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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    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest Builders
    Overall, this is a good PC port of the first Dragon Quest Builders but has some weird design changes taken from the second game that take away from what originally made this game so special. If you have no other option than to pick up the PC version, you will definitely enjoy yourself, but it’s sadly not as good as the PlayStation 4 and Switch versions.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
    This is an old game on a new system; I can't recommend it at full price even with the DLC. Besides, the best way to play is still on PC with mods. Even with the bonus of on-the-go, I can't go back to a modless version now. Oh, and the combat is still incredibly cumbersome, even more dated than the graphics...I give the game a Hold.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows
    There’s plenty of mystery and betrayal and a good, fun, and fairly brisk story that will leave you wanting more—even if the end isn’t really a massive cliff-hanger or anything (like some Telltale episodes are.)
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DiRT 4
    With its strong gameplay, deep feature set and above-average visuals, the good far outweighs the bad with Dirt 4.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Toaplan Arcade Collection Vol. 2
    Overall, TOAPLAN Arcade Collection Vol 1 & 2 covers the heyday of TOAPLAN’s arcade shmup output. It’s also a comprehensive collection, including the international variants for each of these classic arcade games. Although I suspect Zero Wing’s appalling localization will still be a draw for some of the old school fans.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Toaplan Arcade Collection Vol. 1
    Overall, TOAPLAN Arcade Collection Vol 1 & 2 covers the heyday of TOAPLAN’s arcade shmup output. It’s also a comprehensive collection, including the international variants for each of these classic arcade games. Although I suspect Zero Wing’s appalling localization will still be a draw for some of the old school fans.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Earth Defense Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair
    4.1 is a raucous and fun shooter with a different as well as more open ended approach compared to the more scripted movie wannabe type games out there. The dialogue is both silly and endearing and the combat is very satisfying.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lunar Remastered Collection
    What Lunar lacks in gameplay complexity it more than makes up for in wonderful animations, captivating characters, and riveting music. You’ll absolutely feel the surge of excitement as you set out on these adventures, letting the whimsical charm sweep you away.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sonic Origins
    Overall, Sonic Origins is an excellent collection of games to introduce newer players to what made Sonic the Hedgehog so interesting and unique. However, after Sonic Mania it does feel a bit of a step down with the reduced difficulty.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Keeper
    Keeper doesn’t revolutionize itself from other indie darling games like Journey or Inside, but it doesn’t need to. These kinds of games are all about atmospheric storytelling and having a relaxing time, and Keeper nails it. Keeper just has a noticeably higher production budget due to its vibrant visuals and Pixar-like smooth animations. It looks like a surrealist painting come to life.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ray'z Arcade Chronology
    If you ever wondered what made the Ray series of shmups so special, then this collection should hopefully help you with that, along with an abundance of homing lasers.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    WWE 2K25
    Aspects of WWE 2K25, like The Island, won’t be for everyone, but with professional wrestling going through something of a renaissance spearheaded by WWE’s jump to Netflix, this game at least has something for every type of wrestling fan.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pokemon: Let's Go, Eevee!
    Pokémon: Let’s Go is definitely something fans of Pokémon will have fun with and will also be familiar to newer players who have enjoyed Pokémon GO. However, don’t be fooled by the sweet looking presentation, as there is a solid challenge to be had here.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu!
    Pokémon: Let’s Go is definitely something fans of Pokémon will have fun with and will also be familiar to newer players who have enjoyed Pokémon GO. However, don’t be fooled by the sweet looking presentation, as there is a solid challenge to be had here.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    NBA Playgrounds
    The courts and locations look outstanding. There's no real impact on gameplay from place to place, which is something that might have added some diversity, but the different lighting and filters help each court look unique.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition
    If you’re a Zelda fan and want something more combat oriented with a strong element of strategy to it, then Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition is worth checking out.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    R-Type Final 2
    Overall, R-Type Final 2 is a significant improvement over R-Type Final and has decently solid level design throughout. As R-Type games go though, R-Type Final 2 does not live up to the masterful R-Type Delta. That said, it is still a proper R-Type game and a well-crafted shmup. So blast off and have fun destroying the Bydo Empire all over again.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Irem Collection Volume 2
    Overall, Irem Collection Vol. 2 makes three classic pre-Nazca games widely available again. These are all great shooters, but are also historically relevant as to how the shmup genre would evolve and how Nazca would form a few years later. If you are a fan of Metal Slug, then you should definitely check out this collection, as GunForce II is wonderfully unhinged.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Battlefield 1
    For every cool moment I have in Battlefield 1, whether it’s bayoneting a soldier or chopping someone in half from horseback, I’ll be blown up by twenty tanks or be headshot by twenty snipers, and often it’s more frustrating than fun. The campaign is mostly great, but again, probably no more than a 6-7 hour experience, and obviously not the worth the price of admission by itself. You will have to love multiplayer to make this game worth it, and if you don’t, well, you’re out of luck.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    WWE 2K Battlegrounds
    WWE 2K BG isn’t going to provide you the depth that the traditional, more sim-related version aims to deliver. However, for what it is, which is an arcade, over-the-top, dump-your-rules, beat-em up, it hits on all the major points. The game is fun, deeper than you might expect and offers a very good bang for your 40 bucks.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Neon Inferno
    Overall, Neon Inferno is a fantastic run ‘n’ gun shooter that’s dripping with style and gritty edge. The stages are beautifully designed, the art style is immediately impressive, and the gameplay is sharp and balanced. Even the soundtrack sets the tone perfectly with incredible synth rock music.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Irem Collection Volume 1
    Overall, this is a great collection of both important and genuinely great Irem shmups. The inclusion of Image Fight II is also great, as that was previously only available on the WiiU. However, both the original Image Fight and X-Multiply make this collection worth picking up for anyone that is a serious fan of shmups.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Panzer Dragoon
    Overall, this is a very faithful remake of a classic and beloved shoot-em-up with a fascinating world setting, now brought to life in a new and visually vibrant way. There is a definite learning curve here though, even for such a simple and direct control setup, but it’s worth sticking with and becoming The Divine Visitor the world needs.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Senko no Ronde 2
    Senko no Ronde 2 is as good as the game it is based [on] and comes highly recommended to anyone that enjoys a different kind of arena battler.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
    I suppose we can now venture into the old “is Guardians worth $60?” debate. If you miss hyper linear story games with no live service BS, and are a big Marvel fan, then this might be the game for you. If you are hoping for Devil May Cry level combat and God of War type puzzles and exploration within a linear story, you will be disappointed. But I can safely say this is probably a better end product than most people were expecting, and that alone is a pretty big win for a game that felt like a bit of a risk and like it’s been lacking in buzz leading up to launch here. It has issues, but it gets a lot right, and pushes storytelling in ways I haven’t seen in this genre before.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Gravity Rush 2
    A fantastic sequel to an already very good and interesting Vita game. Due to its unique gravity based mechanics, there are still some teething issues but the game remains eminently playable and fun with it.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Octopath Traveler II
    Overall, Octopath Traveler II is an excellent sequel to the endearing and much loved first game. It doesn’t offer up anything all that new in the gameplay department, but all the new characters and their stories are nicely engaging, as is the excellent combat.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Chronos
    It’s absolutely worth your time, and gives me a great deal of faith that virtual reality can be used for more than just spectacle and first-person POV. [Tested with Oculus Rift]
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Knack 2
    When you get down to brass tacks and scattered relics, Knack 2 is a nostalgic, if somewhat sterile, throwback to the happy-go-lucky titles we were getting in droves during the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
    It has nearly all of the strengths of Human Revolution, but in a smaller, shorter package. The relative length, and the overall lack of evolution from a game made five years ago is striking. There are minor improvements, sure, but given how long it’s been, frankly I expected a lot more. I don’t regret my time with the game as I love this world, and gameplay is still a lot of fun, but what was revolutionary five years ago seems rather ordinary now, given that so little has changed.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
    Overall, Armored Core VI is a proper mecha action game. It’s not the best game in the series, but it is solidly done. The new target assist setup works fine and is also able to be turned off if need be. The story and localization are great, and very much inline with the Japanese dialogue for the first time in the series’ history. It’s also definitely a return to form for the Armored Core series, but the never-ending boss fights do take away from the decent mission structure and pacing, especially later in the game. However, for someone like me that’s been playing Armored Core games for over 25 years, it’s nice that this series is back and finally being given a proper chance to shine.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Metal Wolf Chaos XD
    Metal Wolf Chaos XD is a decent enough port of a cult classic mecha game but misses the mark over the Xbox original. That said, even if you are not a fan of mecha games, you should still give this game a go. It’s raucous and a lot of fun and finally it is now more widely available. However, as someone that poured a lot of time into the game over the years, I still think the Xbox version is the best.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp
    Overall, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is an excellent collection and remake of a pair of highly regarded Game Boy Advance strategy games. This game may look cute and simple in terms of its artstyle, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth in terms of its technical and exacting strategy-based gameplay.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Legend of Steel Empire
    Overall though The Legend of Steel Empire is a solid release and visually updates a classic steampunk shmup that pretty much everyone loves. Even if you never played the original, this is still a lot of fun and perfectly suited to something like the Switch.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Street Fighter V
    A thoroughly excellent game and one that Capcom intend to support for a good while to come. It is, however, an intensely involved beat-em-up, as well as a work in progress, and only time will tell if the online community will be able to support players unfamiliar with the series.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Octopath Traveler 0
    Overall, Octopath Traveler 0 is a worthy prequel to the first two games, and the new town-building setup is an engaging addition to an already very solid role-playing game.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Daemon X Machina
    Daemon X Machina takes much of what made the Armored Core series work but goes its own way to make something new. As a standalone mecha gaming series then, Daemon X Machina has gotten off to a solid start, but it needs more work on the missions and story. It’s not as strict or as unforgiving as many of the Armored Core games but I think there is definitely room for a mecha game like this. So if you like to play with nicely designed mecha packed full of weapons and destroy all kinds of robotic enemies, then Daemon X Machina does a good job letting you do just that. So ignore the more casual players out there and try this out, as this is a proper mecha game.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    ONRUSH
    Even after hours of play, Onrush remains wonderfully difficult to classify. The stomach-churning drops of Hydro Thunder. The insane crashes of Burnout. The combo system and radical attitude of SSX. The nail-biting cooperative multiplayer mayhem of Overwatch. It’s a recipe that probably shouldn’t work as well as it does, and despite a steep learning curve, it creates what feels like the next evolutionary step in driving games. Or, at the very least, the initial iterative lurch toward a completely new genre.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Attack on Titan
    Overall, I really enjoyed playing Attack on Titan. Being able to traverse the environment and fluidly take out giants felt great. While there are some glitches and it could get repetitive for some, I can still happily recommend this to any curiously minded gamer and doubly so if you are an Attack on Titan fan.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    ADR1FT
    What’s here is special. Slightly flawed, but still absolutely worth experiencing for yourself. ADR1FT is evocative, chilling, tense, and unlike anything I’ve ever played, even if it isn’t for everyone. [VR Tested]
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Far Cry Primal
    If you like Far Cry, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll like this as well. But if you’re becoming exhausted by ~20 hours of leveling, skinning, leaf-collecting, trinket-finding and map-clearing after the last few installments, Primal is definitely more of the same. The setting change is effective, but this isn’t going outside of the series’ comfort zone as much as Ubisoft might have you believe.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Quantum Break
    This is a genuinely new experience, and I’m beyond glad that Remedy took this bizarre risk and made it. This is a game that feels special, new, and worth trying. I doubted this thing, I really did. But damn if it didn’t get me in the end.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kingdom Hearts III
    a very involved game, both functionally and narratively, but on each count, these aspects of the game can be awkward and difficult to fully understand, especially for newcomers. If you are one of the many people that have waited patiently for this installment and the chance to stick it to Xehanort, then you will definitely enjoy yourself a great deal.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
    I give Rainbow Six: Siege a Hold on my Buy/Hold/Sell scale. It’s a great multiplayer game and well worth playing, but it certainly won’t hurt to wait a bit until the price comes down. Better still, if you wait you can go and buy two or three copies with friends and play it the way it’s meant to be played: As a team.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Battle Destiny Remastered
    Overall, Gundam Seed Battle Destiny Remastered is not only a solid visual upgrade to the Vita original but also has some much-needed functional improvements, both in terms of the controls and the backend progression flow. The only real downside is if you’re not a fan of Gundam Seed, as otherwise, this is a very nicely made mecha action game.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Irem Collection Volume 3
    Overall, this is yet another great Irem Collection, and much like the first and second releases, this third instalment is excellent. However, its star attraction is the adorable Mr. Heli, which is still just as fun to play as when I played it in the arcades as a kid.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Stellar Blade
    Stellar Blade is a good game, not a (don’t say stellar) fantastic one. Its peers do a lot of the things it does but better, though that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable in its own right. Don’t go in expecting a revolution, but this may be the start of a solid series and could make Eve a Bayonetta/2B-esque star. The ensuing discourse about this game is going to be exhausting, as it has been already, but divorced from that, the game itself is solid, and that’s what matters the most.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
    Overall, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a good game but not a great one. The echoes setup is certainly cerebral, but the lack of basic combat moves outside of the Swordfighter Form is jarring and only emphasized further at the end of the game. Here’s hoping that the next time Zelda ventures out into the wild world of Hyrule, someone remembers to give her a sword.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe
    Overall, Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe is a very nice remaster of a solid Wii game that had a great deal of affection from longtime players of the series back in the day. This remaster also runs very well on the Switch and is definitely worth picking up if you are a Kirby fan. However, if you are new to Kirby and want to experience the best of its 2D offerings, then I would have to recommend Planet Robobot instead.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DOOM
    The thing is, the UI is so tiny in handheld mode I can barely read the words and button prompts. It's pretty easy to just miss button prompts altogether. When docked to a TV, this isn't a problem at all, but it's quite frustrating on the go. I can only imagine how difficult this would be for someone with worse vision than my own.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Samurai Shodown
    Samurai Shodown is very much true to its gaming lineage and works a lot better on the Switch than you would expect. So if you like quick paced fighting games with lots of vicious bladed weaponry and a surprising amount of tactics, then this is definitely worth a look.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    AO Tennis 2
    I can definitively say the game has more positives than negatives and feels less raw than its predecessor, but it still isn’t as complete as other sports titles.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Tiny Tina's Wonderlands
    That fact is what I really want to see is some substantial leaps forward for this series, as it’s starting to feel pretty dated in a lot of ways, but I also have to understand what Wonderlands is, a game Gearbox made from home during the pandemic that’s meant to be a stopgap before Borderlands 4. And I do think it succeeds at that job well enough to please most fans.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 17
    Madden 17 scores in many ways, and there’s more to like than there is to hate, but we can’t ignore the flags on the field. Gameplay, presentation and customization have taken strides, but there’s still work to do.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    FIFA 23
    There is less to dislike with FIFA 23 than there was with last year’s game, but I also wasn’t blown away with the advancements in several features such as career/franchise mode or the visuals. While it’s technically a better game than FIFA 22, it may not seem like it to those who don’t spend most of their time in FUT or VOLTA. Color me satisfied, but not overwhelmed.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 22
    Madden 22 is a significantly better game than Madden 21. The gameplay is smoother, franchise mode has more layers and MUT will remain a powerhouse. However, while each of the three areas deliver on one had, they each have a drawback. Also, modes like Face of the Franchise and The Yard fail to deliver in a way that moves the needle. The good outweighs the bad overall, and you’ll likely enjoy Madden if you’re a fan of the series. Still, it feels like we’re one year shy of delivering the kind of complete Madden release that really breaks new ground for the series.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    NASCAR Heat 3
    While the gameplay and consistently improving modes are the obvious strong suits of NASCAR Heat 3, the game is still just a touch short of an elite racing title because it lacks personality and high-level presentation. That said, the groundwork and the second floor are in place for a complete racing experience, the developers and publisher just need to add a rough and some pops of color.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Pro Evolution Soccer 2018
    For the past three years, Konami has placed almost all of its focus on gameplay. That's a smart strategy, but the time has come for the developer/publisher to fatten up the other areas of their game. Were this review based purely on gameplay, the score would be much higher. As a complete package, PES 2018 is good, but still incomplete.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 19
    This year, Madden doesn't break any new ground or fix all or most of the nagging issues that have impeded the series in the past. However, it does deliver an absolutely stunning visual experience, decent gameplay and enough options to keep most fans occupied.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    The Golf Club 2
    The gameplay and options are on an elite level in TGC 2, but the graphics and presentation are still a step behind.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Halo Infinite
    Halo Infinite might be the best campaign 343 has done, but considering I didn’t love the last two, I’m not sure how much weight that carries. Halo Reach remains the gold standard for me in that department, and while I had a lot of fun here zipping around the open world, and I can see the potential of the concept, something about Infinite feels small and unfinished to me compared to both other Halo campaigns, and other open world titles. I don’t need (or want) a sprawling Assassin’s Creed map that takes 200 hours to clear, but I think I need more diversity than what’s here, and a better story with better characters told within it.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    ARMS
    ARMS is a unique, fresh take on the fighting genre that's simple to learn but tough to master. It's not going to be for everyone, but it's fun to see Nintendo try something so new. $60 seems a bit steep.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Dishonored 2
    Dishonored 2 doesn’t live up to the original, but it still provides great gameplay mechanics and a sense of freedom you can’t find anywhere else.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition
    Ultimately, I recommend the game purely based on its fun factor. Some people may say it's too linear, but in an age of overly large open-world games, a bit of linearity is a breath of fresh air. I love moving from one mission to the next, using creative ways to kill my enemies but not having to worry about exhausting a bunch of checkpoints across a sprawling map. On the other hand, at $59.99 on console and $49.99 on PC I simply can't recommend you buy it at full price. This should be half that, at most, and should include the Duke Nukem DLC regardless of pre-order. I give the game a Hold on my Buy/Hold/Sell scale. Wait for a sale. One should come along soon enough.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Taito Milestones 2
    Overall, Taito Milestones 2 follows nicely on from the first release. It includes even more excellent games and does a nice job of encapsulating Taito’s long and influential gaming history into one neat little package.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Super Mario 3D All-Stars
    This feels like a missed opportunity and while the respective games are great to play, the collection as a whole feels somewhat lacking in a technical sense. With any luck, Nintendo could patch the collection to have all the games run at 60 fps and at 1080p, but I am not holding my breath on that one.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Pro Evolution Soccer 2017
    On a whole, you can tell the dev team focused most of their attention on tightening gameplay. That’s understandable, but this approach has left many of the modes feeling a tad empty.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
    he campaign is a blast and quite unique for Call Of Duty (though not that weird for Black Ops more specifically) and multiplayer is a lot of fun if you don’t need split-screen which is irredeemably and inexcusably broken. If you’re a fan of Black Ops games I think you’ll enjoy this one a lot. If you prefer Modern Warfare I suspect you’ll like it less. It’s good, not great.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    MOUSE: P.I. For Hire
    Mouse: P.I. For Hire is a bombastic shooter with a charming cast and a gripping story. Sure, its gameplay is basically a carbon copy of Doom’s but with a 1930s rubber hose aesthetic. However, the execution is well done and it still has plenty of other aspects that differentiate itself. Jack isn’t going through Hell on Earth, but he’s determined to go to Hell and back to uncover the corrupt underbelly of Mouseburg.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    NBA 2K Playgrounds 2
    If ever there was a game that could be boosted by an instant replay feature, it's NBA Playgrounds 2. There are times when you pull off a completely over-the-top slam, and having the option to watch it over from different angles would be fun.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    NASCAR Heat 5
    Gameplay was a strength of NASCAR Heat 4, and that has been augmented for NH5. The play is so much fun, it helps to compensate for some of the presentation issues, and what I’d describe as a lack of creativity in other areas. Those issues prevent the game from being great. That said, I’d still consider it the strongest release in the series’ history, and a solid get for NASCAR and racing fans.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Last Guardian
    Yes, there are many frustrating elements, amplified by the fact they feel unnecessary and out of character for the series, but the journey this game takes you on is a worthwhile one. Unlike any other series of games I know, Ico, Shadow of the Colossus and now The Last Guardian each give you a real sense of place in a foreign landscape and you always come away from that feeling, “you were there.” In this day and age, that is still special I think but I genuinely hope the next game in this series doesn’t take another decade to make.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    MLB The Show 22
    MLB The Show 22 plays too strong of a game on the field and offers too much with Diamond Dynasty, March to October, franchise mode and a general cohesiveness to be a bad sports game. However, some of the missteps are impossible to ignore because of what other sports games offer, and because of what the Show series has offered in the past.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    FIFA 22
    EA Sports has delivered a strong next-gen experience with FIFA 22. The primary focus was on gameplay and the attention led to a tangible improvement overall. However, the feature set is still in need of more layers.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Metroid: Samus Returns
    Overall, despite all these faults, I found the game enjoyable throughout. A great deal of effort clearly went into making this game work and bringing SR388 to life once again. However, as a Metroid game, it still falls short of earlier releases.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Guitar Hero Live
    At the end of the day, it’s just not innovative and fun enough for me to heartily recommend it, and that’s largely because of the cost.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    WWE 2K22
    This is a re-establishment year for the WWE 2K series. Let’s face it, WWE 2K20 was rough and while it took more than 2 years to develop, 2K has re-emerged with a strong and not only playable wrestling game, but a fun one. The engine is better and the basics are tighter, but we’re looking forward to more layers in the future.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed Syndicate
    There’s just no spark of life in Syndicate. Everything is so by the book it feels like it was made in factory by the child laborers I’m trying to free. They have refined the combat, stealth and traversal systems to a point where they’re as close to perfect as they’re ever going to get, but the actual content of the game itself refuses to evolve.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    Anthem
    Anthem may thrive. Anthem may fail. It has the bones to be something great but I am tired of saying that about so many games in this genre and five years after Destiny 1, I can’t believe we’re here yet again. Get it right the first time, because everyone is losing patience.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    NBA 2K21
    Aside from the polarizing shooting concept, a new look to the Neighborhood and a completely revamped MyTeam mode, there isn’t much difference in this and NBA 2K20. If you’re not a hardcore MyTeam player, I’m not sure this is a must-have for you–especially if you’re buying it on next-gen...Also, were this a half-priced or free-to-play expansion to NBA 2K20, I would have evaluated it through a different lense. As it is, there are some strong components, but it doesn’t feel like a completely new game in as many aspects as usual.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    NASCAR Heat 2
    From a pure fun factor, NASCAR Heat 2 delivers. Driving is a blast, even though it's not all that realistic. Some will embrace the more arcade feel and others will scoff at the more simplistic racing concepts. However, no one should dismiss the depth that has been added to the modes and the massive leap the franchise has taken in just one year. The future could be bright for this series.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    Devil May Cry 5
    DMC 5 is beautifully rendered and the action is fun. However, the weak story and less-than-compelling character development and audio presentation remove the game's heart. Instead of being a masterful and complete action game, it's instead far more shallow than it could have been.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    Gran Turismo Sport
    GTS lacks overall depth, but it is saved from being a complete failure by its stellar visuals, fun and realistic driving experience. I know how much work goes into producing a major-budget title like GTS, so I would never use the word lazy when describing the effort of the development team...However, this game comes off as an underdeveloped title that is being made to look more legitimate by the history of the series.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    Disc Jam
    Disc Jam is a great and interesting concept that leaves you wanting more. Just as quickly as you gain an affinity for the game, you can also get bored with it once you realized there just isn't a lot to offer. Even with the obvious shallowness, Disc Jam is worth your time.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Taito Milestones
    Overall, this is still a solid collection and there are some genuine gems tucked away here. I just feel that this collection could have been so much more and picked a better array of games to show off what used to make Taito such an arcade gaming powerhouse.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Guild of Dungeoneering
    I do wish there was a better deck-building mechanism and it could certainly use more character-progression—anything to lessen the random-numbers game (RNG) and increase player agency. Anything, also, to give it more longevity. Even a multiplayer mode would help give this game more substance. But as a simple pick-up game? It works.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sonic Superstars
    Overall, while there are faults with the game’s multiplayer, this is still a good Sonic the Hedgehog game. If you stick with the singleplayer on your own, you will definitely have fun with it. However, I do hope the next 2D Sonic game is one that uses pixel art in the same manner as Sonic Mania.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers
    Visually the game is great and can be switched between the original arcade graphics and the newer higher resolution versions. The same is true for the audio but I prefer the newer sounds, especially as hearing Norio Wakamoto voice M. Bison never gets old. So if you want arguably one of the best iterations in the Street Fighter series on the Switch, then Ultra Street Fighter II is definitely worth getting but bear in mind that it is definitely overpriced.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Berserk and the Band of the Hawk
    Berserk and the Band of the Hawk is a decent Dynasty Warriors spin-off that fits the world of Berserk well enough. However, the one-on-one boss fights show up the simplicity of the combat system and missions get repetitive pretty quickly. It’s also not a visually impressive game but it is an eminently playable one.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    NBA Live 19
    While NBA Live 19 is a definite improvement over NBA Live 18, it still has a lot of the same issues that have bogged down the series in the past. On the bright side, Live has risen to a respectable level, and it can be a fun game, with flaws that hurt the realism. On a whole, it is too inconsistent to be considered elite. This was a year where the franchise expected to make a huge leap from doormat to contender, but it still falls short of the postseason.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 23
    I spent much of the past 48 hours trying to figure out why I’m not drawn to play game after game in any of the modes available. I thought: the game is visually appealing and it plays a decent enough game of virtual football, what’s the core issue? I believe the problem is that the gameplay, at its core, just isn’t addictive. Can I have fun with Madden? Yes, and I probably will have some solid moments with the game this year, but not enough to make it elite.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 23
    I believe the problem is that the gameplay, at its core, just isn’t addictive. Can I have fun with Madden? Yes, and I probably will have some solid moments with the game this year, but not enough to make it elite.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS
    The standard game is an excellent high-definition remaster and is the best version of the game to date. The VR mode ruins that impressive achievement and is wholly unnecessary. In short, play this for the high definition remaster and give the VR mode a very wide berth.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Famicom Detective Club: The Girl Who Stands Behind
    Overall, the Famicom Detective Club games are interesting gaming curiosities from an older era of gaming. If you are more of a Nintendo historian, then you will find these games fascinating. For everyone else though, they are an acquired taste.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Famicom Detective Club: The Missing Heir
    Overall, the Famicom Detective Club games are interesting gaming curiosities from an older era of gaming. If you are more of a Nintendo historian, then you will find these games fascinating. For everyone else though, they are an acquired taste.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: Remake
    Overall, this is an accurate and faithful remake of the original The House of the Dead but lacks the bespoke light gun controls to really make it work. While games like Virtual On have had their TwinStick peripherals over the years, it’s a shame to see The House of the Dead denied a proper light gun.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves
    Overall, Grendizer is a solid game with a clear love and passion for its classic super robot source material. It’s also very much meant for fans of Grendizer, otherwise much of its appeal and charm will be lost. It also clearly needed more time for polish and general graphical optimization. That said, it still plays decently with these shortcomings and is worth a look for those that want to pilot an old school super robot.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Agents of Mayhem
    Agents of Mayhem is a strange game. I did enjoy much of my time with it, but I kept wishing it was a fully-fledged Saints Row sequel, not some alternate universe spin-off with less content. I didn’t expect all that much going in, but by the end, I wanted more than I got.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest VII Reimagined
    Overall, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a stunning rebuild of a classic PlayStation role-playing game. The stop-start aspect of the short story structure is still there, but definitely improved. However, despite its technical brilliance, it feels a little soulless at times and doesn’t hit you the way most Dragon Quest games do. So I can only really recommend this to die-hard fans of the original game, who will no doubt love it.
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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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