eToychest's Scores

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For 1,217 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 68% higher than the average critic
  • 2% same as the average critic
  • 30% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.3 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 75
Highest review score: 100 The Legend of Zelda Collector's Edition
Lowest review score: 10 Drake of the 99 Dragons
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 766 out of 1217
  2. Mixed: 368 out of 1217
  3. Negative: 83 out of 1217
1217 game reviews
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    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    NCAA Football 2005
    An excellent college football game. The controls are spot on. The graphics are solid, and the dynasty mode will keep you playing for a long time.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Karaoke Revolution Volume 2
    Fans of the first game have been clamoring for a duet mode, and – in spite of the great song list – a lot of stones are left unturned in the audio department.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tales of Symphonia
    From a technical perspective Tales does the genre proud, and from an aesthetic viewpoint there are few who could stand side by side and not be dwarfed by its majesty.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Way of the Samurai 2
    Something of a disappointment. Players hoping for an expanded, polished version of it's odd (but strangely beguiling) 2002 predecessor have instead been handed a bland, dated game with an extremely creaky plot and a near-broken combat system.
    • 40 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Around the World in 80 Days
    The skillful martial arts of the real Jackie Chan have been simplified to a poorly animated jump, punch, and kick. Even these few gameplay elements are not well developed: there are few times when a kick is better than a punch, aside from breaking the monotony.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Perimeter
    If you can get past the learning curve of the game, it's a very new and fun experience that any strategy fan would enjoy.
    • 35 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Sitting Ducks
    Though it does have to two styles of games, unless you're buying the game for a much younger gamer, Sitting Ducks isn't going to appeal to you much.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Mega Man Battle Network 4 Red Sun
    Fans of the previous games will love it, as it's really a continuation of the same game play, and has all of the same characters. It's got some solid mechanics, it can be quite a bit of fun, but it's very linear, and it can get fairly tedious once you've made a little headway into it.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Spider-Man 2
    Web Swinging is brilliant and it truly is one of those things that you have to experience for yourself. I can just load up the game and swing around for a few minutes and still have a great time before shutting it off, which is a testament to Treyarch’s great work.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Spider-Man 2
    There are some great touches of humor throughout the game, especially when you encounter Mysterio (I haven't laughed out loud at a game in quite a while).
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Missing: Since January
    Everything about Missing: Since January drips atmosphere and everything contained within the game plays a role in driving the atmosphere home for the player.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ground Control II: Operation Exodus
    Basically, what all this goodness translates to is a fantastically well-balanced and tremendously fun fast-paced tactical RTS.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    MLB SlugFest: Loaded
    The online play keeps the game fresh and the franchise mode, while obviously a far cry from those present in other more realistic baseball simulations, is still an admiral effort and a nice side order to an already delicious meal.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    MLB SlugFest: Loaded
    Fast paced, easy to play and addictive.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Mega Man Anniversary Collection
    Sadly, the games’ graphics did not get a similar treatment. In fact, some of the games seem surprisingly worse then they did on their original consoles.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Mario Golf: Advance Tour
    The lack of content in Advance Tour is a lingering tragedy, because the game excels in most other areas. Advance Tour is fun, addictive, and very relaxing--the sort of game you could easily spend sixty hours on over the course of a year of casual playing. It could have been one of the great games of this generation.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors
    Merely a mediocre licensed title with charm that falls flat after the tenth super is used in one fight. Its decent graphics and authentic voices from the show do little to improve its playability.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Showdown: Legends of Wrestling
    It's a considerable improvement over the last two games, and is a step towards putting up a fight with the THQ line of games for supremacy of the console-wrestling genre.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    MTV Music Generator 3: This Is the Remix
    It’s great at what it does: giving casual users an in-depth and easy way to create their own songs and mess around with others. It’s worth a look, at least, and could even become a nice party game with friends.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Mega Man Anniversary Collection
    Sadly, the games’ graphics did not get a similar treatment. In fact, some of the games seem surprisingly worse then they did on their original consoles.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3
    Plugging terrorists is always fun, and the game is certainly worth a look if you don't own either the Xbox or PS2 versions, but the lack of online play makes the GameCube version the weakest of the three editions available.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow
    The single player game alone doesn't really warrant a purchase-a rental is easily sufficient to see all it has to offer. However, players who are blessed with a broadband connection, network adapter and USB headset should have no qualms about buying this game.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Front Mission 4
    While the game is difficult during parts, there was many times when enemy AI would do nothing.
    • 34 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    McFarlane's Evil Prophecy
    The graphic design and overall presentation is nowhere near what many would expect from a game slapped with Todd McFarlane's stamp of approval. The monotony of the unrelenting combat adds to the bitter taste this game leaves in its wake.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 45 Critic Score
    Shadow Ops: Red Mercury
    The game lacks checkpoints, and missions can take upwards of twenty minutes to complete, so should you die 18 minutes into a level, you're forced to go through the entire level again. For a game this bad, that's torture.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy
    The only major complaint to be made about Psi Ops is its use of a checkpoint save system. While not always the case, this system has a way of making a bad situation worse by leaving a player with nothing save for a death wish just because they happened upon the checkpoint ill prepared.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy
    The only major complaint to be made about Psi Ops is its use of a checkpoint save system. While not always the case, this system has a way of making a bad situation worse by leaving a player with nothing save for a death wish just because they happened upon the checkpoint ill prepared.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Blitzkrieg: Burning Horizon
    With its accurate presentation of World War II, and difficult game play, Burning Horizon is a game that only the most skilled strategists will get the most out of.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    FirePower for Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3
    Games this close to perfection within a genre do not come along often enough.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Sabre Wulf
    It really would have stood on its own without constructing and elaborate void of an overworld, and it seems like a shame that Rare spent so much effort on such a meaningless frame on which to hang an intriguing game play experience.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Smash Court Tennis Pro Tournament 2
    It does a lot of things right, good graphics, multiple play modes, originality and solid on-court action. The pro tour mode is fantastic despite its frustrations. It is refreshing to see some originality in a tennis title.
    • 37 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Mighty Beanz: Pocket Puzzles
    This game is a headache wrapped up in frustration and poor design. Mighty Beanz Pocket Puzzles simply does not work as well as it probably looked on the drawing board, and players are advised to stay away.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
    It is most definitely not to be missed, but do yourself a favor and bring a friend, or two or three. Doing so upgrades the experience from the sublime to the superlative.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 35 Critic Score
    Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspiracy
    The Frankenstein's monster of a game I played does little more than scratch the underside of mediocrity. Buy this for an irritating nephew, but keep yourself and those for whom you care for deeply away from this game.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Duel Masters: Sempai Legends
    Sempai Legends is likely to be the first of many games in this franchise, and in that context it is an excellent start. All the important aspects of the original game are here, and work well.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Full Spectrum Warrior
    Full Spectrum’s audio has a really gritty simplicity to it that really gets one into the mood Pandemic seemed to have been trying to convey.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay
    An astounding game. It appears to be ahead of its time visually, and it couples this accomplishment with game mechanics so solid and well conceived that future titles will have a lot of work to do if they wish to compete.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Metal Slug 3
    The game is non-stop action, with smooth, screen filling sprites, lots of color, expressive and often very funny animation and lots of challenge.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Thief: Deadly Shadows
    This is not going to leave players breathless or have critics singing praises of innovation, but Thief: Deadly Shadows does the franchise proud by delivering a solid, worthwhile, and memorable game experience.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
    Though the game is quite repetitive at times and the story is nearly nonexistent, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is still a refreshingly fun game for both children and adults.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    River City Ransom EX
    Lastly, and most disappointing, there is no co-op mode. There is a link mode, which allows you to trade character data and techniques, but there is no two-player mode to speak of at all. This is very disheartening.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Thief: Deadly Shadows
    While both versions are comparable in most respects, the slow down and horrendous load times between areas that are apparent in the Xbox version are what sets the PC incarnation a notch above its console brother.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Mario vs. Donkey Kong
    Nintendo comes through with a stunning combination of genres to deliver an Action/Puzzle game that has just enough extras and attention to detail to make it worth the slightly higher launch price of $34.99.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Transformers
    It’s fast, attractive and fun, and only a few shortcomings mar its presentation. The poor integration of the vehicular aspect of the license is the biggest disappointment, but sluggish controls and a weak story are also valid, if minor, gripes.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    True Crime: Streets of LA
    The game looks terrible, I'll just come right out and say it up front.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Custom Robo
    Unfortunately, while all of this was very exciting 5 years ago, it just hasn't evolved since then.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Samurai Warriors
    Game play stutters and disappearing goons are more common than they should be in this title, and it might be time for Koei to plan the next title in this series to be for a next-gen system.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    La Pucelle: Tactics
    Everything about this game has it positioned to be an instant hit among fans of Disgaea: Hour of Darkness, as well as tactical RPG enthusiasts in general. Deep game play, an endearing story, likeable characters, and stunning hand-drawn backgrounds round out this experience.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    UEFA Euro 2004: Portugal
    This one’s for the hardcore only. Those who already own FIFA 2004 and are happy with it, or are only casual soccer fans, shouldn’t waste their time because you’ll notice little different between the two titles.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    UEFA Euro 2004: Portugal
    This one’s for the hardcore only. Those who already own FIFA 2004 and are happy with it, or are only casual soccer fans, shouldn’t waste their time because you’ll notice little different between the two titles.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    UEFA Euro 2004: Portugal
    This one’s for the hardcore only. Those who already own FIFA 2004 and are happy with it, or are only casual soccer fans, shouldn’t waste their time because you’ll notice little different between the two titles.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Red Dead Revolver
    The problematic A.I. in Red Dead Revolver is the game’s biggest disadvantage.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Red Dead Revolver
    The problematic A.I. in Red Dead Revolver is the game’s biggest disadvantage.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Shrek 2
    The most redeeming factor of the Shrek 2 game is the story and dialogue. The entire Shrek empire rests strongly on the shoulders of the Dreamwork’s writing staff and this game benefits greatly from their abilities.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Beyond Divinity
    It has a few minor flaws, but the overwhelming amount of fun this game offers more than makes up for it.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    City of Heroes
    Causal gamers can log in for an hour or two occasionally, complete a few missions, and have a feeling of accomplishment, while hardcore gamers can mow through levels through ‘street cleaning’, missions and task forces.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rise of Nations: Thrones & Patriots
    The new units are awesome...At a retail of $30 USD, Thrones and Patriots is a sweet deal for anybody that even remotely enjoyed the original game.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Onimusha 3: Demon Siege
    Besides the multiple endings that can be reached, defeating the game on a number of different difficulties will yield extras, some of them being playable ones (such as the Adventures of Heihachi) to alternate costumes (yes, Samanosuke’s killer panda suit is back).
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hitman: Contracts
    Yes it’s short. Yes it sticks to the series’ formula. And yes it is essentially a one-trick pony. But like a good popcorn action flick, Hitman Contracts hits you in all the right ways and proves to be truly captivating while it lasts.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Painkiller (2004)
    The atmosphere, over-the-top-physics, vast seas of enemies and bosses that reign as some of the most impressive in any video game to date all equate to title that is worth your time. It is unfortunate that with a little more focused effort on fleshing out the multiplayer game, Painkiller could have gone from a very good game to an instant classic.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Alias
    As a game it is well below the current bar that has been set by other titles in the stealth action genre, and even casual gamers will most likely be bored to tears with Sydney Bristow's exploits.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Alias
    As a game it is well below the current bar that has been set by other titles in the stealth action genre, and even casual gamers will most likely be bored to tears with Sydney Bristow's exploits.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$!
    While it delivers much of the same experiences as before it is its refusal to evolve past its original makeup that proves to be its biggest hurdle.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    NBA Ballers
    A great title that will suit fans of both the sport, and those of us who just like a little arcade-style action in our diet. The controls are fluid, the graphics are terrific, and sounds, well it all depends on your tastes.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Fight Night 2004
    EA has finally managed to make a boxing game about skill and strategy rather than the random flailings of our opposable digits. And it's fun too. Unfortunately the game feels wildly incomplete in its overall presentation with a very short list of features, poor music selection, boring levels and no Xbox online component.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    NBA Ballers
    A great title that will suit fans of both the sport, and those of us who just like a little arcade-style action in our diet. The controls are fluid, the graphics are terrific, and sounds, well it all depends on your tastes.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Breed
    A very average FPS, hurt by terrible AI and more than its share of glitches.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Resident Evil Outbreak
    It’s got quite a few bugs that should have never made it past the testing cycle, including several glitches that cause the game to freeze up completely, forcing a hard reset to resume play.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Northland
    The slow pace, even at heightened settings, is horribly boring. The graphical issues make things even worse, especially for owners of newer video cards.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Onimusha Blade Warriors
    Many will tire of the repetitive game play involved in the single player modes long before unlocking all the secrets. And without friends to play with, there's a lot of content missing.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Trivial Pursuit Unhinged
    Lives up to the name of Trivial Pursuit in every way except for it's limited question bank. It's a glaring flaw that's hard to overlook. Flash and Unhinged modes are fun and provide a fresh take on the game, but repeated questions will take the wind out of any game's sails.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Far Cry
    If players can ignore the overly cheesy plot and horrid voice acting, and focus simply on killing bad guys and blowing things up amidst a wonderfully crafted environment then they will be in for a treat. The first person shooter has never looked so good.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Cy Girls
    The game is so simple and repetitive that it's like watching TV. It requires no brainpower at all and will lull you with the ease of play.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow
    On a technical level, I believe the game may be entirely without flaw. On top of that Ubi Soft has introduced us to a whole new breed of online gaming that did not exist before Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow hit the shelves. Their ability to pull that off has solidified them as the developer of the year and has made Splinter Cell an instant, must own classic.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    A Quiet Weekend in Capri
    While there is a lot to enjoy about the game, the lower production values, simple gameplay, and campy story will put off people looking for a gripping adventure.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Unreal Tournament 2004
    The retail version of UT2k4 works on both Windows and Linux, with a Mac version of the game also available. This is something that I personally wish more companies would do with their games.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm
    The ten or so new missions aren’t anything special, and playing them on your PS2 might prove a painful experience.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Breakdown
    A fantastic ride, with all of the highs and lows of a classic. There are areas for improvement but these are eclipsed by a terrific story and solid game mechanics.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life
    Old fans will certainly appreciate it, and it has enough charm to compel those looking for something new, but newcomers should certainly be warned that it’s an unusual taste. It is time-consuming, repetitive and dull, yet it is also relaxing and vaguely satisfying.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Wade Hixton's Counter Punch
    When considering the $20 price tag, the game length issue can easily be ignored because Counter Punch is great boxing fun.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Battlefield Vietnam
    The new setting is wonderful for the type of game that Battlefield is, a freeform romp through the area with vehicles and different kits to wage war upon.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Worms 3D
    The sheer amount of weapons helps make the game more interesting as does its sense of humor. Though, I must admit that while the game can be quite charming, a lot of the jokes tend to fall flat.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Tenchu: Return From Darkness
    While not a horrible game; due to camera issues, a problematic story and dated graphics, Tenchu strikes in at average.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Bomberman Jetters
    While the Bomberman franchise is chock full of potential, Bomberman Jetters squanders the good things it has going for it in order to serve up another dish of reprocessed mediocrity.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Suffering
    The creatures of The Suffering are abstract, bizarre, and downright grotesque, and there will be more than a few times where players will quietly curse at themselves for attempting to play the game in the dark.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Firefighter F.D. 18
    It can be really hard at times, but this difficult really does add to the atmosphere in this game, almost to the point where you will feel the flames licking at you.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    MVP Baseball 2004
    CPU management is unbelievably horrid. The CPU controlled teams all have 15 pitchers and 10 batters, which only leaves them with one or two backup fielders. The stats are questionable at best.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
    Combining the storyline of the original, with the smoother, more entertaining gameplay of MGS2, Twin Snakes should be an early contender for best game of the year on the GameCube, and gamers new and old should enjoy it thoroughly.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    FireStarter
    There is baggage here that is weighing it down, such as the camera with a mind of its own, the repeated textures, and most notably the lack of full online support. Still, for the price of $19.99 it is hard to argue the merits of a title that, despite its flaws, is still a heck of a lot of fun.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Dead Man's Hand
    If you’re as attracted to the prospect of a Western shooter as I was, don’t let the ho-hum score detract you. Just don’t come crying to me when you’ve beaten it in a weekend, can’t stand the multiplayer, and have since found other uses for that $40.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Lifeline
    It is flawed on almost every level, but its biggest failing is that it is designed to take advantage of technology that is questionable at best and just plain broken at worst.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Drakengard
    Far from perfect and a mere shadow of its potential, Drakengard gives players only fleeting glimpses of brilliance and these are spread far to thin for this game to carry with it any real merit.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ninja Gaiden
    Ninja Gaiden, despite one of the year's worst camera systems, still manages to be one of the year's best action games.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    MTX Mototrax
    MTX brings all of the excitement of the motocross circuit home in an arcade/simulation racing title that comes bundled with an absolute abundance of features and options, not the least of which is online game play.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pitfall: The Lost Expedition
    Looks and sounds the part of a goofy adventure game, and for the 10 or so hours it takes to complete players will be sure to enjoy its charms. It is far from a masterpiece, but it is the current highlight to the series.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    World Soccer Winning Eleven 7 International
    The control is tighter than ever before and the entire exercise proceeds under a fluid sheen of reciprocal interaction: Input from the gamer equals output on the screen, religiously.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing
    It’s difficult to complain at length about any particular gripe in the face of truly spectacular levels, innovative gameplay and almost obscenely high production values. For the first time in years, "Goldeneye" has a little competition.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship Tournament 2004
    Like the cartoon series, this installment seems to be made with the same cookie-cutter mold and offers very little innovation or change.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Silent Scope Complete
    If the software would have been tweaked a bit more it would have interacted a lot easier with Pelican’s amazing light rifle. However, even with having to adjust the brightness the player can still relive some of those arcade memories. This game is a must for light gun fans and should be skipped by all other players.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Unreal II: The Awakening
    Visually it fails to impress, and often it comes off as embarrassing, especially when it is being played on a console that we all know is capable of so much more. As I have said earlier, this game is dated, and it appears as if the developers have put little effort in giving this game the facelift it so sorely needs to stand toe to toe with the rest of today's Xbox offerings.
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