Checkpoint Gaming's Scores

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For 1,230 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 40% higher than the average critic
  • 8% same as the average critic
  • 52% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1.8 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 73
Highest review score: 100 Blue Prince
Lowest review score: 20 The Lord of the Rings - Gollum
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 699 out of 1230
  2. Mixed: 480 out of 1230
  3. Negative: 51 out of 1230
1232 game reviews
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    • 59 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game
    While there are certainly some areas where Tales of the Shire shines, like its highly engaging cooking mechanics, the package as a whole is lacking the polish to be a real winner. There was clearly a lot of love put into the game, and hopefully, with future patches, the performance issues will be resolved. For now, though, I am still longing for the rolling green hills of the Shire, because this game didn’t quite scratch that itch.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    NBA 2K24
    No two basketball games play out the same, and the same can be said for NBA 2K24‘s variety of modes and features. ProPlay was a welcome addition to the overall feel of the gameplay, adding an extra level of realism. Some modes work extremely well, like The W, and others like the career mode fizzle out, but overall the gameplay itself is great. Unfortunately, having microtransactions at what feels like every corner is a real letdown for something that otherwise has real potential.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    A Highland Song
    It’s great to see a game about a culture that often doesn’t see a lot of focus. A Highland Song has a lot of great concepts, but they just don’t all come together cohesively. Even so, it has a story worth telling and some pretty fantastic music to boot.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Everdeep Aurora
    I enjoyed my time with Everdeep Aurora, although it could have been better. Nautilus Games very deliberately nails the feel of an old Game Boy game from the mid-1990s, although it may turn off players looking for something more complex or challenging. With its charming art style and gameplay, it’s hard not to have a smile on your face as you drill down into the Everdeep. That said, the lack of clear guidance regarding exactly what the game is asking you to do a lot of the time left me longing for a quest log or objective marker. If you’re looking for a chill platformer with retro stylings and don’t mind a lack of clear direction, Everdeep Aurora is worth checking out.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    TopSpin 2K25
    Hangar 13 did not try to fix TopSpin with this latest entry, but perhaps they should have. With less-than-desirable graphics, a lacking on-release pro player pool, and hard-to-tune difficulty settings which made picking up the game harder than it needed to be, the game is left with much to be desired. Despite that, the bones of TopSpin 2K25 are good, and hopefully, they will be built upon in future games.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Romeo is a Dead Man
    Romeo is a Dead Man is a loud and inventive action game that prioritises style and spectacle. Its combat may be basic by today’s standards, and its systems occasionally bloated, but the confidence behind its strangeness may carry it for some. It can feel very dated, but it’s unapologetic and unmistakably Suda51, and for the right player (you know who you are), that’s more than enough.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Shadow Labyrinth
    Shadow Labyrinth is such a fascinating reinvention of PAC-MAN that completely changes the concept of what a PAC-MAN game can be. It’s a completely unapologetic, brutal reimagining that fully commits to this vision. It pays off in its best moments, whether you’re fighting a huge boss or weaving through some difficult platforming, but the punishing early game and confusing design choices really weigh it down. It’s far from the most flawless Metroidvania, but if you can stomach the difficulty, it’s a compelling new PAC-MAN experience.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Crash Team Rumble
    Crash Team Rumble is a solid foundation to work off of, taking what Toys for Bob built with Crash 4 and creating a new experience that can be a great deal of fun in short bursts, especially with friends, but currently lacks staying power due to a dearth of gameplay content beyond cosmetics that won’t be enough to bring everyone back for more. If the game can expand in the near future and break through the live-service curse, it could very well stand as another classic Crash title, but for now it may well be another piece of lost potential waiting to happen.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Yurukill: The Calumniation Games
    Yurukill: The Calumniation Games is a bit of a mess, but it definitely feels like a mess that someone tried really hard to make. While the gameplay elements sometimes feel at odds, it has a lot of charm in its characters and UI design. Even though the game’s plot can feel unfocused and confusing, it does have some really good moments. The characters especially do a great job of keeping the story engaging, even when it loses itself a little. Yurukill definitely has both hits and misses, but it feels very earnest and I hope to see more games by this team soon.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Possessor(s)
    Possessor(s) is hauntingly beautiful. It’s a stunning world that begs to be delved into with curiosity. Luca and Rhem’s dynamic is an absolute standout, with an excellent balance of snark and heart between the two. It’s almost to the game’s detriment, as every other NPC (besides the antagonist and one of the eye holders) falls flat in comparison. Movement feels great, as does combat, for the most part. Some unfair enemy design and stun issues drag the experience down, alongside moments where progression stalls, especially if you miss the unclear whip skill interaction. Despite this, though, Possessor(s) still manages to shine with genuine merit and contains a beautiful story well worth seeing through to the end.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Arcana of Paradise -The Tower-
    Arcana of Paradise – The Tower is a decent addition to any roguelike deckbuilder fan’s library. With its real-time gameplay adding tension to what is generally a slower, more tactical affair, it’s a refreshing twist on the formula. The inventive combination of card-based gameplay and puzzles also incentivises experimentation in an interesting way. Unfortunately, despite its gameplay strengths and gorgeous presentation, the shallow setting and lack of sufficient encounter variety cause the experience to become repetitive after only a few hours.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Loot River
    Loot River is certainly a roguelike unafraid to explore new waters, but what it lacks is a refined loop. Constantly repeating the run, even in different dungeons, isn’t an easy concept to float. However, the game’s unique movement mechanics and visuals do a lot of work to sell the experience. If you’re looking for a roguelike that’s going to punish you, then check this one out, but try not to be too shocked when you realise there are no life jackets provided.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Slitterhead
    There’s a decent time to be had in Slitterhead as a blood-wielding badass dealing with some dastardly demons in the striking and grungy concrete jungle of Kowlong. The game finds a satisfying balance of empowerment and challenge as you hijack body after body to topple your foes. Similarly, it’s exciting to use these supernatural powers to traverse the land and uncover mysteries across the city. The game, however, is held back by an obtuse story, a frustrating lack of apt signposting in some missions, and an adventure you never really wrap your head around in its twelve-hour runtime. It may not make a huge mark on the horror action scene, but to the select few that vibe with its freakishness, it’ll be an underrated gem for years to come.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    I Hate This Place
    I Hate This Place is a well-constructed game that provides a decent level of entertainment, especially for those who love a creepy cult setting or a ghostly mystery. While the narrative isn’t the most compelling story ever told, and there are certain aspects of the gameplay that could have been improved on, the overall experience is enjoyable enough that players might be able to look past them and enjoy taking in the atmosphere and charming visual style.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Mineko's Night Market
    Just like any night market, one is never quite sure what will be on offer. Nimeko’s Night Market is a spin on the cosy genre with a sure footing and loads of potential. With such an interesting cast of characters inhabiting the island and a nifty protagonist, the game is definitely a successful narrative life sim. Where Mineko’s Night Market fails to sell itself is in the menial grind. The idea of constantly crafting until you’re onto the next objective falls a little flat even when you are invested in helping Nikko find their way home. If cosy games make your heart swoon, then the time needed on this one will be worth the investment. If you aren’t a fan of the grind, order in and save yourself a trip to Mineko’s Night Market.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Anger Foot
    Anger Foot is a good shooter but it’s not always a compelling shooter nor the best it should be. I feel it important to give flowers to the unique use of hardstyle music and the fun implementations of new abilities granted by the different pairs of shoes you unlock. Though the polish and sheen are undeniably present with its gorgeous presentation and frenetic and fun gameplay that sees a symphony of flying kicks, bullets and grenades, it’s let up by ways the game could’ve been better refined. The humour found within gets old after a while and it has some of the most dull and uninspired boss designs I’ve seen in a shooter for quite some time. Yes, the minute-to-minute is good but the pitfalls feel like a square, hard kick in the head. Ouch.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER
    Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER has a lot to like for fans of 2064: Read Only Memories, but falls far short of the scope and impact of its predecessor. The gorgeous design, intriguing world, and charming characters create a huge amount of promise, but the lack of freedom, extremely simplistic puzzle design, and unsatisfying conclusion make for an experience that feels underwhelming and disappointing. If you’re looking for a short, queer narrative with a cool futuristic setting then there’s still enjoyment to be had, but temper your expectations going in.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Project Motor Racing
    Overall, Project Motor Racing feels like it lends more toward an arcade-style experience than the initial hype suggested. Whilst it does feature an impressive curated library of vehicles to drive (and they all sound fantastic by the way) and a decent enough career mode, it lets itself down in several ways. The AI drives on rails and is not friendly; they do not like being put two wide through a corner and will defend their line at all costs. There is also no radar or effective spotter, which makes driving in cockpit or hood view pretty dangerous when things are getting tight on track. Whilst it is a playable game on a controller, it just is not the benchmark simulation racer that it was touted to be.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Forspoken
    It’s a shame that the early pacing issues with Forspoken and the slow-burn drip-feeding of abilities will likely put off a lot of players and prevent them from seeing how fun the game can actually be when it’s firing on all cylinders. Bland and boring environments with some awkward visual choices and lifeless character models give an unfortunate first impression that is saved by its enjoyable parkour and versatile combat during the later stages of the game, along with a surprisingly heartfelt story. Forspoken might not be the savior we were all hoping for, but it’s a decent adventure with enough soul that it shouldn’t be cast aside entirely.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Miniatures
    It becomes harder and harder as we get older to be astonished by the simple things in life. The way that Miniatures asks the player to slow down and explore four different memories, each so beautifully drawn, made me feel that sense of curiosity and awe in the worlds the game has created, a feeling that doesn’t occur as naturally as it once did. Though the narrative missed an opportunity to discuss deeper themes and make each tale offer some deeper meaning to the audience, there is still a lot for players to get from this short, yet sweet, point-and-click narrative experience.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
    Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince’s significant performance issues unfortunately sap a lot of the joy out of the game’s core loop of exploration and grinding, detracting from an otherwise solid monster-collecting experience. However, if you’re able to overlook its painful opening hours and sloppy storytelling, there’s a decent, comforting game lurking under the surface. Hardcore Dragon Quest lovers will find hours of grindy RPG goodness to enjoy and a colourful, varied world to get lost in – though certainly one far less polished than fans of the series would usually expect.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Great God Grove
    Great God Grove brims with charm and originality, offering a fresh take on word puzzles and gods among people. Its offbeat humour and playful design will draw you in, but clunky mechanics and a fairly straightforward narrative may leave you wanting more cohesion and polish. With a little more divine intervention, Great God Grove’s quirky moments might have ascended to a truly special adventure.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Detective Dotson
    Too often, video games are set in Western worlds, and protagonists aren’t culturally diverse. We need more games like Detective Dotson that explore different cultures and provide different worlds for gamers to explore, which may also help them gain a deeper understanding of what other cultures look and sound like. Detective Dotson is a super charming puzzle adventure that highlights the vibrancy of India via its interconnected characters, its use of colour and its charming retro pixel art style. Though I did come across a number of bugs and found it hard to piece together some evidence due to how the case logs are managed, I really enjoyed exploring, chatting and learning more about the delightful folk who inhabit Dotson’s wholesome world.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Gears of War: Reloaded
    Gears of War: Reloaded is the definitive version of Gears 1, but only by default. A faithful remaster of a remaster that keeps the series alive and opens the door to PlayStation players, but doesn’t do enough to feel essential. It’s both dated and timeless, clunky and exhilarating, simple and unforgettable. A solid nostalgia trip, but a missed opportunity to make the original shine for modern audiences.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Curse of the Sea Rats
    Curse of the Sea Rats is a competent 2.5D Metroidvania that offers an absolutely delightful style. The story and gameplay are basic at best, with design oversights and shallow combat that unfortunately drive this simple narrative. Still, the small package comes with a fun four-player coop that complements the classic cartoon animation and critters throughout the journey. This platformer won’t rattle the scene, but it’s a great game for families to play.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Nintendo Switch Sports
    As much fun as Nintendo Switch Sports games are, it’s hard not to feel as if Nintendo didn’t exactly push the boat out on the game. 6 games might have been enough for a new game in 2006, but not these days, and not for a full-priced game. That and the lack of extra modes and options make it feel like it’s a half-game, something that should have been bundled in with Nintendo Switch Online instead of sold at full price. It’s still a fun distraction, perfect for engaging the non-gamers in your family… as long as you’ve spent enough hours unlocking some accessories first.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Hozy
    Hozy, while a short experience that can be completed in one sitting, is an enjoyable title. With beautiful, realistic graphics, lighting that feels luxurious to bask in and a smooth jazzy soundtrack that helps tie it all together. The attention to detail in the weight of an object, the way the wind blows through an open window, and the ambience that layers when you turn on a fan or a radio, all help build an aesthetically impressive game. Though it lacks in replayability and doesn’t push much farther than a room decorator in its mechanics, Hozy will likely be a hit for fans of titles like Unpacking or any decorative cozy game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Pecker
    Pecker is a short and sweet 3D platformer that places fun and whimsy at the centre of its experience. Its swathe of delightful mechanics are delightful to discover, though the title’s lack of polish and inconsistent level design does mar an otherwise joyful avian experience. Younger gamers will find plenty of pecky fun here.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Nobody Wants to Die
    Nobody Wants to Die has a lot of smart political and philosophical thoughts that relate to what’s happening today. There’s a lot of intrigue and spotting all the Greek Mythology references is exciting, alluding to the story at hand. However, the crime scene gameplay can get repetitive and frustrating, as the story feels like it’s on rails. It’s nice to be able to play a game you can’t fail, but it feels odd that there’s a heightened sense of danger that just… never comes. Introducing elements like quick-time events late in the game and without accessibility options for them is disappointing. Even still, the game is gorgeous and watching a friendship bloom with the two main characters is great to see.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    My Hero Academia: All's Justice
    Though there’s a bit of rockiness and jank under the hood, MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice is a rock-solid 3D anime arena fighter in a series of incredibly middling ones. There’s some real tacticality and dexterity you pick up with how much you’re cycling characters in and out, countering attacks and building up towards constant finishers. No one fight feels the same; I’ve done battles in and out of the Story Mode or exhibition mode that saw me dominate the competition or pull back a victory by the skin of my teeth after being knocked about for a good while. It’s not without its technical issues and padding in the campaign, but plenty of meaningful additions and lessons brought forward from prior entries make it a fitting enough send-off that stands out well in the crowd. Not quite a Detroit Smash hit, but a punchy good time, regardless.
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