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) | – | 80 | 62 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 92% | 86 | 257 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 91% | 85 | 115 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Apr 1, 2026) · 115 reviews sampled · 114 total reviews in window · weighted 86.3 up / 8.5 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (31)
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.
- 60
“The puzzle-solving elements, including the boss fights, are easily where the game is its strongest, but it never really steps out from the traditional top-down adventure template, and the lack of any substantial narrative and mediocre overall combat prevent it from distinguishing itself from the crowd.”
read full review ↗ - 81
“A wonderful tribute to the charming top-down action adventure legacy”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Under the Island mixes great combat and puzzles with rich optional-content, though reused enemies and bugs keep it from reaching its full potential.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Under The Island is a charming, nostalgic top-down adventure with a heartfelt tone and enjoyable exploration, even if it doesn’t quite match the creativity of its inspirations.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“undefined.Under The Island didn't take long to sink its charming teeth into me as I had been itching for something a little lighter, both in tone and runtime, after making my way through a handful of long RPGs. Along Nia's adventure, you end up encountering a variety of different gameplay types, including stealth sequences and arcade-style minigames, and so what has become a well-trod genre does feel quite fresh. If you're in the mood for a whimsical Zelda-like with some unique items and boss fights, the dozen-plus hours you can spend on Seashell Island are absolutely worth your time.”
read full review ↗ - 85
- 40
“Under the Island isn’t charming enough in its graphics or writing, so its gameplay foibles can be forgiven, and this is ultimately a shame, as the game attempts an 11th-hour reveal musing about how easily people can be swayed by honeyed words and how that can result in utter devastation. With some patches and playtesting, this game could be at least bearable. To think, all of this could’ve been avoided by respecting an island’s culture.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Under the Island was a super fun story to play through, and I wish anyone who sees this and is looking to dive into a 90s nostalgia trip through a new and vibrant world gives this title a chance!”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Just like with my kids' elaborate games and worlds they think up, it may not all make sense, but it didn't stop me from having a great time. Under the Island is a fun and often wacky adventure game that wears its heart on its sleeve and does right by its inspirations. It's a game that begs to be explored from top to bottom, with the intent of giving the player something to find or do at nearly every turn. I loved my time on Seashell Island, and I think that plenty of other people will too.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Under the Island is the perfect fit for gamers who long for the older days of dungeon exploration focused Zelda titles and is one of the most polished and enjoyable retro throwbacks you'll find. The charming story and characters, and the high quality of the level design help this to really shine.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Under The Island doesn’t try to tear up the rulebook. Instead, it takes a well-loved formula and adds just enough of its own personality to make it worth your time. The puzzles are enjoyable, the dungeons are thoughtfully built, and the island itself is a fun place to explore. It may lean heavily on that classic top-down adventure blueprint, but it delivers a solid, engaging experience with a few surprises tucked away. If you’re in the mood for a colourful quest with light humour and satisfying exploration, this is an easy recommendation.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Ultimately, Under the Island is a fantastic game that suffers from some frustrating controls and enemy design. However, Under the Sea impresses with its creative design, colorful characters, and challenging boss fights and puzzles. When I look past the controls and rank-and-file enemies, what’s left is a spectacular game that just needs a bit of tweaking.”
read full review ↗
RPGamer
Nindie Spotlight
Capsule Computers
TestingBuddies
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD
MonsterVine
Analog Stick Gaming
Gamer Social Club
TheSixthAxis
LadiesGamers.com
Niche Gamer…and 19 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Update 1.2.0Apr 1, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Hotfix 1.1.0.1Mar 4, 2026
- Fourth Update Now Released!Mar 3, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Third Patch Now Released!Feb 26, 2026
- Second Patch Now Released!Feb 20, 2026
- First Patch Now Released!Feb 18, 2026