Hardcore Gamer's Scores

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For 4,328 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:
  1. Positive: 2,430 out of 4328
  2. Mixed: 1,656 out of 4328
  3. Negative: 242 out of 4328
4331 game reviews
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    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pier Solar and the Great Architects
    With some of the strongest storytelling in its genre, now or in the past, a deep combat system and a top-notch presentation, Pier Solar HD is at the head of its class, easily sitting alongside some of the most cherished classics of its kind. It does have some flaws, though, namely its seeming disinterest in ever providing any real guidance to players, leaving them confused and wandering for longer than necessary.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Randal's Monday
    Randal’s Monday doesn’t do everything right, but the things it does do right are daring, and in a genre that’s been lost to the ether for years, that’s definitely something.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Halo: The Master Chief Collection
    This is the definitive first-person shooter experience, a no-brainer purchase for the vast majority of gamers, and the first true system-seller of the new console generation.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Fist of Jesus
    It works, and it will bring some laughs (especially with friends), but there are better beat ‘em ups out there.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    F1 2014
    Be sure to pick up F1 2014 if you’re a lapsed fan of the franchise. It does everything right and eliminates the clutter that has hurt past entries in the series.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Kromaia
    Kromaia is by no means a perfect game, but the action at its heart has an excellent flow.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    MX Vs ATV: Supercross
    Those who enjoyed past entries will enjoy this one and get a kick out of the new right-stick jumping and aiming mechanic. Beyond that, there hasn’t been much added to the mix beyond superficial customization options.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
    Boasting the tightest multiplayer of the series and one of the strongest campaigns, Advanced Warfare proves that Call of Duty is here to stay — and it’s welcome.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cosmophony
    Cosmophony blends the runner and shooter genres together just about perfectly.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Silence of the Sleep
    Although they are not executed to perfection, Silence of the Sleep provides a fairly solid adventure game experience.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Race the Sun
    Every day is a new challenge, and with a bit of practice with the ship’s handling and familiarization with the set pieces that make up the world, maybe you can give the sun a run for its money.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Lords of the Fallen
    Lords of the Fallen is a divisive game that has all the charm in its presentation, but doesn’t follow through with its execution.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones
    Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones opens a lot of doors for the series. The Metroidvania overworld lets you learn and use the different gadgets in open-ended ways, offering ample opportunities to experiment.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
    The gameplay is fun, varied and challenging, and will test the skills of even the most hardcore platforming fans.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Freedom Wars
    Freedom Wars is a decidedly solid action-RPG.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pix the Cat
    Pix the Cat continues PastaGames’ reputation for making incredible bite-sized gaming experiences. There’s even a surprising amount of depth here thanks to its multiplier and variety of game modes.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Petz Beach
    Yes, Petz Beach is a game that Dateline could use to lure prospective predators. And yes, it looks like its been dipped in a vat of acid. But for all its faults, Petz Beach offers some of the same relaxing screen-tapping you’d find in Animal Crossing or Disney Magical World.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Just Dance 2015
    Just Dance is a series that’s hard to hate as it genuinely wants players to have a good time, but 2015 is a misstep. Hardly anything has changed and practically nothing has for those who don’t partake in the online functionality, some features are missing and the interface has become too basic.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sunset Overdrive
    A breath of fresh air in a stagnant, overpopulated marketplace of gritty shooters.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Devil's Dare
    Devil’s Dare is a dedicated return to arcade beat ‘em ups of ages past full of familiar-feeling characters, opponents and music. It provides difficult and skill-based combat and a constant stream of challenging encounters that will prevent you from losing interest.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shadow Warrior
    Even though Shadow Warrior has minor technical imperfections and runs about two hours too long, it’s nothing short of a blast.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Legend of Korra
    It might not live up to Platinum Games’ sky-high pedigree, and you might be compelled to call it their first misstep, but The Legend of Korra is a good starting point if you want to see what Platinum Games are all about.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Samurai Warriors 4
    If you can put up with the grind, Samurai Warriors 4 is well worth your time.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Republique: Episode 3 - Ones and Zeroes
    Mechanically it’s more of the same – which is to say that it’s a unique and deftly-constructed second-person stealth title.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth
    This is a work of speculative fiction that allows the player to speculate for themselves, starting from a similar place each time but potentially reaching vastly different conclusions. It’s also a tightly-designed, well-balanced 4X game that is sure to consume many gamers’ free time in the coming months and years.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fantasia: Music Evolved
    The magical combination of two creative powerhouses in Disney and Harmonix has produced one of the best Kinect rhythm games to date. Like no other to come before it, Fantasia: Music Evolved combines the required accuracy of the best of the genre with wholly enjoyable remixing tools that allow players to create new compositions on the fly merely with their hands.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    DarkEnd
    Those looking for a genuinely exceptional JRPG that stands out from the Final Fantasies and Dragon Quests have better alternatives — even within the dungeon crawler niche — to consider first.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Minecraft: PlayStation Vita Edition
    A few technical limitations show that Vita may still not be the ideal platform to play on - but for now it is by far the best handheld option available.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Icebound (2014)
    Anyone looking to get wrapped up in an entertaining storyline for a weekend should give this a read.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Tears to Tiara II: Heir of the Overlord
    Tears to Tiara II: Heir of the Overlord is a more than competent SRPG.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Wasteland 2
    Wasteland 2 Kickstarter backers will get what they paid for plus a few glitches they didn’t.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers 20th Anniversary Edition
    Gabriel Knight is absolutely a must-play game, but this is the absolute worst way to play it.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Starpoint Gemini 2
    Some aesthetic issues keep it from being perfect and it lacks the consistent adrenaline-pumping action that thrill-seekers crave, but overall it is an immersive and engaging experience for space captains everywhere.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Duck Dynasty
    You get a hollow racing game, a hollow shooter and an overly-simplistic rhythm game. Anyone out for a modern-day Duck Hunt given the whole duck-shooting concept might want to try it out as a curiosity, but not until it gets a 95% price drop.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2
    It may not be refined enough for adult gamers to enjoy, but it’s a fine choice for a generation of gamers that are tragically growing up without games of this type.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus
    As a goofy little fighter for the Vita, Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus provides a solid amount of content and substance behind its shameless fan service, and as a result, transcends it.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Evil Within
    Smartly aiming for psychological horror over cheap jump scares, it gets under the skin and effects the psyche. Unfortunately, it falls into the modern trappings of boasting too much firepower (Sebastian can look more like Rambo than a detective) at the cost of stealth and intelligence. Still, this is a bold and seductive experience that is seen too infrequently from major publishers these days.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Pyrite Heart
    Pyrite Heart is better than average, but not quite enough to inspire players to fall in love.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy XIII
    Final Fantasy XIII has its own set of problems, mainly consisting of a mediocre story and incredibly linear progression for the first forty hours, but the poor PC optimization puts it over the top.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
    Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is an unpolished, uninspired adventure where fun can be had with friends, but that time could be better spent elsewhere.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Alien: Isolation
    Despite having a few superfluous levels, Alien: Isolation ends up being a game Alien and survival horror fans can hold in high esteem.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Project Spark
    Despite some rough edges and weak audio, Project Spark is a must-buy for anyone interested in game design.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition
    For those who missed out on Sleeping Dogs two years ago, the title is correct: this is the definitive version. Unfortunately, those who already visited the compressed streets of Hong Kong will have almost no incentive to go back.
    • 26 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Tenkai Knights: Brave Battle
    If even a ounce of effort was put forward, Brave Battle could have been a guilty pleasure, but instead it wastes everybody’s time with dreadful execution.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Falling Skies: The Game
    Those truly interested in this should just watch an episode of Falling Skies and then play a mission of XCOM as this mixture works about as well as oil and vinegar and diazepam.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    TRI
    TRI is not typical by any measure and instead charts its own path to puzzle gaming greatness.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A Golden Wake
    With period-authentic aesthetics and sharp writing, this point and click will keep you enthralled from beginning to end – and maybe teach you a thing or two about history along the way.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ryse: Son of Rome
    Ryse: Son of Rome has the visual fidelity of the future, while its gameplay and storytelling are stuck in the past.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Team Indie
    Team Indie is a competent platformer with a unique, cute concept. Unfortunately, when put into action, playing as many famous indie characters reveals how good those original games were rather than make you excited to play this one.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Short Peace: Ranko Tsukigime's Longest Day
    It’s not Suda’s best, but it’s ambitious, and there’s a lot to be said for that. If you’re looking for your next unique and obscure experience, you’ve found it.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    NBA 2K15
    The NBA 2K series continues to deliver the best professional basketball experience available on consoles and PCs. Though some strange visual bugs might rub a bit of shine off of an otherwise excellent package, there’s no denying how well NBA 2K15 plays.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
    While its online play is far from perfect, Super Smash Bros. 3DS is an impeccably polished package that proudly brings the series back to its best while fearlessly treading new ground.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Driveclub
    Though nothing in Driveclub is inherently broken, its forced combination of clean racing and horrible AI have the potential to frustrate players more than any minor glitch could. Add this to the lack of any meaningful customization options and missing weather system, and you have the makings of a disappointment.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Styx: Master of Shadows
    Despite a few rough edges, Styx: Master of Shadows deserves a place alongside Metal Gear Solid 3, Hitman: Blood Money, and Mark of the Ninja as one of the best titles the genre has to offer.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ar nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star
    Forgive its flaws, though, and there’s a lengthy — albeit dialogue heavy — adventure worth its weight in nuts and bolts.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Endless Legend
    Inventive lore, gorgeous art direction and clever use of RPG mechanics make Endless Legend an absolute treat.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Futuridium EP Deluxe
    Sadly, Futuridium EP Deluxe does not stand on par with some of these gems, instead fading into the background, never to be heard from again.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pier Solar and the Great Architects
    It may have taken WaterMelon a while to finally give us this gem, but it was worth the wait. If you’re looking for a memorable, old-school RPG, buy Pier Solar HD.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Skylanders Trap Team
    With strong gameplay and lasting appeal plus creative and collective physical figures, Trap Team is a Toys-to-Life recipe for success and one that keeps the series fresh for yet another year.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments
    While an excellent step in the right direction and a guaranteed hit among fans, the layperson may find too many faults to enjoy the experience extensively.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    TinyKeep
    While die-hard roguelike fans may find some comfort in the difficult combat, the game as a whole lacks the polish and fun factor of others in the genre.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Tesla Breaks the World!
    Unless the controls are tightened up in the future, it’s hard to recommend Tesla Breaks the World! to anyone other than the most devoted platformer fans out there.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Stronghold: Crusader II
    FireFly lives up to its promise of producing a better-looking version of its first games, but that’s all they live up to.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dark Souls II: Crown of the Ivory King
    With well-conceived bosses, an exciting new snow setting, and a shiny new crown to put on your mantel, Crown of the Ivory King helps expand the Dark Souls II fiction into great territories.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Outland
    Overall, it’s is a gorgeous game that doesn't fully cultivate its Metroidvania roots, and while that’s a disappointment, there’s still enough fun to be had here to be worth a look.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Iron Fisticle
    Anyone with a taste for arcade-style games needs to have Iron Fisticle in their collection.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
    Despite a few issues that prevent the game from being a wholly immersive open-world exploratory experience, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter packs an impressive punch.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution
    While the presentation could have been more robust and gameplay mechanics more refined, it remains a concentrated and entertaining dose of Naruto fanservice, like the developers dropped a hundred different Naruto action figures into your lap and told you to go nuts.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
    Fans looking for a compelling plot that will help reinforce and enhance the Persona fiction will unfortunately have to look elsewhere as the story mode drags its feet far too often. Regardless, the core mechanics of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax will have you immersed, but only if you’re willing to put in the hours to master it.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
    Although it comes in the wake of dozens before it, Shadow of Mordor is the definitive Middle-earth experience. It smartly avoids trying to adapt already existing plot points, instead crafting its own unique story and overall experience.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Gauntlet (2014)
    Much like a jalopy can become a classic, Arrrowhead has beautifully restored Gauntlet to its former glory and made it something you’ll be proud to take a spin in. Ride on, Gauntlet fans.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Enola
    The twisted world of Enola is worth exploring despite itself.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 2
    One of the most versatile racers on the market, Forza Horizon 2 fires on all cylinders.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fenix Rage
    Fenix Rage is nothing short of great. It’s a worthy entry into an unfortunately short line of hardcore and enjoyable platformers, with great aesthetics and music backed by solid mechanics.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    FIFA 15
    Shrewdly taking advantage of current-gen’s capabilities with added emotional intelligence and improved animations, this is easily the prettiest EA Sports title this year. Unfortunately, game modes remain relatively unchanged, but if optimizing for current-gen currently means choosing between re-skinning them or omitting them entirely, we’ll gladly take the former.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Arcana Heart 3: LOVE MAX!!!!!
    In all, Arcana Heart 3: LOVE MAX!!!!! is an extremely competent fighter as long as you look beyond the obnoxious name and narrative missteps.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Teslagrad
    Those yet to try out the PC version should pick it up here, as it should be enjoyed by anyone with an affinity for logic puzzle-filled games, or platformers.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Lethal League
    With more fine-tuning and content, Lethal League could have been a home run. Sadly, it balks the opportunity.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die
    From its insanely quirky characters to its underlying tragedy, D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die is oddity done right.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Disney Infinity 2.0 Edition
    It may not revolutionize, but Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes 2.0 Edition firmly establishes the property in the gaming landscape.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Schrodinger's Cat and the Raiders of the Lost Quark
    Schrodinger’s Cat has a bizarre title, but rewarding gameplay. It’s a puzzle-platformer for people who don’t usually like the genre since the puzzles are all action-oriented. It will test your mental might, but also your dexterity with its controls.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Uriel's Chasm
    Those who appreciate indie games, particularly ones that push boundaries of what is acceptable for games, should pursue this. Uriel’s Chasm is an uncomfortable, avant-garde title that has hooked me. Chances are more unsuspecting players will continue to fall under its strange spell.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hyrule Warriors
    It’s a fun, attractive and surprisingly deep experience, therefore unable to be regarded as anything less than an emphatic success.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Murasaki Baby
    Every Vita owner needs to experience Murasaki Baby. By creating a personal and engaging story, all while wrapping it in a hypnotically original art design, Ovosonico have gone where most other developers fear to tread.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Natural Doctrine
    Natural Doctrine is an exhausting game. It’s punishing, unfair at times and hell-bent on funneling players through a narrow corridor that leaves little-to-no room for tactical experimentation. That being said, it has its moments.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Flockers
    It’s for the thinkers; the true appreciators of fine-tuned designs and engaging puzzle solving. It’s a satisfying, refreshing and, most importantly, an incredibly fun romp through Team17’s take on a classic.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Waste Land
    It is one of the most unique Metroidvania style games you will ever have the pleasure of playing, and a dream come true to for longtime fans of Castlevania. Those who have the desire and discipline to venture bravely into the world of The Waste Land can consider themselves to be a rare and fortunate breed of gamer.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Planetarian: the reverie of a little planet
    Showcasing the expert storytelling abilities Visual Art’s/Key’s are renowned for, Planetarian ~the reverie of a little planet~ is a visual novel that fans of the genre should be required to play if they missed out on it previously.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Qbeh-1: The Atlas Cube
    If you’re up for an artistically ambitious puzzle game and don’t mind getting lost in the stages (literally), Qbeh-1: The Atlas Cube will mesmerize you the whole way through.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call
    The enhanced RPG-lite mechanics, sheer wealth of content and grade-A presentation values makes this a must-buy title for anyone who considers themselves a lover of Final Fantasy or music in general.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Destiny
    The visuals, interface, framerate and online matchmaking, combined with one of the best original soundtracks ever to grace a video game, make for impeccable production values. This is an experience that could have benefited from being open world, however, as well as having more varied combat and map design.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Fairy Fencer F
    Fairy Fencer F should serve nicely for those who don’t want anything too complex or something that will force them to think, but those hoping for something with a serious, epic story and meaningful exploration will want to look elsewhere.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    NHL 15
    Those simply looking for a great game of virtual hockey will find some enjoyment here, but dedicated players who enjoy digging deep into the various modes EA has introduced over the years will be sorely disappointed.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Boo Bunny Plague
    Boo Bunny Plague is not worth your time or money.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Surgeon Simulator: Anniversary Edition
    At its core, Surgeon Simulator: A&E Anniversary Edition on PS4 is still effectively the same game as it was on PC, just with a few more additions.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Orborun
    Orborun is one of the finest examples of a mobile-to-PC game to date. It controls marvelously with either a keyboard/mouse setup or a controller, outside of the on-screen UI from the mobile version being retained.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Professor Layton VS Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney
    Though it’s engrossing in its own right, and it provides a hearty serving of gameplay, Professor Layton vs Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney feels full of wasted potential.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Muramasa Rebirth: Hell's Where the Heart Is
    Hell’s Where the Heart Is closes out Muramasa Rebirth‘s additional content nicely. It’s a light-hearted take on a sometimes-dark game, and offers up a completely different experience than past DLCs.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dead Rising 3: Apocalypse Edition
    Dead Rising 3: Apocalypse Edition is a beefy port of a great Xbox One game and its decent post-release content.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Hatoful Boyfriend
    Hatoful Boyfriend is not a genuine comedic venture, it’s just a ridiculous idea turned purposely bad game. Charging money for it is just wrong, even if it is the best pigeon dating simulator on the planet.
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