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 | 29 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 94% | 88 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 93% | 87 | 6 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 17 reviews sampled · 14 total reviews in window · weighted 9.9 up / 0.8 down · computed 7h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (39)
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
“An absolute pleasure from start to finish, what Kaze and the Wild Masks lacks in originality it makes up for in the strength of its level design, responsive controls, kinetic move set and attractive visuals. Excellent, action-packed platforming through and through, with great gameplay variety and gimmicks that don't compromise on what the game is best at, challenging, fast-paced obstacle courses and deviously-hidden secret areas. Easiest sell? Kaze and the Wild Masks is to Donkey Kong Country what Freedom Planet was to Sonic the Hedgehog. Don't miss this one.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“While on the short side and not particularly original, Kaze and the Wild Masks is an exceptional 2D platformer filled with well designed, engaging levels and tight, responsive controls.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Kaze and the Wild Masks first seems like just another platformer. But then as you keep playing, you find so much joy and a lot of ressemblances with the best in the genre. We wouldn't go as far as saying it's a simple copy, but rather a nice nod to what made these games so great. And once you are finished, you will remember it as a positive souvenir with a big smile on your face. Isn't that what you should expect from a video game ? Mission accomplished for PixelHive !”
read full review ↗ - 85
“A really good platform game that will entertain you for a long time with components such as varied stages, good design along with memorable and soulful visual and audible effects.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Overall, this is a fast-paced, colourful, and nostalgic experience. It’s challenging while staying on the right side of frustrating, with a lot of fun to be had. Though you might not get much out of the story, you’ll still have fun clearing levels and beating time trials.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“undefined.When all is said and done and you've cleared the main story, which altogether should take you 8-10 hours depending on your skill level, online time trial leaderboards present another way to tackle each stage. With that and unearthing the game's secret levels, there's a lot of content to be found in Kaze and the Wild Masks. It's a wonderful homage to games I loved in the past and came at a perfect time in my life, helping me get used to my new surroundings. I won't soon be forgetting my time spent with Kaze. If you're in the market for a new 2D platformer, you can't go wrong with harvesting the fruits of PixelHive and Soedesco's labor, but maybe avoid the sinister-looking carrots.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“I cannot recommend this game enough. I loved Kaze and the Wild Masks, and hope it finds the audience it deserves so we might get more games from this team. It really ticked all the boxes I would expect from a game inspired by the mascot platformers I grew up with. It also helps that the game is coming to every platform imaginable. Do not hesitate if you love titles like Donkey Kong Country or even have the most minute nostalgia for that plethora of mascot platformers from the mid -to-late 90s. This game hits all those notes whileinjecting its own flavor to the cause.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Kaze and the Wild Masks is one of the games that remindes us of the golden age of platform games and requires players to gradually build skills.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“'Kaze and the Wild Masks' is a game that you can enjoy a pleasant trip if you are a big enough fan of platform games. The main synopsis isn't that impressive or great, but it's not that bad to have the feeling of taking a light trip. While enjoying great pixel arts and refreshing music, the process of saving distressed animal friends from ferocious vegetables offers cheerful action and challenging stages.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“If you enjoy 2D platformers, you will like Kaze and the Wild Masks. It probably won't become your new favorite, but it will scratch the platformer itch. It's charming, fun, and well designed. The worst thing I can say about it is that it feels too familiar at points. Kaze is a must-have for anyone who appreciates 2D platformers, and even if you're only mildly fond of them, you'll still have a great time with Kaze.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Kaze and the Wild Masks bounces right into that 2D platforming void left by Rayman. It’s full of vibrant level design, challenging and varied gameplay, ambidextrous ears, and lovely pixelart that will satisfy even the most demanding players. There’s not a lot left to do after you’re done, but the experience is a good one. Perhaps we’ve found a new platforming mascot?”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Kaze and the Wild Masks is a must-play game for any 2D platformer fan and especially those who loved Donkey Kong Country. The controls are smooth and responsive and the difficulty gradually builds and never felt unfair. Every level looks great and sounds great and it made replaying them to hunt down any gems I missed much more enjoyable. I can’t speak highly of it enough and when we get to the end of 2021 it deserves to be in the discussion for best platformer of the year.”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
PC Invasion
Geeks & Com
Zoomg
Push Square
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD
Enternity.gr
INVEN
Worth Playing
FingerGuns
ThisGenGaming…and 27 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Update notes v2.5.2Jun 9, 2021
- Update notes v2.4.2Apr 23, 2021
- Update notes v2.3.3Apr 14, 2021significant · resets scoring window
- Update notes v2.2.1Mar 26, 2021significant · resets scoring window
- A long overdue updateOct 31, 2019