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KAZ

KAZ

Kalinarm · released Jul 13, 2026

ActionIndie

Dopamine-fueled minimalist grid-based game that pushes the boundaries of psychedelic visuals and fast reaction time. KAZ is an action roguelike arcade game where choice of items, buffs, and maluses allows you to unlock cool visuals and themes while showing everybody your skill on the leaderboards

83
VGC Score
·No trend datamedium confidence

anchored at patch: “KAZ Theme Roadmap + more!” (28d ago)

85%
At launch
95%
Steam all-time
84%
Press
91%
Recent sentiment

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.

ComponentPositiveQuality (0-100)Weight (pseudo-reviews)
Press reviews (OpenCritic)8414
All-time Steam reviews95%8976
Metacritic user ratings0
Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted)91%8514
Calibration prior (typical game)7250

Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Aug 4, 2026) · 14 reviews sampled · 14 total reviews in window · weighted 4.7 up / 0.5 down · computed 8h ago · full methodology →

Press & Creators reviews (7)

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
    trust 70Jul 13, 2026

    When the hand moves on its own to replicate the movements of playing KAZ while lying down, one knows for certain it is a winner! This is an addictive game that mixes the physical sensation of high-dexterity games with the psychological push of modern unlock systems. While it is addictive, it is important to remember to take frequent breaks and maybe limit the amount of time played per day in the main modes, as KAZ can otherwise cause pain if played on a high level for too long. Thankfully, KAZ offers a break with its no-stress mode!

    read full review ↗
  • 76
    trust 66Jul 17, 2026

    KAZ delivers relentless arcade action, rewarding progression, and superb replayability. If you enjoy fast reflex-based roguelikes that constantly challenge your instincts, you'll find it incredibly difficult to stop after just one run.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    trust 65Jul 13, 2026

    The sharp and snappy arcade action of KAZ is so simple, and yet it's so compelling as you build up your score through round after round. It's a fun game that can really get its hooks into you, and definitely deserves attention from score chasers.

    read full review ↗
  • 72
    trust 62Jul 14, 2026

    KAZ is a fantastic example of focused, confident game design. It knows exactly what it wants to be, and the result is a wonderfully crafted, extremely rewarding dopamine-delivery system dressed up in psychedelic visuals and grid-based tactical decision-making.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 53Jul 13, 2026

    KAZ delivers on its core promise: providing short, immediate matches packed with the kind of quick decisions that keep players engaged during brief sessions. However, the game does suffer from a degree of fatigue over the medium term. The combination of high speed, intense visual effects, and the constant sound of keystrokes can become tiring during longer sessions, and the actual variety between modes is more limited than it first appears. KAZ lacks the element of surprise needed to elevate it beyond being just a fun way to pass the time.

    read full review ↗
  • 85
    trust 51Jul 13, 2026

    KAZ is dedicated to players who are willing to spend hours chasing a high score, scrutinizing the upgrade options, theorizing about their perfect build, and hoping for that extra bit of luck that separates a good run from an impressive one.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 50Jul 13, 2026

    Kaz is a fantastic example of smart game design. It knows exactly what it wants to be, and the result is a wonderfully crafted, and extremely rewarding dopamine delivery of a game. Underneath that deceptively simple design lies an addictive and gorgeous indie gem that just feels great to play. With a ‘just one more go’ attitude, Kaz is easy to pick up, hard to master, and is an easy recommendation for anyone with a keyboard to hand.

    read full review ↗

Patch history

  1. KAZ Theme Roadmap + more!
    Aug 4, 2026significant · resets scoring window
  2. KAZ Update 1.0.1: Fixes, Balance Changes & Leaderboard Cleanup
    Jul 15, 2026significant · resets scoring window
  3. May 2926 Dev Recap
    Jun 2, 2026significant · resets scoring window
  4. April 2026 Dev Recap
    May 1, 2026significant · resets scoring window
  5. KAZ Demo Update – A Fresh New Look + Stress Free Mode
    Apr 21, 2026significant · resets scoring window
  6. March 2026 Dev Recap
    Apr 8, 2026significant · resets scoring window
  7. KAZ Playtest Update 0.6.3 + Final Days to Join
    Mar 30, 2026significant · resets scoring window
  8. KAZ February Dev Recap
    Mar 10, 2026significant · resets scoring window
  9. KAZ Update 0.5.0 is live
    Feb 12, 2026significant · resets scoring window
  10. 2025 Dev Recap
    Dec 19, 2025significant · resets scoring window
  11. KAZ v0.1.8
    Jul 14, 2025