Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
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 (OpenCritic) | – | 71 | 13 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 70 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 78% | 72 | 558 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 74% | 70 | 2 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 6 reviews sampled · 4 total reviews in window · weighted 1.7 up / 0.6 down · computed 3h 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.
- 65
“Tools Up! is simply another goof that makes fun of another activity in people's lives. After cooking in the form of Overcooked! and the house moving of Moving Out, you get to renovate a house, which again, you'll enjoy mostly with friends. The title offers a cool challenge, a well-crafted soundtrack and nice visuals that make the gameplay even more immersive. The final impression is spoiled by poorly optimised controls in some respects and a few bugs that can hurt you a lot during gameplay.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“If you’re after an alternative to Overcooked, then Tools Up offers up enough incentive to take the plunge, even if it doesn’t quite match up.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“If you're a fan of the Overcooked series, taking on somewhat simple actions while under the gun, either playing solo or with some help, Tools Up is looking to capitalize on your appreciation for that style of play...”
read full review ↗ - 70
“It's an incredibly accessible game, but the necessity to cooperate isn't as strong, and it may not hold your attention as much because there's less going on.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Despite a handful of issues issues, Tools Up! is a co-op game that does the impossible and actually makes DIY fun! It might even inspire you to do some real-life DIY. Nah, who am I kidding? That extractor fan is going to stay well and truly un-extracted.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Tools Up wears its Overcooked inspirations on its suspenders. Though it lacks the polish of that game, it is still a co-op party game worth any genre fan's time.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“For fans of local multiplayer games like I am you’ll probably find enjoyment in Tools Up! especially if you’re a fan of Overcooked. I highly recommend you only get this if you have others to play with though as it just isn’t as fun playing solo. ”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Tools Up! is a fun little party game that would be perfect for this time of year, what with all the Christmas gatherings. It's not going to blow your mind with innovation, but it's going to provide you with warm fuzzies and fun memories. If you've played Overcooked to death and are looking for something that feels the same, but is new, then this is also the perfect game for you. It's reasonably priced, and will provide many hours of fun entertainment.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“The game is at its best in levels that add something interesting, such as the dog or streams of lava. But those moments are far and few in between, despite the games short length. Most levels my partner and I didn’t speak a word to each other after we decided what rooms each of us would tackle. A dark contrast to other party games that have players constantly yelling at each other and laughing.”
read full review ↗ - 72
“Although I did have a lot of fun while playing Tools Up! during the moment, I found myself wanting more from it upon reflection. It is a fun game, but the only challenge comes from timing, essentially. I can see why there would be more chaos with more players, as that would require more co-operation, but… It just felt like it was missing that little something.”
read full review ↗ - 79
“While there are other games out there with similar gameplay you could find some a lot less worthy of your time and money. If you’re looking for a crazy team-based co-op game which can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels then you would be wise to check out this title.”
read full review ↗ - 50
“Once you’ve figured out what you’re supposed to be doing, Tools Up! is good for a few laughs with a friend or two. But don’t expect to take the game seriously; if you’re aiming for three-star success you’re likely to find it more frustrating than fun.”
read full review ↗
Gaming Professors
Nintendo Life
Nindie Spotlight
Push Square
TheSixthAxis
GameSkinny
ThisGenGaming
LadiesGamers.com
GideonsGaming
Gamezo
FinalBoss
GameSpew…and 12 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Security updateAug 11, 2026
- Achievements HotfixOct 1, 2020
- Update available! Enjoy Time Attack mode and new skins!Sep 23, 2020significant · resets scoring window
- Platinum Achievement HotfixJan 30, 2020
- Hotfix is here!Jan 24, 2020
- The first update is available!Dec 13, 2019