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 | 122 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 91% | 85 | 230 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 69 | 19 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 92% | 86 | 121 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (May 18, 2026) · 121 reviews sampled · 113 total reviews in window · weighted 95.3 up / 8.5 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (69)
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.
- 70
“People of Note deserves to be recognized as an original and fresh take on JRPGs. The game offers a comfortable combat system and interesting characters. The positive impression is somewhat dampened by a rather formulaic story and budget constraints, but the game's trump card is its handling of musical genres.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“People of Note is a nuanced turn-based RPG but a forgettable musical.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“While it’s certainly an odd pitch, happily, its novel, refreshing take on turn-based RPGs delivers on every front. The combat is deliberate and tightly designed, while its story strikes chords both hilarious and touching. All the while, bright, eye-catching visuals jazz up the experience, and the soundtrack harmoniously ties it all together, making for a well-paced, impressive, and highly original adventure.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“In People of Note, the world and its characters are built around different musical genres, giving them unique identities. But its wonderful story shows us the importance of sticking together in the face of obstacles in unique turn-based battles and connecting with others through music.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“People of Note is a fresh and imaginative musical RPG where every battle, character, and city feels shaped by rhythm, genre, and sound. Its Stanza system, strong soundtrack, and fascinating world give it a distinct identity, even if frustrating navigation, overlong boss fights, and occasional technical issues keep it from hitting every note perfectly.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Iridium Studios' latest album is a conflicting one: a list of solid and middling tracks that does enough to earn considered appreciation, but not stardom.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“It is very rare to see a video game that gets everything right from start to finish, but People of Note definitely falls into this category. It starts off by hooking with flashy musical numbers and never lets go. Whenever Groove is being farmed to buy that latest guitar or triangulation puzzles are being solved, it is always optional and engaging. People of Note is the RPG that players need it to be. Some want a title that constantly makes them think, others want to enjoy a great story, and some want it all. This is one of those gems that will please almost every RPG fan. To add to this, it also has some of the most positive and inclusive writing seen in a video game. Every single element combines into a beautiful harmony, and, just as with music, one can enjoy it either by letting it flow or by analysing its depths.”
read full review ↗ - 81
“People of Note is an example of how it's possible to innovate within a traditional genre without losing its essence.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“I know there have been other musical RPGs before, but People of Note still feels largely unique. I love how heavily it leans into its theme, and while I don't expect the YA vibes to resonate with everyone, I personally found myself invested in the release's cast and its brisk storyline.I think the battle system could have been further refined to feel more impactful and I would have liked to see it evolve faster. Furthermore, I'm not sure all of the environmental puzzles are as fun as the developer intended, although they can be disabled if you're not feeling them at all.Ultimately, if you're a fan of Final Fantasy and films like K-Pop Demon Hunters then you'll love what Iridium Studios has assembled here. It's a different kinda vibe, but one I thoroughly enjoyed.”
read full review ↗ - 77
“People of Note is an ambitious project from a small team. With its focus on music genres, engaging story, and colorful world, it also appeals to players unfamiliar with turn-based action. However, the gameplay can become repetitive over time, which may diminish the overall experience. While it has clear potential, it is better suited for those seeking a simpler, music- and puzzle-focused experience rather than a deep turn-based one.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“The few high notes aren't able to fully compensate for the safe storytelling and narrative design, and the combat waffles too much between tedious and novel. That said, I couldn't help but feel taken by the game's commitment to being a music-themed adventure; constant puns and shake-ups to the combat mechanics gave me a genuine sense of joy. There wasn't enough momentum, however, to sustain those positive vibes, and I was left wanting to just roll credits in double time rather than slowing down the beat and soaking it all in.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Despite some hiccups here and there, People of Note deliver’s a rockin’ performance. There is a fun and engaging combat system here and a story that has no shortage of musical style puns. But I feel like the game is held back by the performance and rhythm aspects of its gameplay. I would have loved to see the attacks and abilities be more on beat with the background music. But despite those flaws People of Note delivers a solid game that has a lot of heart and soul.”
read full review ↗
GameMAG
Slant Magazine
RPGamer
The Nerd Stash
JsemGamer
VGChartz
Cubed3
Pizza Fria
Push Square
Atarita
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD…and 57 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- People of Note - Patch #2 NotesMay 18, 2026significant · resets scoring window