Digital Chumps' Scores

  • Games
For 3,137 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 75% higher than the average critic
  • 6% same as the average critic
  • 19% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 4.9 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 80
Highest review score: 100 L.A. Noire
Lowest review score: 20 Ace Banana
Score distribution:
3148 game reviews
    • tbd Metascore
    • 97 Critic Score
    The Elder Scrolls Online was always my favorite MMORPG, though I had not played it in some time. If you have also stepped away from it for a bit, I would recommend giving it a go again and playing the Murkmire DLC. The zone is such a breath of fresh air, though the air in Murkmire may smell like sulfur.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 97 Critic Score
    Need for Speed Unbound is what we all needed. In a world full of racing games trying to be the next iRacing or a sim in general. Unbound says, ‘Hey, I’m really just here to have a damn good time,’ and hands you the keys.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 97 Critic Score
    ‘Hot Wheels Unleased’ is as close as you can get to a kid’s dream (or at least mine). There are some slightly clunky things like the track builder at first, but once you get past the learning curve you’re able to set sail and take the wheel. It handles like a dream.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    NHL 22 really takes a big stride forward in the franchise. Having it on a PS5 is a big part of what makes the difference in some ways. The haptic feedback really gives the game another level. NHL games have gotten stale in years past (15-18 come to mind in some ways). Over the past few releases, EA Vancouver has taken it to newer heights and this is a leap in a great direction. I haven’t been this excited to try and run a franchise into the ground because I have no idea what I am doing, or go pro and take on the greats for the cup.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    An excellent game made even better, the Wii U version of Darksiders II is the one to own.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    RE 4 is one of those games that could be re-released every five to ten years and still be as good and as important as it was the first go around.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    Destiny isn’t a perfect game, but it’s a perfect gaming experience. The girth of the planets, the endless exploration, a fun co-op element and a strong PvP structure has this series on the right track. I can’t wait to see what else the future expansions have in store for the overall body of work.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    Mass Effect 2 on the Playstation 3 is not only a better value because of what's packed into it, but also it's a considerable upgrade in gameplay and presentation. Add in a very cool comic from Dark Horse and you have the best Mass Effect 2 on any platform.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    With a thankfully redefined purpose and a much more enticing endgame, Diablo III: Reaper of Souls is probably the game you were hoping for years ago.
    • 95 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    Three words: go get it.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    Turnip Boy Robs a Bank from developer Snoozy Kazoo is an action-packed game that uses a quick pace to keep the engaging gameplay moving forward, while its item and progression system encourages players to keep coming back for more.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    The Remastered version brings this masterpiece to a new generation, and does nothing to compromise the genius of the original.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    A stellar game all the way around. A Link Between Worlds maximizes the concept of depth, from the 3D, to the 2D mechanic, to the characters. This game certainly fits well in the pantheon of amazing Zelda games.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    With only a few minor issues, Insomniac has produced not only the best Resistance game to date, but one of the best FPS games I have ever experienced.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    KOAR is simply staggering; it's a tremendous achievement and an experience you shouldn't miss.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    As a whole, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a beautiful, tragic, and complex story told on a stunning landscape and full of unique and loveable characters that will make you feel...so so many emotions. Its gameplay is incredibly satisfactory with challenging, creative puzzles, hidden rooms, and difficult-enough enemies. I would, and already have, recommend this game to anyone and everyone.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    It's hard to find a pair of games held in higher regard than Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. Famito Ueda and his colleagues at Team Ico drew two master strokes that not only illustrated the fundamental difference between Eastern and Western design, but also captured the former at the pinnacle of its influence.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    The PC version of Assassin's Creed III is above and beyond what you will find on the console version. It's got better visuals, smoother frame rate, easier controls and better gameplay mechanics. It's not a difficult choice whatsoever when deciding on a platform to play this 'Game of the Year' contender on.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    Skylanders Trap Team for PS4 is better in almost every way than its predecessors. If you have the money, Trap Team is worth every penny.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    Ratchet & Clank on the PS4 might not be an entirely new game given that it's based on the 2002 version, but Insomniac has done such a masterful job modernizing an already classic game that I would consider it one of the best releases of this console generation.
    • 95 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    With Portal 2, Valve willfully defied common logic by creating an exceptionally detailed yet mainstream friendly experience out of, essentially, a puzzle game.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    For as great as Knights of the Old Republic was in the day, Dragon Age: Origins simply trumps it.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    The PSP incarnation is fantastic translation; it retains all of the originals strengths, augments the entire package with its added technical muscle, and compromises only with a negligible handful of minor squabbles.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    An outstanding game gets bigger and better, adding massive new features; simply put, it's a must have for RPG fans.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    This game is everything the original was and more; it borrows the basic components and rebuilds them into something even more spectacular and cohesive than its precursor.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    Ascension is another 'instant classic' entry into the amazing God of War series.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    DOOM is a masterful reboot of one of the most important and legendary franchises in the history of games; bravo to id and Bethesda.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is a near perfect redesign of one of gaming's most iconic titles...Nothing more needs to be said.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    Total War: Warhammer is not only a great Total War game, but one of the greatest strategy games of all time.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    A precedent has been set, and there's no reason sports games should look back: NBA 2K11 is equally as impressive as it is important.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    Rocksteady and WBIE have managed to capture lightning in a bottle three consecutive times with the Arkham series, with the most refined and focused strike being Arkham Knight.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    At the end of the day you get a lot more bang for your buck in Madden NFL 11. There's more depth with GameFlow and Game Planning, a natural feel with improved controls, better presentation and just a phenomenal overall experience.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    Fallout 4 is another amazing achievement from Bethesda Studios. It encompasses the beauty of its brethren, while introducing a bigger, better world for gamers to explore and reside in. It’s everything people were expecting, possibly a bit more.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Gordian Quest is a trio of genres that show what a good and balanced game looks like. It is certainly one of the better gaming experiences I have been through so far in 2022. It does have some minor issues, but nothing that will distract you from its terrific and balanced gameplay.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    What Automata eventually does with its narrative, along with the choices it leaves in the hands of the player, is unprecedented. When I received my final ending I was convinced it was the most uplifting, weird, and celebratory thing I had ever played. This is surely hyperbole colored by an immediate recency bias, but that feeling inside of that moment seemed designed to stand the test of time. It will also literally get better with time.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    F1 2021 continues to grow on what 2020 built. It’s a technical, story driver, fast, and fun ride. It’s a continuation into a franchise that has become what any F1 fan, or honestly racing fan in general has been wanting for years.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Ten years since the last home console release and some fifteen since it was last on a Nintendo platform, it’s great to see this classic game available again. It’s a timeless blast from the past that’s easy to recommend to anyone looking for not only a piece of gaming history but a game that still thrills to this day.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Pepper Grinder‘s unique drilling mechanic and sheer variety of levels do well to distract from its paper-thin length. Players looking for a different type of platformer that is one-and-done outside of crunching for better times should enjoy this brisk grind.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: WW2 is the best Call of Duty in years. Bombastic story, killer grounded multiplayer, and a dark and scary Zombies make up one of the most complete and enjoyable Call of Duty experiences in years.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    I’m shocked with the scope, the size, and the feel to a game that is now two years old (as of March 7th). It is still very much a unique title that offers up about everything you ever dreamed in one single experience. The fact that you’ll want to replay it speaks volumes about what is in store for you. There aren’t a lot of games that make you want to revisit them so quickly, but NieR: Automata is definitely one of them.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is an exceptional entry in the Metroidvania genre. What started out as an inventive spin on the time-bending franchise became a masterclass in 2D combat and traversal. Players wanting a dense, rich map riddled with secrets will find a happy home. Those wishing for surprisingly deep battles and razor-sharp navigation puzzles won’t be let down. With each new moment, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown becomes timeless.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Wilds from the developers at Capcom brings the series to a new level with its action, story, looks, and length. While it still has some tweaks to make in controls, the game is certainly worthy of your time.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom is a triumph that successfully blends JRPG with components of kingdom building, third person action, and real-time strategy. It tells an interesting story with intriguing characters and the presentation quality from the in-game visuals, cutscenes, soundtrack, even the menus, are masterfully done. Whether you played the original NNK or not, Revenant Kingdom is highly recommended.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    I’m just about beside myself with how cool and surprising of a release Quake Remastered is. I hope we’ll see the same treatment for Quake II down the road, but wow it’s really special to see this classic revitalized and given such good treatment in the process. Bravo to Bethesda, id, and Nightdive for doing such a great job with this release and offering it up to the masses at a price (just $10!) that you shouldn’t miss.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Little Nightmares 2 is a testament to horror in games. Tarsier Studios envelops the player in a sense of dread through impeccable sound design that often hints at something terrifying several screens away. It is a perfect, digestible length that often allows somewhat frustrating controls and combat to be passed over relatively quickly. But nothing can compare to this world and the ominous, open-ended story that punches you in the gut several times. Often Little Nightmares 2 is an emotional typhoon that swirls players up with accomplishment only to have them come crashing down in fear of what lies beyond a darkened doorway. And it’s in that vast chasm of the unknown where Little Nightmares 2 creeps, along with the best horror games of its ilk.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Antonblast is a blast, literally. Its high-octane platforming meets speedrunning is a love letter to everything Wario fans love and have wanted for years, but highly more profane and chaotic in all the right ways. Summitsphere’s platformer is not one to miss, folks.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Lorelei and the Laser Eyes from developer Simogo and publisher Annapurna Interactive is still a strange and wonderous direction for Simogo’s post-Sayonara Wild Hearts success. The game still features a beautiful mixture of thick narrative and difficult puzzles that ask a lot of the player but deliver an equal amount of satisfaction by the end. While this won’t be every gamer’s cup of tea, it still delivers a variety of good moments that will keep those interested occupied for a while. It’s a challenging game that doesn’t pull its punches.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The cost of admission is about four times what you might pay for a copy on the PS3, but obviously your mileage may vary. For those that missed NNK the first time around or maybe sold their copy with their PS3 over the years, the remaster makes a strong case for itself simply because the game is still great and time has not tained the experience.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course is one of the most expertly crafted pieces of DLC available to players. What is offered here is not only new, nerve-wrecking content but the opportunity to drastically change the base game and how players tackle its intense challenges. Ms. Chalice is a significant addition to the game with her additional abilities and may take the sting out for newcomers. But where The Delicious Last Course truly becomes a feast is in the truly stunning boss encounters that will challenge every available reflex and absolutely dazzle with complex, gorgeous animation. Simply put, this is a treat.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The Galaxy games are still ever so fun. I have to set aside my concerns knowing that new players will get so many good hours out of these games. I was thrilled to play them again, if it’s any consolation. You should be relieved that Nintendo has brought Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 to the Switch 2 without too many frills. It plays just like it did on the Wii and Wii U, albeit prettier and slightly more defined than I remember. It behooves any Switch 2 owner to acquire these masterpieces, especially those who weren’t around to play them in their original states.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    I’m so glad that Namco Bandai re-released these games during Klonoa’s twenty-fifth anniversary year. They hold up remarkable well over time and have aged beautifully. I sure hope we see more of Klonoa going forward.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Overall, I had a blast and then some. This game is like if Cyberpunk 2077 and Doom (1994) had a baby and it was raised by Ultrakill. Mullet MadJack is an incredibly artistic spin on an already expansive boomer-shooter genre. The combat is lighting fast, the setting engaging, the visuals striking, and the violence plentiful. Mullet MadJack is exactly the type of game that your parents would worry about you getting your hands on as a kid. Or at least I assume so, I didn’t grow up in an era in which Congress was so bored it turned its sights on pixelated blood.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Diablo 4 is a vast, daunting experience. One that I gladly dive into. One that I think about while I’m at work. My brain tingles and itches of new skill implementations and ways to maximize gear efficiency. Diablo 4 is also a constantly changing experience. Even as I finalize my thoughts, Blizzard is toiling away at patches and changes to characters, players are coming up with new optimizations. This is a game that can consume your attention with captivating grinds and immersive world-building. Players will hit highs and lows in their search for absolute power, just like in so many other games. Diablo 4 is a culmination of effort, one that isn’t entirely new, but one that is the best at what it does.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Silent Hill f from developer NeoBards Entertainment and publisher Konami is a fresh take on the series. It features an unsettling story that honors the Silent Hill franchise, while bringing a fair amount of deep gameplay and fun fighting that will keep the experience fresh.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Painfully, there is so much to be said about Immortality that would only betray the trust of the player if it were to be openly discussed in such a manner as a simple internet review. What better endorsement could I give of Immortality and its profound impact than the deep emotional ripples I felt when its final revelations were unearthed. Was it sadness? Lack of control? Elation? Regardless, Marissa Marcel’s destiny was the perfect voyeuristic vessel in which to participate in the medium of art, searching for unforgettable meaning.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a breath of fresh air compared to other Warrior installments and is worth playing if you loved Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The story, characters, and music are the best I’ve seen out of a Nintendo Warriors game in a long while. Even though the AI is severely lacking and multiplayer could use some improvements, it still is not enough to drag the game down from being the best Nintendo Warriors installment I’ve ever seen.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit from Mega Cat Studios is a brilliant entry into the FNAF world. It’s a different take that offers a more cohesive story, true terror, and a bevy of gameplay elements that work well within the world built for them.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Underneath its charming exterior, WitchSpring R is a JRPG…it’s just not evident of that classification until the 20th hour. At that point, it doesn’t matter what genre it is, only that it keeps you fully engaged. From the lack of necessary grinding, hidden depth within its crafting system, and piecemeal sidequests, there’s quite a bit of unique things to do in WitchSpring R on Pieberry’s quest for pie. Thankfully, that charm persists until the very end.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Lorelei and the Laser Eyes from developer Simogo and publisher Annapurna Interactive is a strange and wonderous new direction for Simogo’s post-Sayonara Wild Hearts success. It’s a beautiful mixture of thick narrative and difficult puzzles that ask a lot of the player but deliver an equal amount by the end. Some players may get frustrated by the beginning of the game as it gives you little direction on what you should be doing, but once they’re on the progression rails, the game rolls and gets better.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    In sum, Marvel’s Spider-Man is not only the best Spider-Man game to date, and one of the best games this year, but it’s also the best superhero game since Arkham Knight. It’s sure to appeal to any fan of Spider-Man, superhero games, or open world sandbox games in general.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    NEO: The World Ends with You was absolutely worth the fourteen year wait. Its unique battle system, beautiful art, and accessibility for multiple audiences make it a must-buy for those wanting a new JRPG to play. Beyond that, the lack of a grind and ability to play as you want make this JRPG worthy of being added to your collection. Although the menus can contribute to information overload and the game itself is fairly linear, NEO: TWEWY succeeds in telling a unique and engaging story without the slog of other games in the JRPG genre. In short: NEO: TWEWY is outstanding; be warned: you will become addicted.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a visual novel that delivers almost everything perfectly, then look no further than Henchman Story.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Ash of Gods: The Way from developer AurumDust sets a new standard with how deck-building games should be made. It has the core structure that makes the deck-building fun and familiar, while also adding a thoughtful narrative and a variety of gameplay structures to keep the game engaging and entertaining.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Really, no matter how you look at it, Sonic Mania is a huge success and Sonic Mania Plus is a celebration of that success thanks to smart physical edition design and items and valuable new in-game content. At only $30, it’s a superb deal and a release I would recommend be on anyone’s short list of must-haves.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    In The Division 2 your time is always rewarded. You are welcomed back with open arms to try new things and take on harder challenges. This is a game that will continue to grow but currently stands on its own two feet not just out of sheer competency but because of thoughtful, intelligent decisions made by a team that understands what players want from a game they prefer not to put down. The Division 2 is more than a sequel, it is a new, high bar of quality in a genre where those things should be commonplace.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Assassin’s Creed Origins sets a new bar for the series. It brings a taste of tomb raider mixed in with the girth of a Horizon Zero Dawn and wrapped in a traditional Assassin’s Creed structure. It will exceed gamer expectations and set a new standard for a series that needed life breathed into it.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Street Fighter 6 is one of the most comprehensive fighting games on the market.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Dragon Age: The Veilguard certainly closes a chapter for Dragon Age as a whole. But one can’t help but look more brightly at the future, one where Bioware has seemingly broke a curse it has been shackled with for years. As labyrinthine as a task it would have seemed, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a promise to fans that BioWare is one of the best storytellers in the medium, one capable of bombastic gameplay and enthralling narratives that linger for years.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    As I wrap up this review, I find myself in a similar position as I was one year ago when I reviewed GR Remastered — having a ton of fun and finding very little to complain about. That’s not to say GR2 is perfect, or that any game can be, but any gripes I have would be minor and far overshadowed by the game’s resounding positives. It’s fair to say it’s 2017’s first must-have game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Clone Drone in the Hyperdome from developer Doborog Games is a fun VR experience. It brings some wonderful sword-swinging action and compelling enemies that are a blast to go up against.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle from developer MachineGames and publisher Bethesda Softworks brings the Indiana Jones world to life with a great story and fantastically designed game.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    TSUKIHIME – A piece of blue glass moon from developer Type-Moon is a stunning game that weaves a deep and terrifying tale reinforced by strong main characters and good narrative flow.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Overall, the good folks at NetherRealm Studios made this fighting game much more than it should have been. They have essentially created an enjoyable balance between story, multiplayer and online experiences. The story mode is incredibly immersive, the multiplayer is teeming with a richer gameplay experience, including multiverse, which mixes familiar comic storylines with the fighting gameplay core, and the online modes are just as good as you want them to be. Nothing seems like a filler. If they could get rid of the microtransaction for Darkseid, then it will be a complete circle of near perfection. Until then, it’s a great game.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown contains one of the more entertaining stories I have played this year. Combine the story with a strong action and puzzle gameplay backdrop and it’s certainly one to remember in the Prince of Persia series. The price may not hit the right notes, but the gaming certainly does.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a breathtaking thrill ride of action, utilizing the PlayStation 5 architecture in truly impressive ways. A heartfelt story and gorgeously crafted worlds are complimented by stunning combat bursting with visual flair.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    If you’ve ever wanted to feel satisfaction from a coin pushing machine, RACCOIN: Coin Pusher Roguelike will give you the hope, joy, and endless chaos that the real thing couldn’t. It’s a Balatro-fied coin pusher roguelike that’ll keep you chasing the highs of raining coins for hours on end.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Sektori is pure. Sektori is addictive. The vibrant chaos amidst heart-pumping techno music will leave players in a trance-like state, lost in an explosion of particles, color and skill. Destined to be an arcade classic, the intense, shifting levels beg for replay after replay to master its finely-tuned difficulty curve. Sektori proves, if anything, arcade is not dead, it merely needs new masters.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    ARC Raiders exemplifies the strength of games where players craft their own narratives, taking advantage of the systems provided to foster pocket communities of robot-killing looters. While it is rife with complexity, Embark Studios uses smart onboarding, a striking visual identity, and tight third-person action to ease players into a budding sense of progression and growth. Though time makes fools of us all, it’s likely that ARC Raiders is here to stay.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Thimbleweed Park is one of those games that speaks to those people who enjoy the genre, and it’s certainly good enough that it will hopefully attract newcomers as well. It’s fan service and an all new exciting game at the same time. Hopefully this is the first of more from Terrible Toybox; regardless, this is a gem and a must-have for anyone that likes games that are story, character, and puzzle-driven adventures.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Vicarious Visions nailed the remake of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1-2. They have given us a reminder about how much fun this title was back in the day, how much fun it is today, and assured gamers that anyone can pick it up and play it without much fuss. Is it perfect? Nope, but it’s near-perfect fun.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is the best Call of Duty in years. It doesn’t feel particularly brave or shocking to admit that fact. Each year the franchise excels in masterful gunplay and it is up to the individual developer to present something new for players to gobble up. Expect omnimovement to be incorporated into future installments to come, spread across all modes. But if Black Ops 6 is any indication of the heights Call of Duty can achieve when true work and creativity are injected into the campaign, then this is a bright future for the long-running behemoth.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Resident Evil 2 survives the horror of summiting a twenty-one year old apex. Time-worn mechanics, either left abandoned or considered obsolete, are accountably refashioned through an agile interface and a relentless commitment to creating tension. Resident Evil 2’s pervasive sense of dread, the handshake between past and present, remains delightfully, gruesomely in place.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero from developer Spike Chunsoft and publisher Bandai Namco is a wonderful fighting experience. It has all the bells and whistles, including a massive number of characters from the series and different ways you can customize and shape them. The imbalanced fighting might be tough for some players to overcome to enjoy the experience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    While not all the games featured in Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster are gold, what you do get is some love and care shown to some classic titles, a completely retooled UI and soundtrack, and all while leaving the core gameplay untouched.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Astral Ascent is the roguelite I’ve been wishing to play for a hot minute. Its combat is highly variable, incredibly replayable, and quite gorgeous. It’s a fantastic example of a roguelite that is easy to pick up, fun to return to, and rewarding despite losing early and often.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The dated graphics (especially some of the cutscenes) and sometimes irritating camera don’t hold back the otherwise excellent game that DMC3SE is. What’s more, the Switch version’s inclusion of Freestyle Mode (which can be disabled if you so prefer) and co-op Bloody Palace make it a must-have as far as I’m concerned, for franchise fans and newcomers alike. Additionally, built-in achievements, small storage size (around 5GB), and super fast load times make this much more than just a port — it’s an impressive “ultimate” edition, if you will. Bravo, Capcom.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Ultimately, there are few issues that could detract from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla‘s numerous triumphs. It closes the chapter on a long legacy but ensures the journey is not done. By taking what made the series work and improving upon it, Ubisoft has created one of this year’s most memorable games, and an open, breathtaking world that must be experienced.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Andro Dunos II is a fun reminder of an early 90s time period that featured some amazing arcade shooters that didn’t ask anything from its gamers other than to have fun. It’s a worthy sequel to its NEO GEO brethren.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Flynn: Son of Crimson is an excellent indie specimen of what makes action platformers great. The refreshing combat system and beautiful yet increasingly complex level design will remind you of what you loved the most from your childhood platforming classics. Aside from Flynn’s unfortunately short length, I am quite excited to see more from Studio Thunderhorse, as they created a fantastic game. And they let me pet a gigantic dog.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    There’s little doubt that Octopath Traveler 0 is one of the best JRPGs of the year, if not the best entry in the series. Its novel additions alongside the series’ staples elevate it to new heights. Despite having enough content for a hundred or so hours, it respects players’ time more than any other JRPG I have played.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 offers that much-needed shot of nostalgia, from a time where all any of us wanted to do was feel cool. Tony Hawk represented counter culture and Pro Skater was emblematic of that iconic time. While some reshuffling may dampen the experience for purists, the wealth of content found in 3 + 4 proves that Tony Hawk is a timeless champion and this remake is a thrilling reminder of how a legacy is made.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The Talos Principle II quickly becomes more than just a deeply involved game about laser puzzles. Its world brims with mystery and surprises that reward players dedicated towards resolution and experimentation. The rich, complex narrative posits vast, difficult questions about humanity in an approachable package delivered through expert writing and inviting characters. This is one of the rare games that breaks open its own genre, morphing into an incredible, indescribable journey.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    If FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE is a proof of concept in stress testing the Switch 2’s processing power, consider it passing with flying colors. It’s the same incredible FFVII remake that’s been available on multiple platforms since its original release in 2020. While it doesn’t add anything new for first time players, it’s the best example of a AAA port done exceptionally well on the Nintendo Switch 2. If you’re a Final Fantasy fan, Switch 2 owner, and have been waiting to play VII REMAKE INTERGRADE all this time, now is the best time to play. If you’ve been waiting to play a AAA port on your new Switch 2, this is assuredly the best port that should be added to your library.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Somber Pixel’s Night Reverie is an adventure game that disguises a much deeper and bigger story underneath. It will hook you with simplicity and nail your emotions to the wall without apology. Definitely, an indie to consider when looking for a fresh take on gaming.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Persona 3 Reload is not a carbon-copied remaster of Persona 3 Portable or even Persona 3. It’s a refreshed perspective of Persona 3 that removes a good bunch of pain from older RPGs while retaining the charm and character of the original. It feels like many thoughtful decisions were made to better the game’s flow without compromising on its core experience or watering it down. My only concern is that owners of 2023’s Persona 3 Portable might feel like there aren’t enough changes to warrant a replay. But, if you haven’t yet experienced its source material, Persona 3 Reload is without a doubt the best version of the game to play.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Bravely Default II (PC) is an excellent JRPG for those new to the series and want to relive the strategy found in Final Fantasy V OR for those familiar with the Bravely series who have yet to play BDII on the Nintendo Switch. The improvements that exist in the PC (Steam) version elevate BDII’s quality, but there is little reason to purchase this game if you’re already playing it on the Switch.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Cocoon is a deeply special game that gushes with expertise from the talented minds that programmed it. By constantly expanding upon the unique mechanic of layered world-hopping, players are gifted with an absolute darling of a puzzle game. Cocoon is one that is rarely meant to stump with obtuse solutions, instead becoming a constantly evolving challenge that travels through spectacular alien worlds and rewarding moments. I never wish to be lost in puzzle games, merely wrapped up. Cocoon is a metamorphosis, one to be gladly wrapped in.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Assassin’s Creed Shadows allows Japan to breathe life into a series that has hinged its reputation on tradition. It represents a culmination of the work laid out in Origins but never stumbles over its own size and ambition. While players looking for more than just fine-tuned familiar thrills might be disappointed at the big swings Shadows does take, a focused narrative and progressive combat are enriched by an exceptionally beautiful and detailed setting. Assassin’s Creed Shadows acts as the turning of a new page for Ubisoft’s flagship, one hopefully leading to another vibrant, historical world.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Shinobi: Art of Vengeance‘s unparalleled art style is an intoxicating gateway into this incredibly engaging action game steeped in classic roots but offering undeniably modern touches. Lizardcube’s peak combat and level design are equally at the forefront, providing a masterfully crafted interpretation of a classic that will now be a triumph in its own right.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy XVI from Square Enix is a marvelous experience that brings strong characters, a passionate and fiery revenge-driven story, and simplistic action that is just as easy to pick up and go. It’s one of the best Final Fantasy games in the series, and certainly a solid option for PC gamers.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.

In Progress & Unscored

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    • 80 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Dreamscaper is a permadeath RPG that took my breath away. This is a game that carries weight behind it. The overall moves and story arcs are impeccable to take it and watch. The visuals are staggering and impeccable. It’s a wonderful game. It’s a moving and relatable narrative that allows you inside our protagonist’s life and personal experiences of her subconscious. It’s a damn good game.
    • 84 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Prodeus is a wonderful breath of fresh air in the FPS genre. So many games lately focus on realism and intense graphics. Prodeus reminds you of the genre’s roots and is damn good at doing so. If you want a more “modern” feel, you can switch the sprites over to being renders, which does have its own charm. I think fans of any type of FPS game will enjoy Prodeus. It is a fun, action-packed game that is fast-paced and easy to pick up and play for just small bites of time if you want. Some levels are longer than others, but it is easy to pick it up, play a level, and put it back down if you want. And that is something I appreciate being able to do with a busy schedule. Prodeus will bring nostalgia to some and insight to others. But one thing is for sure, hopping in and destroying some demons is always a good time. [Early Access Review Score = 96]
    • 78 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Curse of the Dead Gods is an interesting game for me. It’s super tough on a keyboard and mouse. Some of the actual gameplay mechanics felt odd to me and at times off-putting and frustrating, and the visuals were really wonderful to look at. You’re probably telling yourself now that I would probably pull apart this game, give it a like rough score and move on. Well, you’re totally wrong in that regard. This game was addicting. I kept telling myself while playing, ‘OK just one more room, then dinner’ after every room. I kept wanting to go deeper and deeper to each level. I just wanted to keep going and going. It was fun to go through and just destroy the monsters and find what lay in the next room Curse of the Dead Gods isn’t a perfect game, but it’s a fun game that is really worth the time. [Early Access Score = 83]
    • tbd Metascore
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    As it stands right now, the Wolfhunter DLC, which is going to be a review in progress to see how it all works out, is action-packed and entertaining. The dungeon I was able to get through with the devs at ZeniMax Online Studios was fun, and it felt like a well thought out idea that was executed beautifully.
    • tbd Metascore
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    All in all, the game is limited in its present state. Currently there is roughly 10-20 hours of content to try out depending on how fast one plays. Yet, the foundation seems solid enough, and if Alersteam can craft a world that is unique, interactive, and charming enough to keep players immersed, then Exoplanet: First Contact might in time be a solid addition to gamers’ story-driven survival libraries.
    • tbd Metascore
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    Blightstone from developer Unfinished Pixel is a decent, if not good, roguelite tactical turn-based game. It has a solid gameplay skeleton that follows the genre’s perceived structure, while needing some love and care to improve some lacking gameplay elements. [Early Access Provisional Score = 70]
    • tbd Metascore
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    Big Farm Story, in all its glory, is tedious and skimpy with gameplay. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a fun game because I have played the heck out of it this past week, rather it means that it isn’t quite near where it needs to be.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    The upside of P.A.M.E.L.A. is that it is aesthetically pleasing to navigate. The world is a run-down futuristic utopia and each area is unique and adds character to the city. You can really feel the emptiness of what once was a bustling, thriving city. I look forward to seeing how P.A.M.E.L.A. turns out when it’s all said and done, but in its current state, I don’t think I would recommend it.
    • tbd Metascore
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    Dead as Disco has a distinct vision for what it wants to be and ultimately, it’s a wildly entertaining first step. Early Access is the perfect opportunity for Brain Jar Games to release its rhythm-based beat ’em up into the wild and work with players while they take this concept to its current limits. As engaging as most of its Idol fights are right now, the true gem of Dead as Disco is going to be its custom mode where players fight to the beat of their own music. Ripe for content, I think this one may turn out to be a hit.
    • 68 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    It’s a very pretty game and built well for being a beta and while there were some glitches and bugs like freezing on menus, there wasn’t anything that made me hate it. This is a game that has a lot of potential for itself. It’s a game that was able to pull me (someone who is picky with most things) in and keep my interest in it. Port Royale 4 is a game that was a quaint and intriguing surprise for me, and I’m quite OK with that.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Towers of Aghasba a little over a month into its Early Access period holds a massive amount of promise. While some of its survival and crafting pillars will be familiar to anyone who has spent time with the genre, it’s contained in a world packed with a vast amount of surprise and wonder. For a journey that is not even close to being complete, seeing these first steps would make anyone excited for what’s to come. [Early Access Provisional Score = 75]

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