Hooked Gamers' Scores

  • Games
For 1,622 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 58% higher than the average critic
  • 10% same as the average critic
  • 32% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1.7 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 73
Highest review score: 100 Shotgun Cop Man
Score distribution:
1630 game reviews
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Soulslinger: Evoy of Death is a stylish, fast-paced game that's easy to jump into for some quick action, and there's undeniable fun to be had mixing and matching powers. However, some frustrating design decisions hold it back on the macro level. I do like the world the game sets up, and if developer Elder Games ever makes a follow-up, I'll be there to hopefully check out some new corners of Limbo with some of the rougher edges smoothed out.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Overall Trident's Tale is an enjoyable romp through a fantasy ocean, inspired by adventure stories and built around exploration. If you desire a skullduggerous journey that’s easy to sink your teeth into, Trident's Tale might be for you!
    • 78 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    If you are a devoted fan of racing simulations, MotoGP25 will undoubtedly be right up your alley. Its commitment to a realistic two-wheeled racing experience, coupled with its stunning visuals and authentic audio, makes it a compelling package. While the introduction of the arcade handling mode does make it a more accessible entry point for newcomers to the series, it remains a game with a reasonably steep learning curve. However, for those willing to invest the time to master its intricacies, MotoGP25 offers a deeply rewarding and exhilarating racing experience.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    When Doom: The Dark Ages plays to its strengths, it is the ultimate in destruction. The mechanics of the Shield Saw work amazingly well, bringing something different to the series, and combined with the iconic Doom weaponry, provide for a smooth combat experience. And although the sections with the Atlan mech and the cybernetic dragon aren't as entertaining as the main combat phases, they are still enjoyable. The awesome soundtrack gets the heart pumping and sets the tone perfectly, whilst the visuals look stunning, with the cutscenes doing a wonderful job of continuing the story. A word of warning though, Doom: The Dark Ages does require a decent PC to run even on minimum. Indeed, if you were hoping to play on the go with a Steam Deck you will be disappointed. But if you have the system to play it, and enjoy shooters then Doom: The Dark Ages should definitely be on your must-play list.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    From thrilling turn-based combat to incredible artistic direction and a truly engrossing story, this is a hard game not to recommend to players of all preferences, and it has easily cemented itself as a contender for my game of the year.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 97 Critic Score
    A vast world, mechanics to sink your teeth into, and interspersed moments of light-heartedness as well as incredible stakes of an extraplanar threat, Oblivion Remastered is a perfect opportunity for new fans to become the Hero of Kvatch, and for old fans to reignite their love of a game that defined RPGs in the mid 2000s.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Moroi has some very rough edges, but despite that it has an extremely unique visual style and artistic design. If you have a dark sense of humour and enjoy the absurd and the macabre, I recommend it, just keep in mind that you may encounter several issues that may hinder your enjoyment of the game as they hindered mine
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Which Way Up: Galaxy Games offers a delightful and accessible party game experience that is perfect for families looking for indoor fun, especially when the weather outside is less than inviting. With its simple controls, vibrant visuals, and varied collection of mini-games provide hours of entertainment. While the two-player experience may lack some of the chaotic charm of larger groups, the game truly comes alive with three or more players, making it a stellar addition to any family's game night rotation. So, gather your crew, prepare for launch, and get ready for some gravity-defying fun in the whimsical world of Which Way Up: Galaxy Games.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Like your standard Soulslike, AI Limit is set in a dying world that is on the cusp of being snuffed out altogether. Though, at least it's somewhat original in how this miserable state of affairs came to pass.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Despite the nitpicks, Monster Hunter Wilds is a fantastic game and a fun iteration in the franchise. It's definitely showing it's growing pains, but what it does right, it really does right. It's energetic and exciting and worth the hunt when it's running well. It's quality of life improvements might rattle some, and we'll see how long the stay, but for me they really worked perfectly. Now if only the fix the dang multiplayer!
    • 76 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Overall Bleach: Rebirth of Souls is exactly what people might expect. A 3D arena fighter with over 30 of Tite Kubo's iconic characters. With an engaging style of combat as well as a great adaptation of the art style into 3D, the only negatives can be some feelings of repetitiveness, and that the game can be a bit resource intensive even for a modern release. If you're a fan of Bleach, of shonen in general, or even just of 3D arena fighters with a ranged cast, then Rebirth of Souls is a fantastic pick-up.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    If you're a fan of Supercross, then you'll likely enjoy Monster Energy Supercross 25. However, for casual fans, or those looking at getting into the series, be wary that this is a tough game to master. Slowly improving and gaining followers in the Career Mode is definitely rewarding though. The visuals are great and the soundtrack provides for an atmospheric experience, but the difficulty, even at the lowest level can be tough. The opposition racers are aggressive and competent, even down to the last rider, ensuring that a single mistake can cost you a race. And when some of these errors are no fault of your own, it can be a frustrating experience.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The vast majority of the game's shortcomings came down to glitches that can both end up fixed by the time I finish this sentence, and didn't ruin the experience too much anyway. Possibly the worst part is knowing that there are so many vagaries in the game that you start to wonder if those "glitches" are intentional. It's a heck of a game, a darn good horror game, and one twisted, fantastic experience. So get out of the apartment, make friends with some Lovecraftian monsters, and don't forget to look outside.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The Talos Principle: Reawakened remakes and reanimates the 2014 original for a new generation and a new generation of players. Beyond the extraordinarily deep and dense puzzles, beyond the expertly written story and philosophy, and beyond the beautiful art and audio direction, lies a game that succeeds in bridging people's understanding of what a game can be. It is the kind of game I would recommend to anyone, regardless of if they play videogames or not.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Atomfall is a game that respects the player's intelligence and rewards curiosity. It doesn't hold your hand with a deluge of mandatory objectives, instead offering the freedom to pursue Leads at your own pace and explore the ravaged landscape as you see fit. This player-driven approach ensures that each playthrough feels distinct, shaped by the individual's willingness to delve into the mysteries and dangers of post-nuclear Cumberland. If you're a player who appreciates atmosphere, emergent gameplay, and the satisfaction of uncovering secrets through your own initiative, Atomfall is a journey into a hauntingly beautiful and intellectually engaging world.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Level Devil really does revel in watching the player fail, and fortunately it is often amusing to fall victim to its many hidden traps. The pacing might struggle a few times, with a few of the levels becoming more tedious than entertaining, but there are still plenty of opportunities for the player to find enjoyment in either seeing what the game has to offer with its tricks or trying to solve the puzzle of finishing a level without dying. When all is said and done, even though the game lacks a great degree of challenge, it does keep the fun rolling on a level-to-level basis. There's a demarcated spot for future levels in addition to some secret levels to find and a speedrun mode, so it has legs beyond the first playthrough, too. The game might want the player to hate it, but it's hard not to enjoy this ride.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Even with the keyboard and mouse control issues I do like this game a lot because game play is right up my alley. It's an interesting subject and there is a very well developed story that includes a great team history for your team along with the other sports establishments that you work on. The game looks and sounds good as well, and all in all Sports: Renovations is a solid entry in to the sports rebuilding genre of PC games. It just might need a few tweaks.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed Shadows is the best representation of being a pure Shinobi since probably 2005, and will probably remain that way for a while.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    KARMA: The Dark World is some of the most fun I've had with a game this year. It takes a potentially tired setting and injects artistry and life into it, delivering a compelling package that's thrilling, terrifying, emotive, and satisfying. For these reasons, it's an easy game to recommend not only for those inherently interested in the genre but for anyone looking for an enthralling jaunt.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Centum is an alienating game to play. It is ugly, confusing, and frequently deeply disturbing. The characters you control will allude to history and relationships you can only guess at, so when selecting your dialogue options you will often have to stop and wonder "Is this a lie?" Fortunately, beneath the surreal imagery, the religious metaphors, and the deliberately obscure plot, Centum is a familiar game. It's your standard point-and-click adventure model where you navigate through a pixel environment collecting key items and using them to solve puzzles. This well-worn gameplay style is a good decision, because were the gameplay as obscure and alienating as the plot, characters, and visuals, I don't think anyone would be able to finish the first chapter.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Taking a position on this game has been very difficult, as on one hand I am an unapologetic day one fan of both prior Two Point games, and there is much in this newest entry's foundation that I do appreciate. However, the redoubled severity of the micromanagement required in order to play, in combination with the often-shoddy AI, makes playing a thoroughly unenjoyable experience. I admire the Two Point team's vision for what they likely intended this game to be, while also standing firm in my decision not to recommend it to players at this time. Take the time to instead go back and start a new run of Two Point Campus. It's well worth another go.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Ultimately all of its component parts come together to make a game that needs to be played primarily because of how it feels. How it feels to play and how it feels to discover the bits of joy both big and small. There's no other way to do it justice.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Roughly 15 years since the release of Tales of Graces f, it's still well worth the journey. The story, although familiar for the JRPG genre, is well told with enjoyable characters. When Graces f originally came out it was well received but swallowed up in the passage of time, so it's great that it's getting another go around with the remaster. It may not be perfect, but I think it's worth being remembered as a great game.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Urban Myth Dissoution Center could have perhaps benefitted from a bit more streamlining here or there, but overall, it is a compelling and charming package that leans heavily into its theme and presents its story - however linear - with pleasing pixel graphics and a wonderfully atmosphere. Moreover, the ending is quite bold, but that's for players to discover and not for me to spoil here. This title may not quite scratch the itch for people looking to flex their skills of deduction and puzzle solving, but it should be a great fit for anyone ok with a more visual novel-style approach and experience.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Carmen Sandiego, like the character, has a bit of an identity crisis. The mini-games are very simple and the fact that the game is educational in nature, gives the indication that the game was designed for younger students. But then there are some cryptic clues, particularly those about the identity of the thieves that children will struggle to solve. But in all, the game does a reasonable job in its two main objectives - being entertaining and educational. In the review code, I did spend a lot of time visiting the same cities, so players will become quite familiar with the destinations throughout the course of the game. Of course, this kind of repetition is a valuable educational tool. The puzzles and mini games are fun (even if they're on the simple side), the visuals are bright and colourful and visiting the various cities of the world to track down the VILE henchmen is rewarding. And if you're like me and have kids of your own now, then Carmen Sandiego will bring back a touch of nostalgia, especially when you spot some of the Easter Eggs from the original.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    In all, Big Helmet Heroes is a very fun game that is simple and silly in all the best and most charming ways. It can be a bit laggy at times, but with over thirty characters with four main fighting styles, it's a very satisfying romp especially with a friend. For any players that love a wacky beat 'em up, games to play with friends, or both, Big Helmet Heroes is certainly one to take a look at!
    • 60 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Unfortunately, the aggressive monetisation and shallow gameplay loop in Synduality Echo of Ada let down some excellent stylistic choices, atmosphere and characterisation. I enjoyed the funny interactions I had with my Magus and Yoshio, as well as the art style and the feel of my Coffin on the Earth, but I don't feel I have anything to gain by continuing to play, and I don't think the monetisation is fair.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 66 Critic Score
    Ultimately, this ant colony simulator offers a unique and engaging experience, but it's one that could benefit from some streamlining and refinement. The core mechanics are solid, but the frustrating micro-management of the science system and the somewhat disjointed island exploration prevent it from truly shining. It's a game with a lot of potential, but it needs a bit more polish to truly capture the magic of a thriving, interconnected ant empire.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a very enjoyable game with a lot to do, and players can spend plenty of time exploring Honolulu or playing minigames without even engaging all that much with the story. There's plenty to do and a large amount of it is incredibly fun, from using a baseball bat and a cannonball to blow up exploding barrels or just fighting your way up through the ranks of the pirate arena. The only real flaw this reviewer could find is that it might be a bit too eccentric for players that might not be used to the Yakuza series, and even for the series Pirate Yakuza goes a bit beyond the pale. But if you're ready to embrace the madness, hoist the sails, and take the helm- this game is a fantastic experience that no Yakuza or pirate fan should miss, and is a blast from start to finish.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    In short, Ready or Not: Dark Waters has one great level, one bad level, and one entirely-boring level; a wide degree of variety that may or may not be entirely what you signed up for. At only $9.99 or your regional equivalent, three total levels is not a bad value proposition. One just wishes there was more consistency in the quality department.

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