PLAY! Zine's Scores

  • Games
For 1,364 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 55% higher than the average critic
  • 8% same as the average critic
  • 37% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.6 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 75
Highest review score: 100 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Lowest review score: 10 Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV
Score distribution:
1364 game reviews
    • 42 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Short and boring, with a story that is, to put it simply - bad historical fiction.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mages of Mystralia is far from a good game, but it fits perfectly on a Nintendo Switch. Monotonous gameplay and puzzles are overshadowed by the sheer number of spell combinations.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    This grinding-cooking game truly is a recipe to make you smile. It's simple and full of grinding but warm and positive at the same time. It will truly make you feel good and pass the time like a pro. But don't let it pass too much, life is short you know!
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Nidhogg 2 upgrades its predecessor's formula to a grotesque but charming, fast-paced stamina duels. If you have a friend interested in testing his gaming expertise against you, grab this game! If not... Well sadly, nothing to look for in here.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Darksiders 3 does a lot of stuff wrong. True fans will be grateful that it exists, but this game is a below average action platformer that tries to be something that is not.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    This game is the closest to the original Jagged Alliance we got in the last two decades. It's a fun game but complexity is far below the standards of the original games in the series.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 25 Critic Score
    Energy Cycle Edge has a simple yet complex concept that will test your wits to the fullest. That is, if you find it interesting at all. It has no setting and no explanations, which equals to next to no reason to play it.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Book of Demons is a hidden gem, taking some of the best elements from action RPGs like Diablo and Path of Exile. It maintains its unique paper cut-out style, while providing a fun and intriguing equipment and advancement system.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    It is a game that reminds you how some titles earned their legendary status in the history of video games, and teaches you how it can be possible to implement that epic old school essence into the modern age of gaming. A truly superb and rewarding gem you should not let slip unnoticed.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Council started with a big bang but ended with a huge sigh of disappointment. It has a great level of details to represent the world at the end of XVIII century, it has some nice changes to the stagnant genre of "choices matter adventures", but the story and storytelling are not up to par with them. Also, world feels unresponsive, the pacing feels inadequate and in short, it could have been a great game, but it failed on the most important things.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Mutant Year Zero is a turn based strategy role playing adventure set in a world after the nuclear war. It captures the player with its main characters, world building, good sense of humor and an unforgiving combat. It has its flaws in the form of replayability, and lack of skill depth, but the overall impressions are very positive. Recommended even for the people that are not too much into this genre, and for those who are, it’s a no brainer.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Complex and challenging card game, but with some fundamental flaws and bad monetization system that basically killed the game even before it went out.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    OkunoKA redesigns the Super Meat Boy formula into a colorful and detailed, fast-paced, trial and error experience. Truth be told, it's a bit too detailed, and that makes the game even harder when the graphics get in the way of precise platforming. Still, a challenging game and a recommendation for any hardcore Super Meat Boy fans out there.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With its unique fighting mechanics and even a possible 4 player co-op in which players control a section of a robot, it truly deserves to be in the game library of any mech fans out there.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Just Cause 4 is just another sandbox game that brings nothing new to the table. If you are looking for mindless destruction with a terrible story, this is a game for you. If you’re looking for something deeper, look elsewhere.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Clumsily narrated yet strongly delivered tale, told through the eyes of a seeking fox and set in a gorgeous dream-world, The First Tree is an hour long video game you will not forget for some time after beating it.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Just as its name says, this game is a great foundation for a really massive and great open world sandbox space adventure, where it's your choice to write your own destiny and play any way you want. But the massive and game breaking bugs simply stop players from delving more into it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Interesting combination of gameplay mechanics and advanced level editor are good, but lack of servers really hurts multiplayer aspect of the game.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Super Smash Bros. Ultimate escalates everything the series was known for, and delivers it flawlessly. Biggest fighter rooster ever, more dynamic gameplay, loads and loads of gameplay modes, stages, weapons, music, stuff! If there is a smash that deserves your cash, this is the one!
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    No hints-guessing has never been this fun! Though it's still not all that fun. But it is charming and makes you giggle a bit, so that counts as well! If you have an hour to spare, enter the haunted mansion... if you dare.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you are a fun of old school point and click adventures, this game will suit you perfectly.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even when it first came out, it was regarded as one of the greatest "Tales of" games. Its story, its characters and its world, made up for its lackluster and rushed publishing. But here and now, after 10 years, we get the full experience as it was meant to be, and event with few lingering flaws, it is still a great one. A true recommendation for any JRPG fan and anyone who wants to enjoy a great story and its fun cast.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Jon Shafer's At the Gates is sadly lackluster in comparison of its maker's past titles like Civilization V. It presents some innovation for the genre, but has serious failures in some of the basics of 4X games and poses as a weird package with big need for some quality of life updates.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Immersive and authentic presentation of airplanes with a lot of interesting and diverse missions makes for a really great experience and a game you will enjoy again and again and again.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A grand finale that summarizes one of the most legendary waits for a video game sequel - ever, and really does a fine job! Kingdom Hearts III is a complex yet perfectly lite experience story-wise, packed with amazing combat and adorable worlds and characters. It is a game that lives up to the Kingdom Hearts name and is something you should not miss, whether you are a long term fan or new to the franchise.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    This is a punishing and often not a fair title, but it still offers enough to invite all the challenge seekers out there. Not the greatest of the genre, but still quite enjoyable - if you can take all its ruthless punishments.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A nearly perfect RTS in a Warhammer 40k universe, universe that the developers absolutely understand. If you’re an RTS fan, you must try this game.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    With its captivating prose, Sunless Skies will certainly scratch the narrative itch of its niche audience, but the lack of innovation in the gameplay department threatens to prevent new fans from being drawn in. Too often the rudimentary gameplay and masterful plot find each other at odds, and in both cases the player ends up being the victim.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Boring and rushed experience, probably just to promote the new movie.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An amazing space rogue-lite that borrows most of its charm from Dead Cells, Freelancer and FTL, but fails to provide its own original ideas.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Monotone missions and uninventive enemies, combined with bad AI, makes this game more of a chore than enjoyment.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A frustrating reflex game that will appeal to the persistent players, but will find no broader audience.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    A nonlinear Ghosts 'n Goblins styled game is an interesting but surprisingly bad choice for a video game design. Yet even though it's far from perfect, it still manages to hit hard on those few nostalgia points, and give you an enjoyable experience.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Playing alone is cool and all, but grab 3 more friends and give the alien scum a proper pest control! A few neat mechanics and lots of targets to shoot, make for some proper multiplayer fun.
    • 49 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Vane is a storm of impressions. A beautiful and intriguing journey through innovation and mystery, plagued with bad camera angles, glitches and low framerate. Yet, it somehow manages to keep your sense of wonder over most of its flaws, and be an amazing and breathtaking, but sadly, a short title.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    YIIK is an interesting experiment in western RPG waters. It tries to emulate the world and wonder that the Earthbound game had, but only partly successful. Its combat system can be unfair at first, then repetitive and boring later. Level up system is needlessly convoluted and time consuming. But the world is bizarre and wacky, puzzles are great, and the characters are funny enough to have you invested just enough to see the game through at least once.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    My Time at Portia successfully gives some original touch on the genre, managing to differ from its peers like Stardew Valley or Harvest Moon. While it has some problems with few design mechanics like crafting and small lack of dungeons to delve into, it puts player into interesting role of a builder, all while having a beautiful and cute looking world to explore.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Set in a vibrant and colorful world, the game plays on the safe side with its known setting and plenty of familiar action that goes around. Story and characters are weak and microtransactions are present. At its best, New Dawn can be fun and relaxing. At its worst, it can be very repetitive with annoying new main antagonists and a déjà vu feeling.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    There is plenty to wish for in this anime mash-up, but thankfully a lot of good things that Jump Force delivers will keep you occupied and prevent the much needed nitpicking. So after all the initial hype diminishes, let us all join and shout - the next "jump" game needs to be much better!
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    After all these years, Yakuza Kiwami shows that it can work splendidly even on the PC platform. Still one of the best games in this series, with its rich story, intriguing characters, and fun gameplay mechanics.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Resident Evil 2 is an old school game with modernized gameplay and graphics. Changes work wonders and it really feels like a fresh new game. With its terrific atmosphere and interesting story, RE2 is a big step forward for the franchise. This is a must buy, but not only for the fans. Everyone should play it.
    • 97 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Victory of gaming as an art and the pinnacle of creativity in the gaming industry. A true, impeccably-polished masterpiece that will set standards for a decade to come.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The third installment of the Runner series continues the rhythmic legacy of its predecessors but lacks a bit in content. Runner 3 will be well received with the genre veterans but it will attract little to no new players.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Although not for everyone, Solo is an exceptional experience about love and experiencing such an emotion. It simplistic art style guides us through many question and lead us to quite relaxing experience of exploring small islands while solving puzzles.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Swords of Ditto is a really cute dungeon crawler with pretty simple yet challenging game mechanics that will hold until the very end.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    To simply put it, For the King offers one of the most enjoyable experiences in playing mixtures of roguelike RPG and turn-based strategy. This formula works great for those who like to play alone, and it much more better when playing co-op with other players/friends.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    A game based of an anime based of the sorcery-school concept... Well, if you are into the anime, go for it. If not, I suggest you give up momentarily. Repetitive and bland action make this title a bore and a chore for your average gamer Joe. But is still better than most of the Harry Potter games.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Thrones of Britannia shifts usual pattern where storytelling is weakest part of Total War games to situation where it is it's best part in ToB. If AI and factions get upgrades, it might even turn out quite good.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    If you are in the mood for some brain puzzles, Unforeseen Incidents can be a good choice for you this month. It builds great atmosphere through the story, characters, and voice acting. Animations are lacking and quality of graphics can wary, but that is something acceptable in this genre. If you are a fan of P&C adventure games, you should not miss this one.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Explosive and exciting, with and interesting characters and mystery to unfold.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Obsidian is a true master of its craft, and they provide us one of the best and unique classic rpg experience out there. Immersive and rich world, interesting setting with tons of things to do and regions to explore, with colorful characters and complicated politics.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's not about the destination, but about the journey, as an ol' sayin' goes that FAR Lone Sails captures perfectly. With so little, this game delivered so much on different levels and provides unique experience, feel and vibe. Embark on this epic, yet short, voyage in peculiar locomotive vehicle that will be your mobile shelter and "home".
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Day is your lady, night is your mistress, young shopkeeper. For what you seek in the depths of randomly generated dungeons will reward you dearly, if you decide to keep the lights of the family business on. Who knows, maybe someday you may even enter the mythical fifth door of the dungeon creepiest of them all. Hah, who am I kidding, you can never do that... If you don't buy the game, so buy it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    Really simple yet crazy game with all sorts of funny and amusing mechanics. But its physics can stand in the way of good fun, and cause you to rage. Pewdiepie collaborated in making of this game so expect plenty of memes, and the best part is that community is making amazing new levels to play daily
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If a pinball ball is a piece of dung in disguise that postman rolls over a mysterious island in order to save a divine guardian from a godslayer, and it's NOT a dream... Then it's Yoku's Island Express! An excellent and gorgeous game you should not miss for a world.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Remastered edition is mostly made for new players, but it is still Dark Souls, one of the best action RPG-s in history.
    • 47 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    A really great idea for a horror game, but it simply fails to deliver. Boring gameplay, bad voice acting and a lot more.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered brings nothing new to the table except some graphical enhancements. It is still the same old game with outdated mechanics and rudimentary gameplay (especially now). But the game can be actually pretty fun if you are in the mood for brainless destruction, which is something that everyone needs once in a while. And hey, it is free for the owners of the previous version.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Crash once again shows why it is one of the best platformers and a cult classic, now for PC, Xbox and Switch users to enjoy in it.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Unravel Two changes the formula in ways it improves the game, but diminishes the strong atmosphere. So it's a win-lose situation. But fear not, it is still a great game -AND you can enjoy it with a friend, in an all new co-op mode. It deserves the third installment, fair and square.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Frostpunk shakes up the often cheery or stale genre of City Building games with a dystopian background, survival elements, and involved decision making. With the right fixes of the game’s technical faults and (much) more content, Frostpunk could be a new staple for city builders looking for something different.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Yakuza 6 is a good game. Nice story and fun gameplay are what it does best. There were some unnecessary changes in gameplay, overall, maybe not the best Yakuza, but still tons of fun and stuff to do.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Although drawing the inspiration from the Banner Saga, Ash of Gods tries to distance itself and create some of its own identity. It has a nice story setup with multiple endings, nice music score, but most of the time, game comes up short in majority of game design decisions. Only for the fans of the genre.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Inked is a puzzle game with unique visual art style and perspective for the players, with emotionally touching story and deeper meaning.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    It's always heartwarming to see a new addition in the Farm Sim genre that offers evolving, expanding, and rewarding experience. Pure Farming 2018 is in my opinion that game, but it lacks multiplayer experience, and that is not acceptable from a game in this age.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Tower of Time is an old school rpg with some interesting new mechanics, but where it lacks is a generic story and monotonous locations.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    How can you make something different from amazing, but still just as amazing? I have no idea, but Ni No Kuni II managed to do just that. A few minor flaws can't touch the grand pattern, made up of a great story, beautiful visuals, fun mechanics and memorable characters. Ni No Kuni II is still just that - amazing. Do not miss it.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Burnout Paradise Remastered is the remastered version of a legendary arcade racing game. Visually, the remaster itself doesn't give you the feeling that you're playing a modern racing game, the game is polished, but it still feels outdated. That being said, it's still fun to play if you liked the original, though now you can play in 4k and 60fps with all DLC included, and with an original banging soundtrack.
    • 50 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Big expectations and even bigger disappointment.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Guns, Gore and Cannoli 2 is a perfect run & gun game for reliving memories and relaxation. The game is filled with fantastic levels, enemies and great "tongue in cheek humor“.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    We have yet to see how much the choices really matter, but if you focus on storytelling and the acting, the music, and the fresh approach to these types of games – you're in for a treat. Secret society, famous historic figures on one island, a couple of big mysteries and a rather interesting way of decision making are definitely a good foundation for the beginning of this journey.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Vermintide 2 does everything better than its predecessor. With its overhauled loot system, varied locations, new enemies and steep difficulty, Vermintide 2 is a right step forward for the franchise and the genre.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Yakuza Kiwami is a fine example of how a remaster should be done. Graphical changes and fixing some story plot holes are pretty well done. Majima everywhere is sometimes a nuisance, but all in all, it's a solid addition for an already great game.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    God of War is the fourth "main" game in the franchise, but in so many aspects is also a first and by far a better game than the rest of them. Good story, great gameplay and fantastic voice acting make GoW something really special.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Far Cry 5 is nothing better nor worse than other Far Cry games after the third one. It's basically the same game with new characters that are desperately trying to look like Vaas or Brody.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    If you are looking for a game with great atmosphere and unique design, and you don’t mind shorter experience with a few bugs, then Apocalipsis is the right game for you.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A beautiful fairy tale and smart use of VR makes this game one of the great VR experiences thus far.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Monster Energy Supercross game brings not so globally known sport to gamers. And although true fans of the sport might find this great, the rest will forget this title in the sea of racing video games, as it won’t leave big impact on you. Beside looking good, Monster Energy Supercross offers a bit improved MXGP game, but not improved enough.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A successful adaptation of an already good mobile game. Heal or kill - Bio Inc. teaches you basic medicine while having fun.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    If only Tilo could eat ALL the bugs, this game would be a masterpiece. But instead, it’s an unpolished gem that can be brought to perfection by a few hardcore, love-filled patches. And looking back at the dedicated development process, they will surely come soon enough.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    A truly great experience for those who want to have fun while solving wacky puzzles. Also game design and sound effects are really cute. Chuchel is a love at first sight.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fans of Sword Art Online will really appreciate this little gem, while people not familiar with it should watch the anime first.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Still Not Dead is a perfect game if you want to relive the days from the original DOOM era. A really challenging game with brilliant system of curses and blessings, and being chased by Death is a unique experience, if you don’t count real life, of course.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Very addictive yet simple game with intense arena shooting mechanics. If you are a fan of Tesla, Lovecraft, or simply want to play one of the best twin stick shooters, we definitely recommend Tesla vs Lovecraft, you won’t regret it.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A short but interesting co-op survival puzzle, focused on player communication, that will take one afternoon of your free time but even with different endings doesn’t have replay value.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    After turbulent end of the last year, EA managed to release a good game in UFC 3 without many scandals. The game itself is better than its predecessor, but it still lacks a way to connect with players new to this sport. New GOAT mode is a great innovation and adds a new twist to the known career mode. Fighting, even though it’s very good, still has problems, which are already annoying the players.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fe
    Although it feels like a mash-up of many recognizable classics, Fe still manages to pave its own path of genuine style and feel. Length and feeling of missed opportunities indeed are pulling the final impression down, but there is a lot to love here. Though looking for it makes you feel lost a bit too often.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Despite some bugs and technical issues at the launch, this game will offer you almost 100 hours of pure historical RPG joy.
    • 45 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Shallow and empty with nothing to keep you interested.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Still has a great atmosphere, but that unique magic from the original is simply not there.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Subset Studio has once again proved that they are masters of gameplay, UI and style design. In moments when FTL was hectic and chaotic, Into the Breach is precise and tactical while preserving the same feel of tension, danger and adrenaline rush. Simply brilliant.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 25 Critic Score
    Bland and mediocre gameplay. Ludicrous hunger and thirst meters which made this game practically unplayable, not to mention the “always online” feature, are what’s making this game a great candidate to avoid.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you manage to look past the incredibly poor graphics and voice acting that awkwardly fits, you should have a blast with the remaster of a 1993 classic. If not, this is a release you should avoid. But ultimately, games should not require overlooking of flaws to be good. For that is a major flaw by itself.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Frantics is a fun physics based mini-game compilation that encourages backstabbing your friends. Fun and laughs will be the side effects of this wonderful 4 player game although it could’ve used a few more modes and games.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Remnants of Naezith is a great game for speedrunners, and also for people who like being angry over a game. All jokes aside, this is a great fast-paced platformer with some great and refreshing elements and nice electro beats. You won’t be sorry.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Remastering a great title by making some subtle changes and adding fully voice acted story, can't be a bad thing, now can it? Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, though not in many ways better than the original, remains a masterful JRPG experience no one should miss.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even though the game represents a standard Omega Force half-asset flip of their own first Attack on Titan game, it still delivers enough of new things. With plenty of options regarding your own character, the RPG-lite elements, and the way the player can interact and make bonds with other NPC characters makes it so this could be considered a fine continuation of the series. If you wanted to enjoy the story and characters from the AoT universe from your perspective as a unique character then this is a good option for you, just watch out for the abysmal camera and somewhat iffy movement controls.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Great atmosphere and some intriguing story elements, but really sloppy controls, bad tempo and slow movement speed are sadly killing the experience.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for that "sweet, yet bitter" nostalgic feel, with the good old days on your AMIGA or any 16 bit console coming to your mind, then Tower 57 is a game you have to try.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Persona 5 is a great example of quality jRPG game, with a good story, great battle system and fabulous artistic style, this is a must have for the fans of the series and the genre.

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