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) | – | 83 | 20 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 79 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 85 | 66 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 75 | 750 |
| 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 (67)
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.
- 90
“It’s also the only title I know of that made me happy while playing it. How often can you say that about a videogame?”
read full review ↗ - 91
“A success due to a number of reasons including an inspired artistic style that is simple but strikingly beautiful, characters that are both eccentric and charming, and a catchy soundtrack that you won't get out of your head.”
read full review ↗ - 92
“A stunning achievement in modern gaming. It is entirely in 2D and uses only three buttons, but it is one of the best games available on the PSP.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Rock-and-roll gameplay to a J-pop beat, LocoRoco is a perfectly rounded handheld puzzler.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Aside from experimental unlocks and silly novelties, the LocoRoco experience is one of undiluted fun. If the tilting, blob moving puzzle-platforming doesn't warm your heart, then the catalogue of alarmingly addictive psychotic J-Pop tunes will have you dancing around the living room.”
read full review ↗ - 77
“LocoRoco oozes charm for days, but the gameplay is a little too singularly focused for its own good.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The action get repetitive very quickly. The game really doesn't introduce any new gamplay mechanics once you learn how to roll and jump, and the levels are far from challenging. It's a solid game, but it feels like one that could have used a bit more attention paid to the gameplay.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“One could blast through the game in a few hours, but that would be missing the point. LocoRoco is meant to be a game where one sits back, relaxes, and enjoys a simple game to unwind with.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“All you need to do is spend a few minutes with these little creatures and you'll likely be hooked. LocoRoco is simple, inspiring, original and fun.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“If they gave this game to depressed people Xanax would be over the counter. [Sept 2006, p.66]”
- 90
“LocoRoco is a bit shallow, but it’s a real treat to play. Earnest and ebullient, it’s tough not to get sucked in by its atmosphere, and equally difficult to stop playing once you’ve figured it out.”
read full review ↗ - 98
“My favorite PSP game. It has beautiful visuals, wonderful songs, cute characters, simple gameplay that’s easy on the go, and a lot of replay value.”
read full review ↗
Worth Playing
Eurogamer
GameSpot…and 55 more tracked reviews.