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
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Where the next episode goes from here is anyone’s guess, but there is absolutely a showdown brewing in Richmond, and misery is sure to be included in the aftermath. Rather than looking forward to any kind of conclusion to the main plot, the smaller subplots revolving around family are what have kept me thinking about the future of the season. I just hope that, given how quick the tide can come in during the closing episodes, that this family is strong enough to endure what comes.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The climax is one of the better actions scenes that The Walking Dead has put forward, and it delivers for the most part. I was a bit upset at the end, as there is at least one senseless death that seemed thrown in just to remind you that any choice you make has consequences, but there were also some really great moments, including one that calls back to Lily’s father Larry, and his incredible death during the first season. For the first time that I can recall as well, you are given the option to knock out the Raiders instead of simply ending their life, and I wonder how that will play into the overall narrative as this train comes to the end of its track.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    On the surface, Romancing SaGa 3 looks like an instant recommendation for anyone who loves traditional SNES JRPGs, but in reality, that’s not the case. The game is very different from many other conventional JRPGs. Even the most die-hard fans of the genre will find the game frustrating unless they are willing to invest in learning its finer details.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sky Force: Reloaded was a game that truly surprised me. Despite being several years old, everything feels modern and polished. While it can be challenging, it never deterred me from playing thanks to brilliant design choices that kept me motivated rather than frustrated. It’s an easy game to recommend and one that I see coming back to for a long time to come.
    • 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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Crypto returns for some more probing in the sequel, and is just as fun and wild as the original with even more wacky weapons and diverse missions.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With different gameplay options designed to suit quick or extended play, cosmetic goodies to earn, and multiple courses, Everybody’s Golf VR offers good value for its thirty dollar price tag. I was concerned about using the Move wand at first, knowing that certain VR games I’ve played before suffered tracking issues, but I had absolutely no problems here. And it’s way, way better than using the Dualshock. Sadly, the Move couldn’t help me with my own physical failings, meaning that many, let’s be real, all missed and failed swings were my fault. Everybody’s Golf VR is challenging and more physically demanding but is just as fun and spirited as any other game in the series.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    So don’t be deceived by the somewhat tired “retro indie puzzle-platformer” description; Adventures of Pip sets itself apart from the nostalgia machine in some interesting ways and it’s well worth your money.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Father was a treasured addition to Sierra’s stable of old school adventure games. The anniversary edition of the game is readily accessible to those who have no history with Gabriel Knight or even Sierra games.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lockdown continues the tradition of solid shooters in the Tom Clany franchise, but doesn't try to change the status quo by doing anything revolutionary.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Spartan is one of those games that may not appeal to everyone, but for those who enjoy the ancient Roman time period and like just hacking and slashing, then Spartan: Total Warrior is a great game.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the multiplayer is devoid of willing participants and the frequency with which I accidentally kill my own soldiers is annoying, there is nothing to stop Castlestorm from being anything but great, great fun.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Party Hard 2 is a serviceable, yet mostly bland game with little going for it besides some of its music and the tense gameplay. Planning out killings without getting caught was the true highlight for me. The story lacks writing prowess and it’s further held back by the low budget production values. Overall, Party Hard 2 is a game I’d only recommend to those interested in some virtual mass murdering.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I’m betting The Raven flew under a lot of people’s radars, even adventure game fans, so yeah, I’d recommend checking it out if you get a chance. It’s maybe eight-hours long total, but it twists complicates its narrative, and gives a greater depth than expected in a lot of ways. It’s just a good crime story with competent gameplay and a great narrative – and you’re bound to get some joy out of it.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Rad
    There is a disconnect between Rad’s appealing world and character design, art direction and writing, and its frustratingly difficult gameplay. The world is fun to be in, with no lack of clever, imaginative touches but its combat can turn the experience sour. Gamers with grit and patience will discover a lot of layers, secrets and maybe even a little unexpected pathos but many will be turned away by the early game’s barriers.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dazzles with its visuals, but ultimately falls short of being truly memorable due to its dragging plot and button-mashing combat.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you like co-op, and don't mind not having a single player, Army of Two for the PS3 is a great game that is worth checking out.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Semblance is a game full of excellent and satisfying puzzles, marred only by some odd jankiness and a final level that doesn’t focus on the strengths of what had come before. While short, the experience was overall enjoyable, and a fun take on the idea of a world that can be deformed on your way to finishing a puzzle. It could definitely use more levels, but it doesn’t overstay its welcome, and in the end, isn’t it good for a game to leave you wanting more?
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Resident Evil 6 is a conflicted game that offers a fun but flawed core experience punctuated by some outstanding moments of action and suspense, along with a host of questionable design choices that often hobble what can be (and often is) an otherwise enjoyable game.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Alliance Alive is a solid RPG with a lot of flaws (generic characters and story) but balanced with a lot of strong points too (fun gameplay and combat). Despite its annoying shortcomings, the game can be recommended to anyone looking for an RPG that plays like it's straight from the golden era.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The degree to which you like Alone with You will depend largely upon how much emphasis you put on story versus gameplay. At times, the game feels a little bit too much like a walking simulator with 1993 graphics. A game like Alone with You that features survival so heavily as one of its major themes should make survival tough and satisfying, but the game does not offer that experience. On the other hand, success comes in abundance with the game’s setting, characters, and story. Whereas most “space disaster” games feature scary aliens, action, and explosions, Alone with You features realistic human tragedy. It is a unique approach to this genre of fiction that I have never experienced in video games. It is for this reason that this game can still be considered an overall success, despite its overly simplistic and deeply flawed gameplay.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Charming, cheesy, and mysterious, Dark Nights with Poe and Munro delivers a solid FMV adventure throughout its six episodes. Though the game plays out more like a choose-your-own-adventure than a full on video game, it’s a good time nonetheless. I found the dynamic duo to be fun to watch, especially during their playful banter due to the strong chemistry between the two actors. However, the quick time event based gameplay lacked polish and felt tacked on. Regardless, Dark Nights with Poe and Munro is certainly worth playing for those who enjoy goofy supernatural FMV games.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's not the best one on the current generation consoles, but it is the best PS2 tennis game out there.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Master of Anima has pleasantly surprised me. It's a great real-time tactical game at the core, merged brilliantly with action-adventure elements, resulting in a very delightful gaming experience. The gameplay is immersive, challenging and fun. It's a solid choice for strategy/adventure fans everywhere.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    “Short but sweet” is the emphasis for Neversong, both in its three-or-four hour runtime and the yarn it’s weaving. This comes at the cost of its substandard gameplay never invested in any particular idea. Each new bauble and character share the same story: neither feels like enough stock was given. But as an indie auteur’s expansion of a historical flash game, the effort poured into its revitalized presentation and atmosphere is something platforming fans could still admire.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    When I first started it, I thought it would be a repetitive game that would lose my attention quickly. I’m happy to say this couldn’t be further from the truth. The fast pace meant I was able to jump in and out of the game with no problems. For being such a simplistic, the game is quite difficult to master as many of my runs fizzled out quicker than they should. The unlockable system keeps you always a step behind the curve, never giving you a chance to get too comfortable. In the end, Super Mutant Alien Assault is one enjoyable title that I definitely recommend.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    No monkey business this time around, as Sega deliver a fun puzzler that taps perfectly into the unique Wii remote. One of the better launch titles for the Wii.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The things that Insurgency does well can already be found in its original Source mod form while the new changes are not substantial enough to really make the game something worth trying out unless you’re completely wet behind the ears or looking to scratch an Insurgency itch.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Removed from the reality with its fantasy settings and stylized visuals, the game has no burden of contemporary issues clouding its ageless tale of power and responsibility. As such, Omensight is perfect escapism despite its dark tones.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Monster Energy Supercross - The Official Videogame 3 can be really grindy if you don’t want to pay the extra money and I, for one, really don’t want to. It takes persistent racing to upgrade the bike to hit those precious podiums but excellent physics and responsive handling keep the gameplay constantly rewarding. The game has a nice discipline to it, an important virtue I’d like to see in more videogames. It doesn’t needlessly ramble all over the place but keeps its focus firmly on the supercross. Monster Energy Supercross - The Official Videogame 3 is good at what it does. Simple wisdom behind any good game.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Formula One has steadily garnered some following, and Sony has finally done the sport justice with this realistically thrilling racing experience.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Hotline Miami’s difficulty already kind of bordered into unfair territory, so it’s likely that fans of the original will be able to forgive this sequel’s faults. It does absolutely nothing to attract new fans, but then, no one was asking it to.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The game doesn't really have a whole lot of content to go along with its full retail price but the single player campaign is extremely fun and is worth playing.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Not A Hero is pretty upfront about what it intends to deliver. There are no heroes here, just as there aren’t any deep mechanics or unexpected twists in the gameplay. What the game does have is an incredibly memorable cast of villains, most of whom you’ll be controlling throughout, and a solid core mechanic that unfortunately gets stretched a little too thin.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Once acquainted with its nuances, Pendragon becomes a relaxing Arthurian-themed chess game with a beautiful soundtrack that I recommend to anyone who is interested in an experimental fusion of storytelling and tactics.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pandemic Studios takes what we love about campy alien B-Movies and turns it into this relentlessly funny and solid action title.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Deponia is an adventure game for people who like adventure games. It's not going to convert any admirers out of detractors but it is a solid game that any fan of the genre will most likely enjoy.
    • 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!
    • 74 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    When it comes down to it, Sunless Sea: Zubmariner Edition is an ambitious game that failed to ultimately capture me. Early on it discouraged me from continuous play, and while I eventually got into a rhythm, the barriers of entry still gated off levels of enjoyment. The lack of a tutorial is a major flaw, as a game with this much original language needs to provide a strong opening to capture attention. The spots that shine bright really stand out, and for those looking for a detailed and captivating story-based game, you could do worse. If you’re ready to read a lot, this is an adventure I can recommend you to embark on. If you aren’t, you’ll find yourself drowning in this zee of words.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hell is Other Demons is a satisfying little game that manages to provide a quick dose of adrenaline on the go. The bite-sized levels make the game easy to pick up and play. With the challenging bosses, great loadout system, and heavy emphasis on replayability, the game has a lot going for it. It’s a shame that the repetitive nature of the core gameplay made it hard to maintain genuine interest. Regardless, Hell is Other Demons is definitely worth picking up for its addictive progression system as well as its highly enjoyable combat.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With so much of the story left to see, it’s hard to make any definitive calls on the overall quality of The Raven: Legacy of a Master Thief. As for the first chapter though, I am waiting with baited breath to see where the story goes, and to continue on this adventure with Constable Zellner. For fans of the adventure genre, this is an easy one to recommend. For everyone else, there is nothing quite like a good mystery, and this, so far, is absolutely one of the good ones.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The re-telling of the Tale of Genji improvises on the novel with fast-paced action, hard-hitting combos and deep storyline. Pity it doesn't last that long.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Where The Water Tastes Like Wine is a welcome addition to the adventure genre. While its minute-to-minute narrative lacks the complexity and pull of classic adventure games, its open-world design and unique approach to storytelling make it something unlike anything I've ever played before. For those looking to lose themselves in an atmospheric world with phenomenal music and voice acting, Where The Water Tastes Like Wine is worth experiencing. It's certainly an acquired taste, but the water tastes pretty good here.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you have ever been interested in Rugby, this is the game to check out for you.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's cheap, it looks good, and it plays well, if you've got $5 and a few hours to kill you really can't go wrong with Mercury Hg.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Expeditions: Viking features some admirably nuanced turn-based combat that is in service of a larger story and interesting characters. It is a game that probably demands -- and certainly rewards -- multiple playthroughs both to gain mastery over the systems and to explore different choices in the story. Relatively minor quibbles with the game's visuals, camera, controls and occasional bugs aside, playing Expeditions: Viking is an unexpectedly rewarding experience.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While it’s obvious that the games spell-crafting system is the main focus, I felt as though it was never implemented into the game well enough to warrant great praise. I’m sure it will get a lot of coverage and be an entertaining thing to watch players utilize and break over time, but it doesn’t do much for the game aside from that. Mages of Mystralia is a good looking fantasy romp with an interesting spell system, typical fantasy setting and story, and basic combat. It’s the type of game you can finish and enjoy in a weekend and then probably forget about in a few weeks.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    For a game built on such a solid mix of exploration and combat, to have both systems feel so broken is almost criminal, especially when a different, better version of the same game exists on another platform.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Its dynamic gameplay birthed unforgettable, heroic tales of agents who made amazing triumphs and ultimate sacrifices alike that I still remember over twenty years later. Unfortunately, Phoenix Point never inspires in the same way. The turn-based combat is probably among the best the genre offers but the hollow string of separate missions the procedurally created content weaves can’t carry the game. Ultimately, Phoenix Point is only for true believers of the genre - if they don’t mind the meaningless framework the game is put onto, that is.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Kingdom Hearts fans will want to see the new story content and there’s likely enough content here to make them feel they got their money’s worth. Everyone else will be able to find a rhythm game more worthy of their time.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Due to unfortunate design choices, I just wanted to rush through everything and couldn’t exactly enjoy my time with the game. In short, Ancestors Legacy felt too much like a chore to play. Saying this doesn’t bring me any joy because the Middle Ages setting and the presented factions were actually cool. The idea to make a history-based, story-driven RTS title with dynamic features could have been great, but all these sides didn’t mesh well here. I really wanted to get into the gameplay, but the best I could muster was excitement for engaging cutscenes and disturbingly alluring images.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Apart from adding a new game to the short list of PSN exclusives, the game seems better suited to a different audience, unless there are people out there that feel nostalgic for an eight year old game.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    While Gigantic builds on a foundation that has already been set, the architects at Motiga have a blueprint with real potential. The Clash and Guardian system is distinctive and gives a great sense of scale, while the list of heroes is colorful, yet not over-designed. This isn’t just another MOBA; it’s a unique experience that takes the minimum requirements to qualify for the genre and goes off on its own tangent – and I couldn’t be happier for it.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    On top of the great strategy gameplay, Kings Bounty: Warriors of the North offers a great value with its $30 price tag. The worst thing that you can say about it is that it doesn't deviate much from King's Bounty: Armored Princess, besides a few details and a few conveniences – or is that the best thing that you can say about it? After all, Armored Princess was an excellent game.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    “Dark Room” delivers the same level of high emotional drama as previous episodes and raises the stakes for what is expected to be a busy finale.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    All in all, I did not really enjoy Trials of Mana. It feels rushed, cheaply made, and the gameplay just doesn’t engage me. I realize this may be a frustrating opinion for fans of the series (who are very passionate), but this game just isn’t for me and I feel like it is not put together or balanced very well. If you’re already a big fan of the series, you might find this title to be quite enjoyable. As it is, though, I find it to be a bit of a mess.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The combat and driving are solid, the customization options are engaging, and the missions are wild. Volition did a fantastic job with the original version and Sperasoft has done good work updating the game but has also introduced several issues and missed some opportunities to improve the game. If you haven’t played a Saints Row game before, The Third is the best place to start. And if you’re a fan of the series, it’s just as good as you remember.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Layers of Fear isn’t just about being terrifying, as it has a solid story that deals with some dark material even though you could very well miss the majority of it if you aren’t diligent about investigating your environment.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The highly acclaimed developer works their magic on the bike racing scene with this extremely addictive sim. Not quite a Gran Turismo for bikes, but close enough.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While I could not have recommended it to any but the hardcore fighting game community when it released, it’s now complete enough that I don’t have qualms about getting into it now. I’m still having fun with the game, even though most of my time is spent trying to complete survival runs and challenges rather then feed people rating boots online.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Namco debuts their flagship racer on the 360, wowing everyone with the fast arcade style racing it is famous for, except for a lag-plagued online play.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken is a game that has a lot going for it. Engaging game play, tight controls, and a kicking sound track make for a great experience. Lack of narrative pulls it down, but not enough to diminish the time spent with it. For a $9.99 price point, I would gladly recommend HBC and his gun-toting craziness to a gamer looking for some cheap, yet well produced dumb fun.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    In the pantheon of pinball tables bearing the Star Wars name, Rogue One runs close to the middle of the pack. Some exceptional visuals serve as standouts, but are not enough to carry the sadly banal play of the table itself. It never reaches the lows of the American Dad table, but unless you are looking to fill out your collection, Rogue One is nothing to go out of your way for.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With the exception of Monster Seeking Monster, Jackbox Party Pack IV delivered a great time with good friends. It’s really about all you can ask of a party game, to be entertaining for a group, and Jackbox accomplishes that with a familiar flair.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The PC conversion is technically flawless, running butter smooth even on a modest hardware and with tons of configuration options you can make the game as pretty as it can be. I’m used to that Nihon Falcom’s games exist in a timeless bubble, always visually a bit behind of current standards but making up for that with catching stories and intricate characterizations, but it’s there where Ys: Memories of Celceta sadly fails.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Played cooperatively, For the King is an entertaining and engaging stand-in for a tabletop RPG game and its pleasant art and gentle humor balance nicely its difficulty and mechanical complexity. It’s less fun as a single-player experience, simply because coordinating character movement and exploration with quests and combat challenges and random encounters is a lot to track. Including the DLC, the console version of For the King is a substantial amount of reasonably priced content.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s a fun stealth-action open-world hacking game, but it’s one that falls under its own weight in many ways. With the technical problems of the Xbox One version smoothed out and enhancements to the visuals and performance across the board, I can much more easily recommend the Xbox Series X version but that doesn’t fix the core design problems. Watch Dogs: Legion is incredibly impressive, but only insomuch as it is flawed. Thankfully, there is still a competent third-person open-world game at its core.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Unmechanical is a puzzle games that offers a pretty, but all too familiar experience of solving difficult puzzles in order to advance through a subterranean underworld. Easy and minimalistic controls make the game easy enough to pick up for gamers of any skill level, but some of the more complex puzzles may put them off or force them to seek out solutions. If it's a challenge you seek, Unmechanical will give it to you.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a fantastic roster and just greater polish overall, WWE 2K14 is a great addition into the WWE video game franchise and is a must own for any wrestling fan.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    In the end, my recommendation for Marble It Up is based upon what kind of games you like to play or are looking for. Those longing for a title chock-full of content will be disappointed, but those after a small time sink that rewards commitment and mastery, then Marble it Up is a great game to fill those voids.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I still feel that the game could have included some more classics, but with what they gave you most of us will be quite satisfied.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The PS2 version may not be as polished as the Xbox or PC version, but it manages to retain the essence of the game, which is the perfect blend of great action and strategy.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite its short run and lack of replayability, Clustertruck is a fun little title for the Nintendo Switch. The simple gameplay allows for some truly hectic moments, while varied level design keeps the action interesting from beginning to end.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dying Light just about fires on all cylinders. The immensely satisfying gameplay, stunning visuals, and horrifying nights makes this easily one the best survival horror games to come out in the last couple of years.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Grow Home is worth checking out if you’re looking for an interesting romp through a beautiful world with new mechanics in terms of platforming, just be ready to fall to your death and not understand why.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Journey to the Savage Planet might just be the first great game of 2020. It’s beautiful, compelling, fun, and funny. It’s difficult to think about the game without comparing it to other recent titles. Visually, it’s similar to No Man’s Sky; tonally, it’s akin to The Outer Worlds; and the level-design takes a page from Metroid Prime. Even with all of these seemingly obvious inspirations, the way Savage Planet combines its various elements makes it feel completely unique. Despite the fact that, in the end, Savage Planet doesn’t fully stick the landing, it embodies the words of Shepherd Book: it doesn’t matter where you're going because how you get there is the worthier part. And this is a most excellent way to get there.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Spider-Man franchise goes back to its comic book roots, and produces one solid adventure for the web crawler which could be too short for its own good.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Transposing the tactical turn-based combat and character permadeath of XCOM to the fantasy genre seems like an obvious idea and Fort Triumph does a good job with it, adding some physics-based combat and touches of contemporary humor to the mix. On the other side of the ledger, the humor might not tickle everyone the same way and overall the look of the characters and the story seem content to settle for familiarity instead of reaching a little more for originality. Fort Triumph is in no way a bad game and fans of turn-based RPGs, traditional fantasy RPGs and XCOM will probably enjoy the experience.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Army of Two: The 40th Day is bigger, badder, and better then the games first outing.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you are a fan of the series on the PSP then you should definitely pick it up because it is more of the same, but if not then stay away.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Despite its problems, I really do like Guilty Gear. It’s a fun and well-designed fighting engine. Unfortunately, the actual product being sold is little more than a shell for this fighting engine. The lack of narrative explanation is very frustrating, even if you are familiar with fighting games. Because of this, I can only recommend Guilty Gear to those who just want a solid version of the game on modern consoles.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Luigi’s Mansion for the 3DS is a good port that is bogged down by the troublesome control limitations. It’s problematic enough that I would still recommend the GameCube title if possible for newcomers. If you’re a series veteran, this is still largely the same game, although the expanded Gallery Mode, multiplayer, and improved postgame might still prove enticing. Otherwise, the core gameplay is as solid and engaging as ever, and this remake rekindled my appreciation for Luigi’s first big outing.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s fair to say Cloud Chamber is a very specific type of game for a very specific type of gamer. It’s also fair to say that Cloud Chamber is one of the most original experiences I’ve had in a very long time, and joins games like Gone Home as it borders the line between game and interactive story.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    TT Isle of Man Ride on the Edge 2 is a big improvement over the previous game. KT Racing really went a mile to make it better in all fronts instead of giving a nominal upgrade and slapping a new number to the title. The driving physics feel good (and more forgiving), the sense of scope is much bigger with added racing locations, the presentation is professional and the revamped career mode has a terrific amount of content. If you want instant rewards from your racing game, however, this one is not for you as it takes a long-time engagement to be competitive. The game is certainly tough but it doesn’t take away from the fact that TT Isle of Man 2 stands among the best adaptations of riding a motorcycle in video games. Maybe in the next iteration we get more personality through more profound customization.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Even when armed only with its age and a modern translation, though, Soul Hackers’ great storytelling and infectious dark spirit make it a forty-hour-plus proposition that long-time JRPG fans should consider.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A classic Batman story in some less then stellar trappings, Cold, Cold Heart is worth your time if you are in the mood for more of the Dark Knight.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    All in all, I think Bridge Constructor Medieval is a pretty neat little game that is only held back by its core mechanic.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    There’s nothing quite like it out there – even SpaceChem is only thematically similar – so who knows, maybe it will awaken the passion of some budding physicists. It’s more likely, however, to merely serve as a warning against future game ideas based on subatomic particles.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even at its most complex, Cities: Skylines underplays the economic sim/drudgery of operating and expanding a metropolis in favor of bigger picture stats. Most of all, there’s the pleasure and relaxing creativity that come from puttering around and watching one’s city functioning well and imagining its tiny citizens happy with their little lives. And now, with Campus, those people can better themselves through education. The expansion isn’t mind-blowing but it does toss a substantial amount of new content on an already impressive pile.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Keeping your station running isn't easy, especially as more and more needs build up, but doing it over and over can get a bit repetitive. None of this gets in the way of the core gameplay here being very solid and addicting in the way that the best simulation titles are. I had a good time with STATIONflow and if you're into simulation games, I think you will, too. I just wish that a lack of variety and a few less than intuitive gameplay choices didn't keep it from being something truly special.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Arcade Spirits is tailor-made for someone like me who was born in the 70s and spent much of their formative years in the 80s, the golden age of arcade, video and computer games. The old retro uncle inside me trembles with enthusiasm when seeing the game’s piquant arcade hall and all its lovely retro games. In the arcade game auction during chapter two, when I made a bid for a game I would have loved in real life, too, it felt so uncannily real. That’s the strongest part of Arcade Spirits; it sucks you in to get involved in a life that despite a few whimsical departures is very much reminiscent of our own with all ups and downs.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    My hope after playing through de Blob 2 is that it's not overlooked like its predecessor. Although not a perfect platformer, de Blob 2 is a game that reminded me of experiences I had when I was first just getting into video games over twenty years ago. For anyone who may have missed the original or even for those that didn't this is a game that is at the very least worth a rental.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As long as you can look past a few design flaws and don’t mind slightly dated graphics, Neon Chrome is a game for anyone who wants strategy and destruction in a single package.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Creative achievements (that are rife with spelling errors) and a grading system offers some replayability. However, once you collect all the achievements and earn perfect grades for every level, this isn’t much to do afterwards. It’s a fairly short game with no multiplayer option, so when it’s over, there is precious little to keep you coming back.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mafia 2 has issues, in fact it has a lot of issues, but it is also a game that does so much right that you can often over look these shortcomings and just enjoy the experience.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Bit.Trip Fate is a beautiful 2-D side-scrolling shoot-em-up with a strong dubstep soundtrack. But it’s the weakest entry in the series.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A Pixel Story is a game that grows progressively harder as it teaches you to be faster, more accurate, and more accepting of the inevitable.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Other than the frustrating experience with the Wii controls, Blur seems like a rather decent game.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    John Wick Hex is a fun experience, but one that woefully fails to deliver on its premise. Nothing really demonstrates this more than the ability to play back each completed mission in real-time. The idea of watching all of your methodical, turn-based actions playing out in cinematic, gun-fu action is certainly tantalizing, but actually manifests as watching janky, eight-way movement alongside strange collision detection, limited animation and questionable camera angles.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s a fully featured game of FIFA that has been branded beautifully for the World Cup. If you can’t wait for June for the World Cup then I’d highly recommend checking out this game, it’s really well done.

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