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
    • 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.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With vehicles, suits and lots of classic characters, LEGO Batman: The Videogame is a fun DS game worth your time. It's not as attractive as the PSP version and it doesn't take great advantage of the hardware, but if Nintendo's system is all you own, it's worth a trip to the Batcave.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With intuitive mechanics, a nice array of game modes and its arcade style approach, World Tour Soccer 06 has certainly earned a place in the library of any soccer fan... and perhaps even in the collections of a few non-sporting nerds like myself.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    The unfortunate fact is that Edna & Harvey's best achievements (a deep script, engaging characters and unrivaled interactivity) end up buried beneath a frustrating adventure game, one that's fashioned from over-worked puzzling and meandering dialogue that fails to make a clean separation between depth of story and rewarding gaming.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Thankfully, the game runs decently enough most of the time, and that being the case, Sushi Mushi is one of the surprise gems of the App Store, an attention-grabbing match-three puzzler that'll provide hours of enjoyment, while making users the slightest bit hungry in the process. Recommended.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Looney Tunes Dash is another endless runner with little offer by way of originality or excitement. You could pick any title off the App Store that would do virtually the same type of thing, and you'd still benefit from it. If you don't like Looney Tunes, you'd be better suited with a different game anyway.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Namco definitely had some great ideas and managed to capitalize on several of them, but the lame story coupled with the troublesome burst move somewhat mars the overall experience.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Overall, though, Jam Sessions is different and enlightening enough to be worth at least a mild recommendation, especially if you're in the same boat as other aspiring guitar players around the world.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Aside from new music and the wireless feature, it's pretty much the same experience.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In a way, Get Outta My Galaxy! is somewhat of a tease, as it's the closest we'll get to playing Super Mario Galaxy on the iPhone, though it's unfair to hold this App to such lofty standards. Instead, appreciate this game for what it is: one heck of a good time.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's a fun distraction that may consume your life, at least for a weekend.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There are a few niggles surrounding Symphonica: the story's ridiculous, there's far too much cut-scene waffling and the beats are ever so slightly off, but we had a huge amount of fun playing the game. Anyone who enjoys rhythm games should definitely check it out.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Haunted Hollow gets a thumbs-up from us for offering something genuinely different on the App Store. But fun though it is for a while, it is a little rough around the edges - particularly when it comes to its premium purchases and AI performance.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you have fond memories blasting evildoers in Operation Wolf, this is a loving homage to that classic game with cartoon style graphics. Just don't expect to play it for more than a couple of hours.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Things get crazy when the sky rains coconuts in a series of patterns, forcing you to skillfully guide the crab to safety. It's a fun time.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Toshio Iwai has captured this very special desire, our need to express ourselves... Silky smooth to the touch, Electroplankton tantalizes the senses. [JPN Import]
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    We have mixed feelings with Moon. It's a superb visual achievement with spectacular controls and fun shooting, but we grew tired of the old school "hit this switch to activate this door" gameplay. So long as you go into it expecting a slow-paced first person adventure instead of Doom, you'll enjoy this lunar vacation.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nevertheless, just when we thought we'd seen the last of Jak and Daxter, High Impact Games surprises us with this thrilling romp. Welcome back, team.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Everything you've enjoyed about both Harry Potter and the wonderful Lego series of games can be found here: the exploration, the intricate puzzles built into the very fabric of the world, and a chance to savour the world of Potter and friends just one more time. It may not be the best use of the brand, but there's still plenty to be had for existing fans.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While this game is perfect for kids who are just getting introduced to platformers, it may be a little too easy for veterans.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A wonderful surprise, a shooter that really engulfs you in its features and its presentation, and it shouldn't be missed.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    ell, if you're a tower-defense nut then we can't help but feel you haven't been properly challenged until you've taken this title on. If you need a little more hand-holding in your game progression though, Heliceum's game may just be a little too impenetrable to hold your attention for long.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Don't let Cyto get lost in the noise of the brasher physics puzzlers on the App Store. It may have its moments of frustration, ones where you feel the game is working against you just a little more than is strictly fair, but this is still one of the finest new games you can get for your mobile this week, and we want to see more of its kind in 2013.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Strike Team comes up short compared to its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 counterparts, but it's easily the best mobile release to date, and paves the way for even better ones down the line. Let the tour of Duty continue.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Squid Drop is in need of an update, but it's still a cool App well worth your time. On a related note, the sooner we have a squid plush toy, the better. Seriously, we just want to pinch its little face.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite a handful of niggles, we can't say we weren't charmed by Halfpixel's new mobile game, and we're always pleased to see something different in the ever-present three-star, physics puzzle genre.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    You can play Frontline Commando without coughing up a penny, and we think you'll enjoy the game's arcade style action. If anything, it's a great way to relieve stress.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Taken at face-value, it would be easy to dismiss the game, but what separates Amazing Runner from the rest of the endless-running pack is that on a minute-to-minute basis it's actually fun and refreshing to play. It still leans far too heavily on some established genre tropes, particularly in the upgrade store, but anyone look for a highly polished take on this most saturated area of the App Store would do very well to make this their next destination.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Boom! Tanks isn't exactly the deepest simulator you'll ever lay your hands on, then, but it's definitely a pleasure to play.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    In the end, Touchmaster should happily suit those who can't play the games at a tavern or seek out something a little derivative on the old attention-span.
    • 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.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    We wish there was more to do. Battling the computer is a decent way to pass the time, and there appears to be an endless stream of online opponents, but we would've preferred some sort of story mode with different mission objectives, as well as online support for more than two people. The lack of game types is disproportionate to the wealth of planes and unlockable items.
    • 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.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There's lots to like about the game though, not least because this is a paid-for tower-sim that's entirely free of in-app purchases. If games like Tiny Tower tickle your fancy, yet you find the unavoidable pay-to-advance elements distasteful, you'd be silly not to at least consider calling in on Smooth Operators.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Initially impenetrable, Fright Heights rewards the persistent player with the kind of mental workout few other puzzle games can offer. It's original and tense stuff that's free to play as well. Highly recommended for your game time this weekend.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Plunder Pirates doesn't advance the genre, but it is one of the better base builder games and worth a look if you like this sub genre.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you can deal with its warts, WWE All Stars is yet another entertaining brawler that leaves the door wide open for even better efforts from THQ in the future. Not bad by any means. Just a little frustrating.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Give it a go if you've grown tired of other favorites such as Temple Run or Jetpack Joyride.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 is far from a disaster. Newcomers to the whole LEGO phenomenon will probably dig it, but the poor visuals, frame rate jitters and lackluster objectives left us wanting more. It's time for this franchise to evolve in a big way.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game holds up surprisingly well, a true testament to its greatness, but the lackluster audio and high price lessons the appeal.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Complaints notwithstanding, Guitar Hero: On Tour is a successful first experiment that delivers a slice of the console experience on the go, and Activision and Vicarious Visions deserve props for making such a cool portable music game.
    • 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.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Draglade won't change the way you game, and Atlus has released more memorable games than this in the past.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Bird & Beans doesn't use the Nintendo DSi camera, microphone or even the second screen, but for $2, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better value in the DSi lineup.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It's a blast to play, and probably the most fun we've had with video game Russians, outside of performing spinning piledrivers with Zangief.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    To say Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy surprised us would be a huge understatement. This game, originally feared to be a dud, is one of the more impressive 3DS games you'll see. That said, we hope the publisher releases more Ace Combats in the years ahead.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For the most part, though, the non-stop action, drive to achieve Turtle Power and the various goodies in the shop are enough to keep us playing. On that note, and if you're willing to put up with its warts, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rooftop Run will provide quite a few hours of foot stomping fun.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There's not much more to discuss about the Super Collapse 3... it is what it is, and that's not exactly a bad place to be.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're looking for the next step in the role-playing genre and don't mind doing a little work, open up the book and crack the Code. You won't regret it.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even though it's not the most challenging time you can have, it's a ton of fun that's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Fans of The Last Rocket will no doubt welcome the chance to continue their travels, but it's a tough sell for those who have come to expect a little more from their runners. Still, it would be churlish not to acknowledge that this is at least something different in a stale genre.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you can find a few trusted friends to play with though, Star Trek Rivals is a game that offers up far more excitement than you'd expect from the average movie tie-in.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Aside from that one glaring complaint (which is more of a nitpicky issue, really), Arctic Escape is a well-designed homage to Lemmings and a wonderful value, as it costs $0.99 and works for both the iPhone and iPad. Definitely check it out.
    • 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.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Temple Run: Oz isn't a revolutionary entry in the gaming series, but it is the most polished Temple Run experience to date.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A fun albeit limited game, and one that'll quickly become a cult classic among the Nintendo faithful. We like what it has to offer, but at $39.99, we also wanted more.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Aside from that, Mittens is a digital delight. Not the most revolutionary puzzle game, but one that Disney did a great job designing, and similar to Where's My Water?, an app that will continue to evolve throughout the year. If you can't get enough of these types of games, downloading this one is a no brainer.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's something a little bit different, it's beautifully crafted, and unquestionably entertaining for a time.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There are hundreds of ways to style your character at the beginning.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There's no new weapons, no online play, and I don't even think there's any new sound sets for your team of worms. If you're new to the series or just want some strategic warfare on the go, Open Warfare is fantastic. Worms veterans beware, however.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Spectrobes: Beyond the Portal is engaging and fun, especially if you enjoyed the first game. However, it won't replace Pokemon.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Get Set Games would've fared better by toning down the game's speed a notch and perfecting its controls, but as it stands, Mega Jump 2 is still a generally good addition to the endless jumper genre. If you liked the original - or you just want to see what Mega Mode can do for you - hop on in.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    This one may only appeal to the more hardcore players.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While it may lack the "zone out" factor of "Lumines," it has the amusement of "Meteos."
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A great game for someone who appreciates the Metroid atmosphere, and is dieing for that oft-rumored "Metroid Dread"
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you absolutely, positively hate Breakout, make a note to skip Nervous Brickdown entirely. However, if you could tolerate a few plays of it or are just experiencing it for the first time, this is a must-buy.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Stupendous mobile game graphics, a powerful collection of weapons and equipment, mowing down zombies and seeing their heads splatter, affordably-priced in-app cash and gold, surprisingly responsive first-person controls.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Whether the exact implementation of Real Racing 3's show-stopping freemium model is a question of greed or inexperience, we can't know - but we want to believe the latter. We also want to believe that between now and the game's global release on February 28th, greater consideration will be given to the long-term supporters of the series, and that a timer-free premium edition of the game will be released alongside this current incarnation. If that happens, we'll revisit our opinion of Real Racing 3 - and give it the accolades it would otherwise unquestionably deserve.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's fair to say we've seen this sort of gameplay before in Candy Crush, but King has done a great job of modifying things to ensure that Farm Heroes Saga isn't as greedy a money-making machine. You'll get quite a bit of gameplay from it for no charge whatsoever, and the additional boosters and other goodies might just encourage you to stick around a little longer.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Lacks a career mode, offers laggy multiplayer, and is fairly unpolished.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    At $6.99, Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies is a tough sell. Plenty of other games offer more content for that price (or less). What's more, having just one map and no online play definitely hurts this title's appeal. Worth the dough if you're a high roller. Otherwise, wait for additional maps and online co-op.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, though, Mario and Sonic At the Olympic Games has its weight in gold medal, moreso than the other, flawed console version. Its gameplay, multiplayer options and presentation will hit the spot with Olympians and fans of their games everywhere.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    But as a return player, it barely added anything of significance to improve gameplay and the multiplayer they added actually worsened the overall value.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the Star Wars license is a tempting one to buy into, Star Wars: Commander isn't exactly up to snuff, especially if you're looking to play on the cheap. Perhaps future updates can lessen the price-gouging and it can blossom into a truly rewarding F2P experience.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's absolutely worth your time, even under the frustrating veneer of free-to-play madness.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    This isn't the type of game that anyone should play on the bus, standing in line, or at a sporting event. It requires your full attention, so warm some milk, grab some cookies, and hop into bed, as any distraction will make it incredibly difficult to enjoy.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It's a cool game that'll keep you busy for a little while. Just keep your clothes on.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The simple fact is, if the idea of building a dungeon tailor-made to lure in specific mobs, then rushing in and killing those mobs sounds appealing to you, then Dungeon Maker is most likely right up your alley.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Zenonia 5 may not be the most original RPG to demand your attention, it is an exceptionally competent one that's packed with a surprising amount of content.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    We can't recommend Dante's Inferno over the cheaper, higher-quality God of War: Chains of Olympus. However, if you seek an alternative to Kratos' adventure or want an action game that doesn't hold back on either its content (lots of nudity and gore) or action, it wouldn't hurt to make a pit stop in hell.
    • 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.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It's ugly, but Kage feels like a Shinobi clone and that's not a bad thing. We just want a little more from today's releases, even ones priced $19.99. But for what it is, Kage 2's blade is sharp enough to cut into our game time.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    One of this year's more bizarre portable titles, not to mention one of the best.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A solid on-the-go effort, one that pays tribute to the TurboGrafx-16 games while delivering 40 plus missions of strategic touch-screen bliss. Still, this Madness needs the option to challenge a friend or see the entire map at once. That said, an update is in order.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The music (the true star of the game) is a riot, both well written and catchy. You'll hum at least one track for days.
    • 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.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    We'd loved to have seen an alternative to tilt controls on offer in the game, as the precision required to pull off a strategy with any kind of satisfaction is held back by the current controls.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If all you want to do is rush in and bash some monsters' skulls, the game satisfies on some level, but considering the problems, it's tough to recommend.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A respectable first attempt that we hope evolves over time, with new locations, enemies and weapons. Even with its faults, though, this is yet another cool superhero game. Consider giving it a spin.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Zombie Road Trip does a fine job of following in the footsteps of previous App Store success stories in the genre. There's a far fairer sense of progression to be had from this free game than in typical freemium chaser games, there's more polish all round, and the upgrade system is slick and expansive. It's unlikely to convert any unbelievers, but for the faithful it's the next logical game to get stuck into.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dumb Ways to Die was clearly designed with casual players in mind, as it only takes a minute or so to croak (maybe less), depending how good you are. It's addictive, no question, but there's a considerable lack of games.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There's just something very bland about the gameplay.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With a little bit more development time, The Force Unleashed could've been a monstrous hit, even bigger than the Death Star. However, it's good for lightsaber nuts looking to play something on the go.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There's enough that's new about Tiny Death Star to make it worthy of note for even the most burned-out Tiny Tower fan, while at the same time remaining faithful to everything that made the original so horribly, horribly addictive. An accomplished remix by anyone's standards.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Visually, the game stands apart from its predecessors with sharp and colorful graphics that look phenomenal in high definition. Sega did excellent work bringing each stage to life, making them unique without tarnishing Sonic's legacy. It's a pure joy to watch.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Nostalgia fiends are going to get an awful lot more out of Spy vs Spy than those who have never played the game previously: this is every bit the game that was played and loved all those years ago, and the option to play with retro graphics is a very nice addition. For everyone else, there's certainly an enjoyable game to be had here, but the controls will likely take some of the shine off the experience.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you're an arcade enthusiast or want a suitable action game for your DS this holiday season, Metal Slug 7 is definitely worth locking and loading into your system.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Your early moments with Flashout 3D are likely to involve a little frustration as you tease at the controls to find an acceptably smooth response. Persevere though, and you'll ultimately be rewarded with some of the most thrilling racing gameplay that mobiles have to offer.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's tough to dislike Blood Roofs, simply because its creators a.) set off to release something more ambitious than the competition, and b.) it's still an enjoyable video game. With this mind, don't be afraid to give it a taste.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you can overcome the game's challenges - both fair and unfair - this is a very satisfying mobile shooter. Just be prepared to work a little harder than you should really have to.

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