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) | – | 84 | 27 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 96% | 90 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 84 | 10 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 94% | 89 | 597 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 89.1, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 5,212 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Jan 20, 2025) · 300 reviews sampled · 597 total reviews in window · weighted 178.4 up / 10.8 down · computed 1h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (23)
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
“Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is a very enjoyable sandbox platformer that easily offers dozens of hours of fun. If you are looking for something in the style of Mario games, but on platforms other than Nintendo then you can definitely take a look here.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is a must-have game for all PS5 owners because it takes you back to the PS1 era when we used to have simple platforming games with open sandbox worlds like Ratchet & Clank, Spyro the Dragon, and similar titles. It offers a charmful world, combined with solid gameplay mechanics and no-brainer puzzles that suit players of every age and skill level. You do not need to think about playing this game, and anyone can just pick up a controller and join in the fun. If you miss the nostalgic open-world sandbox gameplay of those early PS1 titles, Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is here with its gorgeous level design and visuals and stellar gameplay mechanics to keep you entertained for hours. If you own a PS5, you must give this game a shot because, with the next-gen upgrade, you can now watch the destruction in silky smooth frames in the best possible resolution.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is a great, simple, and fun game that offers far more than it might seem at first glance (which is no surprise, you’re controlling a ball). Its sensational, comical premise, simple graphics, fantastic soundtrack, and easy controls are perfect for casual gamers who just want to have fun. Unfortunately, the game’s two-year Early Access period still shows, as it feels unfinished, and the constant craving for new content that doesn’t exist is incredibly demotivating. It has tremendous potential, it just needs to be fully realized.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“This sandbox platformer has a distinct style but its freedom and lack of structure also tended to make it easy to put down”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Bangingly good is how I describe Bang-On Balls: Chronicles!”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Bang-On Balls: Chronicles has its shortcomings, but when ball's said and done, it's a fun short romp.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is a true return to classic collect-a-thons, there is just too much to do. Complete the quests, get cosmetics, gather collectibles, get cosmetics, destroy the world, get cosmetics... and then look good while doing it, too.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Bang-On Balls Chronicle is a well designed 3D platformer that has plenty to keep you occupied and benefits from really good level design but its puerile sense of humour isn't as edgy or funny as it thinks it is and often holds the game back. I would have liked a little more complexity in the controls and challenging trophies that required mastering them rather than the 'LOL random' ones included. Maybe that makes me a grumpy old man but I would still recommend taking these balls out for a spin. Um, oo-er matron etc.”
read full review ↗ - 50
“Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is silly, immature, and willing to laugh at itself for the sake of fun. It's a nice introduction to open world games for someone that's never played one, offering several unique settings and an accessible battle system. Despite its offerings though, it fails to live up to other contenders in the genre, especially when it comes to keeping the player hooked for long periods of time. Chances are if you beat it, you'll quickly roll along to the next thing instead of sticking around.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Bang-On Balls: Chronicles was a very nice platforming surprise. With huge open levels filled with things to do and places to explore, it’s hard not to be impressed by the game’s presentation. Things are a little let down by the game’s shallow combat, but I can’t deny that I had a lot of fun playing through this game. Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is an ideal pick if you’re looking for an instant pick-up and play platforming experience just to get lost in for a few gaming sessions. Throw in the ability to play with friends and you also may have a game night game to enjoy too. Don’t let this one roll on by, take a look and if nothing else add it to your wishlist. For many players, video games are just about having fun, and Bang-on Balls certainly achieves that.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“I cannot express any more admiration for this title. It set out to provide comedic adventure action that draws inspiration from the games that the developers loved growing up. This title succeeds on every level in providing a well rounded and stellar experience that just keeps on giving.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“The concept may be clear; That's too simple for words. Graphically and audio-wise, the game doesn't really know which direction it wants to go. Objects are sharp, yet angular. Bars, for example, is round, but you still see straight shapes, so it does not look round. Floors look blurry, but still quite superficial. Light should provide extra details, but the color transitions do not. The same can also be said in terms of audio. You hear sounds, but what is it actually? Music? Or simply some sound effects? The game lacks a bit of direction on every level. The depth could also have been better. This platformer just doesn't cut it in that regard. It is actually a great game offline and online, with which you can get quite a few hours of entertainment. However, it never really becomes very interesting, so the game does not score much more than adequate.”
read full review ↗
ZdobywcyGier.eu
GamesHedge
Gaming Professors
Nindie Spotlight
Life is Xbox
GameLuster
GameGrin
TheSixthAxis
Garage Band Gamers
LadiesGamers.com
GBAtemp
Evilgamerz…and 11 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- The Wild West Update is OUT NOW on Nintendo Switch! 🐎Jan 20, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- A first Wild West patch is now live!Jun 14, 2024
- Saddle Up for the Wildest Update Yet! FREE FOR EVERYONE!May 10, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Bar Fights and more in the upcoming update!Feb 27, 2024
- New Update is now live!Jan 25, 2024
- New Update is here!Nov 21, 2023