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 Returnal
Lowest review score: 10 Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV
Score distribution:
1364 game reviews
    • 92 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Street Fighter 6 is one of the best fighting games of all time, period. It flourishes with its creative visual design, a pretty good graphics upgrade and a selection of multiplayer and single-player game modes that will see you explore the game with your custom avatar, all while its drive meter and innovative changes to combat redefining the whole experience creatively.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Nine Sols is truly the revolutionary Metroidvania we were waiting for. Even though it doesn't do anything groundbreakingly new, it is a truly masterful creation. From its elaborate taopunk world, gorgeous art and design, challenging Sekiro-like combat, and remarkable enemy diversity and originality, it is a game that any fan of the genre must experience.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Blue Prince is a unique fusion of puzzle adventure and roguelike mechanics. With deep replayability, layered mysteries, and a progression system that rewards patience and methodical thinking, Blue Prince is a deeply original experience that blends cerebral challenge with roguelike persistence. It’s not for everyone—but those who dive in will find one of the most rewarding puzzle games in years.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Octopath Traveler 0 holds on to the elements that made the originals great but isn’t afraid to experiment further. It freshens up the formula in ways that finally let its potential shine. Though pacing and some repetitive elements hold it back, it still carries the legacy of the series and shines as bright as ever.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Vengeance upgrades the original in almost every aspect. Although some of the storyline choices won’t scratch the itch of the old fans, more variety when it comes to characters, locations and combat, vastly refreshes the original. Not to mention the superb and gorgeous visual upgrade that is highly appreciated.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Fun combat, spectacular action sequences, an atmospheric world, glorious visuals, an intriguing story and loads of interesting model choices are all the vitamins a developing gamer needs. A truly stellar experience.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Even if you're not the fan of the 18 wheelers, do yourself a favor and try this game. Nothing can replicate that peculiar feeling of driving across the States at 4AM while your radio is tuned to "Road to hell".
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Apex Legends Is simply one of the best Battle Royale games ever made. What makes this game so great is ping system for easy communications, and Titanfall-esque gameplay with charismatic characters.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Stellar Blade is one of the best PC ports currently available. The new AI technologies such as DLSS and FSR are not necessary on better rigs and are used for what they were initially created for – to help weaker rigs. The game ran like butter throughout my playthrough, and it even ran amazingly on Steam Deck. On top of that, Stellar Blade itself is an amazing game that I wholeheartedly recommend.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem Engage combines some of the renowned elements of older titles and pushes them through a more modern presentation. It looks great, plays even better, and a few additional modes are a nice bonus. While the essence of the series remains to be improved in the future, especially when it comes to a fair way to level up characters or navigate through somewhat clunky menus, Fire Emblem Engage has to be one of the best instalments the series has to offer.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    An experiment extraordinaire, Death Stranding is a game like no other. Full of repetition and lengthy chores, yet ingenious and philosophical in its own accord. It is a sight to behold, and something you have to dedicate your whole month if you want to witness its true potential.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Prey is an action exploration game that sends a love letter to games such as System Shock 2 and Bioshock. It takes the best from them and combines it with some of its own fresh ideas and innovative gameplay, to create an amazing journey. Set on the Talos I space station that has been compromised by an alien race, you assume the role of Morgan, a scientist who will have to explore, survive and discover the world of Prey.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    One of the best carting games in history is back in its full glory, more beautiful than ever, and a lot of new maps and (FREE) cosmetics to customise your characters and vehicles.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Battlefield 6 feels like a return to form for the series, blending chaotic, fast-paced battles with moments of real tactical depth. The maps are fun but often smaller than expected, pushing a faster, more aggressive style of play. Vehicles feel satisfying, each class has a clear role, and the new tactical hammer adds creative ways to interact with the environment. Portal mode is a joy, letting you remix old favorites and craft your own mayhem. Despite some balance quirks, it’s an energetic, highly enjoyable shooter — and I can’t wait to see how the game evolves in the future.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Help the notorious pirate Nelly figure out what happened to the majestic Spoonbeaks in this short, but lovely, point and click adventure game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Primal Planet may be small, but it sure is a standout gem of the genre. It is a simple, yet highly enjoyable prehistoric metroidvania. What shines through the most, are its atmosphere, exploration and satisfying gameplay. With a few limitations in its design, it still constantly delivers a memorable experience.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Blizzard has done it again. Legion not only delivered the trademark Blizzard style, but it's bringing back the veteran WoW players with hundreds of new quests and the most brilliant and complex story so far. And for an MMO that's going on for over a decade - that is an achievement worthy of every recommendation.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    We are yet to witness a bad Image & Form game, as the latest SteamWorld instalment is amazing as usual! Great turn-based combat, likeable characters, story, and graphics, are just a fragment of a magic formula, that can obviously summon an awesome and entertaining title with ease. Do not miss it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A gorgeous puzzle solving game with occasional battles. A rare gem in which both kids and grownups can fully immerse themselves with completely different views on the story.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Bazaar is an interesting and very addictive blend of auto-battler and deck-building mechanics, wrapped in a unique PvE/PvP hybrid format. With hundreds of unique cards and a satisfying progression system, each match feels like a fresh challenge. After a rocky early access phase, the game has turned into a true gem and one of the most compelling strategy experiences of the year.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Supergiant Games has done it again. They have managed to perfectly mix amazing storytelling and great action to create another compelling title. Even if you are not a fan of roguelikes you should definitely try Hades out - it’s a challenge, it has a great story, and it’s a hell of a ride.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you are looking for a gorgeous game, with gameplay balanced for both casual and competitive play, look no further than Overwatch. Blizzard has succeeded with its foray into the FPS genre, creating another gem we'll play for many years to come.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    An excellent port of a great game, that still requires a controller to enjoy it to the fullest. It has 8 great stories, 8 interesting characters, a bunch of mechanics to use and most of all - a tone of hours to pour into it and finish it all.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ghost of Yotei is a gorgeous, polished samurai adventure that builds on Ghost of Tsushima’s formula with satisfying combat, organic exploration, and a personal, albeit average revenge-driven story. While it refines the open-world experience beautifully, it doesn’t take bold risks, making it feel more like a reimagined chapter than a true leap forward. Still, its atmosphere, design, and narrative make it a must-play for PS5 owners.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a controversial game, and it is truly not for everyone. On the other hand, it is so revolutionary compared to its predecessor, especially in this day and age, that it would be an easy GOTY contender if CAPCOM just showed a bit more leniency and knowledge of its audience. Unnecessary microtransactions and despicable optimization followed by few weird design choices hinders this release, that below all of the fuzz and stupidity hides a masterfully crafted world, with a fine narrative and remarkable combat that is unique and interesting with every step of its long journey.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance doesn’t aim to reinvent the genre — instead, it focuses on perfecting what’s already there. And in that, it’s successful. The combat is sharp and stylish, the platforming offers a satisfying challenge, and the ability to revisit sections of a level adds great replay value while giving players a chance to collect anything they may have missed. Art of Vengeance is also a great nod to the old-school Shinobi titles and the franchise as a whole, which is a nice plus for longtime fans.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition is a fantastic PC port. The optimization is great, and it works well on a variety of PC configurations. With multiple graphical enhancements and AI upscaling, this game plays best on PC. DualSense is also fully integrated and will use all the features the PS5 has to offer, just a bit better. Oh, yeah, and the game is amazing as well!
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Circuit Superstars is a great top-down racing game. A title that knows exactly what to bring to modern gaming where racing games are striving for realism and advanced graphics. Super fun racing with online modes and different types of challenges for every player.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As the best possible compromise between shooters of old and the new trends in the genre, DOOM is just the game for anyone craving that sweet hyperactive and ultraviolent action and is a game that has absolutely earned the right to have its title written in full-caps.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Death Stranding on PC is the best way to experience this journey. Game is much more than a walking Sim, it mixes and matches a ton of brilliant new ideas and game mechanics. It is bursting with atmosphere, and the overall quality of the production and presentation is fantastic. Other than minor issues and some non-consistent storytelling, Death Stranding shows us that boundaries can be moved in the today gaming world.

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