ElDesmarque's Scores

  • Games
For 228 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 59% higher than the average critic
  • 11% same as the average critic
  • 30% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 2.9 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 78
Highest review score: 100 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Lowest review score: 30 1348 Ex Voto
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 6 out of 228
228 game reviews
    • 72 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Despite some original narrative hooks and a compelling mystery, the combat falls flat due to clunky controls and repetitive enemy encounters. Even with its clear ambitions for an engaging plot, the lackluster exploration and uninspired level design fail to deliver.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    In short, Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a title in which much more care has been taken with the narrative than in previous installments, resulting in a much more serious final product that nevertheless retains its DNA. It is, quite simply, one of the best stories in the series, thanks to its ambitious aspirations, its tone, its use of editing, and how it doses out information. Kiryu becomes more of a father figure than a mobster, and it suits him well. However, the activities outside of that story that are part of the main missions slow down the pace considerably.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Nioh 3 delivers arguably one of the finest combat systems in gaming history; it's a sheer masterclass in addictive gameplay that will absolutely captivate Souls-like fans looking for their next high-octane fix.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    My Hero Academia: All’s Justice is a game that wants to be many things at once: a tribute, a farewell, a celebration, and an evolution of the franchise. It partly succeeds, especially when it lets the player enjoy its huge roster and its best fights without artificial restrictions. But its balance problems, a poorly tuned difficulty curve, and uneven execution prevent it from reaching the greatness it promises. A farewell with heart and ambition, but also with too many thorns along the way. Fans will know how to forgive them; everyone else, perhaps not so much.
    • 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.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 64 Critic Score
    Ultimately, this title is a mix of good ideas and uneven execution. It has a clear identity, dares to experiment with less common proposals within the genre, and delivers a well-crafted atmosphere. But when the core mechanics (such as combat, stealth, or resource management) are not properly tuned, the whole experience suffers. A survival game with personality that fails to make the most of its potential. Recommended only for die-hard fans of the genre or of the original comic.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Quarantine Zone: The Last Check is a very focused proposition, but one that puts you in a highly original role within the whole zombie imagery. It’s not perfect and can quickly fall into repetition, but it offers an uncomfortable, tense, absurd, and fun experience in equal measure.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Code Vein II is a sequel that remains firmly anchored to its genre tropes; while it excels through its flashy, high-octane combat systems, it ultimately stumbles when it comes to narrative depth and meaningful character development.
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Jacob Jazz's Tamarindo's Freaking Dinner is one of those rare gems that enriches any platform's catalog. It's not a game for everyone, but those who connect with its humor, cyclical structure, and narrative will find a unique, bold, and highly memorable experience. It's a game that isn't just played, but experienced. And, like any good awkward dinner, it leaves its mark.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Yakuza Kiwami for Nintendo Switch 2 is a solid and straightforward remake that focuses on Kiryu Kazuma’s personal story. Less ambitious than Yakuza 0, but still intense, it delivers enjoyable combat, a well-paced narrative and very stable performance, making it a great way to experience the saga in portable form.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Master Lemon: The Quest for Iceland is not just a game. It is a love letter, a language class, a magical adventure, and a memory capsule made with pixels and heart. An indie gem with a Brazilian heart, capable of moving us, teaching us, and reminding us why we love videogames.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    Skate Story is a highly author-driven skateboarding game with accessible mechanics and a distinctive surreal urban style. Its minimalist visuals and Blood Cultures’ soundtrack build a strong atmosphere, but the abstract narrative and repetitive structure may feel distant. A bold, artistic experience that favors mood and interpretation over traditional storytelling.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Being able to play Red Dead Redemption in 4K and 60FPS is an unparalleled experience that brings us closer to the much-desired remake. Hopefully, it will arrive someday. But in the meantime, this remarkable polish is a huge leap forward in quality in every way.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 62 Critic Score
    An experiment with good intentions and a recognizable core, but with too many questionable decisions surrounding it. Recommended especially for fans with patience... and anyone who wants the pack for Bubble Symphony almost as much as for the novelty.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Metroid Prime 4: Beyond arrives as an ambitious title that attempts to reinterpret what a Metroid game means in 2025. At its core, when it sticks to exploration and environmental design, it's brilliant. But when it tries to take the game into open structures, chatty companions, and unpolished new mechanics, it loses a lot of its power.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A short, atmospheric, and highly guided investigative noir, perfect for those who want to solve a crime from their sofa in a single night, but far from the great references of the genre in terms of depth, surprise, and ambition.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tingus Goose is one of the most unique clicker games you'll ever see. Its blend of cozy body horror, surreal humor, and Goldberg machine designs made of flesh and feathers makes a hackneyed genre feel fresh. As an experience, it's half artistic experiment, half cheap toy, and that duality works surprisingly well.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Marvel Cosmic Invasion is very easy to play, accessible, perfect for sharing with someone else at home, and has excellent character handling. It's a very functional title in terms of what it evokes, perfect for newbies to the genre and with many hours of replayability. It's a pure reflection of those arcade games with everything that entails, and the Marvel name suits it very well.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT is one of those games that shouldn't work... but it works like a charm. It's absurd. It's charming. It's challenging. It's a loving tribute to 90s anime culture, with tons of humor and an overwhelming personality.
    • 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.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Lumines Arise is a motivation buff, an anchor that effectively links the gameplay experience to the soundtrack creating a feedback loop for every single run. Every process of change is key to the chaos and the intangibles of the game. That conversion of blocks into special effects maximizes the visual power of everything necessary to embrace this new Tetris Effect.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Ball x Pit is an ideal time sink that perfectly transforms replayability into a competitive high-score rivalry, a compelling personal challenge, or a relaxing afternoon session. It's functional, perfect for quick bursts of play, leaves you consistently craving.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 97 Critic Score
    It's very likely to become a timeless classic—perhaps misunderstood by many, but highly praised by the patient and the crazy ones. Sakurai has crafted a work that reflects his own tastes and everything he loves about the medium.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Possessor(s) is a bold, distinctive Metroidvania with a very strong identity. It features a mature storyline, endearing characters, and a memorable world. Its atmosphere, visual style, and plot are all very well crafted. However, it stumbles in key areas such as combat fluidity, exploration clarity, and some technical issues. Furthermore, it doesn't stand out in almost any way, which is not good in a genre saturated with so much competition.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a remarkably polished and satisfying experience—one that works whether you’re a longtime Zelda fan, a musou enthusiast, or someone looking to dip their toes into both worlds at once. It’s gripping from the start and stays true to the spirit of Tears of the Kingdom, capturing that same sense of adventure and momentum.

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