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
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dead Pets is a messy, loud, yet deeply sincere indie experience that wears its heart on its ripped denim jacket. What initially feels like a quirky mashup of life-sim choice-driven chaos and rhythm-driven rebellion slowly reveals itself as an empathetic, often uncomfortable reflection on adulthood, identity, and the pressures uniquely placed on women. Through Gordy’s self-destruction, absurdist mini-games, and riot grrrl-fueled soundtrack, Dead Pets tackles feminism, mental health, and societal expectations with surprising nuance and bite. It doesn’t always stick to every gameplay note in my eyes, but emotionally, Dead Pets lands hard—proving that even on the worst days, there’s still music to play and jam to, friends to lean on, and another morning to stumble into headstrong after being a drunken mess.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight is weak on content, the game does a great job at celebrating the absolutely stellar soundtrack of the third entry in the iconic JRPG series.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Earth Must Die is an unapologetically hilarious and campy sci-fi romp adventure with perhaps one of the best playable villains in recent memory. This game vigorously scratches a nostalgia itch that will undoubtedly be felt more strongly by some (like me) more than others, and a generational gap may leave younger players culturally ostracized from this experience for one reason or another. However, for the demographic that it's definitely meant to serve, Size Five Games has knocked it out of the park yet again. The gameplay itself and point-and-click puzzle mechanics can feel a bit finicky and frustrating at times in light of how much everything else shines so vividly, but that's still not enough to diminish the whimsical, nostalgic spark this game provides.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Its low skill barrier should not be confused with a lack of quality. Minecraft Dungeons does a tremendous job translating the world of Minecraft into a dungeon crawler.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter is a great sequel that is bigger and more punishing in the best way. The addition of elemental spells and a monster-hunting gameplay loop make the overall experience a huge improvement over its predecessor. However, the game has some issues that are hard to ignore. Due to the game's large focus on exploiting elemental weaknesses, it's hard to create a reliable build without having to constantly switch gear to accommodate the upcoming boss or biome. Additionally, the increased emphasis on enemies using elemental AoE attacks mixed with multiple enemies in some encounters can really make it difficult to focus on what's happening on screen. Still, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter does enough stuff right to warrant its existence, and any fan of the first should definitely play it.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Road to Boruto goes above and beyond what I expect from an anime-inspired game. Not a single facet of this game is done lazily and everything has the same effort and care put into it. Barring some minuscule graphical issues and somewhat shoddy plot points, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 Road to Boruto is this generation’s Dragon Ball Z: Budokai. It’s the eponymous anime fighting game and is one that will not only be remembered fondly but will also be revisited to see what a great anime fighter looks like.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Windjammers is a fun and fantastic multiplayer arcade game and the Nintendo Switch version takes advantage of that strength.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Easily one of the best VR shooters on PlayStation VR at the moment.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I enjoyed my time with Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star as it satisfied my craving for a game in the Fate universe. The fighting controls are tight and responsive, and the action is intense. The lack of enemy variation was disappointing, but it didn’t take away from the frenetic fun of pulling off well animated combos against thousands of aggressors.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There is nothing particularly revolutionary about Sniper Elite: Resistance, but games don't always need to do that to be good. This is a fun game that serves as a window to an important part of history, and if you enjoyed Sniper Elite 5, you will most definitely love this. If you are new to the franchise, I highly recommend giving this a go if you crave that tactical espionage fix typically associated with classic Metal Gear. Just remember: headshots only.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If not for the relationship between yourself and Turing, as well as the backstories, interactions, and performances of the secondary characters, there wouldn’t be much to keep one engaged. Thankfully all of that is present and make Neo-San Francisco and the stories it holds worth playing through to the very end.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Filled with well over 150 levels between the base game and the New Super Luigi U expansion, there’s more than enough in NSMBU Deluxe to keep players occupied on-the-go or surrounding a big-screen TV.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is one of the most cathartic and fan service heavy Marvel games ever.
    • 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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    After five games, the Sudden Strike series has established itself as one of the best real-time strategy titles available, and Sudden Strike 5 keeps this legacy alive and well. The large maps give you plenty of tactical flexibility, unit pricing is well-balanced, and the new smart management features are a lifesaver for anyone allergic to micromanagement. This is not a revolutionary release, and I have some gripes with durability and effectiveness of certain unit types, but Sudden Strike 5 remains a welcome take on a winning formula.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is an honest entry into football gaming, the kind you can buy this year and enjoy for two, or three seasons, or however long it takes for EA Sports to add new features worth checking out. Career Mode remains a far cry from Football Manager, and the licensing situation might as well have changed the series name to "European Football 25". Odds are it will not get better for a while. FC 25 is like watching football: a mix of great moments, frustration, and occasionally asking yourself "Why did I put two hours into this". The answer is that FC 25, like football, is just good fun.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Mario Run isn’t breaking the mold for App Store games, but it does have a certain Nintendo quality, charm and polish that is frankly unmistakable. A unique twist on the Mario formula, Nintendo has been able to substantively add to the genre in a meaningful way. Everyone with an iPhone should go ahead and try the title – even if they don’t end up investing in the $10 entry fee.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A great experience and is one of the funniest games I have ever played.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Closing Thoughts: It won't blow your socks off, but Mind Over Magnet will at least loosen your legwear with its incredible understanding of game design fundementals, a magnet gimmick that feels fresh, solid visuals that serve the gameplay perfectly, and music that I could listen to for hours. It won't last you too long, and it doesn't try to do anything super out of the ordinary, but it's a short and sweet game that hits a home run for every ball it's batting at.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hey! Pikmin is an incredibly fun platformer that’s easy to pick up and doesn’t take a ton of hours to finish like many games that have come out this year. While I was able to get through the game in a couple of days, reaching 100% completion on each level will take some time and serious dedication.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is the best-looking game on the PlayStation 5 right now. The beauty of its graphics is jaw-dropping and helps enhance the emotional impact of its set pieces and carefully choreographed levels throughout its 6-hour story. The new features, such as developer commentary, 60 FPS, improved photo mode, and Dark Rot Mode, are great additions that improve the already fantastic base game and are enough to justify the investment. However, this sequel isn't a game for everyone, and those who have never played it should go into it with their expectations in check. It's a walking simulator focused on delighting its players through fidelity and cinematics, rather than having fun through its gameplay.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest III HD-2D is unapologetically a remake made for long-time series fans. Anyone looking for a faithful representation of the classic game with updated graphics will get precisely that. The addition of Ortega's backstory is mildly interesting, but it doesn't elevate the story, which remains extremely basic. Gameplay and exploration remain the highlights of Dragon Quest III HD-2D and will provide hours of enjoyment for turn-based RPG enthusiasts. While it might serve as an entry point for newcomers to the franchise, its mechanics stand in contrast to what many expect from a contemporary RPG, potentially deterring them within a few hours.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ape Out is a great little gem and one that works great as a portable single-player game for when you want to kill time. Loading times are adequate and don’t keep you staring at your reflection for too long, and the art style and the music work together in harmony. If you’re not a fan of twin-stick titles and potential bursts of rage-quitting, then this might not be the game for you. But if you want to be a banana munching gorilla on a rampage, then Ape Out is right up your alley.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Neither a full-fledged sequel nor a cheap cash grab, XCOM: Chimera Squad is a solid spin-off with a smaller scale approach to the XCOM formula.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For the King isn’t hesitant to punish players for dumb moves or unlucky rolls.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    428: Shibuya Scramble left an empty feeling in my stomach once I had finished, as I realized my time with these characters had come to a close and no new significant time would be spent with them. It’s a familiar feeling, one that punctuates the end of stories that I was always sad to have to finally put down.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Rivals of Aether II gives fans of the genre a lot to love, with the promise of even more on the way, and the game is constantly getting patches and improving. If it offered a proper story mode and slightly more intuitive mechanics on top of cleaning up the skins for clarity's sake, it would be up there with the best fighting games ever. It feels incredible to play, the music is awesome, and the visuals are some of the most unique in the industry without feeling like they're compromising for frame rate. If you're a fan of Smash Bros. gameplay, you owe it to yourself to give Rivals of Aether II a shot, but you should know that it's still a work in progress, even after release.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dungeon crawlers aren’t for everyone, but Demon Gaze II is the perfect place to start for players who have yet to try out the genre.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is the beauty of Mosaic; it’s not just another tale made up for storytelling impact. These are feelings and situations I felt empathy with and that are a current problem within our world today. It’s great to see more developers wanting to go down this route when creating games and wanting to make a difference. I’d be surprised that when the end credits roll on Mosaic, you wouldn’t want to change even the smallest details of your own life for the better.
    • 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.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Secret of Mana is the same adventure that I remember, and I couldn’t have asked for more.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With fresh combat mechanics, plenty of features, and a ton of replayability, Panzer Paladin is the latest great retro-action platformer that is worth your time.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A great game. The story is gripping and enticing, and for people that don’t want it, it’s not forced down your throat. While improvements could be made to the controls and framerate, I had a blast with Q.U.B.E. 2 and I hope that Toxic Games decides to add more to the game in the months to come.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Collar X Malice is a great visual novel that happens to also be an otome. The story is dark, stressful, and creates an atmosphere that forces the player to want to continue. True, there are many wrong paths, but once you see the end in sight you will understand what makes this game so good. I enjoyed my time with Collar X Malice and I’m eager to experience the remaining routes and endings that I missed, which could easily take 40 hours of accumulative playtime.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The 25th Ward: The Silver Case takes chances and pushes the boundaries of storytelling and character development.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Everything fun from Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story gets a facelift, but what's new might not be special enough for another purchase.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mighty Gunvolt Burst is something that you’ll want to show your friends who quit playing games in the 90’s.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Division 2 is better than it has any right to be. Considering how well everything works with one another, it is hard to not overstate how much this game does right. This is what “games as a service” games are supposed to be. Sure, it has the launch hiccups of its predecessors and that one mission that I loathed, but it is loaded with so much content that is both fun and challenging. The Division 2 is the litmus test for loot shooters from here on out and I will surely be playing more as its free DLC starts rolling out.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Life Is Strange: Before the Storm Episode 2: Brave New World showed me what Deck Nine is capable of in terms of storytelling and character growth.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth does what it came to do: criticize the injustice of winter existing at all. The game makes you reflect on existential dread, dedications to your partner, chores, and the adorableness of life as a whole. Some controls and mechanics could have been explained better, but this is a great, snowy, cozy game that adds some variety to a genre that's oversaturated with farm life.
    • 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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch is a refreshing roguelite tactical RPG with thoughtfully crafted character design, challenging turn-based combat, and customizable playstyles. While I'd like to see additional ways to interact with the environment during battle, and possibly more variations of routes to take at forked roads, these are very minor things that could hopefully be added in later. Overall, I've had an absolute blast with Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch; there's a lot of replay value and exciting possibilities.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With all these new additions and improvements, I guess the answer some of you are looking for is whether Observer: System Redux is worth checking out if you’ve already played through the original. Well, there are several answers to that question. If you haven’t played it already, and you really dig horror and sci-fi stories, then you should absolutely play this game. If you played it and enjoyed it the first time, like myself, then yes, you should totally play Observer again. If you are looking for a game to show off your new toy to your friends or specifically want to see what cool new things Bloober Team added to Observer: System Redux, then you can definitely skip this one.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As a showcase for the PS5 and DualSense, Astro's Playroom is more than just a tech demo; it's also a playful and remarkably fun platformer.
    • 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.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Quotation forthcoming.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Team Sonic Racing is one of Sonic's best spin-off games to date. Even with the handful of problems I had with the game, I found I was easily able to overlook them because of the pure fun I was having. Team Sonic Racing is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for your next kart racing craze.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Jackbox Party Pack 4 is a guaranteed multi-hour adventure into adult fun.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If Found… features some of the most realistic, human characters, that I’ve experienced in recent memory.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Its addictive gameplay and unique approach to playing party games offers hours of replayability, all the while remaining fun to play.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The limb targeting mechanic offers up some true innovation to the combat formula established in Demon Souls. This makes The Surge the one of the first real competitors to the Souls series, as The Surge offers up its own unique gameplay style that keeps each encounter fresh in a very unique setting. Fighting multiple enemies at the same time can be a pain, and the game does suffer a bit in the narrative department, even with its interesting world, but overall I found The Surge to be a well built Souls-like.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Battletoads make their comeback after a 26-year hiatus and, for the most part, offer a solid re-entry into the cult classic franchise.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is a strategy game title I see myself consistently returning to.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Atomfall’s DLC is a notable accomplishment for one big reason: it successfully adds a story expansion that almost seamlessly integrates itself into an incredibly delicate, immersive sim-like storyline. While it may not fix any of the issues with the base game, the added lore and questlines put another profound spin on the Atomfall world. More than anything else, the ambiance and beautifully distinct aesthetic of the new expansion should be a massive reason for fans to give this DLC a whirl.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    At the end of the day, a bad Metroid Prime game is still a good game and one that I'll happily play any day of the week. As frustrating as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond can be, it's still worth playing and a solid way for Nintendo to end 2025. Is it a must-own Nintendo Switch 2 game? That's something I'm honestly not sure about. On the one hand, I can see it being a great way to introduce people to the Metroid genre in a way that's more accessible than, say, Metroid Dread. On the other hand, Metroid Prime Remastered is right there. Ultimately, Metroid Prime 4 is a game that's worth playing, but it could be so much better.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files is far from a perfect game, but as a virtual reality title I found it to be an ambitious as well as a good first virtual reality title for Rockstar Games.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A game that shouldn’t be missed for anyone looking for a relaxed mental challenge.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince stands as one of the strongest games within its own series.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    At the end of the day, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a Mario Kart game and (predictably) fantastic. With a fully upgraded Battle Mode and all the portability that comes with Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is undoubtedly the definitive version of the game -- maybe even the series. However, with limited offerings for Mario Kart veterans who shelled out nearly $100 on the last experience, the title will be significantly less rewarding.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Thimbleweed Park shows that adventure games very much have a place in 2017 as they did in the ’80s and ’90s thanks to its loving callbacks to the genre, but also its willingness to improve upon them in many ways. As the game’s trailers have used the slogan that “a dead body is the least of your problems” in the game’s dilapidated town, Thimbleweed Park hides many more secrets and ways of enjoying it beyond its murder-mystery plot, for those willing to look just a little bit deeper.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Outside of the visuals boost, Madden NFL 19 feels more iterative than last year’s entry of Madden did. The series’ dedicated and interested fans that buy the game yearly and sink hundreds of hours into its game modes shouldn’t have any major issues outside of some glitchy menus, but not enough has changed to make Madden NFL 19 a worthy entry for newcomers or casual players who picked it up last year.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    LawBreakers is fun and fast and a breath of fresh air for a space that needed some infusion of change from the monolith and trends dominating the genre. LawBreakers should be played by all fans of the genre, and all comparisons be thrown out the window; just enjoy the rush, literally.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Firewall: Zero Hour is one of those games that you show your friends if they want to see what virtual reality is all about. It wraps everything that VR has to offer up perfectly.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A wonderfully crafted adventure puzzle game that has stunning music and visuals.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The First Berserker: Khazan is a fantastic game that has some of the best bosses of any Soulslike ever created. It's a game that will test patience and demand the utmost attention from the player, or else they'll meet the game over screen time and time again. This Soulslike is absolutely brutal, and yet, it remains fair throughout its 40-hour runtime. While the levels begin to blend in with one another aesthetically and the overwhelming amount of loot can become exhausting, The First Berserker: Khazan is a welcomed addition to the subgenre and I can't wait to see what developer Neople has planned next for this new IP.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you are looking for another run ‘n gun boss rush game for Nintendo Switch, Mechstermination Force is definitely a great option and cements Hörberg Productions as one of the most consistently great Nindie developers. As the indie scene on Nintendo Switch gets more and more crowded, it is important to know which titles are worth your time.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a fun and strategic battle system, ample character class customization, impressive visuals, a fantastic soundtrack, and a post-game story episode with new classes for each playable character, Trials of Mana is an easy recommendation to both fans of the franchise as well as newcomers looking for an entry point into the series.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Since finishing Lost Sphear, I can’t stop thinking about it.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    More importantly, each character has left a lasting impression on me and the growth that they experienced during the story makes the game feel even closer to the timeless stories of early RPGs. Legrand Legacy: Tale of the Fatebounds expertly brings the PlayStation era RPGs to 2018 with an attention to detail that brings the genre to modern consoles and satisfies that nostalgic itch.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    PowerWash Simulator 2 isn’t reinventing the wheel. The game knows its audience and is happy to feed their rabid desire for more cleaning. It may not win over any people who were turned off by the original, but if you enjoy dad games and an easy activity while listening to music or videos, then this is exactly what you need in your life.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Resident Evil Village sets out to do exactly what Capcom planned and that's offering players a well-rounded, gore-filled fright-fest.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Silver Case HD Remaster might seem visually dated and it has that unapologetic approach to puzzle solving that only retro games can provide, but the characters and story connecting them truly stands the test of time. I was completely drawn into the mystery and world of the game that it became difficult to take breaks or attend to daily activities.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s pretty fantastic...The crossover I didn’t know I needed until I played it. Save for a few hiccups, this rhythmic take on the popular Nintendo series is a wonderful surprise. It’s proof that smaller studios like Brace Yourself Games can take beloved franchises, flip them on their head, and make something undoubtedly refreshing. I won’t say I want to see Crypt of the NecroDancer mechanics in all of Nintendo’s franchises, but I would like to see Nintendo commit to more collaborations like this.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond has a few faults; however, the excellent campaign more than makes up for it with over-the-top scenes galore.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    You can tell developer Byking put a whole lot of care into My Hero One’s Justice and the payoff is something that can be enjoyed by any fan of the widely popular anime and manga.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A game doesn’t need to be perfect to be enjoyable, but it does need to have substance and Days Gone has this in handfuls. Days Gone is a game that deserves a player’s patience and perseverance as only then will you get to experience the game as it is intended. The story opens up and becomes more in-depth the longer you play and leads to you uncovering more important information.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the allure of these two franchises coming together may be the draw for many, the surprising depth to its combat and the replayability that it offers are the real highlights.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For the $20 price, the Collection of SaGA Final Fantasy Legend is still a fun bundle of games that serve as a wonderful time capsule for handheld RPG adventures, even if it is light on features.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    AI Limit is a blast to play, and is worth checking out for fans of the Soulslike genre, especially at the low cost of admission. It doesn't necessarily reinvent the wheel, but there's enough remix to the formula here to keep the game feeling fresh and exciting as you explore its excellent post-apocalyptic world. It's typically pretty easy compared to most of its contemporaries with a few contextually out-of-place difficulty spikes, which could ultimately hamstring its staying power overall. This inconsistency, combined with some minor performance issues, holds it back a bit, but it's still a rewarding journey worth taking, and a worthy addition to the growing catalog of quality non-FromSoftware Soulslike experiences. It left me wanting more, and interested to see what this studio can do next.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Symphonia is a sleeper hit that I can only hope will soon take the platforming genre by storm. The platforming mechanics here are refined, satisfying, and a joy to master. Which is only accented by the incredible art direction that serves as eye candy as you go. This symphonic-inspired world is a treat for the eyes and ears, with level design that walks the tightrope between challenging and satisfying with aplomb. And while the narrative present here hits a bum note, I can wholeheartedly recommend Symphonia to any platforming fanatic.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    God Wars: Future Past is a game that should be played by anyone who craves a great SRPG that tests your skills and knowledge of the genre.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A magnificent blend of genres makes Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order a solid game, but technical hitches prevent it from taking the high ground.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A great collection of arcade games tied together in a neat package for modern audiences. Though not every game brings something necessarily new or unique, there is definitely something in here for every beat ’em up fan.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered is the latest in Crystal Dynamics' efforts to bring the franchise back from the dead. It is packed to the brim with content, including deleted levels and a playable demo of one of the franchise's most compelling canceled entries. If you've been exploring the series for the first time thanks to the remasters, you're getting one of the most outstanding mainline titles in the franchise, and a deep dive into what made this game so special to begin with.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A terrific bundle, and without a doubt the best way to experience the decade-old series. Offering not only convenience but a hearty technical upgrade, anyone looking to catch up before Kingdom Hearts III couldn’t do any better than picking up this rather affordable bundle. That said, gamers and Kingdom Hearts fanatics who have already grabbed this game on PlayStation 3 should consider their purchase a little more rigorously — without new bells or whistles, you might feel the tiniest bit swindled for buying the same remakes twice.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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?
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Blasters of the Universe is a diamond in the rough that is worth owning.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dead or Alive 6 is the most enjoyable and accessible title in the fighting series yet, though its story and online modes leave a bit to be desired.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is the latest in the Zelda spin-off series that puts hack-and-slash combat at the forefront. This is easily the best iteration of Hyrule Warriors, feeling the most feature-complete and enjoyable. Combat is fast-paced, and the performance is spectacular thanks to the new, improved hardware found in the Switch 2. If you've been disappointed by previous Musou-style games in the past, this one won't change your mind. But if you're a Zelda fan looking for a fix until the next mainline entry comes along, Age of Imprisonment is a worthy adventure worth undertaking.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As a fan of the original arcade coin-suckers, I can say that Shredder’s Revenge hits the right notes in all departments. However, modern gamers who didn’t grow up with cartridges that needed a good blow and a bang might find the admittedly simple and one-direction gameplay a bit too basic. Basically, if you’ve used a VHS player in real life, you’ll get what Shredder’s Revenge is all about. If you’ve never touched a floppy disk, you might get bored of button bashing by Episode 6.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Resident Evil: Revelations is a true survival-horror experience with a lot to offer on modern home consoles for only $20. Not everything in the game has made the jump to console perfectly, but if it’s anything to go by, I sure as hell enjoyed this game a lot more than Resident Evil 6.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    When all of these elements come together the result is a pulse-pounding adrenaline-fueled frenzied fight to the finish that often borders on all-out vehicular warfare.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, while I was originally quick to put down Little Problems: A Cozy Detective Game as a basic and naive attempt at a game, I was quickly won over and truly believe it’s a game which people should give a chance. It’s got scope, both in mechanics and story, for a sequel and I can’t wait to see what the studio does next.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Everything feels brand new, well balanced, and novel when packaged together so cohesively.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered isn’t going to set the world on fire. However, it’s important to remember the dumpster fire that this franchise has been languishing in for the last decade. If a boringly good remaster is what it takes to get us back to the series I grew up with, I’ll more than take it. Hopefully, Criterion uses this momentum to deliver something that finally puts Need for Speed back on the map.

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