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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) | – | 93 | 20 |
| Creator reviews (2 tracked) | – | 85 | 2 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 91 | 750 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 89 | 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 (98)
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 takes more than a little bit of programming genius to allow a game as simple and accessible as this to still keep the door open for in-depth competitive play.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“So how does it all stack up? Vocal concerns about past games have been actively addressed, every single fighter from the series is present (even Pichu), the customisability is overwhelmingly vast and it’s all topped off with super-solid single-player modes to boot. We’re not sure how you could make a more robust or pleasing Smash game. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate truly is the ultimate instalment in the series, and it makes you wonder where Sakurai can possibly take this franchise next.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate escalates everything the series was known for, and delivers it flawlessly. Biggest fighter rooster ever, more dynamic gameplay, loads and loads of gameplay modes, stages, weapons, music, stuff! If there is a smash that deserves your cash, this is the one!”
read full review ↗ - 80
“There always seems to be areas that Nintendo doesn't quite expand on - and with the removal of descriptive Trophies whilst using copy-pasted official art for Spirits, and the absolutely pitiful online mode setup and features contained within, it's difficult to say that this really is the ultimate Smash game. Regardless, it is a fantastic celebration of not just Nintendo, but video games in general, and it will provide months, if not years, of both solo and multiplayer mayhem.”
read full review ↗ - 97
“Sakurai did what seemed impossible and created the Super Smash Bros. game that all fans wanted. It has hours of content for single player, a great multiplayer experience and a fast-paced combat that competitive players will love. Sadly, its online is far from perfect.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“As long as you can make sense of the onslaught of characters, modes, and options, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a masterpiece.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“After the short reign of Super Mario Party, Super Smash Bros Ultimate has now become the de-facto game of choice to play at the office as well as the home. It encapsulates the timeless elements of the long running series and sprinkles a wealth of content unmatched by its contemporary rivals. Simply put, it’s couch gaming bliss.”
read full review ↗ - 91
“While it easily could have collapsed under the weight of too much content and a lack of direction, Ultimate is instead very cohesive and doesn’t treat a single bit of itself like excess. The only real question at this point is how Nintendo will ever be able to top this iteration of Smash Bros., but that’s a dilemma for another day, until then, Ultimate is, hands-down, a top-three experience on Switch that everyone needs to experience.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate lives up to the name because it's the best Smash game to date. The absurd character roster, immense amount of content, and general amazing gameplay make it fun in a way that's tough to beat. There are minor quibbles here and there, and the poor online component is a genuine black mark on the rest of the game. Still, Ultimate is a joy to play and a must-buy for anyone who has ever enjoyed smashing some bros. Even considering the Switch's amazing lineup, Smash Ultimate is one of the best the system has to offer.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“In an age where instant gratification is an essential feature in nearly all art, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate might seem almost miserly in its slow drip and patient reveals of its staggering depth. After more than 20 hours with the game, I’d still only unlocked two-thirds of the main cast and explored half of the World of Light’s map. Rather than feel irritated or cheated by its patience, I instead found Ultimate a luxurious experience, every bit as meditative in practice as its fights were bombastic. This is a game to be enjoyed over time, to be savored with a refreshed palate after you’ve spent some time away.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Gigantic, monumental, colossal. Fresh and easy for newcomers, deep and challenging for seasoned players. After Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, it's really hard to imagine how this series is going to improve in the next entries.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“An inconsistent online mode and situational downers don't stop Super Smash Bros. Ultimate from shining as a flexible multiplayer game that can be as freewheeling or as firm as you want it to be. Its entertaining single-player content helps keep the game rich with interesting things to do, as well as bolstering its spirit of loving homage to the games that have graced Nintendo consoles. Ultimate's diverse content is compelling, its strong mechanics are refined, and the encompassing collection is simply superb.”
read full review ↗
Slant Magazine
Nintendo Life
PLAY Zine
Cubed3
LevelUp
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD
Nintendojo
Worth Playing
The Escapist
Eurogamer
GameSpot…and 86 more tracked reviews.