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 | 26 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 90% | 84 | 655 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 85% | 79 | 9 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 25 reviews sampled · 20 total reviews in window · weighted 16.2 up / 2.8 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (24)
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
“The Eternal Cylinder is an incredible game that’s definitely worth playing. It stands out primarily for its visuals, but also for its gameplay. The only downside is poor optimization, which can be frustrating at times. We’ve grown fond of the little Trebhums, as well as the story of their entire family. This game is definitely worth checking out and has incredible potential.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“After a full immersion in The Eternal Cylinder, we can confidently say this game offers a truly singular experience in today’s gaming landscape. Its strength lies in how it conjures an alien and mysterious world, not through traditional storytelling or explosive events, but through a more reflective, sensory-driven approach. The complete absence of dialogue and explicit explanations, along with a progression system based on mutation and observation, makes this title one that demands patience, curiosity, and an open mind, yet it rewards all of that with genuine satisfaction. We found it fascinating how The Eternal Cylinder creates emotional engagement without relying on conventional methods. The feeling of vulnerability in the face of the Cylinder’s unstoppable advance is palpable, and the bond with the Trebhum herd grows naturally, almost as if they were real creatures to protect and guide. This relationship, combined with the constant need to adapt, delivers a universal message about change and resilience, one that feels especially relevant and powerful. This isn’t a game for those expecting a linear adventure with clear goals and fast-paced action. Its experimental approach doesn’t always sustain a strong narrative tension, and the lack of an explicit plot might leave some players feeling like the story is incomplete or too cryptic. Yet this is precisely what makes The Eternal Cylinder so unique and memorable. It invites players to reflect on the relationship between life and environment, on evolution as an inevitable and complex process, and on the fragility of existence itself. In a time when many games prioritize speed and instant gratification, this choice of depth and contemplation feels both bold and, personally, deeply welcome. We especially recommend this game to players who enjoy experiences that challenge expectations, reward curiosity and attention to detail, and offer a deep, original take on the cycle of life and survival in an alien world. Those seeking a more traditional or action-driven title might find it less accessible, but anyone looking for something different and thought-provoking will discover a bold and innovative work. The Eternal Cylinder stands as a piece of interactive art, visually striking, conceptually ambitious, and capable of resonating with anyone ready to receive its powerful message.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“The Eternal Cylinder is a gorgeous adventure game that features one of the most compelling stories I've seen in years. Its strict linearity may be frustrating for some, but that slight downside is vastly outweighed by this game's many strengths.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“The Eternal Cylinder is a nice surprise. Both the multiple mutations of the Trebhums and the fauna of the planet are impressive. The beauty and originality of the game far outweigh the repetitive nature of the objectives. The game reveals itself gradually to leave us swooning in front of this fantastic world.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The Eternal Cylinder is a fever dream of a title that satisfies a lot of my tastes: exploration, puzzles, survival, lots of different abilities, truly alien landscapes, geometric shapes that desire uniformity through destruction of all of life, and hoarding. Oh, and quite a bit of heart. Nothing here feels so alien that I can’t feel something for this world except the familiar but nightmarish servants that stand out in this world. I think ACE Team has something really special here and I really can’t think of anything else that does all of what The Eternal Cylinder as good as The Eternal Cylinder does.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Boasting an incredibly unique, creative and gorgeous aesthetic with an exceptionally intriguing, well-told narrative, The Eternal Cylinder manages to still be rewarding even when its gameplay and mechanics become tedious and uninteresting. You’ll certainly be tired outrunning this circular vortex of death, but the tale is worth seeing through for the sights along the way.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The Eternal Cylinder is a very charming little adventure title that spews creativity.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“This is a great little game that I think anyone who enjoys lore, mystery, and survival will dig. There’s so much going on in it, although it becomes much more manageable as you progress and learn more about the world.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“One of the most enjoyably weird games of recent years and yet surprisingly easy to grasp, with an engaging mix of action and survival gameplay, and a good dose of surrealist imagery.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The gameplay’s novelty may not hold up upon scrutiny on subsequent playthroughs, but that first time playing The Eternal Cylinder is not something that anyone will forget easily. Anyone who enjoys survival gameplay but also wants a directed narrative experience will certainly find a lot to enjoy, but gamers who want to take their time and play at their own pace may become frustrated.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“A winning but wayward chimera of survival game, surrealism and storybook adventure.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Surreal yet well-crafted, The Eternal Cylinder is easily one of the most unique games of the year.”
read full review ↗
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Patch history
- The Eternal Cylinder - Patch #3 is live!Oct 31, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- The Eternal Cylinder - Patch #2 is live!Oct 20, 2022
- The Eternal Cylinder - Patch 1 is now live!Oct 17, 2022significant · resets scoring window