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) | – | 72 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| 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 (24)
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
“Shu is an elegant, attractive and thoughtful 2D platformer that strips away a lot of the excess of its genre rivals. It's still not ripping up any rulebooks or reinventing the wheel, and it's far from the best platformer on the eShop. If you're after a more sedate alternative to Sonic Mania and company, however, it's an enjoyable way to spend a few hours.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Shu is a pretty and emotional journey whose atmosphere building is just like my love towards soccer - non-existent. It looks and plays nice, but ultimately fails to capture our hearts with its cute yet flawed storytelling.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“If you’re looking for a solid platformer, you may find Shu to be your remedy. While it never really shakes up the genre, it ticks all the boxes that platformer fans enjoy. Shu’s main campaign doesn’t last very long, just a handful of hours, but it’s designed so that players will want to continue playing to find every collectible and improve their timing. If you’re the kind of player that likes that sort of challenge, Shu may just be for you.”
read full review ↗ - 83
“From the gorgeous, simple visuals to the ever-changing platforming, Shu is an excellent example of what a small developer can do to push the genre forward. For that reason, this game is worth a look for platforming fans.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“In the end, Shu is a well-made platformer that is short but does many things right. It may not be the best, flawless or the most original game out there, but it's a fun and varied journey that's worth taking if you're fond of the genre.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“SHU is a classic platformer that does the genre justice. It may not be super advanced, but it is good fun.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Shu is a platformer that while short, is a magnificent piece of gaming to discover and explore. Its wonderful audiovisual component, a difficulty curve that gradually increases the performance demanded from the player and a capacity to keep the players holding on to it until the very end make this a title that is more than worthy of its praise.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Despite it being a short game outside of its high replay value, Shu is a charming and beautiful 2.5D platformer that has a lot to offer between its calm stages and its more frantic moments.”
read full review ↗ - 50
“A basic platformer with the same old clichéd mobility tools and a pretty underwhelming world to be a part of just isn’t enough to make its mark these days, making Shu feel a little played out. It’s by no means a bad game, but hardly a good one either; it falls quite neatly into the comfortable, average middle-ground.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Shu is a beautiful 2D platformer that while short on length and content provides a wonderful and mostly peaceful adventure for all audiences to enjoy.”
read full review ↗ - 50
“Shu is a game with a simple but strong core. Unfortunately the extra features often don't do anything or don't work properly. Although the game looks great, its story is very short and the controls suffer from some frustrating bugs. Your money could be better spent on other games.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Shu is nice, but it is overshadowed by the many other 2D platformers on Switch. ”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
PLAY Zine
NintendoWorldReport
Nintendojo
Worth Playing
FNintendo
DarkZero
Switch Player…and 12 more tracked reviews.