Recent reviews by Libamentum

The Finals is not only fun, but also runs great on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS using Proton Experimental without requiring extra tweaks. Since it’s rated "Gold" on ProtonDB, it should also work reliably on many other Linux distributions with minimal configuration.

The game ran well for years using Proton, but unfortunately, official Linux support has been dropped. The EAC (Easy Anti-Cheat) compatibility setting has also been disabled, rendering the game unplayable on Linux systems for now.

Recently, I played the physical version of Exploding Kittens and found it thoroughly entertaining. I decided to give the digital version on Steam a try, and here's my detailed take:

Pros:

• Easy-to-Learn Rules: The rules are intuitive and match the physical version, making it easy for new and returning players to dive in.
  
• Good Steam Deck Compatibility: The game runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck with SteamOS, requiring no additional tweaks for a smooth experience.
  
• Charming Art Style: The quirky art style is reminiscent of cartoons like Rick and Morty.

Cons:

• System-dependent bugs (particularly relevant for Linux users): On certain systems, technical issues may arise. For instance, on a PC running Ubuntu 22.04 LTS with a dedicated Nvidia graphics card, I encountered persistent freezes during gameplay, even after experimenting with different configurations and Wine/Proton versions. This is more of a neutral observation, given that it doesn't officially support Linux.
  
• Pricey Expansions: The expansions feel relatively expensive for a game of this scale, which may deter players who prefer a more complete experience at the base price.
  
• Achievements Locked Behind Paywalls: Two achievements are tied to a paid expansion that introduces additional game modes, which can be frustrating for completionists.
  
• Online Account Requirement: An extra "bubble"-account is mandatory to play online, adding an unnecessary barrier for multiplayer gameplay.
  
• No Controller Support: It’s uncommon to play a card game on PC with a controller, but I wanted to mention this for anyone planning to use one, such as on a handheld device without touchpads, like the Rog Ally. However, on the Steam Deck, the game feels quite comfortable using the touchpads.

Overall, while the digital version of Exploding Kittens captures the charm and fun of the physical game, certain technical and monetization choices might limit its appeal to some players. Despite these drawbacks, it's an enjoyable experience.