Hardcore Gamer's Scores

  • Games
For 4,329 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 50% higher than the average critic
  • 9% same as the average critic
  • 41% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1.4 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 73
Highest review score: 100 Balatro
Lowest review score: 20 Final Fantasy: All the Bravest
Score distribution:
4332 game reviews
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Simply put, Project CARS is simulation racing done right. The subtlety of the nearly countless gameplay tweaks, combined with a robust open Career mode, makes for an experience that racing fans should fall in love with. Of course, none of this would be possible without driving that feels tight, workable and exciting, which is certainly present in droves.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sky Force Anniversary does a fantastic job of bringing what had already been a good shooter to the PC, and it’s great to see it become the fully-featured game it always had the potential to be.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Make no mistake — it’s a compelling, challenging and rewarding JRPG in it’s own right, but with little fresh content and some lingering accessibility issues, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 might not be the title everyone was hoping it to be.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As a single-player campaign, Blackrock Mountain isn’t quite as well-tuned as Curse of Naxxramas, but it makes up for that shortcoming by somehow being even funnier.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Weaponographist is wonderfully insane and had the potential for greatness, but the pieces that it’s lacking mean it’s simply a fun, straightforward speed-running twin-stick action/RPG-lite.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Will Fight For Food is a charming mix of an RPG, a point and click adventure and a belt-scrolling brawler.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Those who like Shadowrun or turn-based RPGs should still give Boston Lockdown a look, but anybody else need not apply.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While Sayonara is hurt by questionable graphical changes and iffy animations, the final product is true to the source material and worth playing for anyone who enjoys this particular series.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you do opt for the Steam release you get extra commentary from Kitty Powers herself. In any case, Kitty Powers’ Matchmaker provides a solid casual title for those looking to play cupid.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Like Broken Sword 5, Broken Age will be a lot better for anyone who picks it up from now on, but that can’t save this episode from being heavily marked down.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Omega Quintet will be best enjoyed by those who know exactly what they want out of the game. The comprehensive battle system and simulation are well-executed and unique, even if the rest of the experience offers only wobbly support for them.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It is at once a love letter to the classics that came before it and a gorgeously unique collection of clever ideas, all wonderfully packaged into an 8-bit style game that looks like it jumped straight out of the NES era.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cosmochoria is a fun, clever, adorable game that’s bursting with humor and personality, plenty of fast shooting action and enough secrets and extras to keep you playing long after your first encounter with the final boss.
    • 39 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    This game is a total waste of time and money, and the best I can really say for it is that it doesn’t waste much of either. In fact, in a day or two, you’ll probably have forgotten it entirely.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fans of the series, as well as newcomers looking for a different style of JRPG owe it to themselves to try Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Crypt of the NecroDancer is a phenomenal dungeon crawler.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    That’s kind of the crux of the problem: everything in The Charnel House Trilogy is too obvious. You see most of the scares coming a mile away, it’s super easy to see through the psychological tricks that it tries to employ and once you understand what’s going on with the train it doesn’t feel particularly ominous anymore, no matter what tone the graphics and music might otherwise set. Horror benefits from ambiguity.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Like a great novel, Inkle’s games can steal entire nights of sleep from you as you’re immersed in their text, and Sorcery! 3 is their most potent work to date.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you’re dying to play Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones, you’ll certainly be able to get what you’re looking for here, but bear in mind that it’s not even close to being the definitive experience.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, Affordable Space Adventures is a journey well worth embarking on, especially with a few friends.
    • 96 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The incredible thing is how alive it all seems.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Littlewitch Romanesque is a gorgeous, enthralling visual novel. Not only is the magical storyline interesting but the cast of distinct characters really bring the world to life. This is counterbalanced by a surprisingly addictive gameplay system which pairs luck with strategy in order to take on tons of quests.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The bad part is about Damascus Gear: Operation Tokyo is that there’s just not a lot to sink your teeth into.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Because of some frustrating controls and combat design decisions, Bastion is held back from being excellent, but remains great nonetheless.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    We Are Doomed is a fantastic take on the twin-stick shooter, showing that you can take the basics of a genre and still make something fresh with enough creativity and style.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Titan Souls is a quietly beautiful little epic. The contrast of the boss fights with the peaceful exploration works to create a world of contrasts, broken but not dead. Or at least not dead until you come calling with a bow and magic arrow. Just be aware going in that the challenge can be as unforgiving as the ruins are serene, and every ounce of skill may still not be quite enough.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    I Am Bread has novelty, but that novelty drains away quickly, leaving nothing but frustration in its wake. It’s YouTube bait and nothing more.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Not only is this the highest quality story NetherRealm has ever put together, it’s perhaps the best fighting game story ever. Character Variations aren’t the game-changer NetherRealm was hoping for, but do little to detract from how good the core gameplay mechanics already are.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    MLB 15: The Show doesn’t bring any major additions to the table, but it does respectably tweak the most beloved modes to streamline the experience for pros and casuals alike.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Once again cementing its status as a JRPG masterpiece, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is a game you owe it to yourself to experience.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Shelter 2 fails to deliver what its concept promises, but it remains an enjoyable adventure that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s a fun game that rises above any frustrations it may cause to create a memorable experience.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Anyone looking to spend a solid 40+ hours on a roguelike should look no further than this.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It might have benefited Dead or Alive 5 Last Round to be issued into Steam’s Early Access program as, in its current state, is a lacking experience that’s below its console counterparts.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Slender: The Arrival boasts some genuinely scary moments, but offers little beyond them.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    With better pacing, more interesting plot lines and more focused interactions, The Sword in the Darkness is easily the best episode of Telltale’s Game of Thrones yet; it’s not “good” by any means yet, but it’s getting dangerously close.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Its cel-shaded, low-poly art style is perfectly suited to bringing its lovable cast of characters to life and painting a cute yet macabre world reminiscent of Caroline and Okage: Shadow King. Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure will make you grin like you’re a kid again from beginning to end.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Toukiden: Kiwami is a great entry in the PlayStation 4’s catalog, specifically due to the lack of its genre’s presence on the machine.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    All in all, Story of Seasons is practically bursting at the seams with content, and the gameplay, while streamlined, has not been “simplified” like many feared. Instead, its new mechanics make the game accessible and current, delivering a wholly satisfying farming sim experience while still finding a way to respect players’ time.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Jaws of Hakkon is an enjoyable but unessential addition to Inquisition, great for players looking to prolong their game or for an excuse to dive back into Thedas.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    La Mulana EX is a fantastic throwback designed by a team with an intense passion for the retro games. It captures the spirit of old-school NES platformers, right down to the “Nintendo hard” difficulty, but also manages to forge its own identity.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    50 Pinch Barrage!! is a textbook example of archaic design and control; even at a budget price, this isn’t worth your hard-earned cash.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Axiom Verge is absolutely worth your time if you’re a fan of old-school Metroidvania games, but even if you’re not, it’ll still be a lot of fun.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Borderlands: The Handsome Collection isn’t the greatest remaster ever, nor is it the worst.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Through peerless cinematography and sound design, Dontnod imbues everyday moments like waking up or riding the bus with profundity.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Helldivers is at first a fresh, rewarding, challenging experience that stands up to any other game in terms of quality.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Oreshika: Tainted Bloodlines is a strange, captivating experience unlike any other RPG. Its plot is bizarre and tinged with dark humor, delving deeper into Japanese mythology than just about any game on the market.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The one blemish are the abhorrent loading times, which is a shame as they’re simply an optimization issue rather than a design one. Expertly crafted on practically every level, Bloodborne is a deviously delicious experience that deserves to be experienced by anybody valiant enough to conquer it.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Mario Party 10 takes tantalizing strides towards the innovation players have been calling out for, but its lack of commitment to any of its modes ultimately sees it fall flat.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Online multiplayer and a meaty campaign, along with amiibo functionality, mean there’s plenty of fun to be had in Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.‘s unique world, and it’s hard to imagine anybody running out of steam once they give it a chance.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    On the whole the team at Red Thread Games has done an incredible job updating The Longest Journey for the modern era.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Red Thread Games has given us two spectacular worlds to explore, and while actually getting around those worlds can be a bit of a hassle, they’re still well worth visiting.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether or not Atlas Mugged hits as hard as Zer0 Sum is irrelevant; the fact that this series is shaping up to be something brilliant is the more important point here.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite the lopsided breakup between the two campaigns, the conclusion of Revelations 2 will leave players satisfied with the hope of more bite-sized spin-offs in the series’ future.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Resident Evil Revelations 2 may have started off a bit slow, but Capcom was able to redeem themselves by creating an irresistible adventure through and through.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hardline may not revolutionize the Battlefield brand, but it fixes many of its biggest problems.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    By and large, though, this is a game that shouldn’t be missed by anyone who appreciates Sega and/or gaming experiences of the late 80s and early 90s.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Bladestorm may not be Omega Force’s finest hour, but it’s a good one just the same.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    And that’s kind of the story of Robot Roller-Derby Disco Dodgeball in a nutshell: it’s easily one of the best, most fun, well-crafted multiplayer games available right now, making it all the more impressive that it was designed entirely by one person, but no one is playing it.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy Type-0 HD has some fantastic ideas implemented with restrictive elements that ultimately don’t work with a console release.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It’s rare to see a game with stunning visuals and excellent gameplay, but Ori and the Blind Forest does exactly that. As long as you’re prepared for a serious challenge, then this is one game not to miss.
    • 49 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    As far as indie titles on the Xbox One go, there is a ton coming out this year, and LA Cops is one game that can safely be ignored for better things.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is purposely discomforting, hypnotically visceral. It’s one of the best games released so far this year.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the fluid and highly enjoyable combat remain intact, the restructuring of collectibles and scenarios such as the final boss tarnish the experience. That’s not to mention that the Definitive Edition doesn’t hold a candle to the two year old PC version from a visual standpoint as there’s a lack of anisotropic filtering and a shinier gloss to Dante’s skin.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is Claire and Moira’s most enjoyable adventure yet, focusing on puzzle oriented scenarios while throwing in combat when necessary.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It is, however, an experience that leaves a bit desired. Newcomers looking to get into the roguelike genre for the first time though, will probably find this to be the ideal experience.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Those looking for a true challenge will want to inquire here, as Fantasy Zone, if nothing else, has a devilish propensity to shatter players’ spirits with its steep challenge.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart offers great gameplay with the unfortunate caveat that you’ll need to waste more time than expected waiting on enemies to enjoy it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Lovers of the hidden object realm might be disappointed by a lack of sequences, but in either case, Mystery of Neuschwanstein offers about 3 hours of gameplay with its unique historically-tinged tale and setting.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    It’s just not particularly fun.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sunless Sea is a little darker and less cheerful than its already morbid sister Fallen London, but it’s no less delightful.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It won’t set the world on fire, but Dragon Ball Xenoverse is one of the best DBZ games in a long time.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There are certain elements to Contemplation that have been improved from the first episode, namely the more open environments and the new enemy types, but there are still apparent flaws to the story and combat scenarios.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you’ve never played République before, this is the best way to experience it. If you have, I’d say the graphical improvements alone make it worth a second look.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    This is a game that’s meant to be both played and savored, and anyone looking to try something that combines familiar gameplay elements with a very tranquil tone should give it a shot.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The game provides a brief, enjoyable taste of something that deserved to be fleshed out further rather than cut short.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Rudimentary puzzle design overshadows every emotional undertone so greatly that boredom is more likely to ensue than introspection. Whether or not Pillar teaches us something about ourselves is irrelevant; the fact that we’re left wondering what could have been is the true tragedy.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Those looking for something completely different in their gaming library ought to download Roundabout.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Much like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse is a constantly creative adventure that offers players something they won’t find anywhere else.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Some may be content with more of the same, but there’s just simply not a lot here to carry the series forward.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a challenging, fast-paced action platformer should simply flock to games like Velocity 2X or Guacamelee, as both of these titles do everything that Aaru’s Awakening does, only better.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s fun and challenging enough to keep Pokémon and puzzle fans entertained.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you can take the heat of its difficulty, Isbarah is a unique twist on bullet hell shooters, one that turns repeated defeat into a captivating and surprisingly fun experience.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    In a perfect world Oblitus could have been a timeless legend, but even as it is now, Oblitus is a refreshing departure from indie norms in every way.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a fun, over-the-top fighter with a lot of charm, then Dead or Alive 5 Last Round has your number; it’s just too bad that the few new additions are far from compelling and there are some unfortunate bugs at launch.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Regardless, the first episode of Resident Evil Revelations 2 is off to a solid start, but Capcom has a ways to go before convincing players that this is a good direction for the series.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Stardust Ultra is an excellent update of a great twin-stick shooter, and worth the time for both long-term fans and those who somehow missed it the first time around.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sure, its story can get a bit incoherent, its non-voice controls are awkward, and there are moments of spotty voice-recognition, but the good greatly outweighs what little bad there is. If you’ve found yourself bored with all of the monotony and nonsense surrounding recent titles, you’d be doing yourself an injustice not giving There Came an Echo a shot.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you love point and click adventures, The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 is everything you could possibly want and more.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The gameplay itself is complex and enjoyable, but the lack of consistency in the controls will drive more hardcore players nuts. Still, it’s almost worth buying for the gorgeous art and animation alone, and I can’t deny that it put a smile on my face.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Unfortunately, this version is inexplicably and inexcusably broken, prone to game-ruining bugs and frequent crashes. If all you have is a PS4, then I’m sad to say you should give Hand of Fate a pass.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    So in essence, if the still free SanctuaryRPG: Classic satisfied you, then chances are that the new content won’t give you that urgency to purchase SanctuaryRPG: Black Edition any time soon. But if you’re a purist who really delved into the intricacies of SanctuaryRPG: Classic and would have loved more, then it’s worthwhile to fork over a few dollars for improvements that you’re likely to appreciate in SanctuaryRPG: Black Edition.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    This is the kind of game you’ll enjoy while playing it, but will almost immediately forget about once you move on to something else. htoL#NiQ is good, which is a shame because it could’ve been much more than that.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The flying itself is decent, and greatly enhanced by the game’s outstanding soundtrack, but ultimately Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy+ feels like nothing more than a poorly-disguised cash-grab.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Resogun Defenders is adrenaline in its most concentrated form and a fitting send-off to one of the best arcade experiences to ever hit a console, current-gen or otherwise.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    This is a showcase for the graphical power of the PlayStation 4 and nothing more. Rudimentary gameplay, a poorly executed story and an unwelcoming visual palette make it come off as cold, uninspired and most importantly not all that fun.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It has some qualms, but on the whole it’s a success.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There’s a lot to love about Grow Home, and if controlling Bud was one of them then this would have been a truly fantastic adventure instead of the flawed platformer.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    At the moment, the Steam release of Goats on a Bridge simply isn’t ready for prime time.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Some of its flaws live on in this 3DS remaster, but ultimately The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D is a game that absolutely deserves three days of your time.

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