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) | – | 85 | 45 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 93% | 87 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 94% | 88 | 16 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 35 reviews sampled · 45 total reviews in window · weighted 31.4 up / 2 down · computed 5h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (27)
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.
- 90
“A sequel that didn't significantly change the formula, but improved it and offered to solve a bunch of new unique crimes. The developers' imagination is clearly not exhausted, so we are excited for new games in the series, even if they will not differ from this one in terms of gameplay at all.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Perhaps by its very nature as a sequel, Rise of the Golden Idol was never going to be the revelation that the original was. But by playing to the strengths of the first game’s concept through even more intricate puzzle design, it offers a worthy follow-up in a spirited new setting.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“The Rise of the Golden Idol continues the series’ stellar legacy and is one of this year’s best. Set decades after the original, and sporting a painterly look that still embodies the first game’s unsettling feel, the developers have managed to construct a world of intrigue and murder brimming with innovative and ambitious puzzles.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The Rise of the Golden Idol is truly a valuable and amazing work in the adventure and detective genre; in an era where we see fewer games in this style, the creation of Color Gray Games studio can satisfy the puzzle lovers' thirst for a while. Especially since creativity in the design of these puzzles is abundant, and other elements like an engaging story and fitting designs further enhance the game's value. So, if you're interested in adventure games, especially detective ones, you absolutely must not miss The Rise of the Golden Idol.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“There is plenty to enjoy here, but the brilliant pacing, focus and storytelling from Case of the Golden Idol looms large over its sequel. It's a shame it doesn't live up to that potential, while still reinforcing the great ideas that are the foundation of the gameplay. Let's hope the Golden Idol shows up once more in the future to bring both styles together for a spectacular conclusion.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The Rise of the Golden Idol is a brain-breaking collection of mysteries all wrapped up in one absurd narrative and is a must-have for lovers of investigation games. While it doesn't quite replace the original game in my heart, the puzzles are bigger and better, the plot progression is more fluid, and it's all-around beefier. Golden Idol's unique take on investigation and logical progression is as engrossing as it is difficult, and keeping up with its complex mysteries makes you feel like a master detective when you finally hit that "aha!" moment. I'm waiting with bated breath for those DLCs!”
read full review ↗ - 80
“A compelling modern mystery thriller that's bigger, better and more ambitious than its already brilliant predecessor.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“While the storyline doesn't quite hit the same as its predecessor which is amplified by the longer gameplay length, The Rise of the Golden Idol still has very engaging gameplay and puzzles. I'm happy to say that I was hooked once again.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“A decrease in murder lowers the stakes, but The Rise of the Golden Idol is still an inventive detective game where deductive reasoning prevails”
read full review ↗ - 87
“A gritty detective adventure that's nearly as clever and captivating as the original.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The Rise of the Golden Idol makes a great mystery series even better.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The Rise of the Golden Idol is a great sequel and a very good evolution of the original. A renewed graphics and a much improved UI dress a game that maintains the structure seen in the prequel, but delves into new mechanics and the complexity of the puzzles. I liked the story even more, so I can only recommend you to go for it. There aren't many games like this.”
read full review ↗
3DNews
Slant Magazine
The Indie Informer
Zoomg
NintendoWorldReport
Checkpoint Gaming
Eurogamer
GameLuster
GameSpot
PC Gamer
Digital Trends
PCMGAMES…and 15 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- DLC 4 Patch 2Nov 4, 2025
- DLC 4 The Curse of the Last Reaper Patch 1Sep 30, 2025
- The Age of Restraint DLC patch 2Aug 1, 2025
- The Age of Restraint DLC patch 1Jul 23, 2025
- Music system hotfixJun 4, 2025
- Steam Deck verification patchJun 3, 2025
- Small wording and asset patchMay 26, 2025
- Patch 2 for The Lemurian PhoenixMay 16, 2025
- Hotfix 1 for The Lemurian PhoenixMay 14, 2025
- The Sins of New Wells hotfix 1Mar 6, 2025
- Patch 1.1.0Dec 2, 2024