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
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you've wanted to try out a Monster Hunter game but were always discouraged by its complexity and systems, here's a title that might change your mind. With tweaked pacing and mechanics, Monster Hunter Rise feels more accessible than ever, yet it loses next to none of its complexity that the veterans of the series cherish so dearly. For newcomers and returning players, this is the title to rise above all others.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The potential is there, and the good mechanics easily outweigh the bad ones, bringing us the good old loop of ''just one more turn''.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    When the market is overcrowded with military FPS games, DICE still managed to reign as the king of the genre with the most impressive throwback to the roots of war-themed FPS. Battlefield 1 is a must-buy!
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remakes the original in all the elementary ways, but also improves it in a few key aspects. It recreates the mechanics and the atmosphere of the first games with genuine precision, and injects simple ways for new players to immerse themselves into the paper world of Mario.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    An epic saga has come to the end it deserves. A satisfying and challenging campaign with great storytelling, fresh multiplayer experience with new units and balance changes, and two new game modes. There is enough fun content here to keep RTS fans occupied for a long, long time.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Diablo 3 being portable, makes the Switch version the definitive one. Whether you like to play it in short bursts or in long sessions, the portability of the Switch makes anything possible. It really feels great either way. With a stable framerate and graphics that look awesome for a portable console, Diablo 3 gets a new life on the latest Nintendo console. And it rocks once again!
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Steamworld Dig 2 is bigger and better than its predecessor in every way possible, except for one - it's still a game that has to end. There is no multiplayer, endless or random generating modes you could enjoy after the credits roll. But for the length of the campaign, it is an experience only a masterful metroidvania can deliver.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    After the successful entry to the DOOM franchise with DOOM (2016) id Software just couldn't surprise us that much. And they probably didn't want (or need) to - they just upgraded every aspect of the game for a little bit, making it that much fun, entertaining and brutal. The gameplay is probably one of the best we have played in a while - fluid and engaging, forcing the player to continuously fight the hordes of evil (with the new batch of demons from the original DOOM from the '90s of course). The story is, on the other hand, a complete mess and platforming elements not the strongest point for id Software.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Nioh is a really challenging game. Sometimes, maybe even too much so. You have to be at the top of your game just to keep your head on your shoulders. So it's also the perfect example of whether a game's difficulty is just enough to announce the title as a "successful" one or not. Also, that's the reason that we can only recommend Nioh to the biggest hardcore gamers out there.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    There is absolutely nothing to complain about the final appearance of Nathan Drake, this time finally on PC. It plays remarkably, it looks even better, and now with a keyboard and mouse, you can have the most enjoyable shooting experience. An immaculate must-play for action-adventure fans and anyone who owns a PC.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    This first and only Bloodborne expansion is exactly what the DLC should be.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a massive selection of DC Super Heroes and Super Villains, Injustice 2 allows you to equip every iconic character with unique and powerful gear earned throughout the game. Experience an unprecedented level of control over how your favorite characters look, how they fight, and how they develop across a huge variety of game modes.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut is the best way of experiencing this gorgeous video game. It is maybe not a reason enough for some people who have already completed the game due to its expansion being relatively short and PS5 upgrades not bringing anything “game-changing”, but it is a great piece of content and an upgrade that truly boosts the overall experience that many new players and existing ones will feel and appreciate.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Civilization VI in its fullest ultimate form debuts on consoles strongly, transferring all of the parts of a beloved strategy franchise onto controller and TV screens. With its expansions and rich content, really well balanced learning curve and heavenly presentation, it is a must play for any strategy lover.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    What a time to be alive, and a Final Fantasy VII fan at the same time, as the promises and pleads have been fulfilled. And in what way! This remake does almost everything right, and where it fails - it is just the dust in the wind. Gorgeous looking, beautifully told through well-written characters and their interactions, amazing combat, wonderful music - this game has it all. Minor flaws are just a sign that perfection is what you strive for, and not what you reach. Yet it promises even better sequel(s), which is something we can believe in with ease, after a grand piece of work such as this. Do not miss it.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    PlatinumGames has surly shown that they still got it in the action game genre and are still leading game developers there. The two-character combat is bombastic and exciting, the detective exploration system is truly great and the story and characters tie all that together in a nice package no one should miss out on.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Guilty Gear -Strive- is an astonishing example of masterful visual fidelity, quality fighting gameplay and weird multiplayer design decisions. It comes with a not that great array of characters and some seriously slow server connection, but being the complete visual masterpiece and possessing one of the best gameplay the series has to offer, it is hard not to recommend it to any fighter or anime fan.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Saros is an evolution of the basis that Housemarque built with Returnal, positioning itself as one of the best, if not the best bullet-hell shooters of all time. Despite some story pacing issues and a bit loosened, “easier” roguelite systems, It is a remarkable game - its gameplay, level design and overall feel are one of the best and it is sure to provide many fun hours of sci-fi chaos and horror.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If Final Fantasy XV was meant to take the stray path, the 16th instalment made that path reach a worthy goal. Switching the old formula from a turn-based RPG to an all-out action-packed game may sadden some long-time fans. But the simple yet emotion-filled plot makes up for it, despite the sometimes awkward adult themes. Final Fantasy XVI somehow manages to stand on its own as one of the flashiest games ever and be a truly EIKONIK experience in every other aspect. Though wishing for the next one to rely a bit more on some of the traditional strengths of the series surely is a justified desire.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Legacy of Thieves is a minor, yet noticeable visual upgrade, that mostly ravishes itself in its unlocked 60 FPS and 120 FPS modes. These are the best ways to experience Drake's final journey, especially in 60 FPS, with its clarity, reflections and shadow resolution still being a notch above the previous version with the smoothest experience so far. It still isn’t enough for new fans to put out full price, as previous owners of only one of the two titles will profit the most, getting the two games for the price of one.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Gran Turismo 7 establishes itself as a racing masterpiece, with a great driving model, astonishing graphics and excellent sound design. It is truly a marvel that is drawn back by its microtransactions and some weird design choices.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dragon Ball FighterZ is born from what makes the DRAGON BALL series so loved and famous: endless spectacular fights with its all-powerful fighters. Partnering with Arc System Works, DRAGON BALL FighterZ maximizes high end Anime graphics and brings easy to learn but difficult to master fighting gameplay to audiences worldwide.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Link's Awakening does not expand the old formula, yet introduce the original into the modern era. It's a charming and simple Zelda experience we all need sometimes. You will not find anything new here, but if you are in a search for that old, nostalgic feeling of simple and sheer gaming joy - look no further. This is a Zelda title you need to play.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mini Motorways is a fun little puzzler-builder with beautiful minimalist visuals. Coupled with a charming presentation, this game is a perfect way to relax after a stressful day, but also provides a hefty amount of challenges along the way.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The end of a trilogy the Batman Arkham series deserved. One of the most fun open world environments you’ll find in any game, mixed in with a good storyline and fun, but at times flawed gameplay.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    One of the best Spider-man games in history and a victory for the future of the singleplayer AAA games.

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