GVH review compilation

[Mangus The Adventurer]

METACRITIC

Metacritic PC Version:

82% based on 13 reviews (as of October 4)

God is a Geek (September 2)
9/10

Goodbye Volcano High is a charming visual novel packed full of great ideas, with a really interesting way of handling narrative choice.

https://www.godisageek.com/reviews/goodbye-volcano-high-review/


GamesRadar+ (September 3)
4/5

"A bittersweet teen drama about mourning a lost future"
Goodbye Volcano High is a heartfelt coming-of-age drama about a group of teen dinosaurs confronted with an uncertain future. Dreamy pop ballads and an absorbing dialogue system offer a gateway into an introspective story about being young, queer, and chasing your dreams in the face of impending disaster.

https://www.gamesradar.com/goodbye-volcano-high-review/


New Game Network (September 4)
65/100

"Growing up isn't easy, especially with an apocalypse coming."
Goodbye Volcano High hits a few promising notes, put intended, with its good musical numbers, decent dialogue and nice art. However, notable issues and inconsistencies with the main story plus a few minor technical quirks keep this fantasy tale from reaching its full potential.

https://www.newgamenetwork.com/article/2702/goodbye-volcano-high-review/


Gamereactor UK (September 5)
8/10

This is definitely a game to check out if you've ever wondered what it would be like to cross anthropomorphic dinosaurs with that of a Netflix high school drama TV series.

https://www.gamereactor.eu/goodbye-volcano-high-1301313/


Eurogamer (September 6)
5/5

"Goodbye Volcano High review - killer tunes soundtrack a teen drama for the ages"
Part visual novel, part rhythm game, part interactive animated movie, Goodbye Volcano High taps into the sacred relationship between music and coming-of-age in ways that would be impossible in any other media format.

https://www.eurogamer.net/goodbye-volcano-high-review


Slant Magazine (September 6)
4/5

"It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And Nobody’s Fine)"
In the game, the world end not with a bang or a whimper, but an eye roll and a middle finger.
Goodbye Volcano High manages to somehow balance its lighter, colorful approach to the drama at its center with the innate knowledge of how meaningless the characters’ problems are.

https://www.slantmagazine.com/games/goodbye-volcano-high-review/


GameMAG Russia (September 7)
7/10

Goodbye Volcano High is a cute looking game about modern western teenagers with some fun characters and memorable indie music.

https://gamemag.ru/reviews/goodbye-volcano-high-review


Edge Magazine (September 8)
80/100

As a cathartic climactic performance ensures Worm Drama get to say farewell to Volcano High on their own terms, the eruption of emotion is likely to be reflected on your side of the screen, too. [Issue#389, p.119]

Checkpoint Gaming (September 10)
8/10

"Goodbye Volcano High Review – Hello nerdy, queer narrative"
Goodbye Volcano High is a fun, nerdy, queer narrative adventure that focuses on the last days of high school, and possibly, the last days on earth, for a group of quirky teenagers. Its narrative is full of heart and players will fall in love with its concept and characters. Some gameplay elements can be a bit hit and miss, though overall, you’ll likely fall in love with the snappy dialogue and beautiful, wholesome relationship between these dino teens.

https://checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2023/09/goodbye-volcano-high-review-hello-nerdy-queer-narrative/


GameGrin (September 11)
9.5/10

I can barely find the words to describe the emotional experience that is Goodbye Volcano High. While there are a few sound blips, the music, voice acting, and story were phenomenal, and these teenage dinosaurs were truly relatable.

https://www.gamegrin.com/reviews/goodbye-volcano-high-review/


Gamers Heroes (September 14)
65/100

For a game about dinosaurs and the end of the world, Goodbye Volcano High’s coming of age tale ironically plays things far too safe. Those looking for a comfort tale akin to an anime will enjoy its trappings, but those who have already graduated have no doubt seen what this title has to offer.

https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/goodbye-volcano-high-review/

GAME CRATE (September 14)
7.5

Goodbye Volcano High is rough and uneven, but it still contains some of the best individual moments I’ve had with a game all year.

https://www.gamecrate.com/discord-and-harmony-fill-goodbye-volcano-high-in-equal-measure


Digital Spy (September 19)
3.5/5

At its best, Fang and their friends' journey is affecting and thought-provoking, and while their time threatens to be cruelly cut short, the time we spent at Volcano High was mostly well-spent.

https://www.digitalspy.com/tech/a45210710/goodbye-volcano-high-review/

Metacritic PS4 Version:

(Only 1 review of the 4 minimun needed for a score as of September 19)

TheGamer (September 5)
2.5/5

There are parts of this game that are highly relatable. You can scroll through social media and see what are essentially Tweets (or Posts, thanks Elon), mostly about the impending meteor impact, that capture Twitter (sure, X) culture with hilarious accuracy. The third act also shines, with tensions between characters finally bubbling over and leading to huge blowouts that feel very true to the nature of teenage friendships. Fang’s relationship to their parents and brother Naser also feel very complex, more than any other relationship they have with the other characters. But none of this is enough to carry the weight of the game’s slow first acts or make up for the game’s unrealised thematic potential, and that’s a shame. What could’ve been a meaningful meditation on the importance of community turned out half-baked. The seeds of something great were there, but it never quite had the payoff it deserved.

https://www.thegamer.com/goodbye-volcano-high-review/

Metacritic PS5 Version:

81% based on 13 reviews (as of October 17)

Wccgtech (August 30)
7/10

Goodbye Volcano High throws quite a bit in the pot, and the end result is a fairly hearty experience, at least by indie visual novel standards. Your first playthrough will probably take most players five or six hours and there’s some reason to replay if you want to change your responses and friendships, although I’m not sure everyone will want to repeat their senior year.

https://wccftech.com/review/goodbye-volcano-high/


WellPlayed (September 3)
8/10

As the lyrics from the song Reunion asks, was it worth it all? I can happily say, yes. Despite its problems, Goodbye Volcano High is every bit worth it, and I’d happily spend more time with Worm Drama if I could.

https://www.well-played.com.au/goodbye-volcano-high-review/


Multiplayer Italy (September 3)
8/10

Goodbye Volcano High approaches the exit from adolescence to the fall of an asteroid, with all the powerful and fearsome consequences that follow. The ambiguity of this force of nature, destructive and constructive at the same time, opens new possibilities in the minds of those who are subject to its whims. KO_OP manages to make people smile, move and reflect with an irresistible cast of cartoon dinosaurs that will remain imprinted in our hearts for a long time. It is a pity for some technical problems and for the development of the story that can be seen in some parts, but these defects are not such as to affect the high quality of this fascinating ensemble.

https://multiplayer.it/recensioni/goodbye-volcano-high-recensione.html


Push Square (September 5)
8/10

Goodbye Volcano High is an absolute delight. While the rhythm gameplay segments are a bit of a nuisance by way of their design, the only other real issue is the sorry state of the Trophy list, something that should be easily remedied. If you can look past those fairly minor hitches, then what you’ll experience is an exceptionally written game filled out by a cast of characters without so much as a weak link. Combine the incredibly impressive roster of characters with the high caliber of writing capable of delivering an emotional gut-punch just as easily as raucous laughter, this is not one worth sleeping on.

https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/goodbye-volcano-high


Hey Poor Player (September 6)
2.5/5

Goodbye Volcano High is likely to appeal to those who want an uncomplicated and down-to-earth narrative experience. There are glimpses of goodness within Goodbye Volcano High’s grounds, but the bland writing, cliched characters and needlessly protracted scenes don’t do it any favours. The rhythm action sections are swell additions that break up the long-winded cutscenes, but they too are overstuffed with timed button press prompts, as they end up feeling too hectic for their own good. Goodbye Volcano High overstays its welcome in spite of its 5-hour length, lumbering along without any significant drama until the climax approaches, so it’s questionable whether you’d stay the course or find something more dramatic to satiate your appetite for good videogame yarns. If this is indeed goodbye to Volcano High, then its demise will shed only a shrug of disappointment.

https://www.heypoorplayer.com/2023/09/04/goodbye-volcano-high-review-ps5/


Siliconera (September 9)
7/10

Goodbye Volcano High is going to be an acquired taste. When it really gets going, it’s a meaningful exploration of finding meaning in friendship and the present moment, backed with a killer soundtrack. You just need to wade through a lot of technical problems and pacing issues to get to that heart.

https://www.siliconera.com/review-goodbye-volcano-high-is-a-tale-of-mixed-emotions/


Press Start Australia (September 10)
9/10

Goodbye Volcano High is something truly special. It takes a well-conceived gameplay idea, drops it into an immensely unique and superbly crafted world and marries it with sharp writing and wonderful tunes to produce something unmatched. More than just an experiment in adding rhythm gameplay to a narrative experience, it's an earnest, mature, queer, warm and heartbreaking invitation to the end of the world.

https://press-start.com.au/reviews/ps5-reviews/2023/09/11/goodbye-volcano-high-review-seeking-a-band-for-the-end-of-the-world/


Hardcore Gamer (September 11)
4/5

Goodbye Volcano High is a terrifically-crafted slice of high school drama that succeeds thanks to the strength of its lovable cast of characters, amazing music and a sweet story about perseverance in the face of uncertainty, be it the possibility of your best friends moving on or the possible end of the world. It’s one to recommend, and while it may not be this year’s greatest visual novel (if only because the genre has a lot of heavy hitters this year), it is one that does indeed cap off the summer gaming season with a bang.

https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-goodbye-volcano-high/469767/


IGN Italy (September 12)
8.8/10

Goodbye Volcano High is a story of growth, friendship and love and how all these things, already great when taken individually, become giants when mixed together. Thanks to intelligent game mechanics, the story progresses forcefully by affirming the identity of its protagonists while allowing the player to make crucial choices, while the soundtrack (which ended up straight among my favorites on loop) is much more of an accompaniment: it’s a co-protagonist, who embodies the anxieties, fears and dreams of this ramshackle gang of friends, dealing with nothing less than an apocalypse.

https://it.ign.com/goodbye-volcano-high/205200/review/goodbye-volcano-high-la-recensione


SpazioGames (September 16)
7.8/10

Goodbye Volcano High is a very intriguing graphic adventure that intelligently explores sensitive themes such as those related to the LGBTQIA+ community and climate change. It weaves a compelling story around these topics and presents a cast of characters that are easy to connect with. While it may have some minor flaws that prevent it from receiving higher ratings, it still manages to offer something meaningful to anyone who plays it – and that's no small feat.

https://www.spaziogames.it/articoli/goodbye-volcano-high-recensione


RPGFan (September 23)
95/100

Goodbye Volcano High doesn’t feel like it’s treading on new territory, but rather refining a genre that already exists. With every song played, character met, and story beat processed, I felt Goodbye Volcano High managed to exceed my expectations. I laughed and I cried, and that makes it hard not to recommend the game. I’ll leave a quote from Reed to end off on: “Meh, dunno. Hard to think of a good ending right now.”

https://www.rpgfan.com/review/goodbye-volcano-high/

Player2 (September 30)
A

A bittersweet story about navigating life, uncertainty, and new beginnings, Goodbye Volcano High is one that will resonate with so many, and bends the genre in all the right ways.

player2.net.au


The So Videogames Podcast (October 11)
9/10

I had a wonderful time with Goodbye, Volcano High. It’s an amazing experience that could only be had in the medium of videogames.

gamecritics.com

[Mangus The Adventurer]

NON-METACRITIC

Why Now Gaming (September 1)
PS5 version.
81%

With beautiful animation, winning performances, and playful interactions, this is both a timely and emotional story that’s not about saving the world but trying to do your best with the people you care about.

whynowgaming.com


Houston Press (September 1)
4/5

"A Game of Queer Dinosaurs, Rock Star Dreams, and the Apocalypse"
No video game has captured the existential dread of the last three years as well as Goodbye Volcano High, especially for queer and non-cis people. The visual novel/rhythm game is a triumph of interactive storytelling right when it is most relevant.

houstonpress.com


QUESTDAILY (September 3)
PS5 version
8/10

Goodbye Volcano High’s charming art style, rocking sound-track, and endearing characters make for a wonderful visual novel experience.

questdaily.com.au


New Game Plus France (September 4)
PC version

((google translated)) Goodbye Volcano High will be nothing less than the best visual novel that the author of these lines has tried. Its fully animated staging and its gameplay choices, even if they are not very decisive, help to involve the player much more than usual with the genre.
But above all, we are carried away by the writing of the characters and their quests for meaning and identity in a world where we are no longer too sure that it is worth it (Hey? That reminds someone of something?). Spoiler, the game is categorical: yes, it's worth it.

new-game-plus.fr


Six One Indie (September 4)
PS5 version

Goodbye Volcano High is a fantastic narrative that provides themes and stories that are relatable to players of all ages and experiences. The team at KO_OP balances the wonderful teenage angst with meaningful storytelling, fantastic music, and animation that few can match. Goodbye Volcano High forced me to look within and see how I approached scenarios as a know-it-all 18 year old versus how I would respond some 10+ years later. This six hour adventure is required playing for those that appreciate a powerful coming of age story that is presented in a new and unique way.

sixoneindie.com


GAMINGUARDIAN (Spanish) (September 5)
PS5 version
6.8/10

((google translated)) Goodbye Volcano High starts from an interesting premise and is presented as an inclusive work that is easy to empathize with, but it does not stand out in almost any of its aspects. Ok, yes, its visuals are solid and its treatment of secondary characters is really good, but I think there are proposals that better address the coming of age and that manage to provide a greater variety of game mechanics. If you like visual novels, I urge you to give it a chance, but knowing that it is not the best exponent of the genre.

gaminguardian.com


SVG (September 5)
PC version
9/10

Through the ups and downs, and the end of the world, "Goodbye Volcano High" proves we can handle anything as long as we are with our friends. This game is so much more than the usual choice-based, story-heavy, cinematic adventure. It brings mini games, a whole D&D parody, fully voice-acted characters, amazing music, and heart wrenching stories that will resonate with everyone.

svg.com


Zdobywcy Gier (Poland) (September 7)
PS5 version.
8/10

((google translated)) “Goodbye Volcano High” is an emotional and deep game that touches on the themes of growing up, acceptance and living in difficult social conditions. Despite the lack of interactive exploration of the world, the game offers an extremely engaging way of conducting the plot, in which the decisions you make influence your bonds with the characters and unlock additional scenes. The music, both visual and audio, is impressive, although the mechanics of the rhythmic mini-games can sometimes be difficult to match to the rhythm of the music. Despite some imperfections, "Goodbye Volcano High" is a mature production that effectively engages players' emotions and raises difficult life topics. I recommend playing and listening to the soundtrack to everyone!

zdobywcygier.eu


Game Experience (Italy) (September 8)
PS5 version.
7.5

((google translated)) Goodbye Volcano High is a title that has fascinated us since the first reveal, thanks to its inspired art direction.
The comparison with some "sacred monsters" of adolescent-themed visual novels such as Life is Strange, however, turns against the KO_OP game, which fails to establish itself for the variety or originality of its contents.
However, it is difficult not to get excited when faced with a story like this, as sweet as it is attentive to certain topics, such as that of Fang and reptile company.

game-experience.it


PS4BLOG (September 8)
PS5 version.
9/10

Goodbye Volcano High is a charming story-driven cinematic experience that you have to check out on PlayStation 5. Fang and the rest of the characters you’ll meet make for a very charming cast. As you take on the different musical mini-games and other stuff here and there and get to meet all of the characters, you’ll quickly start to feel a solid connection to what they’re going through as you reminisce about your time in school back in the day… or right about now!

ps4blog.net


Explosion Network (September 8)
PC version.
9/10

I caught a vibe from Goodbye Volcano High. Fang's passion is understandable to me, even if I played their dialogue choices with friends, a lot more understanding than I know I have been in the past. The cast of characters here is super-likable and is the most I've enjoyed a High School cast in a video game since Life is Strange: Beyond the Storm. KO_OP may have taken a long time to get Goodbye Volcano High out the door, but it's been more than worth the wait for this final product, which is one of my favourite games of the year.

explosionnetwork.com


Indie Games EU (September 8)
PC version.
4/5

If you're the type of person who likes to play casual games with a very good story, narrative, and graphics combined into one meaningful whole game, then Goodbye Volcano High is the right choice for you.

indie-games.eu


BITWARES (spanish) (September 10)
PS5 version.
8.5/10

((google translated)) After 3 years of waiting, one of the most interesting and anticipated indies of recent times comes to our hands. A story that has us in suspense and tearing up from the first minute, a soundtrack that reaches the heart and a perfect cast that is impossible not to love and suffer with. As a video game it falls a little short, but as a story, it's a kick in the jaw...a good one.

bitwares.net


CHECKPOINT GAMING (September 11)
PC version.
8/10

Goodbye Volcano High is a fun, nerdy, queer narrative adventure that focuses on the last days of high school, and possibly, the last days on earth, for a group of quirky teenagers. Its narrative is full of heart and players will fall in love with its concept and characters. Some gameplay elements can be a bit hit and miss, though overall, you’ll likely fall in love with the snappy dialogue and beautiful, wholesome relationship between these dino teens.

checkpointgaming.net


THUMB CULTURE (September 11)
PS5 version.
Thumb Culture Platinum Award.

Goodbye Volcano High is a worthy addition to the visual narrative genre. The whole team at KO_OP have clearly put their hearts into this game over several years and it shows. The writing is emotional and relatable, I especially loved how quickly the news of impending doom turned into memes and jokes all over the internet; very realistic. The artwork is vibrant, colourful and detailed, brought together brilliantly with the animation. Over in the music department, the soundtrack is solid and suits the game perfectly.

thumbculture.co.uk


NAVIGAMES (spanish) (September 12)
PS5 version.
6.5/10

((google translated) Goodbye Volcano High is ambitious enough that it wants to cover many genres, but not so ambitious that it does it well. As a result, we have a simple story, but without depth, which is only saved by its beautiful artistic section and its wonderful soundtrack.

navigames.es


GAZETTELY (September 13)
PC version.
8/10

Goodbye Volcano High offers an enthralling journey of youth, music, and self-discovery, wrapped in an imaginative prehistoric setting. With compelling characters, a unique narrative structure, and an outstanding soundtrack, the game serves up a nostalgic trip down the memory lane of high school life. While its technical glitches and certain pacing issues keep it from reaching the zenith of gaming masterpieces, the overall charm and earnestness of the game's storytelling compensate considerably. For those who can look past the occasional hiccups, it promises a heartwarming experience that's both fresh and familiar. A commendable effort from KO_OP that suggests great potential for the future.

gazettely.com


THE pixel POST (french) (September 13)
PC version.

((google translated)) A story of friendship set against a backdrop of disillusioning tomorrows: with Goodbye Volcano High we could have found a set of platitudes in the style of a parody of a teen movie presented out of competition at the Sundance festival. This is not the case: the magnificent staging of KO_OP and the exemplary soundtrack by Dabu & Brigitte Naggar carried me away from start to finish. The writing is much finer than it looks, and the fact that it all focuses on a few big, clear narrative threads rather than trying to tell us about the end of the Cretaceous in detail works wonderfully. . What ultimately emerges is one of the most elegant intimate dramas of the year, whose imperfections we quickly forget to let ourselves be carried towards the next Worm Drama concert.

thepixelpost.com


GAYMING (September 13)
PC version.
4/5

This is a well-written, visually interesting visual novel that contends well with multiple themes surrounding growing up, deciding who you want to be, and facing your own mortality. It’s the queer, indie teen movie many of us wanted before the advent of films like Booksmart and Bottoms, but we’re put into the driver’s seat alongside Fang for a slightly more serious, somber experience.
GBVH may not be as silly as the aforementioned films, but that doesn’t mean it’s humorless. This is a well-balanced story that weighs its apocalypse against the little human (or dinosaur) pleasures to be found in the world, and that includes jokes and laughter.

gaymingmag.com


PHENIXX GAMING (September 18)
PC version.
10/10

I have not experienced a story that caught my attention and evoked emotion in me like Goodbye Volcano High since the second episode of Life is Strange released. Save for some incorrect subtitles and missing audio, this is an example of a game that has benefitted from several delays to avoid crunch, which is a godsend in the gaming industry these days. It is beyond “must-play” territory for fans of storytelling. It might be the best story told in games all of 2023, and that’s really saying something in a year full of winners. Here’s hoping we get more from this bright young studio down the road.

phenixxgaming.com


Boston Bastard Brigade (September 22)
PC version.
4.5/5

It may be about dinosaurs, but Goodbye Volcano High captures what the final year of high school is like in today’s era. With its relatable characters and beautiful soundtrack, KO_OP’s game is one of the strongest Western visual novels to come around in a long time. While it shouldn’t take the end of the world for others to realize it, Goodbye Volcano High demonstrates the power of friendship and music in a gorgeous and heartfelt story.

bostonbastardbrigade.com


Fein Raus (German) (September 23)

((google translated)) "Goodbye Volcano High" offers an undoubtedly touching story that is supported by strong characters and outstanding speakers. The emotional connection to the characters is also a clear plus point. Nevertheless, the gaming experience is marred by narrative lengths and some inconsistent design decisions. The slow narration and the breaks in logic affect the flow of the game and the immersion. The positive portrayal of esoteric practices was incomprehensible to us and does not belong in a game unchallenged or without classification. The limited interactivity may be acceptable for fans of narrative games, but might disappoint those looking for more interactivity and choice. When the game works really well, it's an emotional exploration of the meaning of friendship and the present moment.
Overall, "Goodbye Volcano High" is certainly an interesting title for fans of narrative games, heartfelt “coming of age” stories and fans of emotional stories. However, everyone should carefully consider whether the points of criticism affect their individual gaming experience.

fein-raus.de


GameScore (Italy) (September 23)
PC version.
8.3/10

((google translated)) Goodbye Volcano High is a truly compelling musical and dramatic work. The artistic style and the sound sector are certainly two of the main points, as well as a pleasant and fun plot to follow. A title that however does not innovate at all from a gaming point of view, remaining anchored to old stylistic features and offering rather mechanical and slow gameplay. This story shows different adolescent times, a bit like the future after school, gender identity, the occurrence of unexpected events that loom at any moment and friendship. Love is just one of the forms that are expressed in the title. An incontrovertible and damn convincing style, a sign of truly high attention in designing the tables. A few more hours to delve deeper into some themes would absolutely not have hurt, furthermore there is something missing that would allow the player to replay several times (despite the plot branches). [...] Despite the technical problems, the game is truly enjoyable in every part. If you are passionate about narrative adventures and rhythm games, then think about it. Otherwise, wait for a drop in price so as not to miss out on a work that is still entertaining enough.

gamescore.it
(Note: any italian speaker can clarify the "designing the tables" (disegnare le tavole) bit? Is it a saying? Or are the tables in the game really that good and I wasn't paying atention?)

(continued below)

[Mangus The Adventurer]

And some articles I enjoyed:

80.lv - Developing Music-Filled Cinematic Adventure Goodbye Volcano High
https://80.lv/articles/developing-music-filled-cinematic-adventure-goodbye-volcano-high/

The Gamer's Looking Glass - The Coda Melody: Goodbye Volcano High, Pre-Apocalypse Narratives and The Edge Of The End Of The World
https://thegamerslookingglass.com/?p=852

Medium - I Recommended Goodbye Volcano High to a Middle-Aged Dinosaur Furry. This is How I Addressed His Concerns.
https://medium.com/@dreesha-softmystic/i-recommended-goodbye-volcano-high-to-a-middle-aged-dinosaur-furry-ce4d4ce29f41

Kupo Cafe - Thoughts on "Goodbye, Volcano High", a game by KO_OP
https://kupo.cafe/thoughtsandmusings/volcanohigh

Gamer's Palace - Goodbye Volcano High – Verliebt in den Soundtrack (in german)
https://gamers-palace.de/goodbye-volcano-high-verliebt-in-den-soundtrack/

There Is No Sleep - Goodbye Volcano High Review (didn't put it among the reviews because it's more personal).
https://thereisnosleep.wordpress.com/2023/09/18/goodbye-volcano-high-review/

TheGamer - Goodbye Volcano High Embraces The Sadness Of A Doomed World.
https://www.thegamer.com/goodbye-volcano-high-indie-game-story-sadness/

Radio FM4 - Mit „Goodbye Volcano High“ sind im FM4 Spielekammerl die Dinos los (in german)
https://fm4.orf.at/stories/3036214/

Game Is Hard - Goodbye Volcano High: A Captivating Fusion of Music and Coming-of-Age
https://gameishard.gg/news/goodbye-volcano-high-review-killer-tunes-soundtrack-a-teen-drama-for-the-ages/104810/

SGM - Visual novel Goodbye Volcano High tells a deeply human story with dinosaurs
https://www.sgn.org/story.php?ch=arts__entertainment&sc=games&id=328900

Unwinnable - When the Fire Falls From on High; Or, the Meteor Is Not a Metaphor
https://unwinnable.com/2023/10/10/when-the-fire-falls-from-on-high-or-the-meteor-is-not-a-metaphor/

Anait Games - Angustia Generacional (in spanish)
https://www.anaitgames.com/articulos/angustia-generacional-volcano-high

Player Agency and the End of the World (spoilers)
https://wolfnanaki.tumblr.com/post/731989315085811712
Spanish version:
https://wolfnanaki.tumblr.com/post/732103715393257472

[LizMac]

Wow thank you for compiling all this! It's super neat to see it all in one post on Steam <3
and of course thanks for playing our game!!! :)

[Mangus The Adventurer]

Автор сообщения: LizMac

Wow thank you for compiling all this! It's super neat to see it all in one post on Steam <3
and of course thanks for playing our game!!! :)

No prob!

Автор сообщения: Brian Peppers

Devs still using their obvious alt account to shill GVH? Give it a rest

Delicious copium!

[Ed]

Despite being addicted to GVH content I'd actually missed a few of these, nice job compiling it all! 😄

Edit - that medium link is something, that was a heck of a read ..

[Ed]

Lol, you have no idea how much this game sold on both platforms

[Mangus The Adventurer]

(previous)

(had to remove the full links because at least one of them was making steam not show the post)

NON-METACRITIC (continued)

Indie Corner Games (September 25)

While not revolutionary, Goodbye Volcano High solidifies its place in storytelling games. It made me laugh, feel melancholic, and, as such, it’s challenging for me not to recommend this title.

indiecornergames.com


Gamers Palace (in german) (September 25)
PS5 version.
84/100

Technically, the title could use a bit of fine-tuning, including the soundtracks, which sometimes sound choppy and are not always integrated smoothly. But I can overlook these minor flaws because I had a lot of fun with the various characters and laughed heartily at some points. Goodbye Volcano High is definitely a playable young adult novel with dinosaurs at the end of the world.

gamers-palace.de


DENJIN DEN (in italian) (September 26)

Goodbye Volcano High is a somewhat bizarre title, in this specific historical moment in the world of video games. Where the market features other titles, with similar themes or messages or events, it seems to struggle to carve out a niche for itself. The mold is more openly gen z, for better or for worse, but also at the risk of seeming unrealistic and unhuman. The story has its peaks, and the characters, when not trying to seem hyper-ironic and detached for no apparent reason, can be fascinating. The result is a mix of highs and lows, with a good premise and a somewhat uncertain execution. Without a doubt he manages to photograph an experience, a period, the feelings of complex and complicated years of each of us, adolescence, and he does it with a certain heart.

denjinden.com


GAMESFINEST (in german) (September 26)
8/10

Goodbye Volcano High is humorous, sad, poignant, personal, charming. In short: the full range of emotions. The development studio KO_OP achieves this with a wonderfully written story that is incredibly approachable thanks to great speakers, a harmonious art style and complex themes. Goodbye Volcano High is not “just” another coming-of-age story, but also a wonderful connection to pop culture and the question of “being”. However, not dryly, but in an absolutely likeable way. A really recommendable indie gem that fans of visual novels should really like. So you shouldn't expect too much play. However, the passages that it has inspire me and perhaps even deserve a little more space.

gamesfinest.de


RegionPlayStation (in spanish) (September 26)
8.5/10

(google translated)Even with its negative points such as the frustrating out-of-sync rhythm sequences or its short duration, Goodbye Volcano High is a delight. An adventure with a lot of personality, brilliant characters and a story that captivates you from beginning to end.

regionps.com


Anait Games (in spanish) (October 2)
PS4 version
8/10

((google translated)) KO_OP presents us with a coming of age starring anthropomorphic dinosaurs facing a decisive moment in their lives; more than they could imagine at the beginning of their last year of high school.

anaitgames.com


PIXEL DIE (October 18)
6/10

The uphill battle KO_OP had to push through after numerous delays left the game in a scrambled state. This kills me because as a fan of this game, there’s so many things I adore about Goodbye Volcano High: the characters, the music, and the instilled love of their creation is shown in so many ways that I feel visual novel fans should absolutely play this game. But as a reviewer I cannot look over the distinct lack of polish in several aspects and the despondent writing direction with its own plot setups and finishes. Goodbye Volcano High, under less tumultuous circumstances, had the makings to create a genre-defining experience that would carry the narrative weight to captivate audiences much past its expectations; but this title, much like some of its main characters, just needed more time to show who they really are and what they can really be.

pixeldie.com

[Mangus The Adventurer]

Been updating this thread btw