But Why Tho?'s Scores

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For 864 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 55% higher than the average critic
  • 9% same as the average critic
  • 36% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 2.7 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 77
Highest review score: 100 Figment 2: Creed Valley
Lowest review score: 20 Krut: The Mythic Wings
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 587 out of 864
  2. Mixed: 245 out of 864
  3. Negative: 32 out of 864
901 game reviews
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per page
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion
    Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion is not only a perfect example of what a remaster should be but also the perfect way to play this classic game. Plus, it being available on so many platforms makes it the most approachable way for anyone who wants to experience this nonsensically beautiful mess. While it not a perfect game, I have been reminded why Crisis Core holds a special place in my heart. This is a special story that’s growing in new ways, and being able to experience it all again with almost remake-level updates to almost every aspect of the game while keeping its heart and soul the same is something truly special.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Blacktail
    Players familiar with fast-paced combat and dark depictions of fairy tales will find that Blacktail has a lot to offer. Unfortunately, however, Blacktail often trips over its own feet by trying too hard to create a large variety of gameplay mechanics and easily losing track of the goals of its narrative.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition
    While graphics are only one component of a game, these improvements’ impacts on the experience of playing Witcher 3 are pretty large. It is still the same thrilling combat, engaging stories, and darkly detailed world as before, but the improvements allow the player to be more immersed in it than ever before. It all comes together to make one of the best games ever made even more enjoyable. 
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Melatonin
    Melatonin delivers challenging gameplay and creative, hand-crafted visuals. Combined with a chill soundtrack, this game will relax your soul even as it tests your skills.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    High on Life
    Anyone who isn’t thrilled at the idea of having Roiland constantly chattering in their ear for a dozen hours straight will likely find the game’s incessant need to force itself on the player annoying. With the addition of uncompelling combat, frustrating exploration, and a lack of anything else to offer players, High on Life is one of the most annoying, derivative, and slogging experiences in years.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Hello Neighbor 2
    I could see the vision of Hello Neighbor 2. The premise was promising, and the puzzles offered some fun, but the game is very unpolished. Between the frequent crashes, visual and AI bugs, and no reason to sneak around whatsoever, I really can’t recommend this game as it currently stands, even if you are a fan of this series.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Far Cry 6: Lost Between Worlds
    This means the only reason for someone to play the DLC is that they want an excuse to shoot more bad guys in Far Cry 6, but it struggles to deliver that with its small enemy count and lack of player choice in encounters. It isn’t like the game’s previous DLCs or the base game, where players have enough room in the world to take different approaches or experiment with their gear. It is effectively a shooting gallery with pretty colors for players to watch out for, and I don’t think that will be enough to motivate most players to check it out. 
    • 68 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Kukoos - Lost Pets
    Kukoos: Lost Pets is a fantastic 3D platformer that uses its environmental designs. Vibrant in style and fantastic in gameplay, Kukoos: Lost Pets is a joy I didn’t expect from 2022, and I wish I had played it while in Early Access.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song Remastered
    Fans hoping to return to a game they are already familiar with will likely be very satisfied with Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered. It does an admirable job of remastering the game’s visuals and adds a considerable amount of new content for fans to engage with. However, it doesn’t do quite enough to make the game accessible or interesting enough for most newcomers.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Callisto Protocol
    The Callisto Protocol is my biggest disappointment this year. While it nails the aesthetic and is one of the most beautiful games I’ve played this year, it misses the mark in almost every other department. I think it can be refined to at least be more fun, but in its current state, the story and gameplay weigh down this new entry to the survival horror genre from the potential it so obviously has.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Marvel's Midnight Suns
    If you are looking for deep, turn-based combat, blended with a healthy dose of superhero angst, Marvel’s Midnight Suns will serve up something special and well worth making time for this holiday season.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
    It is hard to translate just how satisfying it feels to tear through a horde of heathens in Darktide as its thunderous soundtrack plays to words. The best way to do so seems to be simply saying that it is spot-on enough to surely please any fan of Warhammer or horde shooters. Darktide is a Primarch amongst Warhammer games, and it serves the corpse emperor admirably.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed Valhalla: The Last Chapter
    Finish this final mission pair if you want to put a bow on your experience, but don’t expect enduring rewards or any real challenge.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Evil West
    Evil West has a lot of things going for it—the designs are fascinating, the lore excellent, and the gameplay can be massively fun on hard. But it also has some downfalls—the levels feel just a bit too linear, and the main narrative takes a while to really jump into, and even then, it struggles with fluid cut scenes and complexity. While other games have been able to get away with a basic narrative because of their fantastic action, Evil West isn’t quite there.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Just Dance 2023 Edition
    So, while I enjoyed my experience playing Just Dance 2023 its value feels like it will vary greatly from person to person. While it has a sizable track list from a solid variety of artists, how much play you can get out of this game will depend greatly on your desire to chase high scores and unlock simple cosmetics, how many friends you have to clown around with, or if you are want to work it into your routine as a way to get some exercise in that provides a bit more fun than a morning jog.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pokemon Violet
    As a whole, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is the most fun I’ve had on a Pokemon adventure in a long, long time. But this is completely in spite of itself. There are unforgivable graphical issues, and despite endless charming creatures and characters, the open world itself lacks nearly completely in personality or a sense of progression. Nonetheless, it has never felt better being a Pokemon trainer than it does in Gen IX, thanks to the smoothest mechanics yet and quality-of-life improvements.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pokemon Scarlet
    As a whole, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is the most fun I’ve had on a Pokemon adventure in a long, long time. But this is completely in spite of itself. There are unforgivable graphical issues, and despite endless charming creatures and characters, the open world itself lacks nearly completely in personality or a sense of progression. Nonetheless, it has never felt better being a Pokemon trainer than it does in Gen IX, thanks to the smoothest mechanics yet and quality-of-life improvements.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    22 Racing Series: Real-Time Strategy Racing
    There is still plenty for 22 Racing Series to do to be a complete racing game, but the basic structure is there to make it a truly revolutionary racing game. The community’s ability to create custom tracks combined with an amazing physics system that incorporates legitimately intriguing strategy options has me excited to see what 22 Racing Series can become once it leaves early access. While it’s not a complete game yet, 22 Racing Series is absolutely a game to keep your eye on if you’re a fan of challenging racing games. [Early Access Review]
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Bloody Ties
    While I can’t say the story itself is particularly interesting, the gameplay is a lot of fun, and the side quests vary in depth and enjoyment. However, for $10, the amount of content you get from “Bloody Ties” is decent. If you enjoy Dying Light 2 for its gameplay, first and foremost, there’s no reason not to get this DLC.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sonic Frontiers
    Sonic Frontiers is ultimately a unique and satisfying ride through some of the best Sonic has offered over the years. The sensation of speed is at its best, and the combat feels strong. The levels and environments in the open world leave a good bit to be desired, but the flow of the game through its hundreds of objectives and currencies to obtain is nearly always fun to progress through.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising
    Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising struggles mightily to match what makes Cobra Kai so appealing, largely because of how poorly the game itself actually performs. I was really hoping to get more out of my time with the game, and I hope future patches can help improve playability. Even if the bugs get squashed, a lack of innovative choices or new stories will still make Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising a disappointing release that couldn’t live up to its potential.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    God of War: Ragnarok
    It’s hard to find much of anything to complain about when it comes to God of War Ragnarok. The complex characters and storyline provide a plethora of feelings. The developers have breathed so much depth and life into this series that previously focused on combat over narrative substance. There’s still plenty of violent combo-focused action, but the option for exploration and puzzle-solving balances out the mechanics and adds a bit of curve to the otherwise linear storyline.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Harmony's Odyssey
    Harmony’s Odyssey is simple, and if you’re looking for a difficult puzzle game that will take a lot of time to work through, this isn’t it. But, if you’re looking for a cozy puzzle game with visual beauty and wonder in spades, then this is it. With appeal for a wide range of ages, a great score, and a fantastic and intelligent method of visualizing instructions Harmony’s Odyssey is a great buy, especially on the Nintendo Switch. The perfect handheld puzzler, I’m so happy it came into my life.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Pentiment
    Pentiment is a game that will stick with you for a long time after you play it. Its unique blend of thought-provoking discussion, historical accuracy, and challenging a player’s morals all work to push players to consider everything going on in the game and weigh the pros and cons of heavy decisions that must be made with limited information…It takes a very special work of art to make an observer feel as much as Pentiment does, and the game manages to do so consistently throughout its entire runtime.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Victoria 3
    Victoria 3 is a game that requires patience and homework, but once you get the hang of things can be tons of fun. The game offers so much variety both in terms of ways to play and succeed along with unique challenges in the array of nations to choose from to play with. Victoria 3 definitely has some things it can improve on and can be a lot to ingest for new players. However, we already know there are more updates and content coming in the pipeline so there will be continued support and Victoria 3 can only get better from here.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Bayonetta 3
    Bayonetta 3 isn’t perfect, but it’s everything I wanted. Absolute nonsense with sexy demons, some dope ladies, and dynamic combat is what makes Bayonetta 3 absolutely stellar.
    • 75 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
    The Modern Warfare 2 campaign is middling. Some missions are more fun than others, and the pacing is a bit off in certain spots. Despite this, there’s still plenty of fun to be had, and seeing Task Force 141 again is always a treat. [Campaign Review Score = 65]
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Resident Evil Village: Winters' Expansion
    Overall, the Resident Evil Village’s Winters Expansion comes with more than enough to make getting it worthwhile.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    PGA Tour 2K23
    Despite some of my frustrations with how boring PGA Tour 2K23 can feel, that also just feels like golf in a nutshell. Golf is an old game with very little innovation, so watching the most popular golf game franchise follow that same path makes sense. As a golf simulator, PGA Tour 2K23 is as good as it gets, but for players who aren’t into the extremely accurate golf representation it’s going to always feel a bit boring.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Marvel Snap
    Marvel Snap is a fun, mentally challenging game that rewards creativity and adaptability and that can be played in a snap. Whether an old hand at card games or a novice, this game should have plenty to offer as you battle with some of your favorite superheroic characters.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Them's Fightin' Herds
    Them’s Fightin’ Herds delivers a unique and varied cast of characters that promise a high-caliber fighting game experience. If all you are looking for is that, I cannot find any reason not to recommend this game. However, if you, like me, struggle with playing online and need an enjoyable and robust single-player offering to get into the genre, this game will likely fall short for you.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A Plague Tale: Requiem
    A Plague Tale: Requiem brings back everything to love about the first game and builds an even more heartrending tale of the things people will do for love.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
    Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is excellent and joyful and has just the right amount of chaos thanks to that Rabbids touch. The dev team has put time and care into the humor as much as the gameplay and I can't name a single time I felt bored or unconnected to the material...This is the perfect gateway to the tactics genre for any age and a true testament to the originality and beauty of collaborations.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    The Last Oricru
    Player enjoyment from The Last Oricru relies heavily on what matters to them. If they are looking for a fun co-op romp with interesting build possibilities to toy around with, the game is likely worth picking up on sale. However, it does not have much to offer for players who care more about a difficult journey across a well-realized world with lore and secrets to piece together.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway
    Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3 does feel so much more complete than the first two iterations of the series, but it still has a little more room to grow…Even when I was frustrated at some of those things, the tracks, karts, and characters kept me coming back for more. It’s definitely worth checking out for fans of racing games and Nickelodeon shows and characters.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed
    Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed is an excellent, fun, stressful multiplayer game. If you love online gaming, this game is worth a purchase.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Scorn
    Scorn is a survival horror shooter puzzle game and it uses each of those elements in its own mold.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despot's Game: Dystopian Army Builder
    Despot’s Game: Dystopian Army Builder is a very interesting blending of genres that helps bring something new to auto battler games. However, its mixing brings far less to the rogue-lite genre, so fans of titles like Hades or Cult of the Lamb will only want to pick it up if they are big fans of auto battlers.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    NieR: Automata - The End of YoRHa Edition
    NieR: Automata The End of YoRHa Edition is an amazing port of one of the best narrative journies video games have ever produced. With only a 40-dollar price tag, it is a great opportunity to jump in on a modern classic, whether you have never played it before or simply wish to experience the journey one more time.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Life is Strange: Arcadia Bay Collection
    Life is Strange: Arcadia Bay Collection is a mediocre remaster and Switch port of two great games in the series. While the saga still holds up narratively, the gameplay experience is unfortunately greatly hindered by several issues.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Grounded
    Grounded provides some great survival mechanics and challenging combat in a rather novel environment with an intriguing plotline. The game can be very tough but also very rewarding. However, it can take a while to really get the game going with the analysis mechanic and the lack of explanation revolving around many other ludemes.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Wayward Strand
    Wayward Strand isn’t a perfect game, but it is darn near close. It doesn’t overwhelm players or force their hand but allows plenty of freedom within the confines of the closed-in space of the airship. I will absolutely be replaying Wayward Strand several times to explore the rest of the story options, and I cannot recommend it enough.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Potion Permit
    Potion Permit is a hard game to pin down. It manages to give a refreshing take on the genre, but some of the mundane tasks often felt like bashing my head into a wall over and over again. Potion Permit feels like a nice cup of hot chocolate on an unseasonably warm day. Sure, it tastes good and the thought of it is great, but in practice maybe some things need improvement for it to truly be great.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Moonscars
    Moonscars is a deep, dark tale about what makes us human in our darkest times and how we persevere. When it works, it really works and was some of the most fun I had playing 2-D souls-like in recent memory. But it is riddled with balancing issues and loses touch on what makes Souls-likes fun in the name of difficulty.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    SpiderHeck
    SpiderHeck is a fun, chaotic new addition to the action indie lineup. It works as both a single-player and multiplayer experience and is certainly unlike any other games of its type in how it uses the gravity of swinging from spiderwebs and sticking to surfaces for great 360-degree action.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    No Place for Bravery
    Thorn’s quest to save Leaf is exceptionally well-written, and the world of Dewr is one of the more enjoyable video game worlds I’ve explored in some time. Despite some minor quibbles with the combat and some of the world-building, No Place for Bravery is still an excellent game that players looking for a challenge are sure to enjoy.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Nobody Saves the World: Frozen Hearth
    Nobody Saves The World’s “Frozen Hearth” DLC ups the absurdity to a new level. It adds one of my favorite parts of a Drinkbox game—the challenge rooms—with new clever restrictions and missions. While it’s not as difficult as past challenge rooms, each one finds a way to make you think more outside the box using the zany toolbox from the base game while also throwing in some wilder tools into the mix which feel right at home with the 20+ roster of forms. Overall, “Frozen Hearth” adds an extra hour or two of fun to an already entertaining package.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Roadwarden
    Roadwarden is a fascinating take on the RPG genre that has a lot to love. Its setting is deep and well fleshed out, and the interactions players have with it are impactful and fun to navigate. The stories it tells are often somber but handled in an undeniably human and engaging way. While anyone who doesn’t like reading will want to skip it, I cannot recommend it enough to players intrigued by the possibilities of a detailed, text-based RPG.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Super Bernie World: Kitsune Zero
    Kitsune Zero is hitting the market just before its sequel, Kitsune Tails. The DLC is a blatant attempt at marketing its characters prior to a larger release and mostly fails in the process. Despite the thoughtless dialogue, frustrating controls, and lack of originality, the developers have at least put consideration into their art direction.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Splatoon 3
    Splatoon 3 is a well-crafted game that provides a highly enjoyable experience for both fans and newcomers to the franchise. While the campaign isn’t long at about 8-10 hours, it still sports a good amount of varied content with a multiplayer mode that’ll keep you engaged for hours on end.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    NBA 2K23
    If you are a fan of 2K’s work and the NBA 2K series, there are plenty of reasons to pick up NBA 2K23. The soundtrack, “Jordan Challenge” mode and new storyline all help offer a generally playable experience. However, anyone that thinks that 2K23 will offer a new or highly improved experience may need to reexamine their expectations. The bottom line is that NBA 2K23 is aimed at fans of the franchise and basketball fans alike, delivering the exact experience that most people would expect.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R
    Negatives aside, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R is a wonderful remaster with great visuals and aesthetics, smooth gameplay, and tons of content that JoJo fans will especially appreciate. And while the game is mainly tailored toward series fans, I believe it still offers an experience most fighting game fans will enjoy as long as they don’t play online or expect any cohesive narrative or story mode based on the franchise.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Justice Sucks
    Justice Sucks has some very minor faults. But, overall, it provides a lot of quirky fun and 90s humor with a unique twist. I just wish it was a longer game so I could have more time with its chaotic action.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Circus Electrique
    In the end, the main takeaway I have from playing through Circus Electrique is just how flat it all feels. Playing the game is never explicitly unpleasant but is never memorable or particularly fun, either. Instead, the game is almost liminal. So while the game is unlikely to end up on any lists for worst games of the year, I doubt that most players who try it will remember its release for very long.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    F1 Manager 2022
    F1 Manager 2022 is an excellent look at what it takes to be a Formula 1 team principal. There is so much depth to the game, and the real-life statistics make the experience incredibly authentic. Everything about the game feels polished, from the look and feel of the cars and tracks to the in-depth look at the car data, and I can’t wait to see what new tricks the series will bring in future versions of the game.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Destroy All Humans! 2 - Reprobed
    Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed shows this cult classic did not age well. Beyond dialogue, updates to gameplay and graphics feel hollow when game-breaking bugs are still prevalent…That isn’t to say you won’t find fun here. But that fun may just be restricted to a 10-12 hour jaunt through memory lane.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Tinykin
    Tinykin encapsulates all that is great and not-so-great about classic platformer collecathons. It’s charming, it’s witty, and it’s full of adorable creatures. Plus, the level design is superb, with each of the 6 areas feeling unique not in just design but in storytelling and exploitability. There is a lot offered here in such a small, low-stress package.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Soul Hackers 2
    Soul Hackers 2 takes inspiration from both the Persona and the mainline Shin Megami Tensei series while including new things into the mix to varying degrees of success. As a result, it is best to not compare it to any other title in the franchise.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Saints Row
    While there are definitely elements of Saints Row that really annoyed me, I still generally had a good time with the game. It is great to have a game that is a complete package on launch with no microtransactions or exploitative monetization. If you consider yourself a Saints Row fan you’ll probably find plenty to enjoy in the newest entry, even if some of its elements are weaker than others.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Kirby's Dream Buffet
    Kirby’s Dream Buffet is a cute and fun game while it lasts. It feels like the kind of game you might play as a warmup for a short period before breaking into something more substantial. For what it is, it’s quite nice, but it’s hard to justify what it is against its price tag and the free-to-play nature of some of its competitors.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cursed to Golf
    Cursed to Golf is a very creative and far more difficult than expected roguelike. It’s definitely going to scratch your golf game itch, given how truly few there are on current generations, as well as spice up the genre with its unique gameplay and concept.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Shin-chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation - The Endless Seven-Day Journey
    Shin-chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation -The Endless Seven-Day Journey- is a refreshing adventure seen through the eyes of a 5-year-old with an incredibly active imagination. Be it normal interactions with family or friends or some of the wackier story elements further in, there is enough to keep any player satisfied. If you’re looking to escape on a whimsical trip, Shin-chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation -The Endless Seven-Day Journey- is a fantastic choice.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Digimon Survive
    Digimon Survive feels like it was made with every kid who wanted to be a DigiDestined. It’s a darker twist on a fan favorite story. While the story is amazing, it is brought down by okay combat. 10 percent of the gameplay weighs down the other 90 percent.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Cult of the Lamb
    It is very difficult to imagine a player that wouldn’t enjoy Cult of the Lamb. Its visuals are so beautiful and full of character. Its writing is witty and charming. Its action is simple, but fun and thoroughly engaging. While its weapon selection and combat mechanics may not be as varied or dense as its peers, its unique aspects more than make up for the deficit.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hard West 2
    For fans of turn-based strategy games, the paranormal, or even just Westerns, I have a hard time imagining a reason to not pick up Hard West II. Nearly everything that Hard West II attempts to do is accomplished very well. It offers fantastic and challenging combat, fun characters, an amazing setting, and some truly jaw-dropping moments.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Xenoblade Chronicles 3
    Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a massive undertaking that hits some extremely high points while only presenting a few issues like the performance struggles at times due to the Switch’s limitations. I fell in love with the cast almost immediately, and I can’t wait to see their stories progress in future DLC. This is a game that is going to sit with me for years and is a very serious Game of the Year contender.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    LOST EPIC
    While Lost Epic sports nice visuals, a great soundtrack and engaging, challenging gameplay, it’s also incredibly tedious to progress with many of its mechanics left unexplained, and a story that is incredibly dull and forgettable.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Live A Live
    Live A Live is an absolute masterpiece, so much so that even the one chapter that frustrated me was still enjoyable once everything came together.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II
    There is a really solid experience to find here as long as your expectations are tempered. Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance 2 has such solid gameplay and player options that it is no wonder it is as revered to this day as it is. Unfortunately, some shoddy aspects of the re-release drag it down.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Eyes in the Dark: The Curious Case of One Victoria Bloom
    Eyes in the Dark: The Curious Case of One Victoria Bloom delivers a fun, laid-back, aesthetically pleasing roguelite experience that rewards players for both precise gameplay and clever use of the game’s upgrade system. For the small price of $15, what’s not to love?
    • 85 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels
    Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels has again found a way to raise the bar for the Forza Horizon franchise and, in general, DLC. Its speed, races, and varied tracks almost make the base game not nearly as fun to experience.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Stray
    Stray astounds with its beautiful graphics, quirky characters, and puzzles that bring out the best and worst in a cat.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As Dusk Falls
    As Dusk Falls is a memorable experience. The generation-spanning story is intriguing with its many twists and turns and too-human characters.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    PowerWash Simulator
    Powerwash Simulator is a very zen game. I lost hours of my life just spraying away doing something that felt menial but scratched an itch I didn’t even know I had. This game isn’t for everyone, though. If you don’t find cleaning relaxing, or have issues with finer details, don’t play this. But if you give it a shot, you’ll find a game that is the perfect wind-down game after a long, stressful day.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    SUPER UFO FIGHTER
    Super UFO Fighter is neither super nor a fighter. It’s a perfectly fine game that could entertain for a little bit on your own or with a friend, but a party game this is certainly not, and neither is its difficulty finely tuned enough to feel engrossing on either end of the difficulty spectrum.
    • 43 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Krut: The Mythic Wings
    With a price tag of even just $10, I can’t say that Krut: The Mythic Wings is worth it. Even the time investment of playing the game is a deterrent, as it will only remind you that there are better titles you could be playing instead.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Frozenheim
    I really enjoyed my time with Frozenheim and will certainly be playing more, especially multiplayer, but it could use a bit more of a facelift to help improve the core appeal. The negatives wouldn’t be as distracting if the game hadn’t just come out of early access, but taking that step to leave early access makes it imperative that the game feels fleshed out and not missing anything or needing major improvements. Still, it is an enjoyable game and players are sure to find hours of enjoyment in it. Just maybe wait until they’ve had a chance to upgrade the existing systems.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Outriders Worldslayer
    Outriders Worldslayer, while introducing some fun new additions, just ended up being more Outriders for better or worse…There is no revolutionary overhaul of systems. They built on what was already there or just retooled to fit in theming-wise (looking at you, Apocalypse levels). One thing is for sure—People Can Fly can make a fun game even more fun, regardless of whether it ends up being good.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Neon White
    Neon White nails the “one more try” mentality. With complex and fast levels, great enemy variety, and easy readability, it feels like a fantastic intro to speedrunning. My biggest gripe? I want more! Not that there isn’t enough, but I just can’t get enough of the Neons and the gripping nature of this game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Arcadegeddon
    Undeniably, Arcadegeddon is a fun experience, especially with friends. The music is phenomenal, and the game offers a good challenge…But the enemies do become stale the more you play, and there are only so many objectives to go around…Nevertheless, for the price, Arcadegeddon has so much to offer.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Cuphead in the Delicious Last Course
    Island 4 and all that comes with it make an amazing game even better. This DLC is perfect for those who want to see Cuphead at its best. There is no fat; there is no fluff. There are only the best parts of Cuphead but much, much more refined.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
    Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is a combination of two beloved game styles, and it manages to approach both in a way that is entertaining and quite refreshing…Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is a fascinating game. It may not be perfect, but it is well worth every second spent playing.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Sonic Origins
    While Sonic Origins does little to innovate or make this set of ports stand out besides some forgettable Museum unlockables and some nice new artwork, it remains a perfectly fine addition to the accessibility of classic Sonic games on modern consoles. I wish it were not at the expense of the ability to purchase them individually from older ports; however, even with its flaws, it’s as fun as these games have ever been.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Fobia - St. Dinfna Hotel
    The puzzles are challenging but satisfying, the spooks are wonderful, and the story draws you in from the very start—Fobia – St. Dinfna Hotel has all the right elements, just may need a couple of gameplay tweaks for the console. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a horror game with all the puzzles you could ever need, look no further.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
    TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is a masterclass in handling nostalgia in video games. Classic characters and settings are married perfectly with a more modernized feel to create an experience that will bring smiles to so many gamers’ faces.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Quarry
    The Quarry is a fantastic return to form for Supermassive Games. Every character stands out well on their own thanks to the fun and excellent writing. The monsters and villains, while not terrifying, are a very cool take on the Summer Camp Horror stories that we’ve seen time and again up until now. With just a little more refinement on the rough edges, there’s no doubt this game would’ve been a top 10 horror game. Even then, The Quarry is memorable, and I highly suggest you check it out, especially with a group of friends.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mario Strikers: Battle League
    Mario Strikers: Battle League may be barebones, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. More characters, customization options, and game modes could really help improve the game, but the package delivered on release still holds incredible replay value. It’s a game worth coming back to over and over again, whether with friends or by yourself. Over-the-top action and the stylized Mario look make Mario Strikers: Battle League one of the most fun sports game experiences, I just hope more is added soon so it doesn’t get stale after a few months.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords
    Knights of the Old Republic II for the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic time. Aspyr does a great job, just as they did with the KOTOR port in 2021, and the experience of the story far outweighs the inconvenience that stems from the glitches.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Hardspace: Shipbreaker
    Hardspace Shipbreaker has cemented itself as one of my top three games of the year. It’s not without faults, like its superfluous room you’re forced to visit. However, the complete package is marvelous in the way it tells a powerful story mixed with chill, yet stressful gameplay.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Diablo Immortal
    For most of my time with Diablo Immortal, I was pleasantly surprised. But when I reached the endgame content it became clear that all of that was to trap me in an exploitative revenue scheme. I would have been more than willing to buy a battle pass here and there or even some cosmetics or expansions to support Diablo Immortal into the future, but its bold and scummy approach to manipulating vulnerable players not only soured my entire experience with the game but marks a dangerous cornerstone in the monetization of similar products in the future.
    • 80 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    My Time at Sandrock
    Early Access releases can vary wildly in quality and worth of investment, especially with the uncertainty of the game’s future updates and content releases. My Time at Sandrock feels different, though, and when you play it, it doesn’t feel like a game in Early Access. With the studio’s previous success with My Time at Portia, it also seems that this sequel is destined to reach a solid place by the time it hits 1.0. [Early Access Review]
    • 80 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Card Shark
    Card Shark is a truly unique experience that shouldn’t be slept on. This is the game for those who don’t like card games. The developers have made a very fun experience that builds on itself fluidly in a way that many other games don’t seem to get right.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong
    I really wanted to love Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong. I already am a fan of its setting, desperately want AA video games to rise in prominence again, and love slow burns that are focused on character dialogue and interactions. However, there is just too much getting in the way of Swansong’s success. There is no way of knowing exactly what happened, but the final product is one that I can’t even recommend picking up on sale.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Roller Champions
    If you had to pay for Roller Champions, I wouldn’t say “grab two friends and start a match” but it is free and man that makes the difference. While this one is going to rely on patches to fix stability post-launch, there is something there to love.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Sniper Elite 5
    Sniper Elite 5 does what the series does best: letting you kill Nazis with unrelenting fury. You can be as strategic or guns-blazing as you’d like, and the number of options will have players coming back for more quite often.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sonority
    Sonority is a beautiful tale that will take you on an emotional ride as you discover the importance of music. While players with musical backgrounds will have a special love for the game, it has a broad appeal that will make it a blast for anyone interested in the premise.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    DOLMEN
    While Dolmen offers fun, challenging, and rewarding gameplay and a rich crafting system, its other features are a bit of a hit-and-miss.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Evil Dead: The Game
    Evil Dead: The Game is a blast. It’s fun to play, difficult in spots, and something I can see myself returning to again and again just to keep exploring and learning, as well as unlocking new things as I’m sure they’ll become available over the games’ lifespan. Plus, for Deadites out there, it’s beyond a great buy with lore plugged into just about every design choice, line of dialogue, and piece of the landscape. So pick it up and all the king baby.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Salt and Sacrifice
    Salt and Sacrifice is still a very worthwhile sequel to the original. While some of the elements don’t work as well as others, the game’s combat and build variety offer players a great sandbox to play around in.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Trek to Yomi
    Trek to Yomi raises the bar high for historical accuracy. It's clear how hard the developers worked to make this game feel like an act of love and admiration for the Edo period of Japan. However, the well-written story, great voice acting, and beautiful set pieces are held back by the combat.
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