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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) | – | 67 | 12 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 84% | 78 | 73 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 73% | 69 | 130 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (May 28, 2024) · 67 reviews sampled · 130 total reviews in window · weighted 27.3 up / 10.3 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (8)
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.
- 78
“While it currently has some bugs and issues, this rock climbing roguelike is a refreshing challenge”
read full review ↗ - 50
“The story of Surmount on Switch is a sad one, a pleasant, cute, challenging, uncomplicated, and fun bite-sized adventure that gets completely cratered by insurmountable show-stopping bugs that completely throttled my momentum and made me ask several times "what am I wasting my time for?" I have to balance giving the developer a chance to produce a minimally disruptive experience and a guidepost of whether to spend hard earned money on a game. Regretfully I have to recommend you find your sense of adventure elsewhere, whether giving the PC version a flyer or turning to a much more serious title like Jusant.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“I was delighted to find that Surmount was more than just a platforming adventure of climbing a single mountain. The side expeditions, storyline and humorous interactions with other climbers make it a joyful experience, even for those of us whose climbing skills are lacking. The coordination needed to control your little climber grabbing the rock face and flinging them in the right direction is harder than it looks and makes this a challenging adventure. The option of a local co-op is a great addition and makes Surmount a fun game to share. Unfortunately, my co-op player and I glitched a few too many times to give Surmount a Two Thumbs Up (our initial thoughts). But it made us smile and laugh, especially with low gravity, so it’s a:”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Surmount is absolutely worth your time, even if you’re on a search for a fun Single-player game, but if you’re able to grab a partner in crime, it’s a blast from beginning to end.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Surmount offers an expedition into the heart of adventure, with its seamless blend of procedural and handmade levels, approachable physics-based climbing mechanics, and a cast of eccentric characters, it’s easy to say Surmount is an experience that’s as delightful as it is challenging.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The climbing in Surmount is a bit wonky and takes some getting used to, but once you get a feel for it, climbing quickly becomes addicting. Reaching camp at the end of each level was met with a sigh of relief and a feeling of satisfaction that compelled me to keep making progress. The levels are challenging enough to give you a sense of accomplishment when finished. The rigorous platforming is offset by the colorful, cartoony aesthetic and charming characters. I enjoyed getting to know the locals and unraveling the mysteries of Mount Om just as much as I enjoyed trekking to the summit. Technical issues aside, Surmount offers an engaging and accessible climbing adventure that kept me coming back for more.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“My gaming chum and I had a blast with Surmount and we can't wait to overcome even more climbing challenges so bring it on!”
read full review ↗ - 75
“At times interesting and challenging, the debut title from the duo Jasper Oprel and Indiana-Jonas is designed solely for the most resilient players and those who enjoy cooperative adventures.”
read full review ↗
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Echo BoomerPatch history
- Patch Notes for May 28thMay 28, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Update Notes for May 24thMay 24, 2024
- Update Notes for May 22ndMay 22, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Update Notes for May 16thMay 16, 2024
- Update Notes for May 15thMay 15, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Update Notes for May 8thMay 8, 2024
- Update Notes for May 7thMay 7, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Update Notes for May 5thMay 5, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Update Notes for May 4thMay 4, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Update Notes for May 3rdMay 3, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- RELEASE DATE UPDATE: May 2, 2024!Apr 15, 2024