IGN Japan's Scores

  • Games
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. Negative: 5 out of 439
439 game reviews
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade doesn't just add on to last year’s Final Fantasy VII Remake, but brings it to new heights. Playing the game one year later made us rediscover the overall quality of the battle system as well. Yuffie’s story is much more than just a new standalone chapter, as it enriches the game’s lore and story by depicting the Avalanche headquarters and their members in more detail than before. On new-gen hardware, the game has become even more immersive, resulting in an experience that’s worth going back to even if you’ve already beaten the original remake version.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a masterful game that maintains the story and drama of previous entries, but allows you to train and grow your characters on a much larger scale than before. While the graphics, UI and level design are far from perfect, the addictive gameplay loop and dynamic story are of very high quality.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A unique graphic style, an exotic theme, and a story that is well suited to being told through a unique game system make Return of the Obra Dinn a detective game unlike any other.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The classic action that has been a hallmark of the Ratchet and Clank series is alive and well. In addition, the central dimensional warp mechanic is a real joy, packing even more surprises than I’d expected. The various weapons are fun to use, while the excellent level design, exhilarating gameplay and thrilling festival spirit combine to result in an action game that has been honed to the limits. Newcomers to the series may wish for a little more explanation of the story and the controls in places, but Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is a game I would recommend to anyone.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It is easy to tell that the developers studied the history of the genre through and through, delivering a stellar run and gun experience brought to life with unique old fashioned cartoon graphics. It may have it flaws, but when a game is this appealing it is easy to forgive.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    If you take the time and effort and have the strength to hold onto that controller long after your fingers start hurting, you will be rewarded with a magnificent piece of art.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 97 Critic Score
    Although the online functions could have been better, the unique and satisfying combat styles of Nero, Dante and V greatly contribute in evolving Devil May Cry 5 to the next level. While gaining a more photorealistic look thanks to Capcom’s RE engine, the stylish action we have come to love from the series is better than ever.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    While the essential component of repeatedly hunting monsters remains the same, the action elements have been refined with the introduction of the Wirebug and Switch Skill systems, and even monsters from previous games offer a fresh hunting challenge. The new Rampage mode, where the player must battle multiple large monsters at once, offers a stunning balance of difficulty and variety.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Steam World Dig 2 is one of the very best side-scrolling games on the Nintendo Switch, and it is the perfect game to play in between the system’s masterpieces.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy VII Remake is a reconstruction on an almost unprecedented scale. Midgar feels like a real place, and strong character development sucks you into its fascinating world. The battle system is a great mix between real-time action and turn-based strategic elements, but with many consecutive lengthy fights in linear dungeon-like areas, it can sometimes become too stressful for the casual player, and the slow story progression won’t be for everyone either.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    This strategy game offers survival and business simulation in one package. With the player learning from trial and error, numerous unpredictable events bring additional challenges to solve, while enriching the story at the same time.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Gran Turismo is back with better visuals than ever, offering a wide array of content for both die-hard fans and newcomers. While the GT Cafe does a great job at guiding the player through the game, for old fans used to more freedom it might feel a bit too constrained. On top of change of weather and time of day, small details such as smoke coming off the tires go a long way in creating a more realistic racing scene. It’s great to have the classic GT Simulation Mode back, but I can’t deny the game left me with a thirst for more innovation.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Never before has a game felt and played like Dragon Ball to this extent. Both hardcore fighting-game fans and casual players are in for a treat.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It’s no surprise that brand new visuals and sound make the alluring world and ephemeral story of Link’s Awakening all the more endearing, but I did not expect to fall in love with its 26-year-old game design all over again.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Similar to Dinosaur Polo Club’s previous game Mini Metro, not only the game mechanics but also the visuals and sound contribute in making Mini Motorways a fun and polished game. Its game design allows players to enjoy the essence of a city-builder by simply laying roads, and the game offers interesting tactical challenges depending on your skill.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Insomniac Games’ take on Spider-Man is not only packed with fan service and love for this iconic character, it’s also one of the best superhero videogames to date.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    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.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    The fact that it’s a casual game allows Iconoclasts’ story to unfold at a good pace. It is without a doubt a story-driven action-adventure game, and as such you should take your time thinking about what it all means as you go along. For those who experienced Super Nintendo games in their prime, this game may be reminiscent of some of your best childhood memories.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Messenger's game design may originate from NES and SNES classics, but it functions as an ancient scroll that passes pixel-perfect gameplay on to a new generation in the best possible way.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With anime sequences added to the original game, Steins;Gate Elite combines the best of the game and anime, making this the definitive way to experience a modern classic.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    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.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    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.

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