Summary
398 players who reviewed Duskers were sorted into 5 groups by why they play it. The grouping used only what motivates them and what they liked, so the groups couldn't just split into happy and unhappy reviewers. Each group was then checked against 3,006 reviews the same players wrote about other games.
5 game ideas came out of what those groups are missing. Every claim below shows the raw player count behind it, and 12,275 extracted claims are backed by a direct quote (14 are not).
Where the data comes from
- Duskers reviews collected
- 2,794
- Duskers reviews read in full
- 531
- Steam profiles checked
- 1,051
- Profiles that were public
- 826
- Their reviews of other games collected
- 3,006
- Their reviews of other games read in full
- 1,717
- Players sorted into groups
- 398
- Grouped players who also reviewed other games
- 310
Player segments5 groups · 398 players
125players
89%recommended111/125
20hmedian played
85reviewed other games
Why they play
immersion92/125challenge21/125planning9/125exploration8/125strategy8/125discovery6/125
What they like about Duskers
atmosphere72/125tension and suspense25/125visual style17/125horror elements15/125user interface11/125difficulty7/125
What frustrates them
repetitive gameplay8/125excessive rng5/125excessive difficulty4/125poor story quality4/125progression loss on failure4/125poor value for money3/125
What they put up with
high difficulty4/125learning curve3/125clunky mechanics2/125drone mechanics2/125repetitive gameplay2/125bugs1/125
Why they quit
harsh progress loss2/125excessive difficulty1/125excessive rng1/125insufficient content for the price1/125lack of an ending1/125lack of environmental variety1/125
What they ask for
ability and resource cooldowns2/125mid-run saving options2/125modding support2/125ui improvements2/125bug fixes1/125content expansions1/125
Games they play more than the rest
How often this segment reviewed each game, compared with the other segments. Ratios built on 3–5 players are a hint, not proof.
| Game | This segment | Everyone else | Times more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crusader Kings III | 3/103 | 0/207 | 12.06x |
| GTFO | 3/103 | 0/207 | 12.06x |
| The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth | 3/103 | 1/207 | 4.02x |
| DEATH STRANDING | 3/103 | 1/207 | 4.02x |
| DOOM | 4/103 | 2/207 | 3.22x |
| Phasmophobia | 4/103 | 2/207 | 3.22x |
| Among Us | 4/103 | 2/207 | 3.22x |
| DELTARUNE | 3/103 | 2/207 | 2.41x |
What they say about other games
They praise
sound design11/852.8xprocedural generation6/852.0xrealism3/851.9xtrain mechanics3/851.9xanimations5/851.7x
They complain about
platforming3/436.0xstealth mechanics4/433.5xbuilding mechanics4/432.7xlack of difficulty4/432.2xlevel design9/432.0x
They put up with
losing progress and repeating sections4/613.6xvehicle handling3/612.7xfrequent deaths4/612.6xearly access state6/611.6xdated graphics5/611.5x
All 23 things they mention, and the games they came from
They praise
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sound design | 11/85 | 8/185 | 2.8x | Hunt: Showdown 1896DispatchFAR: Lone SailsCTHON |
This game makes audio cues VERY important, so it's important to play with headphones. This way you're able to tell if players are nearby. | ||||
| procedural generation | 6/85 | 6/185 | 2.0x | RimWorldBetween the StarsDelverCRYPTARK |
constantly inviting you to try new things and take risks, then roll with the outcomes | ||||
| realism | 3/85 | 3/185 | 1.9x | NuclearesProject ZomboidSubnautica |
you will not find another game as realistic as this one | ||||
| train mechanics | 3/85 | 3/185 | 1.9x | PROFITS 2167: Planetary Resource Optimization & Freight Infrastructure Technician SimulatorTransport Fever 2Choo Choo Survivor |
Very fun high-speed train game about delivering products | ||||
| animations | 5/85 | 6/185 | 1.7x | Landfall ArchivesDispatchATLYSSRoot |
the starter anim is...just...its a peice of art | ||||
| lore and worldbuilding | 22/85 | 29/185 | 1.6x | Remnant IIDarkest Dungeon®Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 |
A must-play for every scifi fan. | ||||
| horror elements | 7/85 | 9/185 | 1.6x | SIGNALISPhasmophobiaSubnauticaINSIDE |
Plenty of nods to Silent Hill in the game | ||||
| franchise and adaptation fidelity | 11/85 | 15/185 | 1.5x | Landfall ArchivesSystem ShockBattlestar Galactica: Scattered HopesHades II |
This remake does the original justice, and greatly improves on the original. | ||||
They complain about
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| platforming | 3/43 | 1/130 | 6.0x | CairnShadow of the Tomb RaiderOmensight |
you will often climb for 30 min then fall and climb again the same way | ||||
| stealth mechanics | 4/43 | 3/130 | 3.5x | Snap & GrabStellarisMutant Year Zero: Road to EdenMetro Awakening |
There is an extremely limited stealth system, a very VERY watered-down version of Hitman's disguise mechanic | ||||
| building mechanics | 4/43 | 4/130 | 2.7x | AETHUSIcarusThey Are BillionsENDLESS Legend™ 2 |
The base building, the real draw for me, turned out to just be selecting modules from a list and snapping them to other modules | ||||
| lack of difficulty | 4/43 | 5/130 | 2.2x | The Final StationSnap & GrabSkin DeepSir, You Are Being Hunted |
WAAAAY too easy. You can go the whole game without every having to use a medkit. | ||||
| level design | 9/43 | 13/130 | 2.0x | Battlefield™ 6The Forever WinterTom Clancy's Rainbow Six SiegeCyberpunk 2077 |
Often has small maps, which feel like I'm playing COD. | ||||
| gunplay mechanics | 3/43 | 5/130 | 1.6x | Borderlands 2SPRAWLMohrta |
the gun-play just never really clicked with me | ||||
| performance issues | 7/43 | 14/130 | 1.5x | DayZMarvel RivalsRome: Total WarMetro Awakening |
the game engine is still terrible | ||||
| combat mechanics | 9/43 | 19/130 | 1.4x | Cyberpunk 2077Wasteland 2: Director's CutDEATH STRANDINGDying Light |
melee feels basically unusable at higher difficulties | ||||
They put up with
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| losing progress and repeating sections | 4/61 | 2/138 | 3.6x | PhasmophobiaCrossroads Inn Anniversary EditionWe Were Here ForeverFallout |
EVERY UPDATE IT RESETS EVERYTHINGGG LEVELS MONEY I HATE IT BUT the game is still fun | ||||
| vehicle handling | 3/61 | 2/138 | 2.7x | DEATH STRANDINGOld School RallyProject Zomboid |
Driving can be annoying at times but I don't mind it | ||||
| frequent deaths | 4/61 | 3/138 | 2.6x | The Cycle: FrontierDying LightHELLIONPrimordia |
is worth a few deaths now and then!! | ||||
| early access state | 6/61 | 8/138 | 1.6x | Mist SurvivalPhasmophobiaRootGloomwood |
Despite the negatives, I'm going to recommend this game. I appreciate this is early access | ||||
| dated graphics | 5/61 | 7/138 | 1.5x | Creeper World 4Dominions 3ContractVilleBeasts of Prey |
despite and perhaps because of the dated graphics | ||||
| high difficulty | 11/61 | 17/138 | 1.4x | XCOM 2Darkest Dungeon®CTHONIron Harvest |
then lose horrifically and stop playing only to restart months later | ||||
| bugs | 14/61 | 27/138 | 1.2x | Sniper Ghost Warrior 3AI War 2The Sims™ 2 Legacy CollectionFallout 4 |
The gameplay itself was nice, except for the many bugs the game has. | ||||
Games they own and played 2h+ — weaker signal, no review needed (8 games)
| Game | This segment | Everyone else | Times more |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ascent | 9/41 | 1/85 | 12.44x |
| From The Depths | 6/41 | 1/85 | 8.29x |
| Reassembly | 6/41 | 1/85 | 8.29x |
| Ostranauts | 7/41 | 2/85 | 5.80x |
| Dispatch | 7/41 | 3/85 | 4.15x |
| Aliens: Fireteam Elite | 7/41 | 3/85 | 4.15x |
| Fallout 3 - Game of the Year Edition | 7/41 | 4/85 | 3.22x |
| Brigador: Up-Armored Edition | 7/41 | 4/85 | 3.22x |
In their words
This is byfar one of the most tricky, stressing, and straight up terrifying games out there.
This is one of the oddest, unique and unforgiving games you will find.
Challenging, unforgiving, and filled with dread.
all in an attempt to run down and figure out the mystery of what the hell happened
Figuring out the various ways to properly deal with the various enemies and other hazards is fun, and satisfying.
challenging to the extreme
How much to trust this
Checked against the other games these players reviewed. The idea built on this group scores 0.75. for confidence.
118players
84%recommended99/118
22hmedian played
82reviewed other games
Why they play
immersion68/118problem solving32/118strategy28/118challenge22/118discovery16/118planning16/118
What they like about Duskers
command line interface88/118atmosphere44/118drone management37/118tension and suspense14/118lore and worldbuilding11/118difficulty10/118
What frustrates them
repetitive gameplay8/118poor story quality7/118excessive difficulty6/118drone pathfinding issues5/118progression loss on failure5/118enemy balance4/118
What they put up with
learning curve4/118repetitive gameplay4/118drone mechanics3/118frequent deaths3/118punishing rng3/118bugs2/118
Why they quit
lack of progression5/118harsh progress loss2/118repetitive gameplay2/118excessive difficulty1/118excessive rng1/118forced ship abandonment due to permanent visual degradation1/118
What they ask for
drone mechanics7/118meaningful progression5/118story and lore additions4/118automation mechanics3/118co-op mode2/118continued development and updates2/118
Games they play more than the rest
How often this segment reviewed each game, compared with the other segments. Ratios built on 3–5 players are a hint, not proof.
| Game | This segment | Everyone else | Times more |
|---|---|---|---|
| DREDGE | 3/87 | 0/223 | 15.38x |
| Into the Breach | 3/87 | 2/223 | 3.08x |
| Heat Signature | 3/87 | 2/223 | 3.08x |
| Hardspace: Shipbreaker | 4/87 | 3/223 | 2.93x |
| ELDEN RING | 4/87 | 4/223 | 2.28x |
| Slay the Spire | 4/87 | 4/223 | 2.28x |
| No Man's Sky | 3/87 | 4/223 | 1.71x |
| Titanfall® 2 | 3/87 | 4/223 | 1.71x |
What they say about other games
They praise
roguelike elements6/823.9xplayer freedom and agency15/823.3xboss fights6/823.1xretro game feel6/823.1xphysics simulation15/822.8x
They complain about
lack of key remapping4/634.7xsound design issues6/634.2xboss fights5/633.5xunderdeveloped characters6/633.0xvehicle handling and physics4/632.8x
They put up with
confusing ship layout and navigation3/6213.3xresource management3/624.4xclunky mechanics8/623.2xpuzzle friction6/622.9xgrind11/622.9x
All 24 things they mention, and the games they came from
They praise
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| roguelike elements | 6/82 | 3/188 | 3.9x | The Last of Us™ Part II RemasteredYi Xian: The Cultivation Card GameNot The RobotsSunless Sea |
I love this game mode. I can play this game at it's best, just raw combat, or raw stealth. | ||||
| player freedom and agency | 15/82 | 10/188 | 3.3x | BesiegeThe Beginner's GuideHypnospace OutlawTitanic: Adventure Out Of Time |
gran libertad para desatar tu creatividad | ||||
| boss fights | 6/82 | 4/188 | 3.1x | ELDEN RINGBlasphemous 2BioShock InfiniteResident Evil 7 Biohazard |
This game hase the best boss I've ever fought, special mention to Malenia | ||||
| retro game feel | 6/82 | 4/188 | 3.1x | STAR WARS™ Republic CommandoX-COM: Terror from the DeepZork: Grand InquisitorWindrose |
this game was a blast from the past for me, when i used to play on an old xbox this game coming back to was really fun | ||||
| physics simulation | 15/82 | 12/188 | 2.8x | Space EngineersBallisticNGValheimKerbal Space Program 2 |
Puedes simular el control de potencia con variables externas como temperatura ambiente, variaciones en la demanda por eventos públicos, desarrollo urbano y como afecta esto al consumo de la población a la que se abastece energía | ||||
| performance and technical stability | 19/82 | 17/188 | 2.5x | SelacoTyrResident Evil RequiemEasy Red 2 |
the level of optimization and care used by Altetred Obrits in tinkering with the GZDoom engine puts a lot of recent AAA games to shame | ||||
| looting and scavenging | 7/82 | 6/188 | 2.5x | Rogue VoltageHardspace: ShipbreakerHomeworld Remastered CollectionProject Zomboid |
If you're willing to throw the run, you can salvage 1 component to take into the next run, which is cool if you manage to get something good. | ||||
| learning curve and tutorials | 11/82 | 10/188 | 2.4x | The Long DarkMORSEStellarisSpace Engineers |
escribas en el diario de tu inventario lo que has hecho en ese día del juego y lo que piensas hacer en los próximos días, así rellenas esos momentos muertos y vas formando como una historia | ||||
They complain about
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lack of key remapping | 4/63 | 1/110 | 4.7x | Catan UniverseMechWarrior 5: MercenariesUltrawings |
hotkeys don't work in tutorials | ||||
| sound design issues | 6/63 | 2/110 | 4.2x | War ThunderMars: War LogsBioShock Infiniteb |
except they like to ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ SCREAM at you for being within 500 meters of land | ||||
| boss fights | 5/63 | 2/110 | 3.5x | ELDEN RINGCubicle QuestResident Evil VillageAxiom Verge |
especially with repeat boss | ||||
| underdeveloped characters | 6/63 | 3/110 | 3.0x | Hollow Knight: SilksongDays GoneCalvino NoirHaven |
there are to many living characters | ||||
| vehicle handling and physics | 4/63 | 2/110 | 2.8x | War ThunderPacific DriveSpace EngineersState of Decay: Year-One |
the maneuverability on the planes, like these particular planes, is straight ass | ||||
| toxic community | 4/63 | 2/110 | 2.8x | R.E.P.O.Over The Top: WWIUFO 50Counter-Strike 2 |
screaming children and extra loud and crispy soundboards to pierce your eardrums | ||||
| lack of variety | 5/63 | 3/110 | 2.5x | MARVEL SNAPPlanetary AnnihilationWraithslayerFor The King |
Puedo conseguir 15 variaciones distintas de una misma carta y aun así no obtener una sola carta nueva. | ||||
| small player base | 5/63 | 3/110 | 2.5x | BRINKYour Only Move Is HUSTLEPUBG: BATTLEGROUNDSFoxhole |
the multiplayer is very much dead, idk if you could even set up a match | ||||
They put up with
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| confusing ship layout and navigation | 3/62 | 0/137 | 13.3x | World of WarshipsSystem Shock 2: 25th Anniversary RemasterMonstrum |
si te centras en manejar los mismos 3-4 barcos puedes mejorarlos lo suficiente como para ser medianamente competente en las batallas. | ||||
| resource management | 3/62 | 1/137 | 4.4x | Subterrain: Mines of TitanSlime RancherMENACE |
resource income feels very inconsistent | ||||
| clunky mechanics | 8/62 | 5/137 | 3.2x | Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY EditionBeadsPopperCairnThe Binding of Isaac |
Las mecánicas pueden no sentirse tan fluidas | ||||
| puzzle friction | 6/62 | 4/137 | 2.9x | CARRIONStories UntoldThe Cat LadyThe Excavation of Hob's Barrow |
game play was a bit repetitive with having to do puzzles to by pass them | ||||
| grind | 11/62 | 8/137 | 2.9x | Lust ArcanumFor The KingWizardry: Labyrinth of Lost SoulsLabyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society |
only managed to trudge through the last few to at least get the last house built and see what awaited beyond | ||||
| unclear mechanics | 3/62 | 2/137 | 2.7x | Yi Xian: The Cultivation Card GameTUNIC |
I got that on the second run, but I didn't realize what it did until battle started. It was just +2 heart, and I thought it just gave me 2 extra hp, or even 2 extra lives, but it was 2 heal each turn or something. | ||||
| slow pacing | 4/62 | 3/137 | 2.5x | No Man's SkyAncestors: The Humankind Odyssey Pony IslandThe Invincible |
Quests take some time to build up, but when they do they're worth the effort | ||||
| lack of tutorial | 6/62 | 5/137 | 2.4x | War ThunderGraviteam Tactics: Mius-FrontThe ForestAncestors: The Humankind Odyssey |
The tutorials were a snooze, but they helped get me acquainted with the various playstyles for each vehicle. | ||||
Games they own and played 2h+ — weaker signal, no review needed (8 games)
| Game | This segment | Everyone else | Times more |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5D Chess With Multiverse Time Travel | 6/42 | 2/84 | 4.80x |
| DARK SOULS™ II | 6/42 | 2/84 | 4.80x |
| PULSAR: Lost Colony | 6/42 | 3/84 | 3.43x |
| Resident Evil 7 Biohazard | 6/42 | 3/84 | 3.43x |
| TIS-100 | 9/42 | 5/84 | 3.27x |
| Castle Crashers | 10/42 | 6/84 | 3.08x |
| SOMA | 10/42 | 6/84 | 3.08x |
| Plants vs. Zombies: Game of the Year | 6/42 | 4/84 | 2.67x |
In their words
I am a software developer, which is the main reason I decided to buy this game, however the commands available in game and the actual programming is almost non existent
poder mexer com a sintaxe dos comandos pra fazer com que os robôs executem as tarefas que eu quero
programming them to do their stuff is mandatory; there's even a meta batch file where you can create subroutines
I don't want to look up any strategies/story elements so that I can really uncover them myself organically
Instead you have the chance to fix your mistake, provided you're clever enough
great for automating some of your routine tasks & creating emergency protocol
How much to trust this
Checked against the other games these players reviewed. The idea built on this group scores 0.75. for confidence.
59players
85%recommended50/59
16hmedian played
44reviewed other games
Why they play
challenge19/59discovery12/59mastery11/59exploration7/59emergent systems6/59problem solving6/59
What they like about Duskers
difficulty9/59learning curve and tutorials9/59atmosphere5/59controls5/59emergent gameplay5/59originality4/59
What frustrates them
excessive rng3/59bugs and glitches2/59poor story quality2/59abandoned development1/59artificial anxiety mechanics1/59combat mechanics1/59
What they put up with
high difficulty3/59learning curve3/59audio issues1/59drone mechanics1/59early access state1/59equipment degradation1/59
Why they quit
excessive rng2/59equipment degradation mechanics1/59lack of depth1/59progression-blocking bug1/59slow narrative pacing1/59unavoidable rng deaths1/59
What they ask for
ability and resource cooldowns1/59co-op mode1/59continued development and updates1/59drone mechanics1/59game balance adjustments1/59
Games they play more than the rest
How often this segment reviewed each game, compared with the other segments. Ratios built on 3–5 players are a hint, not proof.
| Game | This segment | Everyone else | Times more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Mesa | 3/49 | 0/261 | 31.96x |
| Deep Rock Galactic | 5/49 | 10/261 | 2.54x |
| Stardew Valley | 3/49 | 6/261 | 2.46x |
| Terraria | 3/49 | 8/261 | 1.88x |
| HELLDIVERS™ 2 | 4/49 | 21/261 | 0.99x |
What they say about other games
They praise
forgiving failure mechanics3/441.8xgame balance4/441.8xdeveloper support11/441.6xenemy design and variety5/441.6xfranchise and adaptation fidelity6/441.5x
They complain about
lack of mod support4/305.4xlack of content6/302.1xlack of progression5/301.8xmultiplayer issues9/301.6xexcessive rng4/301.5x
They put up with
lack of content4/312.9xlearning curve6/311.8xdated graphics3/311.7xclunky combat3/311.5xearly access state3/311.4x
All 22 things they mention, and the games they came from
They praise
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| forgiving failure mechanics | 3/44 | 8/226 | 1.8x | HadesCastle in the CloudsBarotrauma |
there is no frustration in failure | ||||
| game balance | 4/44 | 11/226 | 1.8x | Grand Theft Auto: San AndreasKilling Floor 2Eternal Card GameThe Elder Scrolls: Legends |
the just-realistic-enough compromise between fun gameplay and simulation of reality | ||||
| developer support | 11/44 | 34/226 | 1.6x | DecktamerTabletop SimulatorTotal War: WARHAMMER IIStardew Valley |
官方也很良心有活人感，一直都有更新，早期的平衡性问题也有调整 | ||||
| enemy design and variety | 5/44 | 16/226 | 1.6x | PeglinKilling Floor 2MysteriumIncursion Red River |
so many cool interactions between you and the enemies e.g. when the spiders hit you (not scary spiders) they make your pegs sticky slowing your ball down | ||||
| franchise and adaptation fidelity | 6/44 | 20/226 | 1.5x | Creeper World 3: Arc EternalSerious Sam Classics: RevolutionDemocracy 3Black Mesa |
all the OG Serious Sam, the good serious sam | ||||
| controls | 4/44 | 14/226 | 1.4x | Tabletop SimulatorMicrosoft Flight Simulator X: Steam EditionElite DangerousZ1 Battle Royale |
this one is intuitive and not a pain | ||||
| community | 4/44 | 15/226 | 1.3x | ARC RaidersDead StateDeep Rock GalacticZ1 Battle Royale |
the people and combat keep me coming back | ||||
| gunplay | 4/44 | 15/226 | 1.3x | Grand Theft Auto: San AndreasTerrariaKilling Floor 2Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege |
I love the homing ammunition and controllable projectiles | ||||
They complain about
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lack of mod support | 4/30 | 3/143 | 5.4x | Metal Slug TacticsArma 3Fights in Tight SpacesRimWorld |
I wouldn't recommend the kamikaze mods as they nerf the range of explosive weapons in exchange for extra damage, as you CAN do friendly fire damage. | ||||
| lack of content | 6/30 | 13/143 | 2.1x | Elite Dangerous: OdysseyKingdomsMarathonSpore: Galactic Adventures |
single map I have access to for 2 weeks only as a PVE player | ||||
| lack of progression | 5/30 | 13/143 | 1.8x | HighguardBook of HoursJurassic World EvolutionNorland |
I was also expecting the same style of level up system as the base game, not a completely rigid set of stats improvements. | ||||
| multiplayer issues | 9/30 | 27/143 | 1.6x | Deep Rock GalacticHELLDIVERS™ 2MechWarrior OnlineRealm Royale Reforged |
high level players trivialise conflicts | ||||
| excessive rng | 4/30 | 12/143 | 1.5x | FTL: Faster Than LightPuzzle Pirates: Dark SeasMagic Duels |
It just has too much random. | ||||
| visual and graphic quality | 4/30 | 13/143 | 1.4x | Milfy Way: Space Orgasm 🪐🔞Elite Dangerous: OdysseySerious Sam 3: BFEPacific Drive |
You and the enemy use the SAME COLOUR laser blasts; this becomes frustrating as the more resources you spend on 'enhancing' the shoot'em up. | ||||
| excessive difficulty | 4/30 | 14/143 | 1.3x | Dungeon SiegeMinion MastersUltimate Admiral: Age of SailArmor Clash II |
trapping the player in bad decisions | ||||
| abandoned development | 4/30 | 17/143 | 1.1x | Black MesaDayZWolcen: Lords of MayhemSquad |
It's not a faithful recreation, there are changes from the original, changes beyond filling in detail that didn't used to exist- changes like the opening tram ride. | ||||
They put up with
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lack of content | 4/31 | 7/168 | 2.9x | Picayune DreamsLucid BlocksRift of the NecroDancerFrostpunk 2 |
theres not a ton of content | ||||
| learning curve | 6/31 | 18/168 | 1.8x | DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First SinLegends of CallasiaEVE OnlineSHENZHEN I/O |
différence du rythme des combats par rapport à DS1 et 3 | ||||
| dated graphics | 3/31 | 9/168 | 1.7x | Distant Worlds: UniverseFactorioSettlements |
The only negative about this game is the graphics (including the UI). It will hurt your eyes. | ||||
| clunky combat | 3/31 | 10/168 | 1.5x | The SurgeTotal War: WARHAMMER II |
Having persevered a bit more since my initial comments, I've unlocked a couple of the new mini-games | ||||
| early access state | 3/31 | 11/168 | 1.4x | The Forever WinterIslands of Nyne: Battle RoyaleNorland |
now its just a slightly cluttered room mess | ||||
| high difficulty | 5/31 | 23/168 | 1.2x | Hollow Knight: SilksongNoitaIslands of Nyne: Battle RoyaleMarathon |
Either it's very difficult or I'm very bad at it | ||||
Games they own and played 2h+ — weaker signal, no review needed (8 games)
| Game | This segment | Everyone else | Times more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total War: SHOGUN 2 | 6/16 | 4/110 | 9.17x |
| EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair | 6/16 | 5/110 | 7.50x |
| Europa Universalis IV | 6/16 | 7/110 | 5.50x |
| MECCHA CHAMELEON | 6/16 | 12/110 | 3.30x |
| Hearts of Iron IV | 8/16 | 17/110 | 3.14x |
| Crusader Kings II | 7/16 | 15/110 | 3.10x |
| Viscera Cleanup Detail | 6/16 | 13/110 | 3.06x |
| tModLoader | 6/16 | 15/110 | 2.66x |
In their words
the only game that will just kill you and you say "i guess i messed up, ill do better next time!"
this game is brutal and so intriguing than most games i've played
Be prepared to have your spirit crushed over and over again by an unyielding AI and circumstances that are truly beyond your control.
нравится сначала терять всё, возвышаться вверх после и потом потерять ещё больше
challenging
Do not expect to win
How much to trust this
Checked against the other games these players reviewed. The idea built on this group scores 0.42. for confidence.
49players
78%recommended38/49
28hmedian played
28reviewed other games
Why they play
strategy28/49problem solving23/49immersion12/49planning9/49exploration6/49challenge4/49
What they like about Duskers
tactical and strategic gameplay13/49puzzles12/49atmosphere10/49visual style10/49tension and suspense9/49controls8/49
What frustrates them
repetitive gameplay5/49poor story quality4/49bugs and glitches3/49excessive rng3/49random encounters and spawns3/49equipment durability degradation2/49
What they put up with
high difficulty2/49learning curve2/49art style quirks1/49bugs1/49lack of content1/49lengthy command syntax1/49
Why they quit
excessive rng2/49repetitive gameplay2/49crashing1/49lack of save functionality1/49poor game balancing1/49unfinished and abandoned state1/49
What they ask for
bug fixes2/49continued development and updates2/49drone mechanics2/49ui improvements2/49challenge and survival modes1/49graphical improvements1/49
Games they play more than the rest
How often this segment reviewed each game, compared with the other segments. Ratios built on 3–5 players are a hint, not proof.
| Game | This segment | Everyone else | Times more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don't Starve | 3/35 | 1/275 | 15.71x |
| Darkest Dungeon® | 3/35 | 6/275 | 3.63x |
| FTL: Faster Than Light | 3/35 | 10/275 | 2.24x |
What they say about other games
They praise
turn-based gameplay4/285.3xsurvival mechanics4/282.6xlooting and scavenging3/282.5xphysics simulation5/281.9xstory and writing14/281.5x
They complain about
disappointing ending3/153.0xabandoned development4/152.4xrepetitive gameplay5/152.2xmonetization model4/152.0xpoor controls3/151.2x
They put up with
short game length3/202.8xperformance issues3/201.1x
All 15 things they mention, and the games they came from
They praise
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| turn-based gameplay | 4/28 | 6/242 | 5.3x | Invisible, Inc.Panzer CorpsStoneshard: PrologueBaldur's Gate 3 |
Great turn based strategy game | ||||
| survival mechanics | 4/28 | 13/242 | 2.6x | Project ZomboidSCUMStoneshard: ProloguetheHunter: Call of the Wild™ |
quite satisfying and realistic on its Survival aspect | ||||
| looting and scavenging | 3/28 | 10/242 | 2.5x | The Henry Stickmin CollectionSecrets of GrindeaHardspace: ShipbreakerWasteland 3 |
this really is a great collection | ||||
| physics simulation | 5/28 | 22/242 | 1.9x | Kerbal Space ProgramHuman Fall FlatMudRunnerHardspace: Shipbreaker |
great newtonian phisics engine | ||||
| story and writing | 14/28 | 79/242 | 1.5x | The Coffin of Andy and LeyleyHomeworld: Deserts of KharakHomeworld Remastered CollectionDELTARUNE |
The dynamic between Andrew and Ashley is quite captivating | ||||
| puzzles | 4/28 | 23/242 | 1.5x | The Coffin of Andy and LeyleyResident EvilROUTINEStill There |
puzzles that really compliment the story | ||||
| free to play and monetization | 8/28 | 48/242 | 1.4x | Deep Rock GalacticPlants vs. Zombies: Game of the YearPapers, PleaseThe Brew Barons |
The entire Seasonpass is free and get this: you can choose which seasons seasonpass you can earn rewards for, meaning you don't have to miss out on anything! | ||||
| combat | 9/28 | 61/242 | 1.3x | Homeworld Remastered CollectiontModLoaderACE COMBAT™7: SKIES UNKNOWNResident Evil Village |
the combat and 3D maneuvers feel natural | ||||
They complain about
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| disappointing ending | 3/15 | 10/158 | 3.0x | ChasmFive Nights at Freddy's: Security BreachWilmot's WarehouseThe Final Station |
i hate to say it but the final boss felt anticlimactic | ||||
| abandoned development | 4/15 | 17/158 | 2.4x | Grand Theft Auto V LegacyResident Evil 4HELLDIVERS™ 2DayZ |
Rockstar games removed around 180 "lesser used" vehicles from the in-game store pages with the merc update | ||||
| repetitive gameplay | 5/15 | 23/158 | 2.2x | SUPERHOT: MIND CONTROL DELETEDeep Rock GalacticEndless SkyThe Brew Barons |
TL:DR Feels repetitive, They made SUPERHOT into a roguelike | ||||
| monetization model | 4/15 | 21/158 | 2.0x | Grand Theft Auto V LegacyDragon's Dogma 2Space Hulk Ascension (Classic)Gems of War |
only way to get them now are through random weekly events. Or if you're on console, GTA+ | ||||
| poor controls | 3/15 | 25/158 | 1.2x | King of SeasFallout 76DayZ |
you can't fire the cannons using the mouse buttons at all, having to use the cursor keys instead meaning you can't actually use the mouse in combat. | ||||
They put up with
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| short game length | 3/20 | 9/179 | 2.8x | ROUTINEADACAStrayBuried: An Interactive Story |
A short game, but a wild ride for sure. | ||||
| performance issues | 3/20 | 23/179 | 1.1x | Hunt: Showdown 1896Hardspace: Shipbreaker |
bugs and lag are a constant problem, but don't often ruin the experience. | ||||
Games they own and played 2h+ — weaker signal, no review needed (8 games)
| Game | This segment | Everyone else | Times more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hacknet | 6/15 | 14/111 | 3.06x |
| Doki Doki Literature Club | 6/15 | 15/111 | 2.86x |
| Bastion | 6/15 | 16/111 | 2.69x |
| Frostpunk | 8/15 | 24/111 | 2.42x |
| Plague Inc: Evolved | 6/15 | 18/111 | 2.40x |
| This War of Mine | 6/15 | 19/111 | 2.28x |
| Valheim | 9/15 | 30/111 | 2.18x |
| Don't Starve | 7/15 | 25/111 | 2.03x |
In their words
At first your goal is to survive, then it's to figure out how to survive without losing your drones, and once you accomplish that, there's no more goal.
An active chess game between you and the aliens. Just when you think you outsmarted them
you slowly getting pieces of a puzzle, that will uncover, what the heck is going on in the universe, and why are you all alone.
puzzles
zen garden
eğer hem sensör hemde taretiniz var ise sorun biraz ortadan kalkıyor
How much to trust this
Checked against the other games these players reviewed. The idea built on this group scores 0.65. for confidence.
47players
57%recommended27/47
29hmedian played
31reviewed other games
Why they play
story35/47immersion11/47completion9/47discovery8/47problem solving8/47strategy5/47
What they like about Duskers
story and writing18/47command line interface8/47lore and worldbuilding8/47atmosphere3/47drone management3/47tension and suspense3/47
What frustrates them
disappointing ending10/47poor story quality7/47lack of progression6/47repetitive gameplay4/47excessive rng3/47lack of content3/47
What they put up with
bugs1/47frequent deaths1/47high difficulty1/47horror elements1/47lengthy command syntax1/47pc controls1/47
Why they quit
lack of an ending7/47lack of progression2/47crashing1/47excessive rng1/47lack of depth1/47slow narrative pacing1/47
What they ask for
definitive story conclusion4/47story and lore additions3/47drone mechanics2/47crafting and economy overhaul1/47difficulty options1/47environmental and survival mechanics1/47
Games they play more than the rest
How often this segment reviewed each game, compared with the other segments. Ratios built on 3–5 players are a hint, not proof.
| Game | This segment | Everyone else | Times more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aliens: Dark Descent | 3/36 | 2/274 | 9.13x |
| Stellaris | 3/36 | 10/274 | 2.17x |
| HELLDIVERS™ 2 | 4/36 | 21/274 | 1.42x |
What they say about other games
They praise
crafting and gathering4/313.2xendings4/313.2xlevel design6/312.1xuser interface3/312.0xvehicle mechanics5/311.7x
They complain about
lack of meaningful rewards4/227.8xtedious mechanics4/226.1xforced time limits and waiting3/225.9xcamera issues3/225.9xdisappointing ending5/224.0x
They put up with
game crashes4/252.4xai behavior issues4/252.2xrepetitive gameplay4/252.1xperformance issues5/251.6xgrind3/251.3x
All 22 things they mention, and the games they came from
They praise
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| crafting and gathering | 4/31 | 9/239 | 3.2x | PotionomicsV RisingThe Long DarkMagicka |
the potion brewing and management gameplay is also quite good. | ||||
| endings | 4/31 | 9/239 | 3.2x | Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 3 (2011)Resident Evil 2Spooky's Jump Scare MansionUndertale |
A good way to cap off an amazing trilogy | ||||
| level design | 6/31 | 22/239 | 2.1x | LIZARDS MUST DIE 2Alice Mystery GardenSOMAHITMAN™ |
you can walk around just fine. | ||||
| user interface | 3/31 | 11/239 | 2.0x | War ThunderELDEN RINGROUTINE |
the only enjoyment I get is the addicting "target destroyed" notification. | ||||
| vehicle mechanics | 5/31 | 22/239 | 1.7x | Outer WildsGrand Theft Auto IV: The Complete EditionDiRT RallyWar Thunder |
Very fun to fly around as well, zipping around planets | ||||
| pacing | 7/31 | 32/239 | 1.7x | LIZARDS MUST DIE 2Alice Mystery GardenMiddle-earth™: Shadow of Mordor™HITMAN™ |
easy forget what its like to wait in antisipation and then savour things, and boy have i enjoyed the serving to date | ||||
| base building | 3/31 | 15/239 | 1.5x | Starship EVOTiny GladeRobocraft |
blocks you can stretch and change in a free form system that lets you build anything you want using your imagination | ||||
| story and writing | 15/31 | 78/239 | 1.5x | PotionomicsHalf-Life: AlyxCitizen Sleeper 2: Starward VectorICEY |
A wonderful mixture of story and gameplay. | ||||
They complain about
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lack of meaningful rewards | 4/22 | 3/151 | 7.8x | Space Trash ScavengerLost ArkBlackguardsNo Man's Sky |
the upgrades provide little benefit in comparison to the cost in credits and materials to acquire | ||||
| tedious mechanics | 4/22 | 4/151 | 6.1x | HonkaiImpact 3rdBreathedgeTiny TacticsCosmonautica |
mLg PrO PiXeL PerFect LaSt SeCoNd Dodging L33t | ||||
| forced time limits and waiting | 3/22 | 3/151 | 5.9x | Parcel SimulatorLost ArkFANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals TimePhantom Brigade |
The next several hours are passive, occasionally increasing a buffer, or upgrading machines, but mostly just waiting while it runs. | ||||
| camera issues | 3/22 | 3/151 | 5.9x | BesiegeBulwark: Falconeer ChroniclesBlackguards |
I was annoyed that WASD is locked to the camera and arrow keys start bound to movement, but since the camera is part of the game controls rather than the build controls it doesn't seem like I can change this. | ||||
| disappointing ending | 5/22 | 8/151 | 4.0x | The Almost GoneHeaven's VaultSpace Trash ScavengerScorchlands |
the worst bit is the ending, which is completely along the same lines of "totally unnecessary Final Choice." You're given a choice that is railroaded into being "two people live, and everyone else dies", and "literally everyone dies (in a thousand years or so)". | ||||
| backtracking | 3/22 | 5/151 | 3.7x | Heaven's VaultGRAVENHollow Knight |
With a single exception that honestly counts more like an exploit, every time you leave a site, you can never return. | ||||
| progression loss on failure | 4/22 | 7/151 | 3.7x | Baby StepsThey Are BillionsBomber CrewNo Man's Sky |
Held items are thrown far away on small stumbles that cause small mistakes to lead to massive backtracks. | ||||
| excessive micromanagement | 3/22 | 6/151 | 3.2x | Space Trash ScavengerBulwark: Falconeer ChroniclesX Rebirth |
With no way to automate or ramp up resource collection production is bottle necked | ||||
They put up with
| What | This segment | Everyone else | Times more | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| game crashes | 4/25 | 11/174 | 2.4x | HELLDIVERS™ 2Cubic OdysseySOMASocial Justice Warriors |
I have had crashes every day and there is no reason to believe patches will fix this | ||||
| ai behavior issues | 4/25 | 12/174 | 2.2x | Unrailed 2: Back on TrackROUTINEShadows of DoubtStellaris |
The animals can be a real pain to deal with and I hope this gets worked on but other new quality of life features make up for this. | ||||
| repetitive gameplay | 4/25 | 13/174 | 2.1x | Rebel GalaxyResident Evil 2Against the StormThe Escapists |
it is completely unchanged through the entire game, just with bigger numbers | ||||
| performance issues | 5/25 | 21/174 | 1.6x | Cities: Skylines IIAssassin's Creed UnitySOMAMax Payne |
It's a shame the optimisation was poor at launch (It still is if you don't have a decent PC) | ||||
| grind | 3/25 | 16/174 | 1.3x | War ThunderChernobylite Complete EditionThe Alters |
The grind is something you either get used to or just quit the game because of it. | ||||
| bugs | 6/25 | 35/174 | 1.2x | Neon NoodlesWo Long: Fallen DynastyTerminator: ResistanceTerminator: Dark Fate - Defiance |
it has some non-critical bugs later on | ||||
Games they own and played 2h+ — weaker signal, no review needed (8 games)
| Game | This segment | Everyone else | Times more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hades | 6/12 | 22/114 | 2.53x |
| Middle-earth™: Shadow of Mordor™ | 6/12 | 23/114 | 2.43x |
| Oxygen Not Included | 6/12 | 31/114 | 1.81x |
| No Man's Sky | 7/12 | 44/114 | 1.49x |
| Portal | 7/12 | 45/114 | 1.46x |
| Don't Starve Together | 6/12 | 45/114 | 1.25x |
| Portal 2 | 8/12 | 65/114 | 1.16x |
| Tabletop Simulator | 6/12 | 49/114 | 1.15x |
In their words
three of the missions are really challenging and interesting and force you to play the game in a way you might not otherwise.
difficult but very well balanced (especially for a rougelike)
Actually takes some effort to keep all your stuff.
Engaging Storyline. Probably the best part about the game, since it's what compels you to find out more and keep going
try to find out what happened and why repair work is so shoddy in the new galaxy
Definitely a puzzler, so be prepared to have to sit back and think
How much to trust this
Checked against the other games these players reviewed. The idea built on this group scores 0.85. for confidence.
Segments side by side
| Segment | Players | Recommend it | Median hours | Plays for | Also plays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment 1 | 125 | 89% | 20h | immersion 92/125 | Crusader Kings III 12.06x |
| Segment 2 | 118 | 84% | 22h | immersion 68/118 | DREDGE 15.38x |
| Segment 3 | 59 | 85% | 16h | challenge 19/59 | Black Mesa 31.96x |
| Segment 4 | 49 | 78% | 28h | strategy 28/49 | Don't Starve 15.71x |
| Segment 5 | 47 | 57% | 29h | story 35/47 | Aliens: Dark Descent 9.13x |
Game ideas5 concepts
Ranked by a rough score: evidence + group size + cross-game backing + how badly the need is unmet + novelty − evidence against it. Use it to decide what to look at first, not to size a market.
#1
Slow-burn horror that keeps your progress
Built for Segment 1 · 125 players Atmospheric Tactical Dread with Narrative Persistence
17score
0.75confidence
What they're missing
Tense, deliberate survival horror carried by sound and atmosphere, without grindy repeat runs or losing everything when a run fails.
Keep
- Dread, tension and horror atmosphere (72/125 atmosphere, 25/125 tension, 15/125 horror)
- Slow, deliberate tactical planning (21/125 challenge, 9/125 planning)
- A distinctive interface and strong sensory presentation (11/125 UI, 17/125 visual style)
Cut
- Losing your progress when a run fails (4/125 dislike it, 2/125 quit over it)
- Repeating the same procedural loop (8/125 dislike it, 1/125 quits over it)
- RNG deciding whether a run lives or dies (5/125 dislike it, 1/125 quits over it)
- A thin story with no real ending (4/125 criticise the story, 1/125 quits over the missing ending)
What to build
A tactile horror game played through sensors and a terminal, where you investigate environments and the story pulls you forward across saved checkpoints instead of permadeath salvage runs.
From Duskers reviews
- Immersion is far and away the main draw (92/125), then challenge (21/125) and planning (9/125)
- Atmosphere (72/125) and tension (25/125) are what they actually praise
- They asked for mid-run saves (2/125) to soften the progress loss
From their other reviews
- They praise lore and worldbuilding in other games more than the rest (22/85, 1.6x)
- Heavy praise for sound design (11/85, 2.8x) and horror (7/85, 1.6x)
- They review tense co-op and tactical survival games far more than other groups, such as GTFO (12.06x) and Phasmophobia (3.22x)
Where this could be wrong
- Some of them complain that other games are too easy (4/43, 2.2x)
- Some put up with losing progress and replaying sections elsewhere (4/61, 3.6x) and with high difficulty (11/61, 1.4x), so part of this group likes punishing failure
How the score adds up
how strong the evidence is4/5how big the group is5/5backed by their other reviews4/5how unmet the need is3/5how fresh the idea is3/5evidence against it2/5
#2
Terminal ops with a career that sticks
Built for Segment 2 · 118 players Persistent Remote-Operations Tactician
17score
0.75confidence
What they're missing
Hands-on tactical problem solving through a terminal and remote units, with progress that sticks instead of resetting every run.
Keep
- The command line and terminal-driven tactics
- Tense, isolated atmosphere while feeling your way through unknown space
- Careful drone handling, planning and solving problems at a distance
- Weighing up loot and salvage while under threat
Cut
- Wipeouts that erase everything when a run fails
- Mission loops that repeat with barely any variety
- Drones that cannot path properly
- Runs lost to RNG
What to build
A systemic salvage and operations game played entirely through a real terminal, where you direct semi-autonomous units, physics drives how the environment reacts, you can script your own automation, and a failed job costs you salvage and ground but never your career progress.
From Duskers reviews
- The command line is the single most praised thing in Duskers (88/118)
- Atmosphere (44/118) and drone management (37/118) are the other big draws
- No progression (5/118) and harsh progress loss (2/118) are the top reasons they quit, with progression loss on failure also a common complaint (5/118)
- They asked for progression that means something (5/118) and automation (3/118)
- Repetitive gameplay is their most common complaint (8/118)
From their other reviews
- They praise player freedom (15/82, 3.3x) and physics (15/82, 2.8x) more than the rest
- They praise looting and scavenging more than the rest (7/82, 2.5x)
- They review systemic tactical games more: Hardspace: Shipbreaker (4/87, 2.93x) and Into the Breach (3/87, 3.08x)
Where this could be wrong
- Part of this group praises roguelike design in other games (6/82, 3.9x)
- 10/118 praise the difficulty outright, and 3/118 put up with dying often
- They tolerate grind (11/62, 2.9x) and slow pacing (4/62, 2.5x) elsewhere, so they have patience for a slow burn
How the score adds up
how strong the evidence is4/5how big the group is5/5backed by their other reviews4/5how unmet the need is3/5how fresh the idea is3/5evidence against it2/5
#3
A salvage mystery with a real ending
Built for Segment 5 · 47 players Narrative-Driven Tactical Salvage & Reconnaissance
14score
0.85confidence
What they're missing
A story that actually ends, and progress that carries forward, inside a tense investigation game.
Keep
- Remote exploration through a terminal, with atmosphere doing the work
- Lore you dig out of the environment
- Tactical problem solving and unit management under pressure
Cut
- Endings that fizzle out, stay vague, or never arrive
- Losing your progress and getting reset for failing
- Salvage runs that repeat without moving the mystery forward
- RNG and timers gating the story
What to build
A derelict-investigation game built around a directed, multi-arc story with real milestone rewards, progress that is not taken away, and several proper endings, keeping the terminal interface and the tense remote unit work.
From Duskers reviews
- Story is what 35/47 of them play for
- A disappointing ending (10/47) and no ending at all (7/47 quit over it) are what drove them off
- They asked for a definitive ending (4/47) and more story and lore (3/47)
- Story and writing (18/47) and lore (8/47) are what they praised most
From their other reviews
- They praise story and writing (15/31) and proper endings (4/31, 3.2x) in other games
- They call out disappointing endings (5/22, 4.0x) and pointless rewards (4/22, 7.8x) more than anyone else
- They also complain about losing progress on failure (4/22, 3.7x) and tedious busywork (4/22, 6.1x)
Where this could be wrong
- 7/47 of them criticised the story that is already in the game
- 4/25 tolerate repetitive gameplay elsewhere and 3/25 tolerate grind, so looping runs can work if the framing is right
- Only 1/47 quit over slow story pacing
How the score adds up
how strong the evidence is4/5how big the group is2/5backed by their other reviews2/5how unmet the need is5/5how fresh the idea is3/5evidence against it2/5
#4
Tactical survival where the dice never kill you
Built for Segment 3 · 59 players Deterministic Tactical Recovery & Mastery Survival
12score
0.42confidence
What they're missing
Fair, skill-driven tactics where you lose because you misplayed, not because the dice or gear decay decided it.
Keep
- Tension and deliberate pacing while exploring hostile space
- Systems deep enough to master, where solutions emerge from the mechanics
- A tactical command interface with deliberate controls
Cut
- Unavoidable RNG deaths and run-ending spikes
- Gear decay and attrition for its own sake
- Artificial anxiety triggers that override tactical thinking
What to build
A tense tactical survival game about scouting and containing hazards like puzzles, where cause and effect are visible and failure is recoverable instead of a sudden RNG wipe.
From Duskers reviews
- Challenge (19/59), discovery (12/59) and mastery (11/59) are the top reasons they play
- They praise emergent gameplay (5/59), atmosphere (5/59) and controls (5/59)
- Excessive RNG is both a complaint (3/59) and a reason to quit (2/59), along with unavoidable RNG deaths (1/59) and gear decay (1/59)
From their other reviews
- They praise forgiving failure (3/44, 1.8x) and good balance (4/44, 1.8x) in other games
- They call out excessive RNG (4/30, 1.5x), missing progression (5/30, 1.8x) and excessive difficulty (4/30, 1.3x) elsewhere
- They review progression games with recoverable failure, such as Deep Rock Galactic (5/49) and Terraria (3/49)
Where this could be wrong
- Difficulty is a like in Duskers (9/59) but is also only tolerated (3/59 here, 5/31 in other games)
- The learning curve is both liked (9/59) and merely tolerated (3/59 here, 6/31 in other games), so they are split on whether steep friction helps
How the score adds up
how strong the evidence is3/5how big the group is2/5backed by their other reviews3/5how unmet the need is3/5how fresh the idea is3/5evidence against it2/5
#5
Story-led scavenging built on planning, not luck
Built for Segment 4 · 49 players Narrative-Driven Tactical Scavenging and Survival
11score
0.65confidence
What they're missing
Tactics and planning where you survive by reading the situation right, not by surviving the RNG or grinding the same run again.
Keep
- Deliberate tactics and planning (praised by 13/49; 28/49 play for strategy, 23/49 for problem solving)
- Environmental puzzles and operational planning (praised by 12/49; 9/49 play for planning)
- Tense, isolated atmosphere (10/49 praise atmosphere, 9/49 praise tension)
- Careful scavenging and resource management (3/28 praise looting and 4/28 praise survival systems in other games)
Cut
- Random spawns and RNG that wipe out your plan (a complaint for 3/49, a reason to quit for 2/49)
- Grindy mission loops that go nowhere (a complaint for 5/49, a reason to quit for 2/49)
- Thin or absent story (4/49 criticise the story)
- Gear decay for its own sake (2/49 dislike it)
What to build
A story-led tactical scavenging game where each mission is an information and logistics puzzle inside an authored campaign, rather than procedural churn and sudden RNG hazards.
From Duskers reviews
- Strategy (28/49) and problem solving (23/49) are why they play
- Tactics (13/49), puzzles (12/49), atmosphere (10/49) and tension (9/49) are what they praise
- Repetitive gameplay (5/49) and weak story (4/49) are the most common complaints
- Excessive RNG (3/49) and random spawns (3/49) pushed several of them to drop the game
From their other reviews
- They praise story and writing in other games more than their peers (14/28, 1.5x)
- They praise turn-based play (4/28, 5.3x), survival systems (4/28, 2.6x) and scavenging (3/28, 2.5x)
- They criticise repetitive gameplay (5/15, 2.2x) and weak endings (3/15, 3.0x) elsewhere
- They review tactical survival management games heavily: Darkest Dungeon (3.63x), Don't Starve (15.71x) and FTL (2.24x)
Where this could be wrong
- The games they over-index on, Darkest Dungeon and FTL, are built on procedural generation, permadeath and RNG
- Part of the group praises straight combat in other games (9/28), which cuts against pure puzzle-style problem solving
- One of them asked for extra challenge and survival modes, so some still want endless replay
How the score adds up
how strong the evidence is3/5how big the group is2/5backed by their other reviews2/5how unmet the need is3/5how fresh the idea is3/5evidence against it2/5
What this can't tell you
- Only part of each group reviewed other games: 85 players in group 1, 82 in group 2, 44 in group 3, 31 in group 5 and just 28 in group 4. Everything on this page about their taste elsewhere rests on those players alone.
- The ‘plays more than the rest’ ratios usually come from 3 to 5 players. Crusader Kings III shows 12x for group 1 because 3 of its 103 players reviewed it and 0 of the other 207 did. Hundreds of games were compared, so a handful will look striking by chance alone. Treat a big ratio as a lead to check, not a result.
- The reviews we read mix a deliberately sentiment-balanced batch with a later batch that follows the game's natural, mostly positive split. Complaints and quit reasons therefore show up more often here than they do in the wild.
- What players own and have played is weaker evidence than what they wrote, so it is kept separate. One idle/farming account was dropped for logging playtime on over 20,000 games.
- An LLM squashed the raw labels into a fixed vocabulary, so broad labels can swallow narrower ones and blur some distinctions.
- The clustering silhouette is about 0.2, meaning the groups overlap rather than separate cleanly. They were reviewed and merged by hand, as this method requires.