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
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.

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