Play Magazine's Scores

  • Games
For 2,350 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 65% higher than the average critic
  • 3% same as the average critic
  • 32% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.8 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 76
Highest review score: 100 Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES
Lowest review score: 0 Dragon Ball Z: Taiketsu
Score distribution:
2350 game reviews
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Arguably the best epic platformer since the Rare/Miyamoto days of N64. [May 2005, p.65]
    • Play Magazine
    • 63 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The shoulder button helps cornering by speeding up the rate at which the background turns, but ultimately these ATVs feel more like semi trucks. [June 2005, p.86]
    • Play Magazine
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It may look plain, but Polarium is a game that really etched itself into my brain. [June 2005, p.86]
    • Play Magazine
    • 85 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    One-on-one combat truly doesn't work here, but Unreal Championship 2 seems to delight in replaying this unpalatable scenario time and again - with each new stage requiring more kills, more wandering, more exposure to the incessant narrator's bleating until Unreal's reality bites becomes the great truth of the day. [Apr 2005, p.56]
    • Play Magazine
    • 51 Metascore
    • 45 Critic Score
    Takes the action-shooter genre and shoves it straight through the Blanderizer 6235 to ensure any sense of novelty possibly contained therein meets is brutal end. [May 2005, p.50]
    • Play Magazine
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Could be the deepest action-RPG ever in terms of story. Jade is loaded with quests, breathtaking panoramas and tomes of love. [May 2005, p.48]
    • Play Magazine
    • 54 Metascore
    • 45 Critic Score
    Takes the action-shooter genre and shoves it straight through the Blanderizer 6235 to ensure any sense of novelty possibly contained therein meets is brutal end. [May 2005, p.50]
    • Play Magazine
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    You've got blinding speed, and more than enough distinct cars to tinker with to push that insane speed even harder. [June 2005, p.57]
    • Play Magazine
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    You've got blinding speed, and more than enough distinct cars to tinker with to push that insane speed even harder. [June 2005, p.57]
    • Play Magazine
    • 65 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    There's no better fodder for the boneheaded premise of old-school RE... than the high school slasher flick, and ObsCure serves it up right. [May 2005, p.50]
    • Play Magazine
    • 63 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    There's no better fodder for the boneheaded premise of old-school RE... than the high school slasher flick, and ObsCure serves it up right. [May 2005, p.50]
    • Play Magazine
    • 53 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Overly simplistic and staged cause-and-effect do not a good Spy vs. Spy game make. [June 2005, p.56]
    • Play Magazine
    • 66 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    There's no better fodder for the boneheaded premise of old-school RE... than the high school slasher flick, and ObsCure serves it up right. [May 2005, p.50]
    • Play Magazine
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is accessible crime-fighting pulp with a dark, contemporary edge. [May 2005, p.64]
    • Play Magazine
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The best installment of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise yet, and a great RPG in its own right. [Apr 2005, p.52]
    • Play Magazine
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A sequel that's innovated and improved in every conceivable way, groomed like its predecessor for a discerning palette. [Apr 2005, p.48]
    • Play Magazine
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    This game is also one of the easiest the galaxy has ever seen. [May 2005, p.52]
    • Play Magazine
    • 88 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    What matters is that Doom 3 looks amazing, plays as well as it possibly could next to the acclaimed PC behemoth, and carries a foreboding atmosphere that is unmatched in a first-person shooter. [Apr 2005, p.47]
    • Play Magazine
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    This game is also one of the easiest the galaxy has ever seen. [May 2005, p.52]
    • Play Magazine
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    This game is also one of the easiest the galaxy has ever seen. [May 2005, p.52]
    • Play Magazine
    • 81 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    In all things small and epic, from the palpable graininess of the game's predominantly poorly lit environments, to the endlessly thrilling second installment of the spies vs. mercenaries online competitions, Theory does not disappoint. [May 2005, p.44]
    • Play Magazine
    • 47 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The later stages of intricate wirework platforming will undoubtedly cause many undue stress, and Kurenei herself can be a challenge to control given her default dash and a hard-to-wrangle camera. [March 2005, p.59]
    • Play Magazine
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There's still no significant camera control, and the fighting certainly still gets repetitive, but series fans probably won't mind one bit. [Apr 2005, p.61]
    • Play Magazine
    • 46 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The later stages of intricate wirework platforming will undoubtedly cause many undue stress, and Kurenei herself can be a challenge to control given her default dash and a hard-to-wrangle camera. [March 2005, p.59]
    • Play Magazine
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    In all things small and epic, from the palpable graininess of the game's predominantly poorly lit environments, to the endlessly thrilling second installment of the spies vs. mercenaries online competitions, Theory does not disappoint. [May 2005, p.44]
    • Play Magazine
    • 92 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    In all things small and epic, from the palpable graininess of the game's predominantly poorly lit environments, to the endlessly thrilling second installment of the spies vs. mercenaries online competitions, Theory does not disappoint. [May 2005, p.44]
    • Play Magazine
    • tbd Metascore
    • 35 Critic Score
    It's hard to find the fun in Mutant Melee, whether playing alone or with friends. [May 2005, p.54]
    • Play Magazine
    • 54 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Worse still are the "Gaddgets" that are your rewards - completely boring and devoid of any enjoyment. [May 2005, p.73]
    • Play Magazine
    • 94 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    In all things small and epic, from the palpable graininess of the game's predominantly poorly lit environments, to the endlessly thrilling second installment of the spies vs. mercenaries online competitions, Theory does not disappoint. [May 2005, p.44]
    • Play Magazine
    • 58 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As always, the Rayman universe is endlessly entertaining and the gameplay model diverse and bursting with creativity. [May 2005, p.72]
    • Play Magazine
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A pixel-precise 2D fighting gmae that builds upon its "Street Fighter" roots. [May 2005, p.68]
    • Play Magazine
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A burning hot game of TM that's every bit as cool as "Black," Head-On rocks from the outset. [May 2005, p.69]
    • Play Magazine
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Essentially, with MX vs. ATV Unleashed, Rainbow has perfected everything they introduced as the pioneers of next generation off-road racing. [Apr 2005, p.74]
    • Play Magazine
    • 78 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Nothing short of brilliant. [May 2005, p.71]
    • Play Magazine
    • 67 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Additional story elements and their accompanying stages mesh very nicely into the movie framework as well. [May 2005, p.69]
    • Play Magazine
    • 94 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The game contains so much energy and conviction, so much skill and spirit. There came a point where I was totally lost to it, in the way you are to a great movie - to any powerful art form. [Apr 2005, p.50]
    • Play Magazine
    • 50 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A few annoying control and camera issues become readily apparent in some of the more frustrating missions. [May 2005, p.54]
    • Play Magazine
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Has the market cornered on urban style in the massively multiplayer genre. [June 2005]
    • Play Magazine
    • 49 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    I think it's time somebody rethought this license. DBZ fans deserve much better. [May 2005, p.50]
    • Play Magazine
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    You'll be astounded by how much game there is here. [May 2005, p.67]
    • Play Magazine
    • 46 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    These graphically deficient remakes only half-heartedly capture the greatness of the originals, often feeling like a cheap homage rather than true remakes. [March 2005, p.58]
    • Play Magazine
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As expected, the story is completely convoluted, but the twists are still surprising (if not infuriating), resulting in a worthy but very different addition to the franchise. [May 2005, p.67]
    • Play Magazine
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Transfixing. [May 2005, p.67]
    • Play Magazine
    • 68 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Graphics that don't particularly push the power of the PSP and fun-crippling loading times that are often in excess of 30 seconds. [May 2005, p.69]
    • Play Magazine
    • 66 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Of all the launch titles, while it may be the most basic visually, I find Ape Escape the most entertaining. Once a great game, always a great game. [May 2005, p.68]
    • Play Magazine
    • 51 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A few annoying control and camera issues become readily apparent in some of the more frustrating missions. [May 2005, p.54]
    • Play Magazine
    • 51 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    I think it's time somebody rethought this license. DBZ fans deserve much better. [May 2005, p.50]
    • Play Magazine
    • 48 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    I think it's time somebody rethought this license. DBZ fans deserve much better. [May 2005, p.50]
    • Play Magazine
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    What this game contains that is totally removed from everything else out there is a quirky, infectious, humorous character, one that seems to deeply reflect the personality of its makers. When you play it, you really sense a stamp of originality and zany flavor in its presentation and structure. [March 2005, p.48]
    • Play Magazine
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For a handheld game of street ball, NFL Street rocks. [May 2005, p.70]
    • Play Magazine
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    What this game contains that is totally removed from everything else out there is a quirky, infectious, humorous character, one that seems to deeply reflect the personality of its makers. When you play it, you really sense a stamp of originality and zany flavor in its presentation and structure. [March 2005, p.48]
    • Play Magazine
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    What this game contains that is totally removed from everything else out there is a quirky, infectious, humorous character, one that seems to deeply reflect the personality of its makers. When you play it, you really sense a stamp of originality and zany flavor in its presentation and structure. [March 2005, p.48]
    • Play Magazine
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Essentially, with MX vs. ATV Unleashed, Rainbow has perfected everything they introduced as the pioneers of next generation off-road racing. [Apr 2005, p.74]
    • Play Magazine
    • 51 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Chances are, however, that you'll be bored senseless within an hour. [May 2005, p.72]
    • Play Magazine
    • 62 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    As always, it's a fairly simple affair but fun and addictive all the same to tear through scores and scores of enemies using basic combos. [Apr 2005, p.70]
    • Play Magazine
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It's challenging and furious fun, made only better by multiplayer. [May 2005, p.70]
    • Play Magazine
    • 57 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    NBA
    Lay-ups and dunks are also extremely frustrating to execute. [May 2005, p.71]
    • Play Magazine
    • 44 Metascore
    • 35 Critic Score
    It's hard to find the fun in Mutant Melee, whether playing alone or with friends. [May 2005, p.54]
    • Play Magazine
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    With more of an emphasis on the intimate perils of war, the game feels fresh enough, but staggers in an attempt to draw us in to the characters. [May 2005, p.50]
    • Play Magazine
    • 76 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The skillfully crafted Project: Snowblind calls on the best of what we enjoy about the genre, but the game feels nicely removed from the norm. [March 2005, p.52]
    • Play Magazine
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There is some undue frustration thanks to an uncontrollable camera, but this is still the Monkey Ball game to get. [March 2005, p.58]
    • Play Magazine
    • 64 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    With impeccable world and character design, quirky cool real-time cinemas that pay homage to an era of gaming gone by, an outstanding opening movie and score, and compelling action-role playing for the duration, Musashi: Samurai Legend is a beacon of hope for a homoginized world. [March 2005, p.56]
    • Play Magazine
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A leaden feel of backtracking and other nags here and there tie the game down from anything memorable. [May 2005, p.54]
    • Play Magazine
    • 61 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    A competent game, but it's also thoroughly forgettable. [May 2005, p.73]
    • Play Magazine
    • 81 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Perfect controls and breathtaking visuals aside, the localization here is also superb (Majesco grabbed this one post Microsoft polishing every nook and cranny), and the music is, in a word, euphoric. [Feb 2005, p.65]
    • Play Magazine
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There is some undue frustration thanks to an uncontrollable camera, but this is still the Monkey Ball game to get. [March 2005, p.58]
    • Play Magazine
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A leaden feel of backtracking and other nags here and there tie the game down from anything memorable. [May 2005, p.54]
    • Play Magazine
    • 80 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Mega Man's platforming and weapon-swiping action are still infinitely playable. [May 2005, p.52]
    • Play Magazine
    • 43 Metascore
    • 35 Critic Score
    It's hard to find the fun in Mutant Melee, whether playing alone or with friends. [May 2005, p.54]
    • Play Magazine
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This simple yet devilishly addictive touch-pen action game shows off the DS in the best possible light, providing a totally unique and fun experience. [Apr 2005, p.70]
    • Play Magazine
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Four-player head-to-head is a gas too. [May 2005, p.70]
    • Play Magazine
    • 46 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    I hadn't played an all-stylus game until now, but having done so, I can officially state tht I find it utterly joyless. [May 2005, p.72]
    • Play Magazine
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game's biggest asset? The A.I. [May 2005, p.71]
    • Play Magazine
    • 80 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    It's one of the prettiest and exciting-to-watch games I've ever seen. [May 2005, p.52]
    • Play Magazine
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    When all the inane and lovingly crafted comic kitsch subsides, you're left with a very good little RPG. [Apr 2005, p.67]
    • Play Magazine
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    With more of an emphasis on the intimate perils of war, the game feels fresh enough, but staggers in an attempt to draw us in to the characters. [May 2005, p.50]
    • Play Magazine
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    I especially like the whole manager/teammate interaction. It was a nice touch. [Apr 2005, p.76]
    • Play Magazine
    • 60 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    It's also hella simplistic and the 3D models less than spectacular. [May 2005, p.54]
    • Play Magazine
    • 78 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Tactical, yet just as fun as any single-player romp, skillfully laid out and nicely scored, Star Wars: Republic Commando lives up to its billing and them some. [March 2005, p.55]
    • Play Magazine
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Learn and hone your attacks, consider the deceivingly complex structure of the game, and the reward is tremendously satisfying. [Apr 2005, p.54]
    • Play Magazine
    • 88 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    With more of an emphasis on the intimate perils of war, the game feels fresh enough, but staggers in an attempt to draw us in to the characters. [May 2005, p.50]
    • Play Magazine
    • 69 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Use of certain weapons and locomotion across the map can be cumbersome, and the game just doesn't have that same pendulum energy of before in the fights. [Apr 2004, p.64]
    • Play Magazine
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    EA Chicago should be proud. It doesn't get much better than this. [Apr 2005, p.77]
    • Play Magazine
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The 2K series is back where it needs to be. [Apr 2005, p.76]
    • Play Magazine
    • 78 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Tactical, yet just as fun as any single-player romp, skillfully laid out and nicely scored, Star Wars: Republic Commando lives up to its billing and them some. [March 2005, p.55]
    • Play Magazine
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    EA Chicago should be proud. It doesn't get much better than this. [Apr 2005, p.77]
    • Play Magazine
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Scrapland's parts make a pretty decent whole, but there just wasn't that old black magic there, that feeling that captivates you and keeps you glued to your seat longing for more. [Apr 2005, p.57]
    • Play Magazine
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    EA Chicago should be proud. It doesn't get much better than this. [Apr 2005, p.77]
    • Play Magazine
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Another amazingly deep fighting game that should leave fans floored. [Apr 2005, p.53]
    • Play Magazine
    • 60 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    While you're off collecting bolts, you'll also notice a striking resemblance to "Ratchet and Clank," which is evident at nearly every turn. [Apr 2005, p.61]
    • Play Magazine
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The boss battles earn points for uniqueness alone. [March 2005, p.66]
    • Play Magazine
    • 56 Metascore
    • 38 Critic Score
    The thrill of the series has always resulted from engaging in semi-realistic dogfights amidst some of the most gorgeous visuals ever seen - features that are sorely lacking in the GBA version. [Feb 2005, p.81]
    • Play Magazine
    • 57 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The adventure-addled gameplay is pure Dredd too, and the story--Dark Judges have risen - is very cool. [Apr 2004, p.64]
    • Play Magazine
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The 2K series is back where it needs to be. [Apr 2005, p.76]
    • Play Magazine
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    No question, every game in the series has felt great, but this one is in another league. [Apr 2005, p.58]
    • Play Magazine
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Sometimes it's cool to suspend disbelief and go back to what got us here in the first place - aiding villagers and killing monsters. [March 2005, p.50]
    • Play Magazine
    • 78 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The skillfully crafted Project: Snowblind calls on the best of what we enjoy about the genre, but the game feels nicely removed from the norm. [March 2005, p.52]
    • Play Magazine
    • 59 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    [Street] mode would've been a lot more enjoyable if it weren't for the idiotic AI. Quite frankly, it's downright painful. [March 2005, p.80]
    • Play Magazine
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Together with a near flawless play-by-play announcer, excellent sound, music and solid online play, EA Sports has done it again with MVP. [Apr 2005, p.76]
    • Play Magazine
    • 58 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Extremely slippery controls make handling both the chopper and the plane a chore. [Feb 2005, p.80]
    • Play Magazine

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