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
    WarioWare Gold may not have many new microgames, but its revamped presentation, satisfying modes, and potluck of playstyles manage to keep the experience fresh. The short, rapid fire challenges are as fun as ever, and the multiple approaches to the same premise make this golden compilation an enticing option for short bursts or hyperactive binge sessions.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Limbo’s idea of a challenge is to lure you into false solutions until you happen upon the one that works, that is to say, if it works within the parameters of your limited movement. But the harsh truth is that trial and error is actually quite easy once you accept its inevitability. In fact, at that point it even manages to be minimally frustrating. The real issue is that it’s just so overwhelmingly dull, so mentally unstimulating, akin to floating in some kind of... limbo. Hm.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There's certainly fun to be had, and there's no doubt in my mind that there's an excellent foundation here for future updates, but Chasm lacks the qualities needed to make it an essential player in an already competitive genre.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    In the end, Shining Resonance Refrain is a solid addition to any JRPG fan's lineup, but honestly, I'd recommend it to hardcore JRPG fans looking for something new. For as many things as Shining Resonance gets right, it stumbles with as well which leads to a very generic RPG in the end (retreading areas and reusing enemies over and over really make this title seem like it was made on a budget). If you can live with all of that and can't wait another minute to dig into another adventure, you're definitely in luck with this localization!
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    On each playthrough, though, I enjoyed the game as much as I did on my first go. It never gets old to see Eli’s weary wisdom, Mandana’s warm righteousness, Logan’s rugged intuition, KayKay’s mischievous behavior or Vicky’s no-nonsense street smarts. Rarely I see a game that endures such a ransacking through it. Like its subject matter, there must be something supernatural to Unavowed – or maybe I’m possessed by it!
    • 66 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    I would never go so far as to say that This is the Police 2 is a poorly or incompetently made game, but it is by no means a fun one. Even if you loved the first game, I cannot recommend this sequel to you, either for its gameplay or its story. For what it's worth, the game's story ends on a cliff hanger, and I am still interested in seeing how the next game turns out. I don't know if the third game will end up being a good one, but I do know that I have no desire to ever go back and play through the second one.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overcooked! 2 is fun, exciting, and keeps the joy of couch co-op alive. The formula and flow of the game are fantastic and I was constantly delighted by the challenges posed by unconventional kitchen layouts modeled around different themes and mechanics. This is definitely going to find a place among the games to break out when I have friends over.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, Vermintide 2 suffers in the minor aspects of its design, but its core combat and basic structure is strong enough to make up for most of the frustrations. Not every implementation is well executed, but it succeeds in the areas that it needs to.
    • 43 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    If you want a true Gundam Breaker experience, it might just be worthwhile to import the older games in the series from Japan. As far as this title goes, it's better left forgotten.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For all its cool factor and pitch perfect virtual reality immersion, the lack of any substantial and compelling gameplay for most of the game make Detached hard to recommend at its full price. Wait for a sale.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the puzzles aren't a huge draw, the look and presentation of the game are so unique and interesting that the game's still really easy for me to recommend. It's poetic, and while maybe not incredibly deep, does excellent work with bringing the nightmares to life and infusing their songs with the fear and dread they represent. Fear is the mind killer – and your quest to vanquish those fears is one you'll enjoy going on.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Even though there a few things I wish to have been added, I for one found Cycle 28 a joy to play, fun to blast through and a game that would be a nice addition to any gamer’s library.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is not just a good game, it’s a great game. The port to the Switch was brilliantly executed, taking full advantage of the console's portability. While I could not recommend it for Switch owners more, the fact it’s only $40 means you’re getting a top quality game at a much better price. Do yourself a favor, and join Captain Toad and Toadette on this adventure. The journey you’ll take is definitely worth it.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There's only so much to add to an addicting gameplay loop of shooting, warping and surviving. Tempest 4000 does enough for fans of the original game to scratch that itch of a solid arcade classic. At certain points you enter a great flow state the games like Tetris, Rez or Lumnies are often known for. These are the best moments of Tempest 4000; enjoying the colors, the music and most importantly the solid gameplay. The game is just as good as the original and best of all it never gets old.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    To me, Another World is an old game that persists by virtue of being ported to nearly every gaming platform under the sun. You don’t see games like this anymore for the same reason no one has made a game like the original Prince of Persia. Although certain dark-ish, soul-ish games delight in punishing gameplay, difficulty was as much a game mechanic as swinging a weapon around. Here, it gets to be an annoyance and feels like a means to pad the length of this fairly short game.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For those looking to scratch the six year itch left by a lack of Animal Crossing games, I recommend giving it a try. But at the end of the day, its successes and unique twists aren’t enough to make it a title that’s going to stick around for a long time.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    During my time with Inside, I did not experience any technical issue. There is no bug nor horrible dip in frame rate. The port runs perfectly on the Switch in both docked and handheld modes. I think the latter mode is perfect to play Inside as a smaller screen makes the graphics more crisp and sharp. Inside has all the markings of a timeless gem. It is a fascinating experience filled to the brim with rich atmosphere, a mysterious story, an intelligent game design and stellar art direction. It is a short game that will leave a permanent imprint on your mind.
    • 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.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    In the end, 20XX may not spin a tale warning us humans of a robotic future (or feature robots continuously wondering why they fight), but the gameplay here can't be denied: this is the spiritual Mega Man X sequel you've been waiting for. If that sounds like music to your ears, you owe it to yourself to give the game a try! For everlasting peace!
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If the concept of Salary Man Escape’s brand of slider puzzles sounds like it scratches an itch, and you don’t mind suffering from genuinely difficult setups, you’ll likely learn to look past the faults in favor of sticking it to your virtual corporate masters.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Although it could be more robust, whether you build a standalone old-timey park or simply add a nostalgic area to a modern megapark, the Vintage Pack adds useful and well-designed elements to the game. Coupled with the free content update - which also includes a historic coaster from England - Planet Coaster just keeps getting better all the time.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It’s completely up to the players whether they want to invest in Amelia’s daily chore or not. Maybe the game should be perceived as something of a snack, taking it for a spin once in a while. After all, each flight is as short as you want it to be. Give it enough time and maybe one day you’ll catch the mythical sky whale. In doing so, Airheart tries to teach it’s not the goal that is the most important but rather the everyday life and work you make around while going for it.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Scarlet Curiosity is the video game equivalent of comfort food. It is an experience with little substance, but I still wholeheartedly enjoyed it. It’s a game that’s clearly has flaws and lacks polish, but the good parts outweigh the bad. Overall, Scarlet Curiosity is a game that I would primarily recommend to fans of Touhou or those interested in getting into the franchise.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Octopath Traveler lovingly embraces old-school RPG conventions while offering its own refreshingly modern take. Through placing sprites in 3D environments, incorporating a separate storyline for each party member, and spicing up battles with fist-pumping turn-based combat, Square Enix makes bold choices to reinvigorate the genre. Thankfully, many of them pay off, resulting in a game that has tugged at my heartstrings and fully engaged me to follow the paths of these eight wayfaring travelers.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Heroki combines the premise of infinite flight with a potpourri of platformer elements. Its beautiful art style and adorable mascot hearken back to classic 16-bit adventures. The ability to fly instead of run is refreshing, and Heroki’s responsive controls lessen frustration. This helps when exploring the compact mazelike levels that are abundant with secrets. It may not be a hard game, but less experienced players and those who loved the heyday of 2D sidescrollers can appreciate this true blue hero.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There are definite issues with timing between the gorgeous soundtrack and powerful art direction, but they’re still worth playing despite this. The levels are on the shorter side and don’t demand perfection, making them palatable in addition to being complementary to the story. M.I.R.A.I. has a decent enough story that was worth going through. But sometimes it can be just a single piece that defines the full experience. In this case, Lost in Harmony became a recommendable title thanks to a touching tale between a boy and a girl.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Unfortunately, the graphics and sound feel like they could have been made in an old flash game. Now, that isn't a bad thing, but it certainly isn't spectacular for a new PC release. With some control tweaking Quest of Vidhuraa could have been a nice little mobile game. But as it stands, I can't really recommend it for the fans of hardcore platforming genre until a complete overhaul of the controls and/or the wall jumping physics is implemented

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