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Corpse Party (2021)

Corpse Party (2021)

MAGES. · released Oct 20, 2021

AdventureRPG

Explore the haunted halls of Heavenly Host Elementary in Corpse Party (2021), the horror cult classic now updated for the next generation.

84
VGC Score
Stablemedium confidence
87%
At launch
91%
Steam all-time
79%
Press
75%
Recent sentiment

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.

ComponentPositiveQuality (0-100)Weight (pseudo-reviews)
Press reviews (OpenCritic)7913
All-time Steam reviews91%85755
Metacritic user ratings0
Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted)75%718
Calibration prior (typical game)7250

Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 21 reviews sampled · 22 total reviews in window · weighted 12.1 up / 4 down · computed 3h ago · full methodology →

Press & Creators reviews (16)

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.

  • 88
    trust 67Nov 1, 2021

    Corpse Party is the best version of this release yet, which is saying something as it has seen multiple ports over the last twenty-five years. It has the most polished visuals, accessible menus and extra content. The pacing and graphics might not be for everyone, but if you are a fan of creepy writing and outstanding audio design, then give Corpse Party a chance during this year’s scary season.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 65Nov 6, 2021

    Corpse Party (2021) is a super creepy and disturbing game that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will die a lot and get bad endings so you will have to go back and try to change your actions to change the outcome, but when you figure out what you need to do that just makes it more fulfilling.

    read full review ↗
  • 85
    trust 63Nov 8, 2021

    Despite a few shortcomings, Corpse Party (2021) is a great horror game with some nice new bonus material.

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  • 70
    trust 60Nov 28, 2021

    Corpse Party is very simple, and occasionally very janky, but it has a lot of personality and heart put into it. Despite its 16-bit visuals and basic gameplay, it manages to convey a somewhat tense survival horror experience based on the limitations of a very old engine. It is very repetitive and cryptic, though, so be ready to undergo through a lot of trial-and-error sections. If that doesn’t bother you, and if you’re looking for a different take on the survival horror genre, go for it. You could do a lot worse, especially on the Switch.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 60Nov 26, 2021

    I wouldn’t exactly say I had a great time with Corpse Party (2021), it was indeed a dark game that I don’t think I was quite prepared for. Still, the game is exactly what it’s supposed to be and, as I said earlier, I was completely sucked into it whenever I played. Corpse Party’s story is messed up at times and, if you plan to get into it, you should be completely prepared for what exactly you’re getting into. If you happen to be a horror fan though who has never played Corpse Party before, then I definitely highly recommend Corpse Party (2021). This is absolutely the game for you and there’s no better time to pick it up than now.

    read full review ↗
  • 85
    trust 60Nov 10, 2021

    In spite of these faults, Corpse Party is an excellent horror adventure title that fans of the genre should not miss out on. If you were to do everything correctly the first time, the main story would take 6-7 hours, but realistically it'll be longer as you piece together the correct actions needed in each chapter to progress the plot. The repetition mechanic may seem to be a little gimmicky, but it adds a bit of responsibility to your actions, giving some charm to what would otherwise be an incredibly linear story. I've not played anything quite like Corpse Party before, and as such, it firmly stands near the top of my list of favorite horror games.

    read full review ↗
  • 85
    trust 60Oct 29, 2021

    Corpse Party continues to be a good example of the horror genre. With its high graphic and sound quality, compelling story and charismatic characters, the 2D title should not be underestimated. For those who haven't played it yet, it's an excellent pick for the Halloween, but the new additions to the Switch version are small to justify buying it again for those who have already experienced one of its previous releases.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 60Oct 25, 2021

    Corpse Party remaster is an experience worth playing for those who are new to the series or fans of the beloved classic.

    read full review ↗
  • 75
    trust 58Oct 30, 2021

    With all that said, I can clearly see why Corpse Party is a cult classic. It’s a dismal, oppressive horror game that sinks you into the hell it has constructed. It presents a thick, sticky mystery to wade through and presents it with panache. It’s maybe not the most essential remaster of a game, but the same spooky tale of hopelessness is still present. I just wish it would keep its obvious fascination with human excrement to itself.

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  • 80
    trust 57Nov 6, 2021

    Corpse Party (2021) is a thoroughly engaging piece of survival horror. The cast of characters is likable enough, the atmosphere feels palpable, and it is morbidly fun to unlock all of the bad endings. And considering the new extra chapters and binaural audio, this is the definitive version to play.

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  • 90
    trust 56Oct 26, 2021

    Having finally experienced the macabre world of Corpse Party, and crept through the cursed halls of Heavenly Host Elementary, I can honestly say that Corpse Party (2021) ranks up there with my favorite horror games of all time. The trial and error gameplay may frustrate some. However, the incredible writing and rewarding exploration make this a must-play for horror fans this Halloween.

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  • 80
    trust 56Nov 14, 2021

    Corpse Party is a good horror game and a welcome remake of one of the genre's cult classics. There are some issues with its gameplay, but it's a fun experience and one that fans of the genre will enjoy.

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…and 4 more tracked reviews.

Patch history