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) | – | 81 | 12 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 75 | 0 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 90% | 84 | 777 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 65 | 6 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 100% | 97 | 1 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 4 reviews sampled · 4 total reviews in window · weighted 0.9 up / 0 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (53)
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.
- 75
“So, from a subjective standpoint, I would argue that, despite not being a great product, That Dragon, Cancer is still very good at what it does, forging a link with its audience and delivering a love-filled, mercilessly sad, story. It's being sold as a product, it should be criticized for that, but it should also be praised for the things it does so very well.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Aside from its control scheme, That Dragon, Cancer is one of the essential experiences of 2016. The masterful way it conveys its story of grief and loss brings a tear to the eye and makes it impossible not to empathize with its protagonists.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Although perceptibly divisive in execution and theme, it becomes difficult to imagine an individual that would experience That Dragon, Cancer and not feel richer and better off for having been immersed in its bittersweet storytelling as the end credits roll. While some might be understandably put off by the slim pickings of traditional genre fare on offer here, That Dragon, Cancer staunchly remains as an experience that everybody should let into their lives regardless.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Like inventing and describing a new color, That Dragon, Cancer tries to describe something indescribable, and does an admirable job of it.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“An understandably personal work, That Dragon, Cancer's sentimental excesses place a minor dent in a powerful, brave game.”
read full review ↗ - 90
- 100
“It's a slow paced game that can be difficult to watch at times but if you want a strong story and all the feels, then this is the one to turn to. It pushes the boundaries of games as art and it's genuinely the most emotional game I've ever played and I can't recommend it enough. Keep Kleenex nearby.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“A very brave attempt to use video games to inspire empathy and share grief over one of the most sensitive subjects imaginable.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The minimalistic approach and slow pace That Dragon, Cancer takes won't appeal to everyone, but it does contain some fiercely moving moments and a very unique overall experience.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“That Dragon, Cancer tells a valuable story despite its uneven delivery.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“A beautiful game but not quite successful for me as a social experiment.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Daunting, exhausting and consuming confession of parents about living with the knowledge of inevitable death of their young son does not offer the challenge in terms of gameplay, but empathy. [Issue#262]”
The Jimquisition
PLAY Zine
GameWatcher
The Escapist
Eurogamer
GameSpot
GameGrin
Metro GameCentral
We Got This Covered
PC Gamer
TechRaptor…and 41 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- 1.0.1 Released - Release NotesJan 31, 2016significant · resets scoring window
- 1.0.1 Released - Release NotesJan 31, 2016