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
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It mightn't be much different from the Xbox version, or very 'next-gen', but NHL 2K6 is a worthy upgrade from ESPN NHL 2K5, and well worth a look for all 360 owners looking for a good sports game.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fine addition to the roleplaying game lineup on the DS, Golden Sun: Dark Dawn is excellent proof that Nintendo can continue to build their franchises and aim for bigger and better things.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While some veteran Buzz fans may be a bit annoyed at having to upgrade so soon, they will realise like everyone else that Buzz!: Quiz World is the ultimate trivia experience on the PlayStation 3, or on any console for that matter. There has never been a better time to Buzz in.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you're a newcomer to the series or a seasoned veteran of the previous iteration, Everybody's Golf 2 is a fun title that's as addictive as it is accessible.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Space Marine is a thrilling, well paced action game that is only really let down by its shoddy matchmaking system and somewhat repetitive nature.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dark Resurrection is still a thoroughly enjoyable fighting game that should appeal to those who have liked the previous games. It is a little light on features in comparison to other Tekken titles but is still incredibly good value.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Recettear is perhaps one of the most unusual examples of a simulation game yet; with its engaging storyline, large ensemble of characters and action-RPG sequences, this is a game that really stands out from the crowd.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The depth of play modes, quality of gameplay and robust online options should have any basketball fan entertained for months.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sonic CD is one of the more robust examples of quality nostalgia and how developers should handle their distribution in the modern age.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sid Meier's Pirates is a shining example of how a game can be ported and made enjoyable for the PSP.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Naruto: Rise of Ninja is easily one of the better games to have been inspired by an anime series, that both fans and non-fans can enjoy together.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Monkey Ball Deluxe is the best version of a great game, anyone wanting to play this game (but doesn't own a Gamecube) has no excuse anymore.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Not since Planescape Torment has the AD&D rule set shone so brightly. It's just a shame that all the fantastic elements of Mask of the Betrayer had to be contained within the same awkward engine that Neverwinter Nights was.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    More than just a glorified demo, Dead Rising 2: Case Zero is a great little Arcade game in its own right and may prove to be better than the intended sequel.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    One of the most easily accessible games on the Xbox 360.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    TMNT for the Game Boy Advance is a fantastic game that utilises the TMNT license in a great way. The game includes bosses from the film and is a fantastic demonstration of how to release a solid game based on a movie.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In an age where true originality is so hard to come by, Gitaroo Man is a breath of fresh air, providing pure, highly addictive fun from start to finish.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    What Diamond and Pearl lack in core innovation, they make up for in finesse, refinement and an overall abundance of gameplay. An easy recommendation.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While an obvious attraction for the older RPG fan, Etrian Odyssey II will also appeal to anyone looking for a rewarding pocketful of portable exploration and combat.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A highly enjoyable game and one that’s easily recommended to those who crave competitive play with a good dose of chaos thrown in.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though by no means a large step away from Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon Platinum is on its own merits a deep, engrossing and virtually endless game, and a crown jewel for the Nintendo DS.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though it lacks the modability of the PS3 and PC ports, it makes up with the excellent implementation of split-screen and is a game sure to please multiplayer gamers in search of something new.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With the stunning visuals and audio sections of the game it’s somewhat of a treat for Xbox gamers to witness. Sadly, Battlefront is hurt greatly because of a lack of effort put into the game’s AI and overall single player production.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An excellent example of what a great adaptation from PC to DS can achieve. Age of Empires: Age of Kings delivers fun strategy gaming that you should be happy to carry with you for quite some time.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game’s campaign mode is very engaging and fun, with a reliance of strategy the key factor in winning. While the other modes aren’t quite as enjoyable, they do enough to offer a different perspective to the game, especially the co-op mode.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Brilliant budget priced arcade racing that recalls a simple, better gaming time. Be prepared to wear out the race reset key as you make the thousandth attempt at a perfect run, if just to show off your racing mastery to the world.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Stranglehold successfully merges the third person action game with John Woo's cinematic flair, with great, if short-lived results.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Guitar Hero World Tour indeed rocks the house. It isn't as revolutionary as we may have hoped for, but it still packs in a whole heap of fun.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kratos' road to revenge is a well-worn path, and while Ghost of Sparta doesn't have a whole lot new to offer, it is a tight, fun and great-looking adventure for the PSP.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The best and most substantial Dragon Ball Z experience that you're likely to get outside of watching the show.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An excellent game and one that any racing fan should pick up. It may not feature any Australian content but the gameplay is addictive and enjoyable and that's what matters most.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It may not be anything particularly extraordinary or hardcore, but Starnia is an entertaining shooting package that succeeds at providing a uniquely fresh shooting experience. It offers an interesting mix of traditional shmup conventions and modern game design innovations.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    LittleBigPlanet on PSP offers some astonishing opportunities for creativity on a handheld platform, but doesn't quite live up to its bigger brother.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    You'll be hard pressed to find a game that offers as much long term playability as this one.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite the problems faced in difficultly, story involvement and some other minor nit-picks, The Third Age is an amazing game that'll keep gamers occupied for an easy 20+ hours.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Thanks to additional characters and some enhanced gameplay, animations and modes. Bleach: Dark Souls is a worthy sequel to Bleach: The Blade of Fate that fans of Bleach and fighting games should not miss.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Trial and Execution of Guybrush Threepwood may not be the funniest episode, but it does have a lot to do, some great puzzles, and Stan.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Red Steel 2 is a great little arcade shooter/slasher that will hopefully be a benchmark and catalyst for more Wii Motion Plus titles.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa is an excellent football game for the fans who only come out every four years, and it plays a good game of football in its own right as well.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    One of the most refined sports updates we've seen for quite some time.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Very well-executed football management sim catering to the business-minded group of the fans. Anyone not after crunching numbers and statistics should steer clear.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sure, the graphics aren't that great, the soundtrack isn't exactly memorable but most important of all is the game play, and that is spot on.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Using the touchscreen exclusively for control, as well as the microphone and the top screen, means this simply isn't playable on anything other than the DS.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fairly solid 3D Platformer with only a lack of difficulty letting it down. Definitely more worthwhile at the cheaper Platinum price point, and worth a look for all gaming fans.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A good package of great fighting games that has it where it counts. A no-brainer purchase if you're interested in 2D fighters, worth a look for anyone else.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Through a combination of great storytelling, a user-friendly interface and gameplay so fun that it'll keep players entertained for hours on end, Dawn of War II – Retribution offers both new fans and veteran players with a compelling reason to delve into the action.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There is a variety overload in terms of gameplay; with fundamental 2D gameplay enhanced by the context sensitive magic scheme, a horribly addictive DDR-esque section, 6 fun and quirky mini-games and taking care of your own virtual pet Nintendogs style, not to mention multiplayer mode and a bevy of extras to come back for.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A terrific sampling of the Mega Drive's greatest hits, with excellent achievements that egg you on to play them all.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's too much of a great piece of software to pass by undetected. So for those interested, import if need be, but do not miss out.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fans of the series will find that SSX on the PSP is very faithful to the series, there are a few control issues, but it's still a decent game.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There is so much to do in Final Fantasy XI, go fishing, cook stuff, make armour, join linkshell groups, kill Goblins. The world is Vana'Diel is such a large place, just don't forget to send everyone else postcards.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Likely to be appreciated by the Warhammer fanatics amongst you or Total War fans looking for a fantasy-based spin.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    One of our biggest concerns about Mech Assault 2 is the lifespan. It is a bigger and more expansive game than its predecessor, but the game can still be over really quickly.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mater-National features more of everything: more tracks and more opponents. It is a great game for kids and one of the best racing games on the Nintendo DS.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it definitely isn’t GOTY material, it’s a solid game that’s worth playing and offers strong value for money. As long as you don’t mind bad voice acting and a limited score.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite being a little on the short side, Gunstar Heroes is a great port of a fantastic game. At the price, it's hard not to give it another go.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you fancy the occasional puzzle or PSN title, or you're a puzzle game addict looking for your next hit, Puzzle Dimension will be the answer to your prayers. With a creative twist on mechanics and a welcomed splash of retro paint, be prepared to say goodbye to many, many hours.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The best Xbox Live Arcade multiplayer experience since Battlefield 1943.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While not as revolutionary as the original, it's still a very competent game and is worth a look for anybody interested in the series at all.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though it will not appeal to all, UFC Undisputed 2010 is a polished product that does well to replicate the world of Ultimate Fighting and should satisfy UFC fans and fighting game fans in general.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As a single player it’s a disappointment and something that would be better played when found cheaper. However, if you’re after a multiplayer game look no further.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it hardly represents the pinnacle of the genre, as a complete package and fan service, Halo: Reach is just about the pinnacle of the Halo series.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Simply a great basketball game, providing an authentic experience that pulls confidently ahead of the current Xbox 360 selection.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Quite simply put - this is the finest horizontal shooter on the PlayStation 2. In fact, it’s the finest horizontal shooter on any of the next-generation systems.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Neversoft has reinvented the engine and put the focus firmly on the skating. Project 8 is easily the best skating game since "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4."
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: World at War may not be another Modern Warfare, but its still a very well-developed game with plenty of fun to be had.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Solar 2 is a simple but effective sandbox title that feeds off your addiction to it and delivers an enjoyable ride across the universe.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it may lack the "wow" factor of the original, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 is a great shooter for the PSP in its own right.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite the minor nitpicks that plague this game, Grand Theft Auto is a spectacular game that lives up to it's big-console cousins.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's de Blob as you might expect, but it's the best damn Blob money can buy, and an exceptional game in its own right.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even with a lack of endearing gameplay advancements and actual frights, Cursed Mountain is the kind of unique experience you want from the Wii and up and coming developers.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy players who missed out on the original - which is a highly likely scenario - can't go wrong by nabbing this professionally updated piece of gaming nostalgia.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Monkey Island is back. This first episode is a strong start, with Guybrush at his best, an amusing script and a barrel of grog to boot.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Luscious visuals and a solid plot may really add to the experience, but it's Namco's extra layer of polish on Ace Combat 6 which makes it all the more fun to play.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Much like "Darwinia," DEFCON is going to win a lot of hearts. With its incredibly and attractive gameplay, fans of strategy games will have an absolute blast.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    To quote a famous wood-stain TV advert slogan – 'It does exactly what it says on the tin.'
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    NBA Live 10 has made some serious strides to catch up to the competition, giving many fans a reason to return to the NBA Live flock once more.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A unqiue, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable game that provides an experience that you won't get anywhere else. It also happens to be one of the best games based on a movie since "Goldeneye."
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game play is quick and addictive which should satisfy adults, and the puzzles aren't too difficult, but still put up a challenge which should appeal to children.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit is a terrific racer, it's also a poignant reminder that Criterion will probably never be able to match the standard they set with Burnout 3.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A great first-person shooter, and thrilling almost every step of the way.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Brimming with quality and class, The Beatles Rock Band is a game worthy of the band it pays tribute to.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Stunning use of sprites on both the fighters and the backgrounds. Excellent character design combined with some visually appealing backgrounds make GGX2:Reload one of the best looking 2D games ever.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bizzare hasn't broken any rules, instead choosing to fine-tune and streamline Blur into something that every racing fan should experience.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While losing some of the scope and ambition of the first game, Crysis 2 is still a phenomenal title which rewards the inventive player and takes FPS into a different direction for the better.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sega have successfully blended basic 3D and amazing 2D into the game, anyone who has moved away from Sonic in recent years has a great reason to come back to the series now.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A great game. We would have liked to have seen some more difficult hurdles to overcome and maybe even an extra hours gameplay would have kept us more happy until Episode 2 comes out. If you love point and click this episodic series looks like it could be good.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A big, loud, highly polished game that's possibly a bit too smitten with its own good looks. As it is, World in Conflict is often more fun to watch than to actually play.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Race Driver: GRID is an excellent game and one that any racing fan should pick up. It may not feature any Australian content but the gameplay is addictive and enjoyable and that's what matters most.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's great to see the second episode of the game come through both on time and, more importantly, deliver more of the humourous gameplay that the first episode gave us.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ivy the Kiwi? is a charming puzzle platformer that makes intuitive use of the DS's capabilities. It's one of the better 'pure' DS platformers to come out in a long time.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you hate puzzle games,Catherine will be like a scorned lover, vying desperately for your attention with methods that don't always work. If you love puzzle games though, Catherine will be the closest you will ever get to having the perfect relationship, drawing you in with its strong and compelling storyline and deep and multi-faceted gameplay.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    LostWinds is a great example of what can be done with the Wii's motion based interface. In fact, it outshines many of the more expensive, bigger budget, retail games available on the system.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The melee is still a little simplistic and the camera can get in the way, but it really feels like you're in a Lego universe with some incredibly varied puzzles as well as some intense action.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Wolfenstein 3D is just as fun a trip you can have going down memory lane.
    • 52 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A decent racing game: those of you who've always wanted to shoot cars down while battling them in Burnout 3 will never turn back.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match is quite retro from a technical standpoint and the 2D fighting genre has moved on to the next level, but for 800 Microsoft Points, you are getting the biggest and best playing The King of Fighters game ever made (period).
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Telltale must have added MSG to this game as we loved the taste but continue to wish we had some more.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Where it lacks in revolution it success in execution. Tropico 4 represents the best qualities found in city management simulators, and is the best entry yet in a beloved franchise.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Strong racing foundations let down by a weak single player are quickly made up by some of the best multiplayer components found in any Nintendo game. Best played online and with friends, this is Mario Kart for the socialite.

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