PLAY's Scores
- Games
For 679 reviews, this publication has graded:
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34% higher than the average critic
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8% same as the average critic
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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: | Astro Bot | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest review score: | POSTAL 4: No Regerts |
Score distribution:
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Positive: 296 out of 679
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Mixed: 354 out of 679
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Negative: 29 out of 679
679
game
reviews
- By Date
- By Critic Score
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- Critic Score
It’s hard to say P4G is definitely better. While still somewhat procedurally generated, the dungeons feel like more of a slog given how the design, heavy on long corridors, makes thing more spread out, and while there are great stories in the social links they can certainly sag a bit. The focus on boundary-pushing inner turmoil hasn’t aged as gracefully as some might remember either, Kanji’s struggle with masculinity and Naoto’s with gender both weak swings that never amount to much.2 Still a fantastic adventure, but not the shining jewel it was once touted as. [Issue#24, p.82]- PLAY
Posted Feb 11, 2023 -
- Critic Score
A good dose of weirdness in the lore prevents the game being completely one-note, but overall things are spread too thin despite the game only being two or three hours long. This turnip perhaps needed to be left in the ground a little longer. [Issue#24, p.82]- PLAY
Posted Feb 11, 2023 -
- Critic Score
As it’s procedurally generated, some may chafe against the formidable grind, but each floor is bite-size, and you can command your team to do most of the exploring for you. Interspersed with dialogue-driven hangouts in the daytime, this is an incredible quick fix of weak point-targeting battling with RPG character building. It’s just a shame this couldn’t be more definitive. [Issue#24, p.82]- PLAY
Posted Feb 11, 2023 -
- Critic Score
Moonrider rarely feels cheap – the final (final) boss does overdo some unavoidable attacks, but generally bosses have distinct patterns to memorise. As always with retro games, lifespan is an issue and you’ll probably finish this in an afternoon, but there’s replay value in discovering those items and new ways to play. [Issue#24, p.75]- PLAY
Posted Feb 11, 2023 -
- Critic Score
Clearly inspired by real places, Tieng Valley exists firmly in the realm of magical realism, with a god of forgetting looming over the valley while strange flowers whisper echoes of the past. Biking around, recording it is a meditative experience that not only interrogates how you as an outsider choose to remember this ephemeral space, but also asks wider questions about time, history, and memory. It’s a genuine pleasure to explore. The game doesn’t outstay its welcome at about ten hours long, and is absolutely an experience we won’t forget in a hurry. [Issue#24, p.75]- PLAY
Posted Feb 11, 2023 -
- Critic Score
Choppy performance aside, while there’s nothing particularly revolutionary here it’s hard to lament a lack of meaningful changes when beating up bad guys still feels this good. [Issue#24, p.75]- PLAY
Posted Feb 11, 2023 -
- Critic Score
It’s got promise and plenty of atmosphere, but with unlikeable characters, lacklustre story development, and average activity, The Chant hits a bit of a bum note. [Issue#22, p.76]- PLAY
Posted Dec 14, 2022 -
- Critic Score
A lovingly crafted adventure with some delightful clockwork puzzles, but sadly undermined by one particularly clumsy narrative misstep. [Issue#22, p.80]- PLAY
Posted Dec 14, 2022 -
- Critic Score
If you want to take your time teasing out the story while also looking like you came off the cover of JRPG Vogue, then you’re in for a good time. [Issue#22, p.74]- PLAY
Posted Dec 14, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Imaginative and densely populated but also rather samey and sparse at the same time. Technically iffy, but its lock-on gameplay suits the open world playground. [Issue#22, p.70]- PLAY
Posted Dec 14, 2022 -
- Critic Score
An interesting take on the roguelike genre that offers a unique and entertaining way to play the game, but feels geared towards co-op over single-player. [Issue#22, p.81]- PLAY
Posted Dec 14, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Blunt, limited, and lacking deeper features, this remains a curiosity rather than essential. But for diehard fight fans this makes Dimps’ brawler all the more endearing. [Issue#22, p.87]- PLAY
Posted Dec 14, 2022 -
- Critic Score
The return is mostly triumphant, as it feels like the series has never been away. Even more fun than a rubber chicken with a pulley in the middle. [Issue#22, p.78]- PLAY
Posted Dec 14, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Shadows Of Rose isn’t quite a must-play, but it will make you squeal. Some of the series’ most inventive spooks are here, though inevitably in moderation. [Issue#22, p.90]- PLAY
Posted Dec 14, 2022 -
- Critic Score
A competent and substantial rally experience, but not quite the stuff of legend. It’s the best of Kylotonn’s offerings, and a decent swansong for its WRC series. [Issue#22, p.91]- PLAY
Posted Dec 14, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Gungrave anime fans might be able to crowbar some fun out of this, but we strongly recommend that they don’t even try. Destined to become dead and buried. [Issue#22, p.86]- PLAY
Posted Dec 14, 2022 -
- Critic Score
The lean and mean design may be limiting but it feels great when you’re chuntering through masses of monsters. Destined to be a modern cult classic. [Issue#22, p.88]- PLAY
Posted Dec 14, 2022 -
- Critic Score
While there’s not enough here to convince QTE sceptics, there’s life in it yet thanks to a cast you’ll want to root for and some welcome gameplay additions. [Issue#22, p.82]- PLAY
Posted Dec 14, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Beasts Of Maravilla Island is a fun game that needs further polish. Though its photography mechanics feel flawed, there’s an enjoyable adventure here. [Issue#22, p.77]- PLAY
Posted Dec 14, 2022 -
- Critic Score
While there are some highlights in the visuals, sound, and accessibility, this never breaks free of its inspiration to do something interesting and fresh. [Issue#21, p.78]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Tunic can appeal equally to those seeking a solid challenge, and those who want to be able to cruise through the experience. Both will find a great game. [Issue#21, p.94]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
A homage to 1990s survival horror that recognises where improvement is needed, Signalis has its own issues, but it emerges as a mostly gripping adventure. [Issue#21, p.92]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
A compelling detective game with multiple threads to pull you through its dark Sardinian streets. Attempts to add horror to the mix, however, often fall flat. [Issue#21, p.91]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- 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
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Fun at times. Improved visuals look the part, but this sequel strays too far from the team-oriented gameplay that made the original so compelling. [Issue#21, p.96]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
The Witch’s House may be very small, but so are chilli peppers and they still pack a punch. 7 Solve some puzzles and enjoy a few scares… and a few untimely ends. [Issue#21, p.95]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
A delicious stream-of-consciousness journey into geek culture is underpinned by solid combat, but undermined by filler, rough edges, and a void of meaningful cohesion. [Issue#21, p.82]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Gearbox tries to recapture the magic of Tales From The Borderlands, but by abandoning its original motley crew and valuing jokes over story, it offers tame tales only. [Issue#21, p.78]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Don’t expect a successor to Arkham, slavish to the memory of Rocksteady’s games. This 6 isn’t that. It is a good game in its own right, despite some mistakes. [Issue#21, p.74]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
The best gunplay in the series struggles in the face of a poor plot. What you do in the campaign is nicely varied enough, but there’s very little substance. [Issue#21, p.84]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022
