GamingExcellence's Scores

  • Games
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:
1018 game reviews
    • 87 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    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.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    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.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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
    • 82 Critic Score
    What it really comes down to is if you're in the mood for some classic Dragon Quest gameplay, because though the game struggles to add a lot of different aspects to the gameplay such as switching classes and side quests, the most important parts of the game, such as combat, still have that distinctive classic flair.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    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
    Battlefield: Bad Company 2 improves on its predecessor in every way imaginable, just like any good sequel ought to.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    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
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 97 Critic Score
    Heavy Rain is an amazing title, flat out.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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
    • 86 Critic Score
    Unfortunately, it is a little on the short side, once you start really getting into the game it’s over.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    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
    • 92 Critic Score
    With superlative controls, a fun and deep single player experience and enough online options to keep you entertained for a long time, Dark Mirror is a strong contender for best game on the PSP.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    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.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    In the end Donkey Kong Country Returns is, in my opinion, a long awaited return to a franchise that needed updating. Fear not, DK fans, this title is for you.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    There are a few control problems and loading times can sometimes be a pain, but otherwise it’s just an enjoyable game.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    But compared to the last couple Call of Duty games, Black Ops doesn't really do anything to set it apart. It is still a great game that shooter fans will love without question – just don't expect it to change your perspective on the long-running series.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    The new twist on having allies to play as introduces a fair amount of replay value into the game (as there are secret characters to find), and the ability to obtain missions for each of the levels means you’ll be able to return to them again and again if you want to, though it’s possible just to move forward in the story.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Whatever the game may lack in visual splendor it makes up for with a deep story and pure awesome fun.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    Company of Heroes was definitely a brilliant title, and Opposing Fronts does well in adding to it.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    WSM2007 offers a staggering amount of gameplay which serves to be the game's biggest selling point and potential downfall, as the sheer volume of depth will not accommodative gamers who have little patience.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    By combining fantastic presentation with impressive racing action, Dirt 2 could very well be the sleeper victor in a very crowded genre.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    The new single player experience is a big change, but the lack of a good story might irk some people who’d like to see more of the world fleshed out beyond battle after battle. It’s the same tried and true Dawn of War game, but with enough new content to have a good time with.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    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.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    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.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Persona 3 is quite the interesting experience. It's not often one has to maintain a social life in an evil-battling RPG.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Truth be told, Kirby's Epic Yarn was the highlight of my Giftmas morning. It's not a marvel of motion control engineering, but it was fun, colourful and great to relax with on a Saturday morning.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    DJ Hero 2 is fundamentally more fun than its predecessor, but the single-minded track list leaves something to be desired.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    With new weapons, enemies, spells, environments, quests, and a story that makes the Knights of the Nine seem like child's play, the Shivering Isles really delivers on the promise of a great expansion pack.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Clash of Heroes, on the outside, looks like a crazy smorgasbord of genres and gameplay types. But what lies beneath this is an intricate game that is filled with strategy and involving puzzle gameplay.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    At only twenty dollars, this is likely the greatest gaming value of the year and one of the best PSP games to date.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Whatever the game may lack in visual splendor it makes up for with a deep story and pure awesome fun.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fun and frustration have rarely come together in such a cohesive package as they do with Trials HD. Those looking for a physics puzzler that will push your gaming skills as far as they’ve ever been stretched have certainly found their new obsession. For the rest of us, Trials is still worth a look, but the recommendation is not quite as enthusiastic.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    It looks better, it plays better, the story is more intense and the multiplayer is more inviting. And with the inclusion of SpecOps, the longevity of this game is sure to have increased as well.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    If you've ever liked fighting games and have a strong stomach, you simply need to check this game out. Everything that a Mortal Kombat fan has ever wanted out of the series is present and accounted for here. This title has trimmed all the fat, in the most gleefully gruesome ways possible. Fighting games simply don't come any more fun and exhilarating than this. It's a flawless victory.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    To be honest, I'm usually in the camp that skips every second NHL title because it's hard to justify what seems like a few enhancements and a roster update for the price of a AAA game, but this time they've done a fantastic job with improvements that are very hard to resist. Damn fine way to celebrate your 20th title.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    For fans of the series, Professor Layton and the Unwound Future is anoter great addition to the world of Layton.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    What VCS does to make things a bit more interesting when off the beaten path of the core story missions is to introduce a new gameplay dynamic in the form of an Empire building system.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    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.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    To be honest, I'm usually in the camp that skips every second NHL title because it's hard to justify what seems like a few enhancements and a roster update for the price of a AAA game, but this time they've done a fantastic job with improvements that are very hard to resist. Damn fine way to celebrate your 20th title.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    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.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    DJ Hero 2 is fundamentally more fun than its predecessor, but the single-minded track list leaves something to be desired.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Rainbow Six Vegas isn’t all roses but it’s not all thorns either. I guess you could say it’s mostly rosy all around.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    With new weapons, enemies, spells, environments, quests, and a story that makes the Knights of the Nine seem like child's play, the Shivering Isles really delivers on the promise of a great expansion pack.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    This stellar combination is a must play that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you strive to unfold the true history of Vainqueur.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Great story telling, novel and exciting new abilities, and a well presented package make Conviction a worthy entry into the Splinter Cell series.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Although PGR4 does not stray far from its roots, it does add a touch of flare to the series. With the inclusion of a new weather system and a vast array of motorcycles, there is a lot to be had in this racing title, and anyone and everyone should at least take a peek at this newcomer.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    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.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    While it doesn't bring any major innovation to the franchise, Guitar Hero 3 is a solid successor and an excellent first outing of the franchise by Neversoft.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    With more than a dozen levels in the campaign, about a hundred optional challenges, numerous collectibles and rewards to unlock you definitely get your money's worth here.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    The single player mode felt short, far too easy and not as predominantly based on the stealth aspects that I’d come to love from the series.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dawn of War 2 is a brand new, well-made experience that's worth more than a look.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    One of Red Faction: Guerrilla's biggest strengths is that it's simply a lot of fun to play. Smart design decisions such as the minimal impact of death (which will happen) are of great benefit in achieving this goal.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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
    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
    • 75 Critic Score
    If all you’re looking for is more of the same, then Call of Duty: World at War is certainly a worthy addition to the franchise.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Frankly if you're a fighting game fan you're doing yourself a disservice by not playing this excellent title.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    The game is simply unadulterated fun. Through its fantastic storytelling, charming visuals, catchy music, and brilliant melding of classic conventions with new ideas, Super Paper Mario is a game that plays like a dream.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    So long as you only play the game in small bursts, Far Cry 2 is an interesting experience.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    So long as you only play the game in small bursts, Far Cry 2 is an interesting experience.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    One of Red Faction: Guerrilla's biggest strengths is that it's simply a lot of fun to play. Smart design decisions such as the minimal impact of death (which will happen) are of great benefit in achieving this goal.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    It’s a really fun game to play, with good characters, controls, locations, and objectives, and is truly an evolution of the series.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    So long as you only play the game in small bursts, Far Cry 2 is an interesting experience.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    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
    • 75 Critic Score
    If all you’re looking for is more of the same, then Call of Duty: World at War is certainly a worthy addition to the franchise.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    If you really liked the first game, well then there's no doubt that you're going to like this add-on, and I'd recommend it wholeheartedly.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    When this game is running properly, without falling through the ground, NPC dialogue not triggering properly or enemies running through the floor, then it's a very fun journey.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    GRAW 2 is highly recommended for any tactical shooter fan.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Children will get a kick out of the pinãtas cartoon antics, while the more mature gamer will enjoy the complete freedom to design and explore as they feel fit. Highly recommended.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The enthusiast shall probably enjoy the 60’s twist, but others should look past, as there are too many others in the genre to pass by in order to reach out for GT Legends.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Easily the greatest basketball game ever made. It will please NBA fans infinitely and it will make non-fans appreciate the sport even more.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    While the GHTunes music creator is still entirely uninteresting the rest of the package is of such high quality that it’s easy to recommend.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    The game is action-packed, looks good, and can cater to the hardcore players out there.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Frankly if you're a fighting game fan you're doing yourself a disservice by not playing this excellent title.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Stacking is a fantastic game with some actual content, challenge (so long as you avoid the hint system) and it has a whole lot of charm.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Battlefield 1943 is proof that the increasing complexity found in some shooters gets in the way of the fun instead of enhancing it.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Much like Madden, NHL, or any other hardcore simulation of a sport, F1 2011 is really meant for fans of the sport, and little else. More casual racers won't find what they're looking for here. If you're a hardcore Formula One fan, this is your holy grail.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    If it weren’t for the bloated playtime and weak set of characters, JC2 would have reached its full potential and become a true franchise title.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    If you've ever liked fighting games and have a strong stomach, you simply need to check this game out. Everything that a Mortal Kombat fan has ever wanted out of the series is present and accounted for here. This title has trimmed all the fat, in the most gleefully gruesome ways possible. Fighting games simply don't come any more fun and exhilarating than this. It's a flawless victory.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    While Crysis: Warhead doesn’t really bring anything new to the series gameplay-wise, the expanded-upon storyline and better pacing of the game will intrigue any that enjoyed the original Crysis.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Split/Second is an exciting, fast paced arcade racer that is ever bit as enjoyable as other franchises in this genre.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    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
    • 79 Critic Score
    Multiplayer is the tarnished jewel in the crown.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    So the "kill with skill" gameplay and the hilarious, raunchy dialogue more than make up for the game's shortcomings, and a murdery good time for mature gamers can be had without devoting eighty hours of your life.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    When this game is running properly, without falling through the ground, NPC dialogue not triggering properly or enemies running through the floor, then it's a very fun journey.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    An interesting concept, classic battle graphics and tremendous replayability, this game has it all.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Overall, NFS Shift provides an entertaining experience with a decent variety of tracks, locations, and vehicles.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As it stands Enemy Territory: Quake Wars is a great game that does what it set out to do, make an engrossing squad based FPS.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In the end UFC is definitely a worthy investment for those that have the patience, and time, to learn how to play the game as it’s intended to be played.

Top Trailers