9Lives' Scores
- Games
For 187 reviews, this publication has graded:
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64% higher than the average critic
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4% same as the average critic
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32% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 2.6 points higher than other critics.
(0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 77
| Highest review score: | Mass Effect 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest review score: | Astro Boy: The Video Game |
Score distribution:
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Positive: 118 out of 187
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Mixed: 68 out of 187
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Negative: 1 out of 187
187
game
reviews
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- Critic Score
Splinter Cell: Conviction is a game you have to play. Not only has Ubisoft managed to breathe new life into the franchise, but it has also succeeded in offering a wonderful action-stealth game for fans and newcomers. Not only does it excel graphically and sound-wise, but on top of that – one tends to forget all too often these days – a giant leap forward gameplay-wise. Definitely worth a purchase.- 9Lives
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Gamers looking for a beautiful action game with exciting storyline and an interesting setting need to look no further than Mass Effect 2. The improved gameplay formula creates a fluent experience and audio-visually the games goes all out. It may be a bit early to dish out “game of the year”, but Mass Effect 2 has everything to get that title. Highly recommended for every game lover.- 9Lives
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Red Dead Redemption is without a shadow of a doubt a top game. The story alone will tie you over for at least fourteen hours, not adding random events and mini games. Add the extensive multiplayer and you'll get at least twenty hours. Small tip: Play the game all the way to the end - a few surprises will definitely please you.- 9Lives
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Nintendo has succeeded in delivering a feeling of nostalgia with this NEW Super Mario Bros. Wii, but still also managing innovation. Adding multiplayer makes it even more perfect. We can be straight to the point: New Super Mario Bros Wii is one of the best titles on the Wii. Comes highly recommended.- 9Lives
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We don’t exactly mind being ‘stuck’ with such a top-class game so soon in the year. The bar has been raised tremendously high for the RPG-shooter genre in 2010. If you want to dethrone Mass Effect 2, you’re going to have to pull out all the stops. If you’ve just begun your Mass Effect adventure, we suggest that you buy the first one cheaply, so you can continue playing with your own Shepard in part two. That way you can fully enjoy the spectacle BioWare has provided. We can’t wait for the third and final act of this trilogy.- 9Lives
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We can wholeheartedly conclude that Dragon Age: Origins has become a masterpiece. BioWare has delivered an epic adventure that will keep you to your screen for hours on end. Beautiful fights, huge amount of skills and an abundance of content make this a true top game. A shame though that every now and again, the loading times crash the party, but nevertheless, Dragon Age: Origins is the RPG of the year.- 9Lives
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Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. The singleplayer is handled to perfection and the multiplayer – despite some minor irritations – will push its lifespan tremendously. If you want to claim that you’ve played all the best games of this generation, then Uncharted 2: Among Thieves has to be in your collection. There’s only two questions remaining: Naughty Dog, where’s Uncharted 3? Gamers, why aren’t you in the store already to buy this gem?- 9Lives
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Heavy Rain isn’t just a game. It’s the next step in commitment, a wonderful experience for whoever is open to it. Some moves are a bit heavy and there are some technical errors, but the perfect marriage of story, gameplay, sound and a proper use of quick time events make this a unique, unforgettable adventure that will make lots of games pale in comparison, considering its involvement. Heavy Rain makes you choose between some heart-breaking options, but to the question "should I buy this game?" the answer is simple: Yes.- 9Lives
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SI Games has made good on its promise. Football Manager 2010 is the best Football Manager ever. The depth is unrivalled and it's all much user-friendly now thanks to a new interface and many aids. Despite a few bugs and the uninspired interviews and team talks, many aspiring managers will love playing the king of manager games for many months to come.- 9Lives
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A candidate for indie game of the year as far as I’m concerned. Many awards were already given and they were absolutely deserved. It barely has a flaw and money-wise it’s worth it. Fantastic atmosphere and well-thought out puzzles will entice anyone with a brain. Unfortunately only a demo on Xbox Live is available, but don’t worry, just go ahead and buy this.- 9Lives
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Bioshock 2 lives up to the high expectations and manages to surpass them. The small improvements in gameplay give you a smoother ride. The audiovisual style brings you an interesting setting; moral choices have an impact on the storyline and the addition of multiplayer options create a higher replayability. Fans of the first game will be enticed for hours, and newcomers looking for a new shooter won’t be disappointed by Bioshock 2. Highly recommended.- 9Lives
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Square Enix has brought some RPG elements to the forefront, while putting some away in the back. This might offend some gamers, but with a mix of tactics, a deep battle system and action-filled battles Final Fantasy XIII will entice plenty of players. The interaction between the characters and the gradual revelations within the story are placed within a wonderful audio-visual jacket and manage to grab the gamer without letting them go. The linear aspect shouldn’t bother anyone in this thirteenth step of one of the most popular franchises out there.- 9Lives
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Assassin's Creed 2 manages to wipe away most of the criticisms towards the previous game and delivers a gameplay experience you shouldn't miss. It's varied and addictive; character animations are realistic and fluent; the story is excellent and audio-visually it is good looking. It deserves a place in your game collection.- 9Lives
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Left 4 Dead 2 is – despite the same formula – a big step forward. People who have played the first game, will feel a little cheated, as there aren’t many changes. Following the umpteenth adrenaline rush with your friends however, you will have forgotten all about that. The many extra’s in this second installment justify it being a stand-alone version. Hours of gameplay await that you cannot find in every co-op shooter. Simple but deep, it’s not a given in every game.- 9Lives
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ModNation Racers is a wonderful continuation of the Play.Create.Share principle. It’s compared to LittleBigPlanet and Mario Kart – high class games – but it manages to easily set foot next to them. Everything is keenly thought out and invites you to play, whether it is single-player, online or split-screen. Racing hours on end, while laughing and cursing for all the tricks that are being pulled is what this game is all about – and will continue to be about with the support of the community. Too bad the loading times are a tad too long. In any case: casual or hardcore, it doesn’t matter, because ModNation Racers is awesome.- 9Lives
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Chime is a surprisingly good game. The puzzle concept in combination with the rhythm is addictive and more complex than you would think at first glance. This alone makes Chime worth the purchase. Its low price and good cause are extra reasons to make this game a must-have purchase.- 9Lives
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Bayonetta manages to (handily) surpass the high expectations from fans. The action is fluent and over-the-top, the images you see are very nicely done and sound-wise, the game is up there with the best. Combining a comical story with visually interesting settings and competitive online leaderboards will give you a game that every action fanatic should at least have tried. Highly recommended.- 9Lives
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Assassin's Creed 2 maintains the character of the first game, but gets rid of the repetitiveness and brings along a more atmospheric storyline. It fascinates from the start; the smooth gameplay and fun free running are enjoyable and liberating. Missions are based on the foundations of the first game, but are given more variety and that’s a big positive.- 9Lives
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God of War 3 offers blood, death, brutality – in all: fun – on a gigantic scale. Kratos wanted his revenge and it’s up to you to guide him on his blood-red journey where graphics, sound and tension come together to form a spectacle from start to finish. We cannot condone violence, but if it helps Kratos to reach his goal, there ain’t no mountain high enough, there ain’t no god strong enough. Amazing end to the trilogy.- 9Lives
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Q-Games has succeeded in bringing a classic game genre back to life for the fourth time in a row, this time with a very innovative PixelJunk Shooter. Puzzling with water, lava and ice – while shooting enemies and saving miners – is surprisingly fluent and offers quite some challenge without getting frustrating. This game comes highly recommended. We look forward to PixelJunk Shooter: Encore.- 9Lives
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Ubisoft delivers a wonderful sequel to Red Steel. It looks amazing and the diverse special moves connect well with the fast-paced action. Unfortunately, the sword fighting doesn't feel 100 percent realistic, because there's a slight delay between your own move and the one on the screen. This isn't a bothersome factor, because the difference is minimal thanks to the Wii Motion Plus. If your Wii hasn't seen action in a while, Red Steel 2 is the perfect opportunity to change that.- 9Lives
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There's no doubt that Professor Layton supplies what puzzlers need. With over 150 puzzles - some of which are real brain breakers - you'll have plenty to do. Those that hang in there, will get a pleasant surprise. All this is accompanied by a enticing storyline, one that is delivered wonderfully with all the cut scenes and the numerous conversations.- 9Lives
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Resident Evil 5 doesn't exactly add much novelty to the series, but it's a heck of an action game nonetheless. Audio-visually it's a gem and the puzzles and the survival aspect create the needed diversity. The bosses are impressive, to say the least. Capcom has finally discovered how to port a console game to a pc in a decent way. This game comes highly recommended.- 9Lives
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It plays like and looks as nice as the PS3 version. Over thirty brand new, highly inspired levels await. Making your own levels and downloading others are child's play, which will make this game sit in your PSP for a very long time to come. It's unfortunate that there's no co-op, one of the nicer features of the PS3-version. That's why it's not getting 90%, but nevertheless, it comes amazingly recommended.- 9Lives
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Street Fighter IV already was one of the best fighting games of this generation, but this Super-version adds to it. Ten new characters, better balanced gameplay, a replay channel and a lot of new game modes make this a fan’s wet dream. In all honesty, this is a mere addition to an existing game, that for some reason is only available as a full retail-game. It’s a nice thing for newcomers, but unfair to gamers who already have the original.- 9Lives
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Now that the trilogy has been brought together, there is no more excuse not to try it out. You’ll have to get used to the controls, but considering the technical improvements – shorter loading times – you will soon be on a wondrous Metroid Prime adventure. Make sure to have a clock nearby, because this game will make you lose track of time.- 9Lives
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Also on the PSP, Tekken 6 has turned out wonderfully. This fighting game doesn’t have to admit defeat to its bigger console-brother at all. Graphics and sound are of a high level, controls are perfect and the forty fighters – with their own moves – won’t quickly bore you. Too bad there’s no online multiplayer, a contemporary must of this genre.- 9Lives
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Braid has turned out a fine game, going for the puzzling aspect more than the platforming. Manipulating time creates a never-before-seen experience and the unique audio-visual style adds to that. Take into consideration that no hints are provided and that some levels are real brain-breakers, making this a game for the patient puzzler.- 9Lives
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It was a long wait for Divinity II but it was worth it. It's a solid RPG in a wonderfully constructed world. It's alive and bustling; fighting is well-designed and novelties like 'mindread' are actually a surplus instead of some gimmick. Flying around like a dragon, spewing fire is the icing on the cake.- 9Lives
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Greed Corp has the appearance of a board game, but manages to survive perfectly as a video game. The game sucks you and in doesn’t let go easily. The destructibility of the playing field adds to the replay value and gives the player lots of tactical options. All in all, you get a game that’s tremendous fun and offers a great deal for the price you pay.- 9Lives
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Do you enjoy a good-looking game with simple controls and plenty of challenge? Then try LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias, especially if part one captured your heart. Frontier is building on the formula and manage to get an exquisite result. I can't wait for part three and perhaps a full disc-based adventure.- 9Lives
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For me, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks definitely belongs in the world of Hyrule. It fits in perfectly with the other adventures of cell-shaded Link and that makes it a tad easy. Zelda-fanatics don’t need to worry, because there’s plenty of challenge to keep you occupied for a bit. Unfortunately, that means digressing from the storyline, something you’ll automatically do in a Zelda-tale. This lengthens the life of Spirit Tracks, but nevertheless it’s a short (but powerful) adventure.- 9Lives
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Dragon Age: Origins is a sturdy RPG, with plenty to do to keep you coming back to the world of Ferelden again and again. Bioware has claimed it is the spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate, but the console version has to admit defeat to the superior classic. Despite several dull patches on the sword, Dragon Age: Origins still cuts the opposition in half easily.- 9Lives
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 doesn't disappoint, but doesn't meet the high expectations either. Singleplayer is intense, but short and the multiplayer is smooth, but lacks innovation. It didn't need much to begin with, since the previous multiplayer was excellent, but still... Infinity Ward can't rest on its laurels, because it's doubtful they will get away with a lack of innovation three times in a row.- 9Lives
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Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time adds new bits and pieces to the good old gameplay, but mainly excels with its fantastic and addictive adventure, amazing graphics and insane humour. On top of that, there's a lot more to do and to collect in this title than the previous installments. Sony was probably hoping for a successful tag team in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time this fall. There's only one reply to that: Mission accomplished.- 9Lives
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This game is the most complete Fifa you will encounter thus far. It feels more natural and the gameplay changes are implemented perfectly. A shame that the eternal aches remain and that the Manager Mode is a bit lackluster. In the end, Fifa 10 will convince more people and will be played longer. Pro Evolution Soccer has been warned: Fifa 10 is going straight for the title, with excellent and beautiful football.- 9Lives
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Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes offers a totally new battle concept for turn-based rpg’s. The puzzle-styled confrontations require patience and tactical guile, but despite the ingenuity, it remains accessible, challenging and varied. Recommended for rpg-fans and puzzle-lovers.- 9Lives
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Battlefield: Bad Company 2 does what it does best: create a multiplayer experience which lifts it head and shoulders above the other shooters. All the pieces come together perfectly in an online that brings out the best of the Battlefields, with Rush as the pièce de résistance. Too bad that the sub-par singleplayer brings down the score quite a bit.- 9Lives
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Sol Survivor is one heck of an indie game. It’s an enrichment of the tower defense genre and worth its small price. The singleplayer alone offers more fun than your average top game and the different multiplayer settings make it required purchase for fans. Everyone should give this game a chance and download the demo. It’s a fantastic mix of casual and deep gameplay.- 9Lives
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Avalanche Studios has given us one heck of a game with Just Cause 2. The gameplay is pure action and the grappling hook, the many vehicles and the stunt moves give a variety of moves. The main story doesn’t bear much weight, but the bulk of the game is on the free missions and the possibility of chaos. You’re getting a huge island, filled to the rim with detail and graphically impressive. Haven’t had this much fun with a sandbox game since GTA 4, and you can be sure that’s a compliment to the game.- 9Lives
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There's not a lot of innovation in Forza Motorsport 3, but that's not necessary anyway. The third in the series flies across the race track, leaving the competition far behind on every level. Highly recommended for every race game lover.- 9Lives
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The conclusion is simple: buy it. That’s my advice to anyone owning a Xbox 360. Trials HD sets out something really simple, but oh so addictive, especially when trying to beat your friends. Before you know it, you’ve spent another several hours on this game.- 9Lives
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Visceral games shows that there is a place for mature games on the Wii and that it’s not just a partycrasher device. Dead Space Extraction is a marvelous railshooter, with the perfect mix between action and enthralling story. Fans of Dead Space will be forced to buy a Wii though, as this game won’t appear on other consoles. Not that I mind, as I’m glad my Wii finally has something mature to handle. Railshooter aside, it fits perfectly into the staple of a survival – horror shooter.- 9Lives
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Darksiders is surprising on every front. The right balance between story, a solid fighting system and challenging puzzles will make you want to finish this game. Add the unique graphical style and Darksiders is the first must-own of the year.- 9Lives
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Finally they have their own adventure and Ubisoft has managed to deliver. Rabbids Go Home showcase the rabbids to the fullest. They remain stupid and the local population will get to know them for that. If they ever reach the moon? Buy the game and find out. All I can say is that they are darn resilient.- 9Lives
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Codemasters has delivered another racing gem with Dirt 2. If you’re into exciting multiplayer races, a varied and extensive single-player campaign and racing in beautiful environments, then this game is definitely worth it. For every fan of any type of racing, this is a must-have. If you look well enough, you’ll even be able to get this game rather cheap.- 9Lives
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A huge open world, addictive gameplay, varied multiplayer settings and entertaining graphics create a game that many action lovers will enjoy for hours. Don’t come looking for depth, since that’s not the game’s goal. Red Faction: Guerrilla gives you death and carnage to your heart’s delight.- 9Lives
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The Misadventures of PB Winterbottom is another unique puzzle game to the Xbox Live’s library. The well-done challenges and the moody style match perfectly and easily justify the purchase of this game.- 9Lives
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The Conduit is finally a high-end shooter for the Wii. High Voltage Software has really tried to get the maximum out of the console while still offering a wonderful game. Hopefully, more developers will follow this example and we can get more new franchises that achieve a certain level. The Conduit has several things going for it to be called a classic, but it still lacks several things left and right to belong to that category.- 9Lives
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Matt Hazzard is back and its impressive. The game is a very decent sidescrolling shooter and has humour to boot. It will probably get a bit much every now and then, but eventually, you will grab that controller again just because it’s so fun and addictive. It’s hard to find fault with the game, and entirely impossible to let it weigh down the final judgment. A top game for the virtual arcade halls.- 9Lives
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Shadow Complex has turned out to be a very good game. It combines a strong story with nice graphics, sublime sound and addictive gameplay. The game isn’t perfect, but the good far outweigh the bad that it becomes a must-buy for every fan of action games. 1200 Microsoft Points is hardly much, considering you get more than what you pay for.- 9Lives
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Borderlands offers an interesting FPS gameplay, with a healthy dose of RPG elements woven into it. It has addictive gameplay, item fever and a world full of funny and interesting characters. On top of that, you get an amusing co-op mode and an unequaled audiovisual rendition. A great game for both shooter lovers and (action) RPG fans.- 9Lives
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It’s about time that Monster Hunter found its way to the west. With Monster Hunter Tri, the Nintendo Wii has another wonderful game. Graphically good-looking and more than enough depth to keep you locked to your console for many hours. At first you will have to fight through the repetitive parts and the gameplay is not for everyone out there, but don’t let that discourage you. Once you’ve battered the first giant enemy into submission, the game will grab you and pull you in for a long adventure.- 9Lives
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Dj Hero has become a music game that makes you scream for more. Thanks to the controller, it really makes you feel like you're the DJ. On top of that, the music in the game really excels. Tiny blemishes are the price tag and the lack of a freestyle-mode.- 9Lives
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Improved gameplay, dark atmosphere, unlockables and several surprises await purchasers of Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles. This is yet another solid railshooter – after Dead Space Extraction – with some horror elements. Graphically, this is one of the better titles on the Wii console. Not getting any room to move is only a minor setback. If you’ve enjoyed The Umbrella Chronicles, this title won’t disappoint. Must have for Resident Evil fans.- 9Lives
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Supreme Commander 2 is actually a simplified version of the first game. Some adjustments, such as the way to upgrade, make the game better, but others – like the classic resource management system – make it lose some of its own identity. It’s not a revolution like Supreme Commander, but definitely something that fans of large-scale, spectacular RTS games should love. The story is forgettable, but the decent and varied missions make up for this.- 9Lives
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Dante’s Inferno borrows quite some gameplay from other successful franchises, but that doesn’t mean that this game knows exactly how to weave them into a fun and interesting game. The fights are fun and bloody, the enemies and surroundings offer enough variety and its gruesome atmosphere fits the game perfectly. Whoever is looking for a fun action game and doesn’t care about a pint of blood more or less, will want to take a look at Dante’s Inferno.- 9Lives
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SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3 is an excellent shooter, with fluent controls, wonderful graphics and a smooth campaign. The overactive auto-aim and the immortal team members limit the challenge though and make tactical choices unnecessary. This is countered with ease in the online co-op and the custom missions. The competitive multiplayer is well-designed, giving you hours of fun.- 9Lives
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Silent Hill: Shattered Memories has turned out a re-imaging of the original, more than a regular remake. The story has remained largely the same, but a deep experience it is nonetheless. Gameplay-wise there have been a number of additions. Fighting is no longer possible and running is sometimes all you can do. Mostly you’ll be doing puzzles with the Wii Remote, thusly unraveling the mysteries of Silent Hill. The changes in gameplay, from reconnaissance and talking to the psychiatrist, to the start of a nightmare give variation and a good pace. It can however become tedious. Nightmares in itself could’ve been done better too. Now it’s sometimes annoying and the overview is lacking, even though that doesn’t become too much of a burden.- 9Lives
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Fat Princess is definitely a hit and worthy addition to the PlayStation Store. The humour in the game and the simple class system creates a new experience. Unfortunately, the continuous in-game chaos can ruin the fun sometimes. No one should be deterred from its unique graphical style, as Fat Princess is a game for everyone looking to have some fun online here and there.- 9Lives
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Almost all fans of Dragon Ball will love Revenge of King Piccolo. The only annoying downside is that not all conversations have voice-overs, which makes you miss out on some of the typical humour. The gameplay feels a tad old, especially since you can compare it to Double Dragon. Personally, I loved that, since it's simple and addictive, whether you like Dragon Ball or not.- 9Lives
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It’s been a while since I’ve happily played a beat’em up. Tatsunoko vs Capcom struggles a bit with its matchmaking online, but even there it’s relatively fluent. It looks decent and everyone can create sparks on-screen by a very simple control set-up. Want to go back in time, then nostalgia will kick in when you play it with an typical arcade controller. Worth a shot? Definitely!- 9Lives
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NBA 2K10 is without a shadow of doubt the best basketball experience you will find at the moment. Realistic graphics and animation, very decent gameplay and numerous modes and options will satisfy your basketball fantasies for many months to come. A few minor annoyances are what keeps NBA 2K10 away from being a classic.- 9Lives
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Some fans may be disappointed with the lack of weapons at first, but the developers have managed to create an excellent alternative. The loneliness and the nightmares create a sensation of fright, increased by the game toying with you psychologically. It does so by using information you give it, whether consciously or not. Combining that with a strong storyline, wonderful graphics and entertaining puzzles, makes this game come highly recommended for every horror-survival fan looking for a change.- 9Lives
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Scribblenauts will make you think, even if it's only to realize the name of that one particular object you need. It starts out easy, but gradually, the challenge becomes greater. It's a lovely game for those who are on the road or when there's nothing on the television again.- 9Lives
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RACE On looks dated, but the quality beneath the hood can’t remain hidden for long. For a budget price you’re getting probably the most realistic racing game on pc at the moment. It may not suit the big audiences, but race fans that haven’t gotten any of these titles, will indulge themselves in the many options this game offers.- 9Lives
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Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake is a welcome addition to the PSP’s arsenal. It’s cheery, colourful, and just plain fun. Titan Studios has done well to bring the experience to the handheld without having to sacrifice. You’re even getting more than with the version for the big brother although it’s not entirely certain whether it merits such a price tag, seeing how the PS3 version was a mere 15 euro.- 9Lives
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The 3rd season of Sam & Max gets a great start with this entertaining and very original first episode. Max' special powers allow some cool and innovative puzzles, and the smart humor and storyline will keep you playing till the end credits. To make the game more suitable for mainstream gamers however, point & click is replaced by a simplified controller scheme and also the difficulty of the puzzles is dumbed down again. But even experienced adventure gamers will enjoy this episode, despite the lack of a real challenge.- 9Lives
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Maxis has created a mature and complete expansion with Sims 3: World adventures. Fun puzzles, relic hunting and meeting new people will make you feel like the smashing holiday is over before you know it. It'll make you want to go on a next trip immediately. For all those adventurous Sims-fans out there: this addictive expansion is worth it!- 9Lives
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It's a bit too early to say whether NCSoft has got a lasting hit on their hands, but it looks to turn out that way. Even though some features lack depth, Aion is without a doubt one of the most solid MMORPG's we've seen in recent years.- 9Lives
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Resonance of Fate breathes new life into the stagnating JRPG genre with a unique battle system that unites real-time and turn-based combat. Visually the game might not excel and the steep learning curve may mean it's not for everyone, but the strong, strategic gameplay more than make up for these little downsides. JRPG fans who don't mind getting their hands dirty should pick this up.- 9Lives
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If you're looking for a quick fix with plenty of challenge, then Max & the Magic Marker is something to consider. It's presented beautifully and with its combination of puzzle and platforming elements, it plays quite fluently. All in all, it's not that novel though. We have seen such elements in other drawing games before, but still Press Play knows to keep us tied to the screen and that's why this game deserves a place in your WiiWare collection.- 9Lives
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Ghostbusters The Videogame brings the movies of yore back to life and does this without having to sacrifice atmosphere and humour. Unfortunately, you don't get a lot of freedom, but that might be offered in the sequel. Some things are less in the Wii version, but that's compensated with a good cartoony look and a split-screen multiplayer.- 9Lives
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Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage extends what its predecessor does and delivers a more complete package. It still needs to dot the i's to become a top game though. The array of accessories is nice, but doesn't offer increased bonuses on the tracks. The biggest innovation is the Wii Motion Plus, enabling you to make your own tricks. Don't have the money to go skiing in the French Alps? Maybe this will entertain you instead.- 9Lives
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Essentially, Silent Hunter 5 is what it is: the fifth installment of a submarine simulation series. Graphically, it’s bounds and leaps forward and the new inside perspective adds to the realism. Sim fans will get what they want, with loads of options to make the game even more realistic if required. It’s accessible for those not particularly seeking realism. Sailing, simple manoeuvres, firing torpedo’s. The new interface adds to this ease. Everything is reached with simple mouse clicks and intricate menu’s are nowhere near this game. However, everything takes its time, which some people might not appreciate. Sailing from one point to another, searching for enemies, sinking them, getting new supplies, finding enemies again, etc. SimCity and Anno also require lots of time investment, which is what this title also has, and that’s how you discover the true strength of the game. That’s what makes Silent Hunter 5 mainly a game for those with patience.- 9Lives
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Wii Fit Plus can definitely be viewed as a marked improvement of the first game, especially if you can deal with the fact that it's more of an update than a sequel. Where Wii Fit was lacking in several areas, Wii Fit Plus brings us an elaborate sporting sensation, with an abundance of Balance Games and new functions.- 9Lives
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Despite the few minor flaws in The Saboteur, this game is worth its money. If you want to give depressed Paris its colour back and in the meantime go mental on anything smelling of Nazis, then The Saboteur happily obliges. It keeps you coming back to your console for more. A wonderful final act for Pandemic Studios.- 9Lives
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It has turned out to be a surprisingly good game, perfectly combining several platforming elements with physics-based puzzles. Add some RPG, co-op and moody graphics and sound to the mix and you can say this game is to be recommended. Too bad there’s no online co-op and that the trophies are a bit easy to get.- 9Lives
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Tropico 3 has turned out to be a nice management sim that fans of the genre will love. The gameplay mechanics are elaborate, the economic and political systems are well done and it looks like a charm. The micromanagement can be annoying due to lack of information, but luckily it's never entirely frustrating. Looking for a good sim? Tropico 3 is definitely not a bad choice.- 9Lives
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Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier maintains the wonderful platforming gameplay of its predecessors. High Impact Games has remained faithful to the franchise and has even added challenging flying missions. It looks beautiful, plays fluently and has plenty of variety to give you hours of fun. A minor tip to High Impact Games though: Fine tune the aiming system and the camera and the next game will definitely be a classic.- 9Lives
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Gravity Crash contains a fun diversity in planets and levels. The game is challenging and pushes the player to keep doing better. The graphics and the soundtrack finish it off. If you’re still not bitten by the retro-virus, this developer (Just Add Water) might give you the final push with Gravity Crash.- 9Lives
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The combat system is deep and manages to impress. The lack of classes is a downside, but luckily, the tactics and combat setup are able to overcome that – making it possible to create your own classes. The story pulls you along from the start and the cut-scenes are delicious. Enemies aren’t always unique or original, but the total package of small and humongous enemies gives you variety. The addition of multiplayer creates a whole lot more gameplay and fun. In that sense, it’s an important addition. Finally, it’s wonderful to become the White Knight while we wait for the next JRPG. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but definitely not a lousy game either.- 9Lives
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Left or right? Hide or run? Take care of yourself or keep running while bleeding? These are choices in Hysteria Project. It’s short and has basically no replay value, unless with friends, but it’s gripping and often intense. It’s an experience craving for more. More choices, more options instead of a fixed path, more revelations about the who, what and where. But also less: less savepoints to interrupt the game. For 1.49 euro’s you can be content. Let’s get a sequel.- 9Lives
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Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising strikes a good balance between tactical sim and action. Its fluent gameplay is addictive, the missions are varied and it impresses graphically. Despite room for improvement, this game comes recommended for those who loved the original and for those gamers who're looking for something different than the abundance of contemporary "Rambo"-games.- 9Lives
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Army of Two: The 40th Day beautifully follows the footsteps of the first game, with quite a lot of innovation and improvement. Nicely created characters, varied gameplay and supporting soundtrack drag you through the story from start to finish. You need to get used to the camera stance, but quickly, you’ll appreciate its benefits when covering. Certain graphics could’ve been better, but all in all, it’s a decent action-packed game.- 9Lives
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2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa isn’t a bad game, but not worth it to be sold for full price. Its good gameplay is borrowed from Fifa 10 and it merely adds a new penalty system. It seems the developer relaxed a bit too much, knowing how good the gameplay from Fifa 10 was. Luckily, the exciting qualifying moments and a reformed Fifa 10-mode keep the fun in this world cup edition. Nevertheless, it should’ve been released as a cheaper expansion or a huge downloadable content pack.- 9Lives
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Magna Carta II has turned out to be a fun game for the JRPG lovers out there. Realtime gameplay is handled well, there’s a lot to discover and it’s graphically adequate. Voice acting and story could've been done better, but it’s a common illness in this type of game. Whoever is looking for a fluent JRPG can add Magna Carta II to his wish list.- 9Lives
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All in all, Mega Man is enjoyable. It’s consciously been kept retro to invoke nostalgic feelings for whoever was playing the ‘blue bomber’ 23 years ago. It just feels right and the game just doesn’t need fantastic graphics. Mega Man 10 is a game with a potential high difficulty, that’ll keep you busy for hours on end. The 800 points you have to pay, feel like it’s a bargain.- 9Lives
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Chinatown Wars will never go down in history as a 'big' GTA-title, but nevertheless, it deserves a place in your PSP collection. It's a GTA with its own character and its own pair of balls. Besides, during these dark ages for PSP gaming, there aren't a lot of PSP games that win our hearts.- 9Lives
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Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment may not be innovative, but it is a decent turn-based RPG, pleasing both the fans as the newcomers to the genre.- 9Lives
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Still haven’t played Resident Evil after all these years? This is the perfect moment to try it. Don’t expect an easy game, but a wondrously horrid atmosphere in one of the groundbreaking titles of the horror – survival genre. In comparison with the Gamecube version, you won’t get a lot of new things, but this classic doesn’t need many extra’s.- 9Lives
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Dead To Rights Retribution can be considered one of the better action games of the year. It’s bloody and brutal, gameplay and controls feel good and the switches between Jack and Shadow help to fight off repetitiveness. If you don’t like blood and extreme violence, stay away from this game, but they are bountiful in the game. Recommended for those who like over-the-top action.- 9Lives
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Napoleon: Total War adds a few important changes. The new reinforcement system and the multiplayer definitely add to the game. The lack of freedom and different factions may detract from the replayability though. You wouldn’t be making a wrong decision to buy this game, but it’s stagnation more than revival after Empire. The next game will have to prove if Total War can be brought back to (new) life.- 9Lives
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Mini Ninjas will come as a surprise to many. It is a joy because of its fun and refreshing gameplay elements. The game will suit those who love adventure games the most.- 9Lives
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Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 is heading back into the right direction, but there's not a lot of progress yet again. It still faces a few problems and its competition, Fifa, is running away. Fans will definitely enjoy this game, but the regular football lover will probably be better off with Fifa.- 9Lives
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FIFA Manager 2010 is too shallow as a purely tactical coaching game to entice the real fans of the genre. However, the game has so many other aspects to lure in the more casual gamer. If you can create a gaming experience that suits you from all the possible options, then this game is worth a purchase.- 9Lives
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SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny is a wonderful fighting game for the PlayStation Portable. It equals the number of fighters in SoulCalibur IV and the quality of fighting resembles that game as well. The lack of a real storyline and online multiplayer hurt it though. If you don’t care for these two features, feel free to add five percent to the score.- 9Lives
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Aliens Versus Predator offers a good mix of tension, horror and stealth, which fans of the series will definitely appreciate. Gameplay is fun and extensive thanks to the different play styles of the three races. Multiplayer matches are hectic in a good way and audio-visually, the game delivers. Single player is short though and the shady balance between the three races messes things up sometimes. Luckily, that doesn’t detract from the game too much. If you’re into hectic fights and if massive amounts of blood don’t deter you, then try Aliens vs Predator.- 9Lives
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Freekscape: Escape from Hell is worth its money as a PS Mini. It’s a challenging puzzle-platformer with long longevity and replayability. Aside from a few niggles (such as jumps going wrong), you can be sure to spend a few hours with this game.- 9Lives
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Brütal Legend is the perfect ode to heavy metal. Everything reminds you of the music genre and that's how the game sucks you in effortlessly. Once you come into contact with the gameplay however, some notes are a bit off key. In order for the group to top the charts in the future, it would be a good idea to kick out the bass player (RTS) and to give the spotlight to the lead singer (hack&slash).- 9Lives
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