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
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Throw in some fun surface sequences and you've got a really well-rounded, classic shooter. [Dec 2002, p.86]
    • Play Magazine
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The overall result is a Robotech fan's dream come true (the amount of "Paint Designs" and extras to unlock, like cast interviews, is staggering) but also a unique mission-based mech game that (finally) breathes some fresh air into an otherwise stale category. [Oct 2002, p.70]
    • Play Magazine
    • 44 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    The fact that you have to hold down the manual button to keep it going is simply preposterous; it's nearly impossible to transition to a grind or another trick. [Dec 2002, p.90]
    • Play Magazine
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game is also beautiful beyond measure, with water, weaving grass, snow, mud, and other terrain effects that, at least for now, are pretty much unequalled, and boast sound effects to match. [Oct 2002, p.68]
    • Play Magazine
    • 87 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Although the player models look better than they do in EA's game, the movements aren't as fluid. Some of the animations (especially passing) are a little awkward. [Nov 2002, p.88]
    • Play Magazine
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game is also beautiful beyond measure, with water, weaving grass, snow, mud, and other terrain effects that, at least for now, are pretty much unequalled, and boast sound effects to match. [Oct 2002, p.68]
    • Play Magazine
    • 80 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    As always, the graphics in NHL 2003 are exceptional, especially on the Xbox. There were times when I thought I was watching an actual hockey game. [Nov 2002, p.88]
    • Play Magazine
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game is also beautiful beyond measure, with water, weaving grass, snow, mud, and other terrain effects that, at least for now, are pretty much unequalled, and boast sound effects to match. [Oct 2002, p.68]
    • Play Magazine
    • 83 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Debuting in this '03 renewal is the EA Sports "freestyle" control. Wihout question, it WILL change the way you play basketball games...forever. [Nov 2002, p.88]
    • Play Magazine
    • 89 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Although the player models look better than they do in EA's game, the movements aren't as fluid. Some of the animations (especially passing) are a little awkward. [Nov 2002, p.88]
    • Play Magazine
    • 90 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A basic first-person shooter with the action quotient set on full throttle, but everything about TimeSplitters 2 is handled skillfully and stylishly, pieced together with a scintillating polish. [Nov 2002, p.64]
    • Play Magazine
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A basic first-person shooter with the action quotient set on full throttle, but everything about TimeSplitters 2 is handled skillfully and stylishly, pieced together with a scintillating polish. [Nov 2002, p.64]
    • Play Magazine
    • 82 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Debuting in this '03 renewal is the EA Sports "freestyle" control. Wihout question, it WILL change the way you play basketball games...forever. [Nov 2002, p.88]
    • Play Magazine
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The top dog in large-scale fighting. The fact that it's covered with melted Japanese cheese is merely icing on the cake. [Nov 2002, p.90]
    • Play Magazine
    • 82 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Debuting in this '03 renewal is the EA Sports "freestyle" control. Wihout question, it WILL change the way you play basketball games...forever. [Nov 2002, p.88]
    • Play Magazine
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you're down for another BMXer, Hoffman 3 is without a doubt the best it gets. [Oct 2002, p.85]
    • Play Magazine
    • 71 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    If this game doesn't make you smile then you probably don't have a mouth. [Dec 2002, p.68]
    • Play Magazine
    • 84 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Although the player models look better than they do in EA's game, the movements aren't as fluid. Some of the animations (especially passing) are a little awkward. [Nov 2002, p.88]
    • Play Magazine
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The visuals at work here are arguably the best ever in high-speed, open-highway gameplay, especially considering the self-induced slow motion and course study, which is wicked cool. [Oct 2002, p.84]
    • Play Magazine
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The visuals at work here are arguably the best ever in high-speed, open-highway gameplay, especially considering the self-induced slow motion and course study, which is wicked cool. [Oct 2002, p.84]
    • Play Magazine
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A deep, refreshingly stylistic adventure that lets you play at the pitch you desire. [Dec 2002, p.83]
    • Play Magazine
    • 67 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    A stilted story of amnesia, magic, and finding the meaning of existence plague the more positive points, the highest being, once again, the entertaining battle system. [Nov 2002, p.96]
    • Play Magazine
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A deep, refreshingly stylistic adventure that lets you play at the pitch you desire. [Dec 2002, p.83]
    • Play Magazine
    • 79 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    As always, the graphics in NHL 2003 are exceptional... There were times when I thought I was watching an actual hockey game. [Nov 2002, p.88]
    • Play Magazine
    • 68 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    The game's battles are simply the best in the turn-based bunch...Oh, how I wish this game was more polished outside of the battles. [Nov 2002, p.85]
    • Play Magazine
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Combined with top-notch sound effects, new weapons, and special moves, it will leave you speechless. [Dec 2002, p.88]
    • Play Magazine
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The amount of depth, given the unlockable nature of the cars and missions, make this as meaty as it is intense. [Nov 2002, p.92]
    • Play Magazine
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A game with gorgeous models, intense combos, magic-driven action, and a cast of characters that make character selection a really tough decision. [Oct 2002, p.84]
    • Play Magazine
    • 79 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    As always, the graphics in NHL 2003 are exceptional... There were times when I thought I was watching an actual hockey game. [Nov 2002, p.88]
    • Play Magazine
    • 84 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Packed with nuances that, for aspiring fans and drivers must really float their Skoal. Drafting, line selection, pitting...this is a great simulation covering 20 seasons. Not for me. [Oct 2002, p.84]
    • Play Magazine
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Captures the feeling of driving a car like no other game on the planet. The physics model is so highly developed and tuned that it actually makes this bare-bones game very engaging. [Oct 2002, p.83]
    • Play Magazine
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While it isn't a technical powerhouse, Run Like Hell paints its sci-fi visions compellingly through inspired designs and rich imagery. [Nov 2002, p.78]
    • Play Magazine
    • 64 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Can be summed up rather easily: great in the air, bad on the ground. [Nov 2002, p.94]
    • Play Magazine
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The overall result is a Robotech fan's dream come true (the amount of "Paint Designs" and extras to unlock, like cast interviews, is staggering) but also a unique mission-based mech game that (finally) breathes some fresh air into an otherwise stale category. [Oct 2002, p.70]
    • Play Magazine
    • 41 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The novelty of Smuggler's Run just doesn't have octane to last. [Feb 2002, p.67]
    • Play Magazine
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The overall result is a Robotech fan's dream come true (the amount of "Paint Designs" and extras to unlock, like cast interviews, is staggering) but also a unique mission-based mech game that (finally) breathes some fresh air into an otherwise stale category. [Oct 2002, p.70]
    • Play Magazine
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It's not the kind of party game that lasts well beyond the immediate draw. [June 2002, p.63]
    • Play Magazine
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It's got style. In fact, presentation-wise, you'll not find a better action game...anywhere. [Nov 2002, p.58]
    • Play Magazine
    • 51 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Rather than pressing left to walk left proportionately with the landscape, you must mash the diagonals, ultimately wearing an indelible groove into your thumb. [Nov 2002, p.103]
    • Play Magazine
    • 91 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For such an old game, Yoshi holds up spectacularly well in its look, existing as a quintessential portable experience. [Nov 2002, p.105]
    • Play Magazine
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The game needs some touching up, and the framerate kinda sucks. But so good are the multiplayer online battles - don't you dare buy this for solo action - that any of the game's undeniable deficiencies become quickly forgotten. [Feb 2003, p.91]
    • Play Magazine
    • 59 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The level of detail at work here is darn near unprecedented. [Nov 2002, p.80]
    • Play Magazine
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sure the A.I. is basic, but the action is so smooth and flowing, you'll enjoy your first kill as much as the 500th. [Oct 2002, p.83]
    • Play Magazine
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Animation-wise, what's here is nice, and the models are very good, but Maia especially needs more variety. [Nov 2002, p.85]
    • Play Magazine
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The biggest problem I have with the game is that these vast planes are often too vast, making for some occasionally dull moments. [Nov 2002, p.86]
    • Play Magazine
    • 79 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The game itself is also showing slight strain: still not a lot of freedom of movement. [Oct 2002, p.85]
    • Play Magazine
    • 78 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Not only has the famous slow-down been neatly trimmed back from the SNES, the GBA game features an arranged mode which boasts level selection and all-new levels, some based on the original and arcade games. [Aug 2002, p.75]
    • Play Magazine
    • 82 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    A triumph, and a very bittersweet one at that. Sadly, it's become the ultimate swan song, marking the end of one of the greatest relationships in videogame history. [Nov 2002, p.72]
    • Play Magazine
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The cornucopia of stages and fighters, underpinned by the perfectly honed combat, satisfies for months. [Nov 2002, p.96]
    • Play Magazine
    • 84 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Packed with nuances that, for aspiring fans and drivers must really float their Skoal. Drafting, line selection, pitting...this is a great simulation covering 20 seasons. Not for me. [Oct 2002, p.84]
    • Play Magazine
    • 85 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Packed with nuances that, for aspiring fans and drivers must really float their Skoal. Drafting, line selection, pitting...this is a great simulation covering 20 seasons. Not for me. [Oct 2002, p.84]
    • Play Magazine
    • 67 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Not a poorly constructed game at all, but more of an esoteric offering for the console gamer with exceptional patience and desire for a game that demands meticulous strategy. [Nov 2002, p.90]
    • Play Magazine
    • 53 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Save for the perspective glitches indicative of an older engine, Dawn of Fate delivers a fitting game based on the resilient Terminator franchise. [Oct 2002, p.76]
    • Play Magazine
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is easily the best WB-based game to come down the pike yet. [Sept 2002, p.69]
    • Play Magazine
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is easily the best WB-based game to come down the pike yet. [Sept 2002, p.69]
    • Play Magazine
    • 62 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    This truly is a shell of the other two console versions, so I beg you to pass. [Oct 2002, p.84]
    • Play Magazine
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The replays are totally interactive, the camera can be set just about anywhere, and the control is so easily grasped, you'll be busting out moves that would take you a lifetime to learn. [Oct 2002, p.85]
    • Play Magazine
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Midway has taken an already proven formula for hard-hitting action and added cool new gameplay elements that give this Hitz incredible replay value. [Nov 2002, p.88]
    • Play Magazine
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Save for the perspective glitches indicative of an older engine, Dawn of Fate delivers a fitting game based on the resilient Terminator franchise. [Oct 2002, p.76]
    • Play Magazine
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If the first minute of the opening cinema doesn't move you in some way, you bought the wrong gme, but if it does, well, you can join our club. [Sept 2002, p.65]
    • Play Magazine
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    To say that Kingdom Hearts is magical is an understatement. As cinematic experiences go, it's exquisite. It's not the finest in terms of action, but overall, it's wonderful. [Oct 2002, p.74]
    • Play Magazine
    • 87 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The epitome of what a handheld title can aspire to - a game you pray as you play it will never end. [Aug 2002, p.72]
    • Play Magazine
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The replays are totally interactive, the camera can be set just about anywhere, and the control is so easily grasped, you'll be busting out moves that would take you a lifetime to learn. [Oct 2002, p.85]
    • Play Magazine
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Distracted by the majesty of the visuals, it's difficult sometimes to keep your head in the game. [Oct 2002, p.67]
    • Play Magazine
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Midway has taken an already proven formula for hard-hitting action and added cool new gameplay elements that give this Hitz incredible replay value. [Nov 2002, p.88]
    • Play Magazine
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The replays are totally interactive, the camera can be set just about anywhere, and the control is so easily grasped, you'll be busting out moves that would take you a lifetime to learn. [Oct 2002, p.85]
    • Play Magazine
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Midway has taken an already proven formula for hard-hitting action and added cool new gameplay elements that give this Hitz incredible replay value. [Nov 2002, p.88]
    • Play Magazine
    • 87 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Certainly not for everyone, this "life simulator" seems tailor made for the younger set. [Oct 2002, p.83]
    • Play Magazine
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The controls, sans preloading, clutch work, etc., are a tad bare-boned, but work extremely well in the scheme of things with the emphasis placed more on cornering and picking the right lines for optimum speed. [Nov 2002, p.96]
    • Play Magazine
    • 78 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Its focus is clunky, and the disparate connection to your teammates sabotages the elements that game does get right. [Aug 2002, p.71]
    • Play Magazine
    • 50 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    This idea just doesn't work. [Aug 2002, p.71]
    • Play Magazine
    • 49 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Blade II's got enough meat flyin', head choppin', body-disintegrating action to fill any daywalker's dance card along with some cool beats and beautiful interiors. [Nov 2002, p.94]
    • Play Magazine
    • 47 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It's no "Mario Party," but it is a fun romp through an abbreviated Namco Universe. [Aug 2002, p.71]
    • Play Magazine
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whatever you make of Setga GT's game structure, there is little you can say about the game's graphics other than "awesome." [Sept 2002, p.70]
    • Play Magazine
    • 53 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Blade II's got enough meat flyin', head choppin', body-disintegrating action to fill any daywalker's dance card along with some cool beats and beautiful interiors. [Nov 2002, p.94]
    • Play Magazine
    • 61 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's been too long since I've played an FPS that contains this much engaging challenge and fierce energy. [Oct 2002, p.80]
    • Play Magazine
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's been too long since I've played an FPS that contains this much engaging challenge and fierce energy. [Oct 2002, p.80]
    • Play Magazine
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    To get the most out of the Turok experience, don't hesitate to go with the superior GameCube version. [Oct 2002, p.80]
    • Play Magazine
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The characters are surprisingly well animated and detailed, but the backgrounds are sadly flat, devoid of any line scrolling or parallax. [June 2002, p.68]
    • Play Magazine
    • 67 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Not a poorly constructed game at all, but more of an esoteric offering for the console gamer with exceptional patience and desire for a game that demands meticulous strategy. [Nov 2002, p.90]
    • Play Magazine
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Gorgeously drawn and richly stylized, constructed with a mystical flair, Onimusha II is a fantastic sequel to one of the best games of last year. [Aug 2002, p.57]
    • Play Magazine
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A more serious issue is the amount of times I was disconnected or suffering through some lag. [Nov 2002, p.86]
    • Play Magazine
    • 92 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Mario Sunshine can easily rank as one of the greatest games ever made, perhaps topping the list. [Apr 2002, p.62]
    • Play Magazine
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Improved in every way. [Oct 2002, p.83]
    • Play Magazine
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    THe matches are totally chaotic and a little bit out of control, but the game is an absolute blast to play, far more like an arcade game than most modern sports titles. [Sept 2002, p.73]
    • Play Magazine
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Computer Artworks has done right by Mr. Carpenter's vision. [Nov 2002, p.84]
    • Play Magazine
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    An outrageous display of frenetic excess, pulled off with enough grimy flair to plunge us into its pestilent world, Dead to Rights is a satisfying jolt of adult gaming. [Aug 2002, p.64]
    • Play Magazine
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Buffy fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief. Not only is the game great, but with Buffy still hotter than a witch's tit in a brass bra, you can bet a sequel is imminent. [Sept 2002, p.67]
    • Play Magazine
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you're down for another BMXer, Hoffman 3 is without a doubt the best it gets. [Oct 2002, p.85]
    • Play Magazine
    • 95 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Above all, a better feeling and playing game, boosted by subtleties that you may not even recognize until you've made it to the playoffs.[Sept 2002, p.72]
    • Play Magazine
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Less pixelization, better control, smoother animation, better art, and lots of aliens and pigs in uniform to turn into mounds of bloody pork. [Oct 2002, p.86]
    • Play Magazine
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you're down for another BMXer, Hoffman 3 is without a doubt the best it gets. [Oct 2002, p.85]
    • Play Magazine
    • 92 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Above all, a better feeling and playing game, boosted by subtleties that you may not even recognize until you've made it to the playoffs.[Sept 2002, p.72]
    • Play Magazine
    • 92 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Above all, a better feeling and playing game, boosted by subtleties that you may not even recognize until you've made it to the playoffs.[Sept 2002, p.72]
    • Play Magazine
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it's not all that complex in its makeup (its a fairly simple game), the nuances, coupled with fantastic visual presentation, make it impossible to put down. [Sept 2002, p.72]
    • Play Magazine
    • 50 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    xXx
    xXx is so cookie-cutter action, it's actually sad... The 2D portions are just total crap. [Oct 2002, p.86]
    • Play Magazine
    • 88 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Dishes out some truly inventive (if not a tad insane) leve design, tight gameplay, and great visuals, to the extent that anyone even remotely interested in the sport will likely embrace this game's spin on the whole extreme sports trend. [Oct 2002, p.85]
    • Play Magazine
    • 63 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The missin objectives leave no room to breathe and take in all the loveliness; the physics on the robot are too floaty given its awesome scale; and the difficulty becomes insane too quickly. [Aug 2002, p.70]
    • Play Magazine
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Has the story and substance to attract the hardcore and masses alike, and the gameplay to appease both - the mark of a truly great game. [July 2002, p.81]
    • Play Magazine
    • 55 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    A great technology demo for the box, and the best demo derby game around. [July 2002, p.82]
    • Play Magazine

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