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 | 30 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 94% | 88 | 49 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 94% | 89 | 12 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Jun 1, 2026) · 10 reviews sampled · 12 total reviews in window · weighted 6.8 up / 0.4 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (24)
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
“ChainStaff is a slightly odd outing, but it’s also a fun one. There’s plenty of run-and-gun action on offer as you explore the universe with your weird prawn-head and chain. The quirky style might not be for everyone, but it’s clear a lot of love has been put into the design of this title. It stands out, in a good way, and is worth checking out.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Nicholas Fouts’ project, titled ChainStaff, is a treat that fans of 2D games won’t be able to resist. The game offers everything a proper platformer should have. Thanks to its retro graphics inspired by the 1970s and 1980s, it delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience that will keep you entertained for several evenings. Although it’s a game that will often keep you entertained, its quality is undermined by its low difficulty. As the levels progress, it no longer challenges the player’s skills but instead offers the chance to relax and enjoy moments of peace and quiet. On the other hand, it offers a fresh setting with a supposedly funny story and a New Game+ mode that lets you experience three different endings. If you like wild games with a slightly offbeat style and fast pace, don’t hesitate to give ChainStaff a try. It’s exactly the kind of game that isn’t ashamed of its absurdity.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Bottom line: ChainStaff's gimmicks sets it apart from other indie shooters in this current timeline of gaming, and it pays in loads for it. It's fun to play, doesn't wear out its welcome, keeps its tone light-hearted yet casually gory, and will keep you entertained with ChainStaff shenanigans for hours to come.”
read full review ↗ - 64
“While it has some cool ideas and style to spare, a combination of stiff and sometimes awkward controls, as well as level design that tends to exacerbate those problems, keeps it from reaching it potential”
read full review ↗ - 70
“With its strange visuals and fresh ideas, ChainStaff screams confidence as a bold and distinctive entry in its genre. The game offers plenty for fans of this style, especially with its loud soundtrack and unconventional concepts, making it an experience that truly deserves your time.”
read full review ↗ - 82
“ChainStaff is very clear about what it is. It’s a fast, movement-heavy action platformer that leans on skill and consistency. It doesn’t try to do everything, and that’s a good thing. What it does, it does well. If you enjoy games that keep you moving and reward you for improving, this is worth your time. It can be tough at first, but once it clicks, it’s hard to put down.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“This is just a cool video game with novel gameplay mechanics and a consistently heavy metal style. If you came in here wanting another stellar Mommy's Best Games distillation of classic 2D tropes, you'll be satisfied. If you've never heard of Mommy's Best Games before, sign up here for an incredible action platformer that will feel like a long-lost retro classic.”
read full review ↗ - 86
“The best thing about the game is the ChainStaff system, which gives players many options for movement, combat, and exploration. In addition to creative level design, fun boss fights, and a unique art style, it makes for a consistently fascinating gaming experience.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“ChainStaff is an easy recommendation. The titular weapon is one of the most creative tools I have used in a run-and-gun in years. The throwback sci-fi art direction is wild and original. Deon van Heerden's heavy metal soundtrack keeps the energy high from the opening level to the last boss, and six possible endings along with New Game+ give reasons to go back for another run.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“I played many games that had crazy premises for alien invasion, but I don’t think I played any with a concept as wild and out there as ChainStaff, from developer Mommy’s Best Games (the same guys behind the seriously under-rated Serious Sam Double D XXL), and I mean that in a good way: This game is insane, wild, disgusting, beautiful, and I just couldn’t stop playing.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“ChainStaff is a genuinely clever, uncompromising action platformer. The chain weapon is inventive and fun to master, the moral choice paths give you real reasons to play again, and the retro sci-fi look hits exactly the right notes.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“ChainStaff is a fun yet challenging tribute to the golden age of the run-and-gun genre. Its hand-painted, grotesque aesthetic and pulse-pounding soundtrack feel like stepping into a living '80s rock album, while the titular ChainStaff offers a unique twist as you navigate each stage and face off against massive bosses. With sprawling areas to explore and various upgrade paths to master, ChainStaff encourages multiple playthroughs, an easy feat given how addictive the experience truly is.”
read full review ↗
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NintendoWorldReport
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Netto’s Game Room…and 12 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Free Hard Mode Update!Jun 1, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 2Apr 27, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1Apr 14, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- New "Vault" Ability Added!Mar 4, 2026
- New Demo Update - Difficulty ModesSep 30, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Gamedev Update 3: Making the Camera Work Right!Oct 14, 2024
- Gamedev Update 2: Fixing Framerates over 60fpsSep 27, 2024