High-Def Digest's Scores

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For 200 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 43% higher than the average critic
  • 5% same as the average critic
  • 52% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 3.5 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 71
Highest review score: 100 Furi
Lowest review score: 20 Ace Banana
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 99 out of 200
  2. Mixed: 87 out of 200
  3. Negative: 14 out of 200
200 game reviews
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per page
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Cosmic Star Heroine
    Cosmic Star Heroine does for the 16-bit JRPG what Shovel Knight did for 8-bit platformers. It takes everything that worked about them to remind you of why those games are classics, but builds upon that foundation with a modern-day sensibility by eliminating filler. Everything you do serves a greater purpose, and the game never feels like it’s wasting your time. Combat is a dream, with a brisk pace to battles ensuring that you never have a dull moment. Cosmic Star Heroine is a must-own for anyone who loves or has ever loved JRPGs. Lapsed fans of the genre will be reminded of just how great things can be with that framework, and anyone who never had a chance to experience them will be able to see what made them work.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Let It Die
    Boasting some of the most compelling mechanics in a Grasshopper game to date and a terrific sense of style, Let it Die is often a great time, and easily one of my favorite F2P games on consoles. The game is held back somewhat by occasionally wonky difficulty that feels particularly punishing given the game's death system, and it often feels padded with systems that drag things down in the name of length, but overall, I've been having a wonderful time with Let it Die, and I look forward to diving into it for weeks to come.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Beholder
    Beholder is a somber, harsh experience in terms of both its theme and its gameplay. The naggy and sometimes baffling routines of the residents can get in the way of a good story at times, and it's too short overall. Still, it's an interesting addition to the growing "authoritarian state" genre, and well worth its small asking price.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I Expect You To Die
    A must-have puzzle game for PlayStation VR owners. It's one of the most polished titles available for the headset, and really shows how the medium can open up new ideas for developers.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 5: City of Light
    I can't quite go so far as to say City of Light is good enough on its own to make the entire series worth playing. For a devoted Batman or Telltale fan, you're probably way ahead of me. For others, there is a redemptive quality to this finale, enough to make me glad I played all the way through to the end.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Stardew Valley
    Stardew Valley takes its inspirations and runs away with them into not just an amazing game, but undoubtedly one of the best of the year. There is no shortage of engrossing gameplay, and it has an adorable personality. The Xbox One version has been ported over with very few issues and I see myself emerging only grudgingly from my farm work over the holiday season.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Last Guardian
    The Last Guardian is filled with bouts of frustration, but it's also proof that gaming is the most powerful medium for creators. I got to experience a genuine bond with Trico over the course of the game, and that can't be replicated elsewhere as it's dependent on actual interaction. Ueda's third title as a director is filled with flaws and some straight-up bad design in spots, but it manages to overcome its shortcomings to be something truly special.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lara Croft GO
    The successor to Hitman GO manages to perfectly mesh what made that game a mobile hit and what players love about the 'Tomb Raider' series. It's due to this that Lara Croft GO has its own unique identity. There are a few issues, such as the puzzles becoming overly complex near the end and the lack of replayability, but it's still very much a game that's worth Tomb Raider fans' time and money.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy XV
    While it occasionally buckles under its own ambition and the game falters somewhat as the plot ramps up, overall Final Fantasy XV is a beautiful, exciting game that I dearly loved. It may not be the best game I've played this year, but it is almost certainly my favorite, and Square Enix has built an incredible, extremely unique open-world.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's The Division - Survival
    Survival is the sort of DLC that is increasingly rare in the big budget section of gaming. It is more of a total overhaul mod than downloadable content, fundamentally changing how the game is played from the ground up. If you happen to be a fan of both the survival genre and 'Tom Clancy's The Division', you're probably going to enjoy it. If you only like one or the other, it won't get you as far.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Planet Coaster
    Frontier has made an abundant and pretty simulation bound to captivate tycoon fans, although in essence it is much like 'RollerCoaster Tycoon 3'. I admit I would have liked just a little bit more hand-holding at the beginning of the game, but that didn't stop me from having a lot of fun with Planet Coaster.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon Ball: Fusions
    Dragon Ball Fusions delivers a fresh take on one of the most heavily adapted franchises. Not only is the role-playing game unique in that it tells an all-new story, it has a fantastic battle system that has plenty of depth hidden under an easy-to-learn exterior. This is a must-own 3DS title for fans of Dragon Ball, and a good RPG that doesn't have to rely upon nostalgia as a core selling point.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Watch Dogs 2
    Ubisoft has refined Watch Dogs 2 into not only a more polished continuation of the first game, but an admirable sandbox in its own right. I was pleasantly surprised by its conversion to a campier experience and dedication to solid gameplay mechanics, and will have no problem tracking down every little selfie and side mission in the Bay Area for many hours to come.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dishonored 2
    Dishonored 2 isn't just a great story. It's actually the same story, but hasn't lost any luster in the retelling. It has some of the best stealth we've seen this generation, buffeted by empowering, extraordinary powers, peerless level design, and intriguing characters. Arkane did the same thing this time around, only better.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
    Infinite Warfare's campaign is can't-miss for any sci-fi warrior, while 'Zombies in Spaceland' is a sweet surprise like late night cable from yesteryear.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    ClusterTruck
    Clustertruck does for jumping what 'SUPERHOT' does for shooting. It boils down the genre into a distilled form, with very few bells and whistles. It doesn't really need the bells and whistles, and manages to more or less avoid the tedium for a long time solely by virtue of its immaculate platforming.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hitman - Episode 6: Hokkaido
    This final episode of Hitman brings together all of the lessons IO has learned over the course of the season into a fun, elegant swan song. I will admit that I was skeptical of the episodic format before the intro was released, but they managed to come through and bring 47 into what is hopefully just the beginning of a glorious new career.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Titanfall 2
    Titanfall 2 has made good on its promise of a worthy single-player campaign. It is rather short, however, and this combined with the relative lack of variety and modular Titans in the multiplayer modes equals a low replay value.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hide and Shriek
    At such a low price and with such a capacity for emergent gameplay it is hard to not recommend Hide and Shriek. The fun is situational, though, and is best played with a friend, with comms, and with only a few matches at a time so as to not dilute its magic. Under these circumstances it's a riot.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2
    The best game based upon Akira Toryiama's legendary series in quite some time. The combat feels more fluid and responsive than its predecessor, and it's packed with enough content to keep players busy for dozens of hours. A fun, if cliché, story mode acts as the cherry on top of what is an enjoyable action game with legs.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Corpse Party
    While it's a shame it's lacking the exclusive bonus chapter from the recently released PC version, this is otherwise the most content rich edition of a great horror game.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rez Infinite
    Rez Infinite is a brilliant combination of new and old. Despite originally being released in 2001, 'Rez' feels like it was always meant to be played with head tracking and in virtual reality. From the ease of aiming to the excitement of scrolling past its trippy dreamscapes, every part of it feels enhanced. Throw in the excellent 'Area X,' and players also get a look at the captivating future that is in store for the beloved title.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest Builders
    It's by no means perfect, and has ideas that could stand to be improved upon when the game eventually gets a sequel, but what could've ended up as a cynical cash in has instead wound up as one of 2016's most interesting games.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Thumper
    Thumper's unique brand of "rhythm violence" should be experienced by every fan of rhythm games. It's an audiovisual delight that has been paired with challenging gameplay, and it creates such a captivating experience. While I definitely think it's a better game when played on PlayStation VR, regular PS4 owners will still find a stellar game here. Just one that is slightly more difficult and not quite as engrossing.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Skylanders Imaginators
    The core game is a triumph of what can be done with a character creator that plays out in how the characters play as well as look and sound. I'd expect for anyone to want more Creation Crystals, but getting to share the game with the rest of the family is well worth the few rough spots.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour
    The best way to play the iconic first-person shooter. The new levels are some of the best in the entire game, and show that Nerve Software understands what makes Duke Nukem great.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration
    While I found myself a tad bit underwhelmed when playing through Rise of the Tomb Raider last year, I'm thoroughly impressed with how much has been added to the game since then. Each piece of DLC has added something unique to the package, be it online co-op or an excuse to battle hordes of zombies. Some of it definitely meshes with the Tomb Raider formula better than others, but the amount of variety is appreciated.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Deus Ex: Mankind Divided - System Rift
    System Rift made for a happy surprise and happy return to one of my favorite 2016 games. There is story and gameplay worth having here, but nothing radical like a full-powered Jensen or even new weapons or abilities. Somehow though, System Rift does deliver on content that links the main game with 'Breach.' I'd be happy if the other big DLC, 'A Criminal Past,' can deliver as effectively.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Gears of War 4
    Gears 4 gives me the same sense of wonder and excitement playing through the campaign as I first had with Marcus and Dom a decade ago. It is a 'Gears' for a new generation, and The Coalition has risen to the occasion to give a top notch package with heaps of production and replay value both. The Ultimate Edition specifically is not worth its hefty price tag, but Gears of War 4 itself should not be missed.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack
    Azure Striker Gunvolt and Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 feel like the next evolution of the 'Mega Man' series. While it definitely has room to grow, the 'Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack' contains two games that aren't afraid to take chances. It's a refreshing take on a structure that was showing its age in 1993. If you're looking to get the taste of 'Mighty No. 9' out of your mouth, be sure to pick this up.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 2: Children of Arkham
    Batman is gaining steam, a development I hope Telltale can maintain for the rest of the season. I am enjoying the narrative focus on Wayne and the dialogue that, while maintaining a familiar comics camp, can also be genuine when necessary. Children of Arkham easily surpasses Realm of Shadow.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pinball FX 2: Marvel's Women of Power
    Marvel's Women of Power is yet another solid add-on for Zen Pinball 2. Clearly Zen Studios knows how to produce great pinball tables, and it's a pleasant surprise to see lesser characters from the Marvel universe receive the spotlight. It's not the best DLC, as 'Aliens Pinball' and other tables have topped it by being more inventive, but it's still worth picking up if you're a comic book fan or are just looking for some new high scores to beat.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Firewatch
    After finishing Firewatch, I sat in a kind of stunned silence for awhile, the same way I do after watching a particularly powerful movie. It's the rare game that makes you feel something human, something ethereal and difficult to describe. It's not a long game but I finished it in one sitting, completely spellbound. If you are at all a fan of gaming as a method of storytelling, you should probably play Firewatch.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
    Dear Esther helped spark a trend of narrative-focused indie games, and it's great to see it celebrated in such a nice package. The 'Landmark Edition' is the best way to experience The Chinese Room's gorgeous adventure, and the developer commentary is a fantastic addition. It's well worth the price of admission, whether one has played the original or are just experiencing it for the very first time.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 3
    The worst thing about Forza Horizon 3 is that it may have stolen me away from the 'Forza Motorsport' series for good. There's an important freedom to be found in the Australian festival racing, and the land is a gorgeous one when alight or after the rain. For those of us on the HDR train, this is close to must-have demo material, but it's tremendous fun on top of that. Playing casually or with a crazed glint in my eye, Forza Horizon ' is a fantastic playground.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
    One of the best games on the 3DS has been bested with Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, and the result is an exciting, smart, and amazingly complex RPG. I can't think of a game I've enjoyed this much in 2016, and I'm already looking forward to diving back into this again in the near future.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    BioShock: The Collection
    There's very little in the way of new content, but these titles are so enjoyable that I still enthusiastically recommend BioShock Collection to old fans and newcomers alike.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Livelock
    Livelock is a blast when played with friends. It holds its own in solo, but only for so long. The gameplay is sharp and easy to pick up and play for any level of player - I just wish it had longer legs.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Armello
    It has probably been a decade or more since I played a real board game. It's just not a medium that appeals to me. However, the unique brand of magic that League of Geeks has distilled in Armello is intoxicating, and the Xbox One version has lost very little in the transition. What a wonderful and fun experience.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Turing Test
    It is heavily derivative, but The Turing Test is a worthy imitation of the 'Portal' and its ilk. It has fun, quick puzzles and a disquieting, thought-provoking dialogue between two minds whose true nature is unclear. It is a pleasant way to spend a few hours.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hue
    While the narrative falls a bit flat, Hue succeeds at being both a puzzle game and a platformer. Most puzzle platformers only test my brain, but my reflexes also received a workout here. It impressively walks a tight line between being difficult, yet never left me feeling frustrated. Fiddlesticks have masterfully designed a game that dangled a carrot in front of me until its story ended.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Worms W.M.D
    'Worms W.M.D' offers up some of the best multiplayer fun available on PlayStation 4.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hatsune Miku: Project Diva X
    Despite some minor issues, 'Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X' is a lovingly produced, beautiful, and extremely fun rhythm game that stands as possibly the best on both PS4 and Vita so far.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Attack on Titan
    'Attack on Titan' focuses on a single idea and nails it absolutely perfectly. The game runs the risk of feeling repetitive at times, but it smartly mitigates that by injecting enough variety into each mission and playable character.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Metrico+
    Metrico+ removes all of the gimmicks that made the original a burden to play, and replaces them with fantastic level design. This isn't a port, it's a complete overhaul that demonstrates what Digital Dreams has learned from their Vita exclusive. This update is well worth playing for puzzle platforming fans, regardless of whether or not one has played the 2014 game.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
    As a game, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided has the power to draw me in. That's a power seldom seen at this level, where rebellious heroes and evil organizations are a dime a dozen. With enveloping gameplay, a stimulating story, a signature art style, an excellent soundtrack, and the spin-off-worthy Breach Mode, Mankind Divided is well worth the time and expenditure.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kelvin and the Infamous Machine
    A fitting tribute to the golden days of point-and-click gaming. What it lacks in length it makes up for in heart and dad jokes galore. If you yearn for a good adventure and have a few hours to spare, it won't disappoint.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mutant Mudds: Super Challenge
    While Mutant Mudds Super Challenge loses some of its charm without the stereoscopic 3D ofthe 3DS predecessor, the fantastic platforming is still fully intact on PlayStation 4. It's a highly difficult affair, sometimes tip-toeing into tedium with how many game over screens I looked at, but its still some of the most rewarding platforming available.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Human: Fall Flat
    'Human Fall Flat' is a brilliant, remarkably funny twist on classic platforming and puzzle solving. Its problems are minor: the controls and audio are a bit rough around the edges, and a few of the puzzles are too simple for their own good. Whatever it lacks is easily replaced by simple elegance in both level design and personality.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Zombie Night Terror
    'Zombie Night Terror' makes for a delightful challenge, one that is worth revisiting in the future even after conquering all of the levels. Many of the human characters in the game are in need of grisly end, and zombies are certainly primed for that. The game falls short of excellence, but it's still an easy recommendation for anyone who might enjoy an action-puzzler with zombie b-movie humor.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I Am Setsuna
    A lovely little low-key JRPG that feels like the work of a small, passionate indie developer that just wants to pay homage to the classics it looks up to. 'I Am Setsuna' isn't a revolutionary game or a rebirth of the genre, as the marketing seems to imply. What 'I Am Setsuna' ultimately ends up being is a remarkably well-made, charming game that's endlessly endearing and entirely devoid of cynicism.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pac-Man 256
    A throwback to simpler times, when gaming was just a few coins, a lot of sweaty palms and fun. All this, and more, and all the better for it. Breezy, enjoyable, cute. My favorite game of 2016 so far.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Prison Architect
    'Prison Architect' has grown from a wonky but promising idea into an awesome strategy experience. Except for some persistent pathfinding bugs, the AI and building elements are spot on, and I highly recommend this game even to people who may not normally enjoy the tycoon genre.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    INSIDE
    Playdead could have simply made yet another 'Limbo' and it would've been great. Instead, they kept the core gameplay and went into a bold yet familiar direction with it. 'Inside' hasn't left my thoughts since I completed it, and I doubt it will any time soon. It's a fantastic game that proves what the medium can do when used correctly, and provides an experience that can't be replicated by film or literature.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Furi
    Very possibly the best action game of this generation thus far, this is a rare example of every facet of a game's design working perfectly to create an amazing whole. This is an outstanding effort from a studio I’m going to follow wholeheartedly from here on out.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Duskers
    An excellent game for scratching that obsessive roguelike itch. It’s minimalist and tough as nails with a peculiar interface, but as it turns out, successfully crushing all infestations on a ship with a novella of keystrokes provides a special kind of satisfaction.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Overwatch (2016)
    Despite Blizzard’s untested pedigree in the realm of shooters, they have managed to craft one of the best entries in this generation. As a critic a big part of my work is to find flaws, and I had a tough job with this game. Overwatch is loud, it’s fast, it’s audacious, and it is a welcome shot in the arm in a flagging genre.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Fallout 4: Far Harbor
    In terms of design, art, and just plain content, 'Far Harbor' is some of the best DLC in Bethesda’s stable. The island and its marine inhabitants gobbled up many hours, and even now I still have much left to explore.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth
    'Afterbirth' is an expensive addition when compared to its base game, but it is truly an expansion. To the right player it will provide far more entertainment than a AAA season pass typically would, and at a fraction of the price.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Shadow Complex Remastered
    'Shadow Complex Remastered' looks better than ever, but doesn't add much in terms of content. That's fine, though, as the core game holds up as one of the best Metroidvania adventures ever made, and doesn't feel dated at all.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
    We've had a few years with the PS4 now, and while I've cherished games like 'Until Dawn' and 'Bloodborne,' there has been a void when it came to the question of a must-own exclusive. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is that game. It's not ahead of its time like its series' forebears, but the elements of story, gameplay, and visuals come together like a masterwork. For me, the final product beats the impressive previews. It's not a revolution, but it is Naughty Dog at the top of their game.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kathy Rain
    It’s not every day that a video game surprises me, and that is exactly what’s happened here. Kathy Rain is engrossing for nearly all of its admittedly modest running time, even when it takes quirky trips into left field. It may wear its inspirations on its sleeve, but that makes it no less likeable or entertaining.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    King's Quest Chapter 3: Once Upon a Climb
    Once Upon a Climb didn’t quite tickle my fancy as much as 'A Knight to Remember', but it’s pretty close. The storytelling gets better with age, even if the puzzles don’t keep up as well. Still, this is an adventure game with a story to tell, and the gameplay is always going to be on the back burner. As usual, 'King’s Quest' is a good time, with jokes appropriate for almost all audiences.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ratchet & Clank
    This is a reboot done right.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hitman - Episode 2: Sapienza
    Even better than the terrific first episode, the Sapienza mission might be a series high point. While there are still some technical issues, and the lengthy load times hamper things in a game where reloading to give things another shot is such a big part of it, the overall experience has been incredible so far. I can't wait to see what comes next.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Don't Starve Together
    'Don't Starve Together' is hands-down the best way to play 'Don’t Starve'.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Walking Dead: Michonne - Episode 3: What We Deserve
    This has been a worthwhile deviation while we wait for season three of the main series.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    ZEN Pinball 2: Aliens Vs. Pinball
    Fans of 'Aliens,' myself included, should be pleased when they see Ripley and co in action in a pinball setting. It certainly makes me think of the heyday of licensed pinball tables.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
    The kind of game that didn’t cry out for a remaster so soon (or at all), not because it was flawed but because it was so amazing. At only $5 for previous 'Ori' owners, it is difficult not to recommend to any Xbox One owner, especially because the new difficulty levels make its strenuous challenges more attainable. It still remains a specific kind of platformer and therefore something somewhat niche, but I am not ashamed to say that it is my favorite Xbox exclusive of this generation to date.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Banner Saga 2
    The two year plus wait for The Banner Saga 2 was well worth it. Stoic has managed to improve on its formula, adding new wrinkles to the admittedly limited gameplay and telling an even more absorbing story in the process. The saga is better than ever and I’m very excited for the next installment.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dark Souls III
    Dark Souls III delivers. It scratches a special itch that only its developer has managed find. So while the bounty of 'Souls' games in recent years has spoiled this reviewer, it's impossible not to enjoy, and recommend the game to both new and returning players. In fact, only Bloodborne players seeking that game's particular speed and setting may be an exception.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Letter Quest: Grimm's Journey Remastered
    This is a tough and rewarding puzzle game, and its word/RPG combo is probably one of a kind.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Stranger of Sword City
    It's unwelcoming and occasionally too difficult for its own good, but overall, 'Stranger of Sword City' is an accomplished dungeon crawler made by a team who clearly understands what makes the genre special.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Stories: The Path of Destinies
    Action game fans will wish for a greater challenge, and everything that the game does well will make players wish that there was more of it.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dead Star
    Armature Studio is really coming into its own as a developer and 'Dead Star' is proof of that. It's one of the most accessible MOBAs to date, and doesn't feature the high barrier of entry that plagues so many of its contemporaries. This is largely circumvented thanks to a wonderfully done tutorial. There's not another game quite like it on the market, which ensures that I'll continue to go back to it frequently.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Crashlands
    Crashlands has heart and soul in spades. It is capricious, engrossing, and highly addictive. It has such a pleasant mix of genres that it can be appealing to a wide variety of gamers, not just the ones who enjoy a good craft. Its flaws, like the slow start and smudgy menus, are small and easily overlooked.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Darkest Dungeon
    Darkest Dungeon is the rare game that gets my heart pumping while playing, not because it’s scary (even though it is a little scary), but because the stakes are so high.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy Explorers
    Explorers won't replace 'Monster Hunter' as king of its genre anytime soon, but what's here is an infinitely more accessible game that does more than enough to set itself apart from others like it. It takes a little while before all of its mechanics are fully revealed, and the repetition will be a turnoff for many, but it's an incredibly fun game overall. An extremely strong start to a promising series.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This War of Mine: The Little Ones
    The controller is a bit rusty, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing one of the most compelling stories in this generation.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    XCOM 2
    It is a tactical experience without peer, better even than its predecessors. It is draining and agonizing, but in a good way. The high difficulty may turn off some gamers, but it’s worth every second.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dying Light: The Following - Enhanced Edition
    The Following is the kind of expansion that by today's publishing standards could have easily been labeled as a sequel and given a higher price tag. It doesn’t get everything right, but still has a lot to offer.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Layers of Fear (2015)
    An imaginative and exquisite horror gem, wrapped up in Victorian madness and medieval art. Traits that might normally be denounced in other games, like the length and low interactivity, only serve to accentuate its dread. Bloober has crafted a delightful nightmare.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dungelot: Shattered Lands
    Red Winter has managed to successfully marry strategic elements with a very simple framework, perfect for gaming in small pieces or long benders. They captured the magic from their first 'Dungelot' while avoiding the freemium pitfalls of the second, and 'Shattered Lands' comes out all the better for it. Some modest polishing issues fail to spoil its charm.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Walking Dead: Michonne - Episode 1: In Too Deep
    An auspicious opener for Telltale’s new series. It has flaws, and the release schedule is probably too tight for the studio to take any player feedback into account, but I have a feeling it is going to give insight into the intricate personality of its lead and deepen her fandom even further.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Flame in the Flood
    Hits the nail on the head with its crafty survival gameplay and inspired visual and audio design. At times, especially early on, nothing seems more dangerous than the river, but overall this might be game to get players into the roguelike genre. The technical side lags a bit behind the creative side, but not enough to capsize it.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
    Less of a sequel and more of a big expansion, but that’s not a bad thing.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest
    While Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest can stumble in a few places, namely the melodramatic plot and a few structural annoyances, this is ultimately a great SRPG that should please series fans. Some of the newer mechanics don't work quite as well as they should, but the tweaks to the core gameplay go a long way to making this a challenging, and immensely satisfying game.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    SUPERHOT
    A very accessible arcade game with highly repeatable shooting shenanigans. I can’t quite decide if the storyline is trying to be edgy or funny, but it doesn’t really work on either level. Thankfully, much of it can be safely ignored in favor of the awesome physics-based gunplay.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's The Division
    I would not say it’s the best shooter I’ve played on the Xbox One, nor is it a huge leap forward in video gaming as a whole, but I’ll be damned if I’m not having fun with it.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hitman - Intro Pack
    A fantastic reboot that revitalizes an aging series wonderfully, the 'Hitman Intro Pack' is packed with personality, intelligence, and absolutely wonderful gameplay.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fallout 4: Automatron
    The quick and somewhat forgettable mission material is buoyed by strong crafting elements and a more player-oriented approach to companions.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Samurai Warriors 4 Empires
    Both a great action game and a really fun strategy game, 'Empires' might not appeal to most 'Warriors' fans, as the new elements can seem intimidating and almost jarring when put next to the combat, but for those who put the time in, there's a lot of complexity and fantastic ideas to be found here, making this one of the best 'Warriors' games to date.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Minecraft: Story Mode - Episode 5: Order Up!
    A return to form for the series, which has been struggling a bit in narrative heft the last few episodes. The witherstorm probably went on longer than it should, but it was a serviceable origin story for the new Order of the Stone.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Day of the Tentacle Remastered
    A shining example of how to do a remaster, and the visuals really stand tall. The original game is more accessible (and nearly modern in some aspects) than I recall. Coupled with the included 'Maniac Mansion' and Vita support, this ought to make a great adventure game romp for a great swathe of players.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Quantum Break
    It has a few stumbles in its pacing and action, but it combines historic shooter conventions with a set of flashy, delightful superpowers and a live-action component that's easy on the eyes. If you have an Xbox One, this is undoubtedly a game you should play.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure
    There's enough depth to keep players coming back for more, but not enough content to recommend long play sessions. A completely ridiculous, albeit short, campaign also helps round out an enjoyable package. 'Stikbold' offers up all the fun of dodgeball with the added bonus of not getting smacked in the face with a large rubber ball.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Trillion: God of Destruction
    While it can sometimes be alienating in how out there many of its ideas seem (considering the game is technically one big bossfight, it'd have to be), 'Trillion: God of Destruction' is an outstandingly original game that I can't wait to check out again.

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