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) | – | 74 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 91% | 85 | 16 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 58% | 59 | 1 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 3 reviews sampled · 3 total reviews in window · weighted 1.4 up / 1 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (34)
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
“Etrange Overlord is one of the more unique action RPGs I've played in quite some time; hard to not be when the game is basically a musical set in hell. Its unique gameplay elements, cast of characters, and sense of humor carry it through when the action and setting start to wear thin.”
read full review ↗ - 50
“The narrative is fun if a bit nonsensical and predictable, the characters are a blast, and the musical numbers are a nice touch that distinguishes it from its contemporaries. Unfortunately, the lack of a great combat core combined with monotonous gameplay makes the game ultimately difficult to recommend.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Etrange Overlord, the action RPG or rather the visual novel in game form with a bit of RPG mechanics is a nice game that provides a somewhat fun gameplay loop with humorous banter and a lighthearted story all neatly packed within a 20-hour long experience. It’s a game that you’d either have to like for the story or the story has to like you back. Because sadly, if you’re just here for the gameplay, its lack of post-game loop means that there’s less reasons for you to spend more time with the game after the end credits start rolling.”
read full review ↗ - 82
“Etrange Overlord is a bold, bizarre, and refreshingly original experiment that blends action RPG combat, strategic preparation, rotating battlefield lanes, and musical interludes into something unlike almost anything else. Its uneven pacing, occasional RNG frustration, and visual chaos can get in the way, but its sharp humor, memorable antiheroine, and sheer refusal to play by genre rules make it hard to forget.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Estrange Overlord is a fun and quirky title. The humor, story, and characters were interesting enough to keep me going.”
read full review ↗ - 73
“Strange Overlord is a curious game. It excels when showcasing its comedy and musical talents, but stumbles and falters somewhat when faced with more standard gameplay.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Etrange Overlord delivers a charming villainess tale with sharp humor and great voice work, even if repetitive combat holds it back.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“The repetitiveness of the gameplay loop is certainly less of an issue in short bursts, which is how I would approach Etrange Overlord, but I can't help but feel strangely compelled by the lane system and the strategy needed to survive some of the more diabolical challenges, like holding a key aloft until it finishes materializing, all while avoiding enemies attack from every direction. Those moments are the ones that drew me in, even if the aesthetic and story elements held little appeal for me. If you're into the art style and don't mind Etrange's constant need to be the center of attention, you may find an interesting time-sink type of action-RPG. If you're more put off by the anime-style storytelling, chibi-looking characters and combat mechanics that lack real depth, I'd say skip this one, just like I ended up skipping Etrange's musical numbers.”
read full review ↗ - 76
“What is the legacy of *Etrange Overlord*? It is a game brimming with ingenuity and personality, one that dares to strike out on its own rather than simply rehashing the tried-and-tested. Niikawa and his team have crafted a title that never feels like a product of industrial uniformity. At the same time, however, its ambitions often outstrip its execution: the combat system falls short of its potential, the story barely scratches the surface, and certain sections can wear down one’s patience. And yet, those who embrace the quirky charm of this raven-haired Overlord will find more to enjoy than to find frustrating. As a glimpse of what Niikawa might achieve in his newfound independence, *Etrange Overlord* represents a promising, if imperfect, beginning.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Etrange Overlord is a fun and frantic game that that slowly builds into an adventure with a diverse cast of character and unlocks new mechanics fairly opening up for an adventure fraught with humour and fun that stands well on its own merit as an action JRPG.”
read full review ↗ - 78
“Etrange Overlord is a classic case of a game hiding its true value between its surface level qualities. It has the developers’ trademark humor and audiovisuals, coupled with some very basic controls, only dragged down by some very rough camerawork and first impressions. But beyond that, it offers an incredibly diverse experience and a memorable story; easily another gem for Nippon Ichi’s already star-studded lineup.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Etrange Overlord turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Beneath its unusual story lies a fast and accessible action RPG that’s easy to enjoy in short bursts. The combat is simple but entertaining, the rotating lane mechanic adds a bit of variety, and the cast of characters gives you plenty of options when building your party. The story can occasionally run longer than necessary, but it also provides many of the game’s funniest moments thanks to Étrange’s confident personality. If you enjoy anime-style RPGs and don’t mind a narrative that takes centre stage, Etrange Overlord is well worth a look. It’s a slightly odd adventure, but that’s very much part of its appeal.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
RPGamer
Invision Community
JsemGamer
The Switch Effect
Pizza Fria
Capsule Computers
NintendoWorldReport
neXGam
Game Hype UK
Game8
LadiesGamers.com…and 22 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
No patch announcements found on Steam yet.