IGN Benelux's Scores

  • Games
Select another publication »
For 162 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 53% higher than the average critic
  • 3% same as the average critic
  • 44% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 4.8 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 80
Highest review score: 100 Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Lowest review score: 55 South Park: Snow Day!
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 123 out of 162
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 162
  3. Negative: 0 out of 162
163 game reviews
view
per page
    • 95 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
    I find it hard to say whether Tears of the Kingdom is worth revisiting on the Switch 2 for returning players. I haven’t had that experience myself, after all. Plus, the €10 upgrade only gets you a higher resolution, HDR, and a more stable framerate — nothing that truly shakes things up functionally. That said, I do expect that almost anyone with a save file from 2023 still has plenty left to do before reaching 100%. For new players or returning Zelda fans who walked away from Breath of the Wild disappointed back then, I’d say: give it a chance. After playing Tears of the Kingdom, I’m still not entirely convinced — I’d love to see a brand-new, traditional Zelda on the Switch 2. That said, I’ve come to appreciate the direction Zelda took in 2017 a lot more now.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Alters
    The heavy subject matter full of big questions, the stressful gameplay loop, and the consequences of a failed mission make The Alters far from an easy game to get through. However, it’s also one of the most original and emotionally impactful games I’ve played in a long time. On paper, a game where you survive by working together with your own clones sounds incredibly ambitious—especially for a relatively small studio in Poland. But with The Alters, 11 Bit Studios has once again delivered a fantastic, grim, and deeply engaging survival title.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    Dune: Awakening
    Dune: Awakening might just be one of the most challenging, difficult, and entertaining survival games I’ve ever played, with the survival aspect standing out head and shoulders above the rest. However, the combat, story, repetitiveness, and the sheer number of bugs are genuinely disappointing. Still, if you're a fan of the Dune universe or simply love survival games, Dune: Awakening is a must-play.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    FAST Fusion
    FAST Fusion is a delightful racer with lightning-fast gameplay and some cool new mechanics. The game doesn’t offer a huge amount of content, but that’s perfectly fine for a price of 15 euros. Once again, FAST proves to be the ideal racer to alternate with Mario Kart. Visually, the game runs incredibly smoothly, although I do hope the image quality in handheld mode gets a bit of an upgrade through a patch.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Mario Kart World
    Mario Kart World is the ultimate evolution of the series, bringing together everything that worked before into one ambitious game. Racing feels more creative than ever, and despite a few setbacks, it’s an impressive experience.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
    All in all, the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a decent little game that you can finish in an afternoon. The tech demos are fun to try out, and the minigames are fairly amusing as well. However, when it comes to the quizzes and the hidden object sections, the game really misses the mark for me. I definitely wouldn’t spend money on it—especially since it's essentially just an interactive manual and tech demo. In that regard, Nintendo could learn a lot from Sony, which bundled a far better game disguised as a tech demo for free with the PlayStation 5.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    to a T
    The extra content isn't particularly special, but the minigames do help position To a T more as a game than an experiment. Still, it contains all the experimental craziness you’d expect from Keita Takahashi. To a T is once again an absurd trip that only Keita Takahashi could create. It’s not the longest or most profound game you’ll experience this year, but it overflows with charm, humor, and Takahashi’s unique personality.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Train 2
    Monster Train was already brilliant, but this sequel streamlines the experience while making it fairer and more challenging. I thoroughly enjoyed the wealth of options and the constant sense of progression as you unlock new content. Every run can play out completely differently thanks to the many variables, and there’s plenty to dive into with challenge runs and other optional modes. Factions have strong synergies, and there are countless paths to success. The new art style and soundtrack are impressive, but the true star is the gameplay – a must-try for any fan of tactical games, deckbuilders, and roguelikes.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
    Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time feels like it was made by fans of the original with the mindset: let’s fix everything that could be improved and make what was already good even more fun. And in my opinion, Level-5 has absolutely succeeded. The game is accessible yet impressively deep. Each of the fourteen different Lives has something unique to offer, and the game is packed with fun activities, quests, and secrets to discover. Longtime fans already know that Level-5 has delivered plenty of great RPGs in the past, but I didn’t expect the leap in quality over the original to be this significant. Then again, these are the kinds of surprises we gamers live for.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Elden Ring Nightreign
    Elden Ring Nightreign is a bold and surprisingly successful evolution of the Elden Ring we know. With this co-op spin-off, FromSoftware proves that the world of Elden Ring also thrives in a more social setting, without compromising on challenge or atmosphere. In fact, the presentation during certain boss fights might even surpass the original, precisely because so much attention has been paid to it. The addition of teamplay, roguelite elements, and nostalgic bosses from earlier titles results in a game that feels both familiar and refreshing.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    F1 25
    F1 25 offers a very complete package this year. The new features are all focused on the sport itself, and Braking Point is once again exceptionally entertaining. Codemasters hasn’t changed a great deal compared to last season, but every tweak hits the mark. It’s a shame that PSVR2 owners are still being left out. With the major 2026 changes on the horizon, F1 25 is an excellent way to say goodbye to the current generation of cars.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    RoadCraft
    Despite minor frustrations, *Roadcraft* manages to deliver an engaging and unique experience. By focusing more on restoring infrastructure than driving in the absence of it, there's less immediate challenge compared to its predecessors. After all, it’s less about carefully steering a massive truck up a narrow mountain trail, and more about making that mountain accessible through thoughtful planning. It’s surprisingly fun and varied work—but you do need to have patience for it.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DOOM: The Dark Ages
    DOOM: The Dark Ages has turned out to be an excellent shooter, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of DOOM: Eternal. What remains is a stellar shooter campaign that feels more like the original DOOM games, crafted by the masters of the genre. And that’s more than enough to keep me satisfied until the next installment.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sunderfolk
    Sunderfolk is a unique RPG, and not just because of how you control it. Choosing and placing attacks via your phone makes everything feel more tangible than with a controller, and it also provides more information between turns. It's built for multiplayer, so make sure to play with one or more friends to get the most out of it. The systems run deep, from building your deck and picking the best card, to making sure the Fate cards deliver the best buffs and the least harmful debuffs. Missions vary, and above all, the game looks charming and delightful, backed by a great soundtrack and, most importantly, brilliant voice acting that truly captures the feel of a Dungeons & Dragons session.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
    Dozens of hours later, I have to conclude that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remaster is—and remains—a fantastic game. The frustration from crashes or poor performance quickly gives way to nostalgic enjoyment. That feeling of wanting to complete just one more quest or self-imposed task still holds strong after all these years. Oblivion might not be the best game of 2025, but it will probably be the one I spend the most time with this year.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    South of Midnight
    South of Midnight is in many ways a small masterpiece—at least visually. The unique art style is truly stunning and could easily win awards for its art direction. Compulsion Games brings to life a world rarely seen in games, full of atmosphere and folklore. Unfortunately, the game falls short in terms of gameplay. The combat is too basic and repetitive, the level structure is predictable, and traversal lacks challenge. It’s never truly bad, but rarely engaging. If you have Game Pass, it’s definitely worth checking out to experience its unique vibe. But if you decide to skip it, you’re not missing all that much either. Hopefully, Compulsion will deliver a sequel in the future that pairs its visual magic with gameplay that matches that same level.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    RuneScape: Dragonwilds
    Although Dragonwilds isn’t a major innovator in the genre just yet, it has enough charm and potential to keep an eye on. It’s an interesting spin-off that doesn’t betray the RuneScape DNA, but rather places it in a new context. If this is the first step in a new direction for Jagex, it’s certainly a bold one. The game is still in Early Access, so the potential to develop it into something unique is definitely there. [Early Access Score = 65]
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Amerzone - The Explorer's Legacy
    Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy offers a nostalgic and immersive experience. Despite some technical shortcomings and a lack of significant innovation, the game remains a visual and narrative gem. It's highly recommended for new players and fans of narrative-driven puzzle games. However, seasoned players familiar with the original might expect a bit more innovation.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a fantastic game that everyone should play. The combat is a unique combination of turn-based and real-time, while the game completely captivates you with an immersive story and interesting characters. The focus on exploration is special, but occasionally ensures that you as a player can get lost. Still, this is only a small downside in an otherwise excellent game. For me, it is the best game I have played this year so far and there is a good chance that this will not change in the coming months.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Batman: Arkham Shadow
    With how skeptical and disappointed I was at the announcement, I never expected to be so impressed by Arkham Shadow. It flawlessly translates the atmosphere and gameplay of the ‘flat screen’ games to the standalone VR headset. If you own a Meta Quest 3 or 3S, this is truly a must-play.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars
    Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars finally gives players access to two of the most beloved RPGs of all time once again. It’s definitely a shame that more hasn’t been done to enhance both titles, but there’s a reason why fans still regularly revisit the original games. Both games continue to impress, and every JRPG fan should have played them at least once. Fortunately, that’s now easier than ever. I can only hope that the renewed attention for the series will finally lead to a new game (and no, a mobile gacha title doesn’t count).
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed Shadows
    Assassin’s Creed Shadows presents a beautifully crafted world that is definitely worth exploring. The various activities you encounter in the world are enjoyable but could offer more variety. The story of Assassin’s Creed Shadows revolves largely around revenge and doesn’t have much depth, and in the case of Naoe, her adventure even feels incomplete by the time the credits roll. Fortunately, that doesn’t take away from the fact that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has a lot to offer. A massive number of missions, plenty of despicable people to take down, and, of course, the stunning setting more than make up for its weaker aspects. However, this Assassin’s Creed is anything but groundbreaking.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Wanderstop
    As a 'cozy game,' Wanderstop has little to offer: it's simple, shallow, and gives you little to work toward. But that’s exactly the point. Wanderstop forces both you and the burnout-recovering Alta to slow down and reflect on yourself and the life you lead. That may not sound very cozy and might even seem depressing. Yet, well-written characters and Wreden’s signature humor add a cheerful touch.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Split Fiction
    Split Fiction is a really cool co-op experience, but where I could recommend It Takes Two without hesitation, the latest game from Hazelight Studios comes with some reservations. The concept of two completely different worlds is brilliant, and the game bombards you with gameplay ideas that follow each other in quick succession. However, when you add it all up, the whole experience quickly becomes chaotic.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Wilds
    The foundation of Monster Hunter Wilds is rock solid. The game is smoother and more streamlined than ever. It’s also more beautiful and spectacular than any of its predecessors. On top of that, it’s incredibly accessible for new players. However, at least in its current state, it offers little resistance, meaning you’ll breeze through it – especially as a Monster Hunter veteran.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
    Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii isn’t as creative as its subtitle suggests. Nearly all environments and activities feel familiar. This is often the case with Yakuza games—especially now that it’s become an annual franchise. Other entries in the series at least make up for it with a compelling plot, but Pirate Yakuza stumbles in that regard. The only things it can rely on are the usual Yakuza systems, the pirate setting, and the main character. Admittedly, all of those elements are fantastic. I sincerely hope that Majima gets another chance to set sail in a better-written adventure.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1
    Don’t Nod has once again managed to deliver a captivating story, subtly and realistically portraying the struggles and highlights of teenage life. The switch between the two timelines adds dynamic gameplay, where your choices truly impact both the present and the past. While there are occasional awkward moments in the game, the atmosphere and experiences create a beautiful game that truly tugs at your emotions. I’m curious to see what the second part has in store for us and whether it can surpass the first.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Avowed
    Obsidian Entertainment has once again crafted a stunning RPG with Avowed, featuring a dynamic world that feels incredibly alive and combat that flows smoothly. Meaningful decisions are at the heart of the game, with everything reacting to your choices – whether it’s NPCs or the way the world evolves. Every aspect of the game feels carefully thought out. While the story wasn’t always equally compelling, it remained engaging enough thanks to exciting twists and tough moral choices. As a result, Avowed is a fantastic example of how a great modern open-world RPG should be designed.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
    Fans of the original will get more of what they know, but newcomers can also pick up Kingdom Come: Deliverance II effortlessly. It’s a wonderfully realistic RPG where countless systems seamlessly intertwine within a beautifully designed open world.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sid Meier's Civilization VII
    Civilization 7 is a true innovation for the 4X genre. And while many of the improvements and additions aren’t new—such as changing cultures per Age—Firaxis has perfected them. Thanks to the shorter gameplay loop and quest-based progression, the notorious late-game slog is a thing of the past. Military units have been streamlined, and city-building offers more freedom, with complex systems from previous entries wisely simplified. The biggest drawback, however, lies in the presentation: in many aspects, it falls short—so much so that it detracts from the overall experience, which is a real shame.
Page:

Top Trailers

See all »
See all trailers »