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) | – | 79 | 55 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 95% | 90 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 98% | 93 | 16 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 88.5, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 3,631 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 45 reviews sampled · 40 total reviews in window · weighted 27.1 up / 0.6 down · computed 5h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (57)
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
“Endling: Extinction is Forever is a good game for survival fans and another reminder that humans suck. The story evokes a lot of emotion and tough choices. Overall this is a bitter-sweet game. The story is bitter, and the gameplay is sweet.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Brace for a brutally realistic graphical marvel with post-apocalyptic undertones and elements of ecopunk. Endling is a gripping, poignant adventure without much room for positive emotions. It sends a message that's supposed to hurt.”
read full review ↗ - 79
“It avoids feeling like a simple educational game while also hitting emotional highs that underscore humanity's impact on animal populations. A story that becomes overly simplistic in its back half and some frustrating stealth sections aren't enough to stop the game from being an engaging survival experience, or to dilute its brutally honest message about the challenges that await us as we hurtle towards warming without adequate regulations. Endling's greatest skill is in making us empathize with the animals we live among, and in making it clear that though they bear the effects of climate change before we do, our fates are ultimately entwined.”
read full review ↗ - 78
“Endling - Extinction is Forever is a short yet impactful adventure that, despite its extreme simplicity and repetitive gameplay, manages to engage players emotionally through a story told from a unique perspective. Its distinctive, carefully crafted atmosphere pairs perfectly with stunning visuals and sound design. However, the frequent bugs, especially considering the game's brief length, might leave some players disappointed.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Had more steps been taken to engage the player in the minute-by-minute gameplay or encourage replayability, the number below might have been a notch or two higher. As it stands, however, Endling is a game where the gameplay and mechanics are readily outclassed by its theming and presentation. It’s certainly an experience worth having, but not one that lives up to its full potential.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“When you’ve been playing 10 - 20 games a week for the last 4 years it can get to be a challenge for games to really stand out...”
read full review ↗ - 71
“The shocking ending saves the day for a game that otherwise doesn't rise above mediocrity in any of its individual elements.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Endling - Extinction is Forever tells a sad story that is guaranteed to suck you in and trigger any maternal/paternal instincts you may have. Herobeat Studios has done a great job conveying an environmentally conscious story through the eyes of the lives affected most, and seriously delivers a brutally honest view of how humankind is harming the environment and natural ecosystem. Despite the repetitive nature of the gameplay, Endling is a powerful tale with a lasting, dare I say "forever," effect.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Endling conveys a necessary message through a moving story and entertaining and satisfying gameplay. The herobeat Studios video game is a must.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Endling is a very impressive game with the way it delivers message without lines, excellent visuals and sounds that match the atmosphere. Though the frequent loading time on Switch and repetitive gameplay are a bit disappointing, the game is faithful with delivering a message which is quite intense.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Endling: Extinction is Forever teaches care, emphasizes the hardships of being the only light in the dark tunnel for offspring. It is a true and fictional story at the same time. Bravo.”
read full review ↗ - 50
“Endling: Extinction is Forever does not do anything more than pointing a finger at these problems and expect you to get something more. Yet the emotional connection in the game between the fox and the player relies on their love for the animals.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
GRYOnline.pl
Paste Magazine
STWGames Italia
Gamer Escape
Nindie Spotlight
NintendoWorldReport
SomosXbox
INVEN
PPE.pl
GamesCreed…and 45 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Patch Notes for Version 0.17.19Dec 10, 2024
- Update Notes for Nov 11Nov 11, 2022
- Update notes for Aug 30Aug 30, 2022
- Demo UpdateJun 13, 2022