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) | – | 78 | 35 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 92% | 86 | 902 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 92% | 86 | 1174 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (May 1, 2025) · 300 reviews sampled · 1174 total reviews in window · weighted 115.3 up / 7.7 down · computed 5h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (19)
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
“Lushfoil Photography Sim isn’t trying to be everything. It’s focused, intentional, and confident in what it offers: a quiet, creative space to observe and capture beauty. For players who crave speed and stimulation, it might feel empty. But for those willing to slow down, to look closely, and to create, it offers something rich, calming, and surprisingly emotional. It’s not just a virtual camera sim. It’s a meditative tool. A way to engage with art and nature in one of the most honest formats I’ve seen in gaming. And that’s worth celebrating.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“A visually stunning, technically accurate, and spiritually soothing photography simulator that’s as educational as it is beautiful. It won’t be for everyone, but for those who understand the joy of seeing, it’s an unforgettable journey.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Lushfoil Photography Sim is a deeply relaxing, lovingly crafted excursion that's so easy to get lost in.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Lushfoil Photography Sim is a really successful indie game that looks breathtakingly beautiful in places and is bursting with atmosphere thanks to the melancholy soundtrack and the grandiose lighting mood. The collecting tasks fit in well and offer a bit of a break from just taking photos, which is very well done in itself. Thanks to the time of day changes, the mood of the areas changes permanently, which makes for a very good scope. On the negative side, however, there are frequent reload stutters, the rather functional photo inventory including annoying micromanagement as well as minor errors and bugs. The collection tasks sometimes turn into a chore when certain locations or objects simply won't be found. However, this is only a problem for players who really want to collect everything. This is not essential for progressing through the game. As with a good photo, we have light, but also shadows. Why do I give it such a high rating despite the certainly avoidable mistakes? Because Lushfoil Photography Sim is simply a great, extraordinary one-man project that definitely deserves it!”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Lushfoil Photography Sim owns itself as an experience, but it has so much well-crafted gameplay as well. Whether you are simply walking the trails, getting lost in the beautifully crafted scenery, or capturing your own little slice of it to make your own, you can get lost in the moment here, in a way so few games let you. Even now, I am thinking about my little moments that captured me, like stumbling onto a small Japanese street, or watching the sunset on an Australian beach, knowing they are going to stay with me.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Lushfoil Photography Sim is, as its name suggests, a simulator that requires dedication and enjoyment of a peaceful rhythm. With small updates, the title can be improved even more, but even now it offers an excellent basis for enjoying photography and visiting world-famous landscapes in search of peace. Of course, it is not a substitute for a proper photography course, but it may give an impetus to a new or forgotten hobby. The game is not for everyone, but for its target audience it is almost a perfect match.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Lushfoil Photography Sim is worth playing, especially for those who want to dabble in digital photography. The techniques used in the game mimic those in real life, the maps are close to accurate, and the added little challenges test your creative eye. The game is like visiting someone's memory as you're bound to a specific area, but the maps are huge and very detailed. While it does feel weird and somewhat scary being the only person wandering around popular tourist spots, exploring the wildlife and these unique places all by yourself turns them into a delightful nature/travel photography playground.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Lushfoil Photography Sim didn't quite end up being the photography escape I was hoping for. With a few bugs, a side step from photography to pick up collectables and a full photo album halting my progression, I couldn't help but lose my zen whilst trying to get lost in the game's stunning locations. The photography mechanics are perfect, with some particular attention to how holding a camera feels with the DualSense, as well as the levels being gorgeous themselves. However, I couldn't really get over the hurdles that took away from the photography experience.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“By turns minimalist and luxurious, this is a thrilling exploration of the art of photography.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Lushfoil Photography Sim exceeded every expectation I had and it is now my favourite walking simulator ever made, and to-date my 2025 GOTY. In a year full of AAA games and some incredibly exciting indies, Lushfoil is proud to stand as its own entity and it does something new in an incredible way. Matt Newell has transformed his personal love for photography into the video games medium and I truly hope this is something he has the opportunity to create DLC or a sequel for. This is as much a game for people who love photography, as those who love video game or real world exploration.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Lushfoil Photography Sim is a beautiful experience that can truly make anyone fall in love with the world of photography. While the game can be painted as simple, there is so much to love here once you start snapping shots. However, a bug regarding saving photos to your console on PS5 can detract from the experience, as your photos will be lost to time.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Lushfoil Photography Sim is a captivating experience that blends the joy of exploration with the depth of real photography. Its gorgeous vistas and near‑authentic camera sandbox let you disappear into the craft of picture‑taking without a care in the world, while there are enough elements of progression to keep the free‑form strolling from turning aimless. And sure, the invisible walls and sometimes fiddly controls can be a little jarring, but they don’t detract from what is otherwise a beautiful and very personal experience.”
read full review ↗
Gameffine
A Gaming Network
Push Square
TestingBuddies
Pixel Byte
KonsoliFIN
Checkpoint Gaming
FingerGuns
Eurogamer
Gamer Social Club
Final Weapon
Use a Potion…and 7 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- 10/12 changenotesDec 11, 2025
- 7/11 changenotesJul 11, 2025
- 1st May Patch ChangenotesMay 1, 2025significant · resets scoring window