'Schrödinger's Call' Ranks #1 in Metacritic's 'Best Games of First Half 2026' (90 Score), Also Selected as 'Must-Play'!

Shueisha Games Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter Shueisha Games) is pleased to announce that 'Schrödinger's Call' (currently on sale), a novel adventure game that allows players to experience the pain and salvation of human connection as if turning the pages of a picture book, has been selected as the #1 game in Metacritic's 'Best Games of First Half 2026' (Meta Score 90 / All Platforms - as of July 7, 2026, 15:00 JST) on the globally authoritative review aggregation site 'Metacritic'.

Additionally, it has been awarded the 'Must-Play' designation for outstanding titles, achieved a score of 92 and a 'Mighty' rating on 'OpenCritic', and is currently ranked #2 (tied for first place) in the 2026 Best Games rankings, garnering extremely high praise overseas.

#1 in Metacritic's 'Best Games of First Half 2026' and Selected as 'Must-Play' with a Meta Score of 90

Metacritic First Half Best #1 / 'Must-Play' Selection

Within approximately one month of its release, numerous overseas media reviews were gathered, bringing the Meta Score to 90. The game also earned the 'Must-Play' badge, awarded to titles that achieve a score of 90 or higher with a sufficient number of reviews.

Furthermore, in Metacritic's 'Best Games of First Half 2026' (All Platforms), it was ranked #1, surpassing many other highly anticipated titles (as of July 7, 2026, 15:00 JST). The Meta Score is widely recognized as an international benchmark for assessing game quality, integrating the evaluations of game media and critics worldwide.

Titles reaching the 90-point range are exceptionally rare in any given year, making it an extraordinary achievement for a debut title developed by a small team of three to reach this rating and top the first half of the year.

Overseas Media Evaluation Comments (Excerpts)

Polygon:

"One of 2026's highest-rated games is a riveting meditation on identity."

Niche Gamer:

"'Schrödinger's Call' is a definitive visual novel, it takes the multimedia nature of the format and blends everything seamlessly. ... its surreal artwork and sweeping soundtrack are as impressive as any film."

Noisy Pixel:

"'Schrödinger's Call' stands as one of the most affecting and artistically cohesive visual novels in recent years."

92 Score and 'Mighty' Rating on 'OpenCritic'; Ranks #2 in 2026 Best Games, #2 All-Time for Visual Novels

OpenCritic 92 Score

On 'OpenCritic', another major review aggregation site, the game received an average critic score of 92. It earned a 'Mighty' rating, placing it in the top tier, and has consistently received support from overseas critics as an experience that seamlessly blends story, art, and music at a high level.

With this 92 score, the title is currently ranked #2 (tied for first place) in OpenCritic's 'Best Games of 2026' and ranks #2 all-time in the visual novel category (as of July 2026). This makes it the highest-rated visual novel released in 2026 worldwide, and a debut title from a small Japanese team that has earned a place in the genre's history.

Selected as a Finalist in Two Categories at 'gamescom latam 2026'

'gamescom latam 2026' (BIG Festival Awards)

At 'gamescom latam 2026', one of South America's largest gaming events held in São Paulo, Brazil, the game was selected as a finalist in two categories: Best Art and Best Narrative.

The emotional story of comforting lingering regrets over the phone, along with its unique art style, garnered significant interest from international judges.

'Schrödinger's Call' is currently available on Nintendo SwitchTM and Steam®.

We invite you to enjoy this world-acclaimed, emotionally resonant story and unique gaming experience.

About 'Schrödinger's Call'

Story

In the 21 nanoseconds between life and death.

This is the moment the moon falls and the world ends.

The girl—Mary—awakens in an unfamiliar room with no memory.

Guided by a mysterious cat named 'Hamlet', Mary becomes the world's last conversational partner.

Through a telephone, she listens to the lives they once lived and what they are thinking now, of 'them' on the other end of the line.

Free Demo of the Entire First Chapter Available on Steam!

A free demo of 'Schrödinger's Call' is available on Steam.

This demo allows you to play through the entire story of the first chapter.

▼ Click here for the 'Schrödinger's Call' Chapter 1 Demo Steam page

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3500550/_1/

<About Save Data>

Clear data from the Chapter 1 demo can be carried over to the full game.

Please note that it cannot be carried over if you do not complete it to the end.

'Schrödinger's Call' Overview

Platforms: Nintendo Switch / Steam

Genre: A novel adventure game that envelops you in gentleness, like reading a picture book

Release Date: Currently on sale (Released May 28, 2026)

Players: 1

Rating: IARC 7+

Price: ¥2,480 (tax included)

Languages: Japanese / English / Chinese (Traditional) / Chinese (Simplified)

Publisher: Shueisha Games

Developer: Acrobatic Chirimenjako

Copyright: ©Acrobatic Chirimenjako / SHUEISHA, SHUEISHA GAMES

'Schrödinger's Call' Shueisha Games Website: https://shueisha-games.com/games/schrodingers-call/

'Schrödinger's Call' Platform Pages

・Nintendo Store Page: https://store-jp.nintendo.com/item/software/D70010000117200

・Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2090390/Schrdingers_Call/?utm_source=shueishagames&utm_campaign=organic&utm_medium=press_jp

・Chapter 1 Demo Steam Page: https://bit.ly/demo_sch_steam_prjp

<About Chapter 1 Demo Save Data>

Clear data from the Chapter 1 demo can be carried over to the full game.

Please note that it cannot be carried over if you do not complete it to the end.

Developer Profile

'Schrödinger's Call', an adventure game weaving together "emotionally resonant" theatrical and cinematic direction with a profound scenario, won the Grand Prize at the 'Shueisha Game Creators Camp GAME BBQ vol.1'.

Developed by three creators with a strong passion for game creation.

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