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) | – | 78 | 9 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 92% | 86 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 83 | 3 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 100% | 97 | 5 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 15 reviews sampled · 12 total reviews in window · weighted 12.5 up / 0 down · computed 3h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (32)
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.
- 30
“With little replay value incentives and a campaign that lacks the qualities which make for a compelling experience, it is very hard to recommend this game even with its lower price tag.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“I’m really impressed by everything the folks behind this game have put together...”
read full review ↗ - 60
“While X-Morph: Defense is a great title that tower defense fans and shoot 'em up fans alike will enjoy, some issues experienced while playing the game with the loading times might be a huge turnoff after a couple of hours. While a great game, a fix to this is in sincere need. The gameplay is great and shows the best sides of both genres, as it mixes together in a wonderful way that helps them enhance each other, while at the same time offering a more pure experience for the respective genres.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“X-Morph: Defense is a terrific pick up for someone who enjoys twin-stick shoot-‘em-ups but is looking for some more variety other than just blasting everything on screen. The tactical strategy required to complete levels added solid replayability and allowed me to try multiple ways to creatively destroy the human race. Other than the piercing guilt of destroying my homeland of Canada, I had a really fun experience with X-Morph and can place it firmly on my recommended list.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“All in all, X-Morph Defense is a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to the European Assault being added over to the Nintendo Switch. With great Twin-Stick Shooter elements alongside a very robust Tower Defense formula, there’s something here for fans of either side for both some solo or coop gameplay.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“X-Morph Defense is a pleasant surprise. The blend of shooting action and tower defense fits rather well, and the constant action keeps things at a very frantic pace almost all of the time. It could've used more weapon variety and more modes outside of co-op, but as it stands now, X-Morph Defense is an enjoyable romp for fans of either genre.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“It’s not the hardest tower defense game ever, but X-Morph will definitely challenge you in ways you never imagined. What little shortcomings it may have is made up for in concept, execution, and sheer style. Now admit it, you know you’ve always wanted to play as the bad guy and wreak havoc…I know I have!”
read full review ↗ - 80
“X-Morph: Defense successfully mashes up the shoot 'em up and tower defence genres which is no mean feat. and the co-op mode is a really great addition and helps alleviate the repetitive nature of the tasks. There is at least fifteen hours of gameplay on the easiest difficulty level and as you are ranked at the end of each battle there's a good reason to go back and try again. If you like tower defence and big explosions it's well worth a look, especially if you have a friend to join the battle.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“X-Morph: Defense is a fun and addictive effort that combines elements of action games with those of tower defense titles to deliver a work that will keep players mired in its delightful details for a long time, whether for its gorgeous visuals, absurd humour and well implemented, if simple gameplay mechanics.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“X-morph Defense is the total package, one I had no clue I wanted but now wonder how I ever lived without.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“EXCELLENT - X-Morph: Defense brings a visually stunning and polished tower defense meets twin-stick shooter game to the Nintendo Switch. I loved the dynamic free-form tactics I was able to employ in every mission, and there’s just a lot of refined gameplay here. That coupled with so many visual effects happening in every battle, it created one of the most chaotically fun experiences I’ve had yet on this platform. For an MSRP of $19.99, I consider this a steal for an excellent game.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“X-Morph: Defense is what happens when you design and implement a modern arcade twin-stick shooter mixed with a tower defense from the ground up. The cheesy style of dialogue and story is mixed with a feeling of masterful power as you navigate a beautifully constructed game world. This is a highly recommended experience.”
read full review ↗
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Patch history
- The Riftbreaker - Operation: Alpha TestMar 18, 2020significant · resets scoring window
- Nintendo Switch version is almost ready - and it's good news for everyone!Nov 30, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- Update 1.12 is now live!Sep 7, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- Last Bastion DLC is now available + Huge Free Update, New Towers!Aug 31, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- ANNIVERSARY UPDATE! NEW TOWERS! NEW ENEMIES!Jul 24, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- Summer Update is LIVEJul 9, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- Summer Update Public Beta this weekend!Jul 6, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- X-Morph: Defense - Summer UpdateJun 27, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- Update 1.08 is now live!Apr 13, 2018
- Laser Weapon UpdateMar 28, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- Laser Weapon UpdateMar 28, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- European Assault DLC is now available + New Free Game Mode!Mar 26, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- European Assault DLC is now available + New Free Game Mode!Mar 26, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- Survival Mode Open Beta - 3 New Maps!Mar 10, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- Survival Mode Open Beta - 3 New Maps!Mar 10, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- Improved workshop integration! New community maps included.Mar 1, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- Improved workshop integration! New community maps included.Mar 1, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- Survival Mode Open Beta is now available!Feb 15, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- Community Map Spotlight - Seaside CliffsJan 9, 2018