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 (Metacritic) | – | 83 | 6 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 96% | 91 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 82 | 2 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 93% | 87 | 10 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 90.2, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 10,671 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 28 reviews sampled · 22 total reviews in window · weighted 11 up / 0.8 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (18)
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
“It's hard to believe that such a simple concept as flipping gravity can prove to be so enthralling, but given the game's incredibly diverse level designs, it's no wonder it's so difficult to put down.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“No doubt about it, VVVVVV is one of the best games out on the 3DS eShop. It is a wonderful reminder that, in an age of super powerful consoles with HD and 3D graphics, old-school 2D games with simple concepts can still deliver some of the most addictive and downright fun entertainment. ”
read full review ↗ - 90
“VVVVVV is a spectacular game, and while the 3DS version is a little pricier compared to other available options, it's well worth it if you've never played the game before or want it on the go.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Got a 3DS? Get VVVVVV. Essential indie gaming, now on the go.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Switching effortlessly between sadistic punishment and boundless freedom, VVVVVV provides more moment to moment pleasure in its scant two or three hour campaign than most games do at four times the length.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Punishingly and infuriatingly hard, but also the best retro-inspired platform puzzler for years, and a very successful port to the 3DS.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“As it is, VVVVVV is still a spike-lined, death-packed good time. Its steeper price and wimpy 3D just make it feel like more of a straightforward PC port and less like something truly special for the eShop.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“It's one of the more unique games we've seen for 3DS and another fine addition to the handheld's downloadable library. VVVVVV lacks some flash, but more than makes up for this with hardcore play.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“As thrilling to complete the first time as the fifth. [July 2012, p.105]”
- 88
“Yes, VVVVVV is challenging and some rooms can have you squirming in frustration as you die over and over again but with nicely positioned checkpoints ensuring you go back in for more, it's hugely addictive.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“The game's design is immaculate, playing a bit like a cross between Metroid and Super Meat Boy. It works hard to be as non-linear as possible, and it never relies on the same ideas for too long, which keeps the excitement coming at a steady pace.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Playing with gravity is fun, especially when it's so clean and simple like in the super retro game VVVVVV. The graphics make it feel like an old game from the late 1980's, but at the same time it's so refreshing and fun that it fits perfectly in the year 2012. Respawning is fast and there are many checkpoints, so this game does hardly get very frustrating. We do miss the option to make and share levels though.”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
Cubed3
NintendoWorldReport
Eurogamer
Metro GameCentral
IGN
Destructoid…and 6 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- 2.4.4Apr 21, 2026
- 2.4.3Jun 19, 2025
- 2.4.2Aug 23, 2024
- 2.4.1Feb 13, 2024
- VVVVVV 2.4 out now!Jan 10, 2024
- 2.3.6Dec 22, 2021
- 2.3.5Dec 21, 2021
- VVVVVV 2.3 out now!Aug 31, 2021
- VVVVVV 2.2 Update out today, with achievements!Jun 12, 2014
- VVVVVV 2.2 Update out today, with achievements!Jun 12, 2014