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) | – | 77 | 35 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 82% | 76 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 82% | 76 | 11 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 31 reviews sampled · 26 total reviews in window · weighted 19.6 up / 4.4 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (56)
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.
- 85
“Othercide is a unique take on the strategy game and adds a new depth with the addition of roguelite elements. Mix that in with unique design and a high risk and reward system, this game is a great place for veterans and newcomers alike.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Some players will love this mix of Xcom and classic Souls games, others will hate it. Othercide is definitely not for impatient players looking for quick, easy action. However, if you prefer self-torture, this is the game for you. Visually interesting, attractive and unique graphics, an absolutely great soundtrack, the loss of the last nerves, a ruthless turn strategy and, above all, a real challenge. Othercide offers all this and much more at an affordable price. The developers from Lightbulb Crew hit the nail on the head this time.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Though there are plenty of other well-made SRPGs on the Switch today, Othercide does more than enough to differentiate itself from the pack and carve out for itself a unique identity. The striking art style, endlessly punishing gameplay and esoteric storytelling ensure that this one will likely only appeal to longtime fans of the genre, but it's more than worth the effort. Despite the difficulty, Othercide is quite a rewarding experience, and this coupled with its well-built gameplay systems makes for a game that we can confidently state is worth your time. Don't let its frequent struggles in the performance department or its intimidating challenge dissuade you; Othercide deserves a spot in your Switch library.”
read full review ↗ - 50
“For while at the heart of the game lies a solid combat foundation, its structure seeks to undercut it at every turn. What could have been a taut, captivating experience instead feels like too few ideas stretched too thin.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Lightbulb Crew has successfully blended a complex turn-based strategy game with layers and layers of roguelike progression.”
read full review ↗ - 67
“Tactical combat simulations have always been a genre I've had interest in since the early X-Com days but over the years that bar has proven to be a very high one to expect other games, especially indies to reach let alone surpass...”
read full review ↗ - 60
“The problems with Othercide are mainly some lack of polish, some pacing issues and the repetitious grind that is going to hit hard. The novelty of the game is surprising, and the quality is actually good. Some choices, like practically requiring soldier sacrifice, are going to be off-putting, along with the colour scheme and dark tones and story. Beyond this, the progress run to run feels too slow and may be off-putting on an otherwise unique game.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Lightbulb Crew have crafted a gem that will shine brightly as one of the genre’s most innovative and addictive exponents.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Othercide has a number of interesting quirks and its art design, with gothic and noir elements, creates a uniquely forboding atmosphere. Unfortunately, it's also got a ridiculous degree of difficulty that you normally don't associate with the turn-based strategy genre. The game's roguelite concepts are more than welcome, though repetition and restarts, combined with the genre's slower progression and mission system, will make playthroughs feel like time-consuming affairs.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“While they share plenty of the same DNA, Othercide is much more than simply XCOM in eyeliner. Sacrificing warriors to boost the stats of other units proves a compelling and flexible mechanic, while the combat encounters ramp up in difficulty at mostly the right pace. A stunning aesthetic and perfectly complementary soundtrack are the icing on the cake, only occasionally marred by unfortunate technical difficulties.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“A combat system that's deeper than it first appears is the real star here, but you'll likely also stick around for the perverse and disturbing universe and the story that plays out within it. The voiceover work will quickly annoy you and the difficulty is unfair, but there is still a bit to enjoy here, assuming you can ignore some of Othercide's shortcomings. I wanted to like Othercide much more than I did.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Othercide is a flawed but generally fun strategy-RPG. It has some balance issues and an annoying UI, but beyond that, it does everything that it sets out to do. It's not as difficult or punishing as an XCOM title might have been, but it may be a good replacement for those who like the strategy game style without the punishment of losing so much when you die. Be prepared to do that a lot, since death is in many ways the only way to advance in the game. Overall, I had fun with Othercide, but it's the kind of game where my opinion will likely improve after a couple of patches.”
read full review ↗
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GameWatcher
Worth Playing…and 44 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Post Update and DLC PatchDec 16, 2021
- The Beauty Will Remain Update and DLC are now live!Dec 13, 2021significant · resets scoring window
- A new update and DLC for OthercideDec 10, 2021
- Post Update PatchJun 28, 2021
- The Sharing is Caring Update is live on Steam!Jun 23, 2021significant · resets scoring window
- Community Update - Sharing is CaringJun 18, 2021significant · resets scoring window
- November Patch is now live on Steam!Nov 25, 2020significant · resets scoring window
- Community Update - November PatchNov 19, 2020significant · resets scoring window
- The Dream update is here!Sep 10, 2020significant · resets scoring window
- Get ready for our next update!Sep 3, 2020significant · resets scoring window
- Hotfix 2.1 is now available!Aug 21, 2020
- Patch V4.12 is out now!Jul 31, 2020significant · resets scoring window
- Community Update 28/07/2020Jul 28, 2020
- Development Update #4: Character AnimationSep 26, 2019
- Development Update #3: Character CreationJul 24, 2019significant · resets scoring window
- Development Update #2: Othercide’s User InterfaceJun 27, 2019significant · resets scoring window
- Development Update #1: Special EffectsMay 29, 2019