Hardcore Gamer's Scores

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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:
  1. Positive: 2,430 out of 4329
  2. Mixed: 1,657 out of 4329
  3. Negative: 242 out of 4329
4332 game reviews
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    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
    When compared to Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree doesn’t quite live up to its lofty expectations. As a standalone experience, though, Shadow of the Erdtree is an absolute treasure that only helps to enhance the enjoyment of Elden Ring as a whole.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Demon's Souls
    Demon’s Souls is the game to get a PlayStation 5 for and arguably the best launch title in the last couple of decades.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Okami HD
    Okami was a high point of the PS2 era, fusing its action to an incredible art style that was years ahead of its time. It takes a bit to get moving from the opening section, but every new area is packed with things to do with little wasted space to be found and it doesn’t seem to ever stop growing. New areas bring new abilities that open up more options, both for solving puzzles in the world and taking out enemies, and there’s always something happening to pull you a little bit farther along the story. Okami HD is close to being the perfect version of the original game, sharp and crisp and beautiful in a way we could only have dreamed of when it first came out.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Ori and the Will of the Wisps
    An incredible unison of sub-genres and seemingly conflicted elements alike, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an absolute triumph of game design through-and-through, and is worthy of a second playthrough for those who have already experienced it earlier this year.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
    Gorgeous, addictive and absolutely exploding with content, this is the ultimate Super Smash Bros. experience. Though the stage design tool is once again lacking and Smash Tour will be hit or miss for some, you’ll still be playing this for years to come.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
    It’s something that delves deep into the existential question regarding life and death, and our reason for living under suffering. It also goes in an immensely different direction, one that it felt impossible to see coming. This is all enhanced thanks to the original soundtrack that goes well beyond what we could have hoped for, immersing us in a tale we will never forget. That’s not to say there aren’t flaws, though, as there’s a few moments throughout the campaign that felt like padding, and some of the solo instances, as creative as they may be, killed the flow of events. This is on top of a good chunk of gear being reused assets. Thankfully, all of this pales in comparison to the rest of the adventure, witnessing one of the most well-written RPG stories ever told. Truly, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before, in an MMO or otherwise.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
    Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has taken all the best parts from the Wii U version and improves quite a bit upon where it needed some adjustments. From the entirely revamped battle mode to all the brand new characters and features, Deluxe is far more than just a port. Those who have never played Mario kart 8 and have a Switch should consider this a need to play title, and those who had it on Wii U should know that this is still worth picking up as it is the definitive version by far. Whether racing on the track or taking down opponents in battle mode, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a perfect addition to the Switch library and remains the best Mario Kart title to date.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rayman Legends
    Clearly designed for and best experienced on the Wii U, it’s a rare non-exclusive killer app that should be purchased immediately to ensure its franchise lives a long and productive life.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Street Fighter IV
    If you’ve been looking to get back into fighters and somehow missed the boat on Street Fighter IV or have been waiting for something to bring you back into the world of Street Fighting, I doubt there is a better option than a game full of characters, awesome music, and a robust fighting system with great online support.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dishonored
    Dishonored is as if Deus Ex had a beautiful child with Bioshock whose ancestors were that of Half-Life descent. While it certainly has its issues, such as a plot that isn't as fleshed out as it could be, and low-resolution textures inhabiting the world, it's still one of the better new intellectual properties this year. By offering multiple combat systems, a superbly crafted world and a high volume of alternate paths to take, Dishonored accomplishes great feats that will pave the way for future action-adventure games.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dark Souls II
    It’s one of the most — if not the most — hardcore action games to ever come from a major publisher. Players will die — a lot — as they come to realize that this is a punishing is a test of resilience. Those who can brave the challenge, however, will be richly rewarded with one of the most gratifying experiences in gaming and a true sense of accomplishment...A stunning accomplishment.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Microsoft Flight Simulator
    The skies may be an endless expanse of blue but the planet beneath it is infinitely detailed, and Microsoft Flight Simulator lays out the whole thing in a single game, waiting to be explored.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King
    A lot will depend on how the endgame of Lich King develops, and where we go from here. Right now, Lich King is a solid foundation to build on, with a lot to keep you occupied.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Overwatch (2016)
    Blizzard has perfected the RTS and now they’ve laid a fantastic foundation for the FPS.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rock Band 3
    What I can say about Rock Band 3, though, is that it's excellent, and a ton of fun in both single and multiplayer.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed II
    In short, Assassin’s Creed 2 is the game that the original should have been
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 3
    Forza Horizon 3 retains everything we’ve come to love about the open world racer while incrementally improving upon its formula. The leap isn’t as significant as it was between the first two games, but Australia ends up being a highly appealing setting to drive through.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Kentucky Route Zero - Act III
    Kentucky Route Zero manages to cover fascinating new ground with each act, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here. More importantly, I can’t wait to see all the strange sights along the way.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 5
    Forza Horizon 5 is undoubtedly a visual showcase and technical benchmark for PC and Xbox Series X owners. If you have the hardware to run this game on PC, this is the choice to make.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    MLB 10: The Show
    As far as a baseball game, MLB 10: The Show is the best.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Shadow of the Colossus
    In the end, Shadow of the Colossus is poetry. It ebbs and flows with its addictive gameplay loop of searching out and besting each Colossus. It's a beautifully murky tale of love and sacrifice, punctuated by pangs of loss with each giant toppled.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Blood and Wine
    Our review of Hearts of Stone mentioned that it was a shining example of how to create meaningful downloadable content, and yet Blood and Wine manages to top it in nearly every way imaginable.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Killzone 2
    Based on graphics, gameplay, and overall chaos factor, Killzone 2 is FPS gold.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Halo: Reach
    If you felt you have moved on from Halo and that it is no longer relevant, than you are truly mistaken. Yes, Reach is another Halo, but Bungie refined and tweaked the formula to make it stand its ground and make it as addicting as it was in 2001.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mass Effect
    As it is, it's merely very good on several different levels, and is more or less a must-play for RPG fans. It will drive shooter fans completely up the wall, though. [Dec 2007, p.56]
    • Hardcore Gamer
    • 91 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Split Fiction
    Split Fiction is shorter, more expensive, and while it may not have the originality or variety of It Takes Two, it still manages to create an entertaining and captivating experience for both players.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Borderlands 3
    Borderlands 3 is a no-brainer for those who already own the game to experience what the PlayStation 5 is capable of. The Resolution Mode visually adds so much more and the Performance Mode gives players a chance to try out the 120hz mode on a compatible display. The story remains the same, but the DLC will add many more ways to play for users. The DualSense Controller with the PS5 is the true game changer here and it’s further bolstered by the 3D Audio. Gearbox no doubt took advantage of the new hardware to unleash the proper Borderlands 3.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Fallout 3
    Fallout 3 is the biggest accomplishment in adventure gaming since Oblivion.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Fez
    It’s a charming, charismatic adventure that will leave you with a smile across your face for the duration of your play.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a cinematic RPG experience that showcases both visual and audio prowess. The tone is depressing, but is countered by the beauty of this world and the hope from its characters to succeed on their mission. The combat is engaging enough as it relies on Quicktime Events and a parry system to keep players engaged. This is a solid leap in this turn-based RPG genre that normally would get stale due to the repetition of combat. The overall experience is a slow burn, but comes alive once reaching the halfway point. The main narrative comes in at thirty hours and there's some other content that can clock in at sixty, but a lot of this feels like dead air time because the world is rather empty and there are times where you're walking for the sake of walking. If you're a fan of turn-based RPGs or this type of lore, it would be hard to pass this up for a playthrough.
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