DualShockers' Scores

  • Games
For 1,382 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 1.2 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 76
Highest review score: 100 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Lowest review score: 10 Serious Fun Football
Score distribution:
1400 game reviews
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    While its transition to a semi-open-world structure may make for a radical change from what fans may expect from the series’ third installment, Metro Exodus expands on what has made the series so unique from anything else with a compelling mix of action, stealth, survival, and horror. Much like how the Aurora has brought Artyom and his companions to new, uncharted territories, Metro Exodus is bringing the series into a new direction that seems to have so many possibilities.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For all the good World of Warcraft: Midnight does, there are decisions being made that hold it back from being an all-time great expansion. I've said it before, but I'll keep saying it: the add-on changes feel like they were done with no real plan in place. Preys are a great feature, but I want to see a long-term vision here, especially because Delves are now delivering that vision. I'm excited to play through Midnight's seasons and experience everything the game offers heading into The Last Titan, but I also hope that Blizzard lets the dev team fully cook. It feels like they didn't with Midnight, and it's a shame.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Regardless of which difficulty you play on, Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 serves as one of the best entry points into classic Castlevania. Its gameplay, while not as challenging as the classics, introduces interesting mechanics that build not only on the original Castlevania games but the first Curse of the Moon as well. It certainly falls short in a few of the places it tries to innovate, but despite its flaws, Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 offers a strong dose of nostalgia with a few modern twists and a fantastic presentation that makes it more accessible and sometimes even a bit more enjoyable.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    While it's missing a few bells and whistles, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a wonderful collection of some of Nintendo's most beloved classics.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Like closing the final chapter on a thousand-page-long fantasy novel, The Banner Saga 3 delivers a dark and thrilling conclusion to remember.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I just really, really want to play more.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Death Stranding has its fair share of gameplay issues but also boasts more heart and a willingness to take chances than any other game in years.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Salt and Sanctuary takes the Souls-like formula to 2D and almost perfectly executes upon it.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With a near-perfect blend of old and new, Valhalla is the best Assassin's Creed title in the past decade.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    While Magical Delicacy can deliver cozy vibes, it drops the magic ball on almost everything else. The platforming isn't fun, cooking doesn't feel satisfying, and the main gameplay loop boils down to doing fetch quests for NPCs just to get a few extra bits of story and a generic upgrade. Both the cooking and platforming sides work against each other, and everything lacks polish, especially the animations. It's a fundamentally flawed experience with a clashing visual identity, with a great soundtrack and pleasant story being the main saving graces.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    There aren’t a ton of games that can make a two-decade jump and remain unscathed, but Spyro Reignited Trilogy does just that.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    VA-11 HALL-A should be a must-buy for indie lovers and VN junkies alike.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Little Nightmares 2 pushes the formula from the first game forward with a lot of largely inventive changes, most of which work out.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    LEGO games have found a very unique niche in gaming and yet have still managed to continue to get better and better. Even though it likely will not change the minds of those who do not enjoy the LEGO series of games, the stellar presentation, humor, and overall joy found in these recreations of each movie make LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga one well worth picking up.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Super Mario Party Jamboree is an excellent party game, and compares well with previous titles in the franchise. While remaining true to the nostalgic formula, minor tweaks, improvements, and new game modes help it rise above the series' modern releases to shine as a Super Star. Even if you have either of the previous Mario Party games for Switch, Jamboree is worth considering.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    PES 2020 is a gorgeous, curling free-kick from the legendary boot of David Beckham that just misses the top right corner as time expires.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, shows that if Dishonored is indeed coming to an end, it is a fitting tribute to its engaging world.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Despite faltering in single-player content and gunplay mechanics, Battlefield 6 finally brings back what made the franchise famous: epic combined arms fun with natural teamwork and a grounded setting. My crystal ball is broken, so I can't say whether it'll sell the lofty 100 million copies expected by the previous EA management, but this feels like a new era for a genre that has been stagnant for far too long. It's not the best shooter ever by any margin, but it is the first Battlefield that is ready to dominate the multiplayer scene after years of Call of Duty tyranny, and I for one welcome our new rulers.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If The Last Guardian and its charming duo of characters click with you (or more properly, if you click with them), this is an unforgettable experience that you will probably carry in your heart for your whole life, just like many did with Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, and possibly even more.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    With an enriching story, characters, and scenery, Indivisible is a spectacle and one of the best action platformers I’ve ever played.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Ys Origin is a choice that you’d be hard pressed to pass up — especially for its price.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In a space where Mario Kart has been the only kart racer worth talking about for what feels like eons, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds stands tall as a worthy competitor. Beyond the flashy dimension-hopping, the gameplay doesn't reinvent the wheel, but offers enough quentessentially Sonic-style fanfare to appeal to veteran fans, while offering accessible, chaotic racing that will appeal to casual fans looking for a cross-console alternative. The rather uninspired multiplayer modes, the lack of satisfying unlockables, and the focus on a steady stream of paid content make me doubtful that this game can achieve long-term success. But, as far as kart racers go, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is right up there with the best.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Quotation forthcoming.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    What we’ve seen from NBA 2K the past two years with microtransactions is likely the new norm, and I’m going to have to accept that.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a compelling new entry in the series, taking the franchise in a new direction with more RPG-lite ideals. This decision will alienate Die Hard fans but will undoubtedly win favor with new fans willing to embrace the series. Veilguard has a fantastic tale to tell, a stunning fantasy setting to explore, a lovable cast of characters, and a dynamic three-prong combat system that offers smooth Archery, melee, and RTS mechanics. The side content and some visual details leave much to be desired, but overall, this big swing by Bioware might just usherin a fruitful new age for Dragon Age.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tekken 7 may not be the perfect entry point for newcomers into the long and twisted narrative that follows the Mishima Zaibatsu, but they will unmistakably have fun with the rock solid gameplay and mechanics. With the addictive Treasure Battle mode, deep character customization, and strong character options, Tekken 7 is one of the best titles in the 23 year-old series.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A game that shouldn’t be missed for anyone looking for a relaxed mental challenge.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Life is Strange 2 found not only a unique voice with the debut of Sean and Daniel, but an important one.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Every new story act and every location had characters that I grew fond of, and interactions were wholesome and genuinely funny.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    I wasn't sure what to expect with Ninja Gaiden 4 at first, as it felt like there was no way for the game to live up to all of its expectations. The more I play and spend time with the game, though, the more I fall in love with it. The combat is a perfect evolution that maintains everything I love about Ninja Gaiden, while also incorporating the accessibility and convenience of modern game design. The camera and targeting system can be annoying at times, but more often than not, those concerns fade away as I get into a groove and carve up enemies with my favorite weapons. This is the gold standard for fast-paced, high-octane, 3D action games. I just hope we don't have to wait another ten years for the next one.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Burnout Paradise Remastered is a breath of fresh air for the racing genre. It takes the realistic aspects of racing and throws them out the window with fast and furious driving that feels great. The sense of speed achieved as you zip through the streets of Paradise City listening to Soundgarden’s ‘Rusty Cage’ is truly astounding. It’s both frantic and fun.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Among Us VR is a great execution of an extremely popular game - and genre - of recent years. It’s a perfect fit for the medium, and at a refreshingly low price too. As with the base Among Us however, it’s simple stuff - almost a proof-of-concept that this kind of game works in its respective medium - and it may be up to other VR developers to really build on this finger-pointing party game premise to take it to bold new places.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    A Plague Tale’s linear story is immediately compelling and gripping.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    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.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Call of the Sea is a great start for developer Out of the Blue but didn't entirely capture me on any front, despite standout moments.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fresh Tracks took an hour or two to click for me, but I was addicted once it did. This is a really unique and fun rhythm game featuring awesome original music that all ties together with an increasingly fun narrative. You'll want to turn off the game's extra/optional sound effects to be able to completely lock-in to the groove, which is a little awkward for a title where sound should be completely dialed in. Still, I can't wait to finish writing this review so I can jump back in and try to improve all my high scores in one of my new favorite rhythm games on the market.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Despite a bug that forced my first playthrough to end prematurely, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is an incredible game that will continue to linger with me as a singular and emotionally affecting experience. For its audio and visual design alone, it is stunning, but for its ability to use the video game medium to bridge our understanding of mental illness while also telling a personal and powerful story, it is a masterpiece. If you feel capable of withstanding the emotional strain it requires, a dark and fulfilling tale awaits.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Disgaea 5 Complete is an awesome addition to the Nintendo Switch line-up of games. Taking this time-intensive tactical RPG on the go with me was an enjoyably experience; I am not always at home and willing to spend 80 hours on my couch playing a game. The game’s premise feels like a soap opera at times, but it adds to the enjoyment when acted out by these silly characters. My only word of advice is to bring your Switch charger with you, because you’re going to need it.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony is by far the best sequel to a video game series that I have ever played.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Jurassic World Evolution 3 is without a doubt the absolute best dino park management game that has ever been made. Any of the issues or complaints I had from the first two games have either been improved on or completely eradicated. The campaign and challenge modes are worth checking out, but you'll find yourself absolutely absorbed by building and maintaining your park in the sandbox mode. It's a magnificent blend of nostalgia and contemporary game design, and is well worth dumping hours of your life into.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Fantasian Neo Dimension is one of the best JRPGs I have played in a very long time, and that is saying a lot, considering we've had some great releases recently. It has a nostalgic feel to it that is reminiscent of the older Final Fantasy games, almost like stepping into a time machine. The trajectory system in combat is brilliant, it has an interesting story, and the difficulty is just right where it demands strategy while remaining fair throughout. The beautiful world made strictly from handmade dioramas is nothing short of extraordinary and is one of the most creative initiatives I've seen in gaming. Fantasian Neo Dimension does everything right for a turn-based JRPG, and anyone seeking their next great experience in the genre should look no further than this remarkable creation.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's difficult to review a game like Strange Antiquities as most of the pleasure and pain it derives will depend on if you click with the style of puzzle it presents. But if you're looking for a slightly cozy, slightly dark world in which to inhabit as the nights get longer, then I'd suggest at least checking out the demo of this game to see if it works for you. If it does, there's almost no better feeling in the world than getting that eureka moment as you solve a particularly tricky puzzle.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The writing style and dialogue is unique in each chapter, correlating to how the characters would speak in that time period. The poetic choice of words in the Middle Ages chapter, and the old western Lingo in the Wild West chapter were the most impressive in that respect.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed Shadows is a bloated collection of uninspired quests that quickly turn into a repetitive, boring grind. While the art and history teams deserve recognition for their efforts, it's all unfortunately wasted on a narrative that goes nowhere, is poorly explained, and has no satisfying resolutions. None of the changes and tweaks that Ubisoft brought to the table move the needle, and the game is ultimately more frustrating than it is fun. This is a game that desperately needed to succeed, and instead, collapses under its own weight. Future Assassin's Creed releases need to innovate instead of being yet another rehash of games we've already played in different locations. There are other open-world games in similar settings that are much more worthy of your time.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    While there’s definitely fun to be had with Fuser, the not-particularly-musically-gifted people (like myself) may struggle. The budding Calvin Harris and Tiesto’s of the world, on the other hand, will surely find enjoyment in the game.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The newest Seasons expansion is a welcome addition and enriches the overall gameplay experience.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The aesthetic, charm and gameplay Tokyo Mirage Sessions brings make it worthy to stand on its own and I hope that those who end up playing the game see it this way as well. Nintendo seemed to think that Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE was worthy of an encore here on Switch, and I find it to be a worthy encore, indeed.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    At the end of the day, despite its somewhat dated gameplay, I was still impressed by the time the credits rolled. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black reminds us why the franchise was formerly the gold standard for 3D action. It's fast, furious, and a bloody good time. I can't think of a better way to prepare for Ninja Gaiden 4.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    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.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    LEGO Party! stands tall as one of the best games ever in the competitive board game-style genre. Sure, it's derivative of Mario Party, but it also improves on many games in that series in a multitude of ways. Almost all of the 60 mini-games here are truly great, the game boards are creative, and the player customization options feel endless. I do wish it had a couple additional modes and maybe another game board or two, but that's really just because I want more of this awesome title. Regardless, LEGO Party! is such a blast, and a game I sincerely hope catches on so we can keep getting more content and sequels.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Elder Scrolls Online: Dragonhold, while moving the needle a bit in terms of zone design, is ultimately more of the same.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    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.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you already love the Borderlands franchise--even the third game—you’re guaranteed to love this newest addition to this chaotic and bombastic looter shooter. Borderlands 4 is undoubtedly my favorite Borderlands game to date. It is a culmination of everything that the franchise has learned thus far and then some. Be it a new traversal, quality-of-life improvements that make the hunt for the perfect legendary all the more palatable, or even vastly improved writing, Borderlands 4 excels in everything its predecessors struggled with. The sheer diversity of characters, gear, and ways to have fun is never-ending, and the open-world format is a surprisingly welcome addition to this amazing co-op FPS. Borderlands 4 is a leap in the right direction, and I can only hope that this trend continues upwards for the rest of the franchise.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    House House's Untitled Goose Game is undoubtedly a hilarious experience, but it lacks a varied toolset to maximize said hilarity.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    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.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    All-in-all, a second portion of Overcooked‘s co-op insanity was exactly what I was looking for.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bloodroots is a very simple, straightforward game at face value, but it’s also one that offers tons of replayability and features a high skill ceiling. If you’re a fan of games that are all about mastering gameplay mechanics in pursuit of that one, perfect run, you really can’t do better so far in 2020 than Bloodroots. It’s a game that I’m very much looking forward to returning to time and time again over the coming months.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Hunt: Showdown offers one of the most strenuous multiplayer experiences I’ve ever had and I loved every second of it. There are some defeating lows and victorious highs that come with its addicting PvPvE gameplay. While it definitely has some things that it still needs to refine with its overall formula, as it stands, it’s a really solid game for those into horror elements and hardcore FPS gameplay.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    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.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Bionic Bay is a truly special platformer that is wildly creative and endlessly smart. Each new section of gameplay is a mini-puzzle that utilizes the game's movement and powers extraordinarily intuitively, leading to continuous rewarding solutions that encourage players to think outside the box and bend the world's mechanics to their will. It's a challenging side-scroller that will result in many do-overs, but checkpointing is perfectly placed to make each new attempt exciting and instantaneous instead of frustrating. Playing Bionic Bay is full of constant "Aha!" moments to the extent I haven't experienced since my first time playing Portal in 2007. The pixel art is breathtaking, and the world is full of ominous sci-fi mystery. Any fan of platformers that craves a game to push them to their limits will have plenty to love with Bionic Bay, and then can test their skills with a fun online component as well. It's a must-play that left me wanting more, and is deserving of a spot on the list of best modern platformers.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    If you are a regular Fire Emblem fan and have previously experienced the other Nitnendo 3DS adventures, you are going to have an absolute blast with Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia. However, without the high bar of quality we’ve seen in the previous two games, Echoes may not hook newcomers the same way.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    All things considered, it is still the same Sifu, and playing it in the palm of your hand is a satisfying and powerful experience that shouldn't be ignored if you have not played Sifu before.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    While no individual aspect is the best of its kind, the overall package exudes charm and entertainment that is hard to match.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    A cathartic conclusion that will satisfy fans of Trails' dungeon crawling experience.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Windjammers is a fun and fantastic multiplayer arcade game and the Nintendo Switch version takes advantage of that strength.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar it’s a good farming game that sucks you in with its visuals and audio, stays cozy without being childish, and keeps a steady pace to stay engaging. The customization has come a long way from other games in the series; the town feels alive, and the chickens appreciate my forgetful nature. My time playing Grand Bazaar feels like working on a jigsaw puzzle: it takes time, but it is very rewarding once everything ends up pretty, the villagers feel happy, and my potatoes fly off the shelves. I am now attached to this farm, frantically running around, second-guessing my romance choices from the eligible bachelors. This is the good life.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a fantastic beat 'em up that understands what makes arcade games like X-Men so iconic. It's a touching love letter to both the source material and genre that's a blast to play from start to finish, whether you're playing alone or with friends. Part of the fun is not just experiencing the beat 'em up action, but also falling in love with specific heroes and various combinations to find a playstyle that matches your personal preferences. In an era that has more options than ever for co-op gaming, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is well worth your time and money, whether you're looking to spend a weekend together gaming or keep coming back to see everything the game offers.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    I had waited with bated breath to play Life is Strange's next narrative adventure and I can honestly say I wasn't let down. Every expectation was met and then some. From the deeply impactful writing, the consequences of choices, and the attention to every detail, True Colors was an experience that I can't wait to start all over again.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Ties That Bind does an exceptional job at building a new world for The Walking Dead fans to explore while still integrating the components that made Telltale’s series a breakout hit.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Samurai Shodown is one of the best and most unique fighting games this generation, hands down.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    While I enjoyed my time with Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, I was left a bit wanting in regards to gameplay. It just wasn’t satisfying to engage with the platforming and enemies, it was too simple, too easy. I’m not looking for a punishing experience, but I do enjoy having my skills challenged in platformers. Regardless, the beauty on display and the energy in both the soundtrack and movement of each and every character impressed me. I just wish it had a little more bite.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Like its predecessor, I’m unlikely ever to forget Emily is Away Too. What developer Kyle Seeley has created is a great reminder that excellent immersive storytelling is reliant on only two things: an unique idea, and the vision and passion to see that idea materialize.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fantastically designed hack-n-slash RPG that kept me enthralled for hours on end. It fits right at home on the Nintendo Switch with its colorful, exciting, and inviting world that made it a pleasure to explore, but it was let down by its lack of local co-op features which really is a crying shame for a game of this kind.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The first episode highlights that the series still works at its best when it aims for its quieter, more poignant moments.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While I wasn’t moved by the narrative in Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth, the game does do its job at incorporating the series’ long history of characters into a cohesive and fun story. Paired with the familiar and new mechanics, this is a great title for Persona fans on the go. As one of, if not the last major title coming to the Nintendo 3DS, Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth is one of the best RPGs on the handheld.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Marathon is hands down the best extraction shooter on the market. From the gunplay to the way the game handles the distribution of story, there's a lot to love in Marathon. While the quality of life could be improved in some respects and some of the UI elements could be adjusted, the overall game stands as a testament that Bungie knows how to make a good game. The biggest issue the game will face is appealing to the less hardcore players and getting them to stick around, but with Bungie continuing to iterate on the game, things will likely work out just fine for this unbelievably fun extraction shooter.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Atlus has released a great package for a title that probably didn’t get as much love as it should have back when it first launched. From the puzzles, stylistic choices, and storyline Catherine: Full Body holds up even while it’s closing in on its ninth anniversary. This is a unique game that’s riveting throughout, I recommend it for newcomers and returning players alike.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Radical Fish Games has raised the bar for retro-inspired indie games. You owe it to yourself to uncover the secrets Shadoon and CrossWorlds with Lea and friends in CrossCode.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I couldn’t ask for better virtual friends than Ignis, Gladio and Prompto. I laughed with them, cried with them, and I really love them.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    MOUSE: P.I. For Hire embodies a magnificent triple-threat of retro stylings, managing a careful balancing act between noir theming, cartoony visuals, and vintage FPS gameplay. The gameplay is fast, responsive, and above all else, fun as all get out, while the story and characters manage to be intriguing in that classic pulp novel fashion while also being entertaining to watch and talk to. It draws you in like a detective magazine, getting you invested in the state of the city, while keeping you merrily chugging along with good ol’ cartoony violence. It’s not a revolutionary game as far as the FPS genre goes, but considering its adherence to multiple kinds of retro aesthetics, I don’t think being revolutionary was the mission statement here.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    A fantastic conclusion to the Trails of Cold Steel series, a highlight in the ever-impressive The Legend of Heroes franchise, and a must-play for JRPG fans.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Quotation forthcoming.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Mobile is a surprisingly great first-person shooter with buttery smooth controls that has me addicted.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Keeper is a very slow burn, but ends up culminating in one of the coolest and most surprising third acts in recent memory. It does feel like more of an experience than a video game at times, but it's still absolutely a journey worth taking. Going into it completely blind is recommended, as the game is actually hiding way more beneath the surface than you'd ever expect. The puzzles are dead easy, and there are some camera/control/performance hiccups at times, but it's still a title that truly takes you places that will amaze you by the end if you're willing to stick with it.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    If you’ve been looking for your next dungeon crawling fix, I think Moonlighter is an easy recommendation to anybody who’s a fan of the genre. With the addition of merchant simulation, the game manages to stay refreshing throughout.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Planet Zoo is a complex and deep sim management title that’s carefully crafted to offer hours of meaningful and educational enjoyment.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With a captivating scenario, diverse gameplay options, breathtaking background, and a colorful cast of characters, Far Cry 5 is primed as one of 2018’s earliest Game of the Year contenders.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    This game is very ambitious in terms of what has been done to the franchise up until now, and I think it is definitely going in the right direction. This is exactly what the game needed in terms of a fresh new look, and the open-world aspect of the game truly created an experience for me that I wish I would've had with all the games in the franchise coming up to this one. This game is certainly one that will please returning players and will entice new players to take a step into the amazing world of Atelier.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Fast RMX isn’t the best looking arcade racer on the market, and it lacks the polish that other games bring to the equation. However its tight gameplay and impressive tech (for Nintendo Switch) elevates Fast RMX to something better than its individual parts. For those searching for recommendations, Fast RMX easily offers $20 worth of racing entertainment as you wait for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and is an easy buy to any fan of the genre.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Age of Empires 4 is a game that you will never get tired from playing, regardless of whether you're an old-school fan or a rookie. There are always new plans to follow and new strategies to take into account and it's worth the 16 year wait.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Whether you're a die-hard fan of the series or are a newcomer looking for an excellent place to jump in, most players will find something to enjoy in Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avengers iX is a fast-paced but well-designed platformer that keeps up Inti Creates' streak of awesome games.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Despite the limited drawing aspect, this is one of the most varied collections Jackbox Games has produced, and other than a few functionality issues with Junktopia. A lot of these packs see one or two games become party standards and the rest fade into obscurity, but this time around, I can see most if not all of the four brand-new games finding their niche as long-running titles, and it's nice to see Fibbage get its revival after so long. On top of that, every game now has a variety of content controls to keep responses as clean or dirty as you see fit, and they're also equipped with the option to turn off U.S.-centric questions, so there's no need to worry about unfair advantage based on geography and cultural upbringing. Anyone looking for casual laughs with a group of friends, whether from the same living room or spread across the globe, will find something to appreciate here.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The icy hellscape of Frostpunk 2 translates surprisingly well to Sony's sleek console. The PlayStation 5 occasionally has hiccups, and the DualSense controller is far from ideal for a strategy game this intricate, but the game does a brilliant job patching over these issues to let you enjoy a strong narrative experience. I got to build what I thought were thriving civilizations, and then watch them fall apart through my own shortsightedness. Frostpunk 2 is a beautiful, honest depiction of how far humanity can go when survival is the only ambition, and it makes my multiple political downfalls worth living.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Constance is a fantastic game that I would recommend to anyone who’s a fan of the genre. It draws heavy inspiration from Hollow Knight, which is clear as day, but brings fresh ideas to the table that make it feel like a unique experience. The story, where players bounce between the real world and a world inside the protagonist's declining mental state, is a sad tale that sends a powerful message about depression and anxiety. Constance tackles subject matter that we don’t typically see enough of in the gaming industry, at least with this much depth, and it’s refreshing to see them explored here. The mix of a heartfelt story, addictive gameplay, and incredible platforming makes Constance easy to recommend.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you’ve been defending the helpless for years or are fresh off the bar exam, the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a collection you don’t want to miss.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    An action-packed and emotionally-charged adventure through a breathtaking period in Japanese history.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is a fantastic JRPG. Whether you’re a returning fan or a first-time player, it’s an excellent jumping-off point into the franchise. As a first-time series player myself, Ryza 2 was quite a pleasant surprise and one that I find myself continuously drawn into.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While you’re not going to find an in-depth customization, with tuning, and handling changes, you will find some of the most balanced customization I have ever seen.

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