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) | – | 82 | 20 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 85 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 87 | 165 |
| 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 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (59)
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
“A throwback to the golden age of side-scrolling beat 'em ups that devoured the spare change of many an arcade-infatuated youngster in the late '80s and early '90s.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Dragon's Crown is completely worth your attention, and if you have friends to play it with, it'll be worth the crazy ride.”
read full review ↗ - 87
“Dragon's Crown is a clear tribute to games such as Dungeons & Dragons or Golden Axe. Its technical aspects are superb, the RPG elements are well implemented, and you'll also find the co-op mode very satisfying.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“While it scales back the complexity that defined Princess Crown and Odin Sphere, its focus on deep, varied fighting mechanics make it one of the best beat-em-ups released for any platform in recent years.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Dragon's Crown's narrative may get burned alive by a winged terror before it manages to even draw its sword, but the title's simple yet incredibly refined gameplay and well-crafted co-op component manage to save the day. The adventure glistens thanks to an astounding art direction that's laced with a magical musical score, but we just wished that there was a little more content to gaze lovingly in disbelief at.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Dragon's Crown is a perfect mixture between addictive gameplay and a friendly combat system that can be a real challenge for those seeking to submerge themselves in this beautiful world. In this time filled with mediocre beat'em ups, Dragon's Crown really sticks out.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Fans of the arcade beat ‘em ups of past would regret passing this one by. It is a simple, yet deceptively in-depth brawler that keeps you coming back for more; and thankfully it just keeps on giving.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Dragon's Crown is definitely worth checking out. It's one of the most impressive beat-'em-ups I've ever played, and I feel confident you'll say the same once you purchase it.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Dragon's Crown is gorgeous, and though at times its flavor may be of questionable taste, ultimately it does still manage to strike a lot of the right nostalgia chords.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Instead of a full-blooded reminder of a genre of games sadly departed, it's more often a reminder of why they died away in the first place. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“With so many goals to pursue, Dragon's Crown is much larger than most beat-'em-ups, and more action-packed than most role-playing games. It's both beautiful and captivating in its style and execution, and overall, it's a great hybrid of two very different genres. ”
read full review ↗ - 50
“Dragon’s Crown delivers in a number of areas, though not in the ones that matter most. Stunning visuals and nods to the roleplaying genre simply aren’t enough to outweigh the repetitive combat and a so-so narrative.”
read full review ↗
Slant Magazine
RPGamer
Push Square
LevelUp
ZTGD
Worth Playing
The Escapist
Eurogamer
GameSpot
TheSixthAxis…and 47 more tracked reviews.