GameCrate's Scores

  • Games
For 730 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 59% higher than the average critic
  • 7% same as the average critic
  • 34% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1.9 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 77
Highest review score: 100 Persona 5
Lowest review score: 28 Mighty No. 9
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 21 out of 730
748 game reviews
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Shadow of the Tomb Raider has all the polish and extraordinary visuals you’d expect from the third entry in a huge franchise, but it’s also held back by uninspired writing and an emphasis on archaic video game conventions like boring gunplay.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Dead Cells takes the best gameplay elements from Metroidvania and rogue-lite games and combines them into something that sinks its hooks into you and won't let go.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is a fantastic game, despite its shortcomings. Its fresh take on Fire Emblem mechanics and compelling narrative more than make up for its questionable DLC policies and missing online content. With rumor flying around that the 3DS is nearing the end of its lifespan, ending on Fire Emblem Echoes would be a more than fitting swan song for the powerful little handheld. I, for one, would welcome “Echoes” versions of other classic FE titles, such as The Blazing Blade.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Rock Band Rivals has once again sparked my love for Rock Band, and the thrill of the chase.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Like we said, we can’t call Super Mario Maker 2 a bad game, not by a long shot. It’s just that it could be better. Heck, if a few usability issues were fixed and a few more items were added to maker mode, we would be giving this game a perfect 10/10. As it stands, there’s room for improvement and hopefully we will see that improvement in future DLC patches.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Deckstorm may not ease players into its gameplay as smoothly as other CCG’s like Hearthstone, but if you can get over the early-game hurdles, you’ll find one of the most accessible and expansive mobile CCG experiences I have ever played.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The Crew 2 transforms America into a high speed sandbox with unmatched variety. Terrorize New York’s West Side Highway? Check. Buzz the Pentagon in a prop plane? Check. Leave tread marks in New Mexico desert? Check. There’s a lot to do here, and it feels great to do it, particularly for casual racing fans, while sim fans who want to just chill out and go fast in their home city will also enjoy themselves. The Crew 2’s minor flaws could easily be ironed out with a few quality of life patches.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest XI is a gorgeous throwback to 8 and 16-bit JRPGs, with a lengthy story and engaging cast of characters.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Battletoads is a highly entertaining beat ‘em up. It’s a throwback to the series’ roots while still managing to reinvent that series. The action is fast and flows smoothly, and the whole thing is just filled with slick style. This is a revival done right.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Asteroid Base's Lovers In a Dangerous Spacetime turned out to be worth the wait, perfectly blending elements from space shooters with a bit of strategy and throwing in some entertaining co-op as well. There are times it can be overwhelming – especially if you're going at it single player – but it's still an adventure you can't help but fall in love with.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    At 15 dollars and a little bit of elbow grease to get it working, Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass is one of the most enjoyable and affordable RPG experiences in recent memory.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Sonic Mania is a wonderful blend of classic Sonic and new ideas, and should serve as an example of the great things that can happen when game companies embrace fan creators. There's no reason Sonic Mania shouldn't be followed by multiple sequels that continue its remixing magic.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Galak-Z: The Dimensional delivered on every front for me. While it may seem challenging for some, it doesn't disappoint with its space action and strategy, and the presentation is right on the money when it comes to emulating your favorite anime.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Lone Echo is a smart VR experience that handles movement exceptionally well. It’s one of the most polished and engaging VR games currently available.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    While there are some things I could've done without in Syndicate – like the occasionally frustrating "kidnap" mission and some weird ghost-like glitches – it's still one of the best entries in the series in some time.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is worth playing for multiple reasons. It’s fast-paced, silly, and fun. It’s a unique take on the battle royale formula. It’s great in short bursts or longer play sessions. This is just a really entertaining online multiplayer game, and it’s some of the most fun you’ll have with a game this summer.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Resolutiion may wear its influences on its sleeve, but even then it’s managed to carve out a unique identity of its own. You’ll see a little bit of Hyper Light Drifter, Dark Souls, and Metroid here, but the overall package is a wholly original sci-fi experiece that’s great for folks looking to get lost in a bleak futuristic world.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    It's nice to see that Harmonix can still keep the beat going, even after the commercial success of Rock Band 4. Amplitude may not be as big a game as that is, but it's still a terrific experience, whether you go it alone or bring some friends into the fray. The soundtrack, while more "indie"-based, is a blast, and the gameplay delivers all the goodness we've come to expect from the brand.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Mortal Kombat 11 is one half perfect fighting game, one half exploitative mobile game. It’s worth playing despite its flaws, but it easily stands as an example of how even the best games can be ruined by questionable monetization practices.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Metroid: Samus Returns is a must-purchase for any long-time Metroid fan and a perfect example of the genre. It bodes well for Metroid’s future and makes me excited for Samus’s next big adventure.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    In spite of some technical setbacks and repetitive tasks, Just Cause 3 delivers the kind of stress-relieving destruction to get you through the doldrums. It's easily the best looking game of the series thus far, and the awesome gameplay will have you continue to think up ways to bring down enemies. You're due a holiday vacation, and Rico's trip will certainly fulfill the need.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Some may wonder why it's so high-priced, or why certain aspects of the game weren't as polished as the rest of it. But God of War III Remastered shows that Sony Santa Monica is more than ready for PS4 development, and that means we're in for something cool whenever Kratos decides to cover new territory. In the meantime, give his god-pummeling journey a revisit.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Super Time Force Ultra mixes shmup action and rewind mechanics to create a bold, action-packed experience that's also heavy on fun, referential, and witty writing.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    While this is a different direction for the Far Cry series, Far Cry Primal is an excellent entry into the franchise. While it might not be the best introduction to the franchise, it’s certainly one the fans of Far Cry should definitely check out and those interested in the series will find something incredibly unique, action-packed, and a lot of fun.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    If you’ve enjoyed playing deck-building card games and roguelikes in the past, you owe it to yourself to give Slay the Spire a try. It might take a bit to fully wrap your head around the game’s concept, but once it click, it’s addicting. Now’s also a great time to get in on the action, since Slay the Spire will only continue to grow in the future.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    With Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, From Software has proven once again that has no qualms about pushing its own boundaries. The studio has made a name for itself by creating incredibly difficult games, but the breadth of innovation spread across the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, and now Sekiro shows how good the studio is at defying fan expectations. Sekiro isn’t perfect, but like the various Soulsborne games before it, From’s latest shows the wisdom in pushing players beyond their pre-conceived limits.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    West of Dead is a refreshing take on multiple genres. It’s a great cover-based twin-stick shooter. It’s a different kind of roguelite. And it’s just a solid all-around action game that’s a joy to play. It’s highly challenging, and it rewards smart play, so what you ultimately get is a satisfying experience that’s fun and invites you to put the time into learning its intricacies.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    If you’re the sort of gamer who usually looks down their nose at the Call of Duty franchise, Black Ops 4 might just be the game that changes your opinion ever so slightly. Old-school purists can find their competitive multiplayer fix, and with the revamped Zombies and new Blackout mode, there’s no denying that Treyarch’s latest stands well out from the pack.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Pokémon Sun and Moon is full of welcome innovations that make the Pokémon formula feel new and fresh. It’s a perfect way to celebrate Pokémon’s 20th anniversary.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Pokémon Sun and Moon is full of welcome innovations that make the Pokémon formula feel new and fresh. It’s a perfect way to celebrate Pokémon’s 20th anniversary.
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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    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Street could have really lived up to the Forza name, but instead we basically get Microsoft’s attempt at the Asphalt series. Folks looking for a time-killing mobile game with real cars will find Street amusing. Forza fans looking for a skill-based mobile racing game will have to keep waiting.
    • 77 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    The writers know that, and refuse despair by not closing the circle of loss that started with Lee’s death. They knew that we were watching and learning as well, and refused to leave us with a message of nihilism and hopelessness that has consumed much of zombie and other horror media.
    • 66 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    When it comes down to it, I didn’t dislike Re;Mind. I think it was actually a well put together DLC that fixes some glaring problems with KHIII. I just sort of wish that those problems weren’t there to fix in the first place.
    • 71 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    By expertly combining nostalgia, new features, and an accessible price point, Onimusha: Warlords on the Nintendo Switch is very much a must-play re-release for new and old fans alike.
    • 82 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    The Octo Expansion is a great addition to Splatoon 2, offering a lot of gameplay for its $19.99 price tag, and helping to expand Splatoon’s universe with a decent storyline. At about $0.25 per level, it’s hard to argue that Nintendo isn’t offering sufficient value for your gaming dollar. Fans of Portal or other puzzle platformers should check it out, especially since you can play this mode even when you’re out of range of your Wi-fi.
    • 59 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    It’s buggy and it’s a far cry from what Blizzard teased us with back in 2018.
    • 75 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    The plot leaves Sean and Daniel on a brutal cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to see how it resolves. Episode 4 can’t come soon enough. Nice work, Dontnod, you’ve reeled me back in. At this point, I’m reasonably sure that Season 2 will live up to Season 1. And by that, I mean that it will cause me to cry myself to sleep and feel shaken for days after.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    After playing through Shenmue III proper, my expectations for what the game’s DLC would entail were admittedly not very high. Still, it’s disheartening to see that, whether because of limited resources or a limited inclination, the best Ys Net could produce for the very first Shenmue DLC ever was a cobbled-together and underbaked side distraction which relies almost entirely on recycled game assets. [Impressions]
    • 74 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Overall, the game's solid. It's pretty, it's fun, but it's not without issues. In other words, it's worth the $20 you'll pay for it, but not much more.
    • 87 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    It's a really great package for Sonic enthusiasts, and if you don't already own Sonic Mania then buying Plus is a very easy recommendation.
    • 75 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    At the very least, I’m willing to admit that nostalgia alone is a big part of why the Shenmue series has such a high amount of staying power. However, I will also happily point out that, when they first launched, both of the original Shenmue games helped in redefining what video games are capable of portraying, and it is for that reason most of all that I’m glad they’ll live on as HD remasters.
    • 82 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    With its engaging and well-written story campaign, satisfying progression mechanics, and wealth of endgame pursuits, Forsaken does more than enough in helping Destiny 2 realize its full potential. It may be tough for some fans to forget and forgive Bungie’s earlier blunders, but if Forsaken is the studio’s way of making amends, then I’m certainly willing to give it another chance.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Dead Cells remains a funny and dark game, and The Bad Seed is a worthy add-on.
    • 76 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    The Heist is a solid DLC that’s meant to serve up more Spider-Man goodness for fans that are craving a chance to slip back into a Spidey-suit. For what it is, it’s a great story that fleshes out old characters while adding some new flavors to the pot with a classic comic book character, but if you’re expecting The Heist to change up the formula at all you’re going to be a bit disappointed.
    • 80 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    If you're a Civilization VI fan, adding Gathering Storm to your game isn't a hard choice. It adds depth where the game needs it and brings some fascinating new civilizations into the fold. Civ VI has charted a polarizing new course for the franchise since its original release, and there's nothing in Gathering Storm that will make you like the core game if you don't already enjoy it.
    • 73 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Shadowkeep may have been designed for those who are already invested in Destiny 2’s world and story, but the way it augments both the game’s F2P shift and players’ never-ending desire to chase loot is also indicative of something greater. Bungie wants to prove it’s not afraid to embrace change, to take the feedback it has received these past two years and use it to build a better, more rewarding shooter experience. If Shadowkeep is the result of those efforts, I’d say Bungie has certainly succeeded in meeting those goals.
    • 81 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    The gameplay and story holds up quite well even 10 years later, and the new content makes the experience refreshing even for the most hardcore fan. This is an important port, for the RPG community, for the Tales series, and for video games in general.
    • 80 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    There's no question that New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a good game, and being able to play it on the go is a huge advantage, but that portability doesn’t necessarily cancel out the lack of new content.

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