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
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Those jumping into Tokyo Xanadu eX+ for the first will find that the wait was well worth it.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bus Bound is the type of game that you'll love if you love simulators, but you might enjoy how peaceful it feels even if you don't usually play this style of game. It's a polished game that delivers what you expect and more. The world alone is beautiful to look at, and the number of pedestrians and other cars makes it feel alive. Aside from a few issues with handling and passenger feedback, the only complaint I have is that I didn't get to try the game with multiplayer or while using a steering wheel controller.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Like closing the final chapter on a thousand-page-long fantasy novel, The Banner Saga 3 delivers a dark and thrilling conclusion to remember.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Bayonetta games remain near-perfect examples of pure, unfiltered action and spectacle.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    In Scott Pilgrim EX, you can truly feel the care that the developers at Tribute Games poured into every character, scenario, enemy, and boss. It is a sequel that respects its roots while remaining unafraid to evolve, representing a massive leap forward compared to the first title. It perfectly blends everything a high-quality beat ‘em up needs with the franchise’s signature nerdy humor. It is an unexpected and extremely fun way to expand Bryan Lee O’Malley’s universe, being literally impossible not to laugh throughout the journey or to have a blast with its nonsensical plots and over-the-top bosses. Ultimately, it is the perfect kind of beat ‘em up for a pizza night with friends – and this one even comes with a bit of extra spice to make things even more interesting. The only major downside is that its main story is too short, and I finished it wanting even more.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    NeatherRealm has proven once more that they are the best at crafting stories for fighting games, and may have made one of their best in Injustice 2.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Cronos: The New Dawn is the best new horror IP I have played in over a decade. This game not only provides a gripping narrative in an unapologetically Polish setting, but it also offers top-tier survival horror that keeps the player feeling vulnerable throughout. Combat is cumbersome in the best way, the game is visually impressive with sublime sound design, and it's a rare example of a game that gets better with each passing moment. A lack of a dedicated difficulty mode will ruffle a few feathers, the game isn't without its cheap moments, and I'll admit that I wish it were scarier across the board. But, in a genre where established games rule the roost, Bloober Team has just muscled into the conversation, as Cronos is good enough to rub shoulders with the horror greats.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Crusader Kings III is a one-of-a-kind experience that mixes intrigue, the ambrosia of victory, and the devastating bitters of defeat.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition is the definitive next-gen Devil May Cry experience. This iteration took what was already one of the best action games of the last console generation and refined everything from the performance to the visuals. Even if you’ve experienced this game before, it’s worth a second look for all of the added enhancements. And if you missed it the first time around, this is the version to play. Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition really is the whole package and a must-play for action fans.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It’s surprising how something so basic makes leveling-up feel rewarding, and how it’s been removed from many other RPGs.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy 16 is an excellent entry in the series, with a gripping story, thrilling combat, nuanced characters, and an ever-charming protagonist in Clive.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Regardless of if you’ve played every Darksiders game or this is your first one, Darksiders Genesis is worth playing. The characters and combat remain fun and exciting to play even after the credits roll. While some enemies can be annoying, combat never gets dull and new items you earn along the way always make encounters fresh. Amongst the other big titles launching this spring, Darksiders Genesis is one that shouldn’t be missed.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Moss hits way above its weight — creating one of the few captivating, must-play stories on VR.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Little Nightmares 2 pushes the formula from the first game forward with a lot of largely inventive changes, most of which work out.
    • 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.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Everything it does, it does incredibly well. Whether you’re looking to hop into stealth tactics for the first time or you’re an old pro, I would wholeheartedly recommend you check out Desperados 3. It is, without question, one of the best games I’ve played all year.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 not only offered me a breathtakingly immersive experience, but it also helped with my fear of flying.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Improving on its predecessor in almost every way, Wasteland 3 is one of the best and most reactive RPGs I've played in a long time.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    There's no doubt about it, Dying Light 2: Stay Human is a sequel of epic proportions. Everything fans loved about the original title is still very much present, but now with a bigger story, new features, and a vast open-world filled with areas to explore and loot.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With a captivating scenario, diverse gameplay options, breathtaking background, and a colorful cast of characters, Far Cry 5 is primed as one of 2018’s earliest Game of the Year contenders.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Reikon Games built a game where each of its components is good enough, but the end result is brilliant. From a game design and artistic perspective, it's the poster child of why less can be more even when executing a fairly ambitious project. Metal Eden brings aggressive movement and intense combat back to its glory days, and it manages to do so while delivering important social commentary. It's fun, it looks good, and the theme matters now more than ever.
    • DualShockers
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Despite the technical imperfections (which Paradox has acknowledged), Cities Skylines 2 is still a masterfully crafted jewel in the crown of the city-building genre. There isn't anything else that can match it for breadth or depth right now. This is still the best way to build the city of your dreams.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    From the moment it starts, Returnal is unrelentingly challenging in a way that begs the player to try just one more time.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Not every mode in WWE 2K25 is a home run; MyFaction still feels like an UltimateTeam-inspired mode that's designed for whales, and The Island gives the same vibe as well. Despite those issues, WWE 2K25 stakes its claim as not just one of the best wrestling games ever made but also an all-time great sports game. There's an impressive amount of content that will keep you busy long after WrestleMania season ends. Showcase is an excellent love letter to The Bloodline, MyGM will keep me busy for who knows how long, and MyRise blew me away with how much I enjoyed the story. For those looking to consume more WWE content with its boon in popularity, you can't go wrong with WWE 2K25.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Muv-Luv alternative is the perfect crowning for an emotional rollercoaster that will shake you up harder than the cockpit of a TSF at full running speed.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    In its current state, Marvel Rivals is an absolute blast, no matter what role you play. Yes, it's hard to deny the similarities to Overwatch, but enough is going on here that helps it stand out on its own.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The possibilities are endless, and all the options are available at your fingertips all the time.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    CloverPit is very much a “What you see is what you get” situation. If you just like seeing numbers go up, its gameplay is more than simple enough to facilitate that with a high degree of variability and kit potential, though there’s also plenty of room to experiment with builds and perk loadouts, moreso as you play the game and unlock more of its large charm catalog. There’s a goal to reach if you’re so inclined, but it’s also just a great game to turn your brain off and enjoy while watching a YouTube video. The only real nitpick I could offer is that the descriptions of some of the charms are a little dense and percentage-heavy, but that becomes progressively less of a problem as you play the game and pick up more of what it’s putting down. Frankly, it’s a wonder I was even able to put it down long enough to write this, and I’m gonna go start another run as soon as I’m done. The first step is admitting you have a problem, and the second step is pulling the dang lever again.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Persona 5 Strikers is an excellent return trip for The Phantom Thieves and hits all the stylish, energetic highs of its predecessor.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It’s a fantastic and well balanced mix between sleek PlatinumGames action and JRPG gameplay, resulting bigger than the sum of its parts. It brings forth an absolutely fascinating setting, and charming, likable and memorable characters that will both make you smile and tug at your heart strings.
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

?
    • 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]

Top Trailers