IGN Japan's Scores

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For 439 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 53% higher than the average critic
  • 8% same as the average critic
  • 39% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 3.9 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 79
Highest review score: 100 Pokemon Pokopia
Lowest review score: 25 The Quiet Man
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 298 out of 439
  2. Mixed: 136 out of 439
  3. Negative: 5 out of 439
439 game reviews
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    • 92 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 6
    Forza Horizon 6 is an ambitious new entry in the Forza Horizon series, brought to life with tremendous passion by Playground Games. Cruising through its vast open world while familiar J-pop songs play in the background, taking in famous landmarks like a tourist on a road trip, delivers a truly exceptional driving experience. Dynamic set pieces—such as racing against giant robots and fighter jets—add plenty of spectacle, while the game’s occasional use of stylized exaggeration makes both Japan’s landmarks and the gameplay itself even more captivating. On the other hand, the limited selection of objects available in the build mode, the inability to visit Mount Fuji directly, and the lack of massive, jaw-dropping sequences like those seen in previous entries leave some room for disappointment.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    inKONBINI: One Store. Many Stories.
    inKONBINI successfully combines a gameplay experience that has you working the late-night shift at a convenience store with strong storytelling that connects you to fellow staff members and customers alike. From a Japanese standpoint, there are certainly moments that feel a bit inauthentic, and it’s unfortunate that the Japanese localization leaves room for improvement. Even so, by blending a VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action-like narrative style with a commitment to realism that was inspired by Shenmue, inKONBINI ultimately delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that is well worth your time.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Marathon
    Marathon is an ambitious effort from veteran FPS developer Bungie, channeling its expertise into the extraction shooter genre. The act of firing its weapons feels undeniably satisfying, and the loop grows more addictive with each run. That said, the roughness of its UI and task design is hard to overlook. Still, the rapid rollout of quality-of-life patches within just two weeks of launch clearly shows Bungie’s commitment to seriously supporting and improving the game.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
    Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream feels like a kind of chemical experiment, where the player’s imagination collides with the game’s unpredictable interpretations to create laugh-out-loud, emergent moments. New systems like Little Quirks and the island’s shared lingo undeniably elevate the series’ core appeal. However, the experience of grinding into that loop ultimately works against it. While the limitations placed on sharing features are disappointing, its distinct identity still stands out—even in 2026, a year filled with rich and varied slow-life games.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    PRAGMATA
    A compact yet intricately crafted original third-person shooter. Its blend of hacking and gunplay successfully creates a unique sense of satisfaction, though it can occasionally feel a bit unfocused, leaving you wishing for greater weapon variety and more diverse combat styles. While the overall story leaves a somewhat muted impression, the lighthearted, everyday banter between the two main characters offers a charm unlike anything found in other games.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Life is Strange: Reunion
    Life is Strange: Double Exposure successfully course-corrects after its predecessor lost sight of the series’ direction. By toning down the more grim elements and refocusing on the relationship between Max and Chloe, as well as the dual-protagonist system, it recaptures the brilliance of its core appeal as a coming-of-age mystery. Its highly satisfying choices and conclusion provide a fitting and impressive landing as a final chapter.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Crimson Desert
    Crimson Desert is an open-world adventure game that boasts stunning visuals and an enormous amount of content. From challenging combat and puzzles to slower-paced activities such as trading and animal husbandry, it offers a wide variety of ways to play. That said, the game falls short in its storytelling, and some inconvenient systems leave it missing the mark in many respects, making it hard to call it universally accessible. Still, for those looking to embark on a complex, anything-but-straightforward ambitious journey, it’s a game well worth experiencing.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE
    Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake faithfully preserves the haunting charm of its story, where sadness, beauty, and eeriness coexist, while vividly reimagining the classic horror experience. Combat with the Camera Obscura can occasionally lack a sense of punch, which is a minor drawback, but the enhanced presentation gives the village an even more oppressive and unsettling atmosphere, and the gameplay now holds up well by modern standards. Though some aspects of its progression remain old-school, the game’s meticulous structure is still exceptional, making this remake in large part a welcome revival of a horror classic.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Pokemon Pokopia
    While drawing heavily from the lineage of Dragon Quest Builders, Pokémon Pokopia successfully translates the inherently complex creatures and systems of Pokémon into a cohesive gameplay loop, reconstructing the overall experience into something with the relaxed, leisurely pacing reminiscent of Animal Crossing. The Pokémon models are charmingly rendered, and the distant scenery showcases the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2. With the potential to become a long-beloved staple title for the platform, it also represents a breakthrough in how the Pokémon IP can be approached, resulting in a game with a uniquely impressive level of polish and accomplishment.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Code Vein II
    CODE VEIN II isn’t merely an evolution into an open-field format; it’s a carefully refined follow-up that identifies and polishes the weaker elements of its predecessor. The revamped Buddy System in particular feels like a true innovation, transformed into something entirely new that brilliantly balances tension with a strong sense of camaraderie in battle. The story, however, leans heavily on repetition and often lacks emotional impact. Even so, thanks to its many user-friendly features, CODE VEIN II stands as a Soulslike—indeed, an Elden-like—that can be confidently recommended to a wide range of players.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Resident Evil Requiem
    Resident Evil Requiem fuses the horror sensibilities of the Resident Evil 2 remake with the exhilarating action of Resident Evil 4’s remake, rearticulating the series’ fundamental appeal in what feels like a definitive culmination. While its level design and gimmicks—heavily indebted to the legacy of past entries—occasionally verge on repetition, the game nevertheless delivers a sense of closure to Leon’s harrowing journey and stands as a remarkable realization of the franchise’s long-gestating ambitions. It is, without question, a requiem worthy of the series’ history—an elegy to the memories it has built over the years, and an experience well worth seeing through to the very end.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nioh 3
    While Nioh 3 offers a much greater sense of challenge and depth, there are lingering concerns about hitting a ceiling in terms of mastery, as well as balance issues—particularly the Ninja playstyle which seems to be overly powerful. Although the benefits of the open-field approach are strongly felt on the first map thanks to the satisfying loop of combat, exploration, and progression, the experience loses its shine from the midpoint onward for a variety of reasons. Even so, as a loot-driven action game, Nioh 3 retains a uniquely compelling presence, and its ability to keep players coming back for more remains firmly intact.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
    The HD-2D edition of Dragon Quest I & II is a masterful package that builds on the recent similar version of Dragon Quest III, overcoming that game's shortcomings while clearly positioning itself as a “sequel” to III. In particular, Dragon Quest I reconstructs the original game's exploration, combat and story with impressive quality. Dragon Quest II still has issues in areas like exploration and storytelling, but overall it shows a deep understanding of – and strong respect for – the original versions, making it a memorable remake.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ninja Gaiden 4
    NINJA GAIDEN 4 delivers an astonishing “high-risk, ultra-return” style of action. It goes far beyond simple parries or evasions — its system allows players to even toy with bosses by taking calculated risks, resulting in an incredibly satisfying gameplay experience. It truly opens up new possibilities for 3D action games and will undoubtedly stand as a significant milestone in the genre’s history. Whether everyone fully understands that right now, however, is another matter.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
    While the combos and the Shinobi Execution special attack may not be particularly unique, Shinobi's battle system is well crafted and delivers a strong sense of exhilaration. The consistently challenging level design and boss fights expand the classical appeal of 2D action into a modern context, offering something fresh for players tired of Soulslikes and Metroidvanias. That said, the story and worldbuilding remain stuck in the kind of B-grade sensibility often found in retro games, leaving something to be desired by the standards of contemporary videogames.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Ghost of Yotei
    Ghost of Yotei excels in design that speaks through experience rather than spectacle, with its flashback system seamlessly connecting story and exploration as it shifts between past and present. The field prioritizes density over sheer size, making even detours feel like an integral part of the world. The narrative, while framed as a single tale of revenge, gains depth from the presence of factions such as the Matsumae clan, the Ainu and the Six of Yotei, giving the stage more weight than the previous installment. While combat is still centered on the sword, Yotei introduces a wider variety of weapons, with mastery sequences that heighten its polish. Rather than finding flaws, one is overwhelmed by its craftsmanship and overall quality.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Silent Hill f
    In Silent Hill f, scenario writer Ryukishi07 has crafted an overwhelming story, yet the repetitive gameplay required to reach its conclusion diminishes the overall experience. The game's ambitious narrative structure – designed to overturn the player’s perception with each playthrough – clashes with game design that cannot fully support it, while its awkward distance from the traditional motifs of the series further complicates its evaluation. And yet, the story and characters themselves are undeniably genuine, carrying a value that deserves to be remembered and retold for generations to come.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
    RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is not a remaster that relies solely on nostalgia. With fully voiced storytelling and refreshed graphics, the sense of immersion has been deepened, and the Imperial Capital — where modernization and superstition, science and the occult intertwine — feels more alive. Battles have been refined into a polished action experience through a variety of new elements, while the distinctive resource management system feels innovative even today. The one shortcoming lies in the simplicity of ally demon AI, which at times clashes with the freedom of character development. Even so, this work has successfully transformed from an eccentric title into an epic that can truly reach a wide audience.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
    Death Stranding 2 boasts stunning visuals and refined gameplay that builds upon the strengths of its predecessor. Additionally, the story, consistently developed around the central theme of connection, is truly impressive. On the other hand, the introduction of new gameplay elements is limited, resulting in a somewhat lacking sense of freshness. The storytelling also feels underwhelming for much of the game, with little development until the final stages. Overall, while the game achieves a high level of polish, it fails to deliver much in the way of further innovation.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    to a T
    to a T is the strangest game I have ever played. It starts out as a life simulator of a teen whose body is stuck in a T-pose, but it becomes even weirder as the game progresses. It’s a fascinating story-driven adventure that makes clever use of interaction, but its sandbox exploration is average at best. The message it tries to deliver toward the end felt conventional and shallow, but the journey was so crazy and funny it hardly mattered.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed Shadows
    Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ beautifully realized open world, engaging story and lively characters are some of its greatest strengths. On the other hand, its side activities are not of the scale we have come to expect from the series, while some of the game’s mechanics feel underdeveloped, making it a game with both strong and weak points.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
    Goro Majima takes the lead in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. This is an action-adventure game with a unique setting in which fan favorite Majima becomes a pirate in modern-day Hawaii. Fans can finally use his iconic fighting style during battles, while an all new combat system that incorporates the game’s pirate theme is added as well. Although the main story doesn’t utilize the game’s spacious field to the max, the game packs in a lot of content to enjoy.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Wilds
    The vast and detailed world of Monster Hunter Wilds is spectacular. Although I have some minor complaints, Capcom has managed to expand the game's scale while also making it easier to play, which is quite an achievement. The Focus Mode mechanic that allows players to target their prey's weak points is another welcome improvement. Although the story becomes a little frustrating towards the end, Wilds is carefully crafted to allow you to concentrate on the narrative and enjoy it.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
    With beautiful visuals and new scenes in its story, this remake successfully translates the original’s charm and storytelling that allows the player to imagine the world and story in their own way. However, the essence of this adventure is diluted by the many modern quality of life improvements, resulting in a remake that takes a direction that can be questionable for fans of the original.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a unique gameplay experience in which stress is part of the fun. While a multitude of bugs and other issues stand in its way, the game’s appeal is strong enough to overcome these shortcomings. While difficult to understand for newcomers, the story is a perfect culmination of the series and the ultimate love letter to its fans.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Infinity Nikki
    Infinity Nikki is an ambitious title that combines dress-up elements with open world gameplay. While it succeeds in creating an open world that feels unique and fresh, it comes with flaws such as an underdeveloped combat system.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dynasty Warriors: Origins
    Dynasty Warriors: Origins brings the series’ concept of beating up hordes of enemies to a new level due to more varied and better-paced gameplay. While the way characters interact with each other and the protagonist’s own story can feel a bit awkward, experiencing China’s Romance of the Three Kingdoms period as a nameless warrior is extremely satisfying.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Silent Hill 2
    This remake pays the utmost respect to the original, and successfully brings a classic story that depicts human weakness into the modern era. It also brings back the fun of classic survival horror with a nerve-wracking over-the-shoulder combat system. It is a masterpiece that should serve as a benchmark for future installments in the Silent Hill series.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
    Not just the wide range of new weapons and magic, but also challenging yet well-designed boss battles make Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree an experience well worth your time. However, the lack in variety of new regular enemies and an open world that feels too big for its own good make this DLC feel less polished than the original game.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Astro Bot
    Astro Bot is a fantastic 3D platformer that does not disappoint. Astro and the other bots are always endearing, stages are full of variety and creativity, and the incorporation of the DualSense controller and classic PlayStation characters offer plenty of new gameplay. While the game isn’t very long, top-notch quality shines throughout.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Stellar Blade
    There’s a lot of fun to be had with Stellar Blade’s combat, which is exhilarating and also offers a sense of accomplishment. The unique visuals and soundtrack are of high quality as well. While its game design might not shine with originality, Stellar Blade is a well made videogame overall. That being said, while taking a story-focused approach, Stellar Blade’s scenario and world-building felt clichéd and left us disappointed. With some boss battles being reused and tedious side quests, the experience started to drag a bit during the latter half.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
    Everything that makes Eiyuden Chronicle great is introduced in the first part of the game. From the 120 heroes that you can recruit to the epic one-vs-one duels, its game systems always make you feel the heat of the story. While the difficult turn-based battles might not be for everyone, as long as you prepare well they are a lot of fun to engage in. The soundtrack is great, but when played with headphones the sound balance seems a little off at times. Recruiting the 120 heroes functions as a rewarding side activity. Not being able to develop your town as you wish without certain heroes can prove frustrating at times, but the way your fate is influenced by the particular set of characters you’ve crossed paths with is a part of Eiyuden Chronicle’s unique charm.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
    As a turn-based RPG, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is an absolute banger. By allowing the player to freely move each character in their party during battles, combat is both more strategic and more exhilarating than the series’ previous turn-based installment. The Hawaii setting is both expansive and dense, with almost too much going on. The story features both protagonists Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu, resulting in a tale that culminates the series as a whole.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Granblue Fantasy: Relink
    Granblue Fantasy: Relink does a great job of incorporating elements from the original game at a high standard of quality. The story could have been introduced better, unlockable characters would have benefited from a bit more care and the lack of a map or mini-map is baffling. That being said, Granblue Fantasy: Relink’s exhilarating action and gorgeous visuals more than make up for its shortcomings.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rise of the Ronin
    As a historical game set during the end of Japan’s Edo Period, Rise of the Ronin is an absolute masterpiece that can not be praised enough. At the same time, as an open world game, Rise of the Ronin is a dated experience that I have many complaints about. For most players who are simply looking for an open world action game, knock one or two points off this score. That being said, its immersive storytelling is something truly exceptional, to the extent that your view on historical games will probably change after playing Rise of the Ronin. As someone fond of history, Rise of the Ronin is a game I won’t forget.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is packed with well-crafted content, and unlike its predecessor, none of it feels like filler. While Cloud’s new and unknown journey isn’t finished just yet, Rebirth already delivers an emotional story that could have only been achieved with a remake. While a small amount of the minigames can be tedious, from exploration to battle, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a top-notch experience. It delivers a surprising amount of quality, quantity and diversity in its content, to the extent that there pretty much isn’t anything like it.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
    Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has everything you would want from a Metroidvania game: Both its combat and platforming are quality. However, it doesn’t really bring anything new to the genre, and the story isn’t anything to write home about either.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Mario RPG
    Super Mario RPG is a great remake that manages to keep what made the original so memorable intact while refining it as well. Not only are the visuals and sound greatly improved, but the tweaked battle system makes it genuinely more fun to play. That being said, this is still fundamentally the same game, and Super Mario RPG does show its age at times.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Laika: Aged Through Blood
    Laika: Aged Through Blood is a blend between motor racing and gun action that feels somewhat similar to the Trials series. While the exploration elements don’t quite hit, shooting at enemies while riding a bike feels fresh and satisfying. Elements besides the gameplay, such as a melancholic soundtrack, are also well executed, and the story that depicts the relationship between Laika and her daughter feels novel in an action game like this.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
    With a fantastic story, interesting lore, and great graphics and presentation, Phantom Liberty succeeds in expanding Cyberpunk 2077’s already rich world even further. While some of the individual side quests can come off as weak, they do a good job in contributing to Cyberpunk 2077’s world. With this DLC and patch 2.0, Cyberpunk 2077 has become a complete and pretty much flawless package.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Forza Motorsport
    The Forza series is famous for its engine sounds, which have reached new heights for Forza Motorsport. The graphics are outstandingly beautiful, especially in their rendering of the air. The racing is highly enjoyable, and the powerful assistance makes it more playable with a normal controller. When played with a racing wheel controller, the force feedback is more accurate than before, making Forza Motorsport a simulator that is also fun to play. There is not much to do beyond racing, and if you want to modify your car things can get a little bit grindy, but Forza Motorsport does offer you the chance to learn more about cars.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Super Mario Bros. Wonder
    Super Mario Bros. Wonder implements the recent trend of adding adventure elements to the 2D action genre. The Wonder Flowers cause surprising twists and the new multiplayer contributes to making a new 2D Mario adventure feel fresh again. That being said, we would have wanted Super Mario Bros. Wonder to feel even more wondrous.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Remnant II
    Remnant II is a TPS that combines Souls-like hard boss fights with treasure hunting that allows the player to create new builds. The campaign's randomly generated stages and extraordinary amount of secrets greatly enhance the fun of the treasure hunting element.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical
    Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical is a unique combination of a Greek mythology murder mystery and a musical. With its sexy characters and variety of memorable songs the musical part is especially powerful, and enough to make this an unforgettable experience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Enjoy the Diner
    Enjoy the Diner is a game that fascinatingly depicts a place on the border between life and death. It succeeds in utilizing the inorganic feel of a minimalist visual novel as an expression of the story it wants to depict.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    F1 23
    While bugs and issues can stand in the way of your enjoyment, F1 23 has a lot of content, and its VR mode in particular is sensational. The story mode’s scenario also felt deeper when compared to previous entries.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pikmin 4
    Oatchi – a cute dog that learns new abilities throughout the game – was all that the Pikmin series needed to become more approachable. The series’ wide array of gameplay elements are implemented in the story, and some of them are tough enough to make even fans of the series feel challenged. Pikmin 4 is a great game that can satisfy both fans and newcomers alike.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
    Armored Core 6 has a true sense of speed and exhilaration, its robot design is everything a mech fan could wish for, and it even has an outstanding storyline. For fans of the series, some elements might feel lacking or different, but there is no doubt that this is the pinnacle of robot action.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Starfield
    Starfield’s vast universe is home to unique planets, factions and characters and offers a wide array of choices. It allows you to become whoever you want to be, and savor both the light and dark sides of the universe the way you want to. Starfield doesn’t only improve on Bethesda’s previous games, but gives birth to an entirely new universe that is the company’s best open-world RPG yet.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy XVI
    While Final Fantasy XVI is a focused game that has no hesitation in eliminating the unnecessary, the breathtaking realm of Valisthea feels polished like a true AAA title. It is a high-quality experience that can be cherished through its many details. That being said, the series’ more traditional tropes don’t always match Final Fantasy XVI’s modern production standards, which can at times stand in the way of the player’s enjoyment.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Street Fighter 6
    Street Fighter 6includes everything you could want from a modern fighting game, and the mechanics at the game’s core are complete at the time of release. The World Tour campaign suffers from an uninteresting story and battles that feel like a slog, but overall, Street Fighter 6 will satisfy a wide range of fighting game fans.
    • 96 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
    Breath of the Wild’s concept was described by Nintendo as “creating a game through multiplication”, but after playing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, its predecessor almost feels like a prototype. Not only are the amount of possibilities that Tears of the Kingdom’s level of multiplication offers so much more diverse, its field was designed to put those into practice to a much greater extent. Never before was the vast land of Hyrule packed with this amount of well-designed gameplay. Without a doubt, this is the best game in the series.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Like a Dragon: Ishin!
    With beloved characters from throughout the series, the remake of Like a Dragon: Ishin is an all-star game that fans of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series will appreciate. It makes you feel like you are watching an epic drama series about the Meiji Ishin period with your favorite characters starring as historical figures. While this remake does bring new elements such as a change in its cast and special skills becoming available during normal battles, compared to the series’ other remakes it feels a bit lacking in novelty.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Wild Hearts
    With great battle mechanics and karakuri crafting, Wild Hearts stands out as a unique hunting game. When playing alone it can feel a bit intimidating, but the difficulty becomes just right during multiplayer, which allows for interesting ways to chain different karakuri devices. While as a new IP there are certain elements of the game that could be improved upon and while there are some technical issues that hold it back, Wild Hearts is a game without any real major flaws.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Octopath Traveler II
    While the story can feel childish, altogether Octopath Traveler II takes what was great about its predecessor and makes it even better, resulting in a great sequel.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Meg's Monster
    Meg’s Monster is a great story game with clever twists, and even its battles contribute to the narrative. The relationship between Meg and her monster companion Roy is well written and deeply touching.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Resident Evil 4
    Resident Evil 4 is simply one of the best remakes out there. It doesn’t only modernize the original game, but also gives the player more ways to tackle combat. The updated knife combat in particular adds a whole new layer of fun. The graphics and sound are of high quality, and even the story moments and characters that were lacking in the original have been improved. That being said, in 2023, Resident Evil 4 doesn’t leave quite the same impact as the original did back in 2005.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
    Taking its cues from Nioh and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty boasts a number of challenging mechanics. The simple yet profound Kisei system and the Morale Rank system are innovative features, and the sheer speed of the combat is addictive. However, while the fundamentals of Wo Long are excellently made, it suffers from a number of problems both large and small, including an unwieldy UI, a one-dimensional story, and a lack of variety in both melee attacks and enemy types. If developer Team Ninja’s Nioh series is anything to go by, it’s possible that many of these problems will be resolved in future updates and DLC. For now, at least, Wo Long is a highly enjoyable game that falls just short of hitting the next level.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hogwarts Legacy
    Hogwarts Legacy is a detailed open world game focused around magic. It completely fulfills the dream of enrolling in the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While the game has its fair share of problems in terms of UI and performance, it isn’t just for Harry Potter fans: Its casual nature also makes it a great game for newcomers to open world games.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Hi-Fi Rush
    Hi-Fi Rush is a rock-themed masterpiece rhythm-action game. Its combat makes you feel like you’re performing on stage, and its wholesome story is exhilarating throughout. In 2023, there is simply no rhythm-action game that we could recommend more.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song Remastered
    Not only is Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered more playable than the original version, its added content also does a great job in making the game’s nonlinear “free scenario” system more fun. The new UI isn’t much of an improvement, and the experience has aged in some parts, but this remaster is definitely the best way to experience Minstrel Song.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pokemon Violet
    As the first mainline entry to depict a school-life story, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has appealing characters, mysterious twists and a well prepared ending, making it one of the best stories the series has ever had. While it struggles as an open world, the game approaches multiplayer in a new way and is full of elements that can be enjoyed for a long time.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pokemon Scarlet
    As the first mainline entry to depict a school-life story, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has appealing characters, mysterious twists and a well prepared ending, making it one of the best stories the series has ever had. While it struggles as an open world, the game approaches multiplayer in a new way and is full of elements that can be enjoyed for a long time.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
    Due to an increase in mobility, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopes is a deep and unique strategy game that is also easy to pick up. That being said, the story requires knowledge of both its predecessor and Super Mario Galaxy, and even if you do know them, it still lacks depth.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion
    As a prequel to one of gaming’s most beloved classics, Crisis Core did a great job of enriching the original game’s world as an action RPG on the PSP. This remaster not only enhances the visuals but also improves on many of the original’s shortcomings. While there still are some inconveniences, altogether Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is an exhilarating experience from start to finish.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A Space For The Unbound
    While A Space for the Unbound has a sweet and nostalgic playfeel, its deeper themes are heavier. The dragging storyline and lack of challenge in its puzzles can sometimes make it feel too long for its own good, but in the end it all comes together with a shocking reveal.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Forspoken
    Forspoken is an ambitious title that builds both its fluid movement and its battle system around the concept of magic. From comfortable exploration to speedy combat, this unique open world action RPG has plenty of appeal, and its story that depicts the spiritual growth of its young New Yorker protagonist is immersive. That being said, the game does have issues, such as a lack of variety in side quests and a hub area that takes too much time to navigate through.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Goodbye World
    Goodbye World is a short yet emotional tale of two struggling indie game creators that never turns into the obvious success story you might expect it to become. Despite its characters feeling symbolic and one-sided, it manages to feel genuine throughout its two-hour journey.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Signalis
    Signalis is a top-down action adventure game that was heavily inspired by classic survival horror titles. Although not for everyone, severe resource management makes every encounter with zombies frightening. Its science fiction and Lovecraft-inspired setting is well crafted, and the game’s puzzles fit in naturally. The story left me thinking, but for some players it might be frustrating that no real answers can be found in the game’s ending.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Metal: Hellsinger
    Metal: Hellsinger is a heavy metal FPS that feels like a love child between Doom and a rhythm game. While the lack of variation in its maps and boss battles is a pity, killing hordes of demons while listening to one of 2022’s best soundtracks is an exhilarating experience for sure.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Resident Evil Village Gold Edition
    While not bad, Resident Evil Village Gold Edition is an unremarkable version of a great game. The new content definitely plays it safe but delivers what the fans wanted.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    NeverAwake
    From graphics to game design, music and general playfeel, everything in NeverAwake is of surprisingly high quality. It reminded us of why we love shmups. Nearing the end of the game, the difficulty spikes and can feel a bit unfair, but that can also be seen as a part of the game’s identity as a shmup.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Easy Come Easy Golf
    Easy Come Easy Golf comes with a wide range of brand new courses of stable quality. Its video tutorials make it an accessible game for newcomers to the genre as well. Easy Come Easy Golf could have the potential to create a new generation of golf game fans.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Star Ocean: The Divine Force
    While Star Ocean: The Divine Force’s bold battle system is worth praising, the title shares many of the same issues as previous iterations in the series. That being said, its tale of adventure and well-portrayed party members make this a worthy new entry in the Star Ocean series.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Ultra Kaiju Monster Rancher
    Who would have thought that a collaboration with Monster Rancher would bring out the best of Ultra Kaiju’s long history and potential as a video game? It utilizes Monster Rancher’s unique systems to show sides of kaiju you would have never imagined. For the Monster Rancher series this is a major comeback. It learns from past mistakes to create a system that matches modern standards.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tactics Ogre: Reborn
    Using the PSP version as its base, Tactics Ogre: Reborn is a remake close to perfection. While the visuals might not be of the highest quality, combat and story will satisfy both fans and newcomers alike.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sonic Frontiers
    From overall balance to questionable design choices, Sonic Frontiers might not be as sophisticated or polished as the very best games out there. However, when it comes to discovery and sense of wonder, Sonic Frontier’s Open Zone design can proudly stand side by side with any open world masterpiece. While admittedly many of its activities are simple, the amount of content it offers is staggering. The Open Zones and their epic boss battles make great use of Sonic’s speed, creating an experience that still feels authentic to the character. While far from perfect, there hasn’t been a Sonic title that feels this relevant in a long time.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    God of War: Ragnarok
    With gorgeous visuals and well-thought-out level design, God of War Ragnarok’s magnificent tale has the potential to reach out to many people. It utilizes next-gen hardware to the maximum to create an experience that only a videogame can offer.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Soul Hackers 2
    As a hybrid between the occult and technology, Soul Hackers 2 boasts a unique world. The story, which depicts grown-up devil summoners, is its biggest appeal. In battles, powerful Sabbath attacks allow you to clean up all enemies with a single move, resulting in an exhilarating experience. That being said, the high encounter rate and overall tempo of battles do have pacing issues.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rollerdrome
    Rollerdrome is developer Roll7’s second success of 2022. By blending together skating and shooting gameplay, it manages to deliver an experience that we’ve all dreamed of but thought impossible. The game’s action becomes funner and cooler as you improve, which makes it hard to put down. A new classic in this genre for sure.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Last of Us Part I
    The main changes to The Last of Us Part 1 are in the character’s facial expressions and accessibility options, while the rest can be summed up as “extra features”. Compared with the original game, some scenes have actually decreased in quality and I came across bugs as well, which makes it a remake that comes with both advantages and disadvantages. While a conservative remake indeed, in the end the appeal of the original shines through.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Splatoon 3
    Splatoon 3 is like a theme park of mainly multiplayer-focused content, which makes it an ideal videogame. From versus matches to co-op and even a card game, Splatoon 3 can be enjoyed endlessly. Its appeal is so broad that being in the world of Splatoon itself feels like a treat.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Saints Row
    Combining the realistic settings from the series’ earlier titles with the over-the-top style of entries that came after Saints Row: The Third, this is an excellent reboot. That being said, a lack of polish in the gameplay department and low quality localization for Japan cannot be ignored.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Live A Live
    While an interesting counter to what RPGs were like back in 1994, it’s hard to deny that today Live A Live feels like a dated experience. That being said, as a remake this is a very well crafted game.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Xenoblade Chronicles 3
    Xenoblade 3 has high-quality cutscenes, a world worth exploring and a deep combat system. It also fixes some of the issues of previous titles in the series, making this an RPG that both fans and newcomers can enjoy for many hours. It’s too bad that the story ends without giving answers to many of our questions.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cult of the Lamb
    Cult of the Lamb is a cute yet dark and grotesque experience. The gameplay loop of managing a dark cult and exploring dungeons is quite addictive. However, in the latter half of the game conditions become more favorable for the player, to the extent that much of the game’s tension is lost.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Stray
    Stray doesn’t just deliver on the promise of traversing a detailed cyberpunk city as a cat, it’s also an exciting and varied experience packed with memorable characters and rewarding exploration. While the story itself might not be super special, the city and its characters will stay with you for a long time.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Redout 2
    Redout 2 is a dream come true for fans of superfast racing games. The revolutionary AI assist and a boosting system allow anyone to race against gravity at the overwhelming speed of 2000 kph. That being said, the career mode fails to make the game interesting beyond the pure racing.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dorfromantik
    Dorfromantik is a relaxing game that welcomes the player to a rural landscape. At the same time, it is an experience that allows the player to enjoy the fun and challenge of aiming for a high score as well. That means that the game can be enjoyed both as a relaxing break and as a serious undertaking, but never as something in between.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    FAR: Changing Tides
    FAR: Changing Tides has the player traverse through a submerged post-apocalyptic world, which is an experience that feels like a playable documentary. While definitely a fascinating journey to take, you won’t be able to fully appreciate it if you haven’t played its predecessor.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Weird West
    While being presented in the format of a traditional RPG, Weird West has shoot-outs that feel that they come right out of a cowboy movie, and offers quests with a ton of freedom. While the gameplay itself is simple, seeing the crazy Western setting through the lens of five different main characters is fascinating, and the mysterious story wraps up in an interesting way.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Patrick's Parabox
    Patrick’s Parabox shakes up the traditional formula of Sokoban (box pushing) puzzle games by implementing boxes within boxes. The moment you realize the box you are pushing is a stage in itself is something truly magical that adds new depth to the genre. The visuals, polish and difficulty balance make this one of the best games in the genre to date. A must-buy for any puzzle gamer.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    RPG Time: The Legend of Wright
    In RPG Time: The Legend of Wright, the player sets out on an adventure inside the notebook of an elementary school student. The immense variety and care that went into this game in surprising. As the hero of the game, you’re not just exploring and fighting, as there are many minigames and amazing little details to enjoy on each page of this notebook adventure. The game doesn’t hesitate to take you out of the notebook either, offering even more variety of content in all sorts of forms and shapes. That being said, in the end you’ll realize that RPG Time is more like an interactive storybook than an actual RPG with deep gameplay mechanics. If you were looking for the latter, RPG Time won’t be for you.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Kirby and the Forgotten Land
    The Kirby series has always offered fun with a wide array of copy abilities, which proves to be a great match for 3D. The newly implemented Mouthful Mode that allows Kirby to swallow large-scale objects and the ability to level up your copy abilities are great fun. While the extra stages that unlock after beating the main game are a bit of a disappointment, as a whole Kirby and the Forgotten Land is an extraordinarily well made 3D action game that celebrates our pink friend’s 30th anniversary in the best way possible.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    GhostWire: Tokyo
    Ghostwire: Tokyo is an FPS that could have only been delivered by a Japanese studio. From the main story and side missions to the detailed environments and appealing characters, for those who have been craving a game set in modern Japan, Ghostwire: Tokyo is an extremely satisfying experience. While the battle system can become a bit tedious and controls for healing feel inconvenient, the game deserves credit for delivering action that feels exhilarating without relying on grotesque visuals.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sol Cresta
    Sol Cresta is a new entry in a legendary series, this time developed by director Hideki Kamiya at PlatinumGames. While complicated mechanics and a difficulty jump in the game’s latter half make it hard to recommend to newcomers to the shmup genre, the formation-based gameplay and the pull of the scoreboard make Sol Cresta feel fresh while staying true to the genre’s roots. Even with a lack of variation in boss design and simple presentation, Sol Cresta is a satisfying game for fans of the genre.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    OlliOlli World
    OlliOlli World does a perfect job in bringing the coolness of skateboarding culture to the videogame format. Fair course design and a limitless scoring system make the gameplay appealing to both hardcore and casual gamers. The deep character customization is great too. OlliOlli World is just so good that even falling feels fun.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pokemon Legends: Arceus
    As a new entry in the Pokémon series, Pokémon Legends Arceus might deserve a 9, but if you were to think of it as a new RPG, a 7 might sound more fair. Roaming around in a large world and catching Pokémon in real-time itself is a blast, but the battle system is a bit too old-school for its own good, and the story never reaches its full potential. That said, it cannot be denied that Game Freak has finally created a new type of experience for this long running series.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Unpacking
    Whenever the protagonist of Unpacking moves to a new home, it is the player's task to open cardboard boxes and decide where her belongings should be placed. While this can be a tedious experience when you’re just putting socks into a drawer, whenever an item that conveys something about her life comes out of the box, Unpacking becomes a unique storytelling experience.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Triangle Strategy
    Triangle Strategy brings back a classical style of SRPG with modern HD-2D visuals and a refreshing branching story system. While not everything falls completely into place, a simple yet deep battle system, elaborate world building and serious character development add up to an epic tale that feels like the beginning of the comeback of a neglected genre.
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