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) | – | 89 | 15 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 96% | 91 | 319 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 98% | 93 | 435 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 90.8, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 637 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 (Sep 20, 2023) · 300 reviews sampled · 435 total reviews in window · weighted 193.9 up / 5 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (12)
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
“Ugly is a highly atmospheric game that offers challenging logic puzzles and a dark, profound story. Thanks to its unique gameplay mechanics and a style that perfectly complements its content, it delivers an intense, melancholic experience, though it may not be for everyone. Players looking for something more than just a standard platformer will surely appreciate the intense challenge of confronting human depravity.”
read full review ↗ - 84
“While mechanically it can be tricky at times as you work through larger puzzles, the dynamic nature of your mirror works nicely”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Ugly is an incredible game with its simplicity in mechanics and the indirect way Team Ugly shows you the story. While most puzzle games and platformers will usually focus on combat and tools needed to finish a level, Ugly focuses on keeping it simple as well as creating an experience that is not only polished but highly enjoyable. It is the perfect game for anyone searching for dark yet mysterious stories and puzzles.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“There is so much that goes into "Ugly" that just invites you in, willing you to get lost for hours. And even then, chances are you probably won't find everything. This game thrives at all levels to create a hidden gem for players, which is why it received a perfect score.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Follow a hideous and tormented nobleman through a slew of very creative and inventive puzzle levels that, quite frankly, everyone should try - Ugly is a hidden masterpiece that I'm confident many will find something to love in.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“I haven’t quite finished Ugly, but I am definitely going to. So far, it’s been without bugs, fun, interesting, unique, and has a wonderful story. The environment is so rich with details that it tells its own story; the mechanics are interesting and different. I love the music, the movement, and everything about Ugly, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Ugly is a fun and interesting puzzle platformer that tells a dark story in an unconventional and engaging way. This tale of macabre memories shouldn’t take you too long to complete, and will challenge you with stimulating mirror-movement puzzles throughout. It is safe to say that Ugly more than lives up to 2023’s standard of excellent game releases.”
read full review ↗ - 87
“I have to say I'm deeply impressed with Ugly. From the lateral thinking to the graphical presentation, the clever mirror mechanics to the scale of the levels, the little bursts of humour and the intense storytelling: it's an absolute humdinger of a game for people who get a kick out of brain-melting platforming challenges!”
read full review ↗ - 85
“With five to seven hours worth of gameplay, two endings, a gorgeous art direction, and plenty of brain-busting puzzles to satisfy those craving a challenge, you are easily getting your money’s worth with Ugly. If or when Team Ugly decides to patch the Nintendo Switch version to fix this huge bug, the score will change to reflect that. Only time will tell for now. It is a must-play, but hold out for that update so that you can actually see the game through to the end.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Ugly is a hidden gem among indie games. It features a beautiful, melancholic narrative that will intrigue players as they unravel the nobleman’s hideous past. The puzzles are both challenging and engaging without being too complex for casual players to enjoy as they master the fascinating mirror mechanic of this world. Ugly is an interesting, unique experience that is recommended for players of every kind.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Ugly is a title that goes beyond the expectations created by its name, offering a visually stunning and narratively intriguing experience. Despite considerable challenges, its journey through thought-provoking puzzles and a subtly constructed narrative make it a worthy recommendation for genre enthusiasts and those looking for something new and different to play.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Ugly is a dark yet charming story-driven platformer that is filled with challenging puzzles and a melancholic story to pull at your heartstrings. The excellent art direction and the way its narrative unfolds are very memorable, however, the occasional unintuitive level design and bland musical arrangement really take away from the otherwise engaging experience.”
read full review ↗
Gaming Professors
Nindie Spotlight
GamesCreed
SVG
GameGrin
LadiesGamers.com
Try Hard Guides
GBAtemp
NoobFeed
Screen Rant
GameBlast
WhatIfGamingPatch history
- Patch v1.0.5Oct 3, 2023
- Patch v1.0.4 - The final patch (we hope!)Sep 26, 2023
- Patch 1.0.3Sep 20, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Patch of patchSep 16, 2023
- Patch v1.0.2 BugfixingSep 16, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Patch v1.0.1 Landing polishesSep 14, 2023