Hardcore Gamer's Scores

  • Games
For 4,330 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 Assassin's Creed III
Lowest review score: 20 The Quiet Man
Score distribution:
4333 game reviews
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Planet of the Eyes is a short but memorable trip through a weird-worlds sci-fi alien landscape.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the game concept and interaction methods are simple, Bounce has some heft to it. Fifty discrete levels that can be solved in ridiculous ways gives it quite a bit of staying power. The only limit is how over the top the player wants to be with the tools on hand. Anyone looking for a solid puzzler in VR will have a great time with Bounce.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite the time constraints, which are actually pretty generous, Pixeljunk Eden is a peaceful, relaxing, and oddly pretty chill-out game that's very easy to lose a good chunk of time in. [Fall 2008, p.54]
    • Hardcore Gamer
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A new planet, a bigger focus on new characters over returning favorites, a new tone set between the dry humor of Borderlands and the humor of The Pre-Sequel, and a stronger focus on worldbuilding and gameplay mechanics results in a refined game that delivers hours of fun on the back of excellent gameplay, levels and boss design.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Based on graphics, gameplay, and overall chaos factor, Killzone 2 is FPS gold.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sometimes sappy and sweet - and at other times terrifying - OZMAFIA!! is one experience that otome fans aren’t likely to forget anytime soon.
    • 50 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    At the end of the day, NinjaBee crafted a fantastic game that’s worth every cent of its cost and every second of your time.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Jack the Ripper is a substantial and enjoyable additional chapter to the main game, only marred by the developer’s insistence on trying to make real history fit into a fiction.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    BandFuse: Rock Legends is the most technically impressive rhythm-game ever released.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Anyone who enjoys Metroidvania gameplay will enjoy this; even if its repetitious boss battles stand out as a glaring weakness, the core game is a blast to play and surprisingly diverse as well.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lara Croft GO is a great adventure-puzzler, filled with clever problems that require either a nice amount of thought or a lot of trial and error, and usually end up with a good combination of both being used before finally earning a victory.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The single player campaign once again feels tacked on. It’s more like a glorified eight-hour long tutorial, training players for multiplayer by throwing them in tanks and planes rather than telling a cohesive story. In the end, it’s the multiplayer that matters most, and Battlefield 1 excels at giving players the Battlefield experience they love in an era they probably won’t be all that familiar with.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Those who enjoyed Grasshopper’s previous work or are tired of repeatedly being spoon-fed the same game should check out Killer is Dead before it’s rightfully put on “most underrated game” lists in several years by the same people who criticize it now.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    New cutscenes build on the lore and character development, the wonderful soundtrack is improved and the areas that warranted the most criticism such as game mechanics and graphics no longer do so. The story takes surprising twists and hits the emotional depth making this is a truly memorable experience.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It plays smoother, looks better than anything out there, and has a kick-ass soundtrack with a goofball announcer to boot. If you absolutely must recreate your childhood, then pick up the $40 pack, but most will be satisfied spending half that.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cotton Reboot! is a fantastic re-imagining of a classic side-scrolling shooter. It looks and sounds better than ever and thanks to being able to switch between soundtracks, players can enjoy whichever audio experience they prefer. Including the original game’s X6800 port is a nice move and makes this a fantastic value for anyone looking to see what made the series so beloved in its heyday and still enjoy a redone experience too. There are a couple of issues with blind spots that haven’t been fully addressed, but the overall forgiving game design makes Cotton Reboot! a fantastic pickup for those who either already love side-scrolling shooters or for those who want to get into them, but just need something that’s more forgiving to fully enjoy the genre.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Octodad succeeds as both a gut-busting slapstick routine and a touching treatise on what it means to be a family. It’s a little short, and it won’t turn the gaming world on its head, but at least it’s fun, replayable, heartwarming and didn’t cost 15 million dollars.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles was already a wonderfully unique and challenging title when it originally released, but the Remastered Edition brings that all to the table with even more plus the ability to finally play with friends online. While the character models may still be clearly from many console generations ago, there’s so much wonder and charm put into it that it’s fantastic to play through and enjoy time and time again. It’s a wonder how even years later it still feels as inviting, and somewhat terrifying, to take on new dungeons and challenge whatever comes next. Anyone looking for a seemingly simple but utterly charming action adventure with tons of time to spend taking on dungeons need look no further than Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    What makes 3 Out of 10 work is that it’s just plain enjoyable, mixing smart commentary on the gaming industry with a great cast that can weather the madness of their world. Like most TV series it takes an episode or two to fully establish itself, but I played these as they came out and caught myself looking forward to the season finale. The needs of a game are different than those of a TV show, but 3 Out of 10 does an amazing job of fusing them together into an episodic adventure that demands a hopefully-quick turnaround for Season Two.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Having a darker sense of humor is somewhat of a prerequisite to truly appreciate this title, but for people possessing that attribute there is much fun to be had within 60 Seconds!
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the game is somewhat pricey considering its runtime lands just slightly over two hours, it’s marvelously unique. If you’re even slightly interested in what living the life of a badger is like, give it a shot. Its mechanics do grow tired towards the end, but the overall experience is so fascinating I can’t help but recommend it.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Streets of Rage 4 doesn’t do much to advance the formula of classic beat ’em ups and that’s what makes it great. The game can be completed in roughly three hours, which is just enough for this type of game. Unlocking all the Easter eggs is a nice way to add to the nostalgia fix. Playing through with each character offers a slightly different game experience, but the real joy comes from playing these types of games with friends. Streets of Rage 4 is a must play for fans of retro beat ’em ups.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s never serious and it never tries to modernize when it doesn’t need to, and that’s what makes Double Dragon Neon such an excellent example of a reborn classic.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Reject Demon: Toko Chapter 0 – Prelude is an excellent start for an episodic visual novel series. It sets up an intriguing, unique storyline and fills it with engaging characters.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For those who can forgive the confusing online component, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 stands as another well-crafted and well-realized remake of an old favorite. For the second time, Vicarious Visions demonstrate both a fond appreciation yet clever deducing on how this type of game should look and feel in current times. It’s this sense of harmony and of finding the treasured middle-ground — between the old we know and the implied new of a better experience — that the studio triumph on where it matters.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Every little thing is recreated in such a beautiful setting that it’s no surprise people would want to experience Koholint again, or perhaps for the first time. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is an unforgettable adventure, and this remake does it justice by capturing exactly what made it one of the most popular in the series.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Project Highrise is the kind of game that grabs a hold of players and doesn’t let go. Only once you’re in deep with a massive building do you begin to notice the cracks. There are undoubtedly numerous improvements that should be made — and likely will be in the coming weeks via patches — but even with some niggling complaints, it’s still incredibly challenging to put the darn thing down.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Linkito is an incredibly clever puzzle game based on real-world electronics (barring the occasional infinite power source) and it's smart enough to introduce things slowly so that even the less technically-minded can wrap their heads around each new part. Clearing the story probably won't take more than eight hours or so, although the bonus puzzles in each area can add another several more hours to that total, but a few bonus puzzles plus a level editor promise to add a significant amount of content if Linkito finds its creative community.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Capcom is quickly running out of Mega Man games to remaster, with notable exclusions being Battle Network Transmission, Command Mission, Legends and Star Force, but they continue to release incredible value propositions that bring these classics to a brand new generation of players.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Minor issues aside, The Deadly Tower of Monsters is a pleasant surprise indeed and a particularly impressive budget action game showcasing a lot of creativity.

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