videogamescritic
← all games
Particle Hearts

Particle Hearts

Underwater Fire · released Aug 25, 2025

AdventureCasualIndieRPGPCPlayStation 5Xbox Series XNintendo Switch

Explore a world made entirely of particles. Use special abilities to manipulate those particles, solve puzzles, avoid detection, and uncover the role you play in this sinister and beautiful land.

76
VGC Score
·No trend datalow confidence
n/a
At launch
92%
Steam all-time
75%
Press
100%
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 (OpenCritic)7516
All-time Steam reviews92%8720
Metacritic user ratings0
Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted)100%970
Calibration prior (typical game)7250

Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 1 reviews sampled · 1 total reviews in window · weighted 0.2 up / 0 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →

Press & Creators reviews (10)

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 79Oct 29, 2025

    Particle Hearts leans heavily into its visuals and overall presentation, and that was probably the right thing to do. The narrative is revealed slowly and with only gentle guidance, leaving players to explore and discover the game's secrets at their own pace. By all means, take your time with this one.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 67Sep 9, 2025

    I was always equally as excited to reach the next challenge as I was to unfold a little more of the story. There are moments that very genuinely hit and caused me to simply pause for a moment and absorb the storytelling. The world it creates is enchanting and against all odds holds up almost flawlessly on Switch. This is the level of narrative adventure that even with a few blemishes, I can't help but fall in love with.

    read full review ↗
  • 75
    trust 62Aug 26, 2025

    Will you manage to find your true self in this particle world?

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 61Aug 27, 2025

    Particle Hearts is a pretty interesting experience. It has a sense of loneliness that feels inspired by Shadow of the Colossus. It also had some fun ping ponging of emotions in the environment that reminded me of Flower when I played that game for the first time. It is a game that asks you to stay aware of your surroundings, and you don’t need to finish the game quickly. Take your time to find the best route and find all the little collectibles. Sure, rest under that mushroom. Explore and enjoy the world. If you are interested in adventure platforming titles and a world where you can explore in a unique way, this is the one to look out for.

    read full review ↗
  • 76
    trust 59Aug 22, 2025

    Particle Hearts blurs the line between puzzle-platformer and interactive art exhibit, sending players drifting through dreamlike biomes. It may be too opaque or leisurely for some, but those open to a meditative pace will find it a luminous experience.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 56Aug 23, 2025

    Particle Hearts is a 3D adventure game that has a lot of vibes and minimalism to make for an amazing experience.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 55Aug 21, 2025

    With a unique look and a story hook that keeps you wanting to continue, Particle Hearts is a successful puzzle game. That being said, it doesn’t reach the highs of the genre’s best, and its exploration can lead you to getting lost at points. However, it’s still a worthwhile experience if you want to scratch that puzzle itch on PS5.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 52Aug 24, 2025

    Particle Hearts is a puzzle game that plays primarily like a walking simulator. On the one hand, its puzzles are mostly rudimentary, and its narrative isn’t one that will move the needle. On the other hand, the game’s emotion-filled music and unique world of particles make exploring it a visual and audial pleasure that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

    read full review ↗
  • 75
    trust 45Aug 21, 2025

    For those looking for an experience that sidesteps common trends, this is absolutely worth your time.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 45Aug 26, 2025

    Particle Hearts is a captivating and consistently immersive platformer that you can enjoy at your own pace as you explore and solve puzzles. 🎐

    read full review ↗

Patch history

No patch announcements found on Steam yet.