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For 4,974 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 62% higher than the average critic
  • 6% same as the average critic
  • 32% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.3 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 75
Highest review score: 100 Super Mario Odyssey
Lowest review score: 10 Wander (2013)
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,078 out of 4974
  2. Mixed: 1,712 out of 4974
  3. Negative: 184 out of 4974
4980 game reviews
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    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Cyber Shadow
    Tough, beautiful retro games might seem like they’re everywhere these days. You might be losing track of them all in the midst of this recent deluge. I promise Cyber Shadow is one of the good ones. A delicate balance is struck between challenge and accessibility, leaving you bloodied and eager for more. The art and the music is among the best you’ll see all year long. Finally, the mechanical guts of this game are perfectly tuned. While some players will be rebuked by certain NES-era sensibilities (like the knockback effect), the overall experience is practically sublime. If you’re looking for a Ninja Gaiden send-up that’s been dragged into the 21st century, look no further than Cyber Shadow.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ruiner
    Considering RUINER has already released on several other platforms, Nintendo Switch fans who may have already tried it will be delighted in the seamless transition in visual quality when playing in handheld mode after playing RUINER docked. As a long-time fan of cyberpunk anime, it’s hard not to enjoy RUINER and it stuck with me long after putting the controller down just as Akira stuck with me long after the credits rolled. Reikon Games put all of their eggs in one basket with RUINER and they created a quality experience with it.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - The Champions' Ballad
    A splendid continuation of one of 2017’s finest titles. Though it features minor disappointments, the overall experience is incredibly enjoyable.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Electronauts
    Simply put, Survios has done it again. Electronauts is not only one of the most enjoyable music games I’ve ever played, but it serves as a stark reminder of why Survios are some of the very best in the business. I’m still no die-hard of EDM, but the game has certainly opened my eyes to the wide variety of music that exists within the genre and just how fun it can be to manipulate it.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Messenger
    I cannot say enough about The Messenger. The retro side-scrolling action works in both 8-bit and 16-bit. The story is one of the best in any retro game I’ve ever played. The soundtrack is absolute dynamite. There are some nitpicky things here and there mostly in the controls department, but nothing that kills the vibe. The Messenger is a love letter to a bygone era that drops me right back into those wonderful times as soon as I turn on the Switch.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Apartment Story
    Apartment Story sits apart from most narrative games for me. The big difference is the sim element. Having to do things like shower, cook, smoke, and pee really elevates the experience. Between the plot, the atmosphere, and the mechanics, I’m quite impressed. Although the story is pretty simple, it still draws you in. If you’ve got a few hours free, I highly recommend checking out Apartment Story.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ratchet & Clank
    Whether you’re an old fan or a new one this is a great point to jump in for the first time or the fifth time to the Ratchet and Clank franchise. Insomniac has not only reinvigorated a fan favorite but they’ve done it in their signature style. Ratchet and Clank looks great, plays better and is a genuine can’t miss experience on your PlayStation 4.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Super Mario Maker 2
    That's the curious power of the Mario Maker games. They can transform a passive audience member into an active participant. I'm dissecting stages and layouts with brand new vigor. Every design choice is something to be absorbed and digested for later use. Even if you don't fancy yourself a creator, I highly recommend Super Mario Maker 2. You'll be shocked at the subtle yet significant shift in your mindset.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Yakuza Kiwami
    The Yakuza/ Like a Dragon series has become one of the most beloved video game franchises on the planet. They’re a combination of cinematic crime drama, fun third person brawl combat, deep open world exploration, and insanely wacky sidequests and minigames. Yakuza Kiwami is the best version of the first game in the series. There are some changes that aren’t for the better, but overall this is an excellent version of an all-time great video game. If you’ve never played any of the Yakuza games, this new remaster is arguably the best place to start.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 5
    Forza Horizon 5 offers something lacking on the PlayStation 5, an open world racer. With over 500 vehicles to customize and race in a humongous world map, along with all the various activities, there is plenty for you to do. It is an arcade racing game that emphasizes fun over reality, and there is nothing wrong with that. It makes a wonderful complementary installment alongside GT 7. The greater the variety of racing games there are for a gamer to play, the better.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Firewatch
    Firewatch is a curious experience, and one that has continued to shift my perception of what a game is.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Saints Row: The Third Remastered
    Saints Row is unrealistic in the best way possible, and what it lacks in substance it makes up for in outrageous antics and a priceless, middle-school sense of humor. It’s an absolute riot, and it never seems to draw its boundaries. Steelport is an adult playground for blood, gore and sex, and there’s no consequence for the violence and chaos you can induce. Almost everything about the remaster is fantastic, from the catchy soundtrack to the buttery smooth combat. It’s not a game you’d want your children to play by any means, but for everyone else of appropriate age and discretion, it’s a wicked good time.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Psychonauts in The Rhombus of Ruin
    Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin is a must-play for PSVR owners. Its ability to keep the player interested in its world and characters is second to none, and the ease of its gameplay mechanics makes interacting with the world a joy. The plethora of environments and odd characters you come across, and the subsequent world-building that takes place, keeps the game from ever getting stale alongside its short runtime. In the Rhombus of Ruin is a masterclass of engaging mechanics and brilliant writing, and it’s got me excited for the future of Psychonauts.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
    The Yakuza/ Like a Dragon series has become one of the most beloved video game franchises on the planet. They’re a combination of cinematic crime drama, fun third person brawl combat, deep open world exploration, and insanely wacky sidequests and minigames. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the best version of the second game in the series. Cutting the Sotenbori is a major loss, but the new content more than makes up for its omission. Overall this is an excellent version of an all-time great video game.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rogue Legacy 2
    Rogue Legacy essentially spawned the roguelite genre and nine years later, its sequel improves the recipe in every way. Rogue Legacy 2 looks fantastic and plays even better, with engaging mechanics and an addictive gameplay loop. While you might not always make progress, you also never feel bored or that the game disrespects your time. Every run is a new experience and often surprising. There are a lot of systems at play, but they generally help Rogue Legacy 2 transcend the limits of the genre and make it endlessly replayable and entertaining.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
    Exactly what fans of the series will expect it to be. If you have played, and loved, other Monster Hunter games before this one, stop reading reviews and just go buy it. You will love it. If this is your first Monster Hunter game I definitely recommend picking it up.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    LawBreakers
    LawBreakers is downright fun. I can’t wait to get back to slide stabbing my enemies and zooming across maps at breakneck speeds. On top of the stellar gameplay, the game is bursting with personality and a keen sense of humor both of which serve the game in standing apart from its competition in addition to the inventive, gravity-defying combat. LawBreakers injects profound energy into the modern FPS genre, and I can’t wait to see how the meta develops and the game evolves over time with new game modes and characters.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Yakuza 0
    Today, three years after Western release on Xbox One, Yakuza 0 still translates well as an engaging and fun experience, particularly for those who love a good story. The graphics are slightly dated but nothing to be upset about, and only the somewhat foreign notion of the invisible wall cutting off stairways and paths is the only thing to be a bother. This mechanic has been changed over the years so to see it still thriving here immediately dates the game, but none of this is enough to make for a bad experience. If you enjoy the Yakuza franchise or need a jumping off point to get into the franchise, Yakuza 0 is a fantastic place to start.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Talos Principle: Road To Gehenna
    Road to Gehenna is fun, smart, and a great reason to check out The Talos Principle if you haven’t yet.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Expeditions: Rome
    Streamlined is a good word to describe Expeditions: Rome. Instead of jamming it full of every feature under the sun, it’s lean and mean. Maybe you are making fewer choices than you would in the latest Pathfinder game, but every one of those choices is meaningful. That philosophy permeates every level of the game, from the combat systems, to the art design, to the music, and the writing. A lot of thought went into every part of this game. RPG fans should honor that by giving just as much thought back to this game.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition
    If you’re a fan of classic RPGs or didn’t have a PC to play Pillars of Eternity when it originally released, pick this up. Pillars is hands down one of the best RPGs I’ve played within the past few years, and the amount of gameplay you can walk through is staggering.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pokemon Moon
    Pokémon Moon is easily one of the best entries into the franchise to date. Never has the Pokémon world felt this immersive. If Pokémon Moon hints to what the future of the franchise has in store, then fans should be more excited than ever.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Total War: PHARAOH
    Total War games spent so much time trying to do more. There are countless clever strategy games out there, but this series always prided itself on having a massive scale. Pharaoh totally changes that formula as it scales down and rethinks the gameplay flow of the series. Everyone has their favorite Total War game (mine for the record is the original Rome Total War). I’m sure that someone out there will be quite unhappy with some of the Total War changes. But from where I sit as a long-time player, Pharaoh is a total blast, and has me more excited for the future of the series than ever before.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A Plague Tale: Innocence
    What more can we say about this upgraded version of A Plague Tale? It was a great experience when it came out in 2019, and it still is two years later. It is not made better in any major way, but it cannot be improved without fundamentally changing the game, which I am thankful it did not. If you have not played this game, you are doing yourself a disservice.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Call of the Sea
    When I finished Call of the Sea, I couldn’t help but smile. It was such an incredible journey with an intriguing story and a well-thought-out ending. From start to finish, with the exception of a couple of frustrating puzzles, I truly enjoyed this game. Considering it’s is launching on Xbox Game Pass, there is absolutely no reason for Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One gamers to not give this gem a try. The sheer amount of love and care that went into crafting this world should be the new standard that all devs strive to achieve. I can’t wait to see what Out of the Blue have in store for us next, and I truly hope we’ll return to the world of Call of the Sea in a future title.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bravely Default
    Bravely Default is so full of old time good RPG fun that you could literally shake a stick at it and it wouldn’t change a thing given how much quality is in this game.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pikmin 3
    It does exactly what a sequel should do as it retains the roots of an already great game while expanding out into new exciting territory that still feels natural.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dark Souls III
    Despite the odd issues I ran into with the game, be it performance related, or gameplay related (mobs of enemies don’t always make a game harder FromSoftware), Dark Souls 3 is a gargantuan step up from Dark Souls 2 in terms of design...From Software has included a lot for players to mess around with, and between the various armor sets, locations, weapons and enemies to get acquainted with, Dark Souls 3 is one behemoth of a game that could stand at the top of the entire series in terms of quality.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Silent Hill f
    Silent Hill f is the entry fans have been waiting for since 2004’s The Room. The shift from small-town America to rural Japan gives the game a distinct identity, allowing the developers to craft a unique experience that still captures the spirit of the series. Ryukishi07’s storytelling shines, with your journal steadily filling with information and mature themes explored in subtle yet impactful ways. While combat has seen improvements over its predecessors, it still pales in comparison to the game’s atmosphere and puzzle design. After two long decades, and a remake of a genre classic, Silent Hill is finally back.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Guild Wars 2
    The improvements are many, the story is enjoyable, and the gameplay is pretty refined; all of these make Guild Wars 2 a game worth playing.
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These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.

In Progress & Unscored

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    • 86 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Turbo Overkill
    Everything is frantic, fast-paced, and depicted with excessive amounts of graphical and auditory flair. If you enjoyed the fast and frantic pace of Doom Eternal, this game will scratch the very same FPS itch. [Early Access Review Score = 85]
    • 73 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Double Kick Heroes
    Double Kick Heroes is a friend to all manner of gamer, headbanger or not. It’s wonderful tracks, post-apocalyptic backdrop, and various features boost the fun factor well beyond your typical rhythm experience. While I don’t consider the IP to be anything groundbreaking, Headbang Club clearly has an audience in mind. I’d say they’ve managed to cater to that audience and then some. [Early Access Review]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    inZOI
    The fantasy of living out an alternative life — or a parallel one, for that matter — in digital form has always driven games like The Sims and now, InZOI. I’ve only spent a few hours in a pre-early access version but I’m extremely impressed. InZOI Studios has iterated on a classic genre in a way that feels contemporary and potentially more immersive than the earlier games could ever have been. [Early Access Impressions]
    • 63 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    #DRIVE Rally
    #DRIVE Rally delivers on its intentions to be a fun, arcade rally racer. You can quickly get into a race if you are short on time or are just looking for something less demanding than a more realistic rally racer. The game launches on September 25, 2024 on the Steam, Epic, and GOG game stores. [Early Access Provisional Score = 75]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 6
    The self-driving addition to ANNA is an absolute blessing from the devs. The updated visuals continue to ensure Forza Horizon is the best-looking racing game around. While there is a lot of “more of the same” feeling with Forza Horizon 6, that’s not entirely a bad thing, especially with such an incredible environment that is Japan to race in. [Hands-On Impressions]
    • 57 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Destiny 2: Curse of Osiris
    As you work your way toward the new level cap of 25 and power level of 330-335 (depending on mods), there’s a decent amount of new content to experience. Sure, Mercury’s small and the strikes are a letdown, but between the world building, new gear, and gameplay features such as new Crucible maps and Raid Lairs, there’s a fair amount of fun to be had in Curse of Osiris.

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