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) | – | 76 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 86 | 56 |
| 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 (27)
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.
- 70
“While Clementine and AJ attempt to make friends with the children of the nearby boarding school, most of the episode is dedicated to getting to know each character and finding their place in the school, which begins to drag. However, in a bid to make up for lost time, the closing moments of the episode is a cliff-hanger that leaves the entire cast of characters shocked - and makes waiting for Episode 2 a painful but exciting venture.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Telltale is really good at creating a twisted plot and deeply understand how to shock their fans. Playing the role of Clementine is both touching and satisfying for old fans while the little girl has grown up and started to protect and guide another child just like the way Lee did. There is no doubt that episode 1 is a good start.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“With changes to its gameplay engine, combat, visual style and choice-driven narrative, The Walking Dead: The Final Season starts out on the right foot. Though there are moments that take you out of the immersive story, its gripping conclusion sets up what looks to be one of the franchise’s best season in years.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“There is very little wrong with this episode but for someone who critically analyzes the storyline and how the events unfold, I would have preferred a little insight into how AJ's personality was shaped from past events. This scenario could probably become an episode itself. That being said, this episode is a fitting but perhaps a little bland start to the final season of The Walking Dead.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Done Running is good. Clichéd or not, Telltale always knows how to tell a great story. The graphics have improved two-fold and the controls are better than ever, but I had really hoped to see something new in the narrative, especially seeing as it’s the last time we’ll be playing these characters. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season, but I do have my fingers crossed that the narrative gets a much-needed shake-up in the next episode.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“While some of the exposition-heavy conversations drone on longer than they should, it ends on a powerful note foreshadowing some difficult lessons Clementine has yet to learn about what it means to grow up and lead in a post-society world.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The first episode repeats too many situations from previous seasons. As a result, it becomes too predictable.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Episode 1 is a good indication of where the season and series are headed, and while I've thoroughly enjoyed it, when titles like Life is Strange and Before the Storm are released and compete with the franchise, one has to expect Telltale to up their game. What was great back in 2012 is no longer great in 2018, and maybe that's why Telltale is putting the cap on the series with The Final Season. ”
read full review ↗ - 90
“One of Telltale Games’ best efforts in quite some time. It builds its cast of likeable new characters with uncommon skill, lets you feel a glimmer of hope, and then tears it all down in devastating fashion. I’m afraid of what might come next for Clementine and AJ, but I can’t look away…The Final Season has already sunk its teeth into me.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Done Running is mostly a matter of getting to know the new cast of characters we are about to spend several hours with, getting clued up on their thoughts, attitudes, talents and backstories. Most of the action is pretty poor, but things ramp up hard for a great, genuinely shocking finale. It is already apparent that The Walking Dead: The Final Season will just be more of the same, but that's hardly likely to disappoint anyone who has gotten four whole seasons into this adventure.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“As a first episode, Done Running managed to hook me in with its quiet, character moments, allowing for a closer connection to a character I have watched grow from a child into a young woman. I know there’s a lot left to come, but if these moments are any indication of where this season is headed, I am quite sure that the combination of Clem and AJ will have me breaking down in a flood of tears at the end. While the action detracts from the overall experience, I can’t help but look forward to the end, and the hope, that maybe, there is a happy ending inside the world of The Walking Dead.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Telltale has also integrated what might be the most robust gameplay mechanics of one of the studio’s titles yet.”
read full review ↗
Cubed3
Gamersky
Game Debate
GameSpew
IGN
RPG Fan
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Destructoid
Darkstation
DualShockers…and 15 more tracked reviews.