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) | – | 80 | 15 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 80 | 0 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 86% | 80 | 61 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 77 | 5 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (57)
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.
- 90
“Runbow is such an awesome game to play on the Nintendo Switch. It's absolutely, 100 percent, worth another purchase if you already own the game on Wii U or Nintendo 3DS. It's a blast mostly with friends on the same couch, but if you intend to fly solo, know there is something there for you too.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“"Colourful and fun multiplayer experience featuring beloved indie heroes."”
read full review ↗ - 90
“An unusual fusion, not just because it's a platformer with fighting, but because it's a party game for the hardcore.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Runbow is a great example of a party game that can cater to solo and multiplayer preferences alike, and almost certainly deserves a cheeky purchase on Switch. The gameplay is great fun, the presentation is to die for, and unlocking Nindie heroes through a really nicely put together adventure mode is the icing on the cake. We felt there was a little left to be desired with some elements of the multiplayer modes, and this might just make some think a little harder before jumping in, but we absolutely recommend giving this one a go if you're interested regardless.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Whether as a party game or a solo experience Runbow has an incredible amount to offer. Its controls very much fall under the simple to learn but tough to master banner, especially if you’re going to tackle the likes of the Bowhemoth mode. Small touches like the collection of indie darling characters included as unlocks are very much appreciated and offer a motivation to explore the game’s modes to find them all. Especially if you’ve got some friends or family with a competitive streak Runbow can be a lot of raucous fun!”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Runbow is simply a pleasant and enjoyable game. Between the colourful and pleasing levels, good balance in difficulty, and solid multiplayer, it's a joy to play, and is outright beautiful in its simplicity.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Runbow is a fantastic, colorful, energetic platformer with great style and plenty of content for both solo and group players. At the very least, it is definitely worthy of a spot in your "great multiplayer games" folder.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Looking past those issues, Runbow is a fantastic game that I believe every Wii U owner should have. It's great single player and even more fun with some friends, both locally and online. Without a doubt, this is a great party game that has all the makings for a must have Wii U title. I can't suggest it enough.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Runbow manages to stand out by virtue of its unique color-changing hook, fun presentation, and sound gameplay.”
read full review ↗ - 50
“Runbow works against itself by creating needless tedium throughout the game. The controls, shaky and particular platforming, and waiting for the background colors to flip in order to progress are all damning in a platforming game, and the frustrating background music makes the title feel so much longer. This isn't the only takeaway because the game's aesthetics and premise are pretty good: racing to the end of the level with cool '60s aesthetics and deft maneuvering through visual gameplay cues! 13AM had a really cool idea that mostly works but unfortunately gets lost within a slew of issues. Runbow could be a great game for the dedicated speedster, but for most others, it comes off as pretty, but lackluster.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Runbow is yet another great port for the Switch and offers a fiendishly difficult but hysterical time. Grab some friends and get the best out of this game by playing with others.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“If you want a game that you can enjoy with your mates, then Runbow is a must-buy. It becomes harder to recommend if you intend to play it alone, but the solid platforming challenges are worth the price of admission.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
Fintendo
Slant Magazine
Nintendo Life
Nindie Spotlight
Cubed3
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD
Nintendojo
Worth Playing
FingerGuns
GameLuster…and 45 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Small FixesOct 7, 2022
- Epic Games Account Link!Sep 29, 2022