DualShockers' Scores

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For 1,379 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 56% higher than the average critic
  • 5% same as the average critic
  • 39% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1.1 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 76
Highest review score: 100 Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Lowest review score: 10 Serious Fun Football
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 913 out of 1379
  2. Mixed: 408 out of 1379
  3. Negative: 58 out of 1379
1397 game reviews
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    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Plucky Squire
    The Plucky Squire is both a familiar and predictable, and gorgeously ambitious and creative title. At its best, it's a dimension-hopping romp with excellent meta-writing, standout set-pieces and mini-games, and undeniably creative puzzle mechanics. However, the game does suffer from an aggressively accessible approach, which makes the moment-to-moment combat and exploration feel like a derivative Zelda-clone at times. Plus, each puzzle mechanic feels like an intriguing concept that has not developed to its full potential. That being said, The Plucky Squire is an undeniably feel-good and wholesome indie title deserving of your time and attention, and while some minor bugs need to be ironed out, the trade-off for the seamless blend of 2D and 3D is well worth it. It may be the best 2D/3D mash-up since Fez. High praise indeed.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Enotria: The Last Song
    Enotria: The Last Song is a Souls-like experience that takes a lot of big swings, and while there are a few hiccups along the way, a lot of these risks pay off. The freedom to experiment with builds, plan ahead with pre-set Loadouts, and take on the roles of your fallen enemies are all standout features that set this title apart. Which Enotria backs up with impressive visuals, a compelling Italian folklore-inspired world, and several memorable bosses. Sadly, performance issues, a lack of genuine, consistent challenge, and some systems that flatter to deceive stop this game from being a truly iconic game within the sub-genre, but when the curtain closes, and the actors take their final bow, I feel plenty in the audience will be throwing roses and applauding regardless.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
    Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a surreal and mysterious puzzle game that executes perfectly on its vision. A potential all-timer for fans of the genre.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Animal Well
    Animal Well is a masterclass in puzzle design, with tight platforming, set in a beautiful, oftentimes perilous world. It's actually at its weakest when it's just a Metroidvania, and instead, its world and the genre serve as a way to deliver some of the most intricate, interconnected puzzles of any game I've ever played.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tales of Kenzera: ZAU
    Tales of Kenzera: ZAU never felt like it overstayed its welcome nor was it ever loaded with bulk and fluff to make up for its 8-12 hour playtime. While there are plenty of collectibles, a trinket system to unlock abilities and upgrade benches, its most important feature is its story and, coupled with the undertone of mental health struggles in the face of grief, Bantu mythology, an incredible score, and next-level art design makes this amazing debut title remarkably different to anything else on the market.
    • DualShockers
      • Posted Apr 22, 2024
    • 59 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    South Park: Snow Day!
    For all its shortcomings, it is a fun little multiplayer combat game that's best enjoyed with friends, which is what it set out to be. Just don't expect The Stick of Truth 2.
    • 86 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Dragon's Dogma 2
    Dragon's Dogma 2 offers an incredible Fantasy adventure with some of the most engaging open-world exploration I've experienced.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Alone in the Dark
    A stunningly designed game and a delight to explore with a fantastic cast and puzzles galore, although it can suffer from the occasional framerate issues and fewer monsters than I had hoped. Reviewed on PS5.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    WWE 2K24
    Way more than just an annual roster update, WWE 2K24 chronicles the history of sports entertainment's biggest even with its 40 Years of WrestleMania showcase, but it also shines in a massively improved GM mode and four brand new match types.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Helldivers 2
    Helldivers 2 delivers a streamlined, premium experience, features some of the most satisfying space marine-style combat I've ever played.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    Solium Infernum
    Solium Infernum is a truly satisfying political strategy game with a ton of unique systems to allow you to scheme and backstab to your heart's content.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth masterfully continues the story of Remake. Acting as both a remake and sequel to the original game, Rebirth carves its own identity by deepening and expanding one of the most beloved stories in gaming. Its move toward the open-world format is expertly done and creates a near-perfect experience for fans both old and new.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story
    Bandle Tale is the full package — a fully realised world with a brain-tickling gameplay loop and fantastic visual design. It's one of the best 'cosy' games out there.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ultros
    Some of its best moments can only be appreciated by those willing to put in the extra time, which is both a rewarding and unfortunate reality, as not everyone will be able to experience the best the game offers with a single playthrough. But if you have the patience to persevere through some minor shortcomings and a couple of playthroughs, your understanding and appreciation for this game will no doubt mature from a freshly sprouted sapling to a towering conifer.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Granblue Fantasy: Relink
    The endgame presents dynamic challenges, which will have you playing for hours. But uneven character leveling and a slight disruption in party dynamics emerge as drawbacks. Regardless, Granblue Fantasy: Relink features a captivating world and engaging progression loop that make it a journey worth undertaking.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Persona 3 Reload
    Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era with cutting-edge graphics and gameplay.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
    Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is full of content for anyone willing to sink into the beautiful island of Hawaii. While its main story may take a while to boil, and never feels quite as good as the side stories, Ichiban's adventures always entertain and delight.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
    Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is an excellent new entry in this iconic franchise, and a great entry point for new Metroidvania fans (while still offering plenty of challenge for veterans of the genre). The traversal and combat feel incredibly satisfying, and the story offers an exciting adventure you don't want to miss.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Marvel's Iron Man VR
    Marvel’s Iron Man VR is a decent game, no matter where you play it, though I would argue that the Meta Quest 2 version is perhaps the best way to play thanks to its ease of use and cleaner visuals. The intuitive controls, fun aerial combat, and some quality presentation make for a heroic effort by developer Camouflaj, and a worthy addition to any Quest 2 library.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
    While it's nowhere near a perfect game, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is an open-world adventure that fans of the franchise will love. DualShockers was provided with a copy of the game for review purposes.
    • 77 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
    Ultimately, this is an easy game to recommend if you like RPGs that put their narrative forward and build their characters in meaningful ways. It may not find a home in everyone’s collections, but it will be a shining star for fans of the setting who appreciate a narrative focus.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Persona 5 Tactica
    Persona 5 Tactica takes a while to really get going, but once it does, you'll have no choice but to stick around for the ride.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
    Despite its flaws, I can’t deny that I had a great time walking in the shoes of Kiryu. I enjoyed the story, the exciting combat, and the thrilling action. While I may have finished the main story, I’ll be going back for more side content to see what I may have missed along the way. While the combat may not demand a high investment from its players, there’s no denying that the deeper you dig, the more you get. This is a game that rewards its players for high levels of engagement but doesn’t punish the casual player just along for the ride. Whether you’re a true blue fan or a newcomer to the series, there’s a lot to enjoy about Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    RoboCop: Rogue City
    Fan service it may be, but RoboCop: Rogue City does just enough to stand up on its own merits. There's not a lot of depth to it, and it retreads a lot of old ground, but the charm just about shines through.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story
    Song of Nunu is a cosy platformer that will delight League of Legends fans, but lacks the substance to resonate with non-fans.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Marvel's Spider-Man 2
    Marvel's Spider-Man 2 perfectly captures the superhero experience from start to finish without sacrificing smart, thoughtful storytelling.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    EA SPORTS UFC 5
    EA Sports UFC 5 looks and feels great on the Frostbite engine, but under that new coat of paint is the same old gameplay we've had for the last 3 years.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Ghostrunner 2
    Ghostrunner 2 is a perfectly executed cyberpunk slasher, providing an unmatched level of fluidity, engaging combat and a robust narrative.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Cities: Skylines II
    Despite the technical imperfections (which Paradox has acknowledged), Cities Skylines 2 is still a masterfully crafted jewel in the crown of the city-building genre. There isn't anything else that can match it for breadth or depth right now. This is still the best way to build the city of your dreams.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Forza Motorsport
    All said, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck with Forza Motorsport, and as it stands, I just don't know how Turn 10 can up the ante on the next one.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Mineko's Night Market
    Mineko's Night Market is an adorable and exciting Simulation game following the titular character, Mineko, as she navigates her new life in Mt. Fugu with her father, and her search for the mysterious, legendary cat, Nikko. The game features highly-addictive crafting and mini-games, as well as small puzzles to solve in order to take down the Agents taking over the town.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 98 Critic Score
    Mortal Kombat 1
    So does Mortal Kombat 1 live up to its hype? Absolutely. Despite how short the story is, it is a great story nonetheless, and beyond that is lots of single-player content that will keep you coming back day after day. And of course, the finishing moves are bloodier and grittier than ever before. This is an entry that I can't recommend enough.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
    With its captivating story, layered characters brought to life by stellar acting, incredible visuals and environments, refined combat, and some of the most varied quests in the Cyberpunk 2077 world, Phantom Liberty continues CDPR's tradition of delivering some of the finest add-ons ever.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Lies of P
    A beautifully realized gothic soulslike with a satisfying gameplay loop and gorgeous horror visuals., Lies of P is an absolutely fantastic game with gripping action and a wonderfully dark setting. Its mix of seemingly disparate ideas is genre fusion that's just bizarre enough to work. It's no lie to say that Lies of P is a great time.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Starfield
    Starfield is a triumph for Bethesda, but even more so for every human who ever dreamt of a destiny born in the stars.
    • 96 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Baldur's Gate 3
    Baldur's Gate 3 is a masterfully crafted RPG that improves on every aspect of Larian's past work, and is a worthy successor to the series.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    Sea of Stars
    A beautiful homage to the JRPG genre that still manages to stand on its own, while taking care to let go of all the annoying gimmicks that plagued JRPGs in the past.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    Sea of Stars
    A beautiful homage to the JRPG genre that still manages to stand on its own, while taking care to let go of all the annoying gimmicks that plagued JRPGs in the past. Played on PS5.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Blasphemous 2
    A beautiful, dark, and atmospheric game set in one of the most alluring Souls-like game settings of recent years that hits too many of the same notes as its predecessor to have quite the same impact.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical
    Stray Gods is a revolutionary visual novel without peer, and even if you're not really into that genre, musical theater, or the Greek pantheon, I couldn't recommend it more.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    WrestleQuest
    All in all, the mechanical issues—particularly being forced to walk through empty dungeons over and over again—really killed the hype I was feeling at the start of this game, which is a shame, because there are some great moments here. Toss in a world map, a minimap, and most importantly, a fast-travel feature, and this game would be leaps and bounds ahead of what it is. Still, if you don't mind the monotony and you've got a nostalgic love for Golden Era wrestling, WrestleQuest might be worth a look.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Disney Illusion Island
    A delightful co-op adventure set on an island brought beautifully to life by hand-drawn illustrations.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Remnant II
    Remnant: From The Ashes was a game with massive potential that struggled under the weight of its own ambition. Remnant 2 realizes that potential and then some. Lessons have obviously been learned from last time around, and what we have here is a confident, unique experience that delivers on what it promises. I'll be playing this one for a long time to come.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Frank and Drake
    A narrative game that makes you reflect on the real world and your place in it is always a blessing, and in my view, Frank and Drake accomplishes what it sets out to do. It's a game with a lot of heart.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Synapse
    nDreams has once again proven itself to be a master VR studio by pulling another banger from the top shelf. With plenty of playable hours, a rewarding earn-die-try-again loop, and a visual flair that takes some getting used to, Synapse is a must-play on PSVR 2.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie
    A cathartic conclusion that will satisfy fans of Trails' dungeon crawling experience.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    AEW: Fight Forever
    A decent first outing for All Elite Wrestling, but lacks the game modes and customization options to really hang with the heavyweights.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    C-Smash VRS
    C-Smash VRS takes a swing that doesn't quite connect. There's fun to be had for those who persevere, but mostly in the online modes which, sadly, are already looking barren.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pixel Ripped 1978
    Pixel Ripped 1978 sticks close to the formula that has kept the series more relevant than the games it pays homage to, and that's not a bad thing. Full of quirky fun and many nostalgic throwbacks to the days of Atari, there's plenty here but more so for the older folks who were around when wood-panel finishes were all the rage.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE
    A vividly arresting mystery adventure soaked in ambiance, personality, and a seemingly limitless imaginative streak.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Oxenfree II: Lost Signals
    Oxenfree 2 may lack the surprises and 'WTF' factor of the original game, but the older protagonists and solid writing make this return to the Pacific Northwest worthwhile.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    AEW: Fight Forever
    A decent first outing for All Elite Wrestling, but the game lacks the game modes and customization options to really hang with the heavyweights.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy XVI
    Final Fantasy 16 is an excellent entry in the series, with a gripping story, thrilling combat, nuanced characters, and an ever-charming protagonist in Clive.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    Layers of Fear
    Bloober Team's bundle of horror returns, with impressive graphics and solid scary moments, but clumsy storytelling and technical issues dampen the series' curtain call.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Street Fighter 6
    The Street Fighter franchise might have been out for the count last generation, but Street Fighter 6 puts it back on its feet and back into the ring in style; it's a series comeback if ever I’ve seen one. Determined not to stay on the sidelines, Street Fighter 6 is poised to be the definitive fighting game for the next generation.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Amnesia: The Bunker
    Sure, its lackluster story is made up for by its perfectly built tension and horrifying atmosphere, but a more in-depth story, some more thought-provoking puzzles, and refined visuals could have made for one of the most horrifying experiences in gaming.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Diablo IV
    Diablo 4 improves upon nearly every core gameplay mechanic from Diablo 3 while introducing a few great quality-of-life features that make this journey to Sanctuary the best yet. While some of the quest systems seem dated, the main story is delivered beautifully, breathing new life into the series.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 62 Critic Score
    System Shock
    Given its development problems, the fact that System Shock is a functional, stable game is a mini-miracle, but by sticking so rigidly to the original's ancient design it will appeal more to series fans than newcomers.
    • 96 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
    Tears of the Kingdom is a remarkable sequel. Not only does it improve on every single aspect of Breath of the Wild, but it expands the characters, locations, and setting in new and exciting ways. It provides the most ridiculous toolset imaginable that at every turn has left me astonished at what I’m able to achieve.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
    Jedi: Survivor offers a deep story, thrilling combat, and exciting exploration, and despite some technical issues that drag it down, it's still my new favorite Star Wars game. DualShockers was provided with a copy of the game for review purposes.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Redfall
    Redfall is an open-world shooter where you can creep through a spooky mansion alone at night, then link up with some friends to take on a giga-vampire in another dimension. It's weird, and it's the right kind of weird.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores
    Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores is a fantastic follow-up to the base game, offering a great new storyline, a beautiful area to explore, and the best boss fight in the series. It's a must-play for Horizon fans.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Minecraft Legends
    Minecraft Legends is an action-strategy game that doesn't take itself too seriously, making it an easy game to hop into, while simultaneously lacking the depth to keep hardcore fans of the strategy genre coming back. The extra Monthly Challenge and PvP modes add some much-needed variety that helps compensate for the main campaign's shortcomings. Ultimately, Legends has a great foundation for future updates and is a good game to play over a long weekend.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Dead Island 2
    Dead Island 2 is a worthy successor to the zombie-slaying games that came before it and breathes new life into the franchise long-thought dead. DualShockers was provided with a copy of the game for review purposes.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Have a Nice Death
    Have a Nice Death is an absolutely fantastic time. Whilst the anima system and some lacking curses are enough of a nuisance to be noticeable, they don’t overshadow the rest of the game’s excellent qualities. Not only is it one of the best looking games I've ever played, but its roguelike loop provides a perfect base of simplicity that acts as a foundation for crunchy, fast-paced fights. The game both indulges the power fantasy of acting out the unstoppable will of Death itself whilst providing a suitably tough experience that forces strategy and rewards learning about each opponent.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key
    Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist Of The End & The Secret Key closes out the final chapter of Ryza’s trilogy with a powerful send-off. The addictive gameplay loop and fine-tuned crafting system will keep you entertained for dozens of hours. It expands upon what worked well in the first two entries while setting the standard for future Atelier games to come.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
    While not as challenging as its predecessors, the newest addition to the Bayonetta canon establishes itself as a playful and worthy entry.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Resident Evil 4
    Resident Evil 4 Remake asks the bold question of whether you can perfect what many already consider perfection. While fairly competent at the basics, Capcom's latest remake has the least creative energy of its series revivals, leaving you wanting for much more.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    WWE 2K23
    All in all, WWE2K23 is a great game with something to offer to every WWE fan past and present, no matter what your playstyle. With branching storylines and multiple sandbox modes that let you book and play whatever the hell kind of cards you can come up with, the replayability factor is off the charts. If anything 2K and Visual Concepts have shot themselves in the foot, because it's not going to be easy to top this entry in the series once the next installment rolls around.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Fernbus Coach Simulator
    With a confusing setup, a really poor user interface, at times abysmal presentation, and a Career Mode that offers no meaningful progression, Fernbus Simulator should stay back in the garage and let the more capable sims hit the road.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    Destiny 2: Lightfall
    Destiny 2: Lightfall offers an action-packed campaign that feels more like a filler story than an essential narrative. It also presents extremely well-designed levels, enemies, and combat loops, as well as several overhauls and improvements to the game's core systems.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Romancelvania
    Romancelvania is a great visual novel trapped inside a Metroidvania that bites off more than it can chew.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 59 Critic Score
    Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse
    This re-release of the 2007 Wii horror game has echoes of what make this classic horror series great, but is stifled by a lumbering pace, cumbersome controls, and lack of genuine scares.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Blood Bowl III
    Blood Bowl 3 is the type of game that makes people say things like, “I’ll wait until it’s on sale” or, “maybe this will be good in a year or two.” Now, I don’t work in publishing, but it seems to me like that’s the opposite of what you want when you’re releasing a game that’s so blatantly predatory in its monetization. What I don’t understand is why the game was delayed for two years only to launch in this abysmal state. Maybe in another two years, this game will actually be playable. For now, stick to Blood Bowl 2 instead.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
    No matter how disappointed I am with the game and myself after each "Crushing Defeat," I find myself wanting to go back and play again, even if it's just to build up relationships with Liu Bei and Sun Jian, unlock their armor sets and weapons, grind for levels and new spells and, maybe some day, finally get to use that wizard's house key. It doesn't excuse the faults, and I will die (quickly and repeatedly) on the hill that it would be vastly improved by adding difficulty settings, but if you're a fan of the Three Kingdoms and (not or) extreme difficulty, Wo Long may be a good fit for you. And if it's not, Hell, there's always Dynasty Warriors.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe
    Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe not only got me as giddy as a youngster in a candy shop, but was a solid reminder that, with a bit of pure imagination and innovation, Nintendo could still expand upon the worlds of existing IP, especially its pink pudgy ones.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Metroid Prime Remastered
    Prime Remastered is a successful experiment in gaming perspectives and a paragon of how to improve on an already excellent game. I can only hope that subsequent Prime titles are given the luxurious remaster treatment. As of this writing, it's the most beautiful game I've played on the Switch, which is quite bold considering that I've also played Legend of Zelda: Breathe of the Wild. After all, the world of Metroid itself wasn’t anything original, but it was the new way of seeing things that made all the difference.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Scars Above
    Scars Above is a fine game, but not a very memorable one, especially in a period when sci-fi survival horror is becoming a crowded field. Much like the planet you explore, Scars Above is devoid of life.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Clive 'N' Wrench
    Clive 'N' Wrench might take inspiration from classic 3D platformers, but it doesn't take the best practices, resulting in a dated and at times frustrating gameplay experience.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    SEASON: A letter to the future
    It’s difficult to put into words my experience with this game. It offered a strange peace that was, all at once, a somber experience — one full of joy, sorrow, laughter, and regret. It explores the weight and comfort of memories, the impact they have on the world, and the importance of existence. It can be meandering at times, and some of the side characters’ voice acting pulled me out of the experience. If you aren’t in the mood for this kind of game — a walking simulator vibe with an emphasis on scrapbooking, bicycling, and photography — hold off on playing it and wait until the right mood strikes. When you go in with the right mindset, this game can get under your skin in the best way. Season: A Letter To The Future isn’t a perfect game, but it is a significant one, and one that I will carry with me for a long time.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Like a Dragon: Ishin!
    An action-packed and emotionally-charged adventure through a breathtaking period in Japanese history.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Atomic Heart
    Despite a few missed opportunities to really build on the great games it’s inspired by, Atomic Heart surprised me, with a remarkably inventive world that brings to life (the tears apart) the weirdest, wildest visions of Soviet propaganda. This is a game that’s been through over half a decade of development hell, and come out the other side as one of the best first-person shooters this generation.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hogwarts Legacy
    Avalanche Software has meticulously re-created Hogwarts down to such minute details that it's sure to bring out the child in most of us — it is, doubtlessly, a gorgeous realization of the Wizarding World. Attending classes, taming beasts, exploring Hogwarts, and learning new spells could keep you occupied for hours, but it's nowhere near a groundbreaking experience. If you strip the Harry Potter IP away from Hogwarts Legacy, you're just left with another standard RPG that we've seen countless times before.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake
    SpongeBob SquarePants nails the feeling of the source material and it does a great job of replicating the free and fancy fun of those old-school platformers. That being said, it's not a great game, at least if you're over the age of 12. It's lacking in challenge, it's rather short, and there's very little replay value. For the younger players who haven't been jaded by this wonderful and wicked industry, it's a serviceable platformer with authentic voice acting that gives players a chance to be part of their favorite show. For everybody else, it's a short distraction that had the potential to be so much more.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Persona 3 Portable
    Jung’s theory aside, Persona 3 is all about the time we have, how we choose to spend it and who we choose to spend it with. In this light, the game’s true mechanics shine. The relationships that we forge can—and this is probably true in life—affect our ultimate outcome. And time? Well, it’s hard to think of a better way to spend 50+ hours than getting points for scarfing down takoyaki and fighting bad guys.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Forspoken
    Forspoken is packed with flaws — be they outright missteps or simply middling executions — but there are definitely qualities to this game that can deliver an entertaining and sometimes thrilling experience. I did ultimately enjoy my time with it, all told and considered. There’s interesting lore here, and at times the story approaches compelling, but it was held back so much by odd design choices, an often bland world, and uneven pacing in both the story and moment-to-moment dialogue. On paper, it could and should be great, but nothing quite fits together to make a stronger whole. It’s crammed with so much, and beyond the combat and traversal, the whole experience just winds up feeling like something of a relatively enjoyable mess.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
    After a dozen or so hours in Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition, I can safely say that it's the real McCoy. This is not a watered-down port to give Microsoft an easy first-party Xbox Game Pass release. It's the real deal and as feature complete as the PC edition, which is quite an accomplishment. A myriad of quality-of-life improvements makes the original game, while still a classic, very much redundant. The only reason to keep hold of the original is to preserve those big beautiful boxes PC games used to ship in. We're in a new age now, and Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is the perfect example of taking an ancient game and giving it just enough love to make it feel almost new, something that many other remasters and re-releases so often miss the mark on.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Dead Space
    There are a lot of other things worth unpacking about this game (pour one out for Rob as I pitch a thousand Dead Space features), but as a cohesive whole? Dead Space Remake is damn good fun, with interesting ideas and appreciation of the greater franchise that most remakes lack. This isn’t some studio trying to massively reinvent an IP, but working to fit the best pieces together so it can grow anew. It's a fitting tribute to Visceral's best days - maybe not a perfect rendition, but few cover songs ever are.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem Engage
    Fire Emblem Engage is mostly a streamlined experience that gives you a taste of what the series has to offer, but doesn’t showcase its true potential as a strategy game. It lacks genuine innovation, and doesn’t quite meet the standards set by previous entries or establish a challenging and balanced system that reflects Fire Emblem's core identity.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Toy Soldiers HD
    Toy Soldiers HD is a fantastic tower defense game that fans of the genre should definitely play. It's easy to learn, hard to master, and there's a ton of replayability with the lengthy campaign, the extra levels, collectibles, achievements, and survival modes, which I've spent a lot of time playing. The controls for vehicles can be a bit stiff and the lack of co-op multiplayer is a big disappointment, but given how few decent tower-defense games there are on console, it's easy to overlook the very few shortcomings Toy Soldiers HD brings to the table. Now, when are we getting Toy Soldiers Cold War?
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Vampire Survivors: Legacy of the Moonspell
    Overall, this DLC takes everything that made the base game of Vampire Survivors such a surprise success story and gives you more of the same, but with a more involved map and a theme to bring the whole thing together. If you're one of the many who has been enthralled with the allure of Vampire Survivors, you're going to appreciate the additional content that poncle has thrown in here, and with a price point set at less than $2.00, there's very little reason for any fan to stay away.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Police Simulator: Patrol Officers
    As far as simulators go, it's not the worst. To the game's credit, it does offer the dull, mundane day-to-day routine that a lot of actual police officers call a career. If you want to spend hours writing tickets and slowly progressing in a meaningless career in law enforcement, you can do it here without the risk of being vilified on social media. But it could have been so much more had the systems in play been deeper and more robust, not to mention, fun. Instead, Police Simulator: Patrol Officers is a bit of a buggy mess that feels half-baked and not ready for patrol just yet. Back to the academy with this one.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 45 Critic Score
    Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters - Duty Eternal
    Although it does have some redeeming qualities, it’s hard to justify paying full price for a DLC that barely gives you access to its biggest new addition and introduces even more arbitrary difficulty spikes.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    River City Girls 2
    It’s a little disappointing, and really quite surprising, that River City Girls 2 shows very little impetus to improve on its promising predecessor. The girls have still definitely ‘got it,’ and still make this colourful and characterful journey worth it through some rough patches, but there’s a little too much reliance on the assets of the original to make it feel worth the rather steep asking price. The original game made a fan of me, while the sequel just about manages to sustain my loyalty, though that will definitely be affected by how WayForward deal with its woeful frame rate issue in the coming weeks.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 98 Critic Score
    Blacktail
    A beautiful, touching piece of work that’s bound to stick with you long after you finish it, Blacktail is a world worth getting lost in.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Marvel's Midnight Suns
    It's Marvel meets XCOM meets Fire Emblem, which isn't something I knew I wanted, but now I have it, I want the hell out of it. Firaxis deserve a lot of respect for taking risks and trying something new, especially with such a high-profile property. The dialogue and a few technical hiccups mean Midnight Suns doesn't quite stick the landing, but the rock-solid core gameplay and fun character moments more than makeup for it.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
    Once you get down into the dilapidated yet impressive levels of the Hive and start swinging, Darktide is as great a swarm shooter experience as any, but it needs to improve much of the surrounding infrastructure to make that core combat experience feel rewarding and meaningful. Who knows? I may even come back in a year to re-review the game (which is something that should generally happen with more game reviews), but in the meantime it’s a simmering cauldron of potential that still feels a little raw.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The Callisto Protocol
    A bland sad protagonist with all the charisma of a rock with a frowny face, a mystery box-style narrative that only ends with more mystery boxes, a combat system that wants to be multiple entirely different games. The Callisto Protocol might function, and it’ll certainly have its launch issues patched out in due time, but in no way can I recommend it to anyone but the most morbidly curious. Everything was stacked in this game’s favor, and it still wasn’t enough. We didn’t need Dead Space 2.0 - we just needed a cohesive, focused game. Instead, it's an oddly soulless concoction of unfocused ambitions, poor planning, and inconceivably amateurish design. Whether you're winning or losing, Callisto Protocol never feels right.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Pokemon Scarlet
    Ultimately, these games were the result of Game Freak and Nintendo taking a risk and giving the fans something they've been begging for over a long while. It tries to mix Legends: Arceus with the main series, and it half-succeeds. Some things brought innovative and fun changes, while we learned others were better off they way they were before. If Pokémon fans can look past the obvious flaws and limitations, there's so much to appreciate here.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Pokemon Violet
    Ultimately, these games were the result of Game Freak and Nintendo taking a risk and giving the fans something they've been begging for over a long while. It tries to mix Legends: Arceus with the main series, and it half-succeeds. Some things brought innovative and fun changes, while we learned others were better off they way they were before. If Pokémon fans can look past the obvious flaws and limitations, there's so much to appreciate here.
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