PALGN's Scores

  • Games
For 1,949 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 34% higher than the average critic
  • 6% same as the average critic
  • 60% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 5.3 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 70
Highest review score: 100 Super Mario Galaxy
Lowest review score: 5 Elf Bowling 1 & 2
Score distribution:
1949 game reviews
    • 89 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    A good looking portable kart racer that is fun in short bursts, but is ultimately hampered by its awkward control methods and lack of true creativity within the genre.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    War of the Lions is a good game, but players who've never played Final Fantasy Tactics might find it a bit old and cumbersome, while veterans may find the new game a little scant on new content.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With more work put into the weapons, more diverse locations and more/or smarter enemies this could have been up there with the best.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Tiburon have added a reasonable amount of new material for the 2006 edition of Madden, but we really feel as though they could have done more.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A fundamentally good, yet rather disappointing experience. Players looking for the real next generation boxing title are just going to have to wait until next year; while Fight Night: Round 3 looks great, it moves like a set of rusty gears, and has far too many balance issues to be an enjoyable experience online.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For single player only experience, this game is [60] and below. If you've got the friends and a WiFi connection, the game is [an 80] and above.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Square Enix spoons the fanatical bards with its nth-dipped reiteration of the fourth Final Fantasy.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The gameplay is solid, but there are far too many mistakes and flaws that really hurt what could’ve been a solid sequel.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    This HD remake of Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes offers the same great puzzle RPG action with superior graphics and online play, but at the end of the day it feels more at home on the Nintendo DS.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    You really have to wonder how long Yuke’s continue to push out the exact same game with minor changes each year when there are so many issues – even EA’s games feature bigger alterations than what we’ve seen from Smackdown over the past few years.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Still an incredibly addictive game but there are a lot of racing games out there for the launch and this is just a port.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    You can't deny the fun the platforming and the combat brings. But that's really all it brings now. It's merely a game you 'play' rather than an adventure you 'experience'.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Fight Night Round 3 for the PS3 has the same old problems and a bunch of new ones - and a few scant extra features just aren't enough to tip the balance.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    If you played last years game, then it's almost impossible to justify purchasing Madden NFL 07.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Rogue Galaxy does many things right, and changes up the tired fantasy settings of the genre, but is still held back somewhat by convention. But if you're after a solid RPG, Rogue Galaxy will fit the bill nicely.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Melding exemplary artistic merit with uninspiring gameplay, Brutal Legend is by turns captivating and clumsy, and certainly more fun to watch than it is to play.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While the base game remains fairly much the same, the new space battles are a real thrill – it's just a pity that the hero system that appeared to be so promising really just serves to unbalance the experience.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Saying that the latest FIFA is "beautiful but not as deep as it could be" is becoming a cliché in itself. But it's not without some truth, and although this is engaging for a while (and still the second best football game on the market), it's not quite a keeper.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    NWN2 doesn’t even come close to matching the high caliber that has been reached with other recent action-RPGs on the market, and is ultimately a poorly executed finish.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While Tomb Raider: Legend is a solid game, Crystal Dynamics just haven’t taken any chances with it – all of the design choices throughout the game feel too safe.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Prince of Persia Classic ought to serve as a template for all future XBLA remakes. It had great potential but needed a little extra refinement to broaden its appeal.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A decent game suffocating under a crust of hard plastic cheese.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Halo Wars is unfortunately too simple and limited to achieve the great heights that were expected of it.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The game encourages you to dig deep into your vocabulary and create powerful attacks. It’s surprisingly engaging and when coupled with strategic elements such as Gem Tiles, and can also be quite challenging. To keep things fresh there are also a variety of mini-games on offer. A must for casual gamers.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Trauma Centre is much like any other medical procedure - it feels fine until the anaesthetic wears off.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While some areas tend to fall flat and the world can sometimes feel a bit disjointed, Metro 2033 is a unique and unforgettable experience.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A good game. It's also one that has been there before.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Perfect for the easy goers and newcomers of the genre, serious strategy role-playing game fans should look elsewhere for Square Enix flavoured depth and challenge.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    FIFA 08 is without a doubt the most realistic FIFA title yet, but only just. There have been a few gameplay refinements and the new modes are decent. It's disappointing Australians will miss out on the 5 vs 5 be a pro online feature as that is one of the drawcards for FIFA 08.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    An enjoyable diversion a few months in the US/Euro launch lineup, but an irrelevant game now with bigger/better FPS’s now on the 360.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    It's a passable wrestling game that never gives any impression of credibility. Going through the motions of making a game without any unique concept or vision is fine - if it hasn't been done many times before.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 gives us more new features than last year's outing, the franchise is in need of an overhaul. We want more roar from the Tiger Woods series, and less meow.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A perfect port of one of the most popular in the Street Fighter series, sadly let down by the PSP hardware, slow loading times and an unforgiving AI.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    NBA Street Homecourt is all glitz and glamour, with little substance.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The new missions are tough, and should give the more experienced fans something to challenge themselves with, while the expanded accessories and arsenal are quite cool. It’s a bummer that the new melee attack is so limp – we’d really have expected a bit more force behind our police brutality.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    An incredibly weak update to last year’s title. Virtually every new feature in the game hasn’t be implemented anywhere near as good as it could have been, and it damages the game as a result.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Skate 3 just barely surpasses its predecessor to become the best of the genre, but the lack of fresh ideas (along with the various bugs) will leave many people feeling as though their money could have been better spent elsewhere.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    It might seem a little harsh, but we really do have to punish FIFA for regressing this year - what did EA Canada have to gain by going against the series' strengths? Wait for the Xbox 360 version, or jump to the "Pro Evolution Soccer" camp, but don't settle for this.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    MotoGP 06 is a game that really could have done with 6 months more work, but you can’t deny that MotoGP 06 is still the best of its type, even if framerate problems, online bugs and graphical complaints spoil what should have been a successful debut for the series on the 360.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For all the game has got going for it, which is still a lot, Fable III is unable to transcend the sum of its parts and we're left to lament what could have been.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    PES 2012 doesn't help itself by remaining in stagnant waters, and if it doesn't receive a complete overhaul next year, then we're afraid the end is nigh.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The controls are an issue to consider before deciding to purchase this game as well, because although it may not seem like they will make that much of a difference, they do.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 is an enjoyable game for those who love the gentleman's game, just don't expect much to have changed.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter is too unpolished to justify the costly hardware required to run it properly.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The game now leans more towards "run and gun" game play rather than sitting back and plotting your path. The hot swap feature is great though, and isn't just a gimmick.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Geometry Wars: Galaxies is a fantastic game and easily the best Geometry Wars title yet. Any shooter fans should have no hesitation in picking this title up.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Metal Gear Ac!d 2 is unquestionably a title that is better than it's predecessor. The combat is a lot faster and there are more cards, but some of the problems that plagued the original title (like the annoyance of equipping weapons and the dodgy camera work) are still present. Metal Gear Ac!d 2 is an okay title if you're after a turn based strategy game, but PSP games have come a long way in nine months; this game has only made short steps.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    An ambitious game that hasn't (yet) fulfilled its potential. There's brilliance here, but it's currently being smothered by technical issues and an unfortunately wobbly multiplayer component.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Overall a good idea, but poor execution throughout. A good technical showpiece for the Xbox 360, but in truth a disappointing game destined for the bargain bins in six months.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As familiar as Dead or Alive can be, a solid fighter in its own right, and a genuine alternative to SSFIV 3D, especially if you're new to the fighting genre.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    GrimGrimoire is a game that could have been great had it had a little bit more variety and a few minor tweaks. That said its gameplay is definitely one of the best implementations of the RTS genre currently available on consoles.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Virtua Tennis 3 is very similar to "World Tour," so the game is only really recommended for those who didn't pick up the first title on launch.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sonic 3 is a fast and entertaining platformer, although it may be worth considering buying it inside of one of Sega's larger collections.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    If you want to walk around a large repetitive castle, Castlevania: Lament of Innocence will do the job for you.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It may have been the prospect of high-definition Pro Evo that created the most buzz amongst fans, but it's the superior PS2 version that comes out smelling of roses.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Dissidia is a disappointing title that is hard to recommend to anyone but a die hard fan of the Final Fantasy series.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    One of the best console RTS titles in a long time, if you've avoided RTS titles in the past on consoles then this game will change your perception on whether they can work or not.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    A huge disappointment. After "Wrestlemania 19" I was really expecting something special from this, but it retains everything that was bad about that game and merely covers them over with prettier graphics and a few new modes. Time to continue praying again for the return of AKI.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Baddest of the Bands is pretty funny, and has a fair bit of content for your money. It's just not very original.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Alien Hominid HD appears to be cute on the surface, but the vicious and difficult shooter gameplay will separate the men from the boys.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite being a bit dated, F.E.A.R. 2 still delivers a solid shooter with enough scares for die-hard horror/shooter fans to relish.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Twisted Metal: Head On isn't anything new, but amongst all the driving games on the PSP sometimes it is fun to play a racer than doesn't take itself so seriously.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Shattered Memories is an uneven, disappointing game which nevertheless shows ample promise of where the series might go from here. Fingers crossed that Climax re-evaluates the abysmal nightmare sequences and ups the fright-factor while maintaining their shrewd emphasis on pared-back, psychological horrors.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A fantastic title for the Xbox Live Arcade because it's easily accessible and a game you can spend hours or minutes on.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While it doesn't quite fulfill the high expectations, Mirror's Edge is a unique gaming experience that is certainly worth a look.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Essentially more of the same old same old, and it's starting to wear thin.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A sharp iteration of an old favourite; Yahtzee is a videogame adaptation of the utmost fidelity and benefits from the indelible charisma of Mr Potato Head.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Whilst this game would have been fairly recommendable six months ago, purchasing it now would be a death knell as the sequel is out next week and features more of everything.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Madden 12 isn't a disaster. It is however, a story about a game full of uncertainty, a game that doesn't know where it wants to go or how it's going to get there.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Far Cry Instincts Evolution isn't really an evolution but more of the same which is good if that's what you're after.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hotel Dusk hangs somewhere between a game and an interactive story. While we would have liked to see a little more interactivity thrown into the mix, its storytelling elements are nevertheless fantastic.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A rather forgettable, derivative FPS experience. Only worth a try if you're absolutely desperate for a shooter fix, and don't care about dropping some cash for a copycat title.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Rare obviously know how to work their system. It's just a shame they've lost their flair for gameplay. This game overall displayed a total drought of ideas. It's a shame that such a good game be dealt such a troublesome fate.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Movies: Stunts & Effects adds some top quality content, but fails to address the major issues that held the initial game back.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Another solid entry, but the series probably needed more then solid. Weaker characters are offset by new novelties, but it will still be worth a go for fans of the idea.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 is the best Tiger Wood's game on the PSP, but it's not all that different from it's predecessor.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Toy Story 3 is a fun romp where you can set aside your inhibitions and play like you are a child again.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Climax has delivered a title deserving of the Silent Hill name, but the experience may be a little too brief or frustrating for some players.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's a solid collection of some of Capcom's best, if you can get over the various emulation issues, however minor they may be.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The cell shaded look is effective, and all the environments feel vibrant.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A rather pointless port but still an enjoyable game available at a budget price point.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Better than its predecessor, but only just.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sonic Colours is Sega's first step in the right direction towards making a great Sonic game, but they're not quite there yet. This isn't the second coming of Sonic, but it's fun enough for kids and fans of the series.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    One of the best expansion packs released for The Sims yet. Letting your Sims have their own businesses seems like a natural progression and the business element is deep, it isn't just a tacked on inclusion.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    There's a great deal of technical power and content in this little disc and fans of the original will love it, but the true potential of Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy remains untapped.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Like the old adage says "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" and unfortunately the makers of Bejeweled Twist have changed the gameplay, taking away the addictive qualities that previous Bejeweled titles have thrived on.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A game that is just fun to play. It isn't fundamentally different from it's predecessor but there is more of everything. It's a great puzzle game.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The technology behind Singstar needs to improve; charging $49.95 for what is essentially a cd is fairly expensive. However, the game is still incredibly fun and addictive in multiplayer, plus the songs are some of the best yet.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The lack of portability and obtuse load times mean that it has no advantage over the PS2 or Xbox 360 versions - that, and you'll be paying the same, if not more than the PS2 version.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Much better than a lot of other Ubisoft launch offerings for the 3DS, Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars is a great title if you're looking for a lengthy strategy game with nice mechanics.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The individual mechanics come together reasonably well with none being brilliant or outstanding but once you get the way that the game encourages you to play, it works out reasonably well. It's just too bad that it doesn't really hit the peaks that you'd expect.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A well rounded multiplayer extension of the classic Men of War formula, hurt most by technical issues and a steep learning curve. Worth a look for fans of the series.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Conceptually solid, interesting and potentially enjoyable, but let down by poor execution and a sense of disconnection.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It won’t win any game of the year awards, but for a piece of brainless action, you can’t really go wrong with Shaolin Monks.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It isn't a huge upgrade but if you've been holding off for the Xbox 360 version then Battlefield 2: Modern Combat is still a very enjoyable game.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Anyone who is an arcade soccer fan would be best advised to pickup "World Tour Soccer," and if you're a simulation fan then it is highly advisable that you wait for "Pro Evolution Soccer 5" to come to the PSP.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Whilst it's not your traditional survival horror the addition of high-suspense action is a welcome breath of fresh air. If you're looking to be scared it will do the job.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The game hasn't changed that much, but it didn't really need to. Pure arcade fun.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    An improvement over Champions of Norrath, but just doesn't do enough to separate itself from the other games which have preceded it.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Buzz! series is still undoubtedly good value and Buzz! Hollywood Quiz! is a game that Buzz! fans will definitely enjoy.

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