Modojo's Scores

  • Games
For 1,738 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 45% higher than the average critic
  • 11% same as the average critic
  • 44% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 4.9 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 70
Highest review score: 100 Advance Wars: Dual Strike
Lowest review score: 10 NFL Pro 2013
Score distribution:
1738 game reviews
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Die-hard fans of Cohen's films will no doubt get a bigger thrill out of this gaming version of his latest comedy, but for everyone else it's a bit of a throwaway experience.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Radiant Defense may not be an overwhelmingly original title on the App Store, and there's only so much that can be done to take the tower defense concept further. That said, Hexage's high production standards and route-changing mechanics make the game compelling enough for any existing fans of the genre.
    • 38 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    In tribute, execution, design and characterization, Scarface is nothing less than a dreadful game: a mindless skinner-box that doesn't even offer up enough temptation to make you want to take another peck at it. The score it achieves reflects only that the game does what it does without breaking itself in the process.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    We can't help but feel that the game will divide players though, as while it has enjoyable characters with refreshing gameplay, it's gameplay that nevertheless becomes rather repetitive, rather quickly.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    So it's challenging (and perhaps a little too much so), but if you want something different that also highlights the extraordinary potential for placing game development in the hands of players, then we can't recommend the game enough.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Taken for what it is, Ski Safari provides several hours of snow-carving fun, and this is made even cooler with the inclusion of in-game achievements and, most importantly, leaderboards via Game Center, where the desire to rise up a few levels will definitely fuel your virtual skiing addiction.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ballistic SE definitely feels familiar, but it's like seeing an old friend. At the end of the day, this is a smartly designed and thrilling shooter, one we intend to play after finishing this review.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you love this title and wish you could play it away from home, this is a recommended purchase. On the flip side, if you detest fighters with virtual controls, nothing about this game will change your mind.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Spellsword is beautiful, frantic, addictive, satisfying, explosive and, oh my goodness I think I've run out of superlatives. A spiritual successor to Super Crate Box it may well be, but only in its most fundamental concepts. When we all start thinking about our Game of the Year this December, I can only hope to have enjoyed some serious competition to this extraordinary title.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    EA and Criterion were wise to include the well-received Autolog from games past, giving players the opportunity to keep track of other people's scores and challenge them outright to ascend the leaderboard. It worked remarkably well in the Need for Speed series, and it's a welcome addition here as well.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Is it fun? Sure. The animals don't put up a fight and there's little strategy to winning, aside from upgrading to better rifles, but for a few minutes a day, the game satisfies that urge to...do whatever it is hunters do. Long term, we just don't see much appeal, but hey, we're always down with free.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's a technically solid, enjoyable title and includes enough new features (just) to make it a worthy addition to your device. With that said, if you possess even a smudge of cynicism, then the immediate influence of Tiny Wings on Sugar High can only take a little of the shine off Biscuit's adventures.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Zaga 33 may leave you more bewildered than bewitched.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For the most part, though, Lock 'n' Load provides several hours of dark, twisted fun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For the most part, though, Lock 'n' Load provides several hours of dark, twisted fun. There's also a lot bang for the proverbial buck, with 16 primary levels, another nine stages in the unlockable Call of Minions campaign and finally, six challenge maps, all for $0.99. So while it isn't the most original title on the App Store, Chillingo's blast fest definitely helps relieve some stress after a tough day at work.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even if they don't, though, Burger Cat is a wonderful puzzler starring a character we hope makes a second appearance, be it sequel, spinoff or even apparel; a Burger Cat-branded chef's apron springs to mind. For now, spend the $0.99 and enjoy one of the App Store's best, and make sure you invite us over for some burgers in June.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Blast Ball is one of the coolest $0.99 titles on the App Store, and we hope it serves as a blueprint for new sports in the years ahead. Now all we need are some monsters.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Definitely flawed, but I've poured several hours into it and have no intention of stopping.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Zombies, Run! is stuck in a kind of nether-zone between jogging-aid and game. It lacks the functionality of basic jogging apps, and is ultimately unconvincing as an interactive experience.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Does an excellent job building suspense, and so long as you have the proper lights, works quite well. Not exactly the game that'll save AR, but after several years of failure, it's a step in the right direction.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Kung Fu Rabbit does nothing new. First, there's no martial arts to speak of. You can unlock the ability to jump on enemies' heads, but forget about unleashing a furious round of punches and kicks. Despite the title, it's a fairly standard platformer.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The cornball story, overall slow pace and lame combat make this one game we'd like to forget.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Bullet Time is almost useless due to awkward controls.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Coign of Vantage is one of coolest games on the App Store, and you'll thoroughly enjoy seeing jumbles of pixels come together to make cats, hearts and joysticks.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Phenomenal...Instead of shoehorning the Xbox 360 adventure onto the App Store with a virtual analog stick, Activision played to the iPhone and iPad's strengths, creating a game players of all ages can enjoy. Bravo.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    While we would have liked to hear (and feel) more from the audio, the combination of soothing yet tense gameplay and the gorgeous landscapes that gently ebb and breathe, makes On the Wind a very easy recommendation to make.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Don't get us wrong. Saturday Morning RPG is a good game, just not a great one. We dig the old school references, the music is straight out of the 80s and the pixel art looks sweet on the iPad, but the trying combat and other problems bring the app down.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    It's decent, the sort of free casual game that'll grab your attention for a couple minutes here and there, but quite frankly, you can find plenty of superior games that'll do an even better job at that.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Unless the environmental progression and reward systems are also drastically tweaked it's a very tough game to recommend, even with the free cost of entry.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    We don't mean to be too hard on Ion Racer, because it certainly delivers a pleasurable experience, but it's also a proverbial one-trick pony, a game you'll probably check out for a few days and then discard.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    You don't often see free games of such high quality on the App Store, and when you do, a bunch of annoying ads partially ruin the experience. There is no such problem with Cordy Sky, and we applaud SilverTree Media for reintroducing us to such a charming hero while at the same time making Doodle Jump a fond memory.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Some of the greatest iOS games lack drool-worthy visuals, and we're happy to say Rinth Island overcomes this graphical shortcoming with excellent head-scratching play, made even better with the addition of the editor. Just be sure to think before you press.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    No crazy graphics that take advantage of the new iPad's screen, or revolutionary features that push it ahead of the more advanced titles on the App Store. Just simple retro-themed goodness that kept us hooked much longer than we thought it would.
    • 47 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    rComplex as a whole, sadly, misses the mark. We like the unique art style and attention paid to the narrative, but the actual game is too unforgiving to enjoy, especially compared to the best titles in the "running" sub genre. There's still hope this could turn out OK, but for now, you should spend your money elsewhere.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    What Swordigo lacks in revolutionary ideas, it more than makes up for that with hours of nostalgic fun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Sadly, this is little more than an empty shell that reminds us of some college project the student couldn't finish on time.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    We cannot recommend Mystery Case Files: 13th Skull enough. The combination of full motion video works surprisingly well with the proven hidden object formula, creating a wonderful journey that'll prove invaluable on long airplane trips or just a dreary day stuck at home. Now git. There be treasure to find.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Delivers plenty of thrills for a buck without having to stand in those annoying amusement park lines. Major plus in our book.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Girl on Fire didn't blow us away. Marginal improvements don't hide the fact that it plays almost exactly like its competitors. We can say with confidence, though, that it's without question one of the best runners on the App Store, as well as a cool companion to the books and movie.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's both expertly designed and challenging. We'll literally sit upwards of five to ten minutes per puzzle trying to figure out the best possible angles for those mirrors.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There's corny dialogue, and you'll probably get stuck several times, but Waking Mars' positives far outweigh its negatives, making it a cool space exploration game to have on the go.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Although Unit 13 has one foot deeply rooted in the past, the challenging missions and online connectivity will you keep you coming back.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    We just wish the multiplayer stages had a bit more pizazz. There's a cool Super Smash Bros. type feel to the action, but it's slightly offset by lackluster temples and mountains.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game is easy on the eyes, with detailed stages full of visually appealing treats. We don't know what's in that jelly, but we'd certainly like some.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A guilty pleasure, as well as one of the strangest yet satisfying titles on the App Store. To those who ask why this game exists, we only have one response: why not?
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    TwinGo!'s a breath of fresh air in the puzzle genre, a brightly colored, cute and immensely addictive game that's worth $0.99 and even more. Two big thumbs up.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    MotoHeroz provides the type of experience hardcore fans crave, while offering a mostly accessible racer casual players can also enjoy. It just needs more stuff.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Infiltrator provides a small slice of the big budget experience on a portable device, and there's a wonderful sense of satisfaction that comes from cutting through a small band of soldiers. It also helps that it's easy on the eyes and presents a decent story.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    This is an expertly crafted and fun adventure that makes a great portable companion.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The biggest knock against this game, though, is longevity. With mini games lasting mere seconds, it doesn't take long to see everything Mario & Sonic has to offer. At the end of the day, you can only play Beach Volleyball for so long.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There's little about Virtua Tennis 4 that'll surprise longtime fans, making this entry feel like more of the same. Yes, it comes with Vita exclusive bonuses, but you'll quickly grow tired of them and fall back on intense volleys and furious cross court smashes. To that end, World Tour Edition falls short of an ace, but still manages to hold serve.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Factor in addictive chiptunes music and those aforementioned graphics, and ZiGGURAT will quickly become a guilty pleasure, one that is well worth your time and dollar.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    League of Evil 2 offers more of the same, which is definitely a good thing, since the first title is so much fun. For just $0.99 (the sale price, so be sure to act quickly), it makes for a great virtual companion, whether you intend to play for a few minutes or several hours.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    WWE WrestleFest is the best wrestling game on the App Store, but that's only because there are so few to choose from. THQ had the opportunity to do something brilliant, but poorly designed A.I. ruined what could have been a sweet revival.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's mindless to a fault, where eventually, you just want the mission over with. At the same time, this is exactly the type of experience hardcore DW fans want, and for these people, NEXT delivers.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    One of the most disappointing 3DS games we've played. It's just a mess of ideas with no real focus, and we're a bit surprised Nintendo even released this title at $9.99. Sorry, but we'd rather spend our money elsewhere.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's an action packed sword slashing romp that runs almost flawlessly on Sony's machine. You could even make a case for it being one of Vita's top three launch games.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The deep single player component, in-game shop and multiplayer will keep you putting for weeks, and with the possibility of downloadable content, perhaps even longer. Not the most casual golf title on the market, but all things considered, definitely one of the best you'll find on a handheld.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A tough sell at $39.99. At that price, we expected more depth to the experience, plus additional modes. And yet, we can't help but smile as a large and horned monstrosity squashes several goblins flat, only to get decapitated moments later, its head sailing through the air, leaving a bloody trail in its wake.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether or not it's Vita's best title is up for debate, but it's without question a damn good one.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game plays quite well on PlayStation Vita, and provides a welcome change of pace in comparison to the rest of the launch lineup, that for the most part involves more action-oriented fare.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Not only is it a great way to show off Vita without breaking the bank, but it also retains the series' intense action while highlighting the portable's second analog. That said, jump on the sticks and save the universe...again.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The excellent fusion of music and traditional block falling play continues to impress, reinvigorating the series and leaving the door wide open for even cooler sequels down the line. Pick this up immediately, and grab a pair of headphones while you're at it.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ultimately, this could have been the definitive Tekken. As it stands, Namco Bandai will have to settle with having a good video game, by no means a bad thing, and if all you plan to enjoy is multiplayer, raise the score another half star.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rayman Origins is one hot box of rocks. Arguably, it is PlayStation Vita's best launch game, a content and graphically rich experience that serves as a loyal handheld companion, perfectly suited for long or short play sessions. In other words, worth every penny of its $39.99 asking price.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Bottom line, Little Deviants is a good game. If anything it brings to mind numerous iPhone and iPad titles we've seen over the years. Thing is, none of those games cost $29.99 individually, and would probably not cost more than $6.99 in one package. As it stands, this game doesn't have what it takes to compete against Vita's better offerings, but if you give it a chance (and have the money to burn), it does the job.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A solid fighter, especially if you missed it last year. There was potential to make this the definitive version, but as it stands, it's another quality title for Sony's monster machine, and a worthwhile pick-up you should play.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Then we have the tilt controls, to which we say, don't bother. It was novel of Sony to attempt to implement Vita's gyroscope to transform the handheld into a steering wheel, but it's tough getting the hang of, if at all.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Yes, the lack of full screen iPad support is a letdown, but Diggin' Dogs helped me ignore my illness, and therefore receives a hearty recommendation. Now excuse me while I take some meds.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    So yes, Blot is a clone, but it's a damn good one. Jetpack Joyride gets the nod, in large part because it's free, but if you have $0.99, this runner (perhaps floater is more appropriate) comes recommended.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Three things make Off The Leash so enjoyable. The first involves running as far as possible to beat your overall distance traveled. The second, collecting coins, lets you spend this loot at the in-game shop. Finally, the game is full of secondary objectives to complete, from picking up 20 dogs to reaching 500 meters.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Unfortunately, you have to have addictive play to match the pretty graphics, and we couldn't muster much interest in Gorilla Gondola to make it a go to favorite. Pass this one by.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Offers five to six hours of enemy chopping, frog tossing fun. That said, we hope we haven't seen the last of this new IP.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Granted, there are few portable Resident Evil games to choose from, but Revelations is by far the best, and it's perhaps even better than some of the console entries. Capcom stumbled, but still managed to offer a thoroughly enjoyable romp filled with intense monster blasting fun, along with dump trucks full of gore and some unexpected plot twists along the way. A must for all 3DS owners.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hank Hazard is one of Chillingo's coolest games, and you'll have a blast experimenting with different objects, grabbing all the stars and climbing the online leaderboards. To infinity, and beyond.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    One Epic Game isn't bad per se, but the vastly superior games on the App Store make it somewhat irrelevant. You could do worse at $0.99, but there's no way you'll play this game more than a week.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's tough to find serious fault with Paper Monsters. It's a well-crafted and enjoyable platformer that's worth $0.99. If we had to put a finger on one thing that bugs us, it's that Crescent Moon Games didn't go above and beyond what we've seen before, but that's a small issue in comparison to the much bigger picture. Quality title and well worth your time.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    This is yet another outstanding addition to the 3DS eShop, and the old school presentation and enjoyable gameplay more than justifies the $8.99 asking price. One of the best games we've had the privilege of playing on Nintendo's handheld.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Where's competitive multiplayer? We'd love to square off against random players from around the world. It's a shame this didn't make the cut.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    / ESCAPE comes up short, however, with its lack of online leaderboards, which is quite baffling, given the fact that most games these days (at least on iOS) come with Game Center support. That ultimately knocks / ESCAPE down a peg. Otherwise, it's a fun and action packed romp with plenty of thrills. Leaderboard or no, it's still worth a buck.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kudos to the developers for merging different puzzle types into one new and exciting concept. Puzzlejuice lacks flash and playing on the iPhone is a challenge (small letters), but it more than makes up for that with engaging play. Definitely one of the best brainteasers out there, and well worth a measly $0.99.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The virtual controls, meanwhile, are much better than we expected.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Don't get us wrong. We like Smash Cops, but there's simply not enough meat on this game's bones to make it one of the premier titles on the App Store. Wait for Hutch Games to add more levels via free update (if that's even a possibility), or at the very least, a price drop.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The game doesn't have enough of that special something to keep us entertained. You only have four competitors per race, and the aforementioned upgrades do little to excite us. Good game. Well designed. Cute 2D visuals, but not something we intend to play months and even weeks from now.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A good but not exceptional game. Definitely worth playing because we feel it's one of the more intriguing titles on the App Store, but just a step short of being one of the year's best.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    My biggest complaint involves the difficulty, or lack thereof. Instead of introducing the game's intricacies during the first chapter, the designers spread them all throughout the game. What ensues are too many easy levels, where it takes but a few tries to score gold stars and move on; thankfully, "extreme" levels take considerably longer to figure out.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Had RayForce been $0.99 or even $3.99, I would've recommended it, since the game has plenty of fans and takes me back to the 90s. The price, sadly, is a huge sticking point, and quite frankly, you can pick up plenty of better games for less.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    One of the best games on the App Store, an iPhone and iPad experience that feels instantly familiar, but is in no way boring. A pleasurable nightmare, indeed.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Zday's a cool game worth checking out, and at $1.99, you have little to lose. Moving forward, though, we'd like to see free updates that flesh out the story. Much like a zombie, this title could use more meat on its bones.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Star Marine: Infinite Ammo satisfies the need for an arcade style shooter on the iPhone, delivering all the big guns, nasty bad guys and the grizzled hero one would expect. With that, grab that Ion Torch and come out firing.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    What's especially cool about Backyard Bounce, though, are the multiple solutions per puzzle. In fact, you don't even have to use all of the items, opening the door for the sort of creativity unseen in these types of games; there's normally one solution.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A furious arcade style blast fest that serves as a welcome addition to the App Store library. It costs more than most titles ($4.99), but after slaughtering thousands of creepy crawlies, we feel it was money well spent.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Zen Pinball 3D may not have the eye candy of its big brothers, but it's without question one of the best games on the eShop.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Cheeseman's one of the App Store's coolest new characters, while the addictive play (just one more time) should keep you hooked. Serve with a fine Swiss and enjoy.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The characters are gross. The actual game play, on the other hand, is golden. You only receive so much ammunition per character, and once it runs out, you must restart that stage from the beginning. What ensues is slow paced fun, as you strategize the best ways to annihilate the Blots.
    • 50 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    All told, this isn't the type of action game we expected, and it didn't take long for Samurai Sword Destiny to wear out its welcome.
    • 47 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The action, sadly, is quite pedestrian. The developers offer touch and tilt controls, both of which work well enough, but none of the bikes move especially fast, and the computer is at times relentless, where one slight mistake costs you a race. Factor in a lack of retina display and universal support, and Streetbike: Full Blast disappoints on just about every level. A shame, considering Chillingo's impressive lineup of iOS games.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The concept is OK, and the retro graphics have a cool 8-bit vibe. We just cannot muster enough excitement to care. Poor collision detection means enemies reach your character even though it seemed like you executed a high enough jump to vault over them. Meanwhile, the randomness of the weapons simply makes the game tougher than it should be. No one in his or her right mind should want to go from a flamethrower to landmines. Factor in just three stages, and Super Crate Box is a big letdown.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's one of the more unique games we've seen for 3DS and another fine addition to the handheld's downloadable library. VVVVVV lacks some flash, but more than makes up for this with hardcore play.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Our only complaint involves a noticeable lack of imagination when it comes to stage design, where each level begins to look the same, with similar enemies and hazards. If anything, cybertime played things too safe instead of letting its creative juices flow.

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