after starting a hack. This is a specific and reproducible bug that disrupts core gameplay.

Recommendations:
- Do not recommend this DLC (weight 0.35): Multiple reviews strongly advise against purchasing or using this expansion, citing dissatisfaction with its content. The consensus is that the DLC fails to deliver value, especially at full price.
- Disable DLC after playing (weight 0.27): Several players recommend disabling the DLC after experiencing the Umbral Choir faction, suggesting that the hacking mechanic negatively impacts the game. This feedback indicates that the DLC's core feature is not well-received in the long term.
- Recommend for stealth fans (weight 0.17): A subset of reviewers praises the DLC for its stealth and shadow gameplay, recommending it to players who enjoy sneaky, cooperative play. These players find the unique mechanics engaging and fun.
- Umbral Choir is main draw (weight 0.16): Many reviewers highlight the Umbral Choir faction as the primary reason to purchase the expansion, praising its unique playstyle. However, they caution that this alone may not justify the cost for all players.
- Not for beginners (weight 0.16): The DLC is considered too complex for new players, with reviews recommending that newcomers first master the base game. The advanced mechanics and slow pace are better suited for experienced Endless Space 2 players.
- Recommended for existing fans (weight 0.16): Fans of the series and the developer are more likely to enjoy the DLC, as it adds new challenges and content. Reviews recommend it for those who love the game and want more complex gameplay.
- Buy only on sale (weight 0.13): Several reviews suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing the DLC, as the content may not be worth the full price. This is especially true for players who are unsure about the hacking mechanic.
- Patience required for enjoyment (weight 0.1): The DLC's slow pace and long-term planning may frustrate impatient players. Reviews indicate that those who are patient and enjoy long, sneaky strategies will find it rewarding, while others will not.
- Avoid if prefer military victory (weight 0.07): Players who enjoy massing armies and pursuing military victories may find the DLC unappealing, as it emphasizes stealth and subterfuge over direct combat. This feedback suggests the DLC is not for all playstyles.
- Watch playthrough before buying (weight 0.07): Given the divisive nature of the DLC, some reviewers recommend watching a playthrough or detailed video before purchasing. This helps potential buyers decide if the mechanics resonate with them.
- Not essential but okay (weight 0.06): A few reviewers rate the DLC as 'okay' but not essential, indicating that it adds some content but is not a must-have. This is a neutral stance, suggesting it may be worth it only for dedicated players.
- Think twice before buying (weight 0.06): Some reviews advise potential buyers to think twice, as the DLC may not meet expectations. This caution is based on the mixed reception of the new mechanics and overall value.
- Support studio by buying (weight 0.03): A few reviewers suggest that new gamers could buy the DLC to support the studio, Amplitude, even if they are not ready to play it. This is a niche reason for purchase.

Other player notes:
- Hacking mechanic is controversial (weight 0.26): Multiple reviewers criticize the hacking mechanic, with some disabling the DLC entirely to avoid it. They note it is poorly explained, cannot be disabled separately, and lacks opt-out options unlike other 4X games.
- Hacking needs rebalancing (weight 0.2): Reviewers suggest balance changes for cloaking and hacking, including higher success rates for early hacks, UI alerts, and reduced penalties. They hope the developer rebalances the DLC soon, as they have done in the past.
- Comparisons to other 4X games (weight 0.16): Reviewers compare the expansion to Stellaris, Master of Orion, and other Endless games, often unfavorably. They note that other TBS games allow opting out of spying mechanics, and the lore is better in Endless Space 2 than in Stellaris.
- DLC feels like money grab (weight 0.15): Reviewers describe the expansion as an embarrassing money grab, possibly implemented too quickly or on the cheap. They compare it unfavorably to the Awakening expansion and note it is still raw with several issues.
- Developer trust and future updates (weight 0.15): Reviewers express trust in Amplitude, noting their history of balancing and polishing, and mention a new free expansion that may smooth over issues. They expect the developer to address current problems soon.
- Strategy guides and tips (weight 0.13): Some reviewers provide strategy guides for the Umbral Choir, including building planetary shields against Behemoths and using hacking effectively. They note that many guides are available to help understand the mechanic.
- Technical issues and localization (weight 0.11): The DLC includes an achievement that doesn't work, and the Chinese localization is incomplete. Steam also incorrectly displays playtime as 0 hours, adding to the negative experience.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.3): The hacking mechanic is the primary source of frustration, being poorly explained, tedious, and intrusive with constant notifications. Players feel punished by the system, as hacks are often traced or fail, and the invisible Umbral Choir faction is difficult to counter, leading to unfair losses and a cumbersome gameplay loop.
- Disappointment (weight 0.2): The DLC fails to meet expectations, with the hacking mechanic feeling shallow and tacked on, and the Umbral Choir faction being underdeveloped and not fun to play. The story is dull and ends abruptly, and the overall additions are seen as making the game worse rather than enhancing it.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.09): Players find satisfaction in mastering the DLC's unique mechanics, particularly the Umbral Choir's stealth playstyle and hacking abilities. The faction is strong and efficient once learned, and the new mechanics like hacking and cloaking are well-implemented, providing a rewarding experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.09): The Umbral Choir faction is highly enjoyable due to its unique hide-and-seek playstyle and the fun, unique hacking mechanic. Players appreciate the different way to interact with the game, finding it a blast to play, especially in multiplayer.
- Annoyance (weight 0.08): The hacking mechanic is a constant source of annoyance, with endless pop-up notifications and reminders that disrupt gameplay. Players are forced to disable the entire DLC to remove the system, which is seen as a chore and a nuisance, especially for non-Umbral factions.
- Boredom (weight 0.06): The hacking mechanic and the Umbral Choir faction are found to be boring, with the faction's playstyle leading to passive watching rather than active engagement. The story quest is also uninteresting, contributing to an overall dull experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): The Umbral Choir's ability to win quickly and without ever being seen is exciting, offering a completely different and badass way to play. The faction's unique mechanics generate enthusiasm for its potential.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the stealthy playstyle and the unique Umbral Choir faction, as well as the fantastic lore, graphics, and sound design. The visual and audio presentation is highly praised, enhancing the overall experience.
- Love (weight 0.02): The base game is phenomenal, and the cloaking mechanic is awesome, with the faction being original and solving system management issues. The hacking mechanic adds depth and allows for non-war strategies, which is loved by players.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): The hacking system is poorly explained, leading to confusion, such as finding nearly 100 infiltrators despite having few in enemy territory. Players had to re-enable tutorial mode to understand the mechanics.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised by enjoying the hacking mechanic despite low expectations, and by the faction's democratic pacifist nature despite its evil appearance.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): The DLC is seen as an embarrassing money grab, with a poorly balanced and useless feature, eliciting strong disgust.
- Burnout (weight 0.01): The chore of hacking tends to burn players out, as the repetitive and tedious nature of the mechanic leads to fatigue.
- Bamboozled (weight 0.01): The confusing hacking mechanic leaves players feeling bamboozled, as its complexity and lack of clarity are overwhelming.
- Helplessness (weight 0.01): Being hacked with no effective defense creates a sense of helplessness, as players are unable to counter the attacks.
- Interest (weight 0.01): The Umbral Choir faction is unique and interesting to play as, sparking curiosity and engagement due to its distinct mechanics.
- Irritation (weight 0.01): Cloaking and hacking become irritating over time, as their constant presence and complexity wear on players.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): The hacking in Penumbra is not worth a cent, with players expressing strong dislike for the feature.
- Happiness (weight 0.01): The reviewer was quite happy with the expansion, indicating overall satisfaction with the content.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Players might not buy the expansion if given the chance to go back in time, expressing regret over the purchase due to its shortcomings.}