Forbes' Scores

  • Games
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. Negative: 7 out of 352
364 game reviews
    • 76 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    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
    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 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
    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 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 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
    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 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 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.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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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