ElDesmarque's Scores

  • Games
For 213 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 57% higher than the average critic
  • 11% same as the average critic
  • 32% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 2.6 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 77
Highest review score: 100 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Lowest review score: 30 1348 Ex Voto
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 6 out of 213
213 game reviews
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse stands as one of the most compelling narrative offerings I’ve played in recent years, a tightly crafted story anchored by believable, well-realized characters, clever puzzle design, and a superb sense of pacing that keeps you locked in from start to finish.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Death Howl is a very interesting game that deals with loss and the difficulties of coping with it, but it is important to note that it is not intended for a general audience. It is demanding, so only patient players and those who love tactics and deck building will truly appreciate it for what it is: a very bright gem with sharp edges.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Promise Mascot Agency is a weird, absurd and brilliant gem that captures the essence of the best of Japanese indie. It's hard to compare it to anything: it's a strange mix of visual novel, business simulator, light RPG and black comedy. It's as clever as it is irreverent, and as funny as it is baffling. Of course, it's not a game for everyone.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    If you're into Danganronpa-style flair, over-the-top storytelling, and tactical combat, The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is a hidden gem. While it leans heavily on manga clichés and outdated gender tropes, the narrative still delivers powerful themes, emotional moments, and a surprisingly solid experience overall.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    All together, it makes for a very solid and fun combat system that any role-playing fan will appreciate. The fact that it works so well is what allows it to maintain its high density, since we're talking about a game that won't reach the credits until we've surpassed the 70-90 hour mark, depending on how quickly we progress—more so in my case, because I tend to take things slowly. There is a lot of content, side missions, and characters to unlock, both during the main storyline and optionally, as well as secondary bosses and items to find or purchase.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon is one of the franchise's greatest milestones. An ambitious, complex JRPG that is deeply satisfying for those who have followed the saga for years. It is not accessible, nor does it claim to be, and therein lies part of its identity. It may not be the best entry point, but it is one of the most memorable journeys Zemuria has offered us so far.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster refreshes the experience on Switch 2, though graphically it doesn't quite bring out the console's potential.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    The Drifter is much more than a classic style adventure game. It is one of the best psychological thrillers of recent years. Giving us a powerful and intense narrative that never lets go, accompanied by a visual and sound style polished to perfection. And a plot twist that will make you throw your hands to your head.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a triumphant return to 2D for the series, a tribute to its origins, and proof that The Game Kitchen can handle a license with this much historical weight without losing its signature style. It's fast, challenging, varied, and visually stunning. A great side-scrolling action game with well-designed mechanics.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    DOOM: The Dark Ages is not only a prequel, it is a brave reinvention. In a scenario where the big franchises tend to repeat formulas, here we have a game that mixes the classic flavor of the first DOOM with a modern, epic and brutal structure. It is an ode to excess, metal, blood and intelligent gameplay. A title that will surely mark 2025.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    The real strength of The Alters lies in experiencing the game through the eyes of each clone. The personal narratives of the alters and the dynamics of group control form the most compelling aspect of this unique blend of management, exploration, and base-building. While survival drives the core gameplay, it's the emotional depth and interpersonal tension within the base that truly set it apart.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Reanimal transforms a labyrinthine journey into a symbolic escape, packed with environmental puzzles and stealth sequences, all set against a hauntingly majestic backdrop that oozes cinematic flair and environmental storytelling.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Battlefield 6 delivers a standout multiplayer experience for EA’s iconic franchise. Classic and new modes offer thrilling battles, while tactical gadgets define class roles and strategy. Destructible environments are spectacular, movement feels controlled, and the campaign supports gameplay practice. Portal will arrive shortly after launch, adding even more creative multiplayer possibilities.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    A brilliant example of how to meaningfully re-release a title. Not only do we have a fabulous technical upgrade, but also a juicy expansion that significantly enriches the original experience without breaking its essence. For Kirby fans, it's a must-buy. For those who didn't play the original, this is undoubtedly the best way to experience it.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    MGS3 was already a great game, and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is too, for obvious reasons. A sensational spy movie. A total survival and stealth experience. The almost perfect remake of the best game in the series. It's a shame that Konami didn't want to take a risk by improving mechanics that have become obsolete.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Yakuza Kiwami 2 establishes itself as one of the most balanced and complete entries in the series, refining a formula that already worked without the need for major changes. Its combat is more solid and satisfying, the narrative gains intensity, and the technical leap brought by the use of the Dragon Engine is noticeable from the very first moment. On Nintendo Switch 2, despite the 30 frames-per-second cap and the occasional stutter in handheld mode, the experience is stable and very enjoyable, further supported by the near total absence of loading times. A continuation title in the best sense of the word—coherent, recognizable, and with a presentation that reinforces the identity of the series—confirming that Kiryu’s arrival on Nintendo’s console is a firm, long-term commitment.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined is the definitive version that no one expected but that we really needed. It's more fun than ever, with an extensive storyline full of memorable moments, a polished and addictive combat system, lots to discover, and all without forgetting the magic of its music and artwork that is both classic and modern at the same time. Everything about this game is charming, nostalgic, and lovingly crafted.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Cairn is a demanding, tense, and deeply personal climb. A game that turns mechanics into narrative and effort into emotion. It isn’t comfortable, it isn’t kind, but it is honest and brave. Like the mountain it asks you to conquer.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    It's a title that demands time, attention, and respect. And if you're willing to give it that, it rewards you with something few modern shooters offer: genuine tension, unfiltered strategy, and a constant sense of real danger. It's not a pastime. It's a procedure. And one with consequences.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    OFF
    Honestly, I’m a bit surprised by how well this remastered version of Off holds up; considering how many games have incorporated its ideas, you would think a bit of its novelty might have worn off. Thankfully, it’s so singular, weird, and dense that its charms can’t be entirely copied. More than a decade and a half later, this RPG remains as haunting and enigmatic as ever.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is one of those surprises that reminds us why we love video games. It’s crafted with such passion and style that it’s impossible not to enjoy it. Its combination of unique aesthetics, solid gameplay, and steady pace make it a highly recommended experience. A one-of-a-kind boomer shooter that puts a smile on your face while you grit your teeth to get through its fun shoot-’em-up sections.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Perhaps it's coffee for coffee lovers in some cases, but NBA 2K26, when it reaches a certain level, is exactly that. Much more than going straight to the basket or picking up the point guard to look for a pick n roll and finish the attack in three seconds. Meanwhile, the model remains the same: the game gives its players many options but always redirects them to online play with a package of expenses necessary to stay up to date.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Playing PEAK is a reminder of why we play games. Not to save the world as the latest hunky hero chosen by a sexy priestess, but to laugh at our downfalls, share moments with our friends, and build memories that last. PEAK isn't the deepest or most polished game, but it is one of the most honestly fun games we've played this year.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Laika is an intense and challenging experience that is also unique in its kind. Its original mix of mechanics, its level design, its great artwork and its intense narrative are an explosive cocktail worth tasting. But it is true that it is not a game for everyone, as its controls are not at all sympathetic to the average player.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Silent Hill F leaves you with mixed feelings, as it clearly has two distinct halves. A brilliant and terrifying first half, and a second half with too much action that becomes overly tiresome. And although it ends up straying from the franchise experience, the real problem is that you find yourself wishing it would end.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    In an era where the roguelite genre is somewhat burned out, The Rogue Prince of Persia has proven that with love and care, it can still stand out. A 1.0 release that represents a major evolution of the game from how we knew it a year ago.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Confirmation that the series still has a lot to offer in the arcade racing genre. They have managed to enhance everything that characterized the hedgehog racing series, and they have done so with the expertise of a studio specializing in arcade racing. It may not dethrone Super Mario, but Sonic behind the wheel again is pure arcade fun and works perfectly. Sonic and his friends are back racing at full speed, and this time they're doing it in what is possibly their best car yet.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Just Dance 2026 Edition remains a safe bet for getting your body moving and sharing unforgettable moments. It's not revolutionary, nor does it claim to be, but it urgently needs a technical overhaul to bring it up to the standard its most loyal players deserve. Until then, we'll keep dancing... albeit with the occasional complaint.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Ninja Gaiden 4 is a comeback with a capital C. We've seen how the series has embraced modern mechanics without sacrificing difficulty, edge, or the essence of the ninja who seeks to surpass himself. In many sections, the game is simply spectacular: fast-paced, fluid combat that's visually stunning. However, not everything is perfect: we miss a more developed narrative, certain transitional moments that don't break the rhythm so much, and Ryu Hayabusa playing a more central role. Platinum Games has come on strong, and the generational change makes sense.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    Marathon is a challenging PvPvE shooter from Bungie that blends intense gunplay, class-based strategy, and loot-driven extraction. Each role feels unique, with distinct abilities and movement, making teamwork and inventory management crucial. The game rewards patience and planning, while its visual identity and lore add depth to the universe of Tau Ceti IV. Steep learning curves and early-game difficulty may frustrate newcomers, but dedicated players will find a rich, satisfying experience.

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