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
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    With excellent presentation, entertaining gameplay and a classic story, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is the lightsaber-wielding adventure we've long been waiting for.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Crysis Warhead is a visual tour de force, an excellent shooter and, for the price, well worth purchasing.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Definitely enjoyable in its own way, but a camera that can't keep pace with the action and dated visuals means that this is one for fans of the series only.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Even with Street Fighter IV currently being the best fighting game in the market, Battle Fantasia is still a solid fighting game that has some interesting Japanese RPG elements as well as fantastic visuals and art.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Unfortunately Clear Sky's myriad technical issues obscure a reasonably good game. Hopefully a series of patches will allow it to become fully realised, but as it currently stands, the game is far too filled with bugs to recommend.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    A tighter and more interesting instalment than the first episode, and a step in the right direction for this oddball series.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    A tighter and more interesting instalment than the first episode, and a step in the right direction for this oddball series.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    As a first attempt, TNA Impact! is a fun yet incredibly shallow showing for the little-wrestling-company-that-could. While the foundations are there for a potentially awesome sequel, this debut could definitely have used a bit more time in training.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    NHL 09 is an outstanding hockey game. EA has delivered two truly new features to the genre, in the form of the EA Sports Hockey League and the Be A Pro mode, which have well and truly moved the goal posts. Or net, in this instance. Grab your controller and become a hockey legend today.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir is a worthy addition to the DS library. It’s great for quick pick up and play sessions, there’s a lot of replay value on offer, and it’s neatly presented. If you haven’t liked other Touch Generation titles however, then you need not apply.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Micro to macro, creation to community, Spore is a wonderfully imaginative and engaging experience. Don't expect great gameplay - instead, expect creativity you never knew you had, and a real attachment to the creatures in your virtual petrie dish.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    While it tries to capture the arcade fun of boxing titles of previous console generations, FaceBreaker doesn't deliver the knockout punch that was expected.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    A missed chance to address the problems of the original. Battlemarch is simply more of the same thing that didn't really work first time around.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While a serviceable action RPG, Infinite Undiscovery seems like a developer experiment before their main project is due to hit.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    You will find that the action-packed explosion-fest that is Mercenaries 2 is kinda like a good action film: light on story, heavy on action and sure to keep a big, dopey grin on your face the entire time you play.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The last guy's sum is far greater than its rather simplistic parts, offering up yet another fun and entirely unique game for the PSN service.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    A benchmark in downloadable content, even with all of its launch issues around online multiplayer.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tales of Vesperia succeeds in providing a great and enjoyable action JRPG experience for the Xbox 360, but could have shaken off a few of the older, peskier genre conventions.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    While it can't compare to the likes of Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport 2, Ferrari Challenge proves to be a satisfying drive for the fanatical Ferrari gamers out there.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Island of Happiness has some depth, but you'll have to get past the painful controls and lazy design to find it.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    As far as a downloadable episode goes, Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty serves its purpose extremely well. The experience is fun, fast and furious throughout the four hours that it lasts and fans will definitely get a kick out of seeing how the story has progressed.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Too Human is a very competent action-RPG let down by clunky controls and a pervasive air of sloppiness. It's definitely worth a look for the dungeon-crawling Diablo crowd, but most will regard it as nothing more than an ambitious curiosity which never quite comes together.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ultimately, the deep and engaging Pro Tour mode of Smash Court Tennis 3 can't win out over inconsistant controls and a flawed gameplay design.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A deeply respectful remake of an arcade classic that is as enjoyable and relevant today as it was 20 years ago.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Bangai-O Spirits is an entertaining portable shmup title that has plenty of game to offer.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    On the whole there is not much new going on in the world of Madden NFL 09, but the implementation of features that make it more accessible to casual gamers is a step in the right direction if the franchise is to flourish outside of the United States.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Madden for the masses. It's fun, easy to get into and a great fit for Wii.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A polished, if uneventfully designed episode, better suited to the Homestar Runner crazy-go-nut.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A polished, if uneventfully designed episode, better suited to the Homestar Runner crazy-go-nut.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Braid is the unique gaming experience that the critical press always cries out for and tells us to get so that more can be made.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Its positives, whilst quite good, are unfortunately outweighed by its negatives leaving it being a great concept that comes off slightly undercooked in the gameplay stakes.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2 reminds us why the service is called Xbox Live Arcade, offering up an old school high score chasing extravaganza that's more addictive, varied and even better looking than its predecessor.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Soul Calibur IV provides the same great quality of fighting gameplay and presentation as you'd expect. Just don't be surprised if it doesn't leave the same impression as the previous titles.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Soul Calibur IV provides the same great quality of fighting gameplay and presentation as you'd expect. Just don't be surprised if it doesn't leave the same impression as the previous titles.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Square Enix spoons the fanatical bards with its nth-dipped reiteration of the fourth Final Fantasy.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    It's about as middle of the road as gaming gets and suffers from a few lazy design flaws, but is still oddly enjoyable.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Schizoid is built on a decent concept that is unfortunately hampered by poor execution.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sid Meier's Civilization: Revolution is easily the most effective and most addictive strategy game ever to be released on a console, and is worth a shot for anyone interested in the franchise or genre at all.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sid Meier's Civilization: Revolution is easily the most effective and most addictive strategy game ever to be released on a console, and is worth a shot for anyone interested in the franchise or genre at all.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it doesn't contain as much depth as its predecessor on PC, Sid Meier's Civilization: Revolution serves up the globe conquering fun that the series is renowned for.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Beijing 2008 is a button mashing game with a very tough learning curve. The multiplayer can be a bit of fun, but the lack of gameplay innovations result in the game finishing in last place.
    • 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.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The same Guitar Hero that we all know and love combined with Aerosmith, who we're sure many have a love-hate relationship with. Still fun, but definitely tailored for fans of the band more than anybody else.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Commando 3: Wolf of the Battlefield doesn't break any new ground or blow away the competition, but it provides some no-fuss shooting fun.
    • 47 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Even Hellboy fans will not find much fun in this title thanks to the dreadfully uninspired game design. If you really must play it, at least wait until it's circulating the bargain bin.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    WALL-E is a solid platforming game that children will love.
    • 44 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    As satisfying as a sand-ridden shoe, without the fortunate side effect of having gotten some fresh air. Take a ball to the local seaside shingle instead.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As a port from 360 and PC, Overlord: Raising Hell has some things going for it, and some things detracting from it — more or less creating equilibrium. As a game, though, there's something forgivably enjoyable about Overlord: Raising Hell.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Reasonably innovative and inventive, Alone in the Dark has some great elements, unfortunately these are hampered by an equal dose of awkward negatives, preventing the game from truly bringing glory back to the franchise's name.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Battlefield: Bad Company's legacy will most definitely be its satisfying use of tactical destruction. The single player campaign is good but not great, but it's multiplayer provides some of the best action that money can buy.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Top Spin 3 is a decent game with an incredible learning curve. Anyone who has the patience to stick with it will enjoy the game, but anyone who is just a casual fan of tennis games will be put off by the steep learning curve.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Top Spin 3 is a decent game with an incredible learning curve. Anyone who has the patience to stick with it will enjoy the game, but anyone who is just a casual fan of tennis games will be put off by the steep learning curve.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The omission of online support and a purely right handed control scheme is a shame, but if you're looking for a more in-depth tennis game than Wii Sports then Top Spin 3 should be right up your alley.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Top Spin 3 features an improved frame rate and enhanced Career mode over last year’s Top Spin 2. Unfortunately, the game’s AI is overly difficult and the visuals are bland. On the plus side, the multiplayer mode is solid, there are a decent number of mini-games on offer, and the controls are easy to pick up.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Guitar Hero: On Tour is a heck of a surprise, it works rather well on the Nintendo DS and while the console versions are undoubtedly better, those who prefer portable gaming are getting a solid alternative with On Tour.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    An addictive and worthy remake of the arcade classic. While the single-player experience is a little limited, if you're into high scores and competitive multi-player, then you should look no further.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Arkanoid bounces back on DS, yet misses the point completely.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Secret Agent Clank is playable and even enjoyable at many points, but is brought down by some very questionable stealth sections, a dodgy camera and a lack of overall innovation. Certainly not bad, but not great either.
    • 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.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    A gaming masterpiece that provides an experience unlike any other.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    NASCAR 09 is a competent shot at an enjoyable NASCAR videogame experience. Unfortunately, it falls short in too many ways and fails to develop over previous instalments in any meaningful manner.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A shiny coat of paint isn’t enough to hide the fact that the depth in the fighting has been somewhat compromised, the game is the lowest on content since the original Budokai title and the least friendliest to those who aren’t fans.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A shiny coat of paint isn’t enough to hide the fact that the depth in the fighting has been somewhat compromised, the game is the lowest on content since the original Budokai title and the least friendliest to those who aren’t fans.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While it does contain moments of fun, playing through The Incredible Hulk will leave many gamers yearning to dust off their copies of Ultimate Destruction and reminisce about how fun it used to be to play the Hulk.
    • 50 Metascore
    • 45 Critic Score
    While older players will find some brainless fun in The Incredible Hulk, the simple gameplay would more likely to suited to a younger audience.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    And even though it’s a fun action in it’s own right with nice style, nice touches and some panache, the aforementioned issues as well as weak controls and brevity bring down an otherwise solid, if eventually run-of-the-mill third person shooter.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    And even though it’s a fun action in it’s own right with nice style, nice touches and some panache, the aforementioned issues as well as weak controls and brevity bring down an otherwise solid, if eventually run-of-the-mill third person shooter.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    It's Ninja Gaiden II, literally in every sense of the word. It doesn't break any real new ground, but on the other hand, does it really need to?
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Kung Fu Panda again shows that even pretty decent games squeezed into the Wii's control scheme have a hard time living up to their potential. It's not terrible, but if you can, you should get it on another system.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    LEGO Indiana Jones sticks to an almost identical formula to the LEGO Star Wars games before it, but with its adventure-themed gameplay and incredibly entertaining cooperative features, the game is a solid purchase for anyone who wants to have some pure, uncomplicated fun.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    LEGO Indiana Jones sticks to an almost identical formula to the LEGO Star Wars games before it, but with its adventure-themed gameplay and incredibly entertaining cooperative features, the game is a solid purchase for anyone who wants to have some pure, uncomplicated fun.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    LEGO Indiana Jones sticks to an almost identical formula to the LEGO Star Wars games before it, but with its adventure-themed gameplay and incredibly entertaining cooperative features, the game is a solid purchase for anyone who wants to have some pure, uncomplicated fun.
    • 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.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    With around 70 levels to play through, both fun and challenging gameplay, and appealing visuals and sound, Toki Tori is a worthy addition in any puzzle game fans’ collection.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Mass Effect might be shovelled into an ill-fitting RPG suit with a few loose threads and unsightly stains, but if you stand back and squint, it's still a damn sight better than what everyone else is wearing.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Buku Sudoku is well designed, and is good at teaching you how to play sudoku. However, there isn't enough in this little package to appeal to anyone other then sudoku enthusiasts.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    ET:QW on X360 is a watered down version of the great team-based PC title. The lack of new content coupled with the alarming fact that no one seems to be playing it make this one for the hardcore Quake fans only.
    • 41 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Emergency Heroes is a below average game that is ultimately far too dull to be enjoyable.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    While bringing nothing majorly new to the table, the budget price-point and new features are reason enough for newcomers to give the game a chance. Lost Planet veterans, however, need not apply.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dr. Mario & Germ Buster is a solid game that's highly recommended for those who enjoy puzzle games.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    It's the story that really makes this unique, and if you don't like the story, you should probably stay well away. On the other hand, if you do enjoy their unique sense of humour, this may just be the funniest game of the year.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    A game like Haze from a developer like Free Radical had so much potential, but there are just too many issues with the end product, making it very hard to recommend.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Singstar for the PlayStation 3 isn't fundamentally different from its predecessors but there is very little left to change for the franchise. With a great soundtrack and some long overdue online features, Singstar is a great continuation of the series.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nintendo has taken ideas of what a videogame can achieve and has thrown them into a completely different universe. While others play with increased physics engines, Wii Fit entices you to play with your own physics and for the most part, succeeds at something we've never really seen before.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    UEFA EURO 2008 is a fantastic game, and it's amazing how different the title is from FIFA 08. Football fans who are heavily into the tournament should pick this title up immediately.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Speed Racer is a very solid movie game tie in that does justice to the film. In fact, it's easily the best movie game tie in of the year, aside from the lack of content the game is a lot of fun and makes every other racing game feel slow.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Speed Racer had potential but missed out in the end. The game’s AI is unbalanced, the Jump Attack mini-game feels like a gimmick and when you miss jumps you’re advanced ahead of other players. If you’re a Speed Racer fan or just like fast paced games in general though, then Speed Racer: The Videogame will appeal to you.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    What Boom Blox does feature is simple, old-fashioned fun.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    CrossworDS is a surprisingly solid game and a fantastic addition to the touch generations series.
    • 45 Metascore
    • 45 Critic Score
    Boring, repetitive gameplay, uninspired level design and pathetic voice-overs are just part of the reason why Iron Man is destined to become a video store rental rather than a full price purchase.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Awful camera view, clunky controls and repetitive missions makes this one DS title that doesn't live up to the superhero that it promotes.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Echochrome is one of the most inventive games available not only on the PSP, but anywhere. For somebody looking for something new in the puzzle genre, you can't really go wrong with this one.
    • 98 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    There are a few technical issues; the frame rate does drop at times when things get hectic and there is some very noticeable pop-in when you're driving through the city.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    As personal improvement programs go on the DS, this is one of the best we've seen bar none.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Excellent value, just not quite as good as "Let's Yoga."
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    One thing Mario Kart Wii features a lot of is multiplayer options.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Turok is a decent game with obvious flaws. Its first steps as a reborn franchise are decent ones, though it's difficult to recommend over so many other titles on the PC market.

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