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) | – | 72 | 23 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 81% | 75 | 115 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 100% | 97 | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 1 reviews sampled · 1 total reviews in window · weighted 0.9 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (33)
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.
- 60
“With its unique visuals, clever environmental puzzles, and non-violent gameplay, El Hijo is a welcome entry in the somewhat overlooked stealth/puzzle genre. If you don't buy into the gameplay before the repetition sets in, however, it can become an adventure that's easily abandoned.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“The stealth can be frustrating at times, the bugs can be grating, and it can be simpler than you might want it to be, but El Hijo still has a lot to love. Honig Studios have crafted an incredibly wholesome experience with a freedom in choice about how to approach each scenario that leaves things nice and flexible. It's an extremely breezy experience, one you can glide through in a few sittings, that I think this industry needs more of.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“El Hijo is a well designed and adequately themed Indie stealth title that relies a lot on its lost longing and emotional story.”
read full review ↗ - 83
“Stealth games, in general, usually aren't my bag for whatever reason but while El Hijo heavily involves that mechanic there's enough charm and variety that it works for me...”
read full review ↗ - 70
“A suitable title for the Nintendo Switch, El Hijo introduces a lighter touch to the more familiar stealth genre. With its endearing art style and storytelling, it is plainly set for a younger audience. Although more seasoned players may find it lacklustre or too laid back for their taste, some will still find enjoyment through the challenges set by taking the mixture of diverse paths.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“El Hijo, A Wild West Tale reimagines the spaghetti western by replacing shootouts with stealth, creativity, and childlike ingenuity. Its charming world, light difficulty, and clever mechanics make it an inviting introduction to stealth games and a surprisingly delightful adventure from start to finish.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“It may look deceptively cute, but El Hijo hides a level of stealth cunning to rival its peers in the genre. Not so much difficult-to-master as tempering your own patience, the reward for persevering is ultimately worth sticking it out.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“If you like the idea of a Western-themed stealth game with cute graphics, El Hijo: A Wild West Tale is just the game for you.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Cute non-violent wild west stealth game not only for beginners. With spaghetti-western world and nice environmental puzzles.”
read full review ↗ - 77
“El Hijo - A Wild West Tale is one of those games that you like to pour yourself a hot drink after a busy cold winter day and experience calmly. In addition to the eye-catching appearance, the game's stealth system - although it could have given the player more freedom of action - is clever and enjoyable.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“El Hijo is a fun little stealth puzzler that is definitely worth your time if you like similar games in the genre. It’s very cute and has a beautiful art style, but if you want something a bit more obviously elaborate, you won’t get that here. El Hijo isn’t a revolutionary game, but it was so fun and heartwarming that I struggled to put down the controller.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“This isometric stealth game doesn't bring anything new to the stealth genre table, and it struggles with believability, but it's still a fun and charming little game worth checking out.”
read full review ↗
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Patch history
- Update notes for 8. March 22 patchMar 8, 2022
- Update 1.02May 5, 2021
- Patch 1.0.1 releasedDec 22, 2020