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Rubinite

Rubinite

Cup Dog Games, GameWorks Ventures · released Jul 21, 2026

ActionIndieRPGPC

Rubinite is an extremely challenging boss rush action game. in a dark fairy tale world, use Ruby's crimson eyes to expose the weak points of the Bloodstained monsters, then strike and shatter them. Carve a road home through the ruined Scarlet Kingdom and face the Witch who took it all.

88
VGC Score
Stablehigh confidence

anchored at patch: “[0045e17] Patch Notes” (21d ago)

88%
At launch
94%
Steam all-time
80%
Press
96%
Recent sentiment

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.

ComponentPositiveQuality (0-100)Weight (pseudo-reviews)
Press reviews (Metacritic)8040
All-time Steam reviews94%891000
Metacritic user ratings0
Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted)96%91983
Calibration prior (typical game)7250

Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 89.3, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 3,523 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).

Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Aug 11, 2026) · 300 reviews sampled · 983 total reviews in window · weighted 257.2 up / 5.5 down · computed 1h ago · full methodology →

Press & Creators reviews (4)

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
    trust 74Jul 24, 2026

    Bristling with potential, and with dynamic art direction and combat, Rubinite could have been something truly special. But with a bevy of mechanical flaws, strange decisions, and a narrative loop that defies its classification as a boss rush, Rubinite settles into being just another enjoyable Soulslike.

    read full review ↗
  • 82
    trust 62Jul 28, 2026

    Rubinite is a strikingly good Soulslike which slashes through the fluff and delivers a razor-sharp boss rush experience with a surprisingly potent emotional center. At its core, Rubinite’s Focus mechanic and the myriad of imposing boss fights deliver a uniquely fun and challenging take on the genre that's bolstered by the game’s beautiful 2D pixel-art style, lovable characters, and wonderful story. There are a few unfortunate issues, such as the overly cryptic narrative presentation and occasional janky hitboxes, which hold it back a bit. Still, every gemstone has a flaw or two, and Rubinite is no exception; it’s a pureblooded, crystallized gem that’s worth the adventure.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    trust 58Jul 23, 2026

    Rubinite is a confident and rewarding take on the boss rush formula, pairing expertly crafted encounters with meaningful progression, engaging characters, and a surprisingly heartfelt narrative. While a handful of bosses overstay their welcome and some story scenes lack emotional impact, its exceptional combat, inventive Focus mechanic, and memorable world make it one of the year's standout indie action RPGs.

    read full review ↗
  • 78
    trust 54Aug 4, 2026

    Rubinite is a challenging boss-rush action game that succeeds because defeat feel more like a lesson than a punishment. While the level of challenge is high, those who bring patience, observational skills and precision will be rewarded. Although the cautious, dodge-first combat can occasionally encourage passive play, Cup Dog Games' debut definitely impresses.

    read full review ↗

Patch history

  1. [0045e17] Patch Notes
    Aug 11, 2026significant · resets scoring window
  2. First Two Weeks of Rubinite — Thank You, Everyone!
    Aug 5, 2026significant · resets scoring window