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) | – | 82 | 74 |
| Creator reviews (3 tracked) | – | 77 | 4 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 85% | 78 | 215 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 90% | 84 | 1 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 3 reviews sampled · 3 total reviews in window · weighted 1.2 up / 0.1 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (52)
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.
- 90
“I really loved my time with this game, and it’s one I can see myself coming back to just to tool around with its unique combat abilities or to try to find those last secrets. I just wish that the late-game design was somehow tweaked to better keep up the fantastic pacing that had me hooked up to that point.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“For fans of Mega Man, Sonic the Hedgehog, and a host of platforming classics, it's hard not to recommend Berserk Boy. The plot may not turn heads, but the fluid controls and presentation should. Will this game make you "Go Berserk?" Perhaps. Here's hoping for an 8-bit demake to follow.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Berserk Boy is an uncomplicated and highly colorful retro adventure that combines the nostalgic experiences of the Mega Man days with touches of classic Sonic the Hedgehog adventures.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Its very reasonable price tag isn't the main selling point of Berserk Boy. Rather, it's a very competently made indie action adventure that has the feel of a 16-bit title, powered by the oomph of current-day consoles. It's far more arcadey than both Mega Man and Gunvolt; faster, and altogether more interesting owing to its multiple character forms and deft stage design. Its hub world is easily navigable, and the upgrade shop, Metroidvania backtracking, and prisoner liberating side-missions encourage players to squeeze the most from the experience. There are minor, trivial aspects that could have been tightened up slightly, and the independent development aspect isn't entirely in the background. For what it attempts, however, Berserk Boy is very successful, regularly showing up larger development studios with its creativity, and comes easy to recommend to 2D action enthusiasts.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“You’ll jam to the incredible soundtrack, enjoy the creative and challenging stage design, and long to discover every secret found within Berserk Boy.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Berserk Boy wears its inspiration loud and proud; our main character Kei even has afterimages from dashing similar to the Mega Man Zero/ZX series. True, it has some audio issues and requires you to play it to perfection for the best outcome, but that's the norm for these kinds of retro-styled titles that try their best to cater towards hardcore platformer audiences. And for a game of this calibre to be made by one solo developer? That is a helluva achievement. If you need a speedy 2D platforming challenge with a nifty Mega Man-inspired soundtrack (and suit-changing gameplay), Berserk Boy will sort you out.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Berserk Boy is a beautiful homage to the 2D games of yesteryear, offering lightning-paced platforming that’s an absolute blast. With stunning environments and wonderful, anime-inspired pixel art characters, the visuals are to die for - as is the top-tier, turbo shredding soundtrack. A lean towards being slightly too easy, along with some level design oversights late-game keep it from being a classic, but Berserk Boy certainly offers a fun experience. I hope this is just the inaugural entry in a great new series of 2D platformers - it certainly has the potential.”
read full review ↗ - 78
“Borrowing its feel from the likes of the Mega Man and Gunvolt series, Berserk Boy falls a bit short of their standards”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Berserk Boy is a love letter to games like Mega Man Zero and ZX, as well as to similar games of the time. The pixelated yet highly detailed aesthetics and art direction behind the sets and characters are an incredible and much appreciated tribute. There's no shortage of action, and despite its forgettable writing, short duration (6 to 8 hours) and times when difficulty may be uneven, it remains a game that absolutely must be played.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Berserk Boy offers a fast-paced diversion that will appeal to those who like the speed of Sonic and the transformations of Mega Man. It's aesthetically pleasing from start to finish, and the gameplay shines through most of its runtime. A handful of issues keep it from putting both feet solidly in must-play territory, but all told it's a good time and scratches that run, jump, and shoot itch.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Berserk Boy is a mix of a lot of my favorite retro games mixed with its own flavor of fun. I really enjoyed the nostalgia it delivers while also being able to stand on its own. Definitely recommend checking this one out if you enjoy anything Mega Man or the more recent Gunvolt Chronicles games. This is one that will entertain from start to finish. It isn’t overly frustrating, yet remaining challenging. The stages beg to be revisited and I had fun the entire time. With so many retro games dropping on a weekly basis, it takes a lot to stand out. Now if they would only put this on more platforms, I would be truly happy.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Berserk Boy is a rare gem of an indie title. The kind that overcomes any comparison with its competitors, and stands proudly alongside them as an addition to a vast and storied genre. It reminded me why I love side-scrolling action games in the first place, and reignited a passion I had feared lost. It’s one of the best games of the year, and easily among the best additions to the genre.”
read full review ↗
Geek to Geek Media
Pure Nintendo
GameMAG
Nintendo Life
Seasoned Gaming
Kakuchopurei
VGamingNews
Nindie Spotlight
Geeks & Com
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD
Toisto…and 40 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- SteamDeck Changes!Nov 21, 2024
- True Ending Change!Aug 1, 2024
- Hot Fix!Mar 29, 2024