NZGamer's Scores

  • Games
For 2,085 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 62% higher than the average critic
  • 6% same as the average critic
  • 32% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1.9 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 77
Highest review score: 100 Gears of War 4
Lowest review score: 20 Deca Sports Freedom
Score distribution:
2085 game reviews
    • 71 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    It will leave you wondering how cool a Prince of Persia that was designed around the capabilities of the platform might have been, though.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The iPad has the sweetest graphics with a massive screen.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Adults who are happy to channel their inner child for a while will have a few hours' worth of fun with Treasure Seekers; kids may find it fuels their imaginations and provides some good fodder for Christmas holiday play – in and out of the house.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There's still enjoyment to be had here, but it probably won't occupy you for very long. If you do need a five-minute time waster, there are other, better games out there for the iPad. Wispin is far from terrible - and has a couple of really awesome ideas - but in such a crowded marketplace, you need more than that.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    This isn't a game that will convince non-golfers to take up the sport, whether virtually or otherwise, but if you're a fan and need a golfing fix on the go, you can do a lot worse than Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 for the iPad.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As a game it doesn't really offer us anything new. Its driving mechanic is a little clumsy and frustrating, but it's got enough variety and depth to keep you moderately entertained. As a portable driving distraction it's a decent attempt. But it could hardly be called the breakthrough ingenious iPad title we are all still clamouring for.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Feels generic, controls poorly, but is probably the best you can hope for for an iPad shooter.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    If you take away all the things that Fire Emblem Warriors does wrong, you end up with a hack and slash game where you wipe out hundreds of bad guys every few minutes. There are impressive special moves, and seeing your favourite Fire Emblem characters come to life on the battlefield is impressive. The thing is, it’s just not doing anything you haven’t seen before. Fire Emblem Warriors could’ve kept the current look and feel, and trusted itself to tell a whole new story while introducing a slew of lovable new characters. Instead it ends up relying on retelling stories from previous titles, with none of the love and care they were originally given.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    EA have a vested interest in seeing the NBA Live franchise land at the top of the basketball simulation sub-genre. While this year's iteration doesn’t quite get there, they’ve made a big enough leap for people to take notice, especially given the much lower price point than NBA 2K18.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    I’m no expert at fighting games. I like them, but I’m terrible at them, and tend to judge them on how well they do when both players are blindfolded. Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite passes that test well, making for a great party game. Most of my issues with the roster comes down to personal preference, but it’s safe to say you shouldn’t pick it up for the story mode alone.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    On the surface, there doesn't seem to be too much different between Rock of Ages and its sequel. Rock of Ages II plays very much the same and fills the same niche. However, it is a much nicer game with better defense items and a lot more polish. Sadly, I found that Rock of Ages II couldn't keep my attention unless I had someone else to play with.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    Agents of Mayhem is a fun ride if you want more of Saint’s Row while you’re waiting for the fifth main game to trundle along, or if you want a different take on the hero-based shooter. It’s by no means a bad game, just not a great one. You’ll play it once, have a good time, and forget about it.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The story is key here, and it’s hard not to smile every single time there’s an interaction between Miis. Nintendo’s charm is all over Miitopia. The music is goofy, and the title screen with the singing is simply fantastic. The presentation and the ability to utilise any Mii imaginable is downright genius. I’m not sure if this is the perfect RPG for a very young gamer, or if it was designed for the gamers who enjoyed quirky, passive titles like Animal Crossing or Tomodachi Life. Whoever it was made for, it wasn’t made for those looking for a hardcore RPG.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Rugby League is a simple game. If you want to maintain a winning record, focus on rucking it up hard, holding on to the ball, and kicking deep. And avoid playing me online. It’s not worth it.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A great deal of time devoted to very little gain. Revolution’s lacklustre action RPG gameplay is matched by a nearly complete disregard for building sympathetic characters, who exist to serve an underwhelming narrative. Valkyria Revolution fails on almost every level to recapture the qualities that made its predecessors cult classics.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 57 Critic Score
    It’s been more than 30 years since the Friday the 13th franchise launched, and nearly 30 since the last game was released. While graphically and technically superior to the 1989 NES game, gamers now have higher standards, and unfortunately Friday the 13th hasn’t lived up to those. A myriad of bugs, server issues, and gameplay glitches plague the summer camp, and at times it feels like Jason isn't the only problem you need to worry about.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    Despite its flaws, Get Even is still a very worthwhile experience. The game’s narrative is a little predictable, but it’s told well. It builds tension unlike anything else, and uses jump scares sparingly to give maximum effect. It’s a great game, with unfortunate quirks holding it back – which will hopefully get patched out.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If only this innovative ending summary could have been attached to a better game. The Walking Dead: Season One was a bonafide masterpiece, and we’ve somehow gone from that, to something I wish would just stay dead.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If only this innovative ending summary could have been attached to a better game. The Walking Dead: Season One was a bonafide masterpiece, and we’ve somehow gone from that, to something I wish would just stay dead.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Rime is for those who appreciate Team Ico, That Game Company, Abzu, Never Alone, or any peaceful-minded game where emotion plays centre stage. Granted, it doesn’t have the same finesse, as the mechanics have little to do with anything else. The developers clearly had a story on their hearts, but didn’t sync it to the rest of the game. Subsequently the gameplay often feels like a reluctant participant to a particularly touching tale.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Caligula Effect is a frustrating game, with a great story wrapped in an uneven package. The characters and plot offer a frank and important exploration of psychological trauma that deserves praise. The rest of the game far less so, with combat hampered by a number of annoying design decisions that can make it a chore, and technical hitches that are a frequent hinderance. What the game is left with is ultimately a story that provides the only solid argument to spend any time in Mobius.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    The single player campaign is a decent five to six hour haul, and considering most PSVR players will struggle to play solidly for more than a couple of hours, it feels longer than that overall. It’s well balanced too with moments of intense, nail-biting shooting, broken up with quiet sections where you can just survey your alien environment. Farpoint does an admirable job of delivering a sense of scale, and character models and animations are some of the better I’ve seen in the PSVR space to date. The game also includes some co-op levels where you can team up with another player online to wipe out waves of aliens together (thankfully there is friendly fire). For those who aren’t sure about which version of Farpoint to buy, I would strongly suggest you get the Aim Controller bundle. There’s around a $50 price difference, but I can’t help but feel that Farpoint is saved by the use of a proper gun controller.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Little Nightmares achieves a lot with atmosphere, but doesn’t achieve much as an interactive experience. What it does could be done to the same effect as a film, painting, or even a creepy children’s book. It looks like a Wallace and Gromit story that went awry with depressants, which so happens to be its best feature. I wouldn’t say Little Nightmares is pointless as a game – if it wasn’t one, I may have never experienced it. But I would say it’s atmospheric goals are underutilised in a medium privileged with active participation.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    I did not expect to enjoy Ghost Warrior 3 as much as I did. In terms of relatability, an American military sniper is up there for me with Bill Murray’s Garfield and Zac Efron in pretty much everything he’s ever done. The game is let down by weak graphics and a hackneyed story, but redeemed through solid, satisfying and diverse mission gameplay. Several times pulling off a perfectly executed stealth raid reminded me of the stealth challenges in the Batman: Arkham series, which is high praise. Putting aside my moral biases, I actually really enjoyed exploding some racists heads. Hoo-rah. Is it hoo-rah? Am I doing it right?
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For those who persevere and manage to find themselves one with the controls – those that embody the life of a snake – you’ll likely look back on this as a hidden gem that was glossed over by far too many. Personally it’s a game that I enjoy; one that I want to finish but never will. The pain of dropping to my death and losing minutes of progress for the eighth time, because my fingers just couldn’t keep up, outweighs the immense joy I got from succeeding on the ninth attempt.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The game does come in at a mid-price point of $69.99 though, which could be a factor when considering another PSVR shooter, Farpoint, comes out in May. If you remember Descent fondly, or enjoyed RIGS, then Starblood Arena could be worth checking out, but it’s hardly a PSVR seller. It’s a shame Sony don’t encourage playable PSVR demos to allow owners to at least try out a game before investing, because this is a game that’s difficult to recommend to everyone.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Unfortunately, this episode’s strengths are all in superficial places. Nobody comes to a Telltale game looking for technical prowess, and plot is only a tiny part of what makes a good story. I hate to say it, but Above the Law falls flat in the places that matter most: the characters and depth that underpin everything else. Without that, the episode is particularly forgettable, which doesn’t bode well for an episodic series that’s already struggling with its release schedule.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Skylanders: Imaginators is doing nothing the series wasn’t already doing, it’s just doing it in a more overt way. It’s bored with hiding its monetisation behind things like fun and subtlety. Instead of a focus on story and mechanics, Imaginators simply wants you to build a custom creation. When you’re done with that, they want you to make another.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Super Bomberman R isn’t a bad game when it’s working, and if you can get a few people connected to a single Switch you’ll have a great time. But due to a small online presence and some serious lag issues when connecting devices locally, the game just doesn’t work as it should. Super Bomberman R hasn’t launched with a downloadable title price – it’s a full retail game, with the price to match. If you need your fix, I’d suggest either waiting until you find this in a bargain bin, or dust off your Wii U and grab Bomberman 64 on Virtual Console.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    BioWare Montreal’s latest sci-fi RPG is massive, but the quality of its writing and sidequests varies too much for the combat alone to make up for it. Its size and scope delivers on the limitless possibility that a new galaxy should represent, but that complexity has paved the way for bugs that remove you from the experience. Mass Effect: Andromeda occasionally makes good on the legacy of its predecessors, but it never eclipses them.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Early on, the wacky art direction and bizarre monsters are enough to keep you going. Loot Rascals is a game with a very distinct visual style, and that inspires a need to explore and see just what else the game has up its sleeves. But for me, the appeal of that quirkiness was far outweighed by how repetitive and luck-dependent the game becomes.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Mario Party: Star Rush is a tight collection of mini games which are fun even in single player. It’s just too bad that the main modes which encapsulate them aren’t entertaining at all. If you can overlook the grind, then it’s worth playing for the mini games. If you can’t, I’d look for a party elsewhere.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For fans of the Dragon Ball franchise I can see this game having some appeal. For everyone else, there are just far too many problems to put up with, and some parts feel unfinished or ill-considered. If you’re curious about this game and the promise of fusion-fury with your favourite Dragon Ball Characters, it could be worth a try. If you’re a franchise newbie that wants a good RPG, look elsewhere.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    ‘Malicious’ is a fitting name for a game this unforgiving.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    Halo Wars 2 retains itself as serviceable fun, if only by being unbearably approachable, and enjoyably Halo.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Sniper Elite 4 is conflicted and unsettled. Here’s a series that would benefit from Fumito Ueda’s school of thought; design by subtraction – stripping out everything that doesn’t support your primary philosophy. The only part of the game that gets close to doing so, is also the part most won’t pay much attention to.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Commentators aside, some of what Big Ant did well in the original game gets a bit lost in its second season. buried under the weight of the options and menus. But, you can still smash it like the Big Bash and IPL, if that’s what you’re after. Or, you can go all village green on the game. It’s slow, deliberate, complicated and, without any cynicism, that may be the best thing about Don Bradman Cricket 17.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    An intimidating and mixed VR experience, but could appeal to fans of the ‘whodunnit’ genre.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There's a lot of potential, but it would be much cooler with dragons. And fire.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    A jarring contrast between epic beauty and controller destroying frustration.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Shu
    Despite being a good, beautifully stylised game, Shu suffers from being too short. The price of $20 is well suited but this is a game you will most likely only play the once before pushing it to the back of your gaming draw. Not only is it going to sit at the back of your mind as a fond memory; sadly you’re not going to bother recommending it to anyone either.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Sort of like that dream you had once about being a bird, but with more feather collecting and fish.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Does what it sets out to - just don’t expect a revolution, Dance Dance or otherwise.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Xenoverse 2 is best for those who missed the first game, as they are far, far, far too similar. Many of the maps are recycled, and really so is the combat. But your abstinence as a Dragon Ball fan (and aren’t we all) will be dearly compensated with an expanded version. Neither its story nor treadmill-fighting are likely to get you zealing for a year’s training at 500-times Earth’s gravity, but you’ll be up to your Dragon Balls in creative things to do, with an excitable use of the lore. The Xenoverse series may only exist to piggyback the monetary success of western game design, though whether sincere or not, that’s actually the best part of this translation. Like all of these games with steep stories, the depth of your enjoyment will likely depend on the depth of your fandom.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    It’s not Tenchu, but it’s the next best thing.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    While I’ve been on the verge of giving the game the people’s elbow, especially sitting through the long load times and when I lost a match because I couldn’t tag back into a tag team match; it’s a ‘tag’ team match, and I couldn’t figure out how to ‘tag’. It’s in the bloody stupid title. But, I’m going to keep playing. I love all the bluster, all the blood, and I want to eventually get a win by submission.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Skyrim is still a great game that everyone should play, but it could’ve used more than a paint job.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A party game through and through, despite the lack of multiplayer.
    • 52 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Ultimately Hustle Kings VR lacks a lot of polish. The fact that there’s a banner advert for LittleBigPlanet 3 in the background of one of the levels is a perfect example of how this title looks like a rushed effort to be in the VR line-up. Once the novelty of being able to look around wears off, you’re stuck with essentially the exact same experience that the franchise delivered back on the PS3.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Impossibly cool, but also impossible.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Solid core systems, but poor presentation and technical issues hold it back.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A charming, fun old-school-style action-platformer that’s about twice as long as it should have been.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    A unique sandbox experience once you get into it and figure out how to play.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Charming tabletop presentation, let down by boring combat.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Valley’s answer to one of its main mysteries doesn’t quite satiate the curiosity it taunts, though it wisely leaves others unsolved.
    • 45 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A great game wrapped in a blanket of bugs.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom is a valiant attempt to capture the feel of AoT that is unfortunately encumbered by some underwhelming elements.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Designed for younger children but still a really well made game.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s size and scope elicits feelings of wonder and irrelevance in equal measure, creating metaphors from calculus and code. Those feelings are savagely curtailed by oppressive systems that transform it into something smaller: a videogame.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Stunning art and music design, but shallow when it comes to depth of meaning and gameplay.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Design missteps and combat randomness don’t defeat this sombre tale.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    There’s an interesting mix of characters and environments to keep the gameplay fresh, and the soundtrack is a delight. It doesn’t hold up so well as a single-player experience because of the repetitive nature if you have to do everything yourself, but it’s a great party game with some friends.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Slightly watered down version from PC, but still a good game to enjoy both with friends or alone.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    An innovative little puzzler that stacks up well, and will keep you entertained for a weekend.
    • 52 Metascore
    • 64 Critic Score
    Mighty No. 9 began life as one of the most anticipated concepts in recent memory. While there is fun to be had – especially where boss fights are concerned – there is an overall lack of fresh ideas to bring it all to life.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    If you’ve played any side-scrolling games, chances are you’ve incidentally played this one. Odin Sphere is undoubtedly fun, but its 40-hour quest etches too long to repel the armies of repetition. It’s charm and aesthetic character are the real arrows for its quiver - the crux to get your attention and to keep it.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With a bit more polish, and a few much needed scenes, this game could be amazing.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Atelier Sophie isn’t at its best when doing particularly anything. It may only appeal to an alcove of anime fans, being so jovial you can practically hear it wishing you a merry Christmas. The broad stroke of the content can be experienced with any other JRPG, and better so. But if the home-bound, alchemic twist appeals, you may have a game worth persisting for.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    Mirror’s Edge Catalyst is a good first person parkour game, provided you keep your momentum going. Chaining move after move while running across rooftops feels very satisfying, but putting the brakes on to fight or pick up collectibles grinds the fun to a halt. An okay storyline keeps you running, but ultimately, graphics that are above-average at best, and an open world that is essentially corridors stitched together means Mirror’s Edge Catalyst falls short of what we really want out of this franchise.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Not up for medal contention. Buy London 2012 for the PS2 instead.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    EDF4.1 won’t win any awards but, if you can look past its failures, it’s a pretty fun game.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 64 Critic Score
    Irritating dialogue overshadows a unique blend of gameplay elements.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A surprisingly complicated shooter that could prove worthwhile for those who invest the time.
    • 43 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A very atmospheric, but unfortunately mediocre rinse-repeat horror title.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Maybe the most enjoyable typing game ever, but it’s clichéd story elements hold it back.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Casey Powell Lacrosse 16 is an ambitious game, but may need to dial it back to gain more players.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Republique is a decent game with a good premise and unique gameplay, but a disappointing ending.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Whether you consider Quantum Break a game with episodes, or a mini-series with interactive segments ultimately doesn’t matter - it’s an experience. It may use an unproven formula, but that blueprint is also the main attraction that piques one’s curiosity, even if my own started to waiver amidst a story too interested in its own keywords to talk about anything more depth-inducing. With a dire need to be amongst the blockbusters, it’s an inoffensive, non-threatening tale with big-name actors who try so seriously to make it otherwise. And while not an one interesting story in itself, Quantum Break has an interesting way of being told.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    An interesting premise squandered on poor storytelling and unremarkable play.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 57 Critic Score
    Interesting concept, and fun with friends, but a lack of online competition makes it rather dull.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Plenty of promise, but this game is going to require some decent updates over the coming months.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Still visually striking, but poor voice acting has undone much of the gravitas it once had.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Dull encounters mean a great Job system never gets a chance to shine.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Driving and customising the buggy is a lot of fun, but not at the expense of tight parkour.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A wonderful, but short, plot that will have you believing you own real life detective skills.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    So while Hardware Rivals is fun for a while it still has a lot of annoyances to overcome.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Enjoyable and frustrating in equal measure.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    There are other driving games that have just as much content and perform better, but right now, Sébastien Loeb Rally Evo is the only one covering the rally discipline. So it’s not a case of the best rally game out there, but rather, it’s the only rally game out there.... for now.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Puzzle design, backgrounds, and atmosphere hold up, but not much else.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Despite being a side-show from the annual attractions, it’s still business as usual. Standard stealth with a null story amidst an interesting and unventured historical period. Like me, that last part may be enough to entice. Just don’t expect the former to feel as novel.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Classic Zelda puzzle-dungeons in a simple, in-and-out format.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    An alright platformer with charming looks and characters, but nothing revolutionary.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    A game that’s atmospheric as hell, but that does nothing with it.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    This is a rather shortlived experience that dives head first into a pit of tedium after some early promise.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Heavy decisions and fun action, but a poor end to an overall enjoyable season.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    At risk of repeating other reviews, Battlefront has the form of a Star Wars game that feels like it’s still in the making. Whether from time constraints or by design, every ostensible grandeur and moment of fantasy it does so well to impress can be experienced with a day off. Its glamour and gloss only makes more regretful how little there is. After a ten-year hiatus, Battlefront is only a figment of what it wanted to be.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The online requirement seems pointless, but it’s an enjoyable racing game overall.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Love Tales, hate Tales, or just don’t care - Zestiria will give you exactly what you expect.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 62 Critic Score
    So, WWE 2K16, at least in Career Mode, is horribly frustrating. Everywhere else, it’s just mildly frustrating. You can play single matches, tag team matches, fatal 4-ways, and triple threat matches online, but just remember all fights are extended QTEs, so if you experience any lag, you’re in big trouble.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A fantastic series comes to an uneven, disappointing close.

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