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) | – | 71 | 26 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 92% | 86 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 96% | 92 | 597 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Oct 27, 2025) · 300 reviews sampled · 597 total reviews in window · weighted 226.7 up / 8.6 down · computed 3h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (14)
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
“Labyrinth of the Demon King does a great job of providing an authentic action-horror, dungeon-crawling experience that feels like it's straight out of 1997 in all the best ways. The eerie, lo-fi visuals, punishing combat, and disorienting dungeon layouts all combine to make for a maze worth solving. We'd give this one a strong recommendation to any fans of Soulslike games who want to try something with similar traits, but that also feels different in some key ways. This is a great experience if you're willing to stick it out and learn its intricacies.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“A survival horror experience inspired by classic horror games, this game boasts a dark and unsettling atmosphere reminiscent of 90s titles. It tells a gripping story that unfolds with captivating style, faithfully reviving the essence of traditional horror. Undoubtedly one of the most notable indie games of the year, it serves as a sincere tribute to the era of classic horror games and a powerful reminder that this genre retains its unique charm, regardless of technological advancements.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“There are times when I wish the Labyrinth of the Demon King gameplay might be a little more responsive or certain elements a little less fiddly, but the aesthetic and graphics are always on-point.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Labyrinth of the Demon King is a nostalgic and pummelling entry into the survival horror/dungeon crawling genre. The Feudal Japan setting and atmospheric level design sets itself apart from its contemporaries but doesn't quite sustain its thrills in story or puzzles. Whilst the combat is rigid and slightly unfair, it's a core element to it's differing approach of retro style PS1 horror.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“After an hour I really felt this just wouldn't be for me, I was angry, frustrated, and just wanted to push through it all, but as I played, the unique charm and experience shone through, the PS1 feel, the drab, mercilessly depressing world, and the clunky combat - which I feel some people may hate but really made me feel like I was playing a title from 1996 - it all just clicked and it went from hate to love.”
read full review ↗ - 76
“Labyrinth of the Demon King has its flaws, sure, but it’s got a certain charm that makes it hard to put down. Its combat system is fast and reflex-heavy, but while it’s definitely rewarding if you play it straight, it doesn’t take much to break once you know what you’re doing. Still, with its tight visuals, creepy enemies, and wonderfully distorted audio, it nails the retro horror vibe in all the right ways.”
read full review ↗ - 81
“Labyrinth of the Demon King offers familiar first-person retro dungeon crawling, but distinguishes itself with its overpowering-almost unbearable-mood of dread.”
read full review ↗ - 30
“It’s great for developers to try a new idea, and for a New Zealand dev to move to Japan, get inspired by the world and craft an original game in a unique setting is a feat, and kudos for that. Labyrinth of the Demon King is going to be fun for the right crowd who enjoy getting brutalized by things beyond their control and hoping for the best in what felt like an arbitrary generation of items and consumables. For me, though, this was a disappointing, frustrating and honestly exhausting waste of my time. Have fun storming the castle, I’m going back to bed.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Thankfully, independent developers like J. R. Hudepohl or KIRA from Lunacid to fill the void. Labyrinth of the Demon King easily stands shoulder to shoulder with its progenitors whilst having an identity of its own. It’s an amazing accomplishment, and one that you must play for yourself if you’re a fan of first-person RPGs, a masochist or a horror fan.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Labyrinth of the Demon King from developer J.R. Hudepohl harkens back to a simpler survival horror time and recreates most of the right elements that reflect that era and genre. While it’s strong in story, atmosphere, and creepiness, it falls short with its mechanics.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“As a fan of horror, especially classic examples in the genre, I really loved the attention to detail and world-building in Labyrinth of the Demon King. Unfortunately, the combat in the game is uncompromising and will make life unbearable for the vast majority of gamers. Combined with randomized enemy placement and mind-scratching puzzles, this is a game that will push you to the limit.”
read full review ↗ - 55
“With modern elements of roguelike games, Labyrinth of the Demon King seeks to emulate the aesthetics and feel of the classic survival horror games from the days of the first Playstation, but fails by only partially appropriating the best of their characteristics, both in the development of a shallow storyline and in the tedious gameplay that lacks purpose.”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
ReGame It
Siliconera
FingerGuns
Games Freezer
Game8
PC Gamer
WayTooManyGames
Saving Content
Digital Chumps
Hey Poor Player
PSX Brasil…and 2 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Minor HotfixOct 28, 2025
- NG+ Update - Out Now!Oct 27, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Update 1.21 now live!Jul 5, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Opt-in Preview for 1.21 Update + Summer SaleJun 26, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Opt-in Preview for 1.2 Now AvailableJun 15, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes (Post-Launch 1.01)May 20, 2025
- Thank you for the support - Future plans + Upcoming PatchesMay 16, 2025significant · resets scoring window