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) | – | 74 | 11 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 74% | 69 | 17 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 74 | 5 |
| 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 3h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (21)
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.
- 85
“Journey of the Broken Circle is a lovely, thought-provoking game that uses simplicity to explore the complexity of relationships.”
read full review ↗ - 79
“Who knew that an incomplete circle (who looks suspiciously like a certain gaming icon) and an oddball mix of plants and normally inanimate objects would have so much to offer in the way of philosophy? Circle, who feels incomplete, is in search of feeling whole and wants to explore the world...”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The development team has crafted an experience that shows how while life can be filled with anxiety, worrying often proves to be a waste of time because the worst case scenario does not come true, even when an enemy gives chase. Journey of the Broken Circle on Nintendo is a mental journey through conquering fears, pieced together with impressive attention to detail, showing that just by trying hard - dozens of times if needs be - moving forward can happen and positive results can occur despite the person's apprehensiveness. The perfect mix of platform-puzzling goodness, and deep, profound story-telling.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“In any case, Journey of the Broken Circle seems to be more interested in outlining the deeply earthly, universally human part of its history, than offering a satisfying platformer.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Journey of the Broken Circle is beautiful and written well with some delightful dialogue, hampered by the actual video game bit, which doesn’t really measure up to its presentation and story. It’s a shame, because otherwise it’s a pleasant enough journey with something important to say.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The story teaches us how to become content with ourselves and our spirits, as well as helping us learn what we value in other people whom we seek to have become part of our lives. Though some sections of the game could definitely use some polish, in addition to being a bit more tedious and frustrating than you'd expect, the value and overall presentation of this emotionally driven tale more than makes up for its hitches. Journey of the Broken Circle is a title that I'd heavily recommend to those who are battling wars within themselves and wish to find a relatable experience that can provide peace, and maybe even a little wisdom for the game we all play: life.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“What influences my opinion is that this is, after all, a platformer at heart. The challenges got more difficult the farther I went in, to a point where I despaired of ever progressing. But, it doesn’t seem fair to reflect the fact that I’m awful at platforming gameplay in the final verdict. So I will say: if you like platformers and like a bit of food for thought, this is a great game. If you are bad at platforming, then you may have to find someone in your family to help you along in tight spots to enjoy the entire story.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Overall Journey Of The Broken Circle is still a decent indie platformer. Its strong characters and effective story are enough to warm even the coldest of hearts, in spite of its occasional issues with gameplay that could put players off. It's a concise, well-crafted puzzler that doesn't outstay its welcome, which is more than enough reason to give it a shot if interested.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“If you’re looking for a platforming experience that won’t push you to your limits but instead engage you in a thoughtful, sometimes meditative journey, then you won’t go far wrong with Journey of the Broken Circle. There are a few issues with its writing and translation, but there’s nothing to detract from its beautiful art and sumptuous soundtrack. Slow down, enjoy the scenery, and take heed of its message.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Journey of the Broken Circle’s blend of emotional-storytelling and neat puzzle-platforming makes for a really fun adventure, with this poor broken circle’s tale certainly a memorable one. Who would have thought that a circle could go through so much? It’ll definitely prove relatable for a lot of gamers out there… With its clever puzzles and vibrant world though, there really is a lot to enjoy about the game. It does have its sour moments here and there (most notably with the occasional physics flaw), but for the most part its easy to sing Journey of the Broken Circle’s praises.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Journey of the Broken Circle is a story about friendship, loss, love and beauty. Most of all though it’s a story about a little circle who likes to stick random things in his mouth. How does he still talk when his mouth is holding a random object? Who knows, all I know is that this game hits some narrative tones that I was perhaps not expecting and perhaps are unheard of for a game of its ilk.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Roll all the way to your destiny in Journey of the Broken Circle. Join Circle in its search for its missing piece, all while marveling at a beautiful minimalistic world filled with fun-loving characters ready to wax philosophical.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
Nindie Spotlight
Cubed3
Enternity.gr
FingerGuns
NintendoWorldReport
LadiesGamers.com
Screen Rant
GameSpew
Use a Potion
Rapid Reviews UK
KeenGamer…and 9 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Patch for v.1.0Sep 24, 2020