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) | – | 72 | 9 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 60 | 0 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 80% | 74 | 474 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 59% | 59 | 2 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 5 reviews sampled · 4 total reviews in window · weighted 2.3 up / 1.6 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (31)
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
- 70
“Alwa's Awakening is a game that perhaps manages to achieve its aims a little too well, with moments of great platforming action and a well-designed overworld being hamstrung by antiquated problems like an unforgiving checkpoint system and an unhelpful map. We'd give this one a light recommendation; there's plenty of quality to be found despite some flaws and it's evident that a lot of passion went into the development, although we would also add that there's nothing about Alwa's Awakening that screams “must play”. If you're a fan of retro action platformers or Metroidvanias, Alwa's Awakening is certainly worth a go, but if you aren't a fan, this isn't the game to change your mind.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“It's not a great game due to how slow it is and the enemies are so non-threatening, however the level design and exploration aspects are fantastic. This ain't half bad for a more casual, chilled out kind of game.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“If you’re looking for an experience that in almost all regards feels like it’s a lost NES title, some warts and all (I’m looking at you, fake walls) Alwa’s Awakening does an almost disturbingly good job of it. Though the pacing may be a bit on the slower side there’s a solid adventure to be had with your humble hero Zoe, and the option to reduce downtime retracing your steps is a modern convenience I can really get behind. It may not be for everyone, but it should check pretty well every box for its intended retro-loving audience.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Alwa's Awakening is altogether a very impressive effort. It takes full advantage of its 8-bit aesthetics to create a game that wouldn't look out of place on a shelf next to Clash at Demonhead and Whomp 'Em. More importantly, this action-adventure does more than enough to stand out by relying on a foundation consisting of great controls and mechanics. Zoe's three powers strike the perfect balance. They're flexible, but they also show the right amount of restraint. The result is a tightly-designed title that is sure to pleasantly surprise even the most seasoned gamers.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The boss fights range from pretty easy to dozen-death difficult, but the real joy is in thoroughly exploring the map, seeing heights you can't reach and doors you can't open and then returning later with newfound powers that enable you to continue your adventure. Alwa's Awakening is a great investment for those who grew up with old-school Castlevania games or those who prefer Zelda II to The Legend of Zelda. It's not fast-paced or action-packed, but it has plenty of nostalgia and is well-suited to those who prefer jumping to shooting, spell-casting to sword-swinging. Well, how can I forget you, Zoe? When there's always another Metroidvania to remind me.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Alwa’s Awakening is an incredibly accurate throwback to the NES games of old, and despite it focusing a lot on authenticity rather than trying anything new, it manages to hit all the right notes for a Metroidvania. With a lovely soundtrack, several routes to take on your journey and more, Alwa’s Awakening managed to engage me more than I was expecting it to, and for the $10 price tag I can easily recommend this without hesitation to fans of Metroidvania titles.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Alwa's Awakening is an interesting homage to a classic game that manages to stand out -- but not by much.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“This is a game I can see myself replaying over and over again. The price is outstanding at only $9.99, and every single Switch owner should buy this. Elden Pixels has created a timeless classic with Alwa’s Awakening and I hope to see many more games from them.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Alwa's Awakening makes a number of questionable choices with its slow gameplay mechanics, but the core experience provides fun and challenging platforming and magic abilities.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Final Thoughts Alwa's Awakening is a very fun and polished Metroidvania that has finally found its way to the Nintendo Switch, a console where things come full circle on a Nintendo console, what with the game paying homage to Metroid and other action platformers of the Nintendo Entertainment System era. We had a lot of fun playing the game for this double review, so we highly recommend that you get it today!”
read full review ↗ - 94
“The sunlight cuts through your slumbering daze like a razor blade. Your surroundings are unfamiliar. How did you get here? Where are you supposed to go now? A stranger approaches with a request, no, a statement. You have much to do, so much to do… No! This isn’t the recovery of a wild Friday night, this is “Alwa’s Awakening”! It’s time to embark on a quest!”
read full review ↗
Fintendo
Nintendo Life
FourFaceButtons
Nindie Spotlight
Cubed3
NintendoWorldReport
Seafoam Gaming
GameSkinny
Nintendo Times
TechRaptor
PS3Blog.net
Play Some Video Games…and 19 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Patch v1.06 - Switch Pro Controller-SupportJan 25, 2019significant · resets scoring window
- Patch v1.05May 3, 2018
- Assist Mode - Test the new patchApr 4, 2018
- Assist Mode - Test the new patchApr 4, 2018
- Patch v1.04Mar 23, 2018
- Patch v1.04Mar 23, 2018
- Patch v1.03 - Adding keyboard remappingOct 26, 2017significant · resets scoring window
- Patch v1.03 - Adding keyboard remappingOct 26, 2017significant · resets scoring window
- Patch v1.02Sep 13, 2017
- Patch v1.02Sep 13, 2017
- Patch v1.01Jun 11, 2017
- Patch v1.01Jun 11, 2017