PLAY! Zine's Scores

  • Games
For 1,365 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 Cyberpunk 2077
Lowest review score: 10 Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV
Score distribution:
1365 game reviews
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Armello is so gorgeous, it kept reminding us that there is no an actual physical board game like this even though it really deserves to be. The game successfully mixes several elements from other genres, telling story and making our imagination run wild.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Disgaea 4 Complete+ on the Nintendo Switch is the ultimate way to experience Disgaea 4. Able to go portable and grind anytime, anywhere, but on the big and pretty Switch screen, really is a treat for any Disgaea fan out there. And it could be for you if you are not one of those people of good taste and style.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    When you skip plethora of AAA games to spend your free time playing a small indie title, you know how good the experience is. Space Run Galaxy is just that - a simple, yet slick game, perfect little "time waster".
    • 79 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Blacktail is a true hidden gem that is just a perfect window into an Alice in Wonderland-like world full of Slavic myths and masterfully written characters with a lot of lore and care written into them. The combat doesn’t revolutionize the genre, but it poses a beautiful atmospheric experience that many people will enjoy.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Concrete Genie is a stylized marvellous platform that will channel your inner artist. Too bad VR support is not more integrated into the core gameplay.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Princess Peach: Showtime! is a fun-packed title for the youngest of gamers and for those that want to join the ride. Colourful and refreshing, full of exciting mechanics, yet at times simply yearning for upgraded Nintendo hardware to perform better on. If you know what to expect, you will surely have a great time. Just try not to let a few imperfections ruin the experience.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Dead Island 2 is a great sequel. This provides an easy choice when looking for reasons to play it. If you know what to expect, you will find plenty and more. Don’t ask for too much, and you will surely have a blast. A genuinely bloody blast indeed.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Jamboree tones down the overall quality of its minigames but shifts up the gear when it comes to charm. Maps and the overall spirit of the world now score most of the points, with a few enjoyable new mechanics and strategies. If in doubt, you can be sure that this is one of the better titles the entire franchise has to offer.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Burning Shores is just more of the original game, yet prettier, with more breathtaking views. While it’s an essential addition to the franchise, it will hardly attract any new fans.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    If you love climbing, reading, mystery and slow-paced games, this one is a pick like no other! If you can’t stand any of these elements, we’d suggest giving this game a try either way. There is just something captivating in Jusant that you can’t easily find on the market these days.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Live A Live not only brings a decades-old Japan exclusive to the west, but it also vastly improves it in the audio and visual sense. Flaws of the original are still present, but as a refreshed gem from the past, Live A Live is something every fan of the genre should give a chance to.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    When the greatest flaw of a game is the amount of dedication it requires from the player, you know you are diving into something special. Not every player is going to enjoy the uninviting limitations of the genre, but those that do manage to stay around are in for a treat. One of the most charming anime-styled games of this type and has a story worth seeing through.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    In Dragonball-esque fashion, CyberConnect2 and Arc System Works performed a fusion and managed to turn the tides! The majestic production values of Ufotable have been impressively mirrored, as this game delivers a multitude of breathtaking animations and of course – loads of flamboyancy! A solid battle system and plenty of content make this game a significant upgrade to the first. This one is for the fans.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a visually stunning Soulslike that dazzles with its Unreal Engine 5 environments and ambitious new systems, but it often stumbles under the weight of its own mechanics. The Madness disease adds a unique twist to combat, though its mandatory nature quickly turns frustrating, especially in boss fights. Slow animations, unbalanced encounters, and bland NPCs hold the experience back, yet for dedicated fans seeking an uncompromising old-school challenge wrapped in modern visuals, Wuchang delivers a substantial, value-priced adventure.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    The remastered version of Zero Dawn makes the game as impressive as the original was back in 2017, if not more. Yet the entire package feels more like a luxury than a necessity. If you are a hardcore fan or someone new to the series, this is a true gem. But it undoubtedly offers very little if you’ve already experienced its world a few years ago.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Phoenix Springs is not for everyone, but it is one of the most thought-provoking and beautiful experiences I’ve had in gaming recently. It is adorned with gorgeous art and an intriguing, albeit a bit confusing story, and a great protagonist who will break the fourth wall and immerse you in this dark and gritty neo-noir world.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Miles Morales has finally gotten its PC port, and it is a similar experience to the original Spider-Man, but packaged into a much better and denser story experience with slight improvements to movement and additional combat moves that pose it to be the best Spidey on PC to date.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Monstrum Nox builds greatly on the systems of its predecessor, making for a really fun title and a great promise to the tenth instalment. The PlayStation 5 version does not offer enough reasons for you to get it if you have already played the original. Still, its slightly refreshed visuals are surely welcome, especially since the only thing Ys games generally lack is better graphics.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    A deeper, more meaningful story makes this game the most emotional in the series. Numerous systems and mechanics, living and breathing biomes and loads of content sure are welcome, but may prove to be too overwhelming for a casual player. It feels like an overclock of the franchise, while it would benefit more from a true upgrade.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Metroid Prime 4 delivers polished combat and stunning visuals, but its linear open structure, diluted atmosphere and lack of bold innovation will probably disappoint long-time fans after a long wait.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Maybe not as impressive as the original was 15 years ago, but Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion remasters almost everything possible to remaster without entering the area of remakes. Some elements still smell of an old design made for a portable console, but it does not change the fact that this is the definitive way to experience Crisis Core, one of the best PSP games of all time.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    An RTS classic, now with a stunning new look, numerous quality-of-life improvements, and minor gameplay tweaks. If you enjoyed the original, this one is a no-brainer.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    If you are allergic to cats, hate mystery, exploration and a good atmosphere in video games, don’t play Stray. Otherwise, you’ve probably already beaten it. It’s a rare occasion to get a title such as this. And if it looks like something you might enjoy, that’s likely because you most surely would.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Otherwar is a hidden gem for any fan of Tower Defense or Bullet Hell games. Its unique blend of genres makes it stand out from other games on the market. Its retro graphics are well designed, the gameplay is smooth, and the soundtrack is great. On top of that, it has a lot of replayability, which is always a plus.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Another fantastic adventure from Frictional, with a rich narrative and deep world lore, and a lot of great locations to explore and unearth their mysteries. But it is not that scary, and Frictional played too safe in terms of gameplay, without much innovation.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    The Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D remakes shine with retro simplicity and modern visuals. Added mechanics and accessibility options make the games approachable, though grind and slow-paced storytelling can drag. Still, the package delivers a nostalgic and enjoyable adventure for both new and longtime fans.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Sparking! Zero is not only a superb return to a phenomenal franchise, but it also looks spectacular. Sadly, it is neither easy nor satisfying to learn how it’s meant to be played, but for a casual player who has a couple of friends he wants to clash beams with, it’s one of the most beautiful games the franchise ever blessed us with.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hearts of Iron IV proves why it’s the king of grand strategy games once more. With a plethora of improvements, this game is a must-have for every grand strategy and history buff.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It might have its elements reduced to the core, but the game manages to keep it simple while offering frenetic action, an intriguing story and colorful cast that will keep you playing until you see the credits roll.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Autonauts is a perfect game for gamers that want to step into the world of programming with simple mechanics and cute graphics.

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