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 3.5 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
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    One of PS4’s best and most underrated shooters pulls out all the stops on PS5. A technical marvel that goes full steam ahead on Sony’s new console. [Issue#4, p.76]
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    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Card mechanics can falter, but it’s worth weaving a unique path through this poignant coming-of-age narrative. Sombre and beautiful, this is a triumph. [Issue#20, p.90]
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    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A terrific revival of a genre with plenty of life to give. Brilliant, slick controls and funky vibes have you owning the streets, but could use more challenge. [Issue#32, p.69]
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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]
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    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s not much cop as a detective game, but this spin-off from the Yakuza series is still a terrific yarn that’s held up by its charming sense of place and character. [Issue#2, p.86]
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    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The rough edges have been sanded down. This JRPG attracted a cult following, and thanks to Toylogic’s upgrade it’s now easy to see why for yourself. [Issue#1, p.84]
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    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Stray makes the most of its choice of protagonist early on, really allowing you to do all the things a typical cat would do, though it eventually loses sight of that in favour of spotlighting the short story. That’s no cause for hissing, though it does leave the overall experience feeling somewhat like two kittens from different litters forced together. The combination works better than it should, but we’re ultimately left wondering what could’ve resulted if either half of the game had been given enough space to stand alone. [Issue#18, p.70]
    • 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]
    • PLAY
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The likes of QTE-based brawls and stealth sections are less successful, and some sequences are a little drawn out – but by the end you’ll be hooked emotionally and, yes, may end up teary-eyed. [Issue#25, p.83]
    • PLAY
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Without drastically altering its comfortable VR setup, Moss: Book II is a more expansive sequel in an enchanting world that’s a pleasure to spend time in again. [Issue#14, p.77]
    • PLAY
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lasting just under two hours, A Short Hike is a pocket-sized wholesome adventure. Meandering around Hawk Peak and seeing where each path takes you is always rewarding. It feels very nostalgic, like a call back to summer holidays when there was nothing to do and nowhere to be so you explored for the sake of it. It demands nothing from you, and that’s very special. [Issue#9, p.86]
    • 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
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s a surprisingly physical game, as many solutions involve chucking things across the virtual room. Best use those controller straps, eh? As the fine details of each solution are up to you, and there’s a little physical skill involved, nailing a puzzle is deeply satisfying. A neat payoff at the end for both the story and your previous efforts winds things up perfectly. [Issue#26, p.87]
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    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Kampaign is the one of the best we’ve seen in years but stripped-back side-content and a barebones online mode hold this reboot back from greatness. [Issue#33, p.82]
    • 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
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A frantic co-op shooter that offers an unrelenting challenge. This chaos generator will delight friend groups who enjoy being pushed to the brink of failure. [Issue#39, p.80]
    • PLAY
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Two Point Studios delivers for its second title, adding the perfect mix of challenge, humour, 8 and customisation to campus. A truly joyful experience at the University Of U. [Issue#18, p.82]
    • PLAY
    • 82 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Fans will love another outing with Tak and the gang. Despite improved combat, worse stealth and stripped back exploration can overshadow it. [Issue#7, p.88]
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    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cosy as ever, Atelier’s crafting makes you feel in control of your quest. Still somewhat budget, improvements nevertheless make Atelier’s future feel bright. [Issue#12, p.88]
    • PLAY
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An involved, improved story mode and the progression-based F1 World complement the exemplary career. It’s the best year-on- year update since F1 2013. [Issue#30, p.96]
    • PLAY
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Unfocussed mechanics and not enough Herlock Sholmes means it doesn’t live up to its full potential, though series fans will have a hoot with the mysteries. [Issue#5, p.80]
    • PLAY
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An essential purchase if you enjoyed Innocence, and an imperfect but gripping starting point if you missed it. Hopefully not the end of the tale. [Issue#21, p.80]
    • PLAY
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nothing else on PSVR2 matches this for ambition and player freedom. Just don’t expect a carefully curated experience or you’ll be disappointed. [Issue#27, p.78]
    • PLAY
    • 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]
    • PLAY
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fun story campaign teaches you everything you need to build a great time in yet another excellent Steamworld game. What genre will Thunderful nail next? [Issue#35, p.95]
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    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It may be a fantasy story filled with legends and monsters, but Röki also has a very human message of grief and loss at its core. It’s an adventure game filled with childlike wonder, with an ending that will give your heartstrings a mighty tug. [Issue#9, p.90]
    • PLAY
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    [Issue#34, p.80]
    • PLAY
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With such a strong central mechanic, you could forgive Viewfinder for setting it and forgetting it – but it doesn’t, iterating and surprising with each level. [Issue#31, p.82]
    • PLAY
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A neat enough bonus that squanders its potential with awkward implementation, and a sense of tactility that never quite feels natural enough. [Issue#26, p.74]
    • PLAY
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Frustratingly failing to hit (but only just) the heights it could’ve reached, this is a great reason to fall in love with Lego Star Wars all over again. [Play #14, p.72]
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