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 (Metacritic) | – | 76 | 11 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 90% | 84 | 319 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 84% | 78 | 5 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 12 reviews sampled · 13 total reviews in window · weighted 5.8 up / 1.1 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (15)
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
“With its subtle, relaxing and appropriate musical score, gloriously soft visuals and a simple yet emotional story, Pode succeeds in offering a generous and humble cooperative yet challenging 8-10 hours of content that will shine brightly - especially in among the assortment of fast-paced and frantic multiplayer games that we have right now on the eShop.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“Pode is a visually stunning take on the co-op puzzle genre, but misses the mark when it comes to pacing and execution. It was always an absolute joy to enter each room which was devoid of life, only to leave it booming with vivid colors and patterns. However getting to that point wasn’t always as enjoyable. The slow-paced nature lends itself better for co-op play, but even then it still gets a bit tedious and solo mode ends up being a bore.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Pode is a little bit pricey, but if you've got someone to play with it's a great example of what couch co-op should be.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Sometimes opposites attract, and Pode’s contrasting characters are a great example of that, combining to overcome the game’s environmental puzzles. While it’s a little rough around the edges, Pode is a charming puzzle game whether you play it alone or grab a friend to play alongside you.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Pode is a sweet puzzle-platformer about two different beings working together to fulfil their dreams. It can be frustrating at times due to camera problems, but it is a worth adventure to be shared with a friend.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Pode is a clever co-operative puzzle-platformer whose spotlight on both camaraderie and companionship makes for one of the more genuinely moving experiences I’ve had on Switch. Coupled with the game’s bright and charming visuals, Pode is such a delightfully unexpected surprise and a must for anyone looking for an engaging team-based game on the Nintendo eShop. ”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Pode is a fun and relaxing puzzle game that starts out simple and becomes more complex as the game progresses and you gain new abilities. While the game is meant for co-op play, it plays just as well single-player, though you will have to constantly swap between Glo and Bulder. Having a second player can also help with solving puzzles as you have a second person helping you out, but alone or with a friend, with its enjoyable art style and relaxing atmosphere, Pode is a puzzle game worth checking out.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Pode is breathtakingly beautiful, and a must have for any lover of puzzle games. The characters are simple but expressive, each with their own mechanics, physics, and skills, wandering a barren mountain which comes to life before your eyes. A co-op title at its core, Pode can be played in single-player with the same level of fun, and overflowing with puzzles that are fair and approachable while still offering plenty of challenge.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“The minimalist art design is beautiful, and its characters are wonderfully expressive and emotive despite their simplicity. There’s an elegance to Pode, that belies its imperfect platforming and frequent frustrations.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Overall, I predict that Pode’s problems will come more from external forces than from within the game itself. With 20-30 new competitors flooding into the eShop every week, this charming little puzzler will inevitably have a hard time getting noticed. For those who give the bud some attention, however, a beautiful flower will grow.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“While Pode can be frustrating in it’s lack of communication it is a rather beautiful thing when experienced with others.”
read full review ↗ - 83
“If you’re looking for a puzzle-based adventure with a touch of platforming, this is your game. It’s great for co-op too, but it can be played on your own as well. ”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
NintendoWorldReport
TheSixthAxis
Switch Player
Nintendo Insider
Gaming Nexus
GamingTrend
Critical Hit
God is a Geek…and 3 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Pode PatchMay 11, 2022