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 | 23 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 93 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 82% | 76 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 85% | 78 | 19 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 53 reviews sampled · 48 total reviews in window · weighted 27 up / 4.9 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (43)
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.
- 80
“Whether you like heavy metal or not, Valfaris presents a package that's worth your attention. From start to finish Valfaris doesn't stop to take a breath, and the game's quick load times keep you coming back for more after every death.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Valfaris does have its problems, but it’s a pretty fun action-platformer overall. The combat is impactful, the difficulty mechanic is cool, and the level variety is pretty good for a game of the genre. However, the gameplay does suffer from its trial-and-error nature, lack of upgrade refunding, and useless shield mechanic.”
read full review ↗ - 80
- 80
“The developers of Valfaris have successfully adapted the mechanics of Conta, adding their own elements and ideas to the popular formula. The game is addictive and does not let go due to the high difficulty interesting weapons, RPG elements and a variety of game situations. All fans of horizontal scrolling shooters and high-quality pixel games are encouraged to pay attention.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Razor-sharp aesthetics and wanton gore surely make Valfaris stand out from the side-scrolling crowd, but the tedious gameplay will grind down even the most patient gamer.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“Overall, Valfaris is a much better game than its predecessor, introducing new systems and ideas to help keep its action-platformer formula engaging and interesting.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“An ideal fit for those who want a little Judas Priest with their run-and-gun action.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“If you’ve been looking for an experience on Switch that takes some of the core shooting mechanics of games the likes of Contra, then bolts the ability to hack and slash, and tops it all off with some cranking metal tunes and loads of intensity… Valfaris is going to be your new jam...”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Valfaris is a near-perfect 2D action platformer with an excellent sense of style in every aspect. Its industrial sci-fi setting is like Doom on steroids, and its breakneck soundtrack does a great job of tying the whole experience together. While it is weakened somewhat by difficulty imbalances in some sections - particularly in later levels - it nevertheless stands apart in the tide of indie platformers by virtue of its rock-solid personality, beautiful world and graphics, and great mechanics.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“While its crushing difficulty and bare-bones story may turn off some casual players, those who triumph through Valfaris' 7 hours of gameplay and endless boss battles will leave feeling refreshed. This is a definite must-play for both Castlevania and heavy metal fans alike.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Valfaris doesn’t do anything noteworthily new, but the hectic, intense, satisfying experience it offers shouldn’t pass you by. ”
read full review ↗ - 71
“Slain was nice, but not mature in my opinion. A graphic display that rode on the retro wave. However, the makers have taken the criticism to heart. The big hit is not VALFARIS. With Axiom Verge, Blazing Chrome, Gunlord & Co. there is also a lot of strong competition. Nevertheless, accompanied by metal rhythms, it is fun to chop up opponents. There is still frustration, but unlike Slain you have the feeling that you have failed yourself. I can recommend the title to fans of the genre. Everyone else prefers to play rehearsal first.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
cublikefoot
Fintendo
GameMAG
Jump Dash Roll
Nintendo Life
VGChartz
Nindie Spotlight
Cubed3
PC Invasion
Push Square
neXGam…and 31 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- December 2021 PatchDec 1, 2021
- Full Metal Mode update is live!Dec 7, 2019significant · resets scoring window
- Full Metal Mode – free update coming 7th Dec!Nov 30, 2019significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.0.5 - Gamepad Update (Fixed)Oct 21, 2019
- Update - Bugs | Controller WorkaroundOct 14, 2019