PLAY's Scores

  • Games
For 679 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 34% higher than the average critic
  • 8% same as the average critic
  • 58% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 3.6 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 71
Highest review score: 100 Astro Bot
Lowest review score: 10 POSTAL 4: No Regerts
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 29 out of 679
679 game reviews
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Not at all like getting blood from a stone. Presenting a monster mash you’ll want to jump back into, this roguelike is worth getting your chops around. [Issue#46, p.97]
    • PLAY
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Capcom hasn’t messed with greatness, retaining everything that made Dead Rising a classic in the first place while sprinkling in smart changes. [Issue#46, p.96]
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    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A fan-favourite protagonist, clever gameplay options, and cases ranging from very silly to very serious – this collection has it all, and is unmissable for series fans. [Issue#46, p.94]
    • PLAY
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It may lack punch but its satisfying driving and laid-back exploration are ideal if you’re looking for a soothing adventure. Perfect for treasure hunt lovers. [Issue#46, p.93]
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    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A ghost story we’ve heard many times before, told once more with feeling. A friendlier introduction for newbies, and a worthwhile return to fans’ special place. [Issue#46, p.91]
    • PLAY
    • 94 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    While it currently enjoys a wealth of mature, cinematic titles, PlayStation has been crying out for a fresh, colourful mascot platformer, and Astro Bot ticks most of those boxes – at the very least, Team Asobi proves there are multiple ways to accessorise the chilly veneer of white plastic. As a 30-something gamer with rent to pay, few things inspire childlike glee in me, but Astro Bot manages it again and again. Whether it’s diving into an underwater level and pretending I’m exploring an aquarium from the other side of the glass, or just the simple tactile joy of Astro Bot’s little feet tapa-tapa-ing across the DualSense, I’m feeling a wide-eyed wonder that I thought I’d grown out of. His Rescue Mission was a few games back, but it’s safe to say that Astro Bot has definitely resuscitated PlayStation’s long-absent sense of fun. [Issue#46, p.80]
    • PLAY
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Just as solid as when it first took horror streamers by storm, now with added content so you can play in the certainty you still haven’t seen every scare. [Issue#45, p.91]
    • PLAY
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a unique and slick drill mechanic there's a lot to love, but not quite enough is made of it across a very brief runtime. Wanting more isn’t always a bad thing. [Issue#45, p.90]
    • PLAY
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Accessible enough for strangers to turn- based combat, unique enough for veterans. Designed to ensure you have fun, steam work makes the dream work. [Issue#45, p.88]
    • PLAY
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Few detective games lead you to make as many brilliant deductions that feel like your own path to follow, though some issues with the port let it down. [Issue#45, p.83]
    • PLAY
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A gorgeous remaster, the freelance police have never looked or played better. Psychic powers are a stroke of genius, though detract a tad from other aspects. [Issue#45, p.82]
    • PLAY
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The best game in the series in over two decades. Its downsides are minor, making it a wholeheartedly recommendable, classic JRPG experience. [Issue#45, p.80]
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    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A stunning coming-of-age tale. Despite half-baked minigames and a slow middle section, gorgeous pixel art and strong writing make it worth your time. [Issue#44, p.92]
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    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    This is a perfect purchase if, one might say, thou fancy a reet good laff. Perfectly judged absurdist comedy delivered via surreal shenanigans; we love it. [Issue#44, p.84]
    • PLAY
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Punchy runs respect your time, and a willingness to let you throw your cards at the wall to see what sticks makes each fresh one worth the ticket to ride. [Issue#44, p.82]
    • PLAY
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A strikingly beautiful experience that keeps all things in balance. Its successful simplicity and gorgeous visuals give Kunitsu-Gami a timeless quality. [Issue#44, p.80]
    • PLAY
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The main story has blips, but Tural is a wonderful world to explore and, importantly, creates a solid foundation for more FFXIV updates to come. [Issue#44, p.76]
    • PLAY
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An exciting fresh start for the RPG series. With strong character writing and excellent worldbuilding, it’s newcomer-friendly while appealing to fans. [Issue#43, p.96]
    • PLAY
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Short, sharp episodes highlight the base game’s shortcomings, but otherwise this miniseries is a merry turn down the spiral that leaves us wanting more. [Issue#43, p.95]
    • PLAY
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Don’t let this puzzler slide by. With strong comedic writing, glowing art direction, and lots of fiendish brain ticklers, it’s well worth wrapping your head around. [Issue#43, p.94]
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    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    FromSoftware continues to rule the genre it invented. If you didn’t care for Elden Ring, run away screaming. Otherwise, come on in and scream with frustration. [Issue#43, p.92]
    • PLAY
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Strong dialogue plus naturalistic acting makes the supernatural natural. Short but effective, with a final stretch that makes you reconsider all that’s gone before. [Issue#43, p.90]
    • PLAY
    • 90 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A campaign that celebrates Destiny and its history, plus tweaks that smooth many of the bumps in the overall experience, set everything back on track. [Issue#43, p.88]
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    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Still not as slick as Persona, SMT V revels in crunchtastic strategy with unparalleled customisation. A shift to open world is a genuine fresh hook. [Issue#43, p.84]
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    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An outstanding homage to PS1 horror that’s no mere tribute act. If this is just the start of an excellent new series, then consider our return ticket already booked. [Issue#42, p.84]
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    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lets! Revolution! takes Minesweeper and revamps it. Its tile-flipping deduction puzzles hold strategic depth, and its lovely animation adds a welcome flourish. [Issue#41, p.98]
    • PLAY
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Moody, mysterious, borderline magnificent – this is a modern classic, an adventure that rivals its biggest inspirations without just following their lead. [Issue#41, p.96]
    • PLAY
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you can play Umurangi Generation, you should play it. A masterfully told story that puts you at the centre in a unique, deeply meaningful way. [Issue#41, p.94]
    • PLAY
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    In its humour and presentation, Dave The Diver has something of a good food anime vibe – the food is important, but there’s just so much more to discover. [Issue#41, p.92]
    • PLAY
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A large, beautifully-designed platformer that moves past its 16-bit inspiration in many ways, though the levels feel just a little stretched. Still a huge success. [Issue#40, p.92]
    • PLAY

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