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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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    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake
    SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is a fun title that harkens back to older console generations whilst taking advantage of today’s technology. It makes for a visually appealing experience but one that may be a tad too shallow for anyone besides the younger side of the sponge’s fanbase. Amusing lines and colourful costumes can only do so much to shore up an ultimately “okay” game, one which does everything it sets out to do surprisingly well, but isn’t really doing enough to be as great as it could be. With all that being said, your kids may end up loving this game to bits, and if that’s who the game is for, then who’s to say they’re wrong?
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Bright Memory: Infinite
    Bright Memory: Infinite will go down as a largely impressive game held back by glaring shortfalls. The frenetic and uniquely compelling shooter/hack ‘n’ slash combat as well as the breathtakingly realistic visuals make for a worthy experience alone. Unfortunately, that narrative is told in a less than elegant way and the quick sprint to roll credits hold Infinite back from reaching its true potential.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE
    Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake is a modern rendition of a certified classic survival horror game, and while I believe it should be praised for building a solid atmosphere with superb sound design, the game itself, as it is on console, is a tough task to recommend. In many ways, this remake is a distant departure from what made the original game so breathtakingly horrifying, sacrificing all the subtlety that made you feel at unease and replacing it with cheap tricks. But ultimately, it undermines the oppressiveness of its story with a repetitive gameplay loop filled with constant backtracking and a lack of challenge in either combat or puzzle solving.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Heavenly Bodies
    2pt Interactive’s first foray into the console and PC world is astounding for such a small team. Heavenly Bodies’ graphics, aesthetics, and sounds are beautiful. The introduction of different control modes is also great, with a clear and commendable focus on accessibility. The difficult-to-master controls is where players may find a challenge in engaging with the title, with unclear missions adding to the disorderly feeling. While short, the game is replayable enough with different coop partners and challenges. Consider jumping in with a friend, because cooperative fun can help camouflage some of the game’s rougher edges.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Floodland
    Floodland has a lot of great ideas and an addicting gameplay loop, but its Clan mechanics quickly suck any fun out of a game as soon it rears its ugly head. With only one scenario to play and no customisation options for these clans, it’s all too easy to suffer a slow decline for reasons that don’t feel like your fault. With such a major mechanic feeling so flawed, it’s hard not to feel like Floodland has taken a wrong turn at the last minute. For such a solid base, it’s a real shame.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Red Solstice 2: Survivors
    A niche but mostly well-presented experience, Red Solstice 2 attempts to create something entirely new by blending established genres. While its mishmash of strategy mechanics into an action game doesn’t quite hit the mark, it does provide a swathe of tense, tactical moment-to-moment gameplay and absolutely nails its occasional moments of creeping alien horror. It’s far from a strategy game at heart, and struggles to strike a balance between its complex real-time strategy mechanics and action-oriented gameplay – but for sci-fi fans who are prepared to overcome the game’s learning curve and just want to squad up and rip apart some eldritch abominations, there’ll eventually be plenty of gooey green blood to sink your grenades into.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Where Cards Fall
    The parts of Where Cards Fall I remember most fondly are when it gets out of its own way. When the game successfully captured my interest, it directed my attention towards a beautiful world with a welcoming atmosphere. I vibe out on the board game aesthetic and enjoy the puzzles. But when the game is running too fast near the start, or too slow at the end, you can see the faults that are being concealed. Beyond the mask lies a story that does not engage and presentation that at times does a disservice to its mechanics.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Atlas Wept
    Atlas Wept does a great job at creating a 2D retro RPG that’s accessible to beginners. Unfortunately, some of its strengths aren’t enough to overshadow its weaknesses. The story can often be unclear with not enough explanation. It’s too easy to get bogged down by combat, which weakens the overall charm. But what Atlas Wept does well is think outside the box, giving you a decent RPG experience to jump into.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ghost Song
    Ghost Song is an aesthetic descent into sadness that could’ve been much more, yet stumbles on the final lap. The game explores interesting characters while filling out the game world with melancholia, acting as a love letter to the Metroidvania and Souls genres. The soundtrack brings a resounding presence to the game that really cements that overall vibe for the player, enticing them in for more. There is enjoyment to be had here, but players might find that wonder and mystery replaced with frustration when coming up against bullet sponge enemies and a game narrative that never quite resolves in a satisfying way.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Farming Simulator 22
    Farming Simulator 22 is a beefy farming game that brings realism at the expense of inexperienced player enjoyment. It’s a machine built on the agricultural industry that forgoes any story in favour of hard work. It’s a simulator game that understands the assignment but isn’t at all intuitive in how it allows players to begin new farms. With proper tutorials and allowances, this game would appeal to players beyond its dedicated niche. Once players are able to tackle the learning curve, they’ll discover enjoyment can be found through persistence.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Mirage 7
    There are a number of neat ideas in Mirage 7, from its mysterious meta-narrative to its Resident Evil-style exploration and problem-solving. A rich lore and mythological backdrop help draw you into its vibrant desert world. However, it’s unfortunately held back by tedious combat and frustratingly inconsistent puzzle solutions, as well as a pretty unsatisfying narrative conclusion. Under a few layers of cumbersome design, there’s a unique adventure game here to be enjoyed – if only for a little while.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    FBC: Firebreak
    Despite being competent on many levels, FBC: Firebreak is an exceedingly familiar cooperative experience you have likely played before. Remedy’s signature flair for visual design and return to a familiar and beloved video game locale might be enough for absolute die-hard fans, but it is tough to see who the target audience for this entry into the RCU was envisioned for. While not a total misfire, FBC: Firebreak feels destined to be a footnote from the world of Alan Wake.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Chocobo GP
    Chocobo GP could’ve been a simple kart racer that draws players in with beloved characters and tracks from the history of Final Fantasy, but instead, Square Enix boldly chose to make a sequel to an unpopular PS1 game. Bolder still was the choice to gate the promise of a more interesting game behind season passes and premium currencies. Mechanically, Chocobo GP is sound, and has enough ideas and potential to stack up to other franchise racers. However, I’m anxious to see how long this game lasts after release. There’s every chance it’ll develop a loyal playerbase large enough that Square will continue to support it, and maybe even rebalance the game to make that price of entry less steep. But as it stands, I don’t think Chocobo GP offers enough at launch to justify the effort and money required to keep playing it.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III attempts to rekindle the fire but falls short, particularly in its disjointed campaign. The multiplayer, drawing on iconic maps from series history, excels with responsive controls, intense gunfights, and revamped loadouts. Yet, the biggest letdown is the lazy reskin of DMZ into a zombies mode, undermining the essence of what fans loved about it. Modern Warfare III shines in multiplayer but offends with its campaign, zombies, and blatant money-hungry tactics, leaving fans still yearning for the franchise’s former glory.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    John Carpenter's Toxic Commando
    Toxic Commando is ultimately fine, but there are many better co-operative shooters you could spend your time with. Perfectly competent shooting is brought down by repetitive missions and an absolutely threadbare campaign. If you absolutely must play a new zombie shooter, you might find some fun here, but if you’re looking for something more fulfilling than video game junk food, look elsewhere.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Batora: Lost Haven
    Batora: Lost Haven is a mix of a lot of different ideas, some of which work well, others which don’t. The grand scope of its planet-hopping setting is impressive, but the moral choice aspects and supporting cast feel underdeveloped and shallow. The Nature-switching combat and puzzles also show promise. However, the limited combat options, and puzzles that make use of only a small number of your abilities, cause the experience to become repetitive before its brisk playtime is through. Despite these issues, Batora: Lost Haven is a unique and decent enough experience for sci-fi and action-RPG fans to consider checking it out.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Monark
    Monark has all of the dot points needed to be a great game, but it just doesn’t go far enough to stand out in any one area. It has a few great nuggets of ideas that would have been great to see expanded upon, but it barely scratches the surface. There are too many areas that were lacking either visual flare or gameplay substance for it to be memorable among titans like Persona and Megami Tensei. Despite that, it still might be worth playing for fans of the genre. It’s like popcorn — it’s not a masterpiece, but it’s easily consumable and will scratch that JRPG itch.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered
    Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is enjoyable, but there are several other action-adventure games that simply do it better. If you like what Tomb Raider has offered so far, you should happily jump into this trilogy. Otherwise, better and cheaper alternatives like the first series of remasters, or the Legend trilogy may prove to be smarter options. Despite any flaws, it’s great to see Croft preserved in this way. Hopefully the next three titles also see a collection in future, to finally bring the full series to modern consoles.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX
    For fans of the series, or for players looking for a slightly more involved grind during their commute than the usual mobile fare, Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX offer a heap of monster-rearing pleasure. However, this pair of titles is truly a product of its time: a lack of tutorials, janky graphics, and a set of opaque gameplay systems reliant on heavy grinding might prove too high a barrier for the average creature collector. Pick this up only if you’re prepared for a nostalgic romp through the highs and lows of late nineties game design.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Trinity Trigger
    Trinity Trigger is an enjoyable action RPG that successfully calls back to classics like Trials of Mana. Switching between 8 customisable weapons, and the worldbuilding and narrative, are all wonderful concepts executed well. It’s dragged down by inelegant systems, like item management, having to switch characters perhaps more than intended, and those awful barks. But if you’re a fan of 90s RPGs, or if you want to see what they were like, Trinity Trigger is a decent place to start.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Regions of Ruin: Runegate
    Although my time with Regions of Ruin: Runegate was anticlimactic and sometimes turbulent, it had its high points. From its lovely retro art style, satisfying character progression and the enjoyment of rebuilding a gorgeous dwarven keep from a pile of rubble, there are certainly aspects that I enjoyed. However, many of those aspects had downsides, including the rather short and repetitive main quest and very dull resource grinding. If you like 2D hack and slash combat and can tolerate a somewhat simplistic and linear town builder aspect bolted onto it, there is fun to be had with Regions of Ruin: Runegate.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    ActRaiser Renaissance
    Actraiser Renaissance certainly is a SNES remake for better or worse. The 2D parts of this game have been remade poorly in regards to mechanics and visual fidelity. The gameplay loop of varying between action platformer and city-building sim did get its hooks in me but will be a harder sell for others. While it proves difficult to remain a strong recommendation, there are nuggets of character dialogue gold in there that are worth seeing through. On top of that, the visuals and music that come with these moments are special and remain evident why this is such a cult classic. If all else, I’m glad I got to check out a deeper cut in the Square Enix catalogue. Flaws and all, it’s at the very least got some heart.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Skull and Bones
    Considering the game’s notoriously troubled development, Skull and Bones is definitely not as bad as it could have been. With many of its tweaks to the naval combat pioneered in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, the game is often fun, particularly with a friend. However, those moments of fun are sometimes hard to find, and are buried under boring travel, glacially-paced harvesting and looting, and a rather shallow world to explore. If you’re a fan of other multiplayer live-service titles and are looking for a new kind of game to check out with friends, Skull and Bones certainly brings something new to the table that Destiny 2 and The Division 2 do not, but it is not all smooth sailing.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Tiny Bookshop
    Overall, Tiny Bookshop is a fun, cozy game for book lovers where you live that dream of running a bookstore, while also forming friendships with the locals. The use of real books makes it feel personal, especially if you’re someone who reads often, plus it makes recommending titles to others a breeze. While the story isn’t perfect due to its lack of execution, it’s not too big of a deal unless you’re someone who’s invested in the narrative. Regardless, it’s still enjoyable and could introduce you to your next book.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Log Away
    Log Away doesn’t have quite as much to offer as other games in its genre, lacking the sprawling freedom offered in other building games and not making it up enough in other areas to make it worth playing all on its own merit. While Log Away certainly has its moments when the sun hits your cabin just right, the overall experience leaves a lot to be desired, with hardly enough opportunity for creativity to make coming back worth it.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Critter Cafe
    Critter Café takes you to a colourful world that mixes modernity with fantasy. Not only are you operating the magical animal café of your dreams, but you also get to escape reality and go on an adventure to save critters. However, unlike other restaurant-based cozy games, there’s a missed opportunity to offer more interactive opportunities outside the café operation and the exploration of the ruins, making the game feel a bit boring, lifeless, and repetitive.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Blood West
    Blood West takes inspiration from Deus Ex, Thief and Dishonored, yet falls disappointingly short. The level design and some particular mechanics didn’t aid the stealth gameplay very much, though the game’s large arsenal of weapons and tools and helpful UI do give it a decent stealth foundation which fans of the genre can get a lot out of. Unfortunately, the game’s gruelling death mechanics, unclear quest objectives and simple plot create an experience that’s simply exhausting after a while. Fans of stealth-focused immersive sims might enjoy Blood West well enough, but only if they are prepared for many frustrating mechanics holding the experience back.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Road 96: Mile 0
    Mile 0 just isn’t as strong as its predecessor. It somehow feels both like there were too many and not enough changes made to the formula. Maintaining the dialogue options made the story feel diluted and weak, but abandoning the setting of the open road loses a key part of the game’s identity. It’s a hard spot to be in. This isn’t to say that Mile 0 is a failure, just that it doesn’t manage to improve on the shortcomings of the original or capture what made it work in the first place. The music is still very good and the characters interesting, but letting the player control their actions removes any potential agency and kills what could have been a great story.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Out There: Oceans of Time
    Between the extreme early game difficulty curve and then the lack of challenge late game, Out There: Oceans of Time is a hard game to place. It provides an intriguing story with a great initial resource management system, however, it at points turns into a chore just to finish the story. The game boasts over 40 hours of gameplay with the ‘choose your own adventure’ style of story allowing for multiple playthroughs. However, knowing that there is a lack of randomly generated content, players might opt to skip the replay. For those looking for a super chill story with an initial challenge, this game might just be for you. If you are looking for a well-rounded sci-fi adventure, maybe check elsewhere.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
    While updated graphics and a new control scheme are all well and good, Aspyr should have done more to bring Star Wars: Bounty Hunter into the present day. The lives system should have stayed in the early 2000s where it belongs, as all it serves to do is make the game’s already murderous level of difficulty even more aggravating by dragging out the experience and arbitrarily making players replay huge chunks of the game whenever the game serves up enough cheap deaths. The bounty hunting system also could have done with improvements to make it easier and more enjoyable to interact with. While there is some fun to be found with flying through the sky and gunning down your enemies, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is overall too frustrating an experience to be an easy recommend for anyone but the most diehard of Star Wars fans.
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