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
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    One of the better visual novels I’ve experienced in recent years. The story and the entire cast of characters are colorful and always a blast to continue to unfold. Its overarching mystery regarding corruption and imposters within the kingdom remains enjoyable and compelling throughout the entire lengthy and winding narrative. Sadly, it is sorely lacking with its uninteresting strategy and combat elements. However, the game’s narrative and beautifully drawn visuals are enough to overlook the less than stellar departures from its visual novel trappings. Behind those flaws is a fantastic experience for fans of the source material and those wanting to enjoy a strong time-bending narrative.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Post Void is heavy rock-and-roll, flying pixels, and laser-sharp shmup arcade mechanics distilled into a combination that equally terrifies and unsettles.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Love Eternal delivers on the promise of a psychological-horror platformer in most ways. Its setting and presentation create a world where you're never quite sure what reality you're in, and a big mechanical switch-up halfway through is a wonderful, creative surprise that I'll be thinking about for a long time. The game gets more meta in ways than I could've predicted, and left my own brain scrambled entirely by the end of the short four-hour experience. As a platformer, it's easy to understand, though the unpredictable momentum of movement unfortunately keeps it from feeling as precise as genre enthusiasts will surely prefer. Still, it's one of those "play in one sitting" type of games that you won't want to miss if anything about the premise speaks to you.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dead Take is brimming with atmosphere, with the Cain mansion being an absolute joy to explore (at least for those who like to be scared). If the story were longer and there were more live-action sequences, then the game could have been something truly special. However, what’s here is still worth checking out, especially for horror aficionados who are looking for something a bit different, and a little more real. For that low cost, it’s worth the price of entry.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Simon The Sorcerer Origins is a game which some will love, and some will drop off of. However, in a time of re-releases with an extra 'episode' of content tacked on to the end, it's nice to get a full-blown new game in an old franchise. I hope the game does well enough to get a sequel/prequel/presequel so that they can take some more risks with the puzzles and potentially add in some help for those of us who didn't grow up with these types of adventures.
    • 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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This new Langrisser I & II remake is definitely the kind of spur the series needed, and it seems that both this remake and the previously released mobile game are setting up the foundation for a full revival.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Mary Skelter: Nightmares provides the dungeon crawling experience fans of the genre crave. The game offers a unique battle system that requires attention and skill to master, many different ways to customize characters, and large dungeons to explore with many hidden rooms and valuable loot.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Floor Kids for Nintendo Switch is not without its faults, thanks to gameplay that puts a little too much faith into in-game exploration. However, it shouldn’t be lost in everything else that Floor Kids has to offer, namely a distinguished art style, a fresh take on a genre, and beats to mash it up. If you are a fan of passion projects, Floor Kids is going to be right up your alley.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    .hack//G.U. Last Recode had a lot of love poured into its development and planning because it looks amazing.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I’m conflicted when it comes to PowerWash Simulator. On one hand, it’s an absolute bore and a chore with one-dimensional gameplay – can I even call it gameplay? – but on the other, it’s still strangely fun and moreish, and seeing the grime trickle away and the percentage done counter ticking slowly upwards was enough to keep me wasting water for hours on end.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Outlast II uses its farmland setting to an incredibly effective degree, and it’s sure to keep you on edge throughout its roughly 8-10 hour run.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Not only is it one of the most unique experiences I have had in gaming this year, it might be one of the most unique I have had in my entire life.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The Surge 2 is still a fun improvement over the original that will win more people over with its tight and well-designed environments and combat.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Jackbox Party Pack 7 is here with a slew of mostly awesome, creative new games that carry the torch of the Jackbox franchise with pomp.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mario Tennis Aces may have you bashing your head against the wall but Nintendo brings another great game to the Switch. Adventure Mode is a bit underwhelming; despite its infuriating difficulty spike, the story can be completed in just a few hours. Adventure Mode and COM Tournament mode are great precursors to the real highlight, the online tournaments.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Golf Club 2019 is a comprehensive simulation, and will undoubtedly please those who are looking for one.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    A Rose in the Twilight’s story and style earn it much more praise. Rose’s past drives a tale of imprisonment that is as dark as what she must do to escape. Every memory she relives becomes a ghost that haunts her and the player alike -- ultimately a much deeper, cerebral experience than other PlayStation Vita titles.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While some of its bugs and awkward graphics take away from the game as a whole, Remothered: Tormented Fathers is an homage to classic old-school survival horror games that fans of the genre will definitely appreciate.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Styx: Blades of Greed is a must-play for stealth enthusiasts. It's not some incredible game that's going to blow you away on every level, but it is a title that knows what it wants to do and does it well. The story is serviceable, and the problems aren't so bad that they detract from the fun parts of the game. If you've played the originals in the series, then you'll have an excellent time. If you're new to the genre as a whole, you'll still find yourself having a lot of fun with the gameplay. With the mix of classic game design and some new age evolution, Styx is back and better than ever before.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Replay value is somewhat hindered in Campaign mode but is quickly forgotten with the fast gameplay, the obsessions of upgrading your plane, and Challenge mode.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is what I look for in a game based on an anime or manga.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    In the series' third chapter, Life is Strange 2 delivers its best episode yet that touches on Sean and Daniel finding themselves in the wild.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Ys: Memories of Celceta features fun and challenging gameplay complemented by deeply satisfying exploration that keeps your interest.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mortal Shell will certainly scratch your Soulslike itch, but it won't necessarily win points for originality in presentation.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Donut County is a charming and straightforward example of how video games don’t need to be overly complex or contain multiple mechanics and systems to make for a good time.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Battle Chasers: Nightwar shows what an independent studio that cares about their graphic novel IP can do.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Aside from those few stumbles, City of Light overall succeeds as an action-packed finale to Batman: The Telltale Series and Telltale’s vision of the Batman universe.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    I’m not sure I can confidently say the game will do waves in the fighting game community, but I think it’ll be enjoyable for all players of all different skill types.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition is a blast from the past in some amazing and awful ways. Despite a horrific ending sequence, the gunplay, graphics and frame rates are enthralling even compared to current FPS games -- an easy recommendation for those who missed out the first time. You will just find yourself wishing People Can Fly polished up some more archaic points of the game that drag down the experience.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Just like the series, Far Cry New Dawn is a game of exploration and self-discovery. Despite flaws and bumps along the way, New Dawn captures new magic and shows a glimmer of what the future of the Far Cry series looks like. Now if only Ubisoft could match the game design with equal level and story quality, we may be able to see the series capstone game in Far Cry 6.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    If you can get past the slow start and some of the glaring technical problems of The Mad Ones, then you will find the most innovative episodic adventure game to come from a studio other than Telltale.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A wonderfully crafted adventure puzzle game that has stunning music and visuals.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a wonderful catalog of some of gaming's best music, but it fails to inform new players about what makes the franchise special.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Regions of Ruin: Runegate is what I wanted from Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria. However, it also has refreshing features that set it apart from a number of games I'm used to playing. The story is easy to jump into and doesn't get unnecessarily complicated, and the gameplay is well-explained and straightforward. This is the kind of game that I would recommend even to people who don't go for 2D games normally, because it still has the feeling that you get from exploring in 3D games, thanks to its design. Overall, Regions of Ruin: Runegate is an adventure that you can play at your own pace, as it respects your time.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Gunboat God feels like a game caught between flashes of brilliance and moments of frustration. It absolutely nails the things that make shmups so addictive: slick gunplay, a strong sense of style, and a surprisingly charming narrative that gives the whole ride a bit more personality than you’d expect. But that enjoyment is often held back by its rough balancing, and (occasionally) overwhelming level design, especially early on. Still, there’s a solid, entertaining shoot-'em-up underneath it all, and the more you unlock and experiment, the more it starts to come together. It’s not a perfectly smooth sail, but for players willing to stick with it, there’s enough charm and chaos here to make the journey and fight back to the Citadel worthwhile.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    MotoGP 26 continues on the legacy of this series being the best racing sim on two wheels, and yet it's also more approachable than ever with its refined and tweaked "Arcade" options as well as a shift in focus to a rider-based handling system. The racing itself is thrilling, straightforward enough, and has a high skill-ceiling that feels rewarding to work towards. An overall presentation package that isn't quite as good as some contemporaries is really the only "blemish" on another exciting and slick MotoGP experience. Oh, and the bikes look awesome in Photo Mode.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Everything is Crab combines Roguelike gameplay with Spore-like evolutions to create something that feels wholly unique. That doesn't stop the game from falling into the trap of having a bit too much RNG. It's visually interesting with a fun art style that showcases those evolutions well, but gets weighed down by some of the more pressing issues. All in all, Everything is Crab is a good game that is hopefully well on the way to becoming a great game.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Last Day of June doesn’t feel like it takes place in a virtual reality, it feels like it takes place within a beautiful, breathing summer painting.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Song of Nunu is a cosy platformer that will delight League of Legends fans, but lacks the substance to resonate with non-fans.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The gameplay won't let you down, and the combat never feels lacklustre but, unfortunately, Ghostwire's story isn't what I hoped it would be.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The title finds pacing issues in its story and gameplay early and the cadence of its dialogue regularly drags down the overall rhythm, but it brings more than expected in both interactivity and style. Bringing a story the scale of a thousand-page novel to the video game format could not have been an easy endeavor, but Deadalic Entertainment has brought the first act to us with plenty of appetite for more.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Despite its gameplay shortcomings and optimization issues, South of Midnight is an evocative love letter to the Deep South and Cajun folklore. With a touching and inspiring story revolving around Hazel Flood and her journey to rescue her mother, it tackles the darker aspects of Southern culture with well-deserved nuance and respect. While it is a good game with an enjoyable story and a lovable cast, it stops just short of greatness due to its barebones combat and lack of replayable content. Still, South of Midnight is worth the cost of entry and 12-hour runtime. While some spaces in the world felt empty at times, I had a blast playing through it and loved the creativity and passion behind its interpretation of Cajun folklore. I really would love to see more games that showcase the down-to-earth culture of the American South that is very much misunderstood by many.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The game’s lengthy scenes and repeated statements can feel more like padding on the game’s runtime which makes Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth feel redundant at times, but the conclusion of the story will not disappoint the ones who have stuck with it this far. If you are a fan of visual novels that have elements of the SRPG genre, then very few games do it better than the Utawarerumono series, you won’t be disappointing.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite some flaws, The Wandering Village still succeeds in creating something unique in the city-building genre that's usually monopolized by AAA titles. It's a game that isn't entirely rooted in building the perfect metropolis or maximizing efficiency by carving a better route to take. Instead, it's about surviving together, adapting together, and the symbiotic relationship between you, the villagers, and the gentle giant carrying you all to mend a broken world. The game feels slightly overpriced for what it is, though it does offer you a lot of replayability after you've finished the story in its Challenge and Sandbox modes.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The video game equivalent of eating your favorite childhood junk food as an adult: not as good as you remember, but heartening.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is an adventure to behold, especially for those who are fans of Oblivion and Skyrim. With endless build variety, a beautiful dark fantasy world, an interesting story, and satisfying combat that feels weighty, this game is a great choice for RPG enthusiasts. While the game can feel like it's still in early access in some ways, specifically with its enemy AI, outdated character models, and a world that can feel too empty in parts, none of these issues take away from what makes Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon so special. It's a project where passion is on full display and I can't wait to see what Questline does next.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    When a game is purposely difficult solely due to the amount of overpowered enemies it can throw at you, it makes for an unsatisfying experience. This blended with clunky gameplay only amplified my disappointment. I would not be surprised if someone stopped playing twenty minutes into Ruiner with its uninviting gameplay.
    • 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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Attack on Titan 2 is an action game through and through, but also has time to slow it down for fans that want to spend time with their favorite characters.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Those jumping into Tokyo Xanadu eX+ for the first will find that the wait was well worth it.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Bring the Crunch is another notch in the belt for South Park: The Fractured But Whole, offering fans another reason to come back to Colorado. Sure, if you aren’t a huge fan of the first game, this DLC isn’t going to change your mind. But this horror-themed storyline is going to be enough to keep most series’ fans going until the next season starts up.
    • 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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tell Me Why isn’t a major deviation from what we expect from episodic narrative experiences, but it’s one of the few that feels like it has really gotten the storytelling format right for video games. At three episodes in length, the series feels concise and well-paced, and with its new chapters releasing weekly, players won’t experience a protracted wait between new episodes that happened with Life is Strange. More importantly, Tell Me Why manages to craft an engaging story that’s worth seeing through to the very end, especially in regard to its well-developed characters and core relationship between Tyler and Alyson. Tell Me Why features several stories from unique, diverse backgrounds that we should surely hear more of, while also offering themes and ideas that can (and should) speak to everyone.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Showdown is a great first effort into multiplayer madness beyond co-op for Yacht Club Games that I am sure will carry lessons into their next project. Showdown is a compliment to the entire Treasure Trove package that does not encroach on the core experience. Some people will love Showdown’s addition and others will brush it off to the side. It’s like a cherry on top of an ice cream sundae; a sweet inclusion, but not essential to the overall enjoyment of the package.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    No More Heroes 3 rarely feels stale and keeps players coming back for more with the over-the-top story that they have come to expect from the series. Fans were a little worried after the lacklustre spinoff, but No More Heroes 3 brings the series back to form.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Omensight is a title worth admiring for its bold storytelling approach and unique take on the action RPG genre.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is the definition of a solid 7 out of 10 game. Everything it sets out to do, it delivers, but in the modest way possible. It's a humble action RPG with Shin Megami Tensei elements, such as demons and an adapted Press Turn mechanics, and it doesn't dare go beyond that. However, the blend of sleuthing elements with supernatural powers could have pushed its story and turned an otherwise unremarkable game into a stellar spinoff, but it ultimately fell short. I only recommend RAIDOU Remastered to the most die-hard SMT fans, while other JRPG players might want to postpone their initiation into a demonic cult when the admission ticket is cheaper.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Doraemon Story of Seasons is definitely the worst Story of Seasons game I have ever played. If you want your farming fix, you should get the Story of Seasons Friends of Mineral Town remake on Switch. Or grab Rune Factory 4 Special if you’d like well-implemented action RPG elements in your farming life.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Iron Harvest doesn’t feel like an RTS for seasoned players of the genre. Much like its mechs, some parts of it feel clunky. But past its rusted exterior, inside Iron Harvest is a fun and entertaining time sink. It’s one of the few titles I’ve played this year where I can totally get lost in a match. Just start it up and poof, suddenly an hour is gone. You get so wrapped up in your strategies, enemies attacking your resources, your units, that even with a real-time clock in the top right I found myself up in the early morning playing at points. While it won’t provide the blistering fast gameplay of other time-honored RTS titles, Iron Harvest is still worth your time if you’re looking for a more-than-solid experience.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While Aladdin got a fairly decent treatment in the Disney Classic Games port, The Lion King is left just as barebones and hard as the original.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    It’s tough to recommend Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle for fans of the Attack on Titan story. It’s too samey for fans who already know it and too emotionally stunted for newcomers who would be best served experiencing it through the manga or anime. The character episode mode is an improvement, but it’s too short. The gameplay is genuinely fun, but repetitive and sometimes held back by performance issues. Overall, it’s best suited for Attack on Titan fans who simply want to subjugate titans for an hour or two at a time.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Combining battle royale with classic Mario gameplay, Super Mario Bros. 35 is an interesting and fresh idea that could use some more depth.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The Stretchers is an entertaining co-op game that needs to offer more fun outside of its story mode.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    With a dynamic and engrossing story playing out on a personal stage in front of you, Augmented Empire is a class act.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Combining strategy, procedural-generation, and survival, Finji's Overland is a challenging, memorable trip across post-apocalyptic America.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Carrion is a bloody, intricate experience with a consistency problem that breaks the momentum that's central to a game like Carrion.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Godbreakers is awesome solo, and a blast with friends. The Roguelite structure combined with slick, kinetic, third-person action is a wonderful fit and hits a lovely flowstate often. Snappy dodge canceling makes the gameplay consistently fluid and rewarding, and enemy/boss designs are all great. I'm having a very good time running this game over and over with different modifiers, I just wish some of the quests were a bit more clear in their objectives. Still, Godbreakers is well worth checking out, regardless of if you're going it alone or with a squad.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Tokyo Xanadu is one of the best games I’ve ever played on the Vita.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Sundered is chaotic, beautiful, and addictive. The passion and dedication that developer Thunder Lotus put into this game is shown in every second of gameplay. I’m sure there are some that feel like the Metroidvania genre is overrated or overused, but Sundered is so much more and their approach is truly refreshing.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The gameplay was kept interesting and entertaining throughout, with every boss fight feeling fresh and none of them feeling like repeats.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Given that we’re now officially halfway through the season, Episode 3 of A New Frontier feels more like it is just getting started rather than reaching a big revelation or story point that feels like it will guide the remainder of the season.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Outside of those small technical issues, the third episode of The Walking Dead: The Final Season still manages to reaches many of the highpoints of the series’ earlier seasons with a great blend of tense action and poignant character moments. While some might have expected a bit of a snag with the behind-the-scenes troubles that occurred midway through its season, The Walking Dead hasn’t lost a beat in the second half of its final season, and in just a few months from now we’ll finally get to see the conclusion of Clementine’s story. Based on how “Broken Toys” plays out, I’m looking forward to the end of Clem’s tale as much as I am anticipating it to be a heartbreaking finale.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I’m ultimately sad to see that I have grown out of a franchise I once loved, with underlying problems that I may have not noticed as a child building on top of one another to make LEGO DC Super-Villains much less enjoyable than I thought it would be.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Reigns: The Witcher does pretty much exactly what it sets out to do. It's a fun and humorous time that represents aspects of the world of The Witcher well. While it could do better in some respects, there's a lot to enjoy here. If you're a fan of The Witcher, it's a great way to have a new experience in the world, and if you aren't a fan, then it's still a good time with some very dark and silly moments mixed in. Reigns: The Witcher is a great take on the world of The Witcher and is an enjoyable, new way to experience it.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mimmox's creative mission to share enjoyable and relaxing games that help players unwind rather than wind them up is off to a good start with Umami. It's a whimsical and thoroughly wholesome puzzle experience that didn't push any buttons of frustration or confusion whatsoever. It gives you that gentle, consistent dose of dopamine with no need to go overboard visually or contextually. Critiques are truly minimal in this case, mainly just about how Umami could have been expanded just a bit further in terms of gameplay without sacrificing its pacing or overall tone of sensory relaxation. I genuinely look forward to seeing more from this studio.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Rad
    You can’t go wrong with RAD and experiencing yet another imaginative title from Double Fine.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The world and characters they’ve created are intriguing enough for me to want to see more of it. If there was just a bit more variety, Starlink could be a fantastic franchise for both kids and adults alike.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Alliance Alive is a straightforward and fun JRPG with enough to keep the player invested throughout its story, but it could use some work on difficulty balancing and the inclusion of voice over.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The game removes the stress of time limits and boss battles and instead presents itself as an easy going simulator that can be played at the pace of the player. I am happy to say that Trio of Towns is a game that I plan to continue to return to over time and become the best farmer I can be.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This niche of the RTS genre isn’t often catered-to outside of the Pikmin series, so it’s nice to see these developers branch out and be successful.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Superliminal is the first puzzle game that I’ve played in a long time and I came away from it genuinely wanting more. Everything about it, from its innovative puzzles to its surrealist art style, and even its unusual soundtrack, is exciting. Even when the game floundered, when puzzles weren’t clearly laid out or the game’s physics engine had a conniption, my annoyance was often quickly replaced with another more positive emotion. I can’t stress this enough, as a puzzle game fan or not, Superliminal is more than worth your time.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Overall, I really enjoyed the 15 hours it took to finish Dragon Is Dead. With more chapters, characters, equipment, and difficulties promised with V1.0 and beyond, I’m looking forward to continuing my adventure. If they can just sort the writing out, then this game could rival the great Roguelikes of Hades and Dead Cells thanks to such an addictive gameplay loop. If you feel like you're going to bounce off of the game in the first couple of hours, I beg you to keep going. It should all click eventually, and the extra effort is worth it.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    I had hoped for some more originality to be seen in the game’s mechanics or level design, but the lack thereof doesn’t hinder the quality of the experience. Nothing in A Hat in Time is going to change how you think about 3D platformers, but if you know that ahead of time and are still looking for an enjoyable, cute collectaton, there are definitely worse options to choose from.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With some intriguing world-building and phenomenal choices, Tides of Tomorrow is a game that warrants some real investment. It isn't perfect by any metric, but it is good enough to draw you in and reward your time. Seeing everything through, even when it's tough, gives you a sensation of completion that very few games can achieve. With the innovative Social-Link system, there's a real opportunity to create a new sort of way for players to interact, but it hasn't been perfected just yet. Tides of Tomorrow isn't the next big game, but it is a game that will stay with people long after they finish it.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a remake that dares to change just enough to feel fascinating—and frustrating in equal measure. There’s genuine heart here, especially in the expanded Morning Glory content, both games' sub-stories, and Mine’s surprisingly compelling Dark Ties storyline. Yet, those highs are constantly at odds with combat changes and narrative deviations that feel less like refinement and more like overcorrection. As someone who deeply adores the original Yakuza 3, this remake constantly left me torn between appreciation and disappointment, because it’s occasionally brilliant yet so undeniably polarizing at some levels, serving as fine evidence for me that not every black sheep in a series needs to be remade.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Despite some difficult systems to juggle, The Shrouded Isle is a compelling and visually striking "cult simulator" game that works well on Switch.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Trackmania features deep mechanics that put accessibility first in addition to a nice variety of online and solo modes that compliment the title to better enhance both the gameplay and community. There’s plenty of free content that will entertain casual fans for months and paid options tailored to the more devoted veterans. All in all, for being part of such a niche franchise, this is a great entry that has a lot to offer.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As a game devoted to the art of storytelling itself, Where the Water Tastes Like Wine shines with its powerful writing, exceptional voice-acting, and its visual and aural elements that bring players back into the time of tall tales and endless stretches of road to explore.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    I enjoyed my time with Expeditions: Viking, even though noticeable technical problems can hold it back. Its engaging story kept me constantly intrigued, and made me want to survive for the sake of my village. Long load times and a few glitched out quests really held back the experience from ascending the level to other great strategy titles, but I would definitely recommend to strategy fans because of its deep and engaging gameplay.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The game is gorgeous and that compliment goes for the guardians, the creatures, the maps, and especially the characters.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, I really enjoyed my time with Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake. While it may not necessarily be as scary as the original released in 2003, it does have its moments of greatness when it comes to scares, and there will be times that even the biggest survival horror fans have to take a breather. The stars of the show here are the atmosphere and story, both of which are so incredibly well-made, do the original justice, and validate the need for this remake to see the light of day. However, the combat is a major let down and definitely won't be for everyone. The controls feel outdated, the movement speed is excruciatingly slow, and those two mixed together can make for a rather frustrating experience at times. Still, if you were a die-hard fan of the original Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly, you'll enjoy what Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo have created here.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Running around Steelport with my Homies again has me more than excited for whatever Saints Row 5 ends up being.
    • 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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    ChromaGun is the absolute standard of a puzzle game done right. While it’s not on the same level as Portal 2 or The Witness, it is an absolutely solid puzzle game.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Jackbox Party Pack 4 is a guaranteed multi-hour adventure into adult fun.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    I enjoyed Poppy Playtime Chapter 5. It's a strong episode, but it's also a slower-paced chapter that has a heavy focus on exploration and information. While I love that part of horror games, players who want more action might not like that. However, there are still a few intense chase sequences that are packed with action, so the balance doesn't feel entirely tipped in one direction.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen have their fair share of annoyances, especially for people who have only played the modern games, but once you get adjusted to them, there's a solid and fun Pokémon experience to be had. Anyone with a nostalgia for Kanto will be right at home here, but the slower pace might make it trickier for newbies to get on board. Just be ready to take off the rose-tinted glasses.

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