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 (Metacritic) | – | 73 | 39 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 98% | 94 | 731 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 98% | 94 | 512 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 92.7, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 1,469 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 3, 2025) · 300 reviews sampled · 512 total reviews in window · weighted 222.9 up / 4.4 down · computed 2h 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.
- 70
“Like any creative 4-chord song, Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson makes good on the promise of a turn-based RPG that melds a great tune with a stylish bassline. Also much like a 4-chord song, it quickly becomes easy to predict and master, lacking that extra depth to elevate it beyond its accessible design. Even so, it's hard not to play it without a smile on your face and an appreciation for its colourful visuals.”
read full review ↗ - 40
“The groundwork for a solid musical RPG is here, and the game’s combat contains the creative spark of something sticky and addictive, this combination of musical decks, FX, and rhythmic inputs. I’m restless after Fretless, The Wrath of Riffson, unclear about most of the game’s choices, like why it can’t even trigger a confirmation prompt before ending a turn during battle. I’d assume these basics are just a given, but sometimes a game reminds you of what we take for granted.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Fretless - The Wrath Of Riffson is a genuine indie gem, and one of my favorite gaming experiences of the year so far. It's a lovely mix of cozy, creative, funny, and addictive as you synchronize with the rhythm-based, flow-state, turn-based combat. I wish some of the level designs and number of enemy-types were a little more robust, but this ultimately boils down to me simply wanting more of this amazing title. This is a must-play for musicians that game, but I'd also wholeheartedly recommend it to the non-musicals as well.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Fretless is not the type of game to lock you in for hours on end, or change your life, but it shines in its environment and sound design. It’s a passion project turned into a downright fun experience.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Despite some disharmony, overall, I really enjoyed Fretless, The Wrath of Riffson. Yes, it’s a short burn, and yes, some minor issues held it back. But it’s still a charming, retro, GuitaR-PG with a lot of heart. If you’re in the mood for an epic Battle of the Bands with a likeable hometown hero, look no further.”
read full review ↗ - 78
“While Fretless may not fully realize its own potential, the game is such a fun time with so many clever ideas that it’s absolutely worth experiencing.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Fretless: Wrath of Riffson successfully blends RPG elements with musical gameplay, creating a unique and immersive experience. Players follow Rob, a young musician competing in a Battle of the Bands against the villainous Super Metal Records. The game features innovative, rhythmic card-based combat inspired by titles like Slay the Spire and Guitar Hero. Visually, it excels with detailed pixel art and fluid animations, accompanied by an outstanding soundtrack. Despite minor issues such as the lack of a New Game Plus mode and an initial slow progression, the game is highly engaging and creatively designed, offering depth and accessibility to both music enthusiasts and RPG fans alike.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson is one of those games that might seem weird to some, but as soon as you start playing, it will get you hooked. The vibrant, stunning pixel art will grab you into this weird, yet beautiful world, and you’ll stay in there for the creative combat and grueling combo attacks. Even more so, the game is continually offering you new ways to play with all kinds of guitar types, and it’s not afraid to take chances. I am a huge fan of the boss battles they added here and there, but make no mistake, all the other enemies are fun to tackle, even if the game can feel quite easy especially in the beginning. But as a whole, Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson feels like a complete RPG experience, with amazing music and fun quests to boot. I didn’t know what to expect from Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson, but I am glad I played it, as it was a great ride.”
read full review ↗ - 40
“It’s unfortunate that I find myself having to put the boot in this hard to what’s obviously a passion project from an indie developer, but my emotional state playing Fretless oscillated between boredom, irritation and occasionally finding it all mildly pleasant. Perhaps it will hit differently for someone who’s into the music scene or deckbuilders, but as a JRPG fan who’s partial to a good rhythm action game, it hit a bit of a bum note for me.”
read full review ↗ - 78
“A deck building, pixel art, turn based RPG, where Guitar Hero meets Pokémon that absolutely shreds.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Fretless: The Wrath of Riffson offers charming pixel art visuals and fun turn-based battles using musical instruments. For a game so focused on music, though, the tracks are a bit… forgettable.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“This GuitaR-PG is a musical delight. A classic RPG of a lifetime, with your exploration to find hidden treasures, and turn-based combat... but where parry is the key to everything. Fun and rocking, loaded with adrenaline at every step. ”
read full review ↗
FingerGuns
Screen Rant
DualShockers
Digital Chumps
Hey Poor Player
Endless Mode
GameBlast
Softpedia
Impulsegamer
ElDesmarquePatch history
- Warbler Trophy Hotfix / minor bugs (1.5.09)Jul 15, 2026
- Menu UI and Font UpdatesJun 11, 2026
- Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson, release note for patch 3, build 19804628Sep 3, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson_Patch note 1.2.7171Aug 6, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Fretless, patch 1, build 1.1.7152Jul 29, 2025