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How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 75 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 57 | 34 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 75 | 87 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 5h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (23)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“The goal of making it to Puerto Lobos feels increasingly immaterial given the escalation of Daniel's powers and the hurdles in their way. As they say, the journey matters far more than the destination, and Sean and Daniel's journey is one that continues to intrigue.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Another slow-paced and only intermittently interesting episode, that underlines the fact that the story and characters are never going to be as engaging as the first episode suggested.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“By choosing to flesh out the supporting cast, Life is Strange 2 reaches a new high with the release of Wastelands. It's an emotionally intense episode that both builds and destroys the bonds Sean has worked so hard to forge. ”
read full review ↗ - 70
“When we sum up our experience with episode 3, it definitely feels better than when we played through the other parts. It all ends as usual with a strong cliffhanger that promises well for the continuation. We hope, however, that the next episode offers more action and gameplay moments with more direct control over the events.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Short but intense episode that begins to show what this season of contents is going to be capable of showing. Multiple endings and a satisfying cliffhanger for this 2 hour adventure that leaves us wanting the 4º episode.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“Wastelands is a textbook filler episode. Sure, there's interesting character development, but it isn't rooted in any interesting gameplay, as Life is Strange 2 still keeps player interactivity to a bare minimum. Add to this a certain level of predictability and you'll understand why this third episode left us thoroughly underwhelmed.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Life is Strange 2 - Episode 3 continues to impress in terms of soundtrack, setting and character development. It's not as fast paced as the others in this series, but it works perfectly for the emotional narrative underpinning the overall journey.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“The third episode of Life is Strange 2 delivers a constant sense of tension while focusing on the characters. The choices you have make however feel forced upon you. It's a bit weird since this episode lets you breath and delivers some depth.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“In the series' third chapter, Life is Strange 2 delivers its best episode yet that touches on Sean and Daniel finding themselves in the wild.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“More than halfway through the story of Life is Strange 2, and it seems that the series story is still off the track. Wastelands episode offers the same solid music and tempo that we expected, but nothing more, and the only reason it can be considered a good episode is because of the way it concluded and opened up a huge potential for the next episode. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Life Is Strange 2 Episode 3: Wastelands is the weakest and shortest installment of the game so far. The dialogue-heavy episode starts slow but finishes strong and sets up a new obstacle for Sean and Daniel with a real cliffhanger of an ending. ”
read full review ↗ - 73
“Sean and Daniel’s relationship continues to be the best part of Life is Strange 2. Will they continue to grow apart or will they find common ground despite their differences? I’m eager to leave behind the hippies and weed farm, and see what comes next for the Diaz brothers.”
read full review ↗
GameSpot
Metro GameCentral
We Got This Covered
M3
IGN
Wccftech
DualShockers
BaziCenter
PlayStation Universe
Game Informer…and 11 more tracked reviews.