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
    • 68 Metascore
    • 59 Critic Score
    Despite its few shortfalls, the main issue standing in the way of recommending this title to our readers is the instability factor.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    It's still a solid puzzle game. So if you've got the points, and you're bored of "Bejewelled," check out Jewel Quest.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    The gameplay isn’t terribly challenging, but the mystery portion can sometimes be a brain scratcher.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Despite numerous faults, Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 is a decent sequel to a fabulous game by Ubisoft.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 52 Critic Score
    “Mario and Sonic at the Olympics” turned too quickly into “Player versus Mario and Sonic Olympics”, and the result is an unhappy gamer with a set of sore arms.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Teenage Zombies is full of great ideas and concepts, all wrapped together in a charming and funny package. Unfortunately, the slow-paced gameplay, short length, and terribly linear design conspire to undermine the positive elements.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 47 Critic Score
    Penumbra: Requiem, as a game, doesn’t know what it is.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    While Fantasy Wars may not set any new records or break the gameplay barrier, it is a solid turn-based war game with an addictive twist.
    • 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.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    Regardless, the game is still pretty good, except for the inability to distinguish easily between units and the steep learning curve, and so for those who enjoy strategy games, it’s a solid title overall.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 66 Critic Score
    All in all, Looney Tunes: Cartoon Conductor is a pleasing rhythm game that honors the legacy of its classic characters.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 63 Critic Score
    MvA doesn’t do anything wrong per se, it’s just not the game that’s going to bring new fans over to the sport of motocross.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    A decent game for all ages, Defendin’ de Penguin is something anyone can pick up and play. All in all, it’s certainly a fun and enjoyable title to lose a couple hours in.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you are into shooters, then there are definitely better titles than this one. Operation Flashpoint: Red River suffers from slow pacing and too much time not even taking part in firefights. It deals more with having you playing Nurse Nightingale healing yourself and your team than a death-dealing marine. If that sounds like your idea of a good time, then go nuts.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 64 Critic Score
    In general, Transformers for the DS is decent considering the scope of which the developers had to work, but still falls short in a few areas.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    It works. And you can kill some stuff. But that's about the only positive things I can say about it.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    A basic city building game is joined with simple combat, trading, and research. CivCity Rome is very plain and not very fun to play.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Like the protagonist Kane, it’s decent but has too many flaws for comfort.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Overall, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs is a fun game. Parents looking for a good clean game for the kids to enjoy should look no further.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Full Auto 2 improves on its predecessor, although not in an extreme way. The sheer destructiveness will make anyone feel truly bad to the bone.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you are into shooters, then there are definitely better titles than this one. Operation Flashpoint: Red River suffers from slow pacing and too much time not even taking part in firefights. It deals more with having you playing Nurse Nightingale healing yourself and your team than a death-dealing marine. If that sounds like your idea of a good time, then go nuts.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 62 Critic Score
    Sadly, a fun game gets annoying due to omniscient AI and nebulous level design.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 56 Critic Score
    There’s some solid strategy tucked behind the overpowering interface and lackluster graphics, but a few serious errors, clunky controls, and some really poor audio in the form of bad music and repetitive speech make Pacific Storm a frustrating experience overall.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    While Culpa Innata may not be the tiptop of its generation, it is a solid adventure title that promises to engage and entertain the player.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 64 Critic Score
    In general, Transformers for the DS is decent considering the scope of which the developers had to work, but still falls short in a few areas.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    It's still worthy of purchase to those that haven't played the original, but to any who have, just play the original for the same experience.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    In the end, the major problem with Shadowrun is expectation. What Shadowrun turns in is a budget priced effort with some truly cool ability concepts, but not enough to warrant its premium title price tag.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    The ability to search your surroundings is a much-needed feature in the genre, and makes the game, and the genre as a whole, a lot more enjoyable when you don’t have to continually search every pixel on the screen.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    Commando 3 is a great addition to your gaming library if you're aware of its merits and its faults before purchasing it. Dying isn't just something that happens every so often in this game, it's a way of life.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The constant strategic thinking and planning required to keep things moving forward are well balanced and will draw players in very quickly.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    There’s not too much to the game besides the few modes, and though the character selection screen is certainly filled with choices, it’ll still be quite obvious that you’re playing in the same modes over and over again.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    In a strange way, I respect the intent behind a game like Nail'd, and I don't generally like tearing down the hard work of a smaller publisher. Unfortunately, shallow gameplay, a myriad of glitches, boring and repetitive objectives, a non-existent online community, average at best graphics all conspire to make Nail'd a game destined to be forgotten in the bargain bin of your local games store.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    I was a little disappointed with the pacing of the game and I also wish that the original novel was included, like the previous Agatha Christie games.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you're looking for an economic simulation game set during the reign of the Hanseatic League, then look no further: Patrician IV will scratch that oddly-specific itch of yours.
    • 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.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    Commando 3 is a great addition to your gaming library if you're aware of its merits and its faults before purchasing it. Dying isn't just something that happens every so often in this game, it's a way of life.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Ubisoft really dropped the ball with this title. What should be an exciting fast-paced aerial combat game comes off more frustrating than anything because of its control issues, poor A.I, and just downright infuriating level designs.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Despite the heavy time investment the storyline requires during gameplay and the very structured linear gaming experience, I still enjoyed this game.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Really Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days is a failure in just about every aspect. While you can enjoy the game, especially the online or Arcade mode, a good bit there's almost nothing to make this game something that anybody should own.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Burnout Crash is an entertaining and exciting game, and if you're in the mood for some explosive fun, you will likely enjoy what Crash has to offer. Its large explosions and arcade like feel make it an accessible game to everyone. As warned though, don't let the Burnout title fool you, there isn't any racing in this game to be had. If you can get passed that one downside, Burnout Crash is an entertaining title that is enjoyable and accessible for gamers of any age.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Still, if you want more Kingdom Hearts, or even just a decent action-RPG, by all means, this is the game for you. But if you want something deeper, whether it comes to Kingdom Hearts in general or the genre as a whole, then perhaps you might want to skip this one.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 61 Critic Score
    Overall, NHL 2K9 is a respectable first effort with on the Wii. Still, the subtraction of key features from other titles and atrocious graphical presentation hold it back from any sort of rookie-of-the-year consideration.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    Despite falling short, Too Human ends in a way that suggests there will be future games made, which will thus permit the developers to take what they got wrong and make it right.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There's never been a better time to channel your competitive gamer spirit into some real results. In the end, UFC Personal Trainer will have you feeling the burn and getting in shape, while having fun doing it. After a week and a half with the game, I already noticed increased muscle mass and more definition on my own body, and you can do the same, provided you stick with it. Make sure to check with your doctor before taking part in any exercise routine, especially one as intense as this one.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    The history-lesson-as-a-backdrop is somewhat interesting, and the tactical portion of the game has some depth. It’s nothing revolutionary, but if you’re a serious fan of the genre then Legion Arena might be worth a look.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Overall though, this game is a serious mixed bag. Great graphics and an interesting concept, but the execution was sloppy at times, cumbersome and just plain frustrating.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    Alien vs. Predator is not the greatest of games, but it is not all bad. Also with the poor visuals and a multiplayer system that isn’t all that interesting, you’ll probably put the game down once you finish all the campaign stories.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    A pretty weak beat-em-up. A lack of any intelligence devolves into some simple button mashing most of the time, and you’ll often be wondering what’s happened to your character in the chaos. Even so, the interesting battle modes and arenas are enjoyable enough to warrant play.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 64 Critic Score
    For Bond fans, the complicated controls, lack of an original story, and mediocre graphics may cool the ardor for owning any and all Bond-related products.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    By being too focused on producing a realistic zoo simulation game, Wildlife Zoo really isn’t much fun. It has its moments, but between the shoddy visitor intelligence, the slow pace of the game, and the abundance of things that don’t add anything to the game, it makes for a fairly slow experience that isn’t very rewarding in the end.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    There is a game buried beneath all of the menus and statistics, but only the truly patient and dedicated will have the time or will to find it.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    It works. And you can kill some stuff. But that's about the only positive things I can say about it.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While Viking isn't a total disappointment, the biggest problem here is a matter of the game feeling wholly and entirely unfinished.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    The harsh difficulty level and simulated driving makes for a frustrating experience if you’re not in it for the long haul.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    Those buying this or looking into it due to its morphing/transforming angle will be disappointed since it really isn’t as big a focus as the box art makes it out to be.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    James Bond 007 Blood Stone certainly doesn't do any damage to the Bond brand, and can actually be thrilling and exciting to play throughout its short campaign. It just sucks that there's so little content here that can be easily blown through in day.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 64 Critic Score
    For Bond fans, the complicated controls, lack of an original story, and mediocre graphics may cool the ardor for owning any and all Bond-related products.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 63 Critic Score
    Painkiller: Overdose’s strengths are as simple as its gameplay - you get to use cool guns to kill cool monsters. However, due to a myriad of shortcomings, the mindless killing of hell spawned demons won’t hold your attention for long.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Rio
    There are better minigame titles out there to play, but Rio is a good enough choice if a young one you know has played the rest. It won't hold the interest of a seasoned gamer at all, but when it comes to someone a little younger, the colorful graphics and simple controls could be a good match.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Alpha Protocol could have been a really good game, easily on par with Mass Effect, but it fails in almost every way.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    Alien vs. Predator is not the greatest of games, but it is not all bad. Also with the poor visuals and a multiplayer system that isn’t all that interesting, you’ll probably put the game down once you finish all the campaign stories.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    The poor animations, and more than anything, the lax controls, make this a game that few will play more than once.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    There’s a lot to like about White Knight Chronicles but there’s also a lot of problems with the title. For those who haven’t been following the game since its announcement you’re not losing much by skipping over this title for other, better, PS3 exclusives.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The PS3 version is also the best way to experience the game since it features more golems to collect and a few extra seconds of cutscenes.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Like the protagonist Kane, it’s decent but has too many flaws for comfort.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    It’s a good shooter romp that could have been great.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 64 Critic Score
    When it comes to a quick rental, Surf's Up qualifies.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    On the whole though, Undercover certainly isn’t a terrible game; considering the glut of games on the market this holiday season, Undercover gets enough things right to bring it past bargain bin status, but the problem is, there’s not much to dig into beyond that.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 49 Critic Score
    Nothing has been improved in the six years since PSO. Worse still, PSU actually managed to take steps backwards (level design, story, online play, mission counters, equipment, mags, etc) and ruin the memory of the Phantasy Star legacy.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    Armored Core: For Answer has it hits and misses.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 52 Critic Score
    The frustratingly slow pace makes things feel even more dull, and over all it just feels like the game doesn’t deliver as well as it should have.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Naruto Shippuden: Naruto vs. Sasuke is a good DS title for what it is worth. The story is quite short, but it does make up for its length with modes and extras to unlock. While the platforming and boss battles are fast-paced, fighting in the platforming stages could have been thought out more. Still, Naruto fans will enjoy the experience.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    In a strange way, I respect the intent behind a game like Nail'd, and I don't generally like tearing down the hard work of a smaller publisher. Unfortunately, shallow gameplay, a myriad of glitches, boring and repetitive objectives, a non-existent online community, average at best graphics all conspire to make Nail'd a game destined to be forgotten in the bargain bin of your local games store.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Alpha Protocol could have been a really good game, easily on par with Mass Effect, but it fails in almost every way.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 53 Critic Score
    There's a lack of collectible species, the battle system is slow and repetitive, and the mining system is overdone. Unfortunately for the game, it relies on these gamplay elements to make it fun, and each of them comes up short. In turn, so does the game.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Immortals is not a game that I would choose to play in order to relax or pass the time in the airport.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Everlight of Magic and Power is a pretty good point-and-click that just so happens to still be burdened by the limitations of the genre.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    The presentation is excellent, and the gameplay is as addictive as ever. Those looking at picking this game up for its new features may want to give that some thought seeing as The Life mode, seemingly the games key selling feature, adds no value to the title whatsoever.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 35 Critic Score
    Fatal Fury Special is not worth the points to download. The game is tougher than a two dollar steak, and has aged about as well as milk left behind a radiator for a month.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 66 Critic Score
    Gameplay-wise, there’re a lot of things that might turn off some players, but there’s a lot to go through, and a huge amount to explore.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There are a lot of bland puzzle titles that fail on one level or another but Cradle of Rome manages to avoid that status just narrowly.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 45 Critic Score
    In the end, Front Mission Evolved took the concept of third-person mech combat and took all the fun out of it. It is hard to not compare it to other games like it because the other ones got the core of it right. If Square Enix decides to take the series back to being a tactical RPG, I wouldn't blame them.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Until you’ve decided and played your hand, the Pokibot is extremely slow.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 59 Critic Score
    The classic Hans Christian Anderson story is a nice setting, but its use here leaves a lot to be desired.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    There’s not a whole lot to Miami Vice, whether we’re talking about gameplay or appeal. It’s a fun enough game to play through once, but considering its low variety and even shorter length, it’s at best a rent.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Really Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days is a failure in just about every aspect. While you can enjoy the game, especially the online or Arcade mode, a good bit there's almost nothing to make this game something that anybody should own.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 47 Critic Score
    If you're starved for strategy and like the idea of open-area, semi-persistent medieval battle scenes, Bladestorm might make sense. Unfortunately, you won't find rewarding, patient strategy, or dynamic action within.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As a racing game, MX vs. ATV Alive is fantastic. The controls are near perfect, the action is always intense, and it's just a fun game to play. Unfortunately, a bad system for unlocking new stuff and a severe lack of content really hold Alive back from reaching its full potential. Hopefully THQ delivers some quality downloadable content in the coming months, because if any game deserves it, it's MX vs. ATV Alive.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    There are better snowboarding games on other systems, and Shaun White just isn't one that needs to be played.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 51 Critic Score
    This is seriously one of the most boring basketball games I've played in a long time and should be avoided by all but the most avid of fans.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 43 Critic Score
    I’m just as surprised as you may be to hear that the replay value I found in Stacked is actually quite high.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    It may not revolutionize video games in any way, and will come and go with little fuss, but that doesn’t mean that you should let this little gem pass you by.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    What Sudden Strike 3: Arms for Victory has is a bevy of strategic options at its disposal. As such, it's really going to appeal to those armchair generals.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 66 Critic Score
    Its content, side missions, new race and classes all add to the decent mix, but overall you’ll be aching for a proper sequel.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    Wanted: Weapons of Fate doesn’t suffer from the “Bad movie-license game” curse. It is not that bad. But it suffers from being too short and not having enough after you beat it to keep on playing.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    Armored Core: For Answer has it hits and misses.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    All in all, XIII Century: Death or Glory is a must for the real-time strategy enthusiast.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Really Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days is a failure in just about every aspect. While you can enjoy the game, especially the online or Arcade mode, a good bit there's almost nothing to make this game something that anybody should own.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 59 Critic Score
    The only reason to put any effort into the game at all is to set up a team for a multiplayer or Wi-Fi battle.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 35 Critic Score
    With an online guide opened and at the ready, the frustrating aspects of the game can be avoided and it becomes easier to enjoy, but I don't count a good game one where I have to constantly cheat in order to play it without throwing my controller into the television.

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