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 INSIDE
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.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series - A New Frontier Episode 2: Ties That Bind Part Two
    I don't know if Telltale has lost their magic or if their adherence to this formula has just worn thin on me, but it's becoming increasingly difficult for me to get excited at the prospect of playing another episode. The halcyon days of season one are long gone.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series - A New Frontier Episode 1: Ties That Bind Part One
    I don't know if Telltale has lost their magic or if their adherence to this formula has just worn thin on me, but it's becoming increasingly difficult for me to get excited at the prospect of playing another episode. The halcyon days of season one are long gone.
    • 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.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Little Acre
    Playing through The Little Acre will make for an enjoyable afternoon, but not much past that. The impressive production values are the star here, as the gameplay can't match the amazing amount of polish that has been put into the visuals and audio. Narratively, several ideas are left unexplored, and it rarely touches upon both of the unique settings that the game takes place within. Ultimately, it's an average adventure game that has been put in a gorgeous package.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    ABZU
    In this violent, bloody holiday release schedule it is nice to have games like ABZÛ. It is an artistic, aesthetic game, suited for watching and observing, not playing in a strict sense of the word. Its undersea beauty is unmatched, but leaves me wanting more.
    • 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.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dead Rising 4
    Dead Rising 4 has deviated too much from its own traditions for me to give it a wholehearted recommendation. It now resembles a typical modern day third-person sandbox game, for what that's worth. To be fair, I have a lot of fun with games like that, and I've been having a lot of fun with this game. But Dead Rising has come and gone, and has been replaced with something a little tamer and more accessible.
    • 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.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Dungeon Souls
    Dungeon Souls isn't boring, but it's tough to justify spending time with it over many of the recent dungeon crawler greats. It is a typical roguelike - fun to play for a while, and easily forgotten afterwards.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Zen Pinball 2: Bethesda Pinball
    'Bethesda Pinball' is easily Zen Studios' most ambitious project yet. They really went all out making sure each table feels like the game it's based upon, but that leads to mixed results when it comes to digital pinball. 'DOOM' is the real standout addition, with the two role-playing game tables getting too overly complicated. While it may not pull off every idea it attempted, I'm glad that Zen Studios isn't afraid to take risks, and that's exactly why this is still a pinball pack that is worth checking out even if it's not the developer's best adaptation.
    • 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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 4: Guardian of Gotham
    The writing team is doing a decent job with the direction and script of 'Batman: The Telltale Series', but the severely strained engine rears its ugly head at every opportunity. Telltale's formula and tech both are very familiar by now and have their flaws, which we've been able to overlook for the sake of an otherwise enjoyable story. The lag has nearly reached a critical mass, however.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Killing Floor 2
    Tripwire Interactive brings the FPS back to its most primal level, creating a ludicrous arcade-style bloodbath in an era of deeper, more thoughtful narrative-driven shooters. That approach ultimately proves to be refreshing; while more variety would have pushed the game over the top into "truly great" territory, what Killing Floor 2 does offer is undeniably visceral entertainment. And while the wave-based action is plenty of fun on its own, the perks system kept me coming back to upgrade my character and face even deadlier threats.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization
    While 'Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization' is definitely a step up from its predecessors, it's still too rough around the edges to really appeal to anyone other than fans of the anime. It fails to take advantage of the unique premise, and an unpolished localization makes the game overly confusing in spots. Hopefully 'Sword Art Online' will get a great game adaptation, but that still hasn't happened yet.
    • 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.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sid Meier's Civilization VI
    I found some problems with 'Civilization VI' but not enough to keep me from enjoying it for quite a few hours. Firaxis has improved some systems and stumbled on others, including things that should be in good shape by now, like diplomacy. I have a feeling that a year from now it will be a much better, bigger game, (not to mention cheaper) as is tradition with this series. I just wish that the inevitable DLC felt more like expansions and less like content filling in the gaps from the day one release.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    LEGO Harry Potter Collection
    The LEGO Harry Potter Collection is a fancy-free, funny and robust brickified version of the eight Harry Potter movies. The current asking price of $50 may be a little steep, considering these are 5 year old games without additional content. One to watch once it hits a more comfortable price point. Worth a look, but only if you don't already own the games.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Super Dungeon Bros
    I'll admit I was looking forward to Super Dungeon Bros before playing. I love the genre, and a caricatured metal mash-up could have been interesting, but the game disappoints on all fronts. I like how much emphasis React put on co-op but it needed more under the hood - more choices for character building, more control, more abilities, just more.
    • 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.
    • 32 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Weeping Doll
    It's a bland horror game that doesn't offer anything mechanically satisfying, and ends on an absolute whimper.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Exile's End
    I admired the visual and sound design for creating some truly creepy environments, and for serving up a loving tribute to the Commodore 64/Amiga era, but I was left a bit more cold in the gameplay department.
    • 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.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    The Assembly
    I went looking for Michael Crichton in The Assembly, but I got stuck on the lowlights. As with many ambitious projects, there is some good stock here. As VR advances, another take The Assembly could realize the promise. What's here, however, just isn't thrilling.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Nobunaga's Ambition: Sphere of Influence - Ascension
    Despite largely being a repackaging of last year's game, Nobunaga's Ambition: Sphere of Influence - Ascension makes smart changes to the formula that immediately pay off. The new game still controls a bit wonky using a controller, but the revamped user interface does make the strategy title more accessible.
    • 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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 3: New World Order
    New World Order doesn't completely torpedo 'Batman' but it's by far the weakest we've seen yet. Sometimes I feel like I'm less Bruce Wayne and more of a boring CEO with a soap opera love life. There are still two episodes remaining and I hope the best is yet to come.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Oh...Sir!
    Oh...Sir!! The Insult Simulator feels like the kind of party game idea that devs would bandy about at a brainstorming session, briefly reminiscing about Monte Python before tossing it into the bin with the other bad ideas. Instead, Vile Monarch actually went through with making it, and I can say in no uncertain terms that it is not my cup of tea.
    • 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.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Pixel Gear
    Unfortunately, there just isn't much depth to be found here. Though there are four difficulty settings, the three available levels just don’t feel all that different from one another.
    • 40 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Ace Banana
    Ace Banana isn't a particularly fun game when it works, which makes all of the issues I ran into even more damning. There is room for a good archery game on PlayStation VR, but this isn't it. Its wave-based gameplay only serves to mask its lack of content, and even a charming aesthetic can't redeem this poorly designed 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.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Mafia III
    Mafia III put a high priority on its backstory, immersion, and presentation. That work shows in the quality of the narrative and the tragic characters, but unfortunately left little to flesh out the city of New Bordeaux. It's worth playing for the campaign, but perhaps there isn't a need to rush.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    PlayStation VR WORLDS
    The meekly named PlayStation VR Worlds rarely escapes its origins as brief demonstrations, but it is certainly worth checking out as part of the greater PlayStation VR launch experience. Some of the five experiences bundled here could make for great fully-realized titles, and failing that, this disc version is ready for any time I might want to show 'PS VR' to others.
    • 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.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Battlezone
    Battlezone feels like a serious missed opportunity. As the successor to what many consider the original virtual reality game, I expected Rebellion's revision to be an accessible arcade battler — the sort of game that would make a great introduction to home-ready VR. Instead, this new version takes its influence from more modern inspirations, including roguelike elements and procedurally generated maps. That's not a bad thing on its own, but the implementation of these elements is incredibly frustrating.
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Adam Wolfe
    It differs little from its predecessors in this genre, and as sheer time-wasters go it pales in comparison to so many other casual and, I dare to say it, social media games. The folks over at Madhead are clearly lovers of the HOPA but this a niche field to say the least, and Adam Wolfe has little mainstream appeal.
    • 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.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Necropolis
    Necropolis feels like an amalgamation of 'Dark Souls,' dungeon crawlers, and roguelikes. Sadly, it also seems to miss the mark on what is enjoyable about those games. The combat lacks variety, the randomized dungeon wasn't fun to explore, and technical issues keep it from ever feeling fair. If anything, it suffers from trying to do too much. When combined with the shocking exclusion of online matchmaking for cooperative play, I simply can't recommend it.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    The Bunker
    I had a tough time taking The Bunker seriously. It was an admirable attempt at live-action psychological horror, but the John segments meander on and stumble around like the main character. It's not entirely predictable, but nor is it treading new ground.
    • 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.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Touhou: Scarlet Curiosity
    For a series that only has a niche following in the West, Touhou really needs to put its best foot forward to win over a bigger audience. Unfortunately, this fan-game spinoff of the doujin series is not it. While not particularly terrible,Touhou: Scarlet Curiosity is about as middle of the road as you can get with an action RPG, and as such does not leave a good impression as one of the few English representations of the 'Touhou' series.
    • 52 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade
    Warhammer 40K is a great franchise on paper but has struggled in video gaming, and 'Eternal Crusade' is on the lower end of the spectrum. It has the trappings of a freemium pvp game but asks for $50 just to get in the door. From the shoddy controls to the inscrutable mysteries of equipment, this is one shooter we cannot recommend, even for the most dire of 'Warhammer' fans.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hitman - Episode 5: Colorado
    Despite its low points, the tension that permeates Colorado works tremendously in its favor, leading to a more consistently enjoyable 'Hitman' episode than 'Bangkok', which remains a low point for the game. While there isn't nearly as much personality or humor as there perhaps should have been, there's still plenty of fun and excitement to be found within the militia camp. It's also the biggest leap forward for the story thus far, and builds toward what should be a tremendous climax when the game's final episode hits next month.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Aragami
    Aragami is an ambitious stealth game that occasionally brushes shoulders with greatness. A poor frame rate and sub-par enemy AI really hampers the experience, but stalking from the shadows remains fun throughout.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    God Eater 2: Rage Burst
    Sure, I was constantly fighting both the controls and the camera while also battling Aragami, but it wasn't enough to ruin the experience. 'God Eater' is begging for an iteration developed for consoles from the ground-up, so hopefully that will happen soon. Until then, fans will have to settle for a serviceable port that sadly isn't optimized for the PlayStation 4.
    • 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.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    MeiQ: Labyrinth of Death
    Far from being a bad game, MeiQ: Labyrinth of Death doesn't really try to be much more than simply competent. Its systems and ideas are all strong, but they're tackled fairly gracelessly and just end up feeling rote after a while. I didn't have a bad time with the game, but it's hard to not just recommend playing something like 'Demon Gaze' or even Idea Factory's own 'Trillion' instead for those looking for a great Dungeon Crawler or JRPG on Vita.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Destiny: Rise of Iron
    Not a standout expansion but nor is it disappointing the way that 'The Dark Below' and 'House of Wolves' were. The production values remain high with the superb score, attractive Temple of Iron, new Crucible maps and so forth. On the other hand, the PvE content has mileage issues. It is still worth playing and even worth coming back to 'Destiny' for, if only for a short while.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Claire: Extended Cut
    Where 'Lone Survivor' succeeded, Claire, has trouble. It relies too much on being lost, both in terms of interaction and narrative drive. Even if it had a more interesting protagonist, the game's inconsistent ability to remain scary holds it back.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    ReCore
    ReCore' can be very fun at times, and it can also be very tedious. It has good video game conventions, like the awesome jumping-dashing-grappling bits, but also has some bad ones, like bosses that are made difficult only by virtue of having massive health bars. It isn't helped by the weak technical presentation. It's probably best for only the most ardent of platforming fans, the players who can put up with all of its hangups.
    • 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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Event[0]
    I am happy to experience Event[0] because what it contains is probably a harbinger of things to come in gaming. As a complete gameplay experience, however, it can be limited and flawed. It has evolved from its beginnings as a student project to become more than a mere tech demo, but it could have gone farther in its Turing test.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pac-Man Championship Edition 2
    This is not your father's Pac-Man. Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 is faster and busier, and the purity of the original has been sacrificed for variety and a more forgiving difficulty level. That being said, it's still a great score attack game, one that I will be enjoying whenever I'm in need of an hour or so of sparkly, candied arcade goodness.
    • 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.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Earthlock: Festival of Magic
    This homage to the seminal days of RPGs is quite successful at what it set out to do. The strong points include character advancement, the village, and enemy variety, while I was let down by a slow plot and inconvenient save system. The Xbox One isn't exactly a haven for this genre, but in nostalgia value alone it's a welcome treat.
    • 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.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Ray Gigant
    A collection of good ideas held back by subpar execution, Ray Gigant feels too easy and dull for its own good.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Shiny
    Shiny is very lightweight, too lightweight for its own good, in fact. It wants to tap into the ongoing retro platform revival that's so popular in the indie scene, but is a clunky, clumsy imitation without many redeeming qualities.
    • 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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fallout 4: Nuka-World
    Nuka-World is not the perfect swan song for 'Fallout 4', but it is a perfectly playable homage to our favorite post-apocalyptic soft drink and, to a lesser extent, the Commonwealth itself. If you have come looking for something new and fresh, you may be disappointed. If you want another reason to return to the wasteland for shooting, looting, and reading through Nuka-Cola corporate emails, 'Nuka-World' will scratch the itch for a time.
    • 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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Final Station
    A fascinating journey that ends a few stops too soon. Its ending ultimately raises more questions than answers, and I was left largely unfulfilled. This disappointment bleeds into the gameplay as well, as each facet of gameplay from the citizen management to the gunplay could've been fleshed out more. Despite these shortcomings, it's still an enjoyable five hour ride — just one that ends before it hits its stride.
    • 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.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Minecraft: Story Mode - Episode 7: Access Denied
    After last episode's streamer spectacle, I was hoping 'Minecraft: Story Mode' could shake off the cobwebs and head for the finish line with grace and aplomb. Instead, we have a tiny little episode with almost zero interactivity and a predictable plot. It's better than 'A Portal to Mystery', but that's a rather dubious honor.
    • 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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Hyper Light Drifter
    I can see why some people like Hyper Light Drifter. Its combination of nostalgia, pretty pixels, and cruel gameplay are an intoxicating drug to some. I'm not one of those people, unfortunately. As I played I felt like the annoying moviegoing companion, always asking for an explanation of events onscreen from fellow viewers also watching for the first time, equally mystified.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hitman - Episode 4: Bangkok
    While it's a bit of a comedown in some respects, 'Hitman' remains an excellent game in its fourth episode, and I have no qualms with recommending the overall package at this point. Bangkok really shines on replay though, so the first run through ends up feeling like more of a warmup than anything else. The hotel does feel a bit too similar to the first mission in some respects, but IO still crams the episode with enough charm and fun that it ends up feeling worthwhile in spite of its faults.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    No Man's Sky
    In short bursts, 'No Man's Sky' is amazing, but going deeper, I found only a void. There's a great framework, and an arresting visual style to go with an ease of mobility, but in a short amount of time, I despaired of finding any more interactivity or progression in the all-too-similar horizons and star systems.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    A.W.: Phoenix Festa
    For as much as A.W. : Phoenix Festa fails to capitalize on the potential of its strong ideas, there is something oddly compelling about the whole game that had me start up a second playthrough pretty much immediately after my first ending. I can't really recommend this to anyone but diehard fans of the series, but even then, it comes with the caveat that it's a flawed, rushed game. It's nice to see more titles like this brought over, but this is one that can safely be skipped.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Little King's Story
    'Little King's Story' on PC is a shoddy port of a game that has not aged particularly well. The mouse and keyboard controls are a real pain, and the game is simple enough that they didn't have to be.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Chambara
    The first game published by USC features a fantastic concept that is executed well, but one that really feels like it could've used some more time to be fleshed out. Chambara is a fun local multiplayer diversion, but the lack of online play and variety really stifles the overall experience. Hopefully a sequel will be able to take the game to the next level, but as of now I'm left with a rad proof of concept that is best played in short bursts.
    • 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.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows
    It's not ready yet, not fully formed, and could die by the end of the series or even by the second episode, but it could also bring their craft to a new level. Either way, I don't see a need to wash my hands of it just yet.
    • 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.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme VS-Force
    A good way to experience the basics of the terrific 'Extreme VS' games, but it absolutely falters compared to the rest of the series due to the lack of any sort of online play and a far smaller roster than it deserves. There's a long, content-rich campaign mode that ends up being far more fun than I'd ever expected. I sincerely hope later entries have a similar mode, but then also have online multiplayer.
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