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 | 13 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 92% | 86 | 837 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 100% | 97 | 5 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Aug 25, 2026) · 2 reviews sampled · 5 total reviews in window · weighted 1.2 up / 0 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (22)
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.
- 83
“While obviously not as immersive as its VR incarnation, the variety of tracks and generally fun vibe still work in its favor”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Available on pretty much all of the virtual reality headsets, there is not really any excuse not to pick up this addictive and exhilarating rhythm game. Polished now to a truly premium product, it stands proud alongside other competitors in the genre, and is a compelling opportunity to lift up that headset and go for a dance. The shipped tracks combine a diverse and perfectly curated blend of synth and electronic music (with a bit of rock thrown in there) from the likes of Parov Stelar and Jamie Berry. A game for fitness, a game for fun, Synth Riders is worth picking up for any VR owner.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“What you walk away with is a unique and wonderful rhythm title that’s been improved in nearly every way.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Synth Riders is an excellent rhythm game, with a strong selection of songs and fantastic visuals that really drew me into the experience. The variety of modes and difficulty customizations make this the kind of game that is easy for people to pick up and play, but also provides a gameplay loop that keeps you coming back for improved performances. The lack of online multiplayer is one of the few bummers here, but the overall package is too good to pass up on.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Despite appearing as a knock-off of other popular dance-rhythm action games, Synth Riders earns its place alongside the cream of the VR crop as an essential PSVR experience. With a wealth of varied and pulsating tunes, hugely enjoyable gameplay mechanics and a stunning visual art direction, it overcomes its minor flaw of a lack of challenge or campaign mode. If you own a PSVR and don’t mind embarrassing yourself as you throw shapes, you absolutely need this in your library.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Not as good as Beat Saber gameplay-wise, but with a really good songlist and nice level visuals.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“A bright and fun song that makes you feel like you're in a Barbie-themed music video.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Synth Riders might not unseat the VR rhythm action king, as it doesn't feel quite as satisfying as nailing an extended Beat Saber set, but it's one of the strongest alternatives. If you're looking for something different to musical Jedi training, this is definitely a contender.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“It's not quite the game I bought back then, but for me the VR rhythm game just got better. Especially thanks to active support with updates and new DLC packs, Synth Riders is for me the best VR rhythm game experience on PSVR2.”
read full review ↗ - 78
“Synth Riders is a fun VR game to play solo or with a group and features a varied selection of excellent music to move along to.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Synth Riders is a must for anyone that is a fan of rhythm games. Immersive, beautiful, really fun gameplay, and best of all, a great collection of tracks! A rhythm game to rival and tide you over while waiting for Beat Saber for PSVR2.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Everyone knows how much I love PSVR. It may be a bit outdated now but it is still a very enjoyable experience. The Move controllers are now three generations old but still, it was a great, affordable entry point to quality VR gaming. I used to write a monthly PSVR column and I really miss it. Anyway, enough of the pointless rambling, let’s talk about my Synth Riders PSVR review.”
read full review ↗
Nindie Spotlight
Cubed3
Push Square
Chalgyr's Game Room
FingerGuns
SECTOR.sk
GameGrin
TheSixthAxis
Gaming-Village
FinalBoss
WayTooManyGames
Rapid Reviews UK…and 10 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Version 3.6.5a1 - Bug Fixes & ImprovementsAug 25, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Minor Release 3.6.1a5 - Version MatchMar 21, 2026
- Version 3.6.1a3 - Release NotesMar 16, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Go GAGA with Synth Riders - Our Biggest Music Pack to Date!Dec 18, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Release Notes - Version 3.5.15a2Nov 15, 2025
- Infected Mushroom Music Pack Now Available!Aug 7, 2025
- Happy Synthversary Update!Jul 14, 2025
- Release Notes - Version 3.5.9a5May 3, 2025
- Release Notes - Version 3.5.9a3Apr 21, 2025
- Free Challenges+ Update Brings Up the Chaos!Apr 15, 2025
- Release Notes - Version 3.5.8a2Apr 6, 2025
- Release Notes - Version 3.5.5a1Feb 13, 2025
- Minor Release - Version 3.5.4a2Jan 24, 2025
- Version 3.5.1 - Hotfix a6Nov 30, 2024
- Version 3.5.1 - Hotfix a5Nov 25, 2024
- Long Awaited 3.x Update is Live & It Comes With a Whole New UI!Nov 20, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- 🚨 Synth Riders Open Beta V3.X Now Available! 🚨Aug 29, 2024
- Minor Update - Version 2.3.32.a1Apr 19, 2024
- Minor Release Notes - 2.3.28.a1Dec 16, 2023
- Minor Release - Version 2.3.25.a2May 25, 2023
- Minor Release - Version 2.3.24.a15Mar 10, 2023
- Minor Update - 2.3.23Feb 3, 2023
- Minor Release - 2.3.22.a.10.2 - Bug FIxesDec 16, 2022
- Release Notes for Version 2.3.20.a.4 - Spooky UpdateOct 27, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- League of Legends Music Pack is Out Now - Release Notes for v2.3.19.a19Sep 1, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- Synth Riders Celebrates 4 Years of Dance, Action & Rhythm with Free Music!Jul 12, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- Lindsey Stirling Music Pack & Experience is now available!Apr 14, 2022significant · resets scoring window
…and 17 earlier patch announcements.