INVEN's Scores

  • Games
For 379 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 55% higher than the average critic
  • 14% same as the average critic
  • 31% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 4.7 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 80
Highest review score: 100 Animal Well
Lowest review score: 30 The Lord of the Rings - Gollum
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 4 out of 379
381 game reviews
    • 86 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    The game blends a linear stage structure with Metroidvania-inspired design, adding value to both replayability and exploration. Its sharp action and striking artistic direction create gameplay so engaging that players may not even notice the underlying structure. More than just the revival of the Shinobi franchise, it firmly establishes itself as a game that is simply, and purely, fun.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    There’s a common dilemma that no matter how well it's done, a remake of a beloved original can never quite surpass it. However, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater faithfully recreates the original and, with its new camera system, offers a fresh perspective that makes it worth experiencing all over again. Still, some of the scenes from 20 years ago inevitably come across as awkward by today’s standards.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mafia returns with a new classic, story-driven action-adventure. It's a dense and classic take on the series' beginnings and the origins of the mafia. The realistic graphics and authentic sound design bring Sicily to life, making you want to visit the island yourself.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    By turning its core game design toward destruction rather than creation, Donkey Kong Bananza shines as a work of bold innovation. If The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild redefined open-world exploration, then Bananza carves out a space of its own in the realm of 3D platformers. It's a must-play if you own a Switch 2—and if you don't, it's the first title that should go on your wishlist.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Wuchang: Fallen Feathers doesn’t redefine the soulslike genre, nor does it aim to. But with its eye-catching visuals and flashy action, it offers a satisfying experience for players seeking style and spectacle in their soulslike adventures.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    Mecha BREAK is a game that has emerged like a beacon of hope for fans at a time when new releases in this genre are rare. It's a relatively low-stress PvP shooter that can be enjoyed casually, but there are still many aspects outside of the gameplay that need refinement.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    'Broken Arrow' is a blessing for wargame fans who prefer realistic battlefields. With its depiction of modern and near-future combat and a deeply engaging gameplay system, the game is highly enjoyable. However, it’s not a game for everyone, and there are still some lingering stability issues.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Compared to its predecessor, Death Stranding 2 delivers a far more refined experience in every aspect—from gameplay to narrative pacing. The stunning visual presentation and tightly directed storytelling keep you engaged right up to the end. While the repetitive gameplay may cause a brief sense of fatigue in the middle, the powerful climax makes it all worthwhile.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The Alters is the title that best showcases 11 bit studios strength in narrative design. It delivers a compelling and immersive story that highlights how each choice affects the game and leads to different outcomes. It’s a well-crafted game where choices, consequences, and survival all come together seamlessly.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The mysterious worldbuilding of Control and Remedy’s signature presentation still shine through. However, repetitive mission structures, sluggish progression, and a steep early-game barrier make this surreal stage feel less captivating. While the fresh gimmicks and cooperative elements offer clear appeal, the game needs both stronger early engagement and more lasting motivation to truly stand out.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Lies of P: Overture is a most welcome expansion for fans. From the story and boss battles to new weapons, it adds meaningful depth across the board. While it does have the inherent limitations of an expansion, it’s a must-play for fans, as it completes Lies of P’s narrative as a prequel.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Monster Train 2 is a well-crafted roguelike deck-building game that, even at launch, already provides a solid foundation for delivering the kind of gameplay fantasy most players are looking for. While the genre might not appeal to everyone and could be challenging for some, the game boasts an impressive level of polish and quality.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Fantasy Life i is far more than just a healing RPG—the game is built on three solid pillars: town-building, combat, and adventure, each with surprising depth and polish. As long as you can embrace its childlike visuals and whimsical interactions, it offers a rewarding experience for players of all ages, allowing everyone to enjoy the game at their own pace.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Elden Ring Nightreign proves that even Soulslikes can become fully-fledged co-op experiences. While it has its shortcomings, there's no denying the quality of its design. The only concern is that FromSoftware has little to no experience with live service models—here's hoping they don’t abandon it post-launch.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    The simple addition of a "shield" has drastically changed the game. Combat has become formulaic, forcing players to constantly think on their feet and react specifically to green-marked enemy attacks. The game is certainly fun, but the instinct-driven, fully immersive combat that once defined the essence of DOOM has noticeably faded.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A new RTS that evokes classics like C&C and StarCraft. Its familiar UI and layout are impressively reworked to be accessible even for RTS newcomers. However, Tempest Rising still lacks defining elements to establish a unique identity, and the absence of features like replay support leaves something to be desired in terms of polish.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Just a while ago, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 could have been called a dark horse — a hidden gem with untapped potential. But not anymore. With its official release, it’s proven itself worthy of being a Game of the Year contender.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    You can now enjoy Lunar: Silver Star Story and Lunar: Eternal Blue in a single title. While there aren’t major visual upgrades, the cleaner presentation, still-impressive animation, and added battle speed options make for a much smoother experience. Though many aspects of the game feel dated, for those with fond memories, it’s like the heart-fluttering feeling of meeting a first love all over again.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    A fighting game spin-off that basically turned into a full-on dating sim with cute girls. The graphics and presentation really capture the whole dating vibe, and the game's well-designed so you can easily follow the route you want. It's just a bit of a shame that the photo-focused, static setup doesn’t quite show off how lively the character models could be.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    A game that faced more negative controversy prior to release than almost any other, yet its actual gameplay is far from the mess many expected. With classic Ubisoft-style open-world gameplay, stunning visuals, impressive lighting effects, and solid action, Assassin's Creed Shadows may fall short of being a masterpiece, but it's still an enjoyable and well-crafted experience.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Yumia’s Atelier is a game that mixes the classic alchemy RPG style with today’s popular open-world gameplay. The main character looks great, the battles feel quick and fun, and it’s really satisfying to make items easily while exploring the world. But the game could be better when it comes to performance, and a lot of the open-world quests feel kind of repetitive.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The First Berserker: Khazan is a game that most action RPG fans will likely enjoy. While it has its flaws and falls short of being a masterpiece, it delivers exactly what was expected. At the very least, it’s a solid and well-crafted title.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hazelight Studios sets a new benchmark for co-op games with Split Fiction. Its dynamic split-screen cinematography and genre-blending gameplay keep things constantly engaging. For those who resonate with the creative struggles highlighted in the age of AI, the story may strike an even deeper chord.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    FragPunk brings a fresh twist to the classic 5v5 team-based FPS by blending hyper-FPS elements with rule-altering cards. It offers plenty of variety, including casual-friendly deathmatches and the Outbreak mode, a unique take on the zombie formula. However, the lack of a proper tutorial, somewhat unclear audio design, and matchmaking issues hold it back.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Project Tachyon stays true to the roguelike formula, challenging players to adapt to randomly generated environments and loadouts. While the unbalanced weaponry and predictable enemy patterns are noticeable drawbacks, the game shines in its replayability, offering adjustable difficulty settings that cater to different skill levels.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Two Point series returns with a museum theme. Despite added complexity from research, exploration, and interlinked systems, it retains its signature casual charm, making it a great entry point for management sims. However, the cluttered UI struggles to keep up with the game's expanded depth.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Wilds has everything it takes to be a Game of the Year contender. It masterfully refines the series’ essence, delivering the most exhilarating and weighty hunting action yet. While the increased system requirements may be a hurdle, the sheer enjoyment makes it well worth the effort.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    After tackling its most serious story, the latest Like a Dragon embarks on its most lighthearted adventure. Majima and the pirates are a perfect match, and the narrative ties up neatly in a single installment. Naval battles may feel light, but Majima’s determination to fulfill a ten-year-old boy’s dream is anything but.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    A well-crafted suspense game that cleverly weaves urban legends and social media into its narrative. While it lacks complex detective puzzles or interactive elements, the subtle hints and foreshadowing make it thrilling to piece together the story and see if your predictions come true.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    With its well-established lore, solid narrative, and highly polished world, Avowed is a fantastic game that lives up to Obsidian Entertainment’s reputation. However, compared to other games in the genre, its world feels overly rigid and lacks the sense of being truly alive, which keeps it from standing among the very best.

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