Cubed3's Scores

  • Games
For 4,058 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 39% higher than the average critic
  • 10% same as the average critic
  • 51% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 7.2 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 68
Highest review score: 100 Guacamelee! 2
Lowest review score: 0 The Letter
Score distribution:
4058 game reviews
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Marking its first outing on a handheld device, Okami HD retains all of the elegance and charisma from even its non-HD days, packing it all into an epic adventure with a budget price and intuitive control inputs. There is a degree of repetition involved with certain battles and events, but even this takes little away from the tale that unfolds.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Nintendo DS, without a doubt the queen of the RPG genre in recent years, gains another incredibly good addition to its library in Radiant Historia.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    How Shinsekai: Into the Depths breezed under the radar isn't really a mystery, given it released around the launch of Animal Crossing, but let it be said: this is truly an underrated classic. With a fantastic gameplay loop, intriguing world design, and silent but compelling plot, this proves to be an absolute powerhouse of a title on the Switch. It deserves a hearty recommendation and then some! Capcom once again proves that it makes games of an incredible quality, and can provide a truly unique and wondrous experience.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Castlevania Anniversary Collection is a required pick-up for fans of the classic whip-slinging series. Granted, there are a couple of minor problems with this set, most notably the lack of button-remapping. Hopefully they're being worked on. Still, it's hard to argue with having four of the all-time best action-platformers around. Plus you get four other games, which range from awful to pretty good. Whether you decide to pick this up now, or wait for the region-select and other fixes, you're guaranteed a good time.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    AlienAfterAll and Neko Entertainment have out-done themselves with DodoGo! Robo. Some may think that three entries into a series in roughly a year might be overkill, but this third iteration takes the original formula, tweaks it to perfection and delivers changes requested by fans themselves to serve up one of the most delicious gaming dishes for gamers to tuck-in to on the DSiWare download service. At a mere 200 Points, DodoGo! Robo is even better value than Nintendo's releases at the same price-point!
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Kirby's Epic Yarn starts off slow and may even lead to fans of traditional Kirby adventures giving it the cold shoulder. However, the sheer amount of thought, creativity and extra little touches poured into the adventure help to make this one journey that grows on the player considerably the further into proceedings they get.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dirt 5 is possibly the best Codemasters game to ever be released and can stand on par with its simulation focussed sibling Dirt Rally 2.0. A visual and auditory treat, this game defines the end of the racing games on the PlayStation 4 and it's done so with a flair befitting of the Dirt franchise. This is a must have racer!
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A certain Italian plumber should watch his back - Rayman Origins is as good as New Super Mario Bros. Wii and not far off from approaching the quality of some of his finest 2D adventures.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It will be an interesting exercise to compare this to the Resident Evil 4 remake and Metroid Prime Remastered, such stylistically or thematically similar titles released within the same quarter, as this being the first out the gate has set a high watermark early on into the year. It wins on its top tier presentation alone, and although it can sometimes feel like that's the main contributor that's modernising the experience, there's a great novelty and appeal to some of its, should we say, relics to game design of the past. Chiefly, relics that are of a focused, directed single-player experience that don't overstay their welcome and don't manipulate the player beyond the experience itself. Let's see how long that one lasts when we're drowning in remakes, shall we?
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If there's one title that deserves a spot in the upper echelons, it's The Alliance Alive. Its battle system is reminiscent of the SaGa franchise, except taken to the next level through superb balancing and design. No matter the player's skill level, they are treated to an adventure that caters to them, without coming off as condescending or frustrating. Not only is the world filled with wonders to explore, anyone who takes the time to do so will find their efforts appropriately rewarded. Simply put, this game is a modern classic.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bigger can indeed be better. Planet Coaster 2 successfully iterates on the first instalment by adding interesting new concepts and gameplay systems that enhance the experience. Anyone who enjoys a management sim, tycoon, or just wants a fun park builder will find this to be a perfect match. Highly recommended. Get splashed!
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    .hack//G.U. Last Recode is a remaster of PlayStation 2 games... and it shows. The resolution is crisp and razor-sharp, but there is no hiding how basic these character models are. Lead characters fare best, but most NPCs are hopelessly devoid of detail or articulation - typically stuck with frozen expressions, too. On Nintendo Switch, .hack//G.U. Last Recode runs a perfectly stable 30 frames per second. The new bonus chapter is an epilogue where gamers can find out what has happened to all the characters that they have grown attached to. It is a welcome addition and lasts a few hours, but is ultimately unnecessary.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 a lot of fun, with tons and tons of Easter eggs to prior games, all variations of humour, and loads of weapons and characters. There is very little negative to point at. The raw variety of characters, from the bold and aggressive to the fun and silly, to the dark and serious somehow all fits together. All of the upgrades to acquire for weapons, items and soldiers leads to a great experience of wanting to play one more level shooting up some aliens.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It would be remiss to not point out some severe flaws, notably how boring the actual combat is, or the lacklustre exploration. Despite this heavy criticism, there is something definitely charming about the whole experience. The de-levelling novelty is notable, if nothing else, and there is a feeling of being pulled into the game that many modern JRPGs sort of lack nowadays. This is the type of game that shows heart and passion can trump huge budgets.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The bleak future presented with a writhing tangling plot makes for an excellent setting, showing that the team isn't just a one-trick pony. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is hampered by a slightly tedious battle system but, luckily, the adventure and story scenes are excellent and easily elevate this to greatness. An excellent, unique, niche title that is absolutely recommended to fans of Vanillaware and those who like things to be a certain flavour of Japanese.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bravely Default is classic Final Fantasy in everything but name only.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The dark fantasy prequel to Doom is a bold, beautiful and occasionally bloated evolution of the series. In the process of daring to change core mechanics and replace old toys with new, it will disappoint many, and the story, which is mostly pretty darn good and full of cool moments, would surely benefit by removing some of the excess fat. The good news is that while Doom: The Dark Ages fumbles and falls every now and then, combat remains as riveting as it has always been, and when things finally click it will make you feel like a brutal god of war.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A great little 3D platformer that does it's best to give players a solid and exciting experience featuring a much more refined and redesigned Kao core experience and story. Kao the Kangaroo should impress with its solid controls and strong visual design - if players can accept the drops in visual quality on Switch then this is a hearty recommendation to all players of such titles.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The repetition of said features, plus the lack of the Wii U's strengths being put to use is unfortunate, but dedicated One Piece fans and patient newcomers will find a lot to love.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The most enjoyable sessions when indulging in VR have been hidden gems like this. The medium has been out long enough now that the big showy set pieces aren't going to cut the mustard anymore. Gamers are looking for memorable, thought out experiences, and The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets sticks the landing. Titles like this are thought provoking, delightful experiences that live long in the memory. Although gameplay is simple, and once all aspects have been completed is unlikely to be revisited as a solo effort, this is going to be the VR benchmark for introducing a younger, as well as quirkier audience to what the little black headset can achieve with enough love and care behind it.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Casual gamers are going to find a lot to love in Attack on Titan 2 (A.O.T. 2). The controls perfectly suit the action, and make Titan-slaying or just swinging around quite fun. There's also plenty of satisfaction to be had in the pursuit of better gear and special skills. However, those out there who want to get the most out of their purchase are going to have a lot of work to do.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Like a lot of the DLC packs for Total War: Three Kingdoms Fates Divided does not add anything that fundamentally changes things, rather it is a lot of smaller tweaks to gameplay and a few additions that add a touch of spice to the campaign. There is a new faction here, some new units there and a bundle of new mechanics and tools to strategise with. Some could be disappointed, but for £7.99 it feels like a fair price for what it includes.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Those who loved Don't Starve will find their new obsession here. The Flame in the Flood is a highly enjoyable rogue-lite survival title that makes a fantastic game to play on the go. Headphones on, volume on full and enjoy the ride with this addictive new release. Get ready to welcome yet another distinct and individual game into the fold, fattening up the Switch's already bulging catalogue.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    At the end of the day, despite the enhancements, the core gameplay of Etrian Odyssey Untold is still likely to divide players.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Not without its faults, The Chase Begins is a worthy addition to the Nintendo 3DS roster.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Tetris purists may shirk at this block-matching alternative that messes with the formula a little, Lumines is worth a try. Whether it's high scores on the leaderboards, completing strategic challenges, or just filling the void for a couch-multiplayer title, Lumines Remastered has something for all lovers of arcade-type puzzle games.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Broken Sword was a classic over a decade ago and remains so today, despite many pretenders to the adventure throne appearing over the years and a few games actually surpassing Revolution Software's title.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    MySims Agents presents a unique take on the secret agent theme with something more akin to a detective agency, but none of the fun is lost.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The general quality improvement in this game, over past entries, is mind-blowing for how solid everything is. The dark parts of the story mixed with heavy sci-fi elements are a welcome reprieve in a generally dry genre as of late. Some elements such as random combat deaths and some serious tonal dissonance at times, with its soft yuri tea party themes, is going put off some players. That aside, the solid graphics, generally interesting story and overall solid package make this an easy recommendation to JRPG fans.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It was a bold move for Ippon Nichi to go in this direction with an already packed release schedule full of stalwarts in the JRPG genre. Thankfully, it's a gamble that has paid off. Mad Rat Dead initially will frustrate as players get to grips with the early stages, but in truth most are likely to keep hitting that restart button to enjoy both the excellent soundtrack and gorgeous visuals. It's a morbid but fascinating 'tail' that may be a huge departure from the usual studio offerings, but a very welcome one.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 is completely solid. The basics of platformers are left in place, whilst new aspects are brought in to keep it fresh. The story and characters are very well done for this type of game, and the aesthetics, level design and thought put into it shine through in many ways.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While larger maps are irritating to navigate, there's so much to love about this experience that it's hard to really care. Thankfully, with the added replay value, you can start the series and finish it a couple times in anticipation for the final book, and it should hold up just fine.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In spite of an ending that leaves much to be desired, Ys: Memories of Celceta is a great action-RPG that re-contextualizes a decades-old franchise for a modern audience. Adol's adventure mapping out the Great Forest of Celceta is an excellent introduction for newcomers, and a competent re-release for series veterans. Complete with dual audio and 60fps gameplay, the PS4 release is the definitive version. On a design level, the opening hours aren't as strong as they should be, but after the halfway point this finds its groove. An emphasis on exploration, layered dungeon design, excellent boss fights, and a generous amount of customisation, keep combat gripping throughout. The title might not be the series best, but Ys: Memories of Celceta is a love letter to one of the RPG genre's premiere franchises.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In bringing the latest Rayman adventure to Switch, Ubisoft has given the machine easily one of its most visually stunning and enjoyable releases to date. Not quite living up to the moniker of Definitive Edition with increased loading times and performance hiccups, as well as a missing feature, Rayman Legends is still well worth the lower asking price to those yet to jump into Rayman's world, yet outside of the portability aspect it offers little to entice series veterans.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Secret Files 2: Puritas Cordis follows on from the solid foundation set by the first game, Tunguska, and brings with it an impressive story that keeps gamers gripped until the final credits.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Apex Construct is a perfect example of just how far VR games have come and shows that VR gaming isn't just a gimmick. It's clearly going to be the next step for gaming. However, it also shows some of the glaring issues still being faced with the technology. The controls are still difficult, with the system of teleporting rather immersion-breaking and the wand-style controllers still not quite fitting the bill. Regardless of its flaws, this is one of the best VR experiences currently available and a must experience.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For all but the most die-hard of fans, Fashion Dreamer is very much a 'play a bit regularly' experience rather than binge-play-for-hours-at-a-time type of game. Aside from some seemingly odd filter menu choice omissions and other minor issues, the promise of regular updates means it's a title worth having on Nintendo Switch, and is certainly going to fulfil a fashion lover's dream, with everyone being able to live their best model life in the easy to play environment.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's mystifying that Samurai Warriors: Chronicles hasn't been endorsed by more stores, because it is a surprisingly strong title, trumping the quality of the Wii version by quite a long shot.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Blue Prince is a quietly captivating mystery that rewards patience, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Its shifting mansion, step‑based progression, and intricate room‑specific rules create an experience that feels both unpredictable and purposeful, offering a rare blend of surreal atmosphere and thoughtful design. It is a game that lingers in the mind long after the day has been reset, inviting players to return again and again in search of the truths hidden within its walls.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whilst this 3DS release is nothing more than a port of a DS game from Japan, its charm and addictive gameplay cannot be argued against, with the intriguing storyline and smart Touch Screen tactical football battles making this RPG-with-a-twist one to definitely check out.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Monster Hunter franchise has a rich and varied universe but outside of a handful of spin-offs; its games have always been limited to their very specific formula. That's a doubled-edged sword, as the fans don't want big changes but those who don't enjoy the series' core mechanics are missing out on a fantastic universe filled with some amazing monster designs and the fabulous Felynes. Monster Hunter Stories breaks the mold and delivers an experience that shows that universe is just waiting for more innovative ideas. Like Final Fantasy Tactics and Dragon Quest Builders, Monster Hunter Stories delivers a wholly new experience that is utterly addictive and absolutely superb. If you enjoy Pokémon, give this a chance!
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bethesda has managed to port its enormous and captivating world into what's basically a tablet, and has done so almost flawlessly.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Yakuza Kiwami 2 delivers a slick fresh coat of paint onto this Japanese epic tale, while keeping the same engaging and complex story that fans know and love. A memorable narrative, and some excellent dialogue and delivery make this a story that is worth playing, even for new entrants to the franchise. Meanwhile, while there are a few blotches on the graphical presentation of this remake, Tokyo has never looked so authentic in a game before, and the atmosphere built is second to none. There are some niggles with the camera, and the slightly outdated UI, however, the combat and mini-games are of a high standard, and keep things incredibly enjoyable throughout this extensive adventure.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kirby and the Forgotten Land Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World is the definitive edition of a much-loved original Nintendo Switch game. Performance tweaks make the adventure buttery smooth (niche pun intended) and the Star-Crossed World content has been seamlessly integrated into the base game for excellent cohesion. Those stepping into this Kirby adventure for the first time should certainly consider the Switch 2 edition for the full, optimised experience. There's enough content for existing owners to consider an upgrade – a delicious desert, but it could leave you craving more.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Wave 4 has continued to deliver, and as each and every wave before it, the courses lifted from Mario Kart Tour are fun additions, particularly with branching paths, alternative routes and reversed laps. It is particularly exciting to see new characters returning and having Birdo on the roster is certainly warmly welcomed. Yoshi's Island stands out in Wave 4, not only for being a new and original track but also for unique musical themes and being such a varied course overall. Subtle changes to DKs Snowboard Cross, Waluigi Stadium and Mario Circuit all make improvements on their original counterparts and Riverside Park looks fantastic. This is an enjoyable set of tracks and adds to what is an already fantastic package from other waves of the Booster Course Pass.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It may seem to lack a few features found in other formats' versions, but FIFA 10 on Wii still manages to claim the trophy for best Wii football game so far.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The core Story Mode and the various mini-games contained therein are mildly enjoyable diversions for a time, but what you're likely to really want to sink you're teeth into is the classic Battle Mode and its excellent online support.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It is a pleasure to experience Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, with every single entry holding up as well as it did when first released. For a pure gaming experience, this would be pushing perfection. What keeps it in a category below is the question of purchase for long-term fans. New content? Certainly. Best way to play? Possibly. Enough to warrant the price point? Potentially not until every Metal Gear is given the collection treatment.
    • 47 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    7 Days to Die previously needed a lot of work. It is now in a playable and downright fun state, with a strong crafting and scavenging element that often makes sense and keeps immersion in the survival setting. Zombies become more dangerous as time goes on, but so does the player, as long as they balance their survival with scavenging for better equipment and learning new skills, and 7 Days to Die does a better job staving off the difficulty plateau many survival games eventually succumb to. Following updates, the gameplay is sturdy and solid, built off of an already fun foundation.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Mario 3D World may not have had much added to it aside from an online function that is limited to only saving progress for the host, but it didn't necessarily need much else. Nintendo successfully found a way to evolve the 2D classics without going open world, and the result is one of the most consistently fresh and enjoyable games around, which, despite lacking the challenge of the NES games, has something for just about everyone. The bonus Bowser's Fury solo adventure is an absolute delight with a brilliant core idea that adds a crazy tension to Mario platforming, but it is hard to present a case for purchasing this pack just to play it. Whilst full of great content, it is too short-lived to feel worth the asking price, and really needs a standalone purchase option.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dementium: The Ward is a good start to what will hopefully spawn a sequel or two - a solid shooter, presented fantastically well on Nintendo's DS.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    MumboJumbo delivers another impressive PC-to-DS translation with Puzzle Expedition: The Quest for the Tear of God. Anyone thinking there are not enough challenging puzzle titles on Nintendo's humble dual-screen portable should definitely track this down for some highly engaging block-moving adventure fun.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's easy to write this off as a 'baby's first dungeon-crawler,' but it's proven itself to be something more; something that transcends that viewpoint. It's a great exploration of the Minecraft universe, and shows what a developer is capable of outside of the creative block hellscape of the original survival format. It's fair to say that it's a real blast to play with responsive and chunky gameplay that is mostly unhampered by a couple of small flaws. Highly recommended to anyone who loves a bit of a bash, especially with friends!
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    After the rather lacklustre LEGO The Incredibles recently, Tt is back on top form with LEGO DC Super-Villains. This is a real joy for fans of DC Comics, absolutely stuffed with Easter Eggs and inside jokes that cater to every type of DC fan. From the DC films, the Arrowverse TV shows, to the classics, the cartoon series, and, of course, most of all, the comics. Along with containing some really great designed stages and areas, it also has the best story and cast in any LEGO title to date. It's this high quality across the board that will make this more than just another LEGO game.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it would be easy to look at Final Fantasy XVI from certain angles and proclaim something looks rough when looked at as a single package and a sum of its whole, this is a fantastic game. The cinematic flair, crazy action combat and extremely involved story with a nice side dish of world building make this a game worth playing. This is likely to appeal to fans of most character action games but also to those who just want another cool Final Fantasy to get lost in. Absolutely get this game.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    GRID Autosport, in its Switch incarnation, is a technically accomplished port of a solid entry in a genre defining franchise that falls right in-between arcade fun and driving sim. The level of polish to ensure maximum performance and visual fidelity in both modes is astounding and Feral Interactive deserves all the praise it can get for it. With solid gameplay, a wide range of difficulty options, and an amount of content to please everyone, it is the de facto best serious racing game on the system at the time of its release. However, repetitiveness and complete lack of multiplayer at launch, hold it back from being absolutely perfect in every way.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sure, the lack of a campaign is a minor disappointment that will dissuade some from making that purchase but the addition of the addictive Blackout mode more than makes up for it in many ways and anybody with more than a passing interest in the Battle Royale genre would be foolish to pass up on the best 'last man standing' experience the current generation has to offer. Get to it, specialist!
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Princess Peach Showtime! is full of wonderful bits and pieces, all showcasing a staggering variety of extremely well implemented gameplay styles, which come together as a very fun full game. It stumbles a little in terms of performance (perhaps some irony there in relation to theatre) but pulls itself back up. A Stella(r) second outing for Nintendo's leading lady and one that comes recommended regardless of age or any other features people use to create target audiences.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For the title that essentially originated the modern hack 'n' slash genre, Devil May Cry holds up tremendously well. Although later entries would flesh out the combat even further, the original's simpler mechanics shine elegantly. Dante is a much more complex character to control by Devil May Cry 5, but his original iteration is already loaded with mechanical depth. Between Alastor and Ifrit, combat isn't hurting for variety, and the title's stellar level design keeps play-throughs fast-paced and pleasantly arcade-y in nature. If anything, time makes it easy to appreciate Devil May Cry all the more.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Continuing the startling violent theme coupled with many moments of raw emotion related to the utter awfulness of humanity, Death end re;Quest 2 certainly delivers for old and new fans alike. While aspects of the battle system could have been explained better, and elements of the voice overs be tweaked, overall it is a superb horror RPG on Nintendo Switch. Replayability will depend how much of a fan of the original players are, and completionists can happily use the skip event mode to make the second play through faster, along with the option of keeping weapons, attack skills, and character levels the same as the end of the first playthrough.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sonic Colours is one of the best 3D Sonic games to date, the best Sonic the Hedgehog game on Wii and certainly a strong contender for Super Mario Galaxy's crown.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Exploring the mountains of the Scottish highlands and having bizarre encounters are at the heart of A Highland Song, packaging up everything into a cute side scroller with rhythm action and fun dialogue that feels very unique. Not only is the game a love letter to Scotland, it feels like a very personal project full of talented individuals and while the game has occasional slow moments it is overall a lot of fun. If an atmospheric adventure featuring a wee Scottish lassie is on yer cards then this comes highl(and)y recommended.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    QV
    Filled with humour and mystery QV is a fine puzzle addition to Nintendo Switch. Quby's inquisitive nature coupled with her determination to make friends no matter how spikey the personality is makes playing as her a joy. This is accessible for all players no matter their puzzle ability, and there are hours to be spent figuring out how to get Quby to each gate, avoiding environmental traps, as well as enemies who will chase her. This isn't over once the story is completed. There are seventy nine achievements to unlock for completionists, an extra difficult level, and it is easy to want to re-experience levels simply for the fun of being with the charming Quby again. Apart from occasional levels that seemed set at the wrong difficulty for both the difficulty setting and the point in the game, QV is a must-play for all puzzle enthusiasts.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    WayForward take advantage of capitalising on all of DS' limitations and have created a title that has genuine affection and impact.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Many will look at Pandora's Tower as being the weakest of the three Wii RPGs, with Xenoblade Chronicles and The Last Story easily making Ganbarion and Nintendo's effort seem unworthy of attention. However, such a judgement would be unjust, since this Action RPG takes a totally different slant, offering an almost 3D Castlevania and Metroid feel to proceedings, mixing in a pleasant love story and a brilliantly smooth battle system that will widen its appeal.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    From the tight controls to the charming aesthetic, there's very little holding SpiritSphere DX back from being one of the best multiplayer titles on Nintendo Switch. The lack of online play is bound to disappoint most, but that's only because the core gameplay is just so strong.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Battletoads is a stunning return for both the toads and Rare, a team that hasn't had much output recently. While it can become a little tedious to play alone, this is an excellent game to try with a small group of friends on a Friday night. Humour, variety of gameplay, and local co-op make this a great addition to anyone's library.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty! is a faithful recreation of the PS1 gem that is going to welcome back fans of the original. With some worthwhile future proofing in the form of quicksaves and screen panning, the trip is that little more accessible. For new players however, there is a chance that the awkward controls marring the precision timing needed might alienate and frustrate. Give Abe a chance however and even with the wealth of platformers available on the Switch, this stands tall as a title worthy of the purchase. A delicious remake.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Strictly just as an expansion, this one is pretty good. The new race is just all around fun to play. The lore is played straight, and there is something undeniably fun about using these huge mechs to sword slash the evil masses apart. Planetfall remains a fun game overall, but a few lingering UI issues and design choices hold it back from being really great.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Far Cry New Dawn is a ridiculously well-polished and fun to play action game (AI issues aside), with an enjoyable if largely mundane story and villains. It's so hard to negatively criticise too much. It would be unfair to judge this individual game against the wider approach of Ubisoft that some could argue needs to evolve more going into the future. The freedom that this sandbox gives to just shoot things and have fun is clear to see, and on PC the world looks incredible, filled with vivid colours, rich explosions, lush grassland and shimmering blue rivers. The real question following this conclusion to the Hope County arc and all its DLC is where Ubisoft will go next with this franchise. Ultimately it is impossible to separate New Dawn from feeling like an expensive DLC for its predecessor.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Little Worlds has taken the idea of Picross and twisted it around, throwing a whole heap of colour into proceedings with great results.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The one-track, one-car options may seem weak, but spending over an hour trying to master drifting and making incremental improvements with every try is enthralling. The buttery smooth gameplay and bright visuals have kept Ridge Racer timeless, and while it lacks all the cool features and Reiko isn't around, it's hard not to be impressed by such an early 3D racing game that had such a confident vision for itself that still stays challenging with infinite credits.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bleach: The Blade of Fate is a game that could be stripped of its anime roots and still be a great fighter.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Geared primarily towards the series' fans Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- The Prophecy of The Throne is also the perfect match for newcomers to enter Suburu's world without being overwhelmed on where to start. The action parts are more infrequent than anticipated, and may not be enjoyed by all, but this excels in the visual novel elements. In the future it would be good to see the original visual novels brought to Nintendo Switch, until then this instalment of the series exploring Suburu's unusual ability and how it helps Emelia be a royal candidate will more than suffice.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fantastic rally sim for newcomers and veterans alike, WRC 9 has only gotten better in its transition to the PlayStation 5. The next-gen console brings with it obvious visual and performance enhancements - pushing gameplay anywhere between 60 & 120 fps - but the real star here is haptic feedback. WRC 9 use of the DualSense controller is outstanding, utilizing sensations and vibrations to add another layer of immersion to racing. Players will feel the road underneath them, the weight of their brakes, and the subtlest shifts in terrain. A mix of addictive arcade gameplay and deeply immersive feedback, WRC 9 exceeds expectations.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mario Kart Wii is definitely up there with the other installments. A fairly limited single player appeal is enhanced by a comprehensive online service and a slightly toned-down but throughly enjoyable and flexible offline multiplayer mode.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    V5 Play has delivered a superb mix of differing puzzle styles, drawing from logic conundrums, rhythm-based efforts and even hidden object games to add a heap of variety, whilst also crafting a story that is laced with intrigue and dark humour at times, keeping the player's attention until the closing credits.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While this still retains the 'arcade' feel of racing, this is as fun as they come in terms of pure enjoyment from the thrill of tearing across dirt tracks, without track faults or graphical inconsistencies that hurt the previous titles. However, this does suffer from an "all eggs all in one basket" approach, in that there's not much in store here aside from career mode. If WRC 8 is the foundation of the franchise moving forwards, then it's safe to be anxious to see what Kylotonn has in store for the next title.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In Silent Hill f the F stands for fantastic. This unique story takes a daring stance and presents a thrilling psychological horror adventure. Gameplay hits that traditional Silent Hill design language, while also supporting a fast, difficult and interesting combat system, with puzzles in the world that require real mind bending. With multiple endings to achieve, its relatively short runtime is perfectly pitched for multiple plays. A slightly rough-edged horror gem.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it starts slow and simple, Teslagrad grows into something worth mentioning and definitely worth playing.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is at times frustrating, but is mostly a fun, light-hearted, and immediately and consistently enjoyable videogame.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The detail to which you can customise the cities in here is astounding, and Mass Transit is not only adding more to the plethora of options already in Cities skylines, but also tweaks some of the more frustrating elements, easing up the controls, and letting the player really get into the nitty-gritty of the road and traffic networking. While it's not an essential purchase, the additions make a vast difference to the building of roads, and the management of city transport systems. All in all, it's a fantastic feature-full expansion that gets a hearty recommendation for fans of the base game.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Playing this excellent port of Resident Evil Village - Gold Edition in handheld is transformative. The whole experience is here with all of its fingers intact, though the same can't be said of the protagonist. For Nintendo fans who haven't had a chance to play this Resident Evil instalment, this is a fantastic entry point. With a few performance patches, it could well be one of the best ways to play bar none. Successfully following RE7, Village is a good jump off point for people looking for a less concentrated experience than RE: Requiem. Highly recommended horror gaming!
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Citizens of Earth may not have had the nuanced artistry that Earthbound had, but, in spite of its limitations, it owns what it has available and runs with it.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Control is an amazing experience that is befitting of the next gen consoles. It has killer Ray Tracing features, unfortunately hampered by their implementation, and a rock solid performance mode which feels amazing. The truly twisted dystopian world of the FBC is one that will persist in player's memories for a long time with its strange otherworldly places, alongside its humanising story. Highly recommended to all PlayStation 5 owners looking for an action-adventure with some real depth and fun combat!
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The carefully crafted atmosphere of the game using the plot, music, and sound effects is balanced against the sometimes rather poor English translation and simplistic menu UI, which could benefit with some refinement to make it easier to use. Despite knowing how it ends, the replay value is high because of the desire to experience such a tragic tale once more, and see what else can be revealed from the immoral crew that may help or hinder the protagonist. There is Japanese voice acting, which makes it a good way to practice some language skills if Japanese is known by the player, but it isn't constantly voiced. It is a measure of how engaging the story is that despite the translation issues it remains a compelling play.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With the fantastic theming, all the options and fantastically challenging puzzles, Picross S Namco Legendary Edition is a must-have for puzzle fans and Namco fans alike. A great way to relax while still keeping those little brain cells occupied for a bit, this title is a great little addition to play for relaxing or while travelling.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The sheer density of content in the main quest means it will take a staggering amount of time to complete. Compounded with some entertaining and charmingly written side-quests, this journey breaks the 100 hour mark easily. There can be a few too many instances of catering to the lowest common denominator that even the hard mode modifiers can't fix, but if it means more people can enjoy this amazing game, then so be it. The only thing holding back what could be almost a masterpiece for the genre is its terrible soundtrack.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Skylanders SuperChargers is the best in the series yet and proves that LEGO Dimensions and Disney Infinity still have a yardstick to reach.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Peaceful music and simple game mechanics, which could do with a clearer tutorial, as the extensive help menu is not necessarily easily signposted, moving sideways on the farm instead of having a top down view typical to farming games, is easier than it sounds. Hours can whizz by while coin collecting to see what crops and creatures will next be unlocked, although Plantera Deluxe is more of a dip in-and-out kind of deal than one you can constantly play, making it perfect for a before bed game, or any time where relaxation is needed.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid is a great summery, relaxing time, with an engaging story, decent visual and sound design, and a lot of heart. There is a lot of fun to be had, even with the slightly unbalanced elements like character voicing. For anyone looking for a somewhat nostalgic and cheeky adventure where they can switch off and have a blast, look no further.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With developer Gust's unexpended expansion to their most favoured sub-series, comes what can be considered the best in the Atelier set to date. Casting away previous conventions to introduce new, more enriching characters, and world-building structures, Atelier Lulua's challenge spikes and lack of English dub does little to take the shine off the gem beneath.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For fans of games in The Legend of Zelda series, Ittle Dew offers plenty of puzzles and replayability to scratch that Zelda itch. The combat system may be sub-par, but that shouldn't put people off as it's only a minor gameplay element, with puzzles being the stronger focus here.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    All told, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak is more of the same core experience, complete with the best gameplay the series has ever seen. While it cuts out one of the base game's unique modes and features, follower quests are a fantastic addition for offline play. The story could use some better pacing, but the mission structure continues to be spread out very well with new and returning monsters becoming available at a relatively decent pace — aside from the post-game grind to the final monster. Regardless, Sunbreak is an astounding expansion and a must-have for any hunter for both Offline and Online play.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Frostpunk isn't perfect, but it doesn't really matter, as this is playing a different kind of ball game that has a unique charm of its own. It engrosses players into its frozen, post-apocalyptic world, and lets them do more than just design a city; it lets them really fear about failing, and it lets them feel immense joy for every small victory. It's a survival strategy game at its best.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Anyone with an amiibo should download this to try it out, especially if he or she enjoys puzzle games and/or Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Just Dance 2018 does not offer much new, but it truly does not have to at this point. The things it does offer adds to the already great experience in unexpected ways. The mojo gashapon adds yet another addictive component to the mixture of feel-good-hormones the game has offered for ages in a way that is obviously clever once explained. What players are here for, though, is the fun and addictive dance gameplay, which is as strong as ever with the ever growing Unlimited library. This makes Just Dance 2018 well worth a go for fans and newcomers alike.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Persona 4 Golden is one of those titles that just feels good to return to after a few years. The story is intriguing, and the gameplay is fun and engaging. This is a must-have for any Persona fan.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Newbies and veterans to Starward Rogue alike are most certainly going to enjoy this brand new update, AuGMENTED. While the added content may well lead to many a sleepless night, which probably isn't a good thing, the enjoyability factor of Starward Rogue: AuGMENTED, random capitalisation and all, is well worth the sacrifice.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Just like other games with similar mechanics it can be played without partaking in spending more money, but the grind will certainly put some casuals off ever investing a lot of time. Despite this, WWE fans will most likely be pleased with the refinements to the wrestling and updated roster, and if that is the case it is certainly a warranted purchase, but WWE 2K23 still leaves a desire for more.

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