I scraped 1000 reviews of Nightingale from the Steam Store, keeping in mind the game has barely been out for a full day. All reviews are from players who spent at least 2 hours with the game (the cut off point for a refund on Steam). Using GPT4 I performed a sentiment analysis on the Recommended reviews, the Not Recommended reviews, and the combination of the two. What we find, is a strong set of themes which seem to be unanimously agreed by players. It’s worth noting that many reviews appeared to give an instant Negative if they were unable to connect, meaning they didn’t actually play the game. I have filtered these out of the data, while retaining note of the fact that server issues prevented some people from playing altogether.
Nightingale…
…a title that has garnered a lot of attention on Steam, recently hit a milestone with over a thousand reviews posted by its vibrant community. These reviews, a mix of praise and criticism, paint a complex picture of the game’s current state, its gameplay, and the overall player experience. By diving deep into both “Recommended” and “Not Recommended” reviews, we’ve distilled the essence of what players think about Nightingale so far.
Always Online – A Double-Edged Sword
A significant point of discussion among the community is the game’s “always online” requirement. For some, this is a non-issue, seamlessly fitting into their online gaming routine. However, for others, particularly those who favor single-player experiences or have unreliable internet connections, it’s a major deterrent. This requirement has sparked debates about the accessibility and inclusivity of Nightingale, suggesting a divide in player preferences.
The Single Player Conundrum
Speaking of single-player experiences, “single player” is a term frequently mentioned in reviews, indicating a strong interest in Nightingale’s offering for solo gamers. Players seem to be searching for a rich, engaging single-player mode, something that current sentiments suggest Nightingale is either lacking or could significantly improve upon.
Crafting and Survival – Core Elements Under Scrutiny
Nightingale’s survival crafting mechanics are another hot topic. While some players are enamored with the game’s approach to crafting and survival, others find it lacking or too similar to other titles in the genre. This split opinion highlights the challenge of innovating within a well-trodden genre, where expectations are high, and comparisons to predecessors are inevitable.
Anticipation for the Future

Despite the criticisms, there’s a sense of “looking forward” among the community. Many reviews express hope for future updates and improvements that could address current shortcomings. This anticipation speaks to the game’s potential and the faith the community has in the developers to refine and improve the experience.
Character Creation – A Highlight with Room for Growth
Character creation features prominently in player feedback, with many appreciating the ability to customize their in-game avatars. However, like other aspects of Nightingale, there’s a desire for more depth and variety. Players are looking for an even richer set of customization options to truly make each character their own.
Current State and Refunds – Indicators of a Rocky Start
References to the “current state” of the game and “product refunded” are telltale signs of a rocky start for Nightingale. These phrases, particularly prevalent in “Not Recommended” reviews, indicate dissatisfaction with the game as it stands, leading some players to seek refunds. This feedback is invaluable to developers, highlighting areas for immediate attention and improvement.

Sentiment of Recommended and Not Recommended
The average sentiment of the reviews classified as “Recommended” for the game “Nightingale” is approximately 0.13 on a scale from -1 (very negative) to 1 (very positive). This indicates a generally positive sentiment, albeit not overwhelmingly so, suggesting that while players have positive views on the game, there may be room for improvement or mixed feelings in certain areas.
The average sentiment of the reviews classified as “Not Recommended” for the game “Nightingale” is approximately -0.025 on a scale from -1 (very negative) to 1 (very positive). This indicates a slightly negative sentiment overall, which is expected given these reviews are not recommending the game. It suggests that players have specific criticisms or negative experiences that led them to not recommend the game.
In Conclusion
The first thousand reviews of Nightingale on Steam reveal a game teeming with potential but facing significant challenges. The always-online requirement, the craving for a compelling single-player experience, and mixed reactions to survival crafting mechanics stand out as critical areas for the developers to address. However, the community’s hope and anticipation for what Nightingale could become signal a willingness to embark on this journey with the developers.
As Nightingale continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how the game grows and adapts in response to this early feedback. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but also opportunities for Nightingale to carve out a unique niche within the crowded survival crafting genre. Only time will tell if it will soar or falter, but one thing is clear: Steam’s community will be watching closely, ready to share their thoughts every step of the way.