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
Constructing harder builds becomes frustrating owing to the controls. The camera and cursor both are unwieldy at best, verging on nightmarish when you’re 50 bricks deep. There’s no way to view the underside of your work, making top-down builds more guesswork than science. Worst of all is the inability to move multiple bricks simultaneously; you’ll experience pain akin to stepping on a Lego brick upon realising you’ve built something just one grid notch too high. It’s a shame as the concept is strong, a throwback to playing with the bricks as a child. Unfortunately, this is not the videogame realisation of those halcyon days, as it’s hamstrung by finicky systems, and too mechanically inept to achieve the laid-back vibe it aims for. [Issue#21, p.88]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Kamiwaza just isn’t interesting. What was fun in 2006 feels shallow and dated now. Stealth fans might get a kick out of it but with a high price and bare-bones remaster, we’d struggle to recommend this. [Issue#21, p.88]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
This sequel’s twist is an ‘eyes closed’ mechanic: if you can’t see it, it can’t see you. Because of that, slowly plodding around the ominous red mist of enemies, your rapidly increasing heartbeat indicating proximity, becomes a simple yet terrifying staple (as do creating distractions, using your torch, and just legging it). As your vision’s frequently limited, the sound design is crucial. Between the lack of music, the almost echo-location function of the heartbeat, and disturbing noises made by the spirits, it evokes the feeling that you are never truly safe. And you aren’t. Lovely! [Issue#21, p.88]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
It’s hard to ignore this spin-off’s squandered potential – or the deafening silence of Midgard. While we have great fun mixing and matching a wealth of combat options, we can’t recommend it based on that single verse when this game boasts an epic poem’s price tag. [Issue#21, p.83]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
In addition to its cast of quirky characters and whimsy, Moonbury’s colourful pixelated setting is a joy to wander around. If you enjoy a farmer’s life in Stardew Valley, Potion Permit is guaranteed to brew the right remedy. [Issue#21, p.83]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
A solid soulslike, with some cool ideas in the combat. Despite a few technical flaws and some less-than-original takes, Asterigos is still worth your time. [Issue#21, p.89]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
It’s no PS5 revolution, but it is one of the most finely crafted adventures we’ve ever played, mixing thrilling combat with fab storytelling. [Issue#21, p.68]- PLAY
Posted Nov 30, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Not quite the port we deserve, but fans will be pleased to fill a gap in the saga, while it’s a digestible entry point to entice newcomers into the Trails universe. [Issue#20, p.76]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
A perfectly pitched pint-sized adventure well worth picking up – it’s got all the mini critters you can throw and a teeny-tiny world you’ll want to get lost in. [Issue#20, p.80]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- 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]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
While lacklustre in some areas, Spiders leverages Steelrising’s daft premise for a 8 wonderful action adventure in a Paris steeped in history and robotics. [Issue#20, p.66]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Despite the intergalactic trappings, the bulk of the game is a surprisingly prosaic bartending experience. Don’t expect more than that, and Startenders might surprise you. [Issue#20, p.74]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
When it all lines up perfectly, Soulstice can be wonderfully satisfying. Unfortunately, some strange design decisions and camera issues stop it hitting SSS-rank. [Issue#20, p.84]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Serious skaters will appreciate the impressive commitment to realism, but a serious lack of polish stops Session from sticking the landing for a wider audience. [Issue#20, p.82]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Laugh-out-loud funny, with easily-digestible absurdist puzzles that remain somehow easy to understand, it’s a classic (if a little repetitive). [Issue#20, p.78]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
More fantastical situations are a plus, but its lofty ambitions get in the way, feeling less tight than the first game. Worth playing, but you’ll have a tougher time. [Issue#20, p.79]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Playing like an interactive theatre experience, we’re won over by the huge heart of this production, even if the set doesn’t half wobble. [Issue#20, p.91]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
The same great core experience and slick presentation we’re used to, with a number of welcome changes. A superb basketball game. Alley-oops, they did it again. [Issue#20, p.70]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
The story may not tempt you back, but the formidable soundtrack and combat will. This is the Doom/Guitar Hero mash-up we didn’t know we wanted. [Issue#20, p.83]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
The platforming leaves more to be desired, but Little Orpheus is a vibrant adventure through dazzlingly dangerous worlds. Ivan is keeping true to his namesake. [Issue#20, p.71]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
A sim-like approach leads to a great feeling of learned mastery. Repetition isn’t a problem until you get invested in the story, which takes a bit too long to play out. [Issue#20, p.89]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
On the pitch, this is most cerebral FIFA outing since the its PS5 debut. Off it, even the non-FUT modes feel like they’ve been shown some pre-season TLC. [Issue#20, p.72]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Diofield has all the elements that should make it a great tactics RPG, but it squanders them on a bland story, simple combat, and unengaging characters. [Issue#20, p.86]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
It’s not quite a reshuffle, then, but The Beasts Of Burden deals a good hand. [Issue#20, p.88]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Delivering humorous fourth-wall-breaking moments, a soundtrack filled with tunes you’ll find yourself humming for days, brilliant level locations, and a surprisingly compelling story, River City Girls Zero takes us back to the good old days of a beat-’em-up rather excellently. [Issue#20, p.88]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
The generational change hasn’t been felt since PS4, and the PS5 jump is marginal. It’s still awkwardly presented, quirky with glitches, and fighting between simulation and arcade play. Madden 23 never feels comfortable in its own skin, but hopefully Coach, wherever he is, can take solace in what his legacy built. [Issue#20, p.88]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Almost ten years on from its original release, All-Star Battle may well be the definitive JJBA game to play if you want to feast on all the series has to offer. From tweaking taunt animations to an in-depth glossary and illustration archive, it’s as much a fan package as a fighter. Though that’s almost a shame, as we yearn for something truly new to challenge this upgraded enemy Stand user from our past. [Issue#20, p.75]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Without spoiling much, this is the best bit. From there it gets quite meta, and plays with some other card-based gameplay that ironically loses most of its bite by the end. Yet when it works, gaming the game has rarely felt more rewarding and chilling at the same time. [Issue#20, p.75]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
Turtles In Time, in both its original arcade and SNES forms, is the biggest draw here, but the package pulls together multiplayer and single-player games from arcade, SNES, Mega Drive, NES, and Game Boy. While some have aged better than others (the first NES game is still a toughie, and the final Game Boy one an underrated gem), all are lovingly presented and easier to enjoy than ever. It’s retro bliss. [Issue#20, p.75]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022 -
- Critic Score
A short, sweet season of story let down by the choice of form. We respect the experimental interpolation, though perhaps they should’ve played this piece straight. [Issue#19, p.87]- PLAY
Posted Oct 15, 2022
