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) | – | 83 | 13 |
| Creator reviews (2 tracked) | – | 96 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 97% | 92 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 71 | 10 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 99% | 96 | 10 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 90.7, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 8,808 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 27 reviews sampled · 28 total reviews in window · weighted 15.1 up / 0.1 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (52)
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.
- 95
“Moppin’s work easily deserves to stand alongside the likes of Nuclear Throne, Spelunky, and The Binding of Isaac as a tough but rewarding game where no two runs are the same and the temptation to return is overwhelming...It’s also proof positive that reviewers don’t give games low scores because they “suck at the game”, I have no shame in admitting I’m absolutely awful at the bloody thing, but I adore it nonetheless.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Downwell is fun, addictive and visually distinct vertically scrolling shooter/platformer. It's tough enough to challenge you without being too frustrating, and will scratch that retro platforming itch in a whole new way. Check it out.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“This is an excellent port of a game that feels like it's found a natural home on Switch thanks to a plethora of control options and the console's natural facility with vertical orientation. Short of popping your 4K TV on its side, Switch offers the very best way to play Downwell. Its roguelike structure and twitch platforming might not be for everyone, but you should really give it a chance. For our money, it's a modern classic that should be in everyone's collection.”
read full review ↗ - 91
“Most purposely difficult games that have arrived in the wake of Super Meat Boy, Spelunky and Dark Souls are embodiments of a failure to understand that there's more to those games than just how hard they are, often making the only thing enjoyable about them the fleeting sense of achievement you get when you finally overcome a poorly-designed obstacle through luck or trial and error. Downwell, with its velocity and elegant simplicity, does not make that mistake. It's a difficult game, certainly, but it's also a generous one, likely providing its player with great heaps of joy for a ludicrously small time investment.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“An inexpensive time waster, but a time waster nonetheless. Still, it’s enjoyable for the short time it’ll keep your attention and it makes me crave a win. Though I also doubt I ever will gain one.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“If you’re looking for something that’s quick to pick up and put down (you know, a great mobile experience) Downwell is a great and challenging option...”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Unless Lassie's got our back, then we'd never normally want to get lost down a well, but Downwell is a strong exception. This fun little freefallin' title ties you up in its gun-boot antics, and is difficult to put down once you casually drop in. The action's perhaps better suited to vertical screens, and it can be a bit obtuse, but for the price of a Big Mac, this is one deadly descent that deserves your tuppence.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“After years of hearing how cool Downwell is, it's great to see just how fantastic it really is. It's a straightforward, no-nonsense masterclass in design where it's super easy to sit down with the intention of playing for five minutes and walk away a dozen runs and more than an hour later. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some gun boots to fire off so I can get to the bottom of this well.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“It's not a game you play hours on end, but definitely something that can be enjoyed for small chunks in between games, and for that cheap price, it fits right in with the entire rougelike nature of the game. It's a small, fun, and easy addiction that many will really enjoy all for a cheap price.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Downwell finally made it to Switch and it’s found the best place to play. The Switch has done it again.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Downwell is an unique take on the shoot em' up and roguelike genres that is sure to keep you coming back.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Don't let appearances deceive you - Downwell's retro chic aesthetic is the wrapper for an incredibly deep, satisfying game.”
read full review ↗
The Jimquisition
Pure Nintendo
Nintendo Life
Paste Magazine
Kinglink Reviews
Nindie Spotlight
Push Square
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD
FingerGuns
The Escapist
Eurogamer…and 40 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Update 2022 05 31May 31, 2022