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
    • 70 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    If you've been looking forward to Homefront since last year's E3 like we have, you'll be glad to know that Kaos has delivered a truly fantastic shooter. And if you're the kind of gamer that values quality over quantity, then you'll definitely want to check it out.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    The graphics in-game and in cut scenes are dazzling with beauty. N3 is quick and easy to learn and is fairly easy to rack up the 1000 gamerscore if you are willing to try out and complete each characters short campaign.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    If you've been looking forward to Homefront since last year's E3 like we have, you'll be glad to know that Kaos has delivered a truly fantastic shooter. And if you're the kind of gamer that values quality over quantity, then you'll definitely want to check it out.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    What makes L4D2 a great game is what made the original so popular: exhilarating co-operative action with three buddies… and zombies.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    A few more tracks would have been nice though.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Though it might seem that the game is meant only for people who are fans of the series, in both digital and literary form, it's apparent that the fighting itself really appeals to anyone who likes a good, fast-paced battle filled with spectacular moves and speed.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    A thinking man’s shooter, it just might rejuvenate your interest in the World War II genre. At worst, it will give you a good story and gameplay, not to mention a hefty challenge along the way.
    • 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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Reflex is the best game in the MX vs. ATV series to date, and is an all around great racer.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    If you've already got MLB 06, it's difficult to justify the upgrade unless this mode particularly interests you, but for those new to the series then MLB 07 is worth the purchase for any fan of the sport.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Overall, the game is a great mobster game that everyone has to try if they liked The Godfather movies.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    NHL Slapshot is easily the premier hockey game for Nintendo's little waggle box, and will provide hours of entertainment for stringent hockey nuts, young peewee gamers, and any level of hockey fan in between.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Reflex is the best game in the MX vs. ATV series to date, and is an all around great racer.
    • 82 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.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Enter Bleach: The Blade of Fate. The game delivers great gameplay and superb graphics with plenty of single player game modes like arcade, versus, and challenge.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Shattered Horizons is a solid, enjoyable multiplayer experience that takes an original idea and creates a game that is easy to enjoy.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Regardless off all the brilliant work that has gone into it, Dreamfall remains cursed by the simple fact that it does feature long stretches of dialog, less action than most games, a mature and well-thought out plot, intelligent characters and, and here’s the clincher, is an adventure game.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    The gameplay could use a tune-up, and more of a plot would’ve been appreciated, but fans of the Midnight Club series, and street racing in general, will not be disappointed.
    • 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.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    The game is rock solid and balanced so that experienced gamers and new players can get the hang of the game and soon be hooked on the action and teamwork it brings while working towards that next unlock.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Playing Lost Odyssey is like running into an old friend that you haven’t seen in ages. They may be a little more rotund around the edges, a little balder up high, and a little more wrinkled around the eyes, but they still have that spirit and life to them that shows you that the good old days are never that far away.
    • 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.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Overall, NFS Shift provides an entertaining experience with a decent variety of tracks, locations, and vehicles.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    The perfect arcade football it was on the Xbox and a perfect alternative to the professional licensed titles out there.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    The gameplay could use a tune-up, and more of a plot would’ve been appreciated, but fans of the Midnight Club series, and street racing in general, will not be disappointed.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Regardless off all the brilliant work that has gone into it, Dreamfall remains cursed by the simple fact that it does feature long stretches of dialog, less action than most games, a mature and well-thought out plot, intelligent characters and, and here's the clincher, is an adventure game.
    • 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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Toy Story 3 isn't perfect, with some loose controls and a dull plotline to follow, seemingly more for the convention of having a plot in these games than anything else. The Toy Box mode adds a whole lot to the game, however, propelling it far beyond what a typical tie-in game offers.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    MAG
    Delivering excellent multiplayer, squad-based gameplay with little to no lag (even with the full roster of participants playing), MAG is definitely for the fan of the online shooter.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Toy Story 3 isn't perfect, with some loose controls and a dull plotline to follow, seemingly more for the convention of having a plot in these games than anything else. The Toy Box mode adds a whole lot to the game, however, propelling it far beyond what a typical tie-in game offers.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Overall, NFS Shift provides an entertaining experience with a decent variety of tracks, locations, and vehicles.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Toy Story 3 isn't perfect, with some loose controls and a dull plotline to follow, seemingly more for the convention of having a plot in these games than anything else. The Toy Box mode adds a whole lot to the game, however, propelling it far beyond what a typical tie-in game offers.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    If you've already got MLB 06, it's difficult to justify the upgrade unless this mode particularly interests you, but for those new to the series then MLB 07 is worth the purchase for any fan of the sport.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    The open-ended feeling of X3 will appeal to many who like to be able to do their own thing, while the lack of direction might turn off others.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Few titles attempt a real-time strategy/action hybrid, and even less actually succeed. The precision of point-and-click may be the time-honored interface for tactical games, but Eidos Hungary has produced an excellent, landmark entry for the genre on consoles
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    The visuals are mind-blowing and the sound is simply incredible, especially with the score it has.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Toy Story 3 isn't perfect, with some loose controls and a dull plotline to follow, seemingly more for the convention of having a plot in these games than anything else. The Toy Box mode adds a whole lot to the game, however, propelling it far beyond what a typical tie-in game offers.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Overall, Shift 2 Unleashed is a fantastic driving game that should satisfy fans on either side of the arcade/simulation spectrum. The game may not be as sheer fun as Hot Pursuit was only six months ago, but could easily occupy a cherished spot on your shelf right next to it.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Overall, Shift 2 Unleashed is a fantastic driving game that should satisfy fans on either side of the arcade/simulation spectrum. The game may not be as sheer fun as Hot Pursuit was only six months ago, but could easily occupy a cherished spot on your shelf right next to it.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Overall, Shift 2 Unleashed is a fantastic driving game that should satisfy fans on either side of the arcade/simulation spectrum. The game may not be as sheer fun as Hot Pursuit was only six months ago, but could easily occupy a cherished spot on your shelf right next to it.
    • 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.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    For someone who is not a die-hard baseball fan, I really enjoyed this game. I can only imagine that if I was crazy for baseball this UMD would only leave my PSP in a year's time when MLB'08 was released.
    • 83 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.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Fans of the Virtua Fighter arcade series take for granted that playing a real person is necessary to truly take in the experience.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    The gameplay itself is enjoyable because of its simplicity, not despite it.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    An enjoyable basketball title, and one of the best available to date on the PSP handheld.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a different way to blast those same Nazis you’ve been battling for years, look no further than this fun and exciting shooter.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    It felt fresh. It wasn't as limiting as open wheel track games, nor as repetitive as a NASCAR game, or as vulnerable as motorcycle games usually are.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    A very enjoyable adventure release, one of the best in the past few years.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Ultimately, I like this game because of the open world driving, and because of the strong focus on the actual driving more than anything else. The shift mechanic is really cool in multiplayer and offers an experience you're not going to find elsewhere. Even the single player is ok; it's just very disappointing that they couldn't tie the main plot into all the other activities. Still, Driver: San Francisco is a solid and very enjoyable racing experience, and the scenery is unmatched in the racing genre.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Ultimately, I like this game because of the open world driving, and because of the strong focus on the actual driving more than anything else. The shift mechanic is really cool in multiplayer and offers an experience you're not going to find elsewhere. Even the single player is ok; it's just very disappointing that they couldn't tie the main plot into all the other activities. Still, Driver: San Francisco is a solid and very enjoyable racing experience, and the scenery is unmatched in the racing genre.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    So long as you don’t come into this expecting a full PS3 game experience from it then you will likely enjoy yourself a good bit with these modern classical games.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    If you’ve picked up any of the previous SingStar games on the PS2, then you’ll know exactly what to expect with this latest release.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    In the end, tons of content, lots of things to see and do, and a fighting system that really makes you feel like you can take on the world come together to make a great game that offers a lot of play.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    The key aspect of The Continuum that separates it from the common RPG (besides its Flash-based construct, of course) is the environment in which your characters battle.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    A great compilation of mini-games, some of which have actual depth, and an infectious sense of frenzy and humor make this an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a Wii title that will flaunt and justify their new hardware purchase.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    If you're a Harry Potter fan, a Lego fan, or just looking for a fun pick up and play game, do yourself a favor and check it out.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    If you're a Harry Potter fan, a Lego fan, or just looking for a fun pick up and play game, do yourself a favor and check it out.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    If you're a Harry Potter fan, a Lego fan, or just looking for a fun pick up and play game, do yourself a favor and check it out.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    If you're a Harry Potter fan, a Lego fan, or just looking for a fun pick up and play game, do yourself a favor and check it out.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    MMOs on launch are usually buggy, laggy, and not much fun, but Rift is already extremely polished and fun, and it will only get better. If you're looking for a new MMO, definitely check out Rift.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Nail the Trick mode is a vastly enjoyed innovation and the Mo-Cap functionality added with the more mature story line and cut scenes are a great aspect to the title.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Despite a five year gestation period and some unfortunate gameplay flaws, Alan Wake remains a powerhouse of interactive storytelling and sometimes unbearable tension.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Despite the fact that Dracula: Origin is rather short, Frogwares has achieved the apex of what designing intelligent and entertaining puzzle/adventure games is all about, thus making Origin’s twenty-dollar price tag seem unfit.
    • 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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    A very enjoyable racer. It's not a game you'll still be playing in a few years, but in the meantime its destructible racing at its best.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Overall, Sword of the New World was a fantastically fun MMO to play. While not as intricate as some other MMOs, the dynamic of having three characters to control instead of just one is a lot of fun and definitely gives the player a lot of things to do and learn throughout his/her experience.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a different way to blast those same Nazis you’ve been battling for years, look no further than this fun and exciting shooter.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    It's not a game you'll still be playing in a few years, but in the meantime its destructible racing at its best.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    It’s professionally made, both in controls and appearance, and if you like the sport, it’s easy to say that you’ll appreciate the amount of detail that’s been taken in the game (down to the grass and dirt stains on the jerseys.)
    • 84 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    The game is action-packed, looks good, and can cater to the hardcore players out there.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a different way to blast those same Nazis you’ve been battling for years, look no further than this fun and exciting shooter.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Considering that Namco Bandai Games and Monolith Soft originally intended Xenosaga to be a six-part story, this third and final episode manages to efficiently cap the vast majority of unanswered questions and plotlines from the first and second games.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    On its own, NHL 2K7 is a very enjoyable hockey game despite its shortcomings, and should be on the shelf of any serious hockey fan.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    The menus not only seem convoluted, but are very difficult to navigate.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    The visuals are mind-blowing and the sound is simply incredible, especially with the score it has.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Resonance of Fate is definitely not a game for everyone. What some may call insane micromanagement, others will call depth. What some would refer to as cheap and unfair challenge, others will consider challenging.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Resonance of Fate is definitely not a game for everyone. What some may call insane micromanagement, others will call depth. What some would refer to as cheap and unfair challenge, others will consider challenging.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Chromehounds is truly built as a multiplayer game where team strategy, roles, responsibilities and cooperation will prevail at the end of the day. Played in this fashion, the depth and longevity of Chromehounds, not to mention its customization aspect, will last any gamer with Xbox Live a long time.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    The only thing keeping Star Fox 64 3D from being a slam dunk recommendation is the amount of gameplay that you're getting for the game's 40 dollar price tag.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Overall, WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2010 is a great wrestling game. The gameplay is more of the same, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s all of the new creation tools that really make the game shine.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Still, the game is cheaply priced, and considering the amount of gameplay you can squeeze out of it, the game might just be right for anyone after all.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    While there are some problems with how the DS presents it graphically, TrackMania generally comes out ahead of the competition.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Overall, WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2010 is a great wrestling game. The gameplay is more of the same, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s all of the new creation tools that really make the game shine.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hard Reset isn't what I'd call a complex game. The story is minimal, the gunfire is often, and the enemies are numerous. It has some good pacing, allowing you to take a breather and look for Nano after decimating a small horde of foes, but for the most part, you'll be emptying clips of ammo into the robotic menace.
    • 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.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Spider-Man: Web of Shadows is a great game. While the combat is pretty repetitive, it is not boring thanks to the two suits and the seamless transition between them.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you own a PSP and love RPG's then you're only doing yourself a disservice if you don't pick up this game.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether or not NG II reflects a purchase for you really depends on two things. Are you a fan of the previous games in the series and are you sadistic enough to put yourself through one of the most challenging games of this console generation?
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Beyond that though there isn't much to say about Retribution. It builds on and enhances many aspects of the previous games while still using the same game engine. The graphics and sound quality are the same as they've ever been so it's really all about the gameplay changeups. The game unequivocally succeeds in giving people more of what they love but there is the real danger of stagnation here. The next games are going to have to do something impressive if they want to continue wowing gamers with each release.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Most puzzle games wish they could bring out that “just one more stage” mentality in its players and fail. This is something that Roogoo succeeds in and does so quite heavily.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A better version of the "X-Men Legends" game with better graphics, a longer story, bigger levels, more powers, more unlockables, more characters and an even better co-op mode
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're a gamer who finds that modern FPS are too easy and want a challenge pick up Serious Sam HD. Mixing challenging encounters with interesting boss fights you really can't go wrong.
    • 83 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.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the story and some of the gameplay elements could use some work, the sheer variety of action is enough to set it apart from a lot of so called "run and shoot" FPS games out there.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    So if you want an intense shooter with solid ground on every aspect, but nothing special in content or in extras, then pick up Xyanide, and bring yourself back to those local pizza place days, playing the arcade games we all love so much.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Only buy Madden NFL 12 if you're a hardcore football fan. You'll find everything you're looking for in a pigskin simulator and then some. The casual fan will likely ignore most of the new features in favour of just tossing the ball around for some NFL action, which will be just as well served by any other previous Madden title for a fraction of the price.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're a gamer who finds that modern FPS are too easy and want a challenge pick up Serious Sam HD. Mixing challenging encounters with interesting boss fights you really can't go wrong.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Only buy Madden NFL 12 if you're a hardcore football fan. You'll find everything you're looking for in a pigskin simulator and then some. The casual fan will likely ignore most of the new features in favour of just tossing the ball around for some NFL action, which will be just as well served by any other previous Madden title for a fraction of the price.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, From Dust is very vibrant and interesting game and concept, with many compelling aspects to the gameplay. The visuals are stunning, the gameplay is simple and it can easily be played for an hour or five. However, it can become very tedious and frustrating in later levels. And because of the great simplicity of the game itself, frustrated players can find themselves losing interest in the game itself. It's a compelling game for puzzle lovers, but I would suggest caution for others who find themselves getting easily frustrated by having to juggle multiple aspects at once.

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