DarkStation's Scores

  • Games
For 3,653 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 48% higher than the average critic
  • 7% same as the average critic
  • 45% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 2.8 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 72
Highest review score: 100 The Pedestrian
Lowest review score: 10 Another Dawn
Score distribution:
3656 game reviews
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There are points were the game could have been more refined, such as the ‘Dig-Dug’ inspired levels, giving more attack options or not forcing the player to collect diamonds to progress through stages. Yet, PixelJunk Shooter Ultimate explores a different territory in the twin-stick shooter genre.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    To sum it up, The Eyes of Ara is a solid point-and-click adventure with plenty of mystery and intrigue to keep you interested.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though it makes clear that nothing was truly decided in the Forrester’s quest for survival, both as a family and individually, there’s enough closure to the individual story lines to make the entire trip one worth taking.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    RedLynx has crafted a devilishly addictive racing-platformer hybrid that pushes their game design know-how to new limits. If you don’t have an Xbox and have been waiting for the chance to play one of the toughest releases of last year, Trials Evolution Gold is a fine way to explore that content and then some.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Monaco is the first game I’ve played that truly nails feel of the heist, with enough traps, items, and different characters that co-op play with friends should be a staple of your online activity for the months to come.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The world of Immortals: Fenyx Rising features plenty of things to keep you occupied as you rescue the gods and goddess of Mount Olympus. It’s not an especially deep game and after the first hour, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect from the rest of the adventure. Breath of the Wild was fascinating because it left the player to figure things out on their own through experimentation. Immortals, on the other hand, can’t wait to show you everything it has to offer and will take the time to do so. And just when I started to feel weary and slipping into disinterest, I’d stumble onto a really fun Vault of Tartaros that served as a reminder that it’s the game’s inventive puzzles—not the boss fights, the witty commentary between Zeus and Prometheus, or the moving confessions of the gods—that make Immortals: Fenyx Rising a surprisingly delightful epic.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I fell in love with my little blue poor janitor in her small alien world. I don’t know if the game started its life as something of a jest against usual gaming trends but it has turned into a poignant metaphor of today’s world, like how it feels to be struggling, different or alien to your surroundings. I must warn you though, this game is not for everyone and certainly not for those who only seek their thrills from the latest big-budget extravaganza. Or is it? Maybe a modest but honest game like Diaries of a Spaceport Janitor can help to see these strange new worlds beyond AAA-games.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There is no disputing that NHL 13 is a fantastic game of hockey. For me though it was missing that big new feature that would make it feel significantly different from last years outing. And as good as the new skating feels and the new modes are, they aren't enough to keep this game on the same high pedestal of NHL 12. If you missed last years game then NHL 13 would be a great point to jump in at, however for those still enjoying last years game I would say there isn't enough here to warrant the upgrade.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    FM2014 is a refined, tactically-rich game which gives you countless tools to play with in an infinite sporting sandbox.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The story is a tad bit generic, but perfect in the sense of a children’s tale. The control and movement feels very fluid, and the game overall demonstrates mastery of basic mechanics typically used in games of the same genre.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The camera angle makes it a bit tough to judge the visual aspects of the game.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I enjoyed my time in the world of Trine 4. The puzzles are engaging, the world is attractive, and there are few puzzle platform games with local co-op out there. There were a few issues here and there, but I recommend Trine 4 to anyone looking for a game to play with a friend.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There’s a lot to enjoy here for BurgerTime fans, and I have always been one of them. If you are already a fan, I think you will really enjoy the game. However, if you already know you aren’t a fan of the series, then please skip the game. The new ingredients (pun intended again) will not change your mind at all and may actually reinforce the elements you don’t like. If you aren’t sure and have never played the original, I urge you to play the original BurgerTime arcade game and make your decision from there as BurgerTime Party! just improves upon the classic.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Azure Striker Gunvolt is a fresh take on action platforming. The developers utilize Gunvolt’s signature electric Flashfield effectively throughout as both a unique form of attack and a means to engaging with the stage. Its emphasis on playing fast will attract speed runners, and an in-depth scoring system provides a thrilling arcade-like experience. The game doesn’t last long nor will it leave long-lasting impressions, but Azure Striker Gunvolt’s mold-breaking gameplay will please fans of the genre.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Two Tribes were always known for their tight gameplay and responsive controls and in those areas the game succeeds in flying colors. But the new things they invested in for their final game such as voice acting and an actual plot just feels average in comparison. The game is 15$ on PSN, so if you want a 5-6 hours long game that will push you to your absolute limits in terms of sheer skill, then RIVE is definitely worth checking out.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This in no way shape or form is a bad game, but I also felt like there was more they could have done to take it further.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Although not the excitement that one would expect out of one of the original few Guitar Hero games, Guitar Hero 5 continues to provide a high quality music game that offers new modes, an improved overall look and feel, and a solid music outing all around.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nightmares from the Deep 2: The Siren’s Call is a top tier title in its casual gaming genre. From game mechanics to visuals, everything is polished to max out the entertainment this kind of game can offer. It’s also a great stress relief. The game makes you forget your mundane worries for the time spent on weather-beaten alleys and hidden rooms of Kingsmouth.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Although head to head All 4 One can't compete with its predecessors, what it can do is give gamers a new way to experience the franchise. All 4 One is a tightly packaged experience and one that may not look as good as previous Ratchet & Clank games but it's still a pure blast to play and for that reason alone is worth checking out.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I wasn’t expecting much out of a $2 Steam game but Cooking Witch is a lovely gem. The gameplay is simple enough and uses a variety of missions, such as dropping five kids and cooking three dads, achievements and leaderboards to encourage frequent play. It’s also to a fun way to break the monotony of mundane PC activity. Whether you’re a web designer or working with Excel spreadsheets all day, tossing children into a pot for food is a great way to de-stress from the day.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Light-hearted and surprisingly solid.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Everything about this game seems to flow perfectly together. It's light, yet heavy. It's fun, yet serious. It has the style and feel of Guilty Gear, the craziness and fluidity of Marvel vs. Capcom, and the familiarity of Dragon Ball. All of these things blend together very nicely in order to create a game that can truly be enjoyed by everyone. I can play FighterZ any time with anyone and have an absolute blast with it. Whether you're a hardcore fan of the genre or not, this really is the fighting game you've been looking for.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Unravel Two is a game with many layers. On the surface lies a cooperative puzzle-platformer about two adorable yarn creatures. Underneath are meaningful narratives about escaping to safety and working together to form a brighter future. Even deeper are bittersweet and heartfelt messages about companionship, love, and the ties that bind. Coldwood’s little game about two tiny Yarnies on a grand adventure has an astounding depth that is fun to unravel.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're looking for a soothing and highly approachable puzzle game with a lot of content on offer, then Bejeweled 3 is a safe bet, it's one of the greats.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you like, or have played, a game like this in the past, you'll love AJE. If you haven't, just prepare yourself for a lot of study.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dead or Alive 6 has its place in the today’s gaming. It’s a fast, flashy and content-rich fighting game. I’m happy that Dead or Alive is back and is relevant again, and it’s always a pleasure to play as the game’s pretty cast. I also love NiCO, she’s such a bad-ass intellectual and the best new character in fighting games in ages (she wins over Tekken 7’s Lucky Chloe for being smart instead of a fluffy teen idol).
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    MLB 13: The Show is admittedly a small step forward. It has cleaned up some of the rougher edges in both the Franchise and the Road to the Show mode while maintaining its near-perfect on the field action. What else can I say, MLB 13: The Show remains one of the pinnacle sports franchises in the business today.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For those unaware, Wasteland 2 was a kickstarted game that amassed nearly $3 million in donations back in 2012. The developer inXile Entertainment clearly spent their time and resources to make a fantastic experience that has an identity to stand on its own despite being clearly inspired by other games in its genre. I’m truly grateful that I gave Wasteland 2 another chance, and I recommend you to do the same as well. If you want a stylish, character-driven adventure in the pits of despair, Wasteland 2 is here to scratch that itch!
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Book of Demons is an approachable, addictive action-RPG with a few new ideas but overall, an admirably lean approach that doesn’t allow feature-creep or overly ambitious design muddy the fun. Distinguished by its paper book aesthetic and player-friendly mechanics, Book of Demons is thin on story and level-by-level lacks variety but the ability to determine the length of each play session means that it won’t overstay its welcome.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The second title in the KUF franchise shines, as it seemlessly merges strategy elements with full-blooded action on the battlefield.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A rehash of what we saw on the current gen consoles with a bit better visuals.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sonic Mania is a wonderful celebration of what's made Sonic so great in the past while also striving to push it forward. This isn't to say it's perfect – it has some of the problems of the previous games as well – but it's such a perfect encapsulation of old Sonic games, it's impressive. If you've ever been curious about what makes these old games special, or if you're just interested in revisiting the series you loved as a kid, this is the best way to do it. It's the old and the new wrapped together in a way that makes both shine. I hope this team goes on to do more, and eventually break themselves away from needing to remix old levels and just make their own.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This isn’t so much a game as it is an experience and it’s something that I recommend everyone should experience. While the controls can be troublesome and there are a few gimmicky moments, this is probably one of the most emotionally powerful stories of the year.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Still, Shadow of Mordor is a really fun game that being some innovation to an already strong start with the 8th generation.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    When you eventually get going, the game is surprisingly addictive and moody, with bare-bones execution that still maintains an excellent attention to detail and an effective audio design rising up the hair on your back. The wicked gameplay loop of trying to survive and escape is equal parts fun and frustrating – as it pretty much should be.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re interested in a return tour or want to see it all for the first time, though, consider the Definitive Edition a great way to play a great game.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Forsaken continues Destiny’s great tradition of taking a lackluster opening salvo and beefing it up with content that makes the game feel complete. Were it not for the superhuman light level climb in front of me, I would have absolutely no issue recommending this the same way I recommended The Taken King. If there was a version of original Destiny you had to play, that was it, just as Forsaken is the definite version of Destiny 2 - as long as you’re willing to make that climb.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you are a fan of Nintendo Sports titles of past years, then get to the present time and pick up a copy of this game, it's worth it.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Serious Sam 3: BFE does one thing: lets you kill HUGE numbers of aliens at a nearly unrelenting pace. But it does that one thing well. If that sounds like a good time to you, then I recommend BFE without reservation. For everyone else, this is great throwback to the way shooters used to be that is definitely worth a look.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Photorealistic graphics are great but there’s something really nice and comforting about the retro-inspired visual aesthetic. The portable nature of the Nintendo Switch is absolutely perfect for this kind of game. Like the title screen suggests, pull the Switch off the dock, pour yourself a drink, grab some salty pretzels, and make yourself comfortable.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As a finale to a trilogy, The Banner Saga 3 delivers its long-awaited conclusion, told through a sharp character-driven narrative. Although the mash-up of tactical gameplay, Oregon Trail decision segments, and serialized fantasy drama haven’t evolved much, they effectively carry the emotional weight of a banner years in the making.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s frustrating how close to a masterpiece Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is. It has the looks, the atmosphere, the swordplay and the heart. If only it had more focus on the storytelling and gameplay. First, it’s the burdensome narrative that almost drowns all the sensibility stored in Senua’s tale. It takes far too long to actually care for her. When the narrative finally starts to ease off towards the end of the game, it’s the repetitive gameplay that gets in the way. The game drags on for its own good, making it too often boring and laborious. All the same, Senua’s trembling journey is a one that needs to be seen to the close to get its true meaning. I realize I might have sounded quite harsh in my critique but my heart told me to rate the game better. After all, Senua's cry for help made me shed tears.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Its fluid mix of combat, platforming, and smart humor made me enjoy each of my 100+ run throughs just as much as any other. After spending nearly 20 hours with the game I can honestly say I’d love to jump right back in, if only to conquer the castle just once more.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite a handful of persistent flaws, Don’t Open the Doors is a charming, hilarious, and memorable experience that completely engrosses the player in its world of violence and absent-mindedness. With its satisfying gameplay and nonstop sense of humor, it does quite enough to be worth a spot in your library. It's not a masterpiece, but Don't Open the Doors is good old-fashioned breezy fun with a superb sense of humor that pushes it into greatness. Plus, it’s just cool to play something made out of clay.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Once players overcome the initial learning curve, Europa Universalis IV will prove a memorable strategy experience that provides as much fun stories as it does sheer tactical complexity.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite that restriction, I found myself pleasantly surprised by Shadow Bug. The slow start is a bother, but the game quickly wins you back when it removes the training wheels. The speed of the gameplay never got away from me, and even with the bosses throwing up major hurdles, taking them down feels like a huge accomplishment. This is one game that I can perform my recommend-jutsu on!
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Or if you are the one reading right now and you like Castlevania and have always wanted to see what the fuss was about for Rondo of Blood, then this is a great game to go check out, I would highly recommend it.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is by far the best FPS on the Wii to date; the controls are very intuitive and responsive, and that really have driven the game into a very fun game to play.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Oh... Sir! is mostly a delight, a fun little game about just insulting your opponents until you've humiliated them enough that they concede. Though some of the writing isn't to my tastes (and of course, more words would be appreciated), the actual back-and-forth insult trades are really enjoyable. It's fun to string together just the right words to take the opponents down. It's going to be one of my go-to games for when I just need to kill a little bit time, and I hope to see the developers improve on this concept.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite a learning curve that could use some work, there’s a lot to like in Two Point Hospital. It continues to find ways to make you laugh deep into the game without ever drawing too much attention to that aspect of itself. The controls are so intuitive that for the first time I don’t see any real downside to playing a simulation game on a console over a PC if that’s what you prefer. There’s plenty of content to keep you occupied for a long time as well. If you’re a fan of simulation games, Two Point Hospital is a must play. For those this is a new genre, though, I definitely think you should give the game a chance. It isn’t perfect but it’s a good time if you’re able to really learn its systems and understand everything a great hospital needs.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Oxenfree has its flaws, but the story will keep you engaged until the very end and the charismatic cast of characters, coupled with the visually stunning environments, makes this adventure worth playing.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Misadventures of Laura Silver: Chapter I is a fun and stylistic – and unexpected – bullseye that really makes you want to see what’s next in store for Laura and Cooper and their new acquaintance Uri.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    CastleStorm is a fun game to play either online or against AI and that experience alone is worth the price. However, it shouldn't be blindly purchased just because it has "VR" added to the title.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Majorly annoying, heartbreaking, game stopper of a bug aside, XCOM was worth the money I spent to pick it up. I can easily see myself playing through this multiple times, growing as attached to each group of awesome, yet often spectacularly inept soldiers, as I did to the first. There a fair amount of replay with different starting countries, different base layouts, and procedurally generated combat.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Battlefield series makes a smooth transition to the console, offering new ideas to spice up gameplay. Pity the online play is surprisingly weak.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Gun
    Calling this shooter a GTA in a Wild West setting would not do it justice, as it serves up a thrilling experience with an engaging story and solid combat.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you feel the need for something casual but that's puzzling enough to keep your brain active, Box Kid Adventures is definitely a game you should consider. With a low price tag and Steam Workshop support, there aren't many other games that compete with this level of simplistic fun.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Make no mistake, while Northgard might not have pages of tech trees and armies of clashing units, it has a fundamental gameplay loop that is never less than engaging and consistently challenging. Northgard is an RTS where neither the usual binary strategies of turtling or aggression are effective and where every victory feels especially sweet.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I thought Outer Wilds was going to be more of an RPG, and I sort of wish it was. The more engaging gameplay elements — the story and its mysteries, the fascinating and beautiful planets, the thrill of exploration and discovery — always took a backseat to the puzzles and physics, which were intriguing but sometimes felt like an arbitrary impediment that drained some of the delight out of Outer Wild’s often genuinely unique experience.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As a fan of both puzzles and cooperative experiences, I enjoyed my time with Death Squared. It’s easy to say just one more after every inventive and devious puzzle. Although the game has some flaws – its reliance on trial-and-error and imprecise movement – playing with a teammate alleviated those frustrations, leading to laughter each time an unexpected death occurred. Although playing the game alone is neither that fun nor easy to control, playing with a well-coordinated partner provides the perfect setup for this mechanically colorful puzzler.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Forge is a great opening shot for the rest of six DLC adventures to follow, not to mention that it alone is better than the dreary 20th anniversary content released for Rise of the Tomb Raider. It’s a fun way to extend the game’s life beyond New Game+ and is tightly woven into the context of the main story, its people and their history without feeling unattached or forced.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Free from the stresses and complexities of modern multiplayer shooters, Star Wars Battlefront is an invitation to play in a galaxy far, far away.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite some technical hiccups, I actually think handheld is a better version of the game than a console experience, and if you have the system for it, definitely get this one on the go.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The sequel to the Battlefront series dazzles us with exciting single player modes, space battles and superb online play, all wrapped in the same solid visual engine.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Rad Rodgers is a tautly constructed, well-paced game that doesn't outstay its welcome. Although I grew tired of the Pixelverse gimmick and wasn't always on board with the game's humor, I enjoyed its vibrant art, action and level design. Whether you're a platforming wizard or just a casual fan on the genre, Rad Rodgers will keep you entertained.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Activision surprises us with a handheld game that offers even more content and features than its console counterparts. An absolute must for Gun fans on the move.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Any control issues aside, Rayman Legends never ceases to be enjoyable. The game is so fully featured that it makes Rayman Origins seem like a prototype. From the game’s delightful tone to it’s gorgeous graphics and top notch level design, Legends is better than Origins quantitatively and qualitatively. Not only that, it’s one of the best games of 2013 and one of the best platformers of all time. Maybe even better than Rayman 2.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Rollers of the Realm doesn’t have the same flash as real world pinball games, but its richness of character and personality are just as attractive.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    From a stylistic point of view, the game got its hooks deep in me because I felt it drew visual and aural inspiration from the likes of 1980s sci-fi film legends Douglas Trumbull, John Carpenter, and Ridley Scott. Genesis: Alpha One offers a tense and methodical approach to roguelike survival through base building and resource gathering in one of the most harshest environments imaginable.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A huge step ahead of last year's version with a solid Story Mode, great graphics, and plenty of game modes to choose from.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ghost of a Tale is such a unique and captivating looking game that it deserves your attention for its aesthetics alone. Graphics don't make a game, of course, and happily, Ghost of a Tale has enough story and RPG gameplay to keep you entertained throughout. It's quite an achievement for a small team, and a reminder that not every indie game needs to be a blob of pixels in search of a retro niche.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is a good time for newcomers to see what the fuss was about and a chance for longtime fans to take another dip in the ocean.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you're in for the full campaign, fun with friends, or just want to smash some stuff up, you'll find exactly what you're looking for in this charming, rage-relieving adventure. With plenty of settings to assist the motion-sick players, and the option to use a standard controller or Move Controllers, you'll find no problems with accessibility across this vast and hectic game.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In the world obsessed with Souls-likes, Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate is a great reminder that action games can be fast, frantic and fun, too. Hyperactive J-rock paces the heated action that is presented in a steady frame-rate throughout despite all things happening on screen. Responsive and effortless controls keep up the flow beautifully and I, for one, didn’t get tired of the featured gameplay that is a whole lot more forthcoming and easier to grasp than in individual titles in Samurai and Dynasty Warriors series. As a separate and quite pricey upgrade, the Ultimate edition doesn’t feel all that essential if you own Warriors Orochi 4 already. However, as a bundle to the newcomers, it’s a great entry point to the extravagant and action-packed franchise.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The world is your skatepark, or Los Angeles in this case, as Neversoft's premier skater continues to impress with a seamless environment and solid gameplay.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Scurvy Scallywags is on my front page where it will stay for quite a while. I keep returning to it if I find myself with a few minutes to spare. It’s perfect for those quick gaming bursts and is enjoyable for long periods as well. Scurvy Scallywags is $1.99 on the apps store and is definitely worth the asking price. It brings some unique twists to the match-3 genre that can easily reel you back in.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I never sat down with The Escapists 2 without smiling. Even during its rough first hours, its personality and a keen sense of humor kept me going. And as you discover its layers of challenge, intrigue, and variety, you'll be hooked. By turning the routine into a steady and engaging flow of progress, and by spicing things up with historical and fantastical locations, The Escapists 2 gets tremendous mileage out of its premise. Then you have the online, which is mildly problematic yet brimming with life and new ways to experience the game. You may be serving time in jail, but The Escapists 2 will ensure that you won't feel guilty about it. Now excuse me, I think I've earned some kind of punishment for that awful wordplay.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Gorogoa is worthy of everyone’s attention. Writing about it doesn’t do the game the favor it deserves so walk away, grab your Switch, a cup of tea and unwind through the calming waters of Robert’s evocative creation!
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Once you get past the odd control timing I think anyone can really enjoy Full Bore. The world feels unique and fresh while the gameplay feels familiar enough to be comfortable, but different enough to feel innovative.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Splasher is a great platformer and deserves to be played by any fan of the genre. If you enjoyed games like Super Meat Boy or Rayman Origins you’ll enjoy the frenetic pace of Splasher and the demanding controls. You have everything you need at your fingertips, you just need the dexterity to finish what you started. I appreciate what Splasher does with the four buttons because it’s opening up the genre and experimenting with what’s possible. Another platformer where you jump through levels would probably be dust in the wind but Splasher stands out because it takes a chance with its unique, if sometimes frustrating, controls.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Yo-kai Watch 3 is the ultimate edition of the series thus far. It may not have evolved much from 1 and 2, but its new Tactics Board combat system and novel American-inspired setting keep the game fresh. With two separate protagonists and storylines to tell, the game takes a massive 40+ hours to complete, not including the plethora of sidequests and full-fledged minigames. Unfortunately, the story drags for much of the first half, and the two towns may be too big for their own good. All things considered, this latest entry revived my fandom for Level-5’s hit series, and I wait with bated breath for what the Nintendo Switch’s Yo-kai Watch 4 has in store.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s smartly designed, and while I wish there were more modes, what’s there is definitely worth experiencing.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    But other than those minor grievances, I found the overall experience to be a fun, unique experience that lends itself to a variety of play styles, giving it a good amount of replay value. With a little more polish, it could become a cult classic.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon’s Crown doesn’t offer any much needed enrichment of its various genres, but it makes up for this by committing to its visual identity and the frenetic, empowering possibilities of its game design.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While on paper the changes seem incremental - and if we’re being honest, they are - DC Super-Villains feels like a big step up and a welcome evolution. I’m certainly feeling better this go round than I was at the end of the last, and am even planning some trips back in to clean up and collect what’s left to find. Plus, they got Mark Hamill back for The Joker. That alone means it can’t be all bad.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Although its multiplayer is a little underpowered, Doom Eternal’s challenging campaign is a reminder — as was its 2016 sibling — that old school mayhem fueled by adrenaline and alien guts still packs a wallop of fun. The game’s story is a bit too convoluted and portentous and its platforming is over-exacting sometimes to the point of momentum-halting frustration, but it’s hard not to recommend Doom Eternal to fans of shooters from any era.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tiger continues to dominate the golf genre with the same fluid gameplay but with more modes, bigger selection of courses and a nice visual upgrade.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, this particular port of Star Ocean is simultaneously the absolute best way to play the game today and a bit underwhelming at the same time. Only little has changed between First Departure and First Departure R, mainly portraits, audio choices and upscaling while the gameplay remains rather outdated. The port was literally made for more sales, but I’m still glad they brought this classic game to modern consoles and I had a bunch of fun playing it once again. Here’s hoping we see a Star Ocean: Second Story R in 2020!
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Senran Kagura Peach Beach Splash is unashamed fan service for sure, but more importantly it’s a damn good game. Fast-moving and smooth-controlling water tagging action is satisfying and addictive. It’s best played in short bursts, though, as long sessions in a one go can get a bit repetitive. However, there’s so much to play, so many plush girls to play with, and tons of things to unlock and choose from, that you’re most likely coming back to the game for a long time. A few words of warning: PBS is absolutely not for the humorless or uptight persons out there. If you can stand the heat - and take the game as it is - it's unadulterated fun.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing was a treat, and hopefully, we’ll be able to have more in the future.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite all my gripes with the game, I still can recommend Detective Gallo. It really starts to take flight as it goes on, and it has a greatly paced plot. The hard-boiled detective Gallo was a lot of fun to play as, and the surrounding cast and environments all blended well together. The typical difficulty of the genre does rear its head at times, but fairly linear progression makes it manageable. Detective Gallo is definitely a game that you’ll want in your lib-rooster-y.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There is no denying that NCAA Football 13 is a small step forward for the franchise, especially in comparison to the past few years. However where NCAA Football 13 continues to succeed is in bringing the action we love on Saturdays to life. If you bought last year's game there isn't a huge incentive to go out and pick this one up for full retail price, but if you're looking to get a fix of college football, NCAA Football 13 is an amazing game of football.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Buccaneer is a fun game made by a pair of very talented designers. The graphics are top notch and some of the best I have ever seen in an independent game.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    NCAA Football 14 feels like a great culmination of all the NCAA Football titles this generation. The new engine fixes a lot of the weird problems that occurred in the past few games and allows the running game to take center stage.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    To my surprise Touchmaster really did capture what a good compilation is made of.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Heart of the Forest is an interesting mix of werewolf myths based on a role-playing codex and real-life eco-activism in the form of a low-key interactive story. There really was protests in Białowieża national forest in 2016 where the game draws its inspiration from. Usually, visual novels are a whole lot less involving as choices in them are often just superficial. Here, though, you must really go under Maia’s skin and talk and act like you would in her place. The game does not try to embrace the world but is a strictly controlled experience. Its prose is punctual and sufficiently descriptive and keeps pace with today’s important matters. The angle is strongly on the side of spirituality and nature, as well as accepting what really makes you. Aided by strong visual sense and deep but not preaching writing, Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Heart of the Forest is a reminiscent of the fact that good gaming entertainment needs nothing more than an intriguing story and necessary means to convey it.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even if you already bought the last-gen edition, the stunning visuals and accompanying glimpse into where this series is headed are worth the upgrade.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    NBA 2K9 comes as another solid outing for 2K Sports, its not a huge leap forward like some of us would expect.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Axiom Verge is a great game that will scratch the itch for anyone scorned by Nintendo’s failure to give Samus a needed and deserved shot in the arm.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nintendo needs to do something with this series to start making sure that it stays fresh. The core idea of a Mario platformer, side scrolling, on modern systems is perfectly sound, but they just came too many, too quickly. Lack of innovation might help tire us of a great idea, but even without being a new experience, there's still a lot to this game that entertains and offers a fun experience to anyone who tries it. The game may lack some innovation, but where it counts, in gameplay, it still delivers the experience you expect from a Mario game.

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