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 | – | 72 | 15 |
| 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.
- 80
“Swords & Soldiers II is the sequel that the WiiWare classic truly deserves, and it represents a new-gen upgrade that shines as an example of genuine quality on the eShop.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Although there is a quality campaign to be enjoyed, it is little more than a way to unlock all the factions, units, abilities, and spells to be used in the skirmish modes, because the skirmishing is where Swords & Soldiers II really shines.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Swords & Soldiers II is a follow-up that is exciting for lovers of the original.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“If you’ve got a few hours to kill, its campaign provides great strategic opportunities. And if you’ve got a friend nearby, you could be skirmishing for a long time to come.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Swords and Soldiers II is an amusing and humourous strategy game that doesn't take itself too seriously as far as strategic planning is concerned. Local multiplayer is fun enough to entertain well beyond the lack of replay value of its single player campaign.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“But part of what I love about any good RTS is figuring out ways to trump any given strategy. The Swords & Soldiers games have small tech trees, but that makes the choices all the more meaningful.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Swords and Soldiers II is a direct commitment to the humor, the Vikings and strategy in a casual and fun game that may be a bit shallow.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“The lack of online is disappointing, and there are a few frustrating levels, but all things considered this is a must have for any Wii U owner with an interest in quality experiences, indie or otherwise.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Although Swords and Soldiers II has a limited appeal for those of you who like to only game solo, it's a fine strategy title, and a perfect mix of brevity and depth.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“This game offers the same addictive strategy gameplay as its predecessor, but this time the graphics are a lot better and there is a story instead of missions. However, it is a disappointment to discover Ronimo did not include an online multiplayer.”
read full review ↗ - 60
- 80
“Swords and Soldiers II is a unique take on real-time strategy gameplay that permutes the established formulas equally as much as it simplifies them. The result is an accessible, yet satisfyingly challenging, game which feels just as frenzied as the typical RTS title, but which can be enjoyed in bite-sized portions.”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
Cubed3
NintendoWorldReport
GameSpot
FNintendo
IGN
Nintendo Enthusiast
Destructoid
Digital Chumps…and 12 more tracked reviews.