GamingExcellence's Scores

  • Games
Select another publication »
For 1,018 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 58% higher than the average critic
  • 4% same as the average critic
  • 38% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1.5 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 73
Highest review score: 100 Grand Theft Auto IV
Lowest review score: 12 American McGee Presents Bad Day LA
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 558 out of 1018
  2. Mixed: 378 out of 1018
  3. Negative: 82 out of 1018
1018 game reviews
view
per page
    • 90 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    FIFA Soccer 12
    FIFA 12 is arguably the best soccer game released by any developer to date. The authenticity of the gameplay, the quality of the presentation and the large selection of modes make for an extremely rich and satisfying experience. What FIFA lacks in new single player modes is easily made up for in the overall quality and satisfaction of the experience on the pitch. The question then comes to you the gamer. Are you a huge soccer fan, who needs your fix every year for the latest and greatest soccer game? If so, don't even hesitate, FIFA 12 is the game for you.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Iron Brigade
    Trenched delivers a lot for its 1200 Microsoft Points tag. It is a new perspective on tower defense and it makes for some frantic gameplay moments, but it does not skimp on the strategic style of it one bit. The action is exciting and the comedy writing is there and really sells it. Double Fine has created a download that is definitely worth your time.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    DiRT 3
    Overall, Dirt 3 is nothing short of stellar. The sheer amount of variety – in race events, tracks, and vehicles – makes Dirt 3 a racer that you'll keep coming back to again and again, long after you've completed the Dirt Tour. Whether you're a fan of sim racers, arcade racers, or heck even Mario Kart, you should definitely check out Dirt 3.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    DiRT 3
    Overall, Dirt 3 is nothing short of stellar. The sheer amount of variety – in race events, tracks, and vehicles – makes Dirt 3 a racer that you'll keep coming back to again and again, long after you've completed the Dirt Tour. Whether you're a fan of sim racers, arcade racers, or heck even Mario Kart, you should definitely check out Dirt 3.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Crysis
    So, while there are some minor hiccups from time to time, overall the game plays well, it’s fun, and it’s something FPS fans are going to enjoy for a long while.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Patapon
    At only twenty dollars, this is likely the greatest gaming value of the year and one of the best PSP games to date.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    NBA 2K7
    Easily the greatest basketball game ever made. It will please NBA fans infinitely and it will make non-fans appreciate the sport even more.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    GRID
    It essentially boils down to this: If you're a racing fan, arcade or simulation, you owe it to yourself to give GRID a try.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Halo: Reach
    Halo: Reach is the ultimate Halo game.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    GRID
    It essentially boils down to this: If you're a racing fan, arcade or simulation, you owe it to yourself to give GRID a try.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Dead Space: Extraction
    Whether you rent it or buy it, Extraction is a must play for any mature Wii gamer.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Gran Turismo 5
    GT5 is pretty much exactly what everybody expected it to be. Overhyped maybe because of the unprecedented delay in its release, but spot on with its goals.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ikaruga
    For just 800 Microsoft points you get what is possibly one of the best games released on the Xbox Live Arcade and the single best top-down shoot 'em up of all time.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar
    Truly a superb expansion in the way that it not only refines, but provides a new direction for the gameplay and adds a significant value to the game.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Vanquish
    Vanquish is fun, it's exciting and it's a fresh take on the cover based shooter that breathes a bit of originality into the genre.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Resident Evil 5
    I personally found Resident Evil 5 to be a great addition to a beloved franchise that has been going on for nearly fifteen years, even if it doesn’t represent the series’ finest hour.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Professor Layton and the Unwound Future
    For fans of the series, Professor Layton and the Unwound Future is anoter great addition to the world of Layton.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm
    Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm is the definitive Naruto game. The art-style is amazing, the combat is impressive and everything is put together in a nicely done fashion.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Condemned 2: Bloodshot
    That said, Condemned 2 is still a heck of an experience that should be played by any who are fans of survival horror type games.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck's Revenge
    You really have to either hate point and click games with the burning passion of a thousand suns or not like dealing with downloadable games to dislike this title.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck's Revenge
    You really have to either hate point and click games with the burning passion of a thousand suns or not like dealing with downloadable games to dislike this title.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck's Revenge
    You really have to either hate point and click games with the burning passion of a thousand suns or not like dealing with downloadable games to dislike this title.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
    It's an adventure that defined a series for many, many years to come, and it's worth reliving once more.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony
    An excellent story, great new characters and everything you love about GTA IV help make The Ballad of Gay Tony as good, if not better than its predecessor.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Darksiders
    Masterfully crafted, Darksiders is clearly a work of passion, and though it borrows a lot of elements from other games, they come together in such a way that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    ModNation Racers
    It's a game that makes you feel like there aren't enough gaming hours during the summer months.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Contra 4
    Contra 4 is meant for the hardcore old school crowd, and only for the hardcore old school crowd.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dead Space 2
    In the end, it's a little hard for Dead Space 2 to live up to the breath of fresh air that was the original game, but it manages to follow the same path exceptionally well. Sure, it's not as groundbreaking and shocking as the original was upon release, but the sequel is a tighter, more focused, and scarier excursion into the unknown void of space.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Condemned 2: Bloodshot
    That said, Condemned 2 is still a heck of an experience that should be played by any who are fans of survival horror type games.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Resident Evil 5
    I personally found Resident Evil 5 to be a great addition to a beloved franchise that has been going on for nearly fifteen years, even if it doesn’t represent the series’ finest hour.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ninja Gaiden Sigma
    Ninja Gaiden Sigma is the motherload of Ninja Gaiden content for the PS3.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
    Frankly if you're a fighting game fan you're doing yourself a disservice by not playing this excellent title.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
    Frankly if you're a fighting game fan you're doing yourself a disservice by not playing this excellent title.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Test Drive Unlimited
    While the online aspect truly adds a completely new dimension to the game, Test Drive Unlimited, at its core, is simply one of those rare games that must truly be experienced by all.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    LocoRoco
    It’s also the only title I know of that made me happy while playing it. How often can you say that about a videogame?
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tropico 4
    Overall though, Tropico 4 was a delightful experience. It made some incredibly useful changes and additions to gameplay while maintaining the heart of the Tropico series. And the annoyances were few and far between enough that this title is worth turning on again and again. Viva la Tropico!
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2
    Vegas 2 is easily the best in the long line of Rainbow Six games, and comes very highly recommended for any first person shooter fan looking for a challenge.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Skate 2
    Skate 2 is very close to finding that perfect balance between realism and arcade game play, and that is why I think it’s currently the better game to pick up if you’re looking to rejuvenate the virtual skateboarding void that was created after becoming bored with the ‘other’ series a couple years ago.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    inFamous
    There isn’t too much here that we haven’t seen before but the experience itself is worth exploring. It’s when the whole picture starts to come together that some of the seams begin to show. But if you persevere then you will be rewarded by a great story with rich characters and fun gameplay.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Halo 3
    Halo 3 may not fully live up to the obscene hype, but it certainly survives it.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Resistance: Fall of Man
    The game brings together a lot of elements from some of the best FPS games out there but still manages to keep an original experience with plenty of fun weapons.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2
    Vegas 2 is easily the best in the long line of Rainbow Six games, and comes very highly recommended for any first person shooter fan looking for a challenge.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Crysis 2
    If you're a fan of shooters, you won't be disappointed with Crysis 2. The lengthy campaign is enjoyable from beginning to end, and the online multiplayer is a unique experience thanks to the nanosuit. Mix in some extraordinary graphics, an outstanding soundtrack, and plenty of replay value, and you've got one of the best shooters of the year, so far.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Crysis 2
    If you're a fan of shooters, you won't be disappointed with Crysis 2. The lengthy campaign is enjoyable from beginning to end, and the online multiplayer is a unique experience thanks to the nanosuit. Mix in some extraordinary graphics, an outstanding soundtrack, and plenty of replay value, and you've got one of the best shooters of the year, so far.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas
    RSV has brought the bar way up higher than a Bob Marley Concert, and it’s going to be a doozy of a task to top with the next one, not mentioning the competition.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Crysis 2
    If you're a fan of shooters, you won't be disappointed with Crysis 2. The lengthy campaign is enjoyable from beginning to end, and the online multiplayer is a unique experience thanks to the nanosuit. Mix in some extraordinary graphics, an outstanding soundtrack, and plenty of replay value, and you've got one of the best shooters of the year, so far.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Lumines II
    With more content and a few extras here and there, Lumines II is unquestionably a more complete experience. The tiered difficulty alone warrants an upgrade.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Vanquish
    Vanquish is fun, it's exciting and it's a fresh take on the cover based shooter that breathes a bit of originality into the genre.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Crackdown
    The variety of achievements will also keep you entertained for a long while. A solid, fun and wholly addictive game that should be purchased on its merits alone.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Skate 2
    Skate 2 is very close to finding that perfect balance between realism and arcade game play, and that is why I think it’s currently the better game to pick up if you’re looking to rejuvenate the virtual skateboarding void that was created after becoming bored with the ‘other’ series a couple years ago.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    World of Warcraft: Cataclysm
    In the end, Cataclysm is a great expansion to World of Warcraft.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Darwinia+
    Multiwinia and Darwinia are both solid games individually, borrowing from a variety of genres to produce something engaging and interesting. Having both bundled into a single package makes Darwinia+ a ridiculously solid proposition.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Darksiders
    Masterfully crafted, Darksiders is clearly a work of passion, and though it borrows a lot of elements from other games, they come together in such a way that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
    The sheer depth of the game, various modes, and customization available are second to none, combined with an improved control schema and interactive environments, you’ll be playing this one for a very long time.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II
    Dawn of War 2 is a brand new, well-made experience that's worth more than a look.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    FIFA Soccer 11
    FIFA 11 really is the ultimate soccer experience and any fan would do well to give this game a play. New improvements to the gameplay mechanics make this years iteration even more appealing than the last.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    FIFA Soccer 11
    FIFA 11 really is the ultimate soccer experience and any fan would do well to give this game a play. New improvements to the gameplay mechanics make this years iteration even more appealing than the last.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
    All of a sudden, the PS3 has got game, and Ratchet and Clank are leading the way.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Battlefield: Bad Company 2
    Battlefield: Bad Company 2 improves on its predecessor in every way imaginable, just like any good sequel ought to.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2
    Overall, GRAW 2's package looks, feels, sounds, and plays better than the first, so if you liked the first GRAW, checking out the sequel is a no-brainer.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Battlefield: Bad Company 2
    Battlefield: Bad Company 2 improves on its predecessor in every way imaginable, just like any good sequel ought to.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Jeanne d'Arc
    Overall Jeanne d’Arc is not ground breaking in an innovative frame of mind. Nothing is really new but everything is still excellent.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    DiRT 2
    By combining fantastic presentation with impressive racing action, Dirt 2 could very well be the sleeper victor in a very crowded genre.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Forza Motorsport 2
    Get your rear in gear and pick it up.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Shadow Complex
    Shadow Complex is perhaps one the best games to come out on Xbox Live Arcade.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Battlefield: Bad Company 2
    Battlefield: Bad Company 2 improves on its predecessor in every way imaginable, just like any good sequel ought to.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: World at War
    A bit of an odd duck. It combines the new, successful multiplayer system of Modern Warfare with the old, familiar setting of World War II. Though WWII games are a dime a dozen, Call of Duty is still at the top for a reason. The campaign is varied and exciting, and can be played with up to three friends.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Trauma Team
    In the end, it seems that Trauma Team has something for everybody, whether you like to take your time, be rushed to save multiple lives, be on the investigative side of things, or just play some ol’ fashioned surgical gameplay.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    UFC Undisputed 2010
    However, given the choice, the sheer fun factor, in depth career mode, excellent online support (that requires a fee if purchased used), and stellar presentation make this the penultimate MMA video game experience, and a must have for any UFC or fighting game aficionados out there.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Guitar Hero II
    If you've already got the PS2 edition, then it's difficult to justify the upgrade to the 360 release, as there just isn't enough new content and the new controller isn't particularly worth the asking price. Yet, if you're new to the franchise, what are you waiting for? Rock on!
    • 80 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs
    With its many gameplay changes and additions, The WarChiefs has all the right cards to finally break the dreadful curse that has plagued the series’ previous expansions. At the very least, it’s sure to provide much enjoyment to the artistically inclined.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    UFC Undisputed 2010
    However, given the choice, the sheer fun factor, in depth career mode, excellent online support (that requires a fee if purchased used), and stellar presentation make this the penultimate MMA video game experience, and a must have for any UFC or fighting game aficionados out there.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
    Brotherhood is an extremely fun game, with some new elements added that keep the series fresh enough that it does not seem like just an extension of Assassin's Creed 2.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
    Brotherhood is an extremely fun game, with some new elements added that keep the series fresh enough that it does not seem like just an extension of Assassin's Creed 2.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Fable II
    While the story of Fable 2 is the weakest link in the game, the buffet of available extra features is sure to keep you salivating for quite some time.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Rhythm Heaven
    Rhythm Heaven is one of those rare portable games that is so addictive it makes you wish you had a longer commute to work.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
    It may not be as revolutionary as "Donkey Kong Country" was for the SNES (which completely redefined what people thought supposedly outdated hardware was capable of), but this game is a great starting point to prove the nay-sayers of the PSP wrong.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    DJ Hero
    After playing the game nonstop for days now, I think it’s safe to say that DJ Hero has me excited about music games again. While there’s clearly some room for improvement in future instalments, this initial foray into the world of DJ’ing is one well worth making.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    FlatOut 2
    It's not a game you'll still be playing in a few years, but in the meantime its destructible racing at its best.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Mass Effect
    All this amounts to Mass Effect being much more of a lover than a fighter: a beacon as a sci-fi storytelling, heavily cinematic experience whose brilliance only brings light to the relatively predictable, plain combat that runs in parallel.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Saints Row 2
    Once again, from every angle, Saints Row 2 is golden (shiny like the box). You’ll drive around and conquer Stilwater for many hours to come.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    DJ Hero
    After playing the game nonstop for days now, I think it’s safe to say that DJ Hero has me excited about music games again. While there’s clearly some room for improvement in future instalments, this initial foray into the world of DJ’ing is one well worth making.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    TOCA Race Driver 3
    An excellent racer, and a must for any fan of any form of racing. It replaces and raises the bar in all categories, mixing a huge amount of quantity in styles, cars, and tracks, with a truckload of quality.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    NBA 2K7
    NBA 2K7 is easily the greatest basketball game ever made regardless of the platform you play it on. It will please NBA fans infinitely and it will make non-fans appreciate the sport even more.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    TOCA Race Driver 3
    It replaces and raises the bar in all categories, mixing a huge amount of quantity in styles, cars, and tracks, with a truckload of quality.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    DJ Hero
    After playing the game nonstop for days now, I think it’s safe to say that DJ Hero has me excited about music games again. While there’s clearly some room for improvement in future instalments, this initial foray into the world of DJ’ing is one well worth making.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Stranglehold
    Stranglehold accomplishes what it sets out to do: be a cinematic, flashy action experience that mirrors one of Woo's films. It does this with excellent, accessible controls, playful, simple features that dodge gimmicks, fun environments that crumble during combat and polished presentation to make the package work.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    DJ Hero
    After playing the game nonstop for days now, I think it’s safe to say that DJ Hero has me excited about music games again. While there’s clearly some room for improvement in future instalments, this initial foray into the world of DJ’ing is one well worth making.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    TOCA Race Driver 3
    An excellent racer, and a must for any fan of any form of racing. It replaces and raises the bar in all categories, mixing a huge amount of quantity in styles, cars, and tracks, with a truckload of quality.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Scene It? Box Office Smash
    I have found little to critique about in this review and with good cause since SIBOS is really a fantastic game, a great video game rendition of a board game and even better rendition of trivia than the original SI games provide.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Warlords
    What feels missing are any additions to the late game modern units or buildings.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Saints Row
    From every angle you take, Saints Row is golden. You’ll drive around and conquer Stilwater for hours to come and enjoy every minute of it.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Halo 3: ODST
    Halo 3 ODST offers up everything you'd expect from a Halo game. Fast paced action, a decent story, and a great multiplayer experience.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Metal Gear Acid 2
    There are more cards this time around, more gameplay options, more modes and more movies to collect. The presentation is top notch.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Dragon Age: Origins
    Whatever the game may lack in visual splendor it makes up for with a deep story and pure awesome fun.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time
    It's really no surprise that a dev studio and a game series with a proven track record of quality has produced yet another fantastic title, but it's much appreciated in a market where so much material is recycled.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Saints Row 2
    Once again, from every angle, Saints Row 2 is golden (shiny like the box). You’ll drive around and conquer Stilwater for many hours to come.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword
    Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword is simply a fun game to play.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Prince of Persia
    It’s a really fun game to play, with good characters, controls, locations, and objectives, and is truly an evolution of the series.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Heavenly Sword
    All in all, the game is great fun from intriguing opening to thrilling end; it’s just a shame that the game is so short. Still, if you’re looking for a superb action game, you could do a lot worse than Heavenly Sword.
Page:

Top Trailers

See all »
See all trailers »