NZGamer's Scores
- Games
For 2,085 reviews, this publication has graded:
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62% higher than the average critic
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6% same as the average critic
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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: | Gears of War 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest review score: | Smash 'N' Survive |
Score distribution:
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Positive: 1,403 out of 2085
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Mixed: 592 out of 2085
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Negative: 90 out of 2085
2085
game
reviews
- By Date
- By Critic Score
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- Critic Score
I like Bulletstorm. I like its tongue in cheek, in your face attitude, and I like that it tried to do something new in a time when nobody else was doing so. Is it a good game? Yes. Is it a great game? Probably not anymore. Unfortunately the Full Clip Edition has fallen into the trap of a remaster that, while I’m sure people wanted it, just doesn’t live up to the memory of the original. A sequel would probably have been a better move; this cliffhanger only hurts more the second time People Can Fly, come on! But in the end it’s a romp. A bit pricey for what it is, but most remasters are. I’d play it again, but I’d wait for a sale before taking the plunge.- NZGamer
- Posted May 4, 2017
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This could have been a great game. Heck, it still is, but it is a real shame they did not put more effort into the player instructions instead of relying on the player to work things out as they went on. Despite this, if you are a fan of space trading and combat games, this will light up your night sky and deliver you hours of happy game play.- NZGamer
- Posted Jan 5, 2012
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If you enjoyed the Monkey Island series you will probably feel right at home dumpster diving on Deponia.- NZGamer
- Posted Aug 22, 2012
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It's an enjoyable game, and I have had the songs stuck in my head for a few days after playing it. If you're a fan of Glee, and enjoy having a sing along at home, you will most likely enjoy this.- NZGamer
- Posted Jan 4, 2011
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Drawn to Life is by no means a bad game, it's just a simple one with innovative mechanics thrown into the mix.- NZGamer
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Although the game isn't ground-breaking, it's well worth that trip down memory lane - especially to anyone who didn't play the Wii version.- NZGamer
- Posted Dec 5, 2011
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It is a very, very good series of puzzles. And, (I suppose we can't avoid the elephant in the room any longer) if you've been looking for the smaller, cheaper, nephew to Professor Portal, without the co-op play, the polished presentation, or the laughs, Quantum Conundrum is it.- NZGamer
- Posted Jul 27, 2012
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And as with previous Off Road Fury games, the handling is fun and accessible while the competitive AI supplies a surprisingly tough challenge right from the start.- NZGamer
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A good option for those times when you have a few minutes to kill, and for less than the cost of the Dom Post, it's a real bargain.- NZGamer
- Posted May 25, 2011
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Spec Ops: The Line spurs you through the eight hour campaign thanks to some incredible cut-scenes and storyline progression, but sadly makes every interactive experience in-between fairly mundane.- NZGamer
- Posted Jul 8, 2012
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With its colourful visuals, animated soundtrack and a real sense of “pick up and play” gaming, Age of Booty is a title most people with Xbox Live should check out, even if it is just for the demo, as chances are you’ll like what you see and purchase it for 800 MS points.- NZGamer
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Microsoft's Kinect is impressive tech and granted, has had a rough time making any headway in the world of gaming. It's here, though, that the motion-capture technology excels. Giving kids a creative outlet in an educational realm is fantastic and Kinect works beautifully for navigating media and getting people up off the couch.- NZGamer
- Posted Oct 7, 2012
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Seasons is to The Sims what MSG is to cooking (minus the possibly toxic side effects): it enhances the overall experience. Even if you've played it to death already, the simple application of weather and seasonal content guarantees plenty more mileage from the original game.- NZGamer
- Posted Nov 29, 2012
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With a mixture of action and basic puzzles, they'll spark the imagination, keep them laughing, and soak up a decent amount of energy too. It's perfect for a lazy Sunday when you just want to sit back and read the paper.- NZGamer
- Posted Apr 1, 2012
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- Posted Dec 1, 2014
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LEGO City is a great game - but I do wonder just how many limitations the hardware had on the final product. Perhaps it has nothing to do with the Wii U, but for Traveller's Tales to omit multiplayer altogether? That seems an unlikely choice, considering their previous work.- NZGamer
- Posted May 27, 2013
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This game is one that requires you to play with friends in order to extract the fun out of it. In single player, Wildlands is passable, but in multiplayer it shines. While the missions don’t do much in terms of variety, in playing with others, you find yourself expecting the unexpected. But the real hero is the vast open world, providing you with freedom to approach each objective in any way you wish. Yet while the open world giveth, it also taketh away. A lack of density is obvious, and meandering becomes the most frequent activity that you do.- NZGamer
- Posted Mar 21, 2017
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Twang the Fox is good fun. It's highly accessible and does a great job in adding variation to the gameplay, despite the basic mechanics.- NZGamer
- Posted Sep 10, 2012
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NHL 18 is a good game, but I’m biased; even I know that there is little in it that’s new, and NHL Threes isn’t enough make it worth buying. There are great details that I love. The gameplay is fast and tough and takes work to master. But hockey is in danger. It’s in danger of falling behind baseball, football, and basketball in the gaming world, just like it’s lagging behind in real life.- NZGamer
- Posted Oct 13, 2017
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It's big, dumb fun, presented in a package that might be derivative, but at least has a lot of polish. The story is forgettable, and the jumping is entertaining.- NZGamer
- Posted Apr 29, 2012
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But ultimately The Force Unleashed II is let down most by the short campaign mode which most people will be able to plough through in around 5 hours with time added for a couple of unlockable Challenges thrown in.- NZGamer
- Posted Dec 22, 2010
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In the end the high difficulty will drive away casual gamers so trying the demo first is a must. But between the tough bosses and fast gameplay, this is a worthy successor to the NES original.- NZGamer
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Whether you go to whole-hog and play in 3D, or your budget only extends to 2D, the games are all largely the same as when they were originally released - only brighter and sharper.- NZGamer
- Posted Aug 29, 2011
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Sore fingers aside though, The Simpsons Arcade Game not that difficult.- NZGamer
- Posted Mar 21, 2012
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Set in an enchanted world of monsters and mysticism, Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom brings together exotic locations, plenty of puzzles, platforms, and a large chunk of bonding between a boy and his big furry muppet monster.- NZGamer
- Posted Dec 20, 2010
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It would have been perfect with a little more polish and gameplay variety, but it still manages to be enjoyable, not too hard or scary for younger kids, and a nice looking game that adults hopefully shouldn’t find too unbearable to play with the young ‘uns.- NZGamer
- Posted Jul 8, 2013
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For anyone who hasn’t had their fill of retro side-scrolling platformers, Broforce effortless and undeniable fun. Load-up, settle in, and invite a few bros.- NZGamer
- Posted Mar 14, 2016
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Soul Sacrifice pulls you in with an interesting premise; retelling the exploits of a dead sorcerer. The levels are short and brutal, making it ideal for a lunch break brawl. As far as action RPGs go, this is the best Vita has to offer thus far, but it’s far from perfect.- NZGamer
- Posted May 13, 2013
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OlliOlli is addictive and challenging. While face-plants and missed jumps are common, the accessible gameplay and gentle learning curve will keep players coming back for more.- NZGamer
- Posted Jan 27, 2014
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While strategically deep; pacing and control issues prevent this game from being fantastic.- NZGamer
- Posted Jul 18, 2016
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In the end the high difficulty will drive away casual gamers so trying the demo first is a must. But between the tough bosses and fast gameplay, this is a worthy successor to the NES original.- NZGamer
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This is a mindless game really. Catching virtual fish, trying to beat a game clock, and working out the right lure to fool the fickle fish. But - and this is a qualified but - it is still strangely entertaining.- NZGamer
- Posted Dec 27, 2011
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Overall, EndWar got right the part I thought would go horribly wrong – the voice system – yet didn’t manage to get the more traditional RTS stuff up to the same level. As a result, this game is fun for a little while, but might not hold your attention for too long.- NZGamer
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Despite all of this nonsense, Virtua Tennis 4 still packs in plenty of authentic traditional tennis.- NZGamer
- Posted May 24, 2011
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After raising the bar higher and higher, this version seems to come across as underwhelming.- NZGamer
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In the end the high difficulty will drive away casual gamers so trying the demo first is a must. But between the tough bosses and fast gameplay, this is a worthy successor to the NES original.- NZGamer
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Fat Princess, despite the dodgy premise, is heaps of fun. It’s old-school gameplay with a fresh new look.- NZGamer
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Feels like an intern, in that it knows what it wants to be - but it isn't quite sure how to do it yet. From a simple consumer point of view, this isn't THE game. But from an industry standpoint, it's an exciting warning shot to Turismo and Forza.- NZGamer
- Posted Apr 14, 2011
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At no point in the adventure do you ever suspect you're playing a cellphone game, nor do you feel like the experience is ever less than it can or should be. It's fun to play with a cool (if formulaic and linear) tale to tie the various levels together. If you're at all interested in Kingdom Hearts and have a DS, there's no reason to leave this one on the shelf - just make sure you've played through Birth by Sleep before you do!- NZGamer
- Posted Jan 25, 2011
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- Posted Apr 28, 2014
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We managed to tear through over half the songs before my voice starting shutting down from overexposure to my bad falsetto. We were anything but bored. The songs are fun, the videos are hilariously bad, and a good time was had by all involved (except Tristan, who just seemed a little awkward through most of this).- NZGamer
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If you can deal with the clunky combat, the terrible script and the quirky, unreal animation, there’s a game and a story underneath that RPGers will enjoy. Just don’t expect the world’s most polished game - you won’t find it here.- NZGamer
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As an action game, this can't contend with the top dogs in the genre, but that's a moot point, because it isn't just an action game. It's a Transformers game. And Transformers: War for Cybertron is better than anything else we've seen from the license before.- NZGamer
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It might be asking for a lot of faith from gamers without a decent story tying it all together, but the good news is Season One adds up as one of the better Hitman titles in recent years. Episode two, set in Sapienza, was particularly enjoyable and there is a lot of replayable content as you try and unlock different assassination methods or uncover secret collectibles. However I wouldn’t be surprised that playing through all six chapters in one sitting loses it’s impact somewhat.- NZGamer
- Posted Nov 13, 2016
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- Posted Aug 4, 2011
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A delightful little hack n’ slash rpg despite, or maybe because of, its flaws.- NZGamer
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If you're at all into shooters and like the idea of something bitesize you can consume whenever you feel the need, there's just no reason to leave this on the shelf.- NZGamer
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For now, our recommendation would be that if you're looking for a fighting game that skimps on story and has just a handful of options, but still delivers tournament-ready credentials, look no further. Killer Instinct is making a brash play at the top table and, as far as we can tell, it's got the goods.- NZGamer
- Posted Nov 18, 2013
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Overall, we liked Battlefield Play4Free. The formula of quick, full-on combat makes this a game you can pick up and play when you have a spare 15 minutes or so.- NZGamer
- Posted Oct 20, 2011
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Ashes of Ariandel is a competent piece of downloadable content for Dark Souls III. It checks all the right boxes and makes all the right moves. It’s gorgeous, mysterious, but it’s also tame. While it does fill in the gaps around one of the series’ bigger question marks, no amount of mystique can hide the fact that there isn’t a lot on offer here.- NZGamer
- Posted Nov 23, 2016
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Despite feeling overwhelmed, and despite still feeling occasionally confused delving through the ridiculous amount of information and menus, there's something really addictive about Football Manager 2012.- NZGamer
- Posted Nov 28, 2011
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At $49.95, Luigi U is still pretty steep as far as DLC goes, and it’s probably not vital unless you really love the original game and just can’t get enough.- NZGamer
- Posted Jul 22, 2013
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The strangeness of The Sims Medieval is still here, of course; the title is not-quite a strategy game, not-quite an RPG, not-quite The Sims. And fans of each of these different genres will still find the gameplay to be a bit odd. But for all its quirks, it's still extremely more-ish, and the Pirates and Nobles expansion just brings even more good stuff to the game.- NZGamer
- Posted Aug 25, 2011
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Once you've beaten the two and a quarter hour experience you'll find little to go back for.- NZGamer
- Posted Aug 8, 2012
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Call of Duty is the Coca Cola of the game industry. Popular, unchanging, and tastes good to most, but it’s still the same stuff.- NZGamer
- Posted Nov 11, 2015
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- Posted Sep 12, 2016
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It is action-packed however, and combined with the amount of 80’s Transformers fanfare added in, it’s a decent experience for anyone who still remembers Soundwave as a retro cassette tape deck.- NZGamer
- Posted Oct 27, 2015
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The disappointing Poochy levels and lack of multiplayer aside, I had a lot of fun with Poochy & Yoshi’s Woolly World. That’s coming from someone who has a love hate relationship with platformers that leans more towards the hate side of things. If you’ve never played Yoshi’s Woolly World before, then you’re in for a treat. If you have, then you know what to expect; It’s still the same great game.- NZGamer
- Posted Mar 20, 2017
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But those controls are what I keep coming back to. Frankly, I really detest playing an iOS game that has virtual buttons. Gameloft has done what it can, but this is far from an ideal platform for first person shooters.- NZGamer
- Posted Feb 18, 2026
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It's also a fun game for adults to play in a party situation, and is likely to provide some level of entertainment to people of all ages - just keep in mind the high waggle factor and the convoluted controls; this will definitely lead to frustration for some.- NZGamer
- Posted Nov 27, 2011
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SoW is a great game, until it isn’t. And it’s such a shame, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think you’d all enjoy it. If you want an open world fantasy adventure, excellent and enjoyable combat, personal grudges with a variety of excellent uruk friends, and like spidery women, angst, and Gollum cameos, play it. But, like Brad Pitt, you don’t want what’s in the box.- NZGamer
- Posted Nov 2, 2017
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A solid, meaty title. It has hours of gameplay, satisfying character trees, and a wealth of online role playing experiences to churn through. It’s safe and secure. It serves up the classic habitual MMORPG experience, albeit with a “Tamriel Twist”. And for many gamers, this will be fine. But Bethesda have created an example - not an evolution - of the genre.- NZGamer
- Posted Apr 9, 2014
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- Posted Feb 29, 2016
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In the end, The Godfather II has the recipe for an excellent game filled with action, mindless violence, great characters and strategic thought. But you just can’t help but shake the feeling that it doesn’t quite feel 100% finished.- NZGamer
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If you don’t have Lego Star Wars or Lego Star Wars II and you’re in the market for a cute, family-friendly affair that can be enjoyed by young and old, then Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga is worth every penny. However, if you already own either game, you’re not going to find much here to justify the price.- NZGamer
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Graphically the game looks to be on par with the PS2 titles, but what makes DDD shine above the rest is the 3D.- NZGamer
- Posted Jul 30, 2012
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Just don't expect it to do more than tread water in anyway whatsoever and you won't be disappointed.- NZGamer
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For those who’ve already played Capsized on PC, the console version comes with four extra levels, but I don’t know if that’s enough to justify buying the whole game again unless you really liked it and are desperate for more content. If you haven’t played it yet, and are on the hunt for a cheap and charming, if at times frustrating, indie platformer, then a journey with Capsized’s crew is a good way to go.- NZGamer
- Posted Jul 8, 2013
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Where it is impressive is in the explosion and smoke effects – the combination of high impact sound, bright/expansive visuals and the shake of your camera makes for quite an impact.- NZGamer
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Although it's easy to lose track of what's happening aurally in any game with an action element, the music in White Knight is consistently brilliant.- NZGamer
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Universe is a good game that deserves serious consideration by RTS fans that are looking for a new game that doesn't stray too far from the Command & Conquer mould.- NZGamer
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I think fans will have a lot of fun with this one, as long as they take this for what it is: a platformer released on an aging console, with a helluva lot of personality and charm – a little like Homer himself.- NZGamer
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It is a shame that V is largely a backwards step compared to IV, at least in terms of value. Playing this game, I get the overwhelming impression that the developers were phoning it in - who knows, maybe the budget was slashed, or they (somehow) didn't have much time.- NZGamer
- Posted Feb 8, 2012
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The difficulty ramp is well designed, with occasional spikes to tease you with what the designers have planned for you later, and to a level, the game is fun to play. It's occasionally infuriating, but never frustrating; if you fail, you know it's because you need to perfect your technique, not because there's something fundamentally wrong with the game.- NZGamer
- Posted Oct 23, 2012
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With its bold artistic direction and its fun, refined gameplay, FIFA Street 3 is a winner for casual fans of the sport. Those looking for an in-depth simulation should look elsewhere, but if you want a fun virtual kick-around with mates, you need look no further.- NZGamer
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This game will certainly appeal to true puzzle fans. It is a refreshing change of pace for others and EchoChrome fits perfectly on the PSP platform. However, it is definitely not recommended for late night playing as these addictive and brain-taxing puzzles will keep you up for hours.- NZGamer
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If you can get through the first few hours, you'll probably finish it and look back on it with mixed (but mostly pleasant) emotions.- NZGamer
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As mentioned, the traditional PS3 controllers work perfectly with SEGA Rally Online Arcade. But for a true, arcade-esque experience I recommend using a wheel.- NZGamer
- Posted Jul 21, 2011
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It's been months since I last sat down with this absolute classic of a game; if it takes a bit of DLC to rekindle my enthusiasm for this wild and wondrous title, then regardless of the frustrations, it's still a winner in my books.- NZGamer
- Posted Aug 28, 2012
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So, a few control and camea issues aside, and putting aside also the lack of replayability (this is a a game you'll probably play through twice at the most) Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is a solidly written, very entertaining, occasionally heart-racing adventure.- NZGamer
- Posted Oct 20, 2010
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Great if you’ve got spare controllers to break and you don’t mind turning red.- NZGamer
- Posted Jun 3, 2015
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- Posted Aug 6, 2015
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A great evolution to the controller, but lacks the fun of the originals.- NZGamer
- Posted Nov 3, 2015
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The new content is certainly welcome, but how much replay value the new area will generate still remains to be seen. In any case, the ability to crash your obnoxious Sim, permanently, at anyone's fancy digs is never going to get old.- NZGamer
- Posted Jan 29, 2015
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Lost Odyssey’s turn-based combat is a bit of a mixed bag, with both its good and bad points. While the five mortals learn skills as they level up, the four immortals can only learn skills and magic spells by equipping an accessory or ‘linking’ with a mortal.- NZGamer
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It's a genuinely good game with a lot to offer both Lord of the Rings and action-RPG fans, and it definitely has that "Snowblind" (Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance) feel to it. As long as you go into it expecting a diamond in the rough, that's exactly what you'll find.- NZGamer
- Posted Nov 21, 2011
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The small player cap is disappointing in this day and age, but AllDrive shows real potential. The frame-rate issues I encountered were a downer on an otherwise impressive arcade racing game.- NZGamer
- Posted Dec 2, 2013
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These tweaks along with the additional maps are more than likely bound to keep the frag counts alive in the growing WarHawk online community.- NZGamer
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Unbalanced characters and a very steep difficulty curve can cause an unnecessary amount of frustration. The Story Mode (playable from either the DC or MK point of view) was interesting to progress though and had some well thought-out storylines. But eventually you’ll come up against a near unbeatable foe like Scorpion who will put a dampener on your enjoyment levels.- NZGamer
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Still, for $10 US on Steam, Fortix 2 is a good 'un, definitely worth adding to the collection.- NZGamer
- Posted May 27, 2011
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If you embrace everything, Grand Kingdom is a cheerful, relaxing, thoughtful experience.- NZGamer
- Posted Jun 30, 2016
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A good game, but one that requires tactical patience and some skill. A very hard game to play solo, but certainly with a partner or a whole squad of mates it's far more enjoyable, and in some ways more doable.- NZGamer
- Posted May 11, 2011
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- Posted Jun 25, 2014
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A big bonus to Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Transformed is that up to ten players race against each other online, either in arena game modes or your usual races.- NZGamer
- Posted Dec 11, 2012
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It may not be at the top of your play list in the long term, but as an ensemble it's well worth a look - particularly if you have a fondness for the various included Nintendo franchises.- NZGamer
- Posted Dec 4, 2012
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Overall Shadow of the Beast a pretty good platformer with nothing much to hate about it. It’s a good time killer.- NZGamer
- Posted May 23, 2016
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Might & Magic: Heroes VI is a refreshing look to the franchise, bringing it back to its roots without over-complicating its simple mechanics.- NZGamer
- Posted Oct 20, 2011
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There's nothing really special to report in terms of the controls.- NZGamer
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In the end, The Godfather II has the recipe for an excellent game filled with action, mindless violence, great characters and strategic thought. But you just can’t help but shake the feeling that it doesn’t quite feel 100% finished.- NZGamer
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