GamingBolt's Scores

  • Games
For 1,071 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 48% higher than the average critic
  • 6% same as the average critic
  • 46% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.4 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 74
Highest review score: 100 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Lowest review score: 20 XIII (Remake)
Score distribution:
1108 game reviews
    • 96 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Baldur's Gate 3 redefines what a role-playing game can offer in character-building, combat, and choice.
    • 96 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Baldur's Gate 3 is a landmark release in the RPG genre that has instantly cemented itself as one of the best games of its kind, and an absolute must-play for all PS5 owners.
    • 96 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Tears of the Kingdom ups the ante on its predecessor, and follows up on one of the greatest games ever made by exceeding it in every possible regard to a thorough, comprehensive degree.
    • 95 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Switch 2 upgrade for Tears of the Kingdom is a massive win: visually impressive, feature-rich, and finally running without compromise.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade of Breath of the Wild is a technically impressive but content-light update.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Astro Bot is a wonderful love letter to all things PlayStation, and an exceptional platformer in its own right. If you own a PS5, you need to play this game.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Improving and expanding on everything that made the first game so memorable, Hades 2 is an even more epic rogue-lite journey and Supergiant's best work yet.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    In literally every way possible, this is the best, most definitive, most comprehensive release of Metroid Prime.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Persona 5 Royal was a masterpiece when it launched, and two years later, it is more resonant than ever. No matter what system you play it on, you are in for a treat, and one of the greatest games ever made.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I have played through The Witcher 3 multiple times, and clocked in several hundred hours into the game across different platforms- and yet, jumping back into its brutal world, I still find myself transfixed.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    FromSoftware returns with all of its traditional offerings in Elden Ring, but the real star of the show is its exceptional open world.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    God of War Ragnarok surpasses its predecessor in every way.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Despite some inconsistent performance, this is still the ultimate way to play one of last-gen's best games.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    This will probably be the standard that roguelite games will be following for years to come- or it should be, at any rate. If nothing else, Hades is easily the best game Supergiant have made to date.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Resident Evil 4 Remake never misses a beat.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Paying homage to those that came before yet bursting with its own creativity, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a must-play title for RPG fans.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The promise of those old, grand, globe-trotting Final Fantasy epics from the series’ 16- and 32-bit heyday in AAA form has been fulfilled at last. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth finally realizes the series’ central, implicit potential, looking to the past to pave the way for hopefully the start of a new golden age for the series.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Super Mario Bros. Wonder lives up to the “Wonder” part of its name.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 5 instantly cements itself as one of the greatest racing games in PlayStation history.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    History repeats itself as Playground Games once again delivers one of the best open world racers you'll ever play.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Blue Prince blends puzzles and roguelike exploration into something refreshingly original, clever, calm, and unlike anything else you’ve played.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Street Fighter returns, staking its claim to the throne with compelling gameplay, incredible style and meaningful new features.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is an excellent follow up to the base game. Shadow of the Erdtree's focus on great level design and fantastic boss fights makes it a must play for the fans of the genre.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Demon’s Souls manages to do everything it needs to do, and this remake is a testament to just how good of a game the original was, that all it needed was a fresh coat of paint and still be nothing less than fantastic.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Like all releases in the Master Chief Collection, Halo 3: ODST isn’t a perfect port. It has flaws, particularly in Firefight and with regard to the game’s audio logs. That said, the fact that 343 continues to make these games run as well as they do on a platform they were never designed for so long after their original releases is nothing short of a minor miracle. The MCC continues to improve with each patch and I have no doubt that the problems here will eventually be fixed. In the meantime, we can enjoy ODST in all of its glory. It’s still the most stylish and unique Halo game and being able to play it, and its incredible version of Firefight again, is wonderful. I’m happy to return to New Mombasa, to wander its ruined streets and let the sounds of rain and smooth jazz wash over me. More than a decade later, there’s still nothing quite like it. You know the music. Time to dance.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Split Fiction pretty much nails it on the gameplay front, but falters regarding its predictable and flawed story. The one-dimensional villain and cliche character dynamic between Mio and Zoe can't be ignored due to their presence through the adventure. Don't miss the Side Stories, as these supply some of the game's most memorable and charming moments.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    A staggering triumph of design, creativity, and expression, Donkey Kong Bananza may just be this generation's finest 3D platformer.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you loved the original, you’re going to love Spelunky 2, and find it equal to its predecessor in all ways except one- where the original was a trail blazer, the new game seems content to, much like it asks of its players, simply plumb into familiar depths.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Whether it seems too complex or monotonous, Satisfactory delivers an excellent factory-building and automation experience that will motivate you to optimize, enhance, and fundamentally rewrite your thought process.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Death Stranding 2: On the Beach continues to be a phenomenal game that is easy to recommend to anyone regardless of their preferred platform.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector improves on its predecessor in nearly every way imaginable.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Challenging, frustrating, invigorating, and oh-so fulfilling, Silksong is simply a masterpiece in almost every way.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is exactly the sort of sequel you'd want it to be, and though it stumbles here and there, ultimately, it improves on its predecessors in almost every way that matters most.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With a campaign that's only gotten better with time, a fantastic new roguelike mode, and a host of other new bonuses, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered serves as an excellent excuse to jump back into Naughty Dog's stellar magnum opus.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Keeping with PlayStation Studios' tradition, the PC version of Ragnarok is the definitive way to play and enjoy the epic adventure, regardless of whether you have a beefy high-end gaming rig, or your primary PC is your Steam Deck.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The PC release of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is the definitive version of the game.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tekken 8 is a shot in the arm for the genre, advancing the setting while offering addictive combat, exceptional presentation and a suite of features to attract new and experienced players.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Hero is one of the best titles in the franchise and an incredibly well-made RPG overall. Experiencing the tale of the Special Support Section has never felt better, be it in terms of combat, writing, or presentation.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Arkane Studios' shooter is finally available on Xbox Series consoles with a large new update, but it's still very much the same middling experience.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Avalanche crew heads to the Nintendo Switch 2 with excellent results.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a glorious package, tightly integrated and thoroughly compelling.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    There's no two ways about it- if you have a Switch, you absolutely should not miss out on Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    There are some games that are conceptually perfect, at which point, once they exist, the only thing standing in the way of them and impeccable perfection is their execution of their pitch. Pokopia is the rare game that has a perfect concept, and then nearly pitch-perfect execution and follow-through on that concept.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Dead Space is one of the best survival horror games ever made. It takes a masterpiece of the genre and allows its biggest strengths to shine brighter than they ever have, while also improving upon it in meaningful ways with smart changes and additions.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is an excellent enhancement of a great game, thanks to its technical improvements and a solid and meaty new chunk of content with Episode INTERmission.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Quake 2 Enhanced Edition is an exceptional remaster, turning a beloved classic into one of the better old-school shooters available for what's essentially a steal.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    When Destiny content is bad, it can be some of the worst out there. However, when it's good, there's nothing quite like it. The Final Shape delivers on all its promises and then some, providing an emotional catharsis for long-time fans while paving the road ahead for the future.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While its story and characters could have used more work, It Takes Two is fantastic co-op game that moves masterfully from genre to genre and never overstays its welcome.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Death Stranding 2 delivers stunning visuals, refined stealth-focused gameplay, and a richly detailed world brought to life by excellent audio and a memorable cast. It meaningfully evolves the original’s mechanics, though its unique style will still divide fans.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The PC version of Horizon Forbidden West might just be the new benchmark to compare other PC ports against.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    An incredibly high quality experience that doubles down on everything that was beloved about the previous entry, Infinite Wealth completes the series' transformation into a genre-leading RPG franchise.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course thankfully doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. It takes the already-phenomenal gameplay of Cuphead, and just adds more Cuphead on top. Miss Chalice is also a great new character, making going back to the base game fun, even if you’ve already finished it.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With potent scares and thrilling action, Resident Evil Requiem delivers a memorable experience that successfully combines the series’ action and horror sides, while also telling a compelling story that expands the Resident Evil mythos in fascinating ways.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Alan Wake 2 is a fantastic horror game with some excellent atmosphere and an incredibly interesting story.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Disco Elysium was already an excellent game when it first launched, and with The Final Cut, it's been made even better.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Controversies surrounding PSN account linking on PC games aside, Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut continues Sony’s tremendous record of fantastic PC ports.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Last of Us Part 1 doesn’t take many risks and ends up being an excellent but ultimately conservative remake.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak extends the monster-hunting adventure while lacking any significant innovation of the base game’s foundation.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Wilds is a fresh start for the franchise, even as it channels a respectable chunk of Monster Hunter World. The endgame could use a lot more, but it's still a top-tier action RPG with some incredible moments.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The way Tetris Effect: Connected complements its traditional yet timeless Tetris gameplay with a gorgeous, constantly evolving presentation, combined with an array of modes that now encompasses everything you can want in a Tetris package, makes it the best way to experience one of gaming’s quintessential pieces.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    COCOON brings together its vibrant visuals, chill vibes, and minimalistic approach to gameplay and storytelling together to create one of the most interesting puzzle games in recent times.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a unique, distinct, and memorable experience that leverages the strengths of video games as a storytelling medium. It is recommended for anyone who is interested in mystery stories or adventure games.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy XVI is a genre-defining character action game that combines an ambitious dark fantasy setting with a masterfully-crafted gameplay system that rewards experimentation and optimization, amplified by an incredible visual spectacle.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pentiment's unidimensional gameplay might not appeal to everyone.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With an incredible arsenal of weapons, thrilling combat, a charming story full of loveable characters, and visuals to make your eyes pop, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart might just be the best game in the series to date.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Cellar Door Games' eagerly awaited rogue-lite follow-up is even more addictive than the original, and easily it's best yet.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Nearly three decades later, Final Fantasy Tactics still stands tall as the pinnacle of tactical RPG design. The Ivalice Chronicles refines its strengths with modern updates, even if a few minor flaws hold it back from perfection.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Horizon Forbidden West's captivating story, gorgeous open world, and thrilling combat make for one of the most uniquely memorable games I've played in recent memory.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If your prefer your time-looping adventures to be more stylish and violence-oriented, then Deathloop may be for you. Even with its various issues, there is satisfaction to be had in learning each map and completing the perfect series of assassinations.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, in acting as a short middle chapter between Marvel’s Spider-Man and its upcoming sequel, doesn’t really have the luxury to introduce radical new concepts that might turn the game on its head. Rather, it’s a fun, short romp through New York once again, but this time as a new protagonist. Its tightly-paced plot tells a great coming of age story for a new Spider-Man, and its greatest strength is the fun ensemble cast.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Metroid Dread is a triumph.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla is not only a fun and addictive roguelite mode where the game's excellent combat is allowed to shine brighter than ever, it's also a rewarding, introspective narrative experience, and one that's especially unmissable for long-time series fans. Given that it's free, there's really no reason not to play it.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise is mechanically the best game in the series yet, delivering a superlative experience to long time fans and newcomers alike, and also quite possibly the best game to have launched on the Switch since Breath of the Wild.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The grappling gun makes Ada feel much more nimble, and combat encounters much faster, lending a sufficiently different taste to the gameplay experience.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dave the Diver was a big hit when its 1.0 version hit PC earlier this year, and it manages to remain a standout experience now that it has launched on the Switch as well.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Xbox is every bit as good as it was on PS5.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The real question is: How does the PlayStation 5 port perform? As it turns out, quite flawlessly.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Much of F1 2021 builds on the high-class foundation from previous games that make the series one of the best racing games out there, but new additions, especially Braking Point, are both great pieces of content on their own and optimistic foundational pieces for the future.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    When discussing first-party titles, Hi-Fi Rush is undoubtedly one of the best in recent years, providing fresh gameplay and incredible production values polished to a sheen. If you haven’t played it, rest assured it lives up to the hype.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A spectacular medieval RPG filled to the brim with quality hand-crafted content. The main quest is not to be skipped.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection on PC is a phenomenal way to play both Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Street Fighter 6 on Switch 2 is an outstanding port, loaded with content and crisp performance.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a great remake, but it's truly elevated by almost perfectly channeling the original's charm.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is the best version of an excellent game, thanks not only to various technical and quality-of-life improvements, but also a meaty and brilliant new expansion that builds on the base game's biggest strengths in all the right ways.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Nioh Collection is the definitive way to play the series, for newcomers and veterans alike.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Guilty Gear Strive is a beautiful, technically complex fighter that sports a great soundtrack, incredibly varied roster, fantastic teaching tools, and some of the best netcode in the genre all while making Guilty Gear more accessible without sacrificing too much of its technical depth. While its online lobbies need work, it's easily one of the best fighters on the market today. Go buy it and start rockin'.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pikmin 4 is well worth the long wait, and the best iteration of this unique and charming strategy series to date.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy 16 is an incredible journey and easily one of the best games ever made.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nathan Drake and Chloe Frazer's action-packed adventures are still an absolute blast.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Gran Turismo 7 is simply one of the greatest racing games of all time.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An updated version for modern hardware, Quake (2021) is the definitive way to revisit an FPS classic.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 return in stunning 4K, proving that nearly two decades later, Mario’s greatest adventures remain unmatched.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Housemarque strikes gold once more, building on Returnal's foundation to deliver a rogue-lite/bullet hell title unlike any other.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise knows exactly why its formula works and emphasizes it to a more accessible and rewarding degree.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Psychonauts 2 is bigger, better, and more ambitious than its predecessor in every way imaginable.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hitman 3 is an impressive accomplishment. Those who've played its two predecessors won’t be surprised in the slightest by how excellent this game is. The World of Assassination trilogy’s brand of emergent gameplay and social stealth in dense, masterfully designed maps has been taken to its zenith in its final instalment, to the extent that some of the locations here can easily be called the best locations this series has ever delivered.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    For survival horror fanatics who own a Nintendo Switch 2, Resident Evil 7 is incredibly easy to recommend.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even with a few issues, Death's Door is a tightly designed, challenging game that does wonders with its classic Zelda-inspired formula.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As a whole, this is pretty much exactly what fans have been asking for for so long- the entire Mass Effect trilogy brought together in a single package that, rather than just making the games better looking, helps their qualities stand out much more while ironing out the kinks.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    TMNT: Shredder's Revenge is simultaneously an excellent throwback to the classic Turtles beat 'em ups and a solid new modern brawler in its own right.

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