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
    • 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.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I just really, really want to play more.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    DOOM Eternal proves now more than ever that the grandaddy of the first-person shooter genre is once again the king of them all -- and it doesn't look to be ceding the throne any time soon.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dauntless has plenty of room for growth, but it’s already one of my favorite free-to-play games. I initially overlooked Dauntless as another Monster Hunter clone and I was wildly wrong for thinking that. Whether you’re a newcomer to the genre or just looking for an alternative while you wait for Iceborne, you can’t go wrong with Dauntless. As the West’s first foray into the monster hunting genre, Phoenix Labs’ Dauntless is an absolute triumph.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With a near-perfect blend of old and new, Valhalla is the best Assassin's Creed title in the past decade.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bandai Namco really hit a home run with this latest entry in the Katamari Damacy series. It's calming, cozy, and whimsical—in other words, everything you expect from a Katamari game. The time travel theme works well, and the ability to customize your appearance based on your gameplay performance really sells it. Once Upon A KATAMARI is now my favorite entry in the series, setting new standards and introducing mechanics that I hope will become franchise staples. This is a perfect introduction to the series for newcomers, while also making veterans very happy.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    How Night in the Woods manages to capture the anxieties of being stuck in the gap between adult and childhood, how it tackles serious topics like depression, and how it brilliantly understands and recreates the hardships of rural America, is worthy of admiration. Put more simply, Night in the Woods is a unique breath of fresh air, and an experience I’m likely to not forget for a long time.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Resident Evil Requiem is everything that RE fans could want out of the next entry in the series and more. It walks a tightrope of horror and action, but has perfected this balance in a way that delivers a heart-stopping, adrenaline-pumping good time, regardless of what kind of RE fan you are.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With Part II, Naughty Dog has outdone itself with some of the most meticulously crafted levels and environments that I have seen in a game.
    • 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.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    New Pokemon Snap is everything I hoped it would be. It's beautiful, well designed and full of endless charm. There's so much depth and replayability that I felt compelled to return over and over.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Collection of Mana will easily give you a hefty amount of gameplay for the asking price.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    nDreams has once again proven itself to be a master VR studio by pulling another banger from the top shelf. With plenty of playable hours, a rewarding earn-die-try-again loop, and a visual flair that takes some getting used to, Synapse is a must-play on PSVR 2.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Despite faltering in single-player content and gunplay mechanics, Battlefield 6 finally brings back what made the franchise famous: epic combined arms fun with natural teamwork and a grounded setting. My crystal ball is broken, so I can't say whether it'll sell the lofty 100 million copies expected by the previous EA management, but this feels like a new era for a genre that has been stagnant for far too long. It's not the best shooter ever by any margin, but it is the first Battlefield that is ready to dominate the multiplayer scene after years of Call of Duty tyranny, and I for one welcome our new rulers.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I think the words "pure joy" perfectly encapsulate Kirby and the Forgotten Land. It was immensely successful in targeting its younger audience, while still accommodating older fans of the Kirby franchise. It’s full of personality, absolutely endearing, and at times just downright hilarious – what more could you ask from a Kirby game?
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    To put it simply, Dragon Ball FighterZ is stunning in motion.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As a newcomer to the Two Point series, I was pleasantly surprised by how intuitive and accessible Two Point Museum is, but that's not to say there isn't still a decent challenge in trying to manage and maintain the different museum sites. Having since played both Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus, I can confidently say that Museum is the strongest entry in the series so far. Everything Two Point Museum sets out to do, it achieves with flying colors. From the core gameplay loop to the specifics of Expeditions and arrangement, everything comes very naturally and effortlessly. I have already clocked up over 25 hours so far, and I can't imagine getting bored with this game any time soon.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era with cutting-edge graphics and gameplay.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sonic Mania has helped me rediscover what it was I loved about Sonic growing up and it took me back to a time where I could just pick up a game and have fun. This is for Sonic fans everywhere and it will not disappoint.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Expanding on its original release in every way, Dragon Quest XI S is one of the Nintendo Switch’s best RPGs and a great entry for newcomers.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Outer Worlds 2 is an almost perfect sequel, building on the brilliance of its predecessor and addressing all the issues fans had with the original. The scope and scale of this sequel is the biggest win for fans, as there's oodles of content. But above all, the game delivers on the promise of a more emergent, nuanced RPG experience, complete with all the charm, deep worldbuilding, and sublime writing the series is known for. The downside is that combat, stealth, and various other action-focused pillars of gameplay don't deliver as they should. But, if you can get past this, you'll come to find that The Outer Worlds 2 is a contender for best space-based RPG of all time.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a fantastic beat 'em up that understands what makes arcade games like X-Men so iconic. It's a touching love letter to both the source material and genre that's a blast to play from start to finish, whether you're playing alone or with friends. Part of the fun is not just experiencing the beat 'em up action, but also falling in love with specific heroes and various combinations to find a playstyle that matches your personal preferences. In an era that has more options than ever for co-op gaming, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is well worth your time and money, whether you're looking to spend a weekend together gaming or keep coming back to see everything the game offers.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Shadow of the Colossus is now easily the biggest achievement that the studio has ever had and stands as arguably the greatest video game remake of all time. The legacy of Shadow of the Colossus has never been in question, but this PS4 edition has just further solidified its place amongst gaming's masterpieces.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dispatch is absolute cinema, literally and figuratively. AdHoc has truly crafted a delightful experience with its workplace-comedy superhero narrative, one that features a strong cast of well-written and eccentric characters, making you eager to meet them again like long-distance BFFs. The gameplay can be slightly tricky to grasp, but ultimately becomes a hyper-engaging burst of time-based unit management. Each character is so lovable at heart that you won't even need a lengthy backstory for context. And with a writing direction that strongly emphasizes character relationships and banter with one another, it is one of the most cathartic video game experiences that I had this year, making me grateful for every minute I spent with Robert and his crew, as well as making me want to support AdHoc in any way possible in a plea for making another season on these whimsy goofballs.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Vampire Crawlers is a strong contender for my 2026 Game of the Year. If it weren't for some difficulty issues that need tweaking, it would already have taken that spot, Grand Theft Auto 6 be damned. The gameplay loop is fun and addictive, rewarding experimentation and offering countless opportunities for different builds. Exploring dungeons has never been more fun, and I'm far more eager to see more Vampire Crawlers content than a sequel to Vampire Survivors.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    F1 2020 is one of the best racing games of the generation.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Age of Empires 4 is a game that you will never get tired from playing, regardless of whether you're an old-school fan or a rookie. There are always new plans to follow and new strategies to take into account and it's worth the 16 year wait.
    • 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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    All said, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck with Forza Motorsport, and as it stands, I just don't know how Turn 10 can up the ante on the next one.
    • 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.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.

In Progress & Unscored

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    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Cloud Gardens is an utterly charming and well thought out simulation game that does exactly what it says on the tin. If you need a chilled out and truly captivating game that encourages its players to be mindful and to de-stress while also being creative, I honestly couldn’t recommend Cloud Gardens enough. [Early Access Score = 90]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Cosmoteer is a surprisingly deep and satisfying space sim. Its many systems complement each other beautifully, and, although its grinding gameplay loop may not be for everyone, I really enjoyed the time I spent with it. Exploring is fun, and combat is simple yet satisfying in its execution. The meat of the gameplay is found in how well you manage and assign your resources, and once these systems get their claws into you, they sink deep. [Early Access Review score = 80]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Blightstone has a solid, strong foundation in terms of its combat and battle mechanics. The use of environmental hazards and interactive battle arenas is what helps the game stand out. The rest of the game feels like something of a slog, however, with some harsh RNG and an inconsistent pace that makes Blightstone feel like it can't get out of the blocks. There's something fun hidden here, but it is sadly overshadowed by a game that feels more interested in punishing you for simple things than allowing you to learn. [Early Access Score = 60]
    • 86 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    This is the definitive version of Death Stranding. If you were interested in Death Stranding when it released on PS4 and have been waiting to see how the PC version turns out, then go ahead and pull the trigger. However, Death Stranding isn’t for everyone. If you’ve seen nothing of the game before, make sure you check out some gameplay before purchasing it; I’ve had a blast experiencing the story and struggling through tense moments, but I know some of my friends would absolutely hate it. The new Half-Life and Portal content is great, but I wouldn’t say it warrants a replay. Death Stranding is so large that I doubt many PS4 players will be looking to replay it on PC, but for those who are, you’ll be happy to hear that the new content unlocks very early in the game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Overall, so far Grounded 2 is not only a worthy successor but one that will eventually become far superior to the original. From the number of upgrades to the number of new enemies, Grounded 2 sets itself up for success early on. While it's still early in the development cycle, Grounded 2 has at a minimum found a good starting place to improve upon. There's a lot of good here, more than I had imagined there would be. It isn't perfect by any means, with the bugs and issues it has right now, but all of those are fixable. If you enjoyed Grounded, you'll enjoy Grounded 2 because it's just Grounded, too. No one can say where the next few years of the game will take it, but I have the greatest faith that the team behind Grounded 2 will be able to make this another incredible title with an uncountable number of playable hours. [Early Access Provisional Score = 85]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Hyper Light Breaker, despite being in Early Access, has demonstrated its outstanding qualities in full force, with a tightly designed gameplay loop and extremely satisfying combat. It manages to pull off a roguelite that's genuinely fun in multiplayer, a randomized open world that feels full of life, and balanced upgrades that never feel too overpowered, all while keeping up beautiful aesthetics and non-visual storytelling. It's only held back by its hefty performance requirements, unfair boss design, and over-tuned difficulty, which may be polished out before full release. If all my qualms were addressed, this game would be near perfect in my eyes, but as it stands, it's well worth your time. [Early Access Review]
    • 79 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    If like me, you're a Call of Duty fan, this is very much more of the same — but that also means you can't really go wrong. Some new features feel unnecessary, whilst others feel like a tutorial for Warzone 2.0. Modern Warfare 2 is certainly let down by repetitive gameplay and missions that overstay their welcome. But, that said, Infinity Ward has given fans what amounts to a gripping story and stunning cinematic experience that's peppered with a few flawed concepts and disappointing elements. [Campaign Review Score = 70]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era is a superb entry into the series and brings the game back to what works. While the complex gameplay might not be for everyone, it offers a lot of freedom in how you go about making your playstyle for each scenario. The games are long, but there are also plenty of other modes to hone your skills, which is greatly appreciated. It's still in development, so there are a few kinks to work out, but whatever the future holds for Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era will undoubtedly be incredible.
    • 77 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Ultimately, this is an easy game to recommend if you like RPGs that put their narrative forward and build their characters in meaningful ways. It may not find a home in everyone’s collections, but it will be a shining star for fans of the setting who appreciate a narrative focus.
    • 73 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Temtem aims to set itself aside from Pokemon as a solid monster collecting game in its own right. For the most part, it succeeds. [Early Access Score = 70]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Cloudheim is, by all accounts, a good game, but it is marred by uncertainty about its direction. A sort of jack of all trades but master of none issue. It is very important to remember this game is still in its early days and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, in a few months, I think many of the issues I have with this game will either be solved or be on the way to being solved. Right now, though, Cloudheim struggles with its identity a little too much. If you can craft such a fun world to move about in, why punish me by giving me manual labor to do when I finally go home? The combat, when it works, is ludicrously fun. Using mobs like bowling balls and pins has never been better. The progression systems are a bit overwhelming, and there are probably a few too many in the game as a whole. Becoming a Nordic legend to save the world sounds amazing until you have to stop everything and deal with your overabundance of items in your inventory. [Early Access Provisional Score = 70]
    • 84 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Shin Megami Tensei V is easily one of the best entries, if not the best entry in the series. After over 30 hours with the game, I’ve been constantly amazed and Atlus definitely managed to bring back the franchise to new heights. Now here’s hoping Shin Megami Tensei manages to reach the same popularity Persona did. [Review in Progress]
    • 86 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Dragon's Dogma 2 offers an incredible Fantasy adventure with some of the most engaging open-world exploration I've experienced.
    • 85 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    When I sat down to play this game I had one mission for Bungie: prove to me that Destiny 2 isn’t just another expansion. Thankfully, it turns out that Destiny 2 has listened to the fans and has taken a look in the mirror: the product is one that I –so far– thoroughly enjoy.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    For players who don’t have a lot of time to invest in a long game and who also enjoy experiencing the journey of a tormented mind, The Last Sky has much to offer. The fact that it wasn’t as thorough as I would have liked minimizes its true potential. Since this title is currently in early access on Steam, my hope is that the developers will include more branching story paths that become more personal; not only to Jake but to the player’s experience as a whole. With further work, it could also provide a deeper and boarder understanding of the complex mental health condition of PTSD. [Early Access Score = 70]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Dead as Disco doesn’t just flirt with the beat-em-up formula; it remixes it into something effortlessly stylish and easy to pick up, even in its early-access state. Its blend of music-driven combat, eccentric boss fights, and pick-up-and-play accessibility makes it a standout for both casual players and genre fans alike. While it’s still finding its footing in areas like depth and progression, what’s already here is bursting with personality and promise. If the developers can build on this foundation, Dead as Disco has all the makings of a cult-favorite brawler that’s as fun as hell to feel as it is to play.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    If you ask me, Grounded could be much more successful than it is if Obsidian would have launched it a few months later. It’s really important to hook your audience in the first few hours of gameplay, and Grounded could’ve done it much better if it had more to do at the start. That said, the game still has its strong advantages that keep you engaged with its world. [Early Access review score = 65]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    The early access release of Task Force Admiral makes a loud entrance, with an all-encompassing depiction of naval warfare and carrier operations. This obsession with realism is followed to a fault, and the game suffers from the clunky interface endemic to most deep-dive strategy titles. None of that was on my mind as the sirens blared and torpedoes homed in on my carrier. War may be hell, but this is strategy heaven. [Early Access Provisional Score = 90]

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