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 | 22 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 95% | 89 | 329 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 93% | 87 | 575 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Aug 19, 2024) · 300 reviews sampled · 575 total reviews in window · weighted 189.2 up / 14.1 down · computed 2h 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.
- 92
“Farewell North’s beautiful Scottish setting pulls you in with its canine star and cozy gameplay, then immerses you in a touching story about loss and letting go that’s well worth seeing through to the end.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Farewell North is a beautiful game in every way, exploring a rich and emotional story that draws you deep into the lives of its characters, woven throughout a stunning recreation of some of Scotland's most incredible natural scenery.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Farewell North turns out to be a great experience, touching and unique, capable of interweaving an emotional narrative with gameplay that, despite its simplicity, manages to involve and convey deep thoughts. Despite some minor technical limitations and a pace that may not suit everyone, the title stands out thanks to its artistic compartment. It is a game that invites the player to reflect, to immerse himself in a symbolic world and to be touched by emotions.”
read full review ↗ - 79
“A great concept and experience with a cool overall aesthetic, but the execution overall isn’t always so hot”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The emotional journey that Farewell North presents will likely be a difficult one for many to tackle; the loss of a parent. It handles the subject material eloquently and delicately, offering a tale of companionship between a dog and a human that is the foundation for a heartfelt adventure. Visually stunning and a feast for the ears, this humble story about grief is the most impactful video game experience I’ve had this year and one of the most enthralling I’ve ever had the delight of playing. I’ll never get over the loss of my Mum. But Farewell North gave me some much-needed catharsis. It just might do the same for you.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Running free as Chesley in Farewell North is a liberating and visually beautiful time. With a heartfelt, emotionally investing story about grief and loss, stunning visuals and a soaring score, Farewell North overcomes its more straightforward mechanics and helps us appreciate the little things. Like playing fetch with your canine best friend, you’ll be wanting to come back for more, no matter the weather or occasionally rough edges. ”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Farewell North is a grounded, slice-of-life game given some fantastical elements through Ches' unique perspective. As it reaches its emotional climax, it becomes a stirring meditation on the role pets play in their humans' lives as comfort and support, and likewise, the role that humans play in the lives of their pets as providers and protectors. While its waypointing can be occasionally frustrating, it's a sweet, emotionally resonant experience that will stick with you, and maybe prompt a little extra cuddle time with your own pets.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Farewell North is an emotional game about the difficult goodbye to something that's been with you for your entire life and how you keep it with you even after it's gone. If you have lost a family member, pet, or are homesick, Farewell North is sure to resonate with you.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Farewell North is a remarkable game that stands out for its emotional storytelling, engaging gameplay, and stunning audiovisual presentation. It takes you on a journey through grief, healing, and remembrance, all while providing an immersive and atmospheric experience. The game’s exploration of Scottish landscapes and Celtic mythology adds depth to its world, making it feel rich and alive. Despite a few minor flaws, such as occasional camera issues and the challenge of solving puzzles in grayscale, the overall experience is nothing short of captivating. With a price that feels justified by the quality and depth of the game, Farewell North is a must-play for anyone who enjoys story-driven adventures with a strong emotional core.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Farewell North is one of the more impactful and emotional gaming experiences I’ve had in recent years. The journey of the border collie, the bond with its human, and the struggle to find its way home all create a deeply emotional narrative that stays with you for a while and will probably bring a tear or two to your eyes. If you like story-driven adventures that tug at your heartstrings, you should definitely consider playing this game.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“What Kyle Banks intended mechanically is evident. The open world, though largely linear in effect, is filled with varied tasks. The canoe gameplay proves challenging, and our shepherd dog's core mechanic is simple yet effective. But elsewhere, the design merely scratches the surface, or gets hampered by clunky controls and physics.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Farewell North is a heartwarming game that shows, in a literal sense, how a beloved pet can bring the light back in our darkest moments.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
STWGames Italia
Nindie Spotlight
Checkpoint Gaming
FingerGuns
GameSpot
GameLuster
Game8
LadiesGamers.com
Gaming-Village
Try Hard Guides…and 9 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Patch Notes for October 3rd, 2025Oct 4, 2025
- Patch Notes for September 26thSep 26, 2024
- Patch Notes for September 4thSep 4, 2024
- Patch Notes for August 28thAug 28, 2024
- Patch Notes for August 22ndAug 22, 2024
- Patch Notes for August 20thAug 20, 2024
- Patch Notes for August 19thAug 19, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- First Patch! (v1.0.19)Aug 17, 2024
- Farewell North Release UpdateJul 31, 2024
- Canoe and Accessibility Update!Jan 29, 2022
- Stealth Update!Apr 2, 2021