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 Pony Island
Lowest review score: 10 Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV
Score distribution:
1365 game reviews
    • 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.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Need for Speed Unbound is the best modern NFS to date. It is still riddled with issues like rubberbanding and weird drifting physics, but it still provides its players with the best handling system in years, with grip racing finally back. With the best visual design NFS has ever had and some interesting campaign decisions, it gives hope that the series is back on track to becoming something great.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    To put it simply, Contraband Police is an FPS version of Papers, Please. As a ‘’border patrol sim’’, it offers a great experience and adds some interesting fresh elements to the genre, but is let down by its low replay value.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dying Light Platinum Edition is the top shelf bundle for this game. It includes all DLCs whether they are cosmetic, or expansion based, so you can kill and run away from zombies as a stylish Viking. However, the non-discounted price is a bit steep. Dying Light has proven that it is a competent zombie survival FPS game, and we are extremely excited for the sequel.
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Great combat mechanics and immersive story, but sometimes frustrating levels can get really annoying when you can beat them.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is a by-the-book remaster that successfully breathes new life into these 20-year-old masterpieces. The more I played, the more I craved, and I truly hope that this is just the first step in the revival of this beloved franchise.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Necromunda: Hired Gun is a fantastic FPS set in the 40k universe. Doom Eternal influence is prominent throughout the game like in the gunplay, verticality, and mobility, but with a much lower budget – and that shows. However, Hired gun is a competent FPS that delivers on fast-paced shooting but is marred with technical problems.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Solid port, but there are some problems with the controls.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A great game, and finally on a system that can run it properly.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Not a Beat Saber with blasters in any way, but still a really simplistic yet enjoyable, rollercoaster-like experience not for the faint of heart. If you are in any way into fast and challenging shooters, do not miss this simple and exciting ride. It can really get you hooked.
    • 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.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Solasta: Crown of the Magister is one of the best tabletop video game replications that successfully translates many of the famous tabletop mechanics into a video game. It has some problems, but despite its lower budget, lacklustre story and weirdish character models, it is worth your money and time, especially if you are an RPG or tabletop fan.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A great game for "on the go“ for those that like to relax, then think and then rip their hair out in frustration.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Spellcaster University is a fun little experience where you can finally channel your inner Dumbledore. It has some design issues with its “too much rng, too little planning” gameplay loop, but it is an exceptionally fun game that makes it that much more worthwhile if you are an HP fan or just love some good fantasy managerial sim.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A solid contender for the title of the best new age arena style shooter. Weird concept with little balls running around, shooting at eachother, but other than that, solid fun, good weapons, nice mechanics and free to play.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Star Trucker is a great addition to the genre, introducing some fresh ideas and gameplay mechanics while taking us on an exciting journey across the universe. Now we just need more of it.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    CONVERGENCE: A League of Legends Story is another great title set in the well-established LoL universe. With some classic Metroidvania elements and innovative additions, CONVERGENCE offers an amazing gameplay experience. Even if you’re not that big of a fan of the genre, the game is worth trying out just for its beautiful art style and top-notch visuals.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is a well thought and designed puzzler with next to chaotic controls, but loads of charm. Let us not forget the eerie atmosphere that is hard to forget, long after you finish playing. But the sense of accomplishment is its greatest treasure. It comes from a serious level of difficulty not everyone is ready for - so tread carefully.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Darkest Dungeon II retained a lot of features that made the original great, implementing some new challenging mechanics as well. The sequel kept that unique ‘’Darkest Dungeon feel’’, yet it gave us a completely new experience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ghostlore is an enjoyable and engaging ARPG that brings a fresh spin on the genre. While it may appear relatively straightforward initially, it offers a refreshing experience by drawing inspiration from Asian mythology. Its skill and glyph systems add a touch of novelty, enabling players to experiment with various builds and making the game’s replay value sky high.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Most appealing aspect of Spinch is its incredible psychedelic platforming. Platformer full of colors and incredible colors with a really interesting style. If you prefer visuals over gameplay, you should not look over Spinch.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hotshot Racing mixes best elements from 90s arcade racing games, with low-poly graphics, lively characters, and pretty good driving and drifting mechanics.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Destiny enters its second year stronger than ever. The fans will finally have a chance to experience Bungie's vision in a much more polished game overall.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    System Shock Remake isn’t for everyone, but it is a true gem if you actually give it a chance. With an updated visual design that is a love letter to the original’s aesthetics and some crucial gameplay changes that improve the overall experience, it is a justful and well-made remake of one of the most influential games of all time.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Its a wild, crazy, weird world out there. And you and a fellow victi…friend will be able to explore it. If you have been looking for an actually fun and enjoyable survivor exploration game then look no further. Even with a few hiccups, it can still be a nice adventure.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As its predecessor, The Banner Saga 2 hits the chord with a specific audience that won't mind the brutal difficulty and random events that can cripple their armies. You might not complete the game in your first sitting, but it will be a journey worth taking.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Redout 2 appeals to the fans of arcade racing games with a twist on precision racing and high speeds. It has great gameplay followed by impressive visuals and music, but the learning curve is a bit steep.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sonic Origins is a great and refreshed Sonic collection – that could've been even better. The different ways that you can now play these classic games in, surely will bring a smile to your face. But the lack of new content and DLC that should’ve been implemented in the game right from the start, make us wonder – was this even necessary?
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite the lack of improvements and changes since the last year’s installment, I won't be too harsh on FM24. Sports Interactive announced some big changes for next year, and if this is the last hoorah for this version of Football Manager, they can be very happy with what they have accomplished so far.

Top Trailers