As part of an experiment, I downloaded 3,123 recent Steam reviews about Hunt: Showdown 1896. These reviews specifically focus on the most recent update, the Murder Circus update featuring Post Malone content. Since this update seemed to receive mixed reactions, I was interested in doing some sentiment analysis over these Steam reviews. As a sidestep I asked AI to create a podcast about the reviews.
It’s a conversation between two hosts talking about the reception of the game for 15 minutes, with references at the end to other games like Rainbow Six: Siege and Escape From Tarkov. I'm not sure how to put the result into words to be honest.
Here’s the audio clip:
Here's the entire transcript of the podcast as well:
Speaker1: All right, let's dive in. We're tackling Hunt Showdown 1896. Today we've got a mountain of steam reviews. And it seems like this latest update has really shaken things up. So we're going to find out how players are experiencing this monster filled world. Yeah.
Speaker2: The hunt community is really passionate. Even with all these changes. You've got die hard fans loving the additions. And veteran players are voicing some real concerns. And then you've got new folks just trying to figure out this unforgiving game. For sure.
Speaker1: For sure. So let's start with what everybody seems to love. Even with all the controversy, the reviews all agree that hunt still nails the atmosphere and sound design.
Speaker2: Oh,absolutely.
Speaker1: Players are talking about this feeling of dread, like they're actually being stalked through this swamp, a swamp just crawling with these nightmarish creatures.
Speaker2: It's really impressive how the sound design isn't just like background noise.Players are saying it's phenomenal not just for setting the mood, but actually giving you vital clues for gameplay. Oh, interesting. It's like the sound itself becomes a weapon, a way to track where the enemies are, anticipate ambushes and basically navigate this world where every step could be your last.
Speaker1: Wow.That's intense. Yeah, it's kind of ironic, though, isn't it? Because this focus on sound design seems to clash with some of the changes in this 1896 update.
Speaker2: Yeah,that's a good point. A lot of reviewers are worried about the rise of what they call silent weapons, or just more suppressors on more guns in a game where sound is so key to survival. This has led to some frustration, with players feeling like the game is shifting more toward a stealth focused, you know, a hide and seek style of gameplay.
Speaker1: Yeah, I could see that if everybody's running around with silenced weapons. It takes away that strategic layer of audio feedback that hunt was known for being able to pinpoint an enemy's location based on the sound of their gun. Exactly. The crack of a Springfield, the clang of a wind field.
Speaker2: Hunt has always had this careful balance between action and tension, and sound design was a huge part of that. By muffling those combat sounds, some players feel like the update has tipped the scales too far towards stealth.
Speaker1: Making the gameplay less dynamic.
Speaker2: Right.Less dynamic and more predictable.
Speaker1: Speaking of changes that are shaking things up, we got to talk about the elephant in the room, the 1896 update itself. It brought a brand new game engine and acompletely overhauled user interface. The UI, which seemed to be causing bothexcitement and frustration.
Speaker2: Yeah,the new engine, while it's promising in theory, has led to a bunch of technical problems for some players.
Speaker1: Like what kinds of problems?
Speaker2: We're seeing reports of frame rate drops, screen tearing, even crashes. And get this some players with high core count CPUs like those running Threadrippers. They can't even launch the game after the update.
Speaker1: Oh,wow. That's rough. Not exactly the experience you want after a major update,especially if you've invested in really powerful hardware. It sounds like thisengine upgrade, even though it was supposed to improve performance, has actually caused a ton of headaches for a lot of players.
Speaker2: It just goes to show the challenge of balancing innovation and stability. You make such fundamental changes to a game's technology, There's always a chance of unexpected problems. And in this case, it seems like the switch to the new engine hasn't been as smooth as people hoped.
Speaker1: And then you've got the new UI, which is getting absolutely roasted. In these reviews, players are calling it clunky, confusing, and a huge downgrade fromthe old UI. A lot of PC players feel like it sacrifices functionality, right?For a more streamlined what they call console friendly design.
Speaker2: The complaints about the UI are pretty specific. For example, a lot of PC players are upset because the new UI hides information that they used to be able to see quickly, like ammo counts and detailed weapons stats. Interesting. This makes them feel like the design is prioritizing console players at the expense of PC players, who are used to having more information readily available.
Speaker1: So it's not just about how it looks, it's about how it functions. Yeah, and how these changes affect the overall gameplay experience for different players. It sounds like a lot of PC players feel like they're getting left behind. Yeah. In this push toward a more console centric design.
Speaker2: This kind of ties into a broader concern about where the game is headed. Some veteran players are saying they feel alienated, feeling like the 1896 update,and the patches that have come after are steering hunt away from its hardcore PC centric roots towards a more mainstream, casual audience.
Speaker1: It's interesting you say that, because this shift towards a more casual experience seems to be coming from a few different things. You've got changes to the gameplay itself, bigger emphasis on monetization, and the addition of licensed characters. This is where things get really interesting.
Speaker2: Let's dive into that in part two.
Speaker1: Okay,so we talked about those technical issues in the UI frustrations. But what about the actual gameplay changes? Those seem to be at the heart of this whole controversy, with veteran players feeling like the game is losing its soul.
Speaker2: Yeah.You know, it's funny how some of these changes connect back to what we weretalking about earlier with the sound design. A lot of veteran players are pointing to the ammo system overhaul as a prime example of how hunt is becoming less strategic and more action oriented.
Speaker1: You mentioned ammo earlier, but could you maybe break that down a little more for people who aren't as familiar with all the details of hunt? Sure.
Speaker2: So hunt has always had this really unique ammo system where special ammo types like poison or incendiary rounds were a precious resource. You had to use them strategically, and they could often be the difference between winning and losing a fight. But with the 1896 update, special ammo has become a lot easier to get, and many players feel like that has taken away some of the strategic depth of combat.
Speaker1: So it's less about making each shot count and more about just unloading whatever special ammo you have.
Speaker2: That's the concern a lot of players are raising. They feel like the increased availability of special ammo has kind of made all the gunfights feel the same,like it's less about precision and skill and more about who can just spam the most special rounds.
Speaker1: Andt his feeds into that bigger complaint about the game feeling dumbed down like it's catering to more casual players. Reviewers have pointed to some of the new weapons and traits as evidence of this.
Speaker2: Exactly.One weapon in particular. The shredder, has gotten a lot of flack. It's basically a sawed off shotgun that fires a spread of shrapnel, and a lot of players feel like it rewards a less skillful play style where you just get up close and blast away.
Speaker1: Hunt has always been a game that rewarded patience and strategy, right? You know,carefully flanking enemies, using sound traps, setting ambushes.
Speaker2: Absolutely.
Speaker1: It was a game that made you think before you acted.
Speaker2: Exactly.
Speaker1: And some players are worried that these newer additions are shifting the game away from that.
Speaker2: Away from that thoughtful, deliberate style of gameplay towards a.
Speaker1: More run and gun approach that doesn't require the same level of tactical thinking.Right. Yeah. And then there's the whole monetization thing. A lot of players are feeling like hunt is putting more and more emphasis on selling cosmetic items and battle passes, which reinforces the idea that the game is prioritizing profits over the core gameplay experience.
Speaker2: Yeah, I see.
Speaker1: That the addition of licensed characters like Post Malone and Ghostface has really highlighted this concern for a lot of lot of veteran players, it feels like a huge departure from Hunt's gritty, realistic style and a sign that the game is going after a bigger, more mainstream audience. It's almost like they're trying to inject this Fortnite vibe into the game, which doesn't really fit with the tone hunt established early on.
Speaker2: It's interesting, right, because this kind of reflects a larger trend we're seeing across the whole gaming industry, this constant pressure to make money, to keep players engaged with new content and cosmetic items, and to try to appeal to as many people as possible.
Speaker1: It's like this balancing act. But what's really interesting here is that even with all these criticisms, even with the technical problems, the UI issues, the controversial gameplay changes, there's still this underlying sense of love and dedication to the game. Players are voicing their concerns so passionately because they really care about hunt. Yeah, and they want to see it thrive.
Speaker2: Yeah,that's what's so striking. Even the most critical reviews still express a hope that Crytek, the developers, will listen to the feedback and make adjustments.They're urging the devs to remember what made hunt so special, to focus on that core gameplay experience that drew players in initially, and to rebuild that strong connection with the community. You know, that connection that the game was known for.
Speaker1: So even amidst all the controversy, there's this glimmer of optimism, this belief that hunt can recapture that magic. But it sounds like the developers have a lot of work to do to regain the trust of players who are feeling increasingly alienated.
Speaker2: Yeah,for sure. And this brings us to a really crucial point communication and transparency. One of the things that comes up again and again in these reviews is this feeling of disconnect between Crytek and the hunt community. Players feel like their concerns are being ignored, that the devs are more interested in pushing out new content and making money than they are in addressing the core gameplay issues and actually listening to the feedback.
Speaker1: Right,and this lack of communication just adds to the frustration and alienation that players are feeling. For sure, when you feel like your voice isn't being heard,it's easy to get disillusioned and lose faith in the game and the people making it. And that's a.
Speaker2: Real shame because as we've seen, the hunt community is incredibly passionate and involved. They have valuable insights and feedback that could help make the game better.
Speaker1: It's a missed opportunity for sure. It really highlights how important it is for devs to have a healthy dialogue with their players, especially with online games where ongoing support and communication are so essential for a thriving community.
Speaker2: Now,before we move on to our final thoughts, I think it's important to acknowledge that not all the feedback is negative. We've been focusing on the criticisms,but there are also a lot of positive reviews praising the 1896 update and the direction that the game is taking.
Speaker1: That'sa great point. It's easy to get caught up in the negativity, but it's crucial to remember that there are players out there who are genuinely enjoying the changes, who are finding new ways to play and engage with the game, and those perspectives are just as valuable. So let's take a moment to highlight some of that positive feedback.
Speaker2: Okay,so for starters, Many players are really praising the new engine for the improved visuals and performance. They're reporting smoother frame rates, less stuttering and just a more visually appealing experience overall.
Speaker1: It's good to hear it seems like the new engine, even with those early issues, is starting to deliver on its promises.
Speaker2: Yeah,and even with the criticisms, some players are actually enjoying the new UI.They find it more intuitive and visually appealing, and they like the streamlined design.
Speaker1: It seems like those design choices, even though they're controversial, are resonating with some players. It's a good reminder that everyone has different tastes. What one player finds clunky, another might find refreshing.
Speaker2: Exactly.And we can't forget about all the new content that's been added to the game.Players are excited about the new map variations, the new weapons and traits,and the ongoing events and challenges that keep things fresh.
Speaker1: So even with all the debate around the update, there's still a lot of reasons to be optimistic about Hunt Showdown. It's a game that keeps evolving, pushing boundaries and sparking these passionate discussions within its community.
Speaker2: That passion, whether it's expressed through praise or criticism. Really speaks to the game's unique appeal and its ability to connect with players on a deep level. It's a game that inspires strong emotions, and that's powerful.
Speaker1: Absolutely.As we move into our final thoughts, let's keep that passion in mind. It's the driving force behind these deep dives and what makes exploring these complex issues so rewarding.
Speaker2: Now let's think about everything we've learned from these player perspectives. What does it tell us about the state of Hunt showdown right now? And maybe even more importantly, what does it tell us about the bigger trends that are shaping the world of gaming?
Speaker1: It really does feel like Hunt Showdown is kind of at a crossroads right now,trying to grow, trying to bring in new players, but at the same time, it risks losing those hardcore fans who made it what it is. Yeah, it's.
Speaker2: A classic dilemma for game developers, isn't it? How do you balance growth and innovation with staying true to what made the game successful in the first place? And with Hunt Showdown, this whole thing is even more intense because the community is so passionate and vocal about where the game goes.
Speaker1: So let me ask you this. If you were suddenly in charge of hunt showdown, what would be your top priority? Would you focus on attracting a wider audience, even if it meant making more changes that might upset those veteran players?
Speaker2: That is the question, isn't it? There's no easy answer. On the one hand, you know,bringing in more players can really breathe new life into a game helps ensure that it will be around for a long time. But on the other hand, if you're always chasing trends, trying to please everyone, you risk losing that special something that made the game unique in the first place.
Speaker1: It's a tough line to walk, for sure, and it's even tougher with that constant pressure to make money, to keep pumping out new content and just to compete in a marke yhat's getting more and more crowded.
Speaker2: It's interesting to think about how the decisions being made about Hunt Showdown reflect this bigger trend we're seeing across the gaming industry. More andmore games are struggling with this balance between preserving the core experience and trying to reach a wider audience. You look at games like RainbowSix Siege or Escape From Tarkov. They started out as niche games, but over time they've evolved, adding new features, new content to attract more players.
Speaker1: And that evolution always comes with some growing pains, right? Absolutely. Some players are happy with the changes, while others feel like the game they lovedis changing too much. It raises an important question for all of us as gamers,what compromises are we willing to accept in the games we love? At what pointdoes a game lose its identity in the pursuit of growth and bigger numbers?
Speaker2: It's something we all have to grapple with. It's a personal choice, really. No right or wrong answer. But being aware of these trends, understanding what's shapingthe games we play can help us make smarter choices about where we spend ou rtime and money, and.
Speaker1: Itgives us the power to speak up, to have these conversations, and to help shape the future of the games we care about. Exactly. Whether it's writing reviews,participating in forums, or just talking to our friends, our voices matter.
Speaker2: Absolutely.Through those voices, those individual perspectives that we get a deeper understanding of these complex issues, game development, community dynamics,the whole evolving landscape of the gaming industry.
Speaker1: So a swe wrap up this deep dive into Hunt Showdown 1896, we'll leave you with a final thought to chew on. If you were calling the shots for hunt, which path would you choose? Would you prioritize preserving that core experience, the one that brought in those dedicated players? Or would you steer the game towards a wider audience, even if it meant changing things that might alienate some of those veterans?
Speaker2: Tough choices, for sure, but it's a question worth thinking about because ultimately,the future of hunt showdown, and maybe even the future of gaming itself depends on the choices we make, the conversations we have, and the voices we raise.
Speaker1: That's it for this deep dive of the deep dive. Your shortcut to being in the know.Keep exploring these issues, share your own thoughts, and be part of shaping the future of the games you love. Until next time, keep diving deep and keep those conversations going.
