Forbes' Scores

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For 352 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 68% higher than the average critic
  • 5% same as the average critic
  • 27% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 6.7 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 82
Highest review score: 100 Bloodborne: The Old Hunters
Lowest review score: 20 Doug Flutie's Maximum Football 2019
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 281 out of 352
  2. Mixed: 64 out of 352
  3. Negative: 7 out of 352
364 game reviews
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per page
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Earthion
    Earthion is an amazingly good shmup and genuinely feels like some kind of forgotten gem. The main game mechanics are involved but also streamlined, coupled with insanely fast-paced yet still extremely detailed visuals. The music and sound effects are also excellent. In short, this is a definitive shmup and comes highly recommended.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors
    Vampire Crawlers is an exceptional game that manages to retain its progenitor’s frantic gameplay while putting an invigorating twist that’ll keep you glued to the screen. Its simple mechanics are surprisingly deep, but also quite easy to get a hang of. There are so many secret unlockables which will keep players busy for a long time, and every second is just a joyous bloodbath of pixelated fun.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn
    Overall, Shadow of the Ninja Reborn is much more than a remake. This is an all-new and lovingly crafted game that is both refreshingly technical and gorgeous to look at. Whatever they are feeding the team at Tengo Project is clearly very special. I just hope the powers that be get out of the way and let them make more games as good as this.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    PRAGMATA
    Pragmata is a very fresh take on a modern third-person shooter, with a unique combat setup that is equal parts tactics and brute force skill. It also looks wonderful throughout, and the interactions between Hugh, Diana, and Cabin are a lot of fun and genuinely sweet. It may be a bit too early to call, but thus far, this is easily my game of the year.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: WWII
    Despite the game's flaws and inexcusably rough launch, I've been very happy with it and absolutely recommend it to anyone who's been sitting on the fence. For those of you who haven't touched a Call of Duty game in a while because of the sci-fi stuff, now's a good time to get back into the fray.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Castlevania Requiem: Symphony of the Night & Rondo of Blood
    Castlevania Requiem is an excellent collection of two very important as well as very different Castlevania games. If you have enjoyed the recent Netflix series and don’t know much about the games it is based off, then this is probably the perfect collection to get to grips with the saga.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Plants vs. Zombies Heroes
    I think the whole thing works so well, I hope that EA decides to release it on PC, and even on consoles. The brand already has a presence outside of mobile and tablet, and I think this game would do well in the same markets as Hearthstone. And really, I like this game a lot more than the original Plants Vs. Zombies. It’s harder to compare it to Garden Warfare since that’s a full-blown shooter and it’s like comparing Guacodiles to Zapricots.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
    Modern Warfare gets the series back to its roots with plenty of nods to the 2007 original, but it also does enough to keep the game fresh and exciting, and it looks simply stunning on both console and PC.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Earth Defense Force 5
    Easily the best in the series thus far and is something I can happily recommend for anyone that enjoys large explosions and destroying giant aliens en masse.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    ActRaiser Renaissance
    Overall, Actraiser Renaissance stays true to the original game, while building it out even further and keeping the essence of what made it so special intact. If you never played the original Actraiser, then you are definitely in for a treat as it’s not every day you don the mantle of the Lord of Light and defy the will of Tanzra.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sonic Frontiers
    Overall, Sonic Frontiers takes the lovable blue hedgehog into new open world territory, while staying true to how Sonic should feel in a functional sense. There’s also a lot to unpack here, so don’t take on too much at once and just go with the high-speed flow.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mario Kart World
    Mario Kart World is a huge undertaking, but it still offers the classic Mario Kart progression we’ve all grown up with. Whether this will sell as much as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains to be seen, but from the off, Mario Kart World definitely has an enormous amount of content to wrap your head around, and the multiplayer will likely keep it an evergreen release for years to come, much like the other games in the series have been.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
    Clocking in at around 7 hours and costing a slightly-discounted $40 at launch makes this the perfect extension of the Uncharted series.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Kirby: Planet Robobot
    Overall, this is a great platformer done better than most of the competition out there.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Metroid Dread
    Overall, Metroid Dread brings a narrative close to a decades long story with excellent level design and combat. It also looks great as well. So until Samus Aran is needed once again to save the Galactic Federation, I am happy to just savour the joy of another successfully completed mission.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest Builders
    This is still the fantastic game I remember playing back at the start of 2016 and one that works brilliantly on the Switch.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition
    Overall, Ace Combat 7 on Switch is as good as it was back in 2019. The performance of the game is also surprisingly good and it plays pretty much identically. You get a few extra DLC trinkets in this release too, but nothing beats unlocking and flying the mighty X-02S Strike Wyvern into the thick of combat.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Anki OVERDRIVE
    Seeing the cars come alive on the track, commander characters speak back to you when you take them down, and the slowly evolving powers of each car is like nothing I’ve encountered before.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
    Overall, Metal Gear Solid Delta is a superb remake of probably the best stealth action game ever made. It’s even more impressive that this was achieved with an insane level of accuracy in a completely separate engine and toolset. I would even go so far as to say that this version supersedes the original in almost every way, and comes highly recommended to anyone who wants to crawl on their belly through a jungle while eating snakes.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
    I’m puzzled by all of the negative reviews from critics, though I think many outlets do not have hardcore Call Of Duty players reviewing this game. I’m just as confused, if not more so, by gamers who have finally gotten what they’ve been asking for for years and are still throwing a huge fit over it. I think the Call Of Duty community only likes one thing more than playing Call Of Duty, and that’s complaining about it...As far as I’m concerned, this game ticks all the boxes. I’m having a blast, and isn’t that the point of Call Of Duty to begin with?
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Diablo IV
    My impressions are overwhelmingly positive based on what I’ve experienced so far, from the map to the gameplay to the new systems to even the story, which I was not expecting. Blizzard really seems like they’ve nailed this, and I’m going to say the only way this will be poorly received at launch is if technical issues kill people’s ability to play. But once it gets rolling? Yes, I think you’re going to like Diablo 4.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sonic Mania
    Sonic Mania is probably one of the best Sonic games ever made and is a very carefully and thoughtfully crafted game. It could have easily ended up a complete mess but the design of the game is such that it uses only what it needs to and by keeping things simple, it ends up being a wonderfully focused game.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    NBA 2K21
    NBA 2K21 on next-gen delivers a fun and deep hoops package unlike anything else we’ve ever seen. It’s not just about enhanced visuals. There is more under the hood in almost every area. This isn’t a perfect game. There is room for improvement in multiple areas, but what it does excellently far outshines the smaller, and much-easier to absorb shortcomings. 2K has again set the standard on a new console, and everyone else is playing catch-up. The fact that this game was developed during a pandemic is inspiring.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Destiny 2
    It’s hard to imagine that Destiny 2 won’t satisfy fans of the original, but it’s also the type of game that will allow new players to jump right in, and skip some of the worst growing pains of the series. While there’s still room for improvement, and for this universe to live up to its full potential, Destiny 2 makes undeniable progress, and reinforces the idea that this is a series we’ll be playing for at least an entire decade, when all is said and done.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 25
    Madden 25 is the most complete version of the series in more than a decade. Failing to recognize the improvements essentially gives in to reflex hate more than evaluating each version's merits. The gameplay is tighter, customization has seen a significant boost, and each mode has depth. If you buy a version of Madden every five years, it should be this one.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Outriders
    Outriders has surpassed my expectations in almost every way. Months ago, I figured this would be another looter flop, but now, it’s one of the best current entries in the genre, and even with no “live service roadmap” at hand, it’s clear you could potentially extract hundreds of hours from it regardless. I plan to do just that.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Andro Dunos 2
    Overall, Andro Dunos 2 is genuinely a brilliant shmup that feels like something that was released during this genre’s 90s heyday. From the gameplay, to the graphics and the music, Andro Dunos 2 is a pixel perfect shmup.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
    While it still doesn’t justify my purchase of PlayStation VR, it does dramatically change how Ace Combat 7 plays, not least for how you track enemies and, most importantly, acquire missile locks.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Skylanders Imaginators
    It’s going to be the best kids game of the holiday season and no doubt a great gift for kiddos everywhere. But there’s plenty here grown-ups will enjoy as well. My advice? Play it with your kids. It’s best that way.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pikmin 3 Deluxe
    If you count yourself among a smaller audience that, for example, knows what an RTS or a Metroidvania is, this is a great game. It does exactly what it sets out to do, and it does it well, but it will feel overwhelming to those that have signed on during the Switch era.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
    Ninja Gaiden is back in a big way in 2025 with the prior release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black earlier this year and soon, Ninja Gaiden 4 in just a few short months. But much to my surprise and delight, Ryu Hayabusa’s continuation into the realm of AAA 3D action elites once again does not mean the abandonment of where the series started this time around.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap
    It's all very retro and very fun and, for me at least, not just nostalgic but sort of joyful, like seeing an old friend again after many years. Other old games, like Super Mario Bros, I've played many times over the years, either on virtual consoles or on the original systems, but this has remained a lost gem. I feel pretty lucky to be able to play it again, and in such a loving rendition. Lizardcube has crafted something special here. You should play it.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    FIFA 18
    By accentuating its prior positives and offering real and tangible improvements to gameplay, FIFA 18 excels and is slightly better than last year's solid entry.
    • 97 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Red Dead Redemption 2
    Both its triumphs and its failures live at grand extremes: maddening, beautiful and awesome. The game hits each every one of its moments with grace and force, whether they're bombastic gunfights or a small moment on a boat in a lake outside Blackwater. I'm leaving my playtime overwhelmed, emotional and drained in a way that I haven't quite felt since the original Red Dead Redemption.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Black Ops III
    While both the story and the multiplayer will likely be divisive—we’re a long, long ways from Modern Warfare or the original Black Ops here—I’m glad to see Treyarch taking risks, trying something different, and impressed that even with all the changes, the core game still feels very much like Call of Duty.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
    Ninja Theory, you moved me. Hellblade’s gameplay is polished, the writing is fantastic, the acting is superb, and the ending managed to make me cry. But even then, all of this pales in comparison to everything this art piece truly represents. What you’ve built, what you’ve accomplished here, is extremely important. It’s probably the most realistic portrayal of mental illness I’ve yet seen in a video game, and it works its magic without being patronizing, without stooping to exploitation or condescension.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Vanguard
    All told, Call Of Duty: Vanguard has exceeded my expectations, especially after a less-than-promising pre-launch Alpha and press event. Then again, the Beta was drastically improved overall so I was already feeling more optimistic by launch. I’m also very excited for post-launch content like Shipment, League and Gunfight, as well as more MP and Zombies maps. Now that maps are always free—replaced by a Battle Pass and cosmetic Item Shop—these games stay fresh and populated much longer than before, and I foresee a great deal of Vanguard in my future, though I’m sure I’ll dip back into Cold War frequently as well.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    NBA 2K20
    NBA 2K20 delivers the best on-court experience in years, and that carries more weight than any other aspect of the game.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection
    In today’s game industry, the argument can be made that playing old games lacks appeal. I’d never make that argument, but plenty of people do. However, releases like the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection prove that maybe the missing ingredient for a lot of folks is just context. If you didn’t live this era of the game industry, then you don’t have personal nostalgia for these games. But a package like this, which treats the material with reverence and respect, can make a new fan out of anyone.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
    Ultimately, I was deeply impressed by Uncharted 4, and I absolutely believe it lives up to the high bar of quality the series has set for itself, meaning all the delays were probably worth it. I think it relies entirely too much on the no-longer-innovative climbing mechanic, but there’s simply no denying that this game is a visual masterpiece with likable characters in an interesting and intense story. In short, it’s an Uncharted game, and once again, that can speak for itself.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    What Remains of Edith Finch
    What Remains of Edith Finch is filled with excellent writing, striking visuals, and a significant sense of place, of people, of life’s ephemeral nature and our relationship to it.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
    Overall, this is a fantastic collection of Super Mario games. From the focused and demanding Super Mario 3D World to the more experimental, though still very well executed, open world take for Bowser’s Fury. Both games have a lot to offer and will keep you very busy unlocking their innermost secrets.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    FIFA 17
    Aside from the missing customization, this is easily the best and most complete FIFA ever. There are other areas with minor issues, but nothing worthy of mentioning in the negatives section. Tightened gameplay, improved visuals and The Journey make this a monumental achievement in the series and it reestablishes the series as the King of the Pitch, yet again.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    F1 2021
    There isn’t a ton to dislike about F1 2021. The latest version adds to the series’ win streak with another strong iteration. With a few additional layers to the visual and audio presentation, we could have been looking at a form of racing perfection. As it is, F1 2021 is still really good.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    F1 2016
    F1 2016 succeeds where many racing titles fail because it effectively weaves in some personality to accent the hardcore racing details and car mechanics. The gameplay is phenomenal and the presentation is the main positive that drives the aforementioned personality.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    WWE 2K17
    Aside from some nagging and egregious legacy issues, WWE 2K17 is really good. The game delivers where it counts most: graphics, gameplay and options. This is easily the best wrestling release in over a decade.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Super Mega Baseball 2
    While it's not a full-fledged AAA title, SMB 2 blurs the lines with its fantastic gameplay and mode depth.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Gears of War 4
    The amount of quality content in multiplayer, and the ability to change Horde difficulty levels and play casual or competitive in Versus, makes Gears of War 4 a terrific deal, especially given the quality of the product.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    MLB The Show 19
    On the positive side, the stellar gameplay that has long been associated with the series is again, even better than it was last year. The slow and steady improvement to visuals continues as Sony tinkers with lighting and textures. Diamond Dynasty continues to grow and it has become the best collector mode in any sports video game. On the negative side, the franchise mode and Road to the Show are integral parts of The Show experience and haven't seen much improvement. Luckily, both were already fun, but how long can Sony continue to deliver such small improvements to key modes? At least one more year.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Dragon Age: The Veilguard
    Dragon Age: The Veilguard may not be worth an entire decade-long wait, but it's very fun in its own right and a unique exploration of the world and a new set of memorable characters.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Fallout 4
    Fallout 4’s greatest triumph, and its one major point of evolution is in its storytelling, crafting a lengthy, unexpected ending and resolution that I will remember for years to come. It also remains one of the best games in existence for those who simply like to wander and explore and unearth long-buried secrets. But it struggles with archaic gameplay systems and an inflexible engine that anchor the game to the past for all the wrong reasons. Fans may enjoy more Fallout and a brand new map to explore, but this sequel will not be heralded as revolutionary or overly impressive this time around.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Until Dawn
    I’m sure it won’t be for everyone, but if you enjoy horror movies like Scream and want to experience the genre with some agency in the story’s outcome, Until Dawn is a great choice.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    EA Sports College Football 25
    When I heard EA was bringing college football back, I was fully prepared to play a game of Madden with college uniforms. In all honesty, I would have played it and been mildly satisfied. EA delivered a much deeper experience that easily carves its own identity in every way possible. Once EA learns its way around the restrictions of the NIL situation, the series will go to an even higher level.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
    Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection delivers a grand adventure while building upon its predecessors to create something that not only will appeal to fans of the genre, but one that stands out amongst its contemporaries. With a touching story, charming cast of characters, in-depth combat, and crunchy RPG mechanics, this is the best entry in the series so far.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    MLB The Show 16
    The Show looks good, plays great and is deep enough to overshadow moderately unbalanced visuals and a slight void of personality. If you’ve always loved the series, the fire will still burn despite the minor infractions.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred
    This a long-term process as we figure out how all this comes together in the larger context of the game, and I will keep my coverage going accordingly. But reviewing what’s in front of me during this period, here we are.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Oxenfree
    Your entire playthrough should take 4 hours, but Oxenfree’s story unfolds briskly. As do the stakes. There’s no filler here, just an increasingly fascinating, emotional story steeped in the paranormal. Night School Studio’s first effort is a brilliant one. Not perfect, but absolutely worth experiencing.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Mass Effect: Andromeda
    If you could combine the story and memorable quests of the originals with the combat, visuals and scope of Andromeda, you would have the perfect video game, though I think what's offered here will satisfy most. Despite its issues, Andromeda is welcome return to one of my favorite fictional universes, and I am still not ready to let Mass Effect go. I'm not sure I ever will be.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    EA Sports College Football 26
    EA College Football 26 won’t be judged as softly as last year’s game because fans aren’t simply fired up to have college football back. That said, EA’s dev team hasn’t rested on its success, and they’ve delivered a strong follow-up with noteworthy improvements. The issues are mostly out of the dev’s hands and based on the handling of legends or legalities that limit in-game customization.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Prey
    Prey is genre-bending in a way I haven’t really seen before. You can compare it to a half dozen games, but it still manages to feel unique from almost all of them. It won’t be for everyone, but it’s a great single player experience you can get lost in for a week or two easily. Prey has come out of relative nowhere to be a truly great campaign experience that succeeds despite some of the game’s more muddled aspects. I’d recommend giving it a shot.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    American Truck Simulator
    American Truck Simulator scratches the exact same itch that Elite: Dangerous does. While they’re vastly different games, both evoke a sense of the wide open road, of the perfect road trip. Both give you freedom and put you in control of your own destiny and your own direction. Both are ridiculously compelling and they let you set your own pace.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    MLB The Show 17
    The Show is still striving for perfection, but if you love baseball and video games, you need this in your life.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    NBA 2K23
    The NBA 2K franchise is back and moving in the right direction. After years of stagnant gameplay mechanics and subtle improvements to its franchise mode, this year’s game has taken huge, direction-defining steps. NBA 2K23 offers an amazingly customizable experience. With the exception of a few perhaps philosophical issues and some lingering old assets still in use, this year’s version registers as an All-NBA first team selection within the series’ storied history.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed Odyssey
    I feel like this game is just…a bit much. A bit much so soon after Odyssey, and a bit much where it literally takes almost 60 hours to complete all four main questlines and hit level 50. That’s without 100%ing the map in the least, which would take a few dozen more hours I’m sure. For some, especially the “dollar per entertainment hour value” crowd, that’s a good thing. For others, this may be a game that you may not finish by next summer, given how much time it requires. For me personally, it was a tad exhausting.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Resident Evil 7: biohazard
    Resident Evil 7 Biohazard is a great new direction for the series that's genuinely scary and is only marginally held back by tedious combat.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Super Mario Bros. Wonder
    Overall though, Super Mario Wonder is an excellent 2D platformer. With excellent level design, polished visuals and mad Wonder Flower setpieces. It’s not my favorite Super Mario game in recent years, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Xenoblade Chronicles 2
    A very good role-playing game and one that not only is a proud addition to the Xeno series but also adds another great game to the library of the already buoyant Switch. That said, the discrepancy in performance between the docked and portable versions of the game is somewhat unfortunate and may limit your enjoyment.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy VII Remake
    Overall, this is an amazing game that works on its own and fleshes out the story and setting of Final Fantasy VII in a remarkably cogent way. Fans of the original game may have wanted something more faithful in a functional sense but this is still an excellent game and one you will be more than happy to pour your time into.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Marvel's Spider-Man 2
    For fans of the first game, or Spider-Man, or action games in general, Spider-Man 2 is an easy recommendation. There are about five dozen teasers and easter eggs by the end so I’m sure we’re in for more, whether that’s another Miles-sized game or another sequel down the road. But for now, yes, this is all the Spider-action you need for a good long while.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    EA Sports UFC 3
    With a focus on depth and functionality, the EA UFC 3 development team has created the strongest version in their series. A few minor missteps and the reluctance to embrace or include a true-sim component keeps it from GOAT status. However, there's no question it's a titleholder.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    FIFA 21
    FIFA 21 delivers most of what I’m looking for in a world football title, which tends to be the story every year. It features solid-to-strong gameplay, attractive visuals, and a good variety of options. However, flawed execution in VOLTA, a lack of customization and no traditional franchise mode for EPL or La Liga keeps it from being a classic.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    FIFA 20
    FIFA 20 is fun, which is the most important thing. The developers in charge of gameplay have done just about all they can do to make this title a joy on the virtual pitch. It’s shortcomings are because of a lack of innovative improvements to core modes. That keeps it as a really good game, but a notch below great.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    WWE 2K19
    WWE 2K19 maxes out all of the incumbent concepts from recent games in the franchise, and this is a solid and more polished release than we've seen from some recent versions. You'll likely have fun with the game and all of its layers. However, there is potential for true greatness with this series, but the WWE and the development team have to be willing to take some chances.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    WWE 2K18
    Despite some light areas of concern with gameplay and some of the auxiliary modes and features, the core of the WWE 2K franchise has been strengthened. It won't scratch every itch that virtual wrestling fans have, but the game is deep and fun. At the end of the day, that's what we're looking for in video games.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    NHL 17
    With some new depth, the already strong NHL series has remained solid. The product on the ice is great in almost every aspect, but the feature set could still stand to add layers...That said, NHL 17 is still a game virtual hockey fans of all different levels should have in their collections. It’s fun and deep enough to provide long-term entertainment.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    NHL 19
    NHL 19 is still a fun virtual hockey experience, and that’s the biggest thing. The World of CHEL adds a much-needed layer of personality, playability, and lightheartedness to the franchise. The depth of each mode goes a long way toward meeting almost every virtual hockey fan wherever they are with their fandom. On the downside, there is a lack of customization, some collision-detection issues, as well as some dated and less-than-impressive presentation elements.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    NHL 18
    NHL 18 is another strong entry from an underrated sports gaming franchise. EA has delivered a more rewarding franchise mode, added new ways to play, while at the minimum, sustaining itself in other modes. That's a formula for success, but the lack of progress in customization, single-player modes and presentation keep it from being a monumental step for the franchise.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 18
    This is a really good football game that you will probably enjoy, but you will also likely still have some gripes. Madden 18 takes noticeable steps in gameplay and depth, but it's still teasing us with true greatness.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Mafia III
    If you approach Mafia III as an interactive journey, then you probably won’t have any issue with it overall. If you’re looking for a fully fleshed out title akin to GTA, then Mafia III could come off as a shallow release...I’m somewhere in the middle, but leaning more toward the former. The story and visuals are easily the strength of the game, and the gameplay isn’t flawed or repetitive enough to kill the vibe.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    DiRT Rally 2.0
    Visually, Dirt Rally 2.0 is stunning in most areas. The cars have excellent weight and feel, and while the feature set isn't stacked, including a limited online multiplayer suite, the cupboard isn't bare. Dirt Rally 2.0 is for hardcore fans of rally racing who demand the most authentic experience from a video game that dares to emulate their sport.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 20
    I'm having a lot of fun with Madden 20, and readily admit it is improved from last year's game, which I didn't hate. However, my fun is regularly curtailed by an inexplicable limitation in almost every mode. Madden 20 gets a lot more right than it gets wrong, but it still won't let itself be great.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Octopath Traveler
    A very solid and engaging game. While the narrative is not all that involved, the combat and world exploration are a great deal of fun. My only hope is that more developers are allowed to explore similarly different approaches to gameplay, as this game only goes to show how much more gaming has to offer and that the Switch’s real strength is in encouraging functional rather than technological innovation.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
    Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is a great follow-up to The New Order, though it falls short in level design and stealth. It's well worth your time and money if you love single-player games, but it wouldn't kill you to wait for a sale.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Berserk or Die
    The only question with Berserk or Die is whether or not it’ll be able to establish the longevity Vampire Survivors has with regular updates and fresh ideas. But for four dollars, even if it doesn’t manage that, it’s money well spent.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Open Roads
    Open Roads is a lovely way to spend 90 minutes or so. All of the elements by and large come together harmoniously in service of a story that had me hooked, and the two strong central performances elevate the entire piece. I can’t ask for much more than that.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain
    It sadly lacks some of the ostentatious aspects of the mainline games and a few odd backend changes but overall, this is easily the best Earth Defense Force spin-off to date.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Transformers: Devastation
    The replay value is high if you’re a diehard Transformers fan, or merely a fan of Platinum’s established brand of lighting-fast combat. If you’re neither of these things, the $50 price tag may seem high for the content that’s on offer. That doesn’t change the fact that Transformers: Devastation is the best Transformers game I’ve ever played.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition
    It’s an experience with considerable polish that will introduce many young players to Star Wars franchise for the first time. Equally it will re-connect many parents who remember the original trilogy to the more recent joys of Rebels, Clone Wars and Episodes I, II and III.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Yooka-Laylee
    The control issues are dwarfed by all the good in Yooka-Laylee, this modern day throwback that seems tailormade to yank at nostalgia strings.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Earth Defense Force: World Brothers
    Overall, Earth Defense Force: World Brothers is a fun remix of the Earth Defense Force formula. Not only is the art style almost entirely adorable, but the way the gameplay has been split across your team members keeps the game fresh and fun.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pro Evolution Soccer 2019
    I love the way PES 2019 plays. The gameplay is the biggest selling point, but not the only thing that matters–especially in the face of formidable competition. Konami can't escape the negative effect of losing the licensing battle, its shallow modes, and bland presentation...Those things keep a good game from being great.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
    Overall, Xenoblade Chronicles X is a massive role-playing game that is more scaled towards the mecha than the on-foot component. The initial on-foot sections take a while, but once you get your Doll license, the world of Mira literally opens up. So stick with this one; it’s a long road but still one worth the effort of traveling.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
    Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare is a solid entry in the long-running franchise, but it fails to stand out in a crowded first-person-shooter landscape.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    New Pokemon Snap
    Overall, New Pokémon Snap is a relaxing but still a quite involved game There’s a lot to do in the Lental Region and the game definitely turned out better than I ever expected it to. While it can get a bit repetitive, there are enough surprises to keep you engaged.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    NHL 21
    NHL 21 is another strong entry into the series’ history. It delivers a new strand of flavor with Be a Pro, maintains quality on the ice, and makes franchise mode more enjoyable. However, the limitations in customization and the subtractions to HUT keep NHL 21 from being the series’ ultimate edition.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Minecraft: Story Mode - Episode 1: The Order of the Stone
    A great start to a new series. Although the child-like visuals will put some Telltale fans off this is to miss the huge investment and achievement so far. If the series continues in this vein it’s set to be warmly welcomed by both Minecraft fans and families.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
    If you’re looking for a game to take the place of titles like London 2012 or Beijing 2008, then bypass this one. However, if you’re after a game that can offer a few hours of fun for your family a week this summer, this is a must-have.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit
    Minor setbacks aside, this is a very fun Mario Kart game in its own right. Not quite the feature-rich experience that Mario Kart 8 is, but a very fun, very clever game nonetheless. It’s delightful and will certainly be fun for all ages and a great party game for whenever you feel comfortable having parties again. There’s even a driving assist mode for very young (or, uh, very old) players which will help them navigate courses without having to do much more than accelerate and reverse.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nintendo Labo: Toycon 01 Variety Kit
    The Nintendo Labo Variety Kit is a great interactive model/science kit to put together with your kids. If you like building or tinkering with stuff, you'll like this. If that's not your thing, you might find it tedious. Not a ton of replay value, but the construction seems sturdy. Overall, a very unique new 'game' for the Nintendo Switch.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    SD Gundam Battle Alliance
    Overall, SD Gundam Battle Alliance is a solid mecha game and one that shows how far Artdink has come since their PlayStation Portable days. It’s also a very accessible game in terms of its controls and combat, which the cute approach only helps to accentuate.
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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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    • 75 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Borderlands 3: Moxxi's Heist of the Handsome Jackpot
    It’s nothing revolutionary, and the writing hasn’t improved from the base game much, but it’s a solid entry and it’s fun to have Moxxi leading supported by the returning character.
    • 90 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
    It's a sublime distillation of everything that makes the Souls games so amazing, but it truly is more challenging than any of those games by a very long mile. I am not exaggerating here. I think Sekiro may be one of the very best games ever made, but it is not going to be for everyone. I still recommend that everyone gives it a shot. It takes patience but it's just such a well-crafted action game, I've never played anything quite like it...I'm playing the game at my own pace rather than rushing through. I'd get too frustrated, I think. So I'll take my time to finish this beast. And I'm okay with that. I'm in no hurry to be done with the world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. It's the best game I've played since Bloodborne.
    • 81 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Lost Ark
    In my time with my review copy of Lost Ark on the PTS the past few weeks, I’ve gotten at least 40 hours in on a single character, more than enough to make a judgement about my potential future with the game. It’s trouble. This game is trouble. And I mean that as a compliment. ["Positive" review in progress]
    • 78 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    RIDE 4
    For all its problems and occasional lack of polish, the greatest compliment that can be paid to RIDE 4 is that it feels like a truly premium product–a racing game that deserves its $50 price tag. The fact it’ll get a free upgrade for PS5 and Xbox Series X owners in January 2021 only adds long-term value, especially given how good it looks already.
    • 82 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    MLB The Show 18
    There are a few desirable features missing when you compare The Show 18 to other sports video game titles, but if we were to judge the features and core gameplay that are present, the latest entry to the series maintains its impressive hitting streak. The game looks better, plays smoother and is easier to navigate behind the scenes. Despite the missing pieces, it's still a winner. There's just too much to like for it not to be heavily appreciated by baseball fans.
    • 69 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Sea of Thieves
    The problem is that Sea of Thieves is not a complete game. It just isn’t. It’s maybe 5 or 10% of one, but given what other open world/co-op games can offer you for $60, it’s just astonishing how little Sea of Thieves offers.
    • 79 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Pacer
    For all its faults and missteps, Pacer is a strong, gloriously addictive debut; all R8 Games needs to do is iron out its issues with a few patches, then hit us with a killer sequel or two–just like Psygnosis did with the immortal Wipeout 2097 and Wip3out.
    • 59 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Warcraft III: Reforged
    The game is a mess, and not only that, some of the ways that Reforged is a mess actually impact the original Warcraft III. So even if you didn’t buy the remaster and just want to play your old game, you’ll still face some of the same problems with the new launcher, connecting to servers and so forth. [Impressions]
    • 71 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Days Gone
    It's . . . fine, I guess? Not something I'd urge you to go pick up on day one, but a pretty good time-suck regardless. I like it, I just don't love it. I don't hate it, either. It's just perfectly okay. [Impressions]
    • 84 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Genshin Impact
    After spending more time with the game, I’m willing to declare that on the whole, Genshin Impact boasts an entirely better combat system than Breath of the Wild. Simply put, it’s more action-oriented, more diverse, more strategic, and more fun. [Impressions]
    • 72 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Borderlands 3: Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck
    There just isn’t a whole lot here compared to past entries. No new enemies, minimal loot drops across two completions, repurposed geometry to make new areas, five skill points instead of the rumored full fourth skill tree that should be coming later. I thought this would end up being one of the most substantial DLCs to date, but instead, I definitely think it’s the least. The writing is good, but everything else is somewhat lacking here.
    • 65 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
    Overall the campaign is a massive letdown. It still manages to include some fun boss fights and cool level design in an undoubtedly pretty package. The bones of a good game are here, and it makes me wish Treyarch had gone an entirely different direction, while still keeping cool ideas like crossover progression with multiplayer. [Campaign Review]

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