C.O.R.E.

 DS
Metascore
44

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 16
  3. Negative: 8 out of 16
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  1. GameZone
    60
    C.O.R.E. is a bumpy trip down memory lane, an unrefined copy of seminal shooters from decades passed. It’s nostalgic, but it also feels anachronistic, a decent-but-outdated FPS that feels too old-fashioned for its own good.
  2. Nintendo Power
    55
    An impressive feat, yet still a genre better represented elsewhere. [June 2009, p.90]
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  3. Worth Playing
    55
    You could definitely pass up C.O.R.E., and while I like the idea of someone at least trying to put out a genre title that doesn't typically get made on the NDS, I also feel that C.O.R.E. is an example of why FPSes don't make the transition well to the DS.
  5. Cheat Code Central
    52
    Boredom and frustration sets in pretty early, though multiplayer is worth exploring.
  6. Gamer Limit
    50
    C.O.R.E. borrows a lot of mechanics from other first person shooters, and brings a whole lot of issues along for the ride.
  7. Kombo
    50
    It is passable if you want to relish the glory days of the FPS when there weren't much in the way of frills and experience systems.
  8. GamesRadar+
    50
    We’ve seen some competent shooters on the DS in the past, but C.O.R.E. barely fits the “competent” category. It works (more or less), and some will enjoy it, but its flaws are just too frustrating. With several other, better FPSes already on the DS, there just isn't much reason to go for C.O.R.E.
  9. Game Chronicles
    50
    So in the end C.O.R.E. is decent. If the controls scheme was better it would have been a lot more enjoyable. For the most part it is a system of trial and error, as I became Swiss cheese for more times that I can remember.
  10. Digital Chumps
    48
    The game's visuals are on par with other DS FPS titles out there and 1-4 player wireless download play is a nice addition for any DS game. However, this game really has nothing more to get excited about as the dark and unrefined level design, dull A.I., and flawed weapons make the game difficult to enjoy.
  11. Everyeye.it
    40
    Repetitious, boring and grey. One of the worst FPS for Nintendo DS.
  12. NintendoWorldReport
    40
    There’s no reason to spend your pennies on CORE when several other, far superior, DS first-person shooters are sitting right next to it, like Call of Duty 4 and Moon.
  13. Gamervision
    40
    It’s not broken, but every aspect is terribly designed.
  14. GameSpot
    35
    This archaic first-person shooter is lousy to its core.
  15. Gamers' Temple
    30
    C.O.R.E. is simply not worth your time or money. There are far better shooters out there, even on the DS.
  16. GameShark
    25
    With outdated graphics, frustrating level design, and arduous controls, C.O.R.E. has only one positive quality: It isn't broken. It fits into your DS and, as a piece of software, functions smoothly. If you want more from a game, look elsewhere. C.O.R.E. isn't the only FPS on the block.
  17. Armchair Empire
    10
    C.O.R.E. is the kind of low budget crud that would be sold in drugstores, hastily bought by an uncaring relative to pass on as a birthday gift to a poor, unsuspecting gamer. At least that plastic Transformers knockoff can serve as a chew toy for pets or a test dummy for firecrackers.

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 6 out of 20
  1. Doom_ak
    Jun 21, 2022
    4
    At first look seems that it's pretty shooter on DS, but after few minutes you clearly see that it can't be played normally. Good example ofAt first look seems that it's pretty shooter on DS, but after few minutes you clearly see that it can't be played normally. Good example of shooter on DS is Moon, this isn't unfortunately… Full Review »
  2. JonHorn
    Sep 8, 2009
    8
    The multiplayer is excellent and the single player isn't bad either. Even though it's a bit hard, the graphics are nice for a DSThe multiplayer is excellent and the single player isn't bad either. Even though it's a bit hard, the graphics are nice for a DS game. It's not the best game for people new to FPS games on the DS, but if you liked Metroid or CoD on the DS, you will enjoy this.… Full Review »
  3. CnEY
    Aug 18, 2009
    5
    At first glance this looks promising - at least reminiscent of a doom or quake 1 - and indeed the game's logo looks perhaps a bit tooAt first glance this looks promising - at least reminiscent of a doom or quake 1 - and indeed the game's logo looks perhaps a bit too much like quake's, while its protagonist looks like a straight ripoff of the doom marine. Heck, even the plot feels a little doom-ish.

    Unfortunately it falls far short of any id game in its implementation. The enemy AI seems to simply make a bee-line for you, constantly shooting - and every shot they fire, hits. Thus the only way to progress through the game seems to be by way of memorization, to know where the enemies come from in order to kill them before they eventually wear you down and kill you. Now, I suppose this paradigm has worked in the past for series like Contra, but for an FPS, especially in this day and age, it just cries of lackluster development.

    C.O.R.E. does deserve some credit for the environments and the fact that it has potential, and at least it has a brightness setting (even DS-vs.-DS-Lite) as well as a sensitivity setting. Unfortunately it still falls flat on its face elsewhere which precludes it from being enjoyable, at least in the single-player campaign.    … Full Review »
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