DualShockers' Scores

  • Games
For 1,379 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 56% higher than the average critic
  • 5% same as the average critic
  • 39% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1.1 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 76
Highest review score: 100 Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Lowest review score: 10 Serious Fun Football
Score distribution:
1397 game reviews
    • 67 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Double Cross ultimately plays things too safe to its own determent with mechanics that can be found, and are done better, elsewhere.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is a strategy game title I see myself consistently returning to.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    From its quirkiness in its aesthetic to its unique level design and progression, Reroll kept me entertained from start to finish while holding a polish that you should expect from a remaster.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition is a great addition to the Switch library and sits well amongst the many other Warriors games already available on the platform.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Below’s strongest element is its gripping visual and sound design.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    While it may not be extensive and bring hours upon hours of enjoyment, Aaero does highlight the best of the EDM genre during the height of its popularity.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There is a whole generation of PS4 owners who are probably way too deep into Fortnite, with that game being their first exposure to the genre. While I wouldn’t count myself amongst them, I cannot imagine that any of those people would choose this $30 experience, with little promise to grow and improve, over triple-A titles that have since leapfrogged over PUBG.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Just Cause 4 had so much more potential than the final product we were given.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Borderlands 2 VR is exactly what you think the original would be like in the early days of virtual reality. It never does anything to separate itself from the pack of decent VR adaptions, but, can provide a fun point and shoot experience once you get accommodated with your preferred controls and comfortability settings.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 35 Critic Score
    With a stronger central theme that went deeper than base critiques of the US and its cultures, Desert Child could have been much better. While its got style, it’s disappointing how little it does with it. Races are fine, the world it presents quickly becomes finding the quickest route to reach the end, and once reached it all ends so abruptly you can’t help but begin it again with the curiosity of there having to be something more. In the end, there isn’t that much more to it, and even an easy Platinum trophy on PlayStation 4 doesn’t make this a game I would recommend to anyone.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Having the ability to play Smash Bros. in any setting — and have it look as good as it does — is a marvel.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Gris will continue to be relevant for years to come due to its importance in society when talking about loss and mental anguish.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    If you enjoyed The Last Remnant the first time around give this re-release a shot. And if you’re looking for an old-school deeply challenging JRPG, this title will also be for you.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    A decent game.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If the premise as a whole seems off-putting to you, I’d recommend giving it some time and seeing if you enjoy the game more once Kanto opens up.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dark Souls Remastered on the Nintendo Switch brings a new kind of revelry to the moment-to-moment victories like finding a bonfire or killing a boss.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Earth Defense Force 5 boils down to a very shallow entry in a series that I’ve typically enjoyed in the past. Single-player only works in short spurts, as this is a title that’s meant to be enjoyed with others. I think it’s time for Earth Defense Force to evolve into more than just a game that relies on nostalgia and monotonous killing. There’s definitely potential here and it shines through at multiple points throughout the game. If you’re a fan of this series, this game is definitely worth giving a shot, even if it’s your first time. But if you’re hoping for some improvements over Earth Defense Force 4.1, you may be disappointed.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I really do like Battle Princess Madelyn, and while I like the way the story mode feels, I’m more partial to the Arcade mode. This is simply because the story mode can be rather unforgiving and rage-inducing, but at the same time, it’s also sweet and innocent. Battle Princess Madelyn feels like how a Metroidvania should feel, but it doesn’t explain core mechanics all that well and leaves you to just play the game and either succeed or fail.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Darksiders III strays too far away from the formula that made the first two entries great while also being mired by bugs and performance issues.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Beat Saber has just about everything I want from a rhythm game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Though I’m not necessarily getting a 100+ hour experience in this title, I still enjoyed every moment of my time with the Phantom Thieves.
    • 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.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Nairi: Tower of Shirin has remarkable, gentle humor with great storytelling and challenging puzzles that will keep you thinking for hours.
    • 52 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    I dreaded every hour I had to keep playing Fallout 76 for review. As soon as the game was beginning to teeter on fun or interesting, a bug or a frustrating gameplay design element would quickly remind me that the game was otherwise.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    This game, however, just fails to really stand out in any specific area that makes it worth picking up over any of the other big-hitting fighting games on the market right now.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    I trust DICE, I think they’re a great developer, and I have no doubt that six months from now when all of the promised content for Battlefield 5 has finally made its way into the game that this will be one of the best multiplayer shooters on the market. But at this moment, it simply feels like more of what we’ve already seen before with some slight tweaks that only series veterans will truly appreciate.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tetris is a great equalizer. I think that is Tetris Effect’s greatest accomplishment. Showing me that anyone can play, just like my grandmother did all those years ago. She would have loved it, just like I do.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    [Valiant Hearts] perfectly captures the cold, desperate, and horrific moments of World War I.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mutant Football League’s offbeat, seemingly nonsensical rules work to make football more strategic, and honestly, more exciting.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I just really, really want to play more.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    First impressions can often leave you feeling like it’s a slow, groggy mess with too much to manage and too many tough survivors working against you. But once you get deep enough into the game, only then does it start to feel more enjoyable, which sadly isn’t how it should be.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    My favorite artistic element of The World Ends With You has always been the soundtrack, which is carried over successfully in Final Remix.
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While I don’t see this as a game that will revitalize the genre, if you are looking to scratch an itch after playing Golf Story, this will be your game.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Windjammers is a fun and fantastic multiplayer arcade game and the Nintendo Switch version takes advantage of that strength.
    • 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
    • 70 Critic Score
    While some parts of Luigi’s Mansion may be beginning to show their wear, by and large the game is still just as much of a quirky, experimental romp as it was 17 years ago.
    • 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.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Gwent became a means to an end by the finale, a necessary thing to do to unlock the next story segment, and something I would avoid when possible. Its a shame because Thronebreaker does some good work modifying the familiar Gwent rules, they just get easily overshadowed by the main storyline and the various decisions you can find along the way.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While there may be plenty of things I’d like to change in Gal Metal, the core of the game is an unmistakably fun time. With so many heavy hitters on the market in 2018, sometimes you need to just sit down, unwind, and out-play alien invaders with electrified versions of classical music.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It’s simple, family-friendly, and an absolute joy to play. From the gentle pumpkin-orange glow of the DualShock 4’s light bar throughout the game to the fact that extra lives come in the form of trick or treat buckets; it all feels like a genuine love letter to the spirit of Halloween.
    • 97 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Red Dead Redemption 2 aimed high in delivering players a living, breathing world, and it has surely hit its mark as Rockstar’s deepest, most immersive experience yet.
    • 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.
    • 41 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    I wish I were joking in saying that the game’s horrid music and sound quality has been haunting me every night while trying to sleep—I cannot get that damned music menu out of my head.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you want a quick and easy, arcade-style way to play basketball with your friends, you should just go to your local arcade with a fistful of quarters and play NBA Jam. Trust me, even though you have to feed the cabinet money after each game, you’ll still feel less exploited.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Due to its likable characters, engaging plot, and fun and unique as ever gameplay, Valkyria Chronicles 4 has definitely cemented itself as one of my favorite strategy games in recent memory.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s surprising how completing a level doesn’t just result in relief to the point where we’d never revisit that level again out of frustration, but rather newfound confidence that we could take it on again.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Bard’s Tale IV: Barrows Deep is definitely for a specific crowd of hardcore RPG and series fans, and for those, it caters wonderfully.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I’m happy I got a chance to see this longrunning series’ early history with Disgaea 1 Complete, and I look forward to seeing where the games go next.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    SoulCalibur VI is undoubtedly one of the finest fighting games of this generation, and one worth exploring even if you can’t get into the broader fighting genre. With rich and complex campaign modes and robust gameplay, SoulCalibur VI is a game I will return to for years to come.
    • 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.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    I still think that every Jackbox compilation is a treat, especially now that the studio has perfected the visuals and presentation for their games—but they run the risk of turning their annual treat into a chore.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    With thrilling, classic Musou gameplay, new systems, and a fun story, Warriors Orochi 4 is a really great game that both fans of the series and newcomers can enjoy.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is fantastic, plain and simple. The concerns over the game not being worth it due to a lack of a single-player campaign seem overblown, when compared to how much effort was put into improving the online modes. This easily feels like one of the most content-filled Call of Duty entries and I can absolutely recommend picking this up, even if you’re a since-jaded fan of the first-person shooter series.
    • 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.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A great appetizer to the greater world of MOBA games. It’s definitely got to be one of the best mobile takes on the genre I’ve ever played, and there’s no doubt I’ll boot it up every so often on my Switch.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Mario Party‘s expansive pallet of different game types opened my eyes to the the benefits of spicing up the traditional formula.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It presents some solid ideas that are really needed to make this series worthwhile.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner M∀RS is both an antique and gem of its time, and one worth reexamining–especially if you’ve got a VR headset. But before diving in head first into an Orbital Frame, run a diagnostics on whether you are interested in returning to a PS2 game.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I do have to give Ubisoft some credit in terms of atmosphere. The ambiance and sound design were incredibly creepy.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Simply put, Velocity 2X feels just as good as it always has.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While some aspects of the game's presentation are surprisingly lackluster for the lauded series' triumphant return, Mega Man 11 still provides the satisfying and well-designed platforming that put Capcom on the map in the 80s.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Assassin’s Creed Odyssey isn’t just one of the best Assassin’s Creed games there has ever been, it’s one of the most exceptional action RPGs that I’ve played this console generation.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    If you haven’t picked up an NHL game in years or play mainly for the online experience, you will really like NHL 19.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As an installment that mostly revolves around setting up Clementine and her group for a dramatic confrontation that would have unfolded in the next two episodes, Episode 2 of The Final Season doesn’t quite deliver the same thrills that the first episode of the season provided, but is still an entirely worthy entry in the story so far. However, the question now is what “the story so far” really looks like.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    With the addition of the Champions League and improved gameplay mechanics, it provides enough realism to its presentation while still being fun to play.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 4 is another excellent entry into what I would consider the best racing franchise this generation of consoles has to offer.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Destiny 2: Forsaken is Destiny at its best. Many of the systems that players loved from the original have returned, and many features from Destiny 2 have been refined. If Bungie continues to produce expansions like this then Destiny will certainly last for ten years as promised.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Combat is easily the strongest part of Metal Max Xeno. It’s quite awesome seeing different developers take on the turn-based combat fans of the genre know and love, and modernize it in different ways.
    • 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.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A wholly unique experience that you shouldn’t let fade away from your memory.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    In the end, any progress made, whether it’s leveling up my player or regaining control of my court, just feels aimless. If I’m simply being rewarded with cosmetic options, I don’t see the point of furthering my character’s career.
    • 52 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Claws of Fury might be a little more entertaining to play with a group of friends, but if you don’t have any friends to play with, you might take a pass on this one.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There was a lot of potential afforded by the world jumping mechanic as well as its emulation of recognizable classics, but Old School Musical doesn’t do much with them. While the story, and especially the Chicken Republic post-game mode, can offer some challenging rhythm tapping, Rob and Tib’s tale stumbles to offer more than a textbook case of saving the world.
    • 39 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    I didn’t really enjoy Senran Kagura Reflexions at all and I don’t think I’ll ever be going back to it. Somebody awaken me from my long Asuka-induced hangover when a normal Senran Kagura game comes out on Switch, it sure as hell deserves one on the handheld-hybrid.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Shadow of the Tomb Raider fails to stand out among the two games that preceded it simply because it lacks an identity of its own.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Seeing the lack of variety in the design of these is one way [Morphies Law] falls short of the games that inspired it.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The fabulous SNK heroine cast will likely impress–one way or another.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Golf Club 2019 is a comprehensive simulation, and will undoubtedly please those who are looking for one.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    While it’s certainly not even close to being what we got with Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm, it’s still a fun and enjoyable game that surprised me quite a lot more than I expected it to.
    • 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
    • 75 Critic Score
    For fans of the point-and-click genre, The Wardrobe will be a game to check out–especially for those who loved the style of the 90s. Overflowing with references to basically everything related to gaming, movies, television shows, and even creepypasta, it’s fun to pick out each one as they appear in each brightly colored scene to search around in.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Whether you’re just swinging around the city searching for the many landmarks and collectibles, or fighting crime by flexing Spidey’s amazing super-powers and gadgets, Marvel’s Spider-Man is a really a pleasure to play at all times. I can say with absolute confidence that this is by far the best superhero game I ever played.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For anyone who has the patience, Fire Pro Wrestling World is a game that will appease any pro wrestling fan.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 is the most polished football game on the market. Full stop.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A wonderfully crafted adventure puzzle game that has stunning music and visuals.
    • 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.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Death’s Gambit is a fantastically crafted game; the controls are tight, the bosses are memorable, and the graphics are great. However, the unrelenting difficulty makes it a tedious and sometimes painful affair. It’s brutal challenge often feels like it’s more of a test of the player’s endurance and perseverance limits than it does supply an enjoyable experience.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Two Point Hospital is a delightful addition the to the simulation game genre, providing quirky humor and design, with polished gameplay and hours of fun.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Strange Brigade is a solid third-person shooter that doesn’t bring anything fresh to the genre besides its charming, over-the-top campiness which makes the game shine and not take itself too seriously. The gameplay is nothing new, but everything is executed seamlessly, and the game is relatively quite enjoyable minus a few frustrating hordes of inconvenient undead.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The Messenger is not just a brilliant love letter to the 8-bit and 16-bit games that inspired it. It’s proof that even in a market saturated with retro-style platformers, there are still clever ways to approach the genre. It is one of the most well-designed games I have ever played on both a gameplay and storytelling level. Sabotage really created something special here and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    If you have been missing the pure, genuine adventuring encouraged by the JRPGs of old, and you have been eager to see what the most traditional incarnation of the genre could achieve when paired with top-notch production values, this is most definitely the game for you.
    • 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.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is a must buy for established fans looking for their Nintendo Switch port, but is a far cry from the series’ recent peak.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 45 Critic Score
    Perhaps with a little Joy, We Happy Few could be more palatable to modern audiences.
    • 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.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    A solid addition to the long-running MMORPG.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The physical interactions brought forth by the Dragon Engine create brawls that feel incredibly satisfying.

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