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
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Distilled way down to one-on-one medieval combat, For Honor is both instinctual and smart. It's bloody and entertainingly over-the-top, but much more than a button-masher. It's a game that repays thoughtful practice. It looks impressive, with believably gritty textures and tons of detail in the armor, weapons, and environment. It's a shame, then, that so much good will was squandered on the less appealing margins of the game, with pay-to-win systems, poor match making, and a throwaway single player campaign. With lots of time -- or cash -- to spare, playing For Honor is a rewarding action experience that doesn't feel like anything else on the market right now.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whispers of a Machine doesn’t seek out to revolutionize adventure games as its ambitions are elsewhere. Mundane wisdom and a Nordic cool ambience raise the game above the average crop that nowadays litters the once-flourished genre. It successfully does its bidding in showing why point-and-click adventures are so rewarding. You don’t need lightning-fast reflexes or to read enemy movements to make headway in them. Instead you need to be observant, thoughtful, and smart enough to interpret clues. Whispers of a Machine is a perfect game for everyone looking for a cracking whodunnit backed up by some contemplative thinking.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, as a stand alone product, Drawful 2 a dang good party game and fun for many families and groups, provided they can laugh at chaos and can tolerate the drawing aspects.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It is not unreasonable to assume that the software suggested in Eliza already exists, though it has not yet been exploited and marketed. Our culture certainly believes that technology is the solution to what ails us, even when what ails us is technology, and Eliza the visual novel is an interesting and engaging exploration of that thesis.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Guacamelee 2 is a fun, lighthearted game that incorporates intense platforming and fast-paced Luchador fights. The sequel doesn’t bring many new ideas to the table, and veterans of the original may want to hold off for a while unless they’re craving more of the Mexiverse. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a tight Metroidvania with vibrant colors and a great sense of humor, then it’s an easy recommendation to dip your chips into Guacamelee 2.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Relish the art and the experience it across several sittings; Sohta’s journey is brief, but very uplifting.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hohokum is a pleasantly strange break from reality. It’s filled with color, personality and charm, and if you can overlook the lack of game-like structure to find your own way in the game’s psychedelic world, you’ll find a satisfying meditative experience backed by precise controls.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    RPGs so rarely explore gameplay approaches that don’t feature two-handed greatswords, grinding for better armor, and violence-filled encounters. There’s nothing wrong with any of that, of course, but happily there are games like Eastshade that provide satisfying and intriguing hours of exploration and story where the conclusion is not a battlefield littered with the dead. At the same time, Eastshade is not a one-note, feel-good game and there is emotional range in its story and characters. Some visual glitches and minor bugs aside, Eastshade is a worthy follow-up to the brief, proof-of-concept Leaving Lyndow.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Technical issues aside, Blair Witch makes for a satisfying experience with an oppressive atmosphere, an engaging plot and interesting gameplay mechanics. There’s also plenty of written plot details and collectable items dotted throughout the game, should players enjoy themselves enough to come back and attempt to figure out how to unlock some of alternative endings. Being a horror experience (and one with lots of scripted events) means that the most engaging experience will always be the first run through. At the very least, players can expect the game to be tense, well-paced and imminently memorable.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Although Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock for the Xbox 360 is a great game, it didn't improve necessarily on every aspect of the game, but it did enough to make the multiplayer and online content worthwhile.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The story mode is still quite impressive and has plenty of length to it.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s worth bearing in mind that the game is in no obvious way improved upon compared to the standard version, but is also no worse for wear. As I mentioned, however, there is the occasional slowdown in certain situations, but nothing that causes too much of a hassle, and could even possibly be patched out in the future. With all of that in mind, I absolutely recommend Saints Row The Third to anyone who is interested. Whether you have played it in the past, or if this will be your first time, it’s a solid experience that is a pleasure to have on the Switch.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Mega Baseball: Extra Innings is simply a fun game.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Elite: Dangerous goes against the grain of the Xbox One’s library of games. It’s not as frenetic and action packed as Call of Duty nor does it share The Witcher 3’s flair for engrossing narratives. Instead, Elite: Dangerous is a quest for the next big thing which, in this case, is a high quality ship outfitted with the best equipment that fits a chosen playstyle.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're a soccer fan you got to go out and try this game, it's actually quite entertaining especially if you play online or have some friends over.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido is a deliciously clever approach to the match-3 genre that may satiate puzzle lovers’ tastes. The game’s meaty content and RPG mechanics are filling, but its long stretches of stagnant levels amount to a bunch of tasty appetizers as opposed to a full course feast. Altogether, it won't be the highlight of everyone's menu, as it costs almost as much as a full-priced Switch game. Nevertheless, if you crave a unique 1v1 puzzler, Sushi Striker is a delectable game backed up by a scrumptious story.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite some dubious gameplay design (failed mini-games can’t be replayed without restarting the whole sub-level) and problems with the fixed-camera position sometimes obscuring jumps, Super Lucky’s Tale is a solid platformer. It honors the tried and true genre clichés and for a mid-priced game, it doesn’t even need to present anything entirely new.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Katana Zero is a short but sweet experience that captures the stylistic flair of Hotline Miami mixed with a cyberpunk theme, while making a name for itself with its polished gameplay but without feeling tedious or overstaying its welcome. It’s a title that left me satisfied, but not amazed. Despite a slight lack of challenge and nuance, the game provided a fun, fast-paced experience that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    All I can say for sure is that the game evokes a strong one more match before I quit mentality. The gameplay and the rules work like an oiled machine keeping a steam engine rolling. Of course, the play can get a bit repetitive and there could be more variety, but then again, it wouldn’t be the same game anymore.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Downwell is highly recommended, whether you have a few minutes or several hours to devote to getting down this well.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Capcom shows us how it's done with this refreshing take on the beam 'em up genre. Awesome boss battles, simple but deep combat system and tough enemy AI makes this a clear choice.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Namco continues to improve the arcade racer with huge customization feature and decent online play.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While there were certain aspects of this DLC that felt rushed or outright lazy, the content addition for it felt just right.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    But what it is good at doing is staying interesting and scary throughout the game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Odallus may look like an NES game, but it plays and handles progression like contemporary titles, respecting the player’s time and offering numerous secrets in an exploration-based 2D world. I went into Odallus: The Dark Call looking for Castlevania and left with an engaging experience that pays tribute to both classic 8-bit titles and modern Metroidvania games.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Chances are owners of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 will probably be more then happy just hanging onto that version of the game. The additions to this year’s game aren’t such that make you want to run out and buy the game.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite its issues, Dillon's Dead-Heat Breakers is a solid recommendation for 3DS owners looking for something new. Its bold and unorthodox setting makes for an experience unlike any Nintendo game before it, while its odd mashup of different genres makes it especially rewarding for open-minded gamers. It might lack the depth of other single-genre titles, but Dillon's Dead-Heat Breakers makes up for it with uniqueness and furry-filled charm.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    ScreamRide is a pleasant surprise. What’s more, it was developed by Elite: Dangerous studio Frontier Developments. As it turns out, they’re adept at both space simulation and theme park design.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Do I recommend playing these games? Oh yes, absolutely. Grandia 1 and 2 deserve four stars by themselves. The games are dated, yes, but they stand the test of time, flaws and all. They are (mostly) timeless and I would replay them over and over. But maybe wait for this specific collection to go on sale.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I was already hooked by the idea of a golfing game with an overworld, side quests, stats, and leveling, but it wound up being so much more than that. The fact it's not trying to be a sim makes it so approachable, and I have no problem suggesting this to people who don't even like golf. Technical issues notwithstanding, Golf Story is an unexpected and excellent addition to the Switch's eShop lineup.

Top Trailers