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) | – | 79 | 22 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 85% | 79 | 259 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 100% | 97 | 1 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 4 reviews sampled · 2 total reviews in window · weighted 3.2 up / 0 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (20)
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.
- 75
“A mix of roguelike challenge, stealth, some strategy, base building, and platform shooting that can still feel a bit too much like a grind”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Mr. Sun’s Hatbox is a great pixel art game that proves looks can be deceiving. The game has a lot of charm, potential, and great gameplay; these three aspects combined into one game are a rarity. If we take into account the multiplayer side of the game as well, it’s a good game for hardcore players who want something more relaxed or a casual group of friends needing a laugh while going out on heists.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Mr Sun’s Hatbox is a highly addictive mix of action and management rolled into an amusing premise. It’s a game that keeps on giving the more you put into it. The difficulty is pretty high, especially with the negative perks you have to fight against. But with the regular trickling in of content, there was always an incentive to return for another run. The biggest appeal by far was enjoying the game in short bursts, even though many sessions lasted longer if time allowed. Co-op is also a very welcome feature. I highly recommend this title, even if you’re tired of the rogue-lite formula. This one truly reworks the formula from the familiar action others tend to follow. The greatest lesson I learned from the game is the importance of taking out good insurance.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Mr. Sun’s Hatbox is a loving parody to games that came before, which stands out with its unique mechanics and absurdist humor. However, I think those who fail to appreciate Hatbox’s comedy would be hard pressed to find a reason to stick to the game for long.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Mr. Sun’s Hatbox is a rogue-lite with chaotically fun stealth presented in a simple cute art style. But for all its hyperactive successes, it struggles to keep you playing with a clumsy progression system and perhaps a bit too much slapstick randomness.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Drawing surprising parallels to Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker’s mechanics, Mr Sun’s Hatbox delivers an overall enjoyable indie experience.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Mr. Sun's Hatbox is an action platformer with some simple base-building mechanics and a ton of humorous moments throughout its gameplay. If you want a game with some fun enough mechanics that are also full of silly moments, then Mr. Sun's Hatbox is for you. However, if you get a bit annoyed by repetitious humor, then it may not be for you.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Mr. Sun's Hatbox comes out swinging with beautiful art, a fun personality and a unique gameplay twist, and while it may not succeed at everything it attempts, it's a worthwhile experience nonetheless.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“In an ocean of games both great and small, Mr. Sun’s Hatbox breaks the surface and gives an astonishing display of joy, irritation, irreverence, and nuanced detail. I am deeply pleased to have played, and sincerely hope that I find even more reasons to continue plumbing the depths of these mad missions.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Mr Sun’s Hatbox blends together a variety of platforming, action, and strategy ideas into one brilliantly creative experience, and believe me, it’s easy to lose HOURS on end absorbed in its charming yet violent world. I’ll admit, I wasn’t too sold on the game when I first checked out its Steam page, but after playing it? I was all in. It’s fun and zany in equal measure, with Mr Sun’s Hatbox easily standing out as one of the more unique action-platforming roguelites that I’ve had the joy of playing.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“I had hoped I would find another amazing roguelite in Mr. Sun’s Hatbox. But between the hardcore stealth component and the persistent glitches I encountered, I found the game more of a chore than a delight. While there are plenty of folks that may still enjoy the game, it’s a much harder sell until those nagging issues are patched out.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Luckily, as the player progresses, builds an army of strong combatants with useful quirks, accumulates a stockpile of weapons and hats, and unlocks perks in the research lab, the game gets easier. The challenge definitely remains, but the balance begins to noticeably shift from frustration to fun. People jumping into Mr. Sun’s Hatbox should be prepared to get annoyed and occasionally exit the game feeling irked. But those who persevere will be rewarded with an indie roguelite that ticks all the boxes and is perfect for a quick, fulfilling play session.”
read full review ↗
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Patch history
- Patch 1.09May 15, 2023
- Patch 1.08May 3, 2023
- Patch 1.07May 2, 2023
- Patch 1.06Apr 28, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.05Apr 26, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.04Apr 25, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.03Apr 24, 2023
- Patch 1.02Apr 24, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.01Apr 21, 2023