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 | 42 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 86% | 79 | 608 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 88% | 82 | 411 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Apr 11, 2024) · 300 reviews sampled · 411 total reviews in window · weighted 139.3 up / 19 down · computed 1h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (30)
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.
- 85
“Inkulinati is a very enjoyable game for a leisurely afternoon. It features beautiful illustrations, a fantastic soundtrack, and excellent strategic elements. I’m not sure what the developers plan to add next, since the game is practically finished in early access. The only things that are truly odd are the blocky 2D graphics and the overabundance of roguelike elements. But if you love strategy games, you’ve just found dozens of hours of fun.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Are there better, more complicated tactical strategy games out there for the Switch? Absolutely, but few of them are quite as entertaining as Inkulinati. In fact, none of them let you use a creature's butt quite as frequently or as effectively. The absurd humour doesn't stop the game from offering some unique tactical options, even if it errs on the easy side for our liking.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The turn-based affair isn’t for everyone as it moves at a snail’s pace, for the most part, it gives weight to each battle but during a long play session, tedium can set in. That being said, if you’re aware of the plodding nature, this off-beat battler is a rare gem that is both funny and meaningful. The standout of the piece is the medieval styling, which looks as if Terry Gilliam was responsible for putting together the Magna Carta. While I was thoroughly sold on the visuals and humour, there was no better feeling than obtaining the win by using a fart-push combo to dispatch that last opponent. Inkulinati might not be for everyone, but for those who like the strategy genre, then you’re in for a fun time.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“A generally clever design, sense of humor, and inspired strategic play help Inkulinati stand out in the space”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Inkulinati is a wonderfully quirky strategy game with a great sense of humour and plenty of room to grow. Yaza Games have certainly done something interesting with medieval manuscripts.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Inkulinati, which reflects the atmosphere of the Middle Ages very well, is also a wink to strategy fans. If its genre and atmosphere appeal to you, you can take a look.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Inkulinati is a game that looks very sweet, and in addition to its visuals, it is a game that you can play with a calm mind without much effort with strategic gameplay, well-designed maps and characters. If you are looking for a game to rest your head while having a drink at home after a long shift. I think you should give it a chance. May the best win!”
read full review ↗ - 78
“Inkulinati is a fantastic 2D turn-based strategy game that is both quite complex and incredibly engaging. The game has a unique art-style that emulates the ink drawings seen within the old manuscripts that give it plenty of charm. The game is in Early-Access and does lack content in its story campaign but it still has plenty of content.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“A rare balance of playfulness and genuine strategic depth, plucked from the margins of history.”
read full review ↗ - 80
- 75
“Turn-based battles on parchment with ink animations are interesting not only in appearance, but also in gameplay. Although there are also certain pitfalls. However, the originality of the game cannot be denied.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Inkulinati is a fantastic strategy game and one that is refreshingly accessible to players not immersed in that genre. The sheer charm of the whole aesthetic is clear to see and the units all have a huge amount of personality. The range of skills and possible approaches ensure that the battles remain enjoyable throughout whilst mechanics like the boredom stat encourage you to mix things up as you go. All in all, this is one of the best strategy games I've played in a while and you should definitely be prepared to get medieval.”
read full review ↗
Gaming Professors
Nintendo Life
VGamingNews
Nindie Spotlight
Gfinity
Atarita
Merlin'in Kazanı
GamesCreed
Eurogamer
MonsterVine
SECTOR.sk
TheSixthAxis…and 18 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- The Quality of Life and Death - Final UpdateApr 11, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Inkulinati 1.0 is OUT NOW!Feb 22, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- 1.0 Release Date Announced!Feb 8, 2024
- The “Tactical Swimming” Major Update is here!Dec 13, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- An important UpdateDec 8, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- A tease of what’s coming in the next major updateOct 28, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- The Ape Professor and the Frenzy Ape Army are here!Aug 28, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- A tease of what's coming in the next major updateJul 28, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Major Update #2 “Dragon, Hares, and the Beast’s Lairs” is here!Jun 5, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- A tease of our next major update!May 15, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- [Changelog] First Major UpdateMar 14, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- St. Francis and Friends Major Update is here!Mar 13, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Hotfix - Bishop catFeb 23, 2023
- Hotfix number 2 is here!Feb 16, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- First Hotfix has arrived!Feb 3, 2023significant · resets scoring window