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) | – | 68 | 6 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 91% | 85 | 123 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 100% | 97 | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 1 reviews sampled · 1 total reviews in window · weighted 1 up / 0 down · computed 1h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (21)
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.
- 70
“Besides the optional touch controls that make this title accessible to all ages, Sparkle 2 doesn't attempt to take this classic genre to new heights; instead it provides an experience that is mostly on par with past efforts - including the original Sparkle game. Fortunately, these development choices can only be commended as it is a well designed game with satisfactory production values; it'll likely have you glued to the screen until you've lost your marbles.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“All in all while there’s nothing changing the fact that this is “just a casual game” there’s quite a lot of content to be played if you are a fan of the genre. Over the course of the main story campaign you’ll unlock new power-ups but you’ll also unlock 3 additional modes that provide more replay opportunities. They all will be variations on the same ideas, with only minor tweaks to the formula but they will throw challenges at you in slightly different ways and the unlocking of new levels at least provides you with continued challenges even after the pretty lengthy main campaign is completed. As a big fan of many classic PopCap casual games, and Zuma Deluxe in particular, I’d say that among its descendents Sparkle 2 is the most impressive and enjoyable by a fair degree. If you’re in search of something a little lighter than can be enjoyed in quick sessions between tasks it in an excellent choice!”
read full review ↗ - 70
“What else can be said about Sparkle 2? It's the concept of Puzz Loop/Zuma, on the Nintendo Switch, with a few unique elements thrown into the mix to make it be enough of its own thing to feel appealing to fans of the genre, and it plays best as a handheld title via the touch screen of the system. It will appease the hunger for this type of experience on the Switch without any doubt, but should not be expected to reconcile its detractors with the concept, however, as it remains pretty close to its source material. Price is perhaps just a bit on the steep side for newcomers, but for anyone who likes a good challenge of that type, with the amount of tough as nails challenges to tackle in here to complete absolutely everything, it's a fair price.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“In conclusion, Sparkle 2 is a lot like Sparkle Unleashed, which in turn was a lot like PopCap's Zuma. If you are a fan of this genre of game, then Sparkle 2 has a lot going for it, but it unlikely to convert anyone else to its cause. We found it weirdly addictive, with the "just one more level" effect being very strong, and the usually pretty graphics and reactive music all helping to hook us in. At its heart, its another colour matcher, but this is a little different to the run of the mill mobile ports that we see, and with the new modes to unlock as you play, it could well keep you hooked a little longer than normal.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Puzzle fans beware: Sparkle 2 will have you glued to your console, especially if you attempt the addictive Endless mode. This is an entertaining distraction at a decent price, and is definitely deserving of an ever ready spot on your device.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“undefined.Sparkle 2 is a perfect example of a title that was originally designed for mobile but just feels better on the Switch. Even though it shares the same touch controls as its mobile cousin, the ability to use the joystick to control the direction of the Orb Slinger feels better than trying to use your finger alone. If you're the type of person that would play Candy Crush waiting for the bus then I can recommend Sparkle 2 as a much better alternative to the same types of games on your phone.”
read full review ↗ - 50
“On a purely functional level Sparkle 2 is fine, but it lacks features that are not only standard for its genre, but that provide the biggest reasons to play. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Though it can feel very familiar at first, Sparkle 2 is different enough to be fun. The power-ups are different from what similar games have offered, but the launcher's upgrade system provides some depth. There are plenty of modes included, and each one is lengthy enough to keep players engaged for quite some time. Even if you already have the Zuma games, Sparkle 2 is worth getting for match-three puzzle game fans.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The game is a visually nice one, though levels do repeat. The only real problem is the sensitivity of the touch pad on PS4, and then it plays better on Vita. It's a game that is enjoyable in short bursts compared to a long slog, and it provides a fun distraction.”
read full review ↗ - 30
“Sparkle 2 is a clone of an almost 20 year old game and does nothing interesting with the core idea introduced in Puzz Loop.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“If you're a fan of match-three puzzle games, then you should check out Sparkle 2 on Nintendo Switch. It has over 90 levels to complete, several gameplay modes, and solid gameplay mechanics you can enjoy at home or on the go.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Sparkle 2 is an incredible video game that really surprised me. I did not think that an action puzzle game could hold my attention as long as this game has. I often find myself wanting to try and complete more and more challenges.”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
Nindie Spotlight
Cubed3
Pure Xbox
Push Square
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD
Worth Playing
TheSixthAxis
We Got This Covered
PS3Blog.net
Rectify Gaming…and 9 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- DYSMANTLE 1.0 Now AvailableNov 16, 2021
- Skeletal Avenger Full Version Launched on Steam!Sep 29, 2021
- New game mode and translations added!Jun 19, 2017