IGN Japan's Scores
- Games
For 439 reviews, this publication has graded:
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53% higher than the average critic
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8% same as the average critic
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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: | Pokemon Pokopia | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest review score: | The Quiet Man |
Score distribution:
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Positive: 298 out of 439
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Mixed: 136 out of 439
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Negative: 5 out of 439
439
game
reviews
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- Critic Score
As a combination between the River City and Downtown areas, River City Girls’ town warmly welcomes all fans of the long-running River City Ransom series. For new players, the cute, poppy characters and the over-the-top battles should feel entertaining enough. However, the story is not tightly plotted, and generally not interesting enough for someone not familiar with the genre.- IGN Japan
- Posted Oct 8, 2019
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 29, 2022
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 2, 2023
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While the more story-driven experience of the new Volta mode definitely makes for an ambitious soccer game, it’s too bad that the story itself is so monotonous.- IGN Japan
- Posted Oct 8, 2019
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Everywhere in the world, people have fallen in love with this adorable goose and the friendly villagers who never punish it for its pranks. However, the village the game takes place in is way too small, and the harsh challenges that are thrown at you after beating the main game don’t match the cutesy atmosphere.- IGN Japan
- Posted Oct 8, 2019
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted Apr 22, 2024
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 22, 2023
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Quantic Dream successfully depicts a universal SF theme from a fresh angle by using a game system where choices the player makes stand central, and does so with incredibly realistic visuals. If only the story had been constructed a little more cleverly, there would have been no hesitation in calling this a gem.- IGN Japan
- Posted May 27, 2018
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Jumping around as a ninja in a cyberpunk world makes for a great retro-style game. Whenever a new type of action or mechanic is introduced, Cyber Shadow feels genuinely fresh. While its progression might be overwhelming at times, it’s a satisfying package for sure.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 5, 2021
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AI: The Somnium Files has a lot of dirty jokes, and its story is not very surprising. But still, it can not be denied that Kotaro Uchikoshi has created yet another work of outstanding artistry.- IGN Japan
- Posted Oct 8, 2019
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With a story set 100 years before Breath of the Wild, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is packed with cool surprises and emotional character moments that fans will adore. While the action feels great and exciting, the lack of strategic depth is noticeable. Still, the fact that this is no longer an all-stars spin-off game, but a title with a clear theme and story, shows new possibilities for the Warriors series and makes this a great title in itself.- IGN Japan
- Posted Dec 10, 2020
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Borderlands 3 does not only have an amazing story, it’s also close to being the definitive looter-shooter... So close.- IGN Japan
- Posted Oct 8, 2019
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A strange world where objects come to life is beautifully depicted with rich animations, making Forgotton Anne feel and look like a full-fledged anime movie. However, while the pacing is good, the puzzles in the latter half of the game lack variation. Some cutscenes could have had better animation, and the Japanese translation has room for improvement. Still, this is a magical adventure that is well worth your time nonetheless.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 31, 2019
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Lost in Random is a 3D action game with a focus on deck-building with magical cards. By having the player roll a dice, the game brings an interesting factor of chance to the table, but it can not be denied that this element can also work against itself.- IGN Japan
- Posted Nov 16, 2021
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This PS5 entry in the Atelier series delivers gorgeous anime-style visuals, which its alchemy mechanics make it easy to create equipment of the highest rank, making the speedy and dynamic combat a lot of fun. That being said, the game’s design can sometimes feel a bit too much on the user-friendly side, which can make the exploration feel tedious. While most of the story depicts the characters’ everyday lives, be prepared for a dramatic ending.- IGN Japan
- Posted Dec 28, 2020
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This expansion successfully blends the fun of synergy through enhancements of the roguelite genre with the unique action of the Splatoon series. It does lack volume, and it doesn’t offer the player enough opportunities to show off the enhancements they made. The art and sound design are stellar as always, but its presentation falls short and the story is not much more than a sequel to the events of Splatoon 2’s Octo Expansion.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 31, 2024
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ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos is an even better VR adventure than developer MyDearest’s last game, Tokyo Chronos. The satisfying story feels like a full-fledged robot anime. While improvements could be made to the ambitious UI, which incorporates AR to make the player’s actions within the game’s world feel more natural, both the story and stellar presentation make this a game any robot anime fan should buy a VR device for.- IGN Japan
- Posted Dec 10, 2020
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted Apr 20, 2026
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jul 4, 2022
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The Scion of Arland’s story and gameplay feel like a culmination of the series, and a tutorial system makes it a lot easier to jump in for newcomers. The soft-touch visuals match the atmosphere of the series, but the battle system brings in new ideas without much success. While some events could have been better explained for those not familiar with previous iterations, in the end this entry creates some of the most exciting moments in the series.- IGN Japan
- Posted Apr 29, 2019
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While certain parts of Trials of Mana definitely feel retro, as a whole Square Enix has crafted an extremely well renovated experience. What makes this a great remake is that both gameplay and visual revisions faithfully represent the original experience.- IGN Japan
- Posted May 7, 2020
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jan 27, 2023
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Forager is a game that gives you joy from the minute you start playing, and from there just continues delivering. With fun responses for the player’s actions, simple tasks feel a lot more engaging. Improvement in crafting efficiency keeps the gameplay feeling fresh, which prevents Forager from becoming tedious. By depicting the joy and sorrow of finding new material, Forager creates a story around the crafting gameplay itself. Forager can be enjoyed for as long as the player wants to. Finding your own way to solve problems might feel tough at first, but that’s what makes it so addictive in the end.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jun 28, 2019
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Good Job! is a game that allows you to complete stressful jobs or puzzles simply by completely demolishing the environment. Tearing apart everything you see in an office can be fun indeed, and some of the stages have great design. That said, ironically Good Job! reminds you that destruction can get boring when no one is trying to stop you.- IGN Japan
- Posted Apr 10, 2020
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Different from its predecessor, Life is Strange 2 brings more political themes to the table. Protagonist Sean’s little brother Daniel has supernatural powers, but is too young to distinguish between good and evil, and it is up to the player how you want to guide him. While interesting in theory, this results in a gameplay experience based almost entirely on making decisions, and supernatural elements are not put into use as cleverly as in the original Life is Strange. This makes Life is Strange 2 feel like it lacks focus, because most of its political themes are not fleshed out enough, and the ones that do work don’t really need supernatural elements in the first place.- IGN Japan
- Posted Apr 10, 2020
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Far Cry 5 does not come with any groundbreaking innovations, but solid updates make for a big step forward nonetheless. The game’s story will create hot discussions for sure.- IGN Japan
- Posted Apr 19, 2018
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fault - StP - LIGHTKRAVTE is the prequel of a visual novel series that started in 2013, but newcomers can enjoy this title with ease. The prequel’s story does feel a bit simple when compared to the main entry titles, but the easy-to-grasp theme of a boy who aspires to become a painter and a world that revolves around fictitious technology called manakravte are more than enough to satisfy those who like sci-fi or fantasy stories with a deep setting.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jul 4, 2022
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This masterpiece is an indication that eccentric developer Swery still has it. The touching story is so cleverly intertwined with its game design that it will leave you speechless.- IGN Japan
- Posted Oct 23, 2018
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Hardcore Mecha wonderfully pays homage to the Super Robot Wars series, and comes with cutscenes of high quality. Stages have been cleverly designed to prevent the game from becoming tedious, and the voluminous scenario and deep gameplay make it easy to get lost in Hardcore Mecha’s anime world. It’s too bad that with the exception of your character’s arch rival, other enemies don’t leave a lasting impression.- IGN Japan
- Posted Aug 1, 2019
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After being in development for many years, Indivisible is finally here. The graphics and sound are superb, and it’s fun to play too. However, its difficulty will not be for everyone, and the otherwise high level of polish is undermined by a lot of bugs. Furthermore, it can be hard to resonate with the protagonist’s actions, which creates distance between the game and the player. That being said, the story development towards the end of the game will bring you back into the experience, resulting in a game that is worth playing.- IGN Japan
- Posted Aug 7, 2020
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Blasphemous is a high-difficulty metroidvania-like side-scroller. Its gory violence is not for everyone, but together with its grim yet beautiful background scenery, it delivers a well-crafted ominous world. Just like a splatter movie, this is the kind of game you might want to dive into if you’re looking for serious thrills.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jan 28, 2020
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Due to the fact that this is a prequel, the storyline and characters of Life is Strange: Before the Storm feel a bit contrived. Nevertheless, despite these inconsistencies, fans of the original Life is Strange will still be moved by Chloe’s adventure.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jun 26, 2018
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Master Detective Archives: Rain Code has pacing issues and its puzzles aren’t very satisfying. That said, the deep world building and story make up for its shortcomings.- IGN Japan
- Posted Sep 5, 2023
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Blue Reflection: Second Light is an RPG in which a group of girls with lost memories find themselves in a different dimension in which they have to work together to solve a mystery. The main scenario – in which you will learn about the girls’ difficult pasts while seeing them grow as characters – feels satisfactory due to plenty of events throughout the game. While the battle system feels good enough to do the job, it comes with too many rough edges.- IGN Japan
- Posted Nov 16, 2021
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 25, 2022
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While it definitely has its flaws, XCOM: Chimera Squad’s problems are outweighed by the positives. The breach mode brings the player right into the action, and a timeline is available during battle. These new features make the battle system of XCOM: Chimera Squad feel like a distillation of what makes the gameplay of the series so great. Skills and dialogue both do a great job in showing the unique personalities of your squad members, and choosing from these members and weapons to create your team is a lot of fun. The publisher promised a new story and play experience, and Chimera Squad delivers.- IGN Japan
- Posted May 26, 2020
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 30, 2026
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At first glance, Moving Out seems to be a fun multiplayer game like Overcooked, but in reality it doesn’t come close. Sure, it is a hectic game about moving furniture, but the multiplayer component comes off as a very shallow experience. Still, there’s some fun to be had in becoming a rogue mover and throwing around people’s furniture.- IGN Japan
- Posted May 26, 2020
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Bravely Default II is an RPG with an interesting battle system that allows you to stock multiple turns to use at once. With many main and sub jobs to choose from, the game also offers plenty of customization options. While the way the story progresses can get repetitive, the various lands you visit and their cultures and history feel grounded in reality.- IGN Japan
- Posted May 10, 2021
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While there’s some fun to be had with the sword fighting, the stressful difficulty and lack of volume make Unto the End difficult to recommend.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 5, 2021
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In the super violent world of Bloodroots, everything becomes either a weapon or something to kill. Every time you die there’s something new to learn, and while it’s definitely a flawed experience, becoming better and stylishly killing everything coming your way is a thrilling experience nonetheless.- IGN Japan
- Posted Apr 10, 2020
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Wolfstride is a Brazil-developed robot battle RPG inspired by Japanese anime. A voluminous story, fun characters, rough and tough dialogue and a unique combat system make this an experience that will stay with you. However, the script is not always consistent, and combat lacks depth. While you will likely have fun for the majority of the game, don’t go in expecting an RPG with deep systems; but give this a try if lowlife punks and robot battles are your thing.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jul 4, 2022
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted May 11, 2022
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With the environment changing from a factory to a city, The Surge 2 loses its appeal of heavy machinery. With a spiritual story and a confusing map, it was never really clear where The Surge 2’s gameplay or world atmosphere was heading. Luckily, changes in the game’s system are more clear. By making battles less challenging and improving the upgrade system, the game’s dismemberment-focused action has become genuinely more fun. That being said, there are just too many aspects that hold it back.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jan 17, 2020
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Exploring the game's main town, which is full of monsters, new weapons and items, is a blast. New discoveries will immerse you into the gameplay, and make you forget about that daughter you have to save.- IGN Japan
- Posted Dec 14, 2017
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 31, 2024
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While Mortal Shell’s story, volume of content and RPG elements all disappoint, it’s Dark Souls-like close-combat battle system is of great quality.- IGN Japan
- Posted Sep 13, 2020
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Coffee Talk’s atmosphere that incorporates the diversity of Indonesia is worth spending some time in, and the game succeeds in depicting something as mundane as people’s worries and how they learn to move on. That makes Coffee Talk the kind of game that you will actually want to enjoy while relaxing with a cup of coffee yourself. While the story has no great drama or impactful event, the message that the developer tries to deliver at the ending comes through.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jan 30, 2020
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted Sep 5, 2023
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Montreal-based animator JonJon and renowned DJ Kid Koala came together to make a rare music game that is casually enjoyable and, at the same time, shows how awesome hip-hop can be.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jun 26, 2018
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Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster is the welcome return of a PS2 classic. With the addition of voiced dialogue, characters feel better portrayed than in the original. While the high encounter rate and few save points feel inconvenient in 2020, the highly strategic turn-based battles are still as tense as ever.- IGN Japan
- Posted Nov 25, 2020
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While its name might have changed, EA SPORTS FC 24 is a new entry in the long-running FIFA series through and through, and you’ll find the series' strengths and weaknesses haven’t changed one bit.- IGN Japan
- Posted Nov 10, 2023
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Vigil: The Longest Night is a Soulsborne 2D Metroidvania action-RPG. While the game is a bit rough around the edges and has a lackluster story, both exploration and battles are full of surprises, creating a satisfying experience.- IGN Japan
- Posted Nov 12, 2020
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The MMA scene has gotten a lot more refined over the years, with strikes combined with footwork and bodywork becoming more important than ever. EA UFC SPORTS 3 seems to go along with that shift, as the strike-based gameplay has gained a lot of depth while the ground game takes a backseat compared with previous MMA games.- IGN Japan
- Posted Feb 27, 2018
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Visions of Mana succeeds as a new entry in the Mana series that feels faithful to its identity while bringing it into a modern context with beautiful visuals. Cute characters and a casual battle system make this an action RPG that is approachable for newcomers to the series as well. Small inconveniences and flawed UX design are not enough to hold the experience back, but a story that approves of self-sacrifice narrows its appeal as a whole.- IGN Japan
- Posted Sep 17, 2024
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The stellar visual experience of space combat is Homeworld 3’s only real strength. With a plot that’s easy to predict, limited strategies available and a cumbersome UI, Homeworld 3 is a game that we expected more from.- IGN Japan
- Posted Sep 17, 2024
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VR enhancement makes the 3D cutscenes and exploration all the richer in this remake. However, the rhythm gameplay has issues that weren’t present in the original, even when not playing in VR, and it doesn’t feel like you are playing the piano yourself like in the original. That said, this is still an interesting new way to experience Deemo, especially for fans.- IGN Japan
- Posted Dec 18, 2019
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The fun driving mechanics and astounding graphics show a lot of potential, but due to missing online features and a lack of volume this game is still very much a diamond in the rough.- IGN Japan
- Posted Dec 14, 2017
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With a repetitive quest structure, too many loading screens, and a sense of humor that might not be for everyone, Bugsnax is not a game with the universal appeal its cutesy characters might suggest. That being said, the game’s absurd world and creatures are utterly charming and unique, and the wide variety of bug-catching mechanics are exactly the kind of evolution I had been hoping Pokémon would make for at least 10 years now.- IGN Japan
- Posted Nov 12, 2020
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Project Wingman is an indie aerial combat game that could easily be mistaken for a AAA title. If playing a flight shooter in VR on PC is your dream, look no further. However, with repetitive gameplay and a story that’s difficult to understand, Project Wingman just doesn’t feel exhilarating enough to make it enjoyable for the casual player.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 5, 2021
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The maps in Cindered Shadows feel different from the main game in a good way, and with enjoyable character dialogue and an interesting setting, this DLC is a treat for players who enjoyed the original game.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 10, 2020
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Moonscars lacks the depth you would want from an Metroidvania title in its exploration and character building, but manages to deliver as a hardcore Soulsborne game.- IGN Japan
- Posted Nov 20, 2022
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Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is a compact game that allows you to enjoy the series’ unique take on the slowlife genre. That said, the ending is weak and its simplicity can feel unsatisfying at times.- IGN Japan
- Posted Sep 5, 2023
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Phogs! is a fun co-op game in which two players each control one end of a dog-like creature with two heads and a snakey body. While simple to control, Phogs! manages to stay fun through the end with a wide array of gimmicks. Great camerawork and a fresh setting for each area also contribute to keeping things exciting. With a well-balanced difficulty curve, Phogs! is a great game for gamers of all ages.- IGN Japan
- Posted Dec 28, 2020
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While action elements feel forced in, and the game’s system often feels like it doesn’t match the characters, Concrete Genie’s heartfelt story and dreamy visuals still make for a short but unforgettable experience.- IGN Japan
- Posted Oct 14, 2019
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Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is a Jet Set Radio clone made by fans of that title. It takes what was great from Sega’s classic, but lacks its own style. While definitely a fun game to play and the best clone of Jet Set Radio available, it fails to become anything beyond that.- IGN Japan
- Posted Sep 5, 2023
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From the open world to engaging in part-time jobs, No More Heroes 3 does not only bring back some of the series’ most iconic aspects, but also manages to introduce new elements without making a mess out of it. With the improved battle system, this is the best action game that Grasshopper Manufacture has ever made. The only thing that drags the experience a bit down is the often rough story development and lack of character depth.- IGN Japan
- Posted Aug 26, 2021
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Shenmue I & II is a masterpiece that is not for everyone. That’s a shame, because a more solid port with a few tweaks here and there could have made it a package to recommend to all.- IGN Japan
- Posted Dec 11, 2018
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Rampaging your way through Carrion as a tentacle monster makes playing this violent metroidvania feel unique, and the grotesque and harsh visuals greatly contribute to that feeling. But flaws like having no map and a lack of gameplay variety cannot be overlooked.- IGN Japan
- Posted Aug 7, 2020
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Ghosts ‘n Goblins has always been famous for its difficulty, and the newest entry in the series is no exception. That being said, you can now choose between four difficulty options, and with new modern systems like checkpoints and the ability to equip multiple skills and magic, things have become a lot more manageable. But even with all that, there’s no doubt about it: Ghosts ‘n Goblins is going to kick your ass again and again. This reboot is as true to the franchise’s DNA as possible. At the same time, it tries something new with the co-op, which can be a blast if you head in with a player of approximately the same skill level.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 5, 2021
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With simply the best graphics on the PS VR and realistic gameplay, Everybody's Golf VR makes you feel like a real golfer. It’s a bit too difficult considering the game’s casual appeal, and sadly there is not enough content to keep you swinging your club. The lack of a mode to play against an AI opponent is a critical miss.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jul 8, 2019
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If you’re looking for an exciting 2D action game, ICEY is not it. However, if disobeying orders sounds fun, ICEY is all about that. In the end, it’s a game that actively wants you to break its rules.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jun 26, 2018
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Mighty Goose might just have the cutest visuals I’ve seen in any game this year, which makes it all the more disappointing that it doesn’t do much beyond that. The simple and shallow battle system is so rough that I found myself wondering if I was playing a game that was still in development. If you go in hoping for a Metal Slug-like experience, you’re in for a shock. While there are definitely some great moments, viewed purely as an action game, the unfairness of the battle system is a critical problem, making it hard to recommend.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jul 6, 2021
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An ambitious remake that not only succeeds in addressing many of the original fans’ longstanding grievances, but also reveals a clear determination to pursue its own creative vision. While certain newly added scenes suffer from a lack of sufficient explanation, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties ultimately transcends the label of a mere remake. Instead, it stands as a pivotal work—one that offers meaningful insight into the future direction of the Like a Dragon series.- IGN Japan
- Posted Feb 25, 2026
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This game is true to the Atelier series, and while including plenty of fan service, the game makes sure that newcomers have an idea of what's going on. While it lacks in many departments, the great finale of the trilogy more than makes up for it.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jan 16, 2018
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Pikuniku is a relaxing action-puzzle game with a good sense of humor. The interesting mixture of cute visuals and a dystopian world is worth a look.- IGN Japan
- Posted Feb 9, 2019
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted Nov 20, 2022
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While it may have the Fire Emblem name in its title, the character roster leans a lot towards more recent entries of the franchise, and since the story lacks any significant depth, it is not for all Fire Emblem fans. However, the polished system does a good job at combining action and strategy elements, resulting in a game true to the Warriors series.- IGN Japan
- Posted Dec 14, 2017
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The Ascent is an ambitious game that incorporates body modification, heavy weaponry and corporate war. While playing it can be stressful, stellar gunfights and beautifully crafted maps are enough to make you forgive the game’s shortcomings. If you’re a fan of violent games set in a cyberpunk world, look no further.- IGN Japan
- Posted Aug 30, 2021
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While promoted as a mix of RPG and agricultural simulator, in reality Harvestella heavily leans toward its RPG side. While the idea of resource management dependent on the passage of time feels fresh for an RPG, the game's cheap story and presentation, a combat system that doesn’t feel tactical enough and a lack of customization on the farm make Harvestella a game with room for improvement in both genres.- IGN Japan
- Posted Nov 25, 2022
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Due to the player character’s smooth movement, Severed Steel is an exhilarating FPS experience that will make you fall in love with your own gameplay. It gets a little repetitive, though, and the Japanese localization could be better, but players who enjoy parkour FPS games or bullet-time action should be satisfied.- IGN Japan
- Posted Nov 16, 2021
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Mafia: The Old Country is an ambitious action-adventure game that portrays the Sicilian Mafia of the early 20th Century through a realistic lens. However, its excessive fixation on realism results in tedious gameplay and a story that lacks excitement, ultimately alienating a broader audience. As a consequence, the game will likely only resonate with a niche group of players who have a strong interest in the lives of the Mafia at that time.- IGN Japan
- Posted Sep 9, 2025
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While Far Cry New Dawn is visually similar to Far Cry 5, its gameplay has been somewhat boiled down. Nonetheless, its open world is still packed with interesting ideas, resulting in a game that gives you just the right amount of thrill. The story centered around family is not what one might expect from a Far Cry game, and the sarcastic banter of previous entries is not present here. A Far Cry game that supports rather than scolds the player feels new indeed, and its courage to be different should be praised.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 1, 2019
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted May 11, 2022
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted Feb 7, 2025
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Outriders could have been a great looter-shooter, but with its unbalanced structure and current instability, it’s hard to recommend.- IGN Japan
- Posted May 10, 2021
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A loving tribute to robots. Though its presentation might be simple, the campaign is extremely rewarding. As you improve, the high-speed action gets even faster. If you are into robots or are just looking for a good action game, look no further.- IGN Japan
- Posted Dec 14, 2017
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted Jan 27, 2023
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The system of letters changing the outcome of the story is innovative and could have gone into video game history, if only the idea had been fleshed out a bit more.- IGN Japan
- Posted Nov 30, 2018
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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.- IGN Japan
- Posted May 30, 2025
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Black Bird’s strong visual and sound direction are a callback to developer Onion Games’ previous incarnation as LOVEdeLIC, but the game itself is a hardcore shoot-'em-up. Its great design demands the player learn patterns in order to chase high scores, an approach that is enjoyable for both seasoned players and those new to the genre.- IGN Japan
- Posted Oct 23, 2018
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Kirby Star Allies is a culmination of the series' history. It is packed with Kirby love.- IGN Japan
- Posted Mar 22, 2018
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By attempting to remain as faithful as possible to the original games, this remake has ended up with a great deal of problems. While other Pokémon games (including the remakes) have continued to evolve the franchise, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl will likely only be enjoyable for players who have a nostalgia for the originals.- IGN Japan
- Posted Nov 29, 2021
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Idol Manager is a simulation management game in which you try to exploit idols for profit while protecting them from the darker side of the industry. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to be a producer in Japan’s idol industry, this is an experience for you.- IGN Japan
- Posted Aug 30, 2021
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The battle system that allows you to turn back time and retry is well done, and once you manage to stylishly defeat enemies after a long session of trial and error, it feels great. While the game offers many different situations to keep things fresh, sadly its story is not as captivating as its gameplay.- IGN Japan
- Posted May 7, 2020
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Sonic Superstars is a good classic 2D Sonic game that shines especially in its visuals. Stages have a wider array of gimmicks when compared to older 2D Sonic games and boss fights are much more complex. However, the game design can feel unpolished and often doesn’t do a good job in communicating with the player. While the addition of local co-op sounds great on paper, Sonic’s speedy gameplay proves to be a difficult match for it.- IGN Japan
- Posted Nov 10, 2023
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Faithfully recreated cutscenes – featuring not just Goku but all your favorite Dragon Ball Z characters – manage to surpass the quality of the original anime series. With even nostalgic memories from before the Z saga included, Dragon Ball Z Kakarot is best described as a huge treasure box of fan service. While the battle system could have been deeper, flashy special moves keep things from getting boring, and while most quests may feel uninspired, this is still the ultimate game for any Dragon Ball fan.- IGN Japan
- Posted Feb 10, 2020
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By attempting to remain as faithful as possible to the original games, this remake has ended up with a great deal of problems. While other Pokémon games (including the remakes) have continued to evolve the franchise, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl will likely only be enjoyable for players who have a nostalgia for the originals.- IGN Japan
- Posted Nov 29, 2021
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By combining endless-runner elements to what is at its core a rhythm game, Muse Dash becomes an exhilarating experience. Its pop visuals make it look more appealing to casual gamers, while the included tracks are tuned towards the a more traditional rhythm game audience.- IGN Japan
- Posted Aug 1, 2019
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Haven is an RPG that depicts two people living together on a lonely planet. Through their communication, the player learns not just about their love and insecurities, but also what kind of world it is they are inhabiting. While the ending may feel a bit anticlimactic, putting the state of mind of a couple into gameplay makes for a truly remarkable experience.- IGN Japan
- Posted Dec 28, 2020
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