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
    • 82 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 delivers a faithful yet refreshed take on two skateboarding classics, with new maps, QoL upgrades, and a massive dose of nostalgia. While some levels and tracks are missing, and a few clunky moments remain, the smooth gameplay, customisation options, and lack of microtransactions make this a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Tormented Souls 2 delivers a tense, retro-inspired survival horror experience that successfully builds on its predecessor. Fast-paced combat, clever boss encounters, and a larger, more varied world elevate the series, while resource scarcity and strategic inventory management keep the tension high. Balance issues, occasional bugs, and a few pacing problems prevent it from being flawless, but fans of classic survival horror and the first game will find plenty to enjoy.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Hidden Agenda is a couch co-op adventure game played with a smartphone. It has some narrative issues, but was still fun to play with friends.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Hitman 2 follows the 2016 game in almost every aspect. It looks and feels pretty similar, which is nothing less than a good thing, concerning the quality of the first game. For now, we should ask for nothing more, but let us hope a new installation brings yet another evolution to the table.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Crashlands defies some of the survival genre laws, and offers a more dynamic gameplay, more inviting world and more space in your inventory. Or should I say - infinite space! Yet, world feels quite linear which lowers the final score. But this still remains a different survival game, that changed the rules and should not be skipped, if you are into the genre.
    • 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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Still has a great atmosphere, but that unique magic from the original is simply not there.
    • 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.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Dissidia FF is a spin-off title with all focus on one aspect, which is fighting. The gameplay is fine, although sometimes chaotic, but the decision to lock story content behind fighting is a mistake. Solid title, nothing more, nothing less.
    • 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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    With a sixth game in series from the same creator, one would expect leaps and bounds of improvements during the course of several years. Sadly, we are still waiting for a great wrestling game to hit our gaming systems. WWE 2K19 offers a lot of things, but most of them are just old stuff with minor improvements or returning additions due to fans outcry.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    STONE represents a walking simulator with great emphasis on atmosphere and soundtrack, so expect a lot of stoner rock while trying to find your love.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Swindle on the Switch plays just as good as when it was originally released. It's is a merciless, ruthless, blood boiling experience you cannot find just anywhere. Not for the faint of heart, but a sheer joy for ones capable enough to see through the big heist.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Paratopic is a lo-fi horror game that represents golden PS1 era with its style, graphics and ability to complete it in one sitting.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The original DKC Returns pushed the genre so far that now, 15 years later, it is obvious just how much this game has aged. Some graphical improvements keep the game fresh but it still can’t hide the outdated design, which makes the new price tag even less justified. It is the definitive edition of this cult classic, yet it did not age all that gracefully.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Chrono Cross has been and still remains one of the greatest JRPG titles of all time. As such, remastering it properly would require utmost care and love, making the game shine once more in the modern era of video games. Unfortunately, this remaster is of no such sort as some of the improvements made the game look even worse than the original. But as it still remains what it is at its core, Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers edition is undoubtedly worthy of your time.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Even though The Show 22 provides players with some great gameplay changes and improvements, SDS still offers nothing new to the single-player modes. It still is a great baseball simulation, but the lack of upgrades sadly provides existing players with little reason to transfer to the new iteration, besides this season’s new dynamic content in Diamond Dynasty.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    If Heavenly Sword had an opposite, it would without a doubt be Hellblade. A dark, gritty, psychotic, atmospheric hell-ride through the forest of insanity. It looks great but plays like a gloomy record. Not everyone will enjoy this dark adventure. But what it does, it does great. Maybe even too great, if I may say so.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    As a spectacular and blasting experience, Matterfall rides on reflexes of the player. It rides with intensity, speed and... is short. It is so short that you will finish it in 2 hours, then stare at the wall for 2 more. But while it lasts and doesn’t force you to chase the high-score, Matterfall is an awesome little title.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    With a very high difficulty curve, Furi is not for everyone except for players who can endure its long, complex and amazing boss fights. It might feel empty between the fights, but it creates an incredibly gratifying feeling after each encounter.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Experience world-famous trucks and deliver various cargo across sunny Michigan, snowy Alaska and beautiful Taymyr. SnowRunner takes you on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and widely recognised landmarks. The game isn't easy, you need to carefully think about every move you make, but that's why it's actually so rewarding. Having said that, it's a niche video game and will not be to everyone's taste.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    It might not shine like the shiniest gem, but Song of the Deep is a metroidvania diamond in the rough - a game that even with its minor flaws can reel you in and completely immerse you into this aquatic adventure.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Aside from the lack of variety, Dead by Daylight at its core is brilliant, with an idea that's fresh and truly something we haven't played before. With more additional content, this could become a must-buy game for horror fans.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Hironobu Sakaguchi is back with a game that feels as close to Final Fantasy as it gets. While it introduces fresh gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other JRPGs, be aware that the combat might prove challenging even for the most seasoned veterans of the genre.
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    As a co-op game, Ravenswatch offers a fantastic opportunity for you and your friends to spend hours grinding and fighting formidable bosses. As a solo experience, however, it can feel like an almost insurmountable challenge or devolve into a monotonous slog.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Looking for a football simulation? Carry on. Looking for an over the top, long running, wacky football anime reincarnated as a video game? Well you already know this is the thing you were looking for. So have fun! We sure did.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    DoW III is trying to offer something to fans of both first and second installment in the series, but by implementing "half" and "in-between" solutions, Relic is stepping into a danger zone of satisfying none of them.

Top Trailers