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) | – | 79 | 31 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 92% | 86 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 91% | 86 | 3000 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Oct 20, 2023) · 300 reviews sampled · 6071 total reviews in window · weighted 227.2 up / 19.4 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (24)
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.
- 80
“If you've missed Trials, love dark and well-designed worlds, and dream of short play sessions, there is simply no better choice for a few minutes before bed than Laika: Aged Through Blood.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Now that the Switch version Laika: Aged Through Blood has finally arrived, it can finally join Hollow Knight, Animal Well, and Blasphemous II as a true modern classic in the Metroidvania genre. The premise and gameplay are like no other, seamlessly combining motocross gameplay with badass bullet-time shootouts that constantly feels satisfying. Chuck in one of the best soundtracks we've heard in years and maybe iron out the remaining performance hiccups, and Laika could well be an early contender for Switch GOTY 2025.”
read full review ↗ - 84
“Still, despite these problems, I’m glad I took the journey across Laika: Aged Through Blood’s barren hellscape. Despite its extreme violence and unapologetic bleakness, this space is defined by a surprising emotional range thanks to its compelling protagonist and her brutal quest to save those she loves. Motorcycle treks through the wastes are backed by a soundtrack that teases out pain only partially staunched by the thrills of motorcycle-backed duels. And perhaps most notably, it works as an underrepresented game about motherhood, detailing both the unfair expectations and triumphs that come from being a mom. It’s an experience capable of conjuring powerful feelings: disgust, despair, and a smoldering hope that our gunslinger’s actions can improve the lot of those closest to her.”
read full review ↗ - 84
“A completely different sort of Metroidvania hook, but be ready for some challenges, and not all likely intended”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Laika: Aged Through Blood promises to be much more than a revenge story, with an adventure that puts its own spin on the metroidvania genre.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Laika: Aged Through Blood is a rather unique metroidvania experience that scores with very satisfying motorbike traversal, and a melancholic atmosphere that's supported by one of the best soundtracks of the year.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“There's a lot to like about Laika, Aged Through Blood with its motorvania concept that absolutely delivers, offering a fresh and compelling take on the often staid metroidvania formula. Personally, the high difficulty was not for me, the grind becoming so choresome that getting the bathroom cleaned became deeply alluring. Still, if you like a serious challenge then you might enjoy Laika, Aged Through Blood. Just give it a miss if you're playing on a Nintendo Switch Lite or in handheld more.”
read full review ↗ - 45
“A case of not knowing when to rein it in, as Laika: Aged Through Blood tries too much, committing only to the elements which serve to muddy up what fun can be extracted.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The new Brainwash Gang disguises itself as a "normal game" to explore, perhaps more deeply than ever, the themes that have obsessed the Madrid-based studio since its beginnings.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Laika: Aged Through Blood is a must-play for fans of both motorbike action and metroidvania games. Its fast-paced vehicular combat, breathtaking hand-drawn world, emotionally resonant story, and innovative genre blend make it a standout title in the indie gaming scene. If you’re looking for an unforgettable gaming experience that offers both challenge and depth, Laika: Aged Through Blood is the game for you.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Laika: Aged Through Blood mixes motorbikes and gunplay to create an incredibly unique metroidvania experience. Bolstered by a beautiful soundtrack and brutal story, its unapologetic approach to mastering both bike and bullet rewards learning from frequents death with some seriously slick and satisfying combat.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Whilst I’ve listed a few nit-picks during this review, I thoroughly enjoyed playing Laika. Within the first few hours, I was already telling fans of the genre that they had to check this out, and that’s still the case now. I feel like the lack of a general buzz around this game is only down to the fact that it has launched during such a busy period of big-budget titles.”
read full review ↗
GameMAG
Nintendo Life
Paste Magazine
Nindie Spotlight
Atarita
GameLuster
TheSixthAxis
TechRaptor
AnaitGames
Rectify Gaming
IGN
Thumb Culture…and 12 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Laika: Aged Through Blood Update 1.0.3 is live!Oct 20, 2023significant · resets scoring window