Adrenaline Vault's Scores

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For 803 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 45% higher than the average critic
  • 4% same as the average critic
  • 51% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 2.6 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 72
Highest review score: 100 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Lowest review score: 30 Bruce Lee: Quest of the Dragon
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 379 out of 803
  2. Mixed: 359 out of 803
  3. Negative: 65 out of 803
803 game reviews
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    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Half-Life 2: Episode One
    Half-Life 2: Episode One is a bit of a paradox. In terms of mechanics and content it is a yet another sequel to a well-known series that itself is in a long-established genre. On the other hand, considering how that content is delivered, both in terms of Steam and the introduction of episodic content, there is nothing exactly like Episode One on the market.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shadowgrounds
    I have not felt so freed from the artificial complexities of modern releases -- and so nicely transported back to the pure joy of the old days -- for a long time.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dreamfall: The Longest Journey
    A multimedia feast for the senses and a compelling interactive movie. As an action-adventure game, it doesn't offer much of a challenge beyond furthering the story, but it is certainly a story worth experiencing.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Tomb Raider: Legend
    There are people that say a good game must have good graphics and some that say its gameplay is the most important. TRL has both. Great graphics and a superb gameplay make this game a true jewel.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Keepsake
    What with gorgeous graphics, sumptuous music, compelling story, elegant interface, and a really well conceived hint system, it stands out from the pack.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Metroid Prime: Hunters
    The multiplayer, however, is where this release shines. This is by far the most successful implementation of Nintendo's WFC service as of so far, and stands as an essential buy for anybody interested in experiencing the online capabilities of the DS.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mega Man Maverick Hunter X
    What Maverick Hunter X does is provide an intensely enjoyable and expanded alternative version of a classic game, and I suspect a product like this will appeal to two kinds of people. For the old fans, it'll be like an old friend is stopping by to introduce you to his cute sister. For the newbies, it's a great starting point to see what the big deal is.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Mario Strikers
    Perhaps it's the beat-em-up aspect, and maybe it is the satisfaction of pulling off the difficult power shots, but the game seems to have gone an extra step beyond some of the other titles.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie
    Full of novel ideas and ultimately is a magnificent action title. Unlike most formulaic games based on movies, what you experience here is always fresh and exciting.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Perfect Dark Zero
    Perfect Dark Zero offers up a great combination of stealth and action using vehicles, AI teammates, the concept of shadows-versus-light for cover, and intelligent enemies who respond to both visual and auditory stimuli.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005)
    If this would have been released sans the law enforcement and Pursuit inspired aspects of the game, it would have been titles Need for Speed: Underground 3, because really that is powering it.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mario Kart DS
    It is refreshing to see the DS stand up and do some things that can't be done on the GBA, allowing it to stand out as its own system rather than being used to play GBA titles on.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Gun
    If you want compelling story with dynamic gameplay, and are in the mood for some good old cowboy action; get Gun. You will not be disappointed.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Guitar Hero
    Smart in its game design, a brilliant melding of software and hardware, this is a game which achieves what all games shoot for, but so few manage, to transport you somewhere better, if only for a few moments.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Age of Empires III
    This game is pure, unadulterated fun.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    F.E.A.R.
    F.E.A.R. has by far the best tactical combat I have ever experienced, and has super-high production values throughout. The sense of dread never lets up throughout the game.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Warriors
    I had a great 15 hours playing this game, and to get the coveted 100% finish I look forward to the next five or so.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Quake 4
    Quake 4 really delivered on all fronts for me in terms of purely frenetic gameplay. I jumped at the cutscenes, I cried out expletives when I was getting owned by the Strogg, I gasped when the storyline took a major plot twist, and I was moved by the stunningly beautiful graphics.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DICE: DNA Integrated Cybernetic Enterprises
    It’s one thing to put original characters into an old game type, but it would be another thing entirely to use those same characters and impose new standards on the genre.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DK: King of Swing
    A great new twist on a genre that I have a hard time classifying, using an established and mature backdrop.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks
    While it ventures into new territory,it does so in an interesting way.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Burnout Legends
    The crashes all by themselves are an absolute blast. You will never get bored here, and everyone will find points of challenge at some point in the racing.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pump It Up: Exceed
    While there are some interface concerns that all versions of this game seem to suffer from, on the whole it's pretty darned awesome.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 06
    This is, by far, the best installment in theMadden series and despite the higher price tag is worth purchasing.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    FlatOut
    A fun racing title with excellent graphics, good music, and a novel use of rag-doll and environmental physics that work quite well during races and bonus games. Its tracks are challenging and varied.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Knights of Honor
    A strategic tour de force. The graphics fit the theme and setting, the gameplay is deep, challenging and rewarding, and there’s enough variation between warfare, economics, and diplomacy to suit most players’ personal styles. The replay potential is mammoth.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Jade Empire
    After playing this title I personally felt let down. This was an amazingly solid title and is well deserving of a good deal of the surrounding hype, but I might have entered the game knowing too much.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Archer Maclean's Mercury
    The absence of sandbox mode, an uninspired multiplayer mode, and rapid difficulty increase in the levels all detract from an otherwise spectacular offering.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    SWAT 4
    Its graphics, excellent sound, intense gameplay, and strong multiplayer, coupled with its random character placement make it a title definitely worth checking out.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DOOM 3: Resurrection of Evil
    The addition of the double-barreled shotgun, grabber, and artifact, the introduction of the ominous Hunter bosses, and the injection of a multiplayer capture-the-flag mode all significantly enhance the gameplay in this title.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Lumines
    An absolutely inspired and enchanting title. Playing puts you into a deep trance, and you just cannot quit. Transfixed by mesmerizing visuals and music, you are sucked into a unending web of block matching mania.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
    While not the best RPG to hit the GBA, and not the best Zelda game in the series, it remains a strong game on both fronts in my mind.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mercenaries
    If you were a fan of GTA then you'll love the non-linear run-and-gun style of play that is made available. On the other hand, if you prefer the Tom Clancy series, you will find yourself at home with the constant attention to detail and possibility for tactical maneuvering.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
    With the radar screen gone and the camouflage index, stamina gauge, inclusive healing system and a whole host of new gadgets in, the series is more tactical than ever.
    • 96 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Half-Life 2
    Valve's inclusion of an interactive physics-based environment and the wonderful gravity gun lends itself to fun gravity puzzles, making use of good old-fashioned common sense and intuition - something I've found to be absent in the average first-person shooter.
    • 95 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Halo 2
    I can say with complete honesty that no other first-person shooter can touch Bungie's epic in terms of level design, gunplay, sheer action or multiplayer entertainment.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault
    It's got frenzied action, a thoughtful storyline, and gameplay that will swallow you whole.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Return to Mysterious Island
    By injecting massive doses of fun experimentation into typically mundane inventory management, you find you just cannot wait for each challenge to come your way.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    RollerCoaster Tycoon 3
    A major leap over its predecessors and is a huge success. With attractive full 3D graphics and an ability to fully experience your own rides, the level of play fulfillment has gone up significantly.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tribes: Vengeance
    The single-player campaign is a great addition and will be of benefit in training those who are new to Tribes and in entertaining those who have been around since the beginning.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders
    With near perfectly balanced hybrid gameplay, and thoughtful, intuitive controls, Kingdom Under Fire is sure to surprise even the most jaded player.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mortal Kombat: Deception
    Instead of puzzle and chess mini-games and a story mode, why not spend time and resources developing another dozen levels and resurrecting the series' classic characters?
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Codename: Panzers, Phase One
    It’s not often you have such a personal interest in your digital troops' survival and treat them as anything but grist for the meat mill, but Stormregion has managed to make it so you feel like a mother hen and take it personally if one of your guys buys the farm.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Time of Defiance
    Easy to pick up and really, really hard to put down. It starts slow, and initially, building your empire will have you playing in short bursts rather than in blocks. As your realm gets larger, though, you'll find yourself spending more time tweaking and massaging, exploring and conquering.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rome: Total War
    It seamlessly combines real-time and turn-based gameplay, gives the player ultimate control of their experience, and provides a level of depth that verges on bottomless.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Second Sight
    The combination of a fantastic story, clever puzzles, strong (albeit psi-lite) combat overcome any gameplay nitpicks or deficiencies.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    X-Men Legends
    Ultimately, it's better to think of Legends as a deep action title more so than an RPG or dungeon crawler, and in this respect, you can't go wrong.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
    It is so well crafted that it transcends my usual blocks, and is arguably the most fun I think I’ve ever had playing this style of game. It’s beautiful, it’s easy to use, difficult to master, and extremely replayable.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The Sims 2
    It has everything that I believe is integral to a classic success: It looks amazing, sounds fantastic, and offers more immersive entertainment and replay value than any other single-player game I’ve ever seen.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: United Offensive
    Those who saw Call of Duty's multiplayer as being too similar to "Quake" or "Counter-Strike" should be impressed with United Offensive, which plays like "Day of Defeat" and "Battlefield 1942" with better graphics.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Burnout 3: Takedown
    Burnout's World Tour circuit is both lengthy and addictive. However, once you've beaten all the competition, filled your garage to its fullest, and amassed a complete collection of trophies, the single-player game does lose some of its luster.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Medieval Conquest (2004)
    The pacing set for this release is one that I can maintain, and with the focus set more on laughs and fun instead of tactical brilliance, I can play this and not feel like I should be wearing a pointy, conical dunce-cap.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Star Ocean: Till the End of Time
    Even without the jaw dropping visuals of "Final Fantasy" or "Knights of the Old Republic," the deceptively deep but instantly accessible gameplay proves that Star Ocean can hang with the big boys as more than just a niche title, but as a top-tier franchise.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Phantom Brave
    If Nippon Ichi’s last three releases can be considered a trilogy, then Phantom Brave is without a doubt "The Empire Strikes Back" of the series.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    DOOM 3
    Rejecting pressure from pseudo-sophisticated snobs who want to graft on artificial complexities that have been so trendy in recent computer action titles, Doom 3 is a far cry from the pattern of the latest shooters, and to me, that’s a real blessing.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sudeki
    While it's not as deep or as long as "Knights of the Old Republic" or "Morrowind," credit should unquestionably be given to Sudeki for its brisk pacing, deceptively flexible character management and unique, engaging combat system.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    NCAA Football 2005
    While features such as the noise meter and match-up stick do give the player more control over the experience, significant updates and additions to the rest of NCAA 2005 were conspicuous in their absence this year.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tales of Symphonia
    A no-nonsense, straightforward, old school, GameCube-exclusive RPG.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    TrackMania (2003)
    The only reason you’re compelled to come back to it time and again is because you had fun the last time you played with it. In that sense, it’s the perfect toy.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Soldiers: Heroes of World War II
    It’s a satisfying strategic adventure if you have the persistence to overcome its quirks and nuances, but it’ll frustrate you senseless if you don’t want it bad enough.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Perimeter
    Perimeter sets itself apart by not relying on what has come before, but by not making changes for the sake of change, it’s also engaging and fun to play.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Aura: Fate of the Ages
    I love Aura, as it’s the kind of visually and intellectually stimulating challenge that I crave and that’s so rare these days.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Missing: Since January
    It’s the subtle establishment and cultivation of The Phoenix that really gives the game its punch. You know that the antagonist isn’t real, but you’ll still be kind of creeped out because you’ll begin to understand him.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ground Control II: Operation Exodus
    Its graphics are outstanding, and the interesting single-player campaign should provide a good basis for those looking to spend countless hours in its challenging multiplayer.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    MLB SlugFest: Loaded
    Players looking to enjoy some wild arcade style longball, or at least a combination of the two approaches, can’t go wrong with Midway’s latest.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Front Mission 4
    The new link system makes it possible to incite huge skirmishes and deal unprecedented amounts of damage to your enemies while opening up new strategic possibilities within your squad, and the addition of voiceovers brings the characters to life like never before.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy
    The campaign is a bit short even by today's standards, but has phenomenal replayability and enough bonus content to keep you busy for quite some time.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Suffering
    The graphics, while dated, hold their own thanks to the fantastic lighting, and the audio work truly should be experienced.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Full Spectrum Warrior
    Playing Full Spectrum Warrior over Xbox Live can become a dangerously addictive hobby, but even without it, the game is an absolute blast. The only thing that I could have asked for is more – more tactics, more weapons, more grenades, more missions, more everything.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay
    The Chronicles of Riddick looks great, sounds great and the gameplay is a perfect amalgamation of shooting, adventure, platforming, role-playing and stealth. Though I'm certain to be crucified for my blasphemy, this variety and skillful execution makes Riddick equal to, and in some ways, superior to the single-player component found in "Halo."
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Thief: Deadly Shadows
    Even though some of Ion’s design decisions, like the removal of the rope arrow and the inclusion of the third-person camera, will disappoint purists, it would be difficult for anyone to deny what a splendid experience this release is.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Red Dead Revolver
    The gameplay isn’t particularly groundbreaking, but the variety and extras found in the single-player campaign, combined with the enjoyable multiplayer mode, give the experience a healthy dose of replayability. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    City of Heroes
    When all is said and done, every session leaves you feeling like you’ve just read the latest issue of your favorite comic book. I can think of no higher praise than that.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Rise of Nations: Thrones & Patriots
    The retractable library research toolbar notwithstanding, there’s no single feature that makes Thrones and Patriots a must have, but if you enjoyed the original title, the precise strokes in this expansion only add to the enjoyment of an already superlative RTS experience.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Onimusha 3: Demon Siege
    The graphics are fantastic, the score is excellent and the gameplay offers a great variety of fast-paced combat and brain-teasing puzzles.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Siren
    Siren has a few basic problems that keep it from being truly exceptional, but its groundbreaking mechanics and brilliant execution of fear make it something survival horror fans won’t want to miss.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Painkiller (2004)
    It has times where it bogs down in the monotony of endless waves of enemies that do nothing but cluster on your position, but it balances itself out with a great deal of depth in what they do.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fight Night 2004
    Visually striking and completely engrossing, EA's latest for boxing fans is tremendously faithful to the sport. Granted, the artificial intelligence is a little lacking in certain areas and Xbox owners deserve an online component.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Northland
    A superbly sculpted hybrid of genres, crafted in a very logical, yet organic way.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Far Cry
    Massive non-linear playing fields, astoundingly intelligent enemies and a gorgeous setting make Far Cry a solid hit that sets the bar higher for the games that will follow it.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow
    The real attraction, however, is the Xbox Live component, which is so original and compelling that even staunch critics of the first title may want to give Splinter Cell another opportunity.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Unreal Tournament 2004
    The gameplay is pitch-perfect, and everything has a rich and polished feeling about it. The variety of the styles of play is deep and incorporates some of the best multiplayer fragfests to date.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Worms 3D
    Everything that makes a game good is featured here: Worms 3D looks amazing, plays like a dream and is drenched in fun and funny.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Suffering
    The atmosphere is tangible and the story and action are tied together so perfectly that the game rarely lags during lengthy periods of adventure.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    MVP Baseball 2004
    The best baseball game that’s hit the PC in a very long time. It’s pretty, it’s smart and it’s packing a deep pool of gameplay options that’ll keep you going well after this year’s World Series is put to rest.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ninja Gaiden
    The combat system is deep, varied and insanely addictive thanks to dozens of fantastic techniques and plenty of memorable enemies. The adventure is superb and the number of collectibles and hidden items keep the gameplay fresh.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    SpellForce: The Order of Dawn
    Graphically stunning, infused with a rich storyline, and so full of subtle touches your head will spin trying to keep track of them all.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Champions of Norrath
    Prettier, deeper, lengthier, and more challenging than any other dungeon crawler out there, Champions of Norrath is the definitive game for hack-n-slash aficionados.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
    The multiplayer cooperative mode is the real reason to own Crystal Chronicles. Solving puzzles and overcoming foes requires absolute teamwork, and this sense of camaraderie is inexplicably addictive.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Maximo vs Army of Zin
    The gameplay is flawless and the presentation is both beautiful and full of character. Army of Zin is neither the most innovative title on the market nor is it the most awe-inspiring, but it accomplishes the difficult task of translating the form and spirit of a classic into a worthy modern successor.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Silent Storm
    Anybody who even kind of liked "Jagged Alliance" or its sequel should have already left by now for the store to pick up a copy.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly
    Despite the fact that Crimson Butterfly is much longer than the original, it might have been preferable to trade the extra length for a little less backtracking, as it often slows the progress of the adventure.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I-Ninja
    What gaming is all about: fun. With a constant variety of goals, the more I played, the more I enjoyed it.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
    The gorgeous visuals and music, great story, responsive controls, excellent level design, and - most importantly - superb implementation of action moves make this a true winner.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark
    It adds a gigantic single-player campaign and a plethora of new monsters, spells, character classes and items. The expansion also significantly updates the overall graphical quality, potentially adding to the life of the franchise without getting in the way of what made the original fun.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mysterious Journey II
    The complete freedom of movement, absorbing storyline, gorgeous graphics, entrancing musical score, and, yes, brain-melting puzzles make this a real treat for your mind and your eye.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Beyond Good & Evil
    With great story, action, and adventure, presented with beautiful graphics and audio and an intuitive control scheme, this carefully crafted science fiction title fosters genuine caring about what goes on, making it an absolute pleasure to play.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Manhunt
    More than just a gimmick. Sure, the brutal animations are great fun to watch, but the true satisfaction lies in getting to that point and finding a way to overcome even the largest obstacles.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Counter-Strike
    Mastering Counter-Strike is no simple task, as there’s a wide variety of highly detailed maps to learn. The graphics could’ve used more attention, but those looking for the ultimate in team-based gameplay need look no further.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    EverQuest Online Adventures: Frontiers
    It may be friendly to newcomers with its simple combat mechanics, but the depth and replayabilty found here is unlike anything else currently available for the PlayStation 2.
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