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) | – | 69 | 5 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 89% | 83 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 37% | 43 | 1 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 2 reviews sampled · 1 total reviews in window · weighted 0.6 up / 1 down · computed 10h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (18)
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.
- 60
“Fairy Fencer F has remained largely unchanged. It is still an enjoyable title that doesn't quite manage to pull itself together, but doesn't fail, either. It still has potential. It is still, frankly, fun. Aside from people that desire to play this on the PC over the console, though, there simply is no reason to buy this version.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“It's still not going to go down as a world class RPG that everyone should play, but If/Compa fans will get a lot out of it, and it does some interesting things with its mechanics that I think many JRPG fans will enjoy. It's simple in nature and complex when getting into the nitty-gritty customization and harder combat sequences. This is by far the best game the developers have released to date, and JRPG fans should check it out.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“I think they got a great slew of character's that mesh well (maybe not Pippin), on-point music, fun combat, customizable upgrades and with a decent story that doesn't go incredibly outlandish which some of their titles do. The main gripes I have are mostly the zoomed in camera feel from dungeon navigating, frame-rate issues when moving the camera around alongside actions, and lack of world exploring, and lastly, the game can also get easy when going midway on in the game.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“While the premise of the game is quite simple and the plot progression can be considered safe in its approach, there is a very solid turn-based RPG at its core, with each new element added to the battle system only helping to boost the enjoyment of the game. The dialogue is sharp and funny and the characters are likeable. The dungeon designs are rather bland, making the exploration aspect of the game forgettable, this is not a perfect game by any means, but if you love JRPGs then it's worth the time.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Thanks to an engaging battle system and strong customization options, Fairy Fencer F manages to overcome its inconsistent storyline and lacklustre graphics, and stand out in the crowded JRPG genre.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“In conclusion, Fairy Fencer F is one of the strongest examples of a B-tier JRPG; what it lacks in originality or technical achievements, it makes up for having a simplistic-yet-fun battle system, a generous helping of customization and content, and a significant trimming of fat as well as fanservice, both of which continue to bloat up the Neptunia series with each new game. If anyone was ever curious to try one of the growing number of Western releases from Compile Heart, this would definitely be the game to try, especially now that it runs smoothly and carries a budgeted price.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“A solid JRPG with an addictive battle system which is let down by the repetitive plot, minor technical glitches and generally being way too easy.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Compile Heart have yet to create a truly superior JRPG, but Fairy Fencer F feels like a huge step in the right direction. Lazy level design and primitive visuals bring down the package, but the quirky dialogue, interesting overarching storyline, unique gameplay systems and superb combat make for a worthwhile romp for genre fans.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Fairy Fencer F will surely please fans of Idea Factory's output, but it's not likely to win over any fresh blood for the fanbase.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“'Fairy Fencer F', as a series, has potential. While it fails or is merely average on most of its fronts, it also gives a nice look into a world and setting that deserve some more fleshing out. … and thankfully, with the PlayStation 4 sequel recently announced, the series will get a second chance to bring RPG fans a tighter and more enjoyable package.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Not a perfect RPG but a very good first step for a new IP with a lot of potential.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Fairy Fencer F is a mixed bag of a game, the combat is excellent but the story and setting failed to grab my attention. Overtime the battle system also started getting on my nerves due to the lengthy dungeons. The setting is different from the Neptunia series, so if you definitely want to play one of Compile Heart's game and Neptunia is not swinging your boat, then go ahead give Fairy Fencer F a try.”
read full review ↗
Cubed3
ZTGD
Niche Gamer
Japan Curiosity
We Got This Covered
DarkZero
Gamestyle
Dealspwn
RPG Site
High-Def Digest
Attack of the Fanboy
GearNuke…and 6 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Patch update + all DLC now available!Aug 8, 2015
- Patch update + all DLC now available!Aug 8, 2015