Virtue and a Sledgehammer

Gamer Social ClubDaire Behan

9.5/10

Virtue and a Sledgehammer is an in equal parts angsty and somber exploration of the complex relationship between love and hate. Selkie Harbour and Deconstructeam have eloquently married a simple gameplay premise with tight pacing and a timely emotional core, asking big questions about the enduring nature of humanity without shying away from confronting our destructive nature, making for one of the most essential narrative experiences of the year.

The Punished BacklogAmanda Tien

9/10

In our review of Virtue and a Sledgehammer, find out how this indie game lives up to its smashing title.

Checkpoint GamingBree

8.5/10

Deconstructeam has managed to create another brilliantly emotional piece that says so much about the human condition with so little. Pratelle is a character with many conflicting layers that line up perfectly to create a flawed, but incredibly interesting protagonist. Walking through the town that used to be her home takes on such a weight once the game asks you to consider how it must have felt for Pratelle to grow up here and how it feels for her to come back.

Screen RantLeo Faierman

8/10

Deconstructeam's newest is an emotionally wrought crusade.

GamerFocusJulián Ramírez

7.2/10

Virtue and a Sledgehammer is a perfect game for anyone filled with rage at the current state of society and eager to unleash it. It tells a powerful science fiction story that makes us question what it truly means to be human, whether we fear that definition might change, and gives us a sledgehammer to smash everything if we don't like the answer. The combat elements could perhaps be improved, and the pacing falters slightly towards the end, but there's no doubt this game is a significant work.

TheSixthAxisAran Suddi

7/10

What makes you human? That’s the core question at the heart of Virtue and a Sledgehammer. Granted, you may not expect a game where you are smashing up a

COGConnectedMark Steighner

68/100

Virtue and a Sledgehammer is about a character working through trauma and other painful emotions through the catharsis of destruction.

Rock Paper ShotgunJames Archer

Unscored

Virtue and a Sledgehammer is outwardly about hitting things, but is really an affecting family drama. Here's our full review.