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) | – | 80 | 5 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 83% | 76 | 385 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 64 | 1 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 5h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (19)
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
“The frustrating lack of off-TV play aside, 1001 Spikes is a spirited, fun title that exemplifies the creative indie spirit that is permeating the eShop. With tons of unlockables, several distinct game modes and a charming presentation, 1001 Spikes is highly recommended. Just be sure to do some yoga and go to your zen place, you don't want to rage-quit your GamePad at the television after that 800th death.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Knowing what to expect from 1001 Spikes will play a large part in whether or not it is found enjoyable. If gamers are looking for a super challenging, rage inducing but fair game, they will be quite happy with their purchase. If what they are looking for is an easy going, charming platformer, it is highly advised to look elsewhere.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“While 1001 Spikes’ extreme difficulty may pose a barrier to some, masochists will enjoy every minute of this punishing platformer. Tight controls and massive replay value make this a brilliantly brutal experience, and one of the PS4’s better side-scrollers to date.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The sheer volume of content on offer here is quite impressive, as is the presentation. The graphics and music feel authentically 8-bit, and even the Ninja Gaiden-style cutscenes present a story that adds an appealing texture to things. Those patient enough to tolerate 1001 Spikes' punishing design sensibilities should find a valuable treasure beneath its prickly exterior.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Still, for those looking for a punishing experience on console or PC, 1001 Spikes definitely delivers on that promise. I died and died, yet kept coming back for more. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“1001 Spikes is best for the kind of person who can take punishment and enjoy it. It can be soul crushing for the same reason it's inspiring.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“This game, to me, is about proving to yourself that even the small victories count, and no matter how many times you fail, you shouldn't snap your game system in half. It's just not worth the trouble. Plus, it was expensive, and you know it.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“At times it becomes a mind-numbing slog, as you're reduced to performing the same rote set of actions for hours until you perfect the one jump or dodge that's holding you back. The reward is a sense of mastery, but the price can be awfully steep, making this a true test of skill, and patience.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“This is a game that will have you thinking about how intense, perplexing, and perfect it was for days. Like a tiny mouse says early in the game -- "the harder the victory, the greater the joy of success". ”
read full review ↗ - 70
“1001 Spikes is far from a bad game, but a few too many spikes on each level leave it falling from grace.”
read full review ↗ - 77
“I don't think I've ever enjoyed a sled ride more in my life, because I've never had to work as hard for one. A task which once felt insurmountable had been met. That's not a feeling I've had with games for a long time, not even in Dark Souls. But somehow, the small scale trials found in the levels of 1001 Spikes bring me back.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“With deadly obstacles at every step, this is one game that never lets up. But fans of this type of punishment will enjoy the clever level designs and rage-inducing traps. ”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
Cubed3
Push Square
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD
GameSpot
Niche Gamer
IGN
Destructoid
Darkstation
Kill Screen
Gaming Nexus…and 7 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
No patch announcements found on Steam yet.