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) | – | 88 | 6 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 94% | 88 | 293 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 100% | 97 | 23 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Mar 16, 2026) · 23 reviews sampled · 21 total reviews in window · weighted 20.9 up / 0 down · computed 10h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (14)
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
“Made for RPG lovers by an RPG lover, Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass uses every tool in the RPG Maker toolbox to put together a purposeful, devastating, and beautiful game that never puts the kid gloves on.Yes, it's a little simple-looking, and the difficulty can be a little frustrating early on, but this is just the surface of a rich adventure with tons of secrets and challenges to uncover. The reward may be tears, it may be laughter, or it may be a new weapon, but it's always worth it.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Kasey Ozymy has crafted such an intriguing, yet sinister world that makes you want to follow the game’s mysteries to the very end. While the combat is serviceable and the puzzles are passable, these are not the elements that will attract players to pick up the game; rather, it is the absurdity, humour, and sharp writing that will keep them exploring.”
read full review ↗ - 79
“Undeniably distinctive in its look, approach, and features, this creative RPG can be a grind at times, but still entertains”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass is a fantastic RPG that has every right to stand right next to the classics that inspired it, and especially the SNES gem known as Earthbound. It's funny, weirdly heart-warming and melancholic at the same time, and, believe it or not, very spooky. Apart from those who resent turn-based battles, or don't have the patience to do some heavy grinding, most are definitely advised to try this out.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“It’s a sweet and charming game that’s surprisingly dark with an amazing combat system.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, as we know, but thankfully Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass go the mile to not simply be a carbon copy of its predecessors. Its catchy music, sarcastic remarks, and overall shocking story that keeps you on edge throughout make for a solid JRPG.”
read full review ↗ - 80
- 80
“A creative, heartfelt RPG built around a great transformation system”
read full review ↗ - 95
“I’m late to the party with Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass. I never experienced it on PC, and this console enhanced version might be wasted on me because I don’t know how much was added. But, like last year’s OFF, bringing a story like this to the wider audience is beyond my wildest dreams and expectations. An early contender for my favorite experience of 2026, this has done the impossible. It’s a real Western delivery of what Mother is supposed to feel like, and it does it with the dedication and love that a creator can deliver.”
read full review ↗ - 93
“One of the most charming and heartbreaking games I've played. ”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Charming JRPG inspired by the classics of the genre”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass is an excellent game that draws inspiration from the Mother-like subgenre and manages to forge its own identity. As a fan of the genre, I'm satisfied. The lack of major additions, the absence of a Brazilian Portuguese translation, and its frustrating fighting system might be bothersome at first, but they compensate with a powerful narrative, genuine immersion, and considerable gameplay creativity.”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
RPGamer
Nindie Spotlight
Cubed3
The Switch Effect
Pixel Byte
Niche Gamer
PS3Blog.net
WayTooManyGames
RPG Fan
PS4Blog.net
Nintendo Blast…and 2 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- 7/12/26 Bug FixesJul 13, 2026
- 3/15/26: Major UpdateMar 16, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- 11/1: Mostly small fixesNov 1, 2021significant · resets scoring window
- 3/21 Update Large Sprite Crash FixMar 22, 2019
- 1/4/19 Update: Happy New Year!Jan 4, 2019
- 11/1/18 UpdateNov 1, 2018
- 10/11 Improved Economy, New Manual, Bug FixesOct 11, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- 9/18 Bug FixesSep 18, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- 8/28 Update: Lots of Bug FixesAug 29, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- New Beta: Framerate Fixes and MoreAug 20, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- 8/15 Update: Bug FixesAug 15, 2018significant · resets scoring window
- New Update: More Fullscreen OptionsAug 9, 2018