PlayStation LifeStyle's Scores

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For 2,475 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 56% higher than the average critic
  • 5% same as the average critic
  • 39% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 2.4 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 72
Highest review score: 100 NHL 11
Lowest review score: 10 Earth Atlantis
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,394 out of 2475
  2. Mixed: 888 out of 2475
  3. Negative: 193 out of 2475
2481 game reviews
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per page
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Outriders
    Outriders is simply and unapologetically Outriders. And that’s what, despite its flaws, makes it stand tall. Because it owns its flaws and rough spots, all weathered with pride through a launch period that was as rough as the Outriders first landing on Enoch. Riding out that storm offers an experience that is simply fun to play, and its something that I consistently can’t wait to get back to. High risk, high reward gameplay and crafting very tight and specific builds leads to an endlessly engaging gameplay loop. Balancing the power fantasy with challenge for players is a difficult task, but Outriders manages it well. It’s far from a perfect game, but it’s so undeniably honest in its pursuit of being exactly what it is that there’s nothing else quite like it out there. And that itself is what makes Outriders so compelling. Because Outriders is just Outriders.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tiny Brains
    Tiny Brains has delivered the best multiplayer experience I have had on the PS4 so far, and brings me back to the fun co-op days of Scott Pilgrim and Castle Crashers.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered
    As backhanded as it may sound, Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-Tered Edition is far better than it has any right to be. The mechanics that originally made it heaps of fun still hold true today. Shedding the excessive complexities that accompany modern open-world games is a surprising breath of fresh, albeit dusty, air.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Amnesia Collection
    Despite some of its flaws and showing of age, Amnesia Collection is a great compilation of titles from a horror series that many newer horror games owe their own scares to. Though many of those games may be considered subjectively scarier than Amnesia, there’s a certain special spark that each Amnesia game ignites, unique as every one may be.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Anarchy Reigns
    Leave the inner critic at the door and dive into Anarchy Reigns without cynicism. Anyone hoping to do some soul-searching will be sour by the end, but if you've got a need for anarchy SEGA and Platinum have this dish piping hot. Anarchy Reigns is violent, vulgar, and a confusingly hilarious, all within a tight budget.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14
    Those willing to endure a sharp learning curve are treated to the reward of feeling like a virtual golf pro. This year doesn’t bring the revamped title that the series is craving, but for now it’s enough to offer the most realistic golf experience on the market.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pinball FX
    Pinball FX is a top-tier pinball game with some growing pains inherent in switching development platforms. Having to re-buy your favorite tables is a pain, but considering these represent the best versions of dozens of tables, it is a good value overall. The Pinball Pass is Zen Studios’ first attempt at something approaching a season pass, but thankfully it is not required and you can simply purchase the tables that you prefer using regular money. The core game remains solid, and hopefully Pinball FX is supported by Zen Studios into the next generation of consoles.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
    In the face of quicker, louder rivals, PUBG offers a slow and meditative experience. It’s not, I would imagine, unlike sitting in a deer blind waiting for an unlucky whitetail to pass below. While PUBG’s technical issues are ever-present, they rarely spoil this core experience. This is a buggy game, but they aren’t game breaking bugs.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan
    Just like Until Dawn before it, Man of Medan is a knowingly schlocky and incredibly fun horror movie in video game form, tailor-made to bridge the gap between those two mediums. It’s never truly terrifying, but always edge-of-your-seat thrilling right through to what can be quite an abrupt ending. As jarring as that may be, it’s a great way for Supermassive to leave players wanting more and ultimately keen to check out additional short-form, budget-priced entries in the intriguing Dark Pictures Anthology.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Beyond Good & Evil HD
    Really, anyone looking for a fun and intriguing story, unique gameplay and great cast of characters should give Beyond Good & Evil a long overdue playthrough.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Arrog
    Ultimately, this is an artistic game first and foremost, and the puzzles are the medium in which players participate in the story. It is bittersweet and real, rooted in cultural significance. I fully expect this game to be snapped up by trophy collectors looking for an easy platinum, but I sincerely hope that everyone who purchases Arrog appreciates the experience as much as I. If you have a few dollars burning a hole in your PSN wallet, consider using them to pick up Arrog. I really want to see more from Hermanos Magia in the future.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Battle Princess Madelyn
    It’s a bedtime story based on a nightmare that somehow comes out on the more pleasant, earnest end of that old school madness, and while it’s a pain in the butt to find your way around without a map, the gorgeous settings and pitch-perfect platforming action make it feel worth the struggle.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Expanse: A Telltale Series - Episode 1
    The Expanse: A Telltale Series Episode 1 is a strong start for the series and this iteration of Telltale Games. Fans of the show will enjoy getting to learn more about Drummer’s backstory, and Cara Gee delivers a strong performance that meets expectations. The following episodes will determine if the story is able to pay off on its promising start, but the production quality and polish are clearly an improvement from Telltale’s past titles.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Remnant: From the Ashes
    At a budget price and launching with a last minute ad bumrush, Remnant: From the Ashes is the kind of title you’d expect to come out and vanish quickly. But for fans of tough RPGs, action shooters, or post-apocalyptic fiction, passing up on Remnant would be a devastating mistake. It easily joins the ranks of games like Vampyr, that stubbornly outgrow their financial constraints to truly innovate and elevate a genre that has long since needed new ideas.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series Collection
    The Walking Dead Collection easily achieves its goal of being the best way to experiences the bulk of Clementine’s journey. The most appealing part of the package is the graphically enhanced version of the first season, and it winds up being a joy to play thanks to how well the design has stood the test of time. Whether you’re curious of the series or a returning for a second go, there’s a lot to like about this well crafted collection.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Darknet
    Darknet isn’t the flashy PlayStation VR game that you’ll show to friends, but it’s absolutely one of the best games available for the headset. The puzzles are consistently challenging, and battling against the clock makes for an intense affair. The experience is really brought together by the inclusion of an interesting game world, that kept me interested enough to continue playing well after the freshness had worn off.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Orcs Must Die! Unchained
    Orcs Must Die! Unchained is a shining example of how to balance a free-to-play game to be engaging without paying, yet rewarding if you do decide to drop some money into it.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ys X: Proud Nordics
    There’s no doubt that Ys X: Proud Nordics is a great action RPG. Featuring a stellar story and fun combat, the action never gets dull. The new story content and gameplay additions are great, although veteran fans will have to decide if they want to replay the game this soon again. However, whether they dive right in or wait a while, the good news is that Proud Nordics will be delivering a fantastic experience once they pick it up, as it’s the definitive version of Nihon Falcom’s latest RPG.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lost Sphear
    Lost Sphear has all the makings of a classic RPG, along with some of the trappings expected with the genre.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands
    Though far from perfect, Ghost Recon Wildlands is one of the most effective franchise reboots in recent memory. It manages to build upon the key squad-based mechanics that set the series apart, while not feeling the need to pander to the established fan base. The result is a fantastically realized open world that legitimately feels like it could be a real geographic location. Now that I’ve had a taste of the new Ghost Recon, I couldn’t imagine going back.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Extraction
    Rainbow Six Extraction is a game that struggles to leave the shadow of its predecessor behind, but that sounds like a bit of an injustice too. Ubisoft has tried to replicate the success of Siege‘s Outbreak mode and the game is a fun, challenging, and competent co-op shooter for groups of three friends. Unlike other co-op shooters, it can even be enjoyed by solo players to an extent. However, the repetitive mission objectives and forced grind mean that long periods of play can become tedious. There’s also not a lot of endgame content right now to keep players coming back, unlike Siege that is still going strong many seasons later. Only time will tell if this game will achieve that longevity.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Evasion
    Evasion is another example of a fast-paced VR game that doesn’t seem like it could work in theory, but has been executed with a care and precision befitting of a developer that has a lot of expertise in the VR field.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Headmaster
    Headmaster brilliantly manages to make a compelling game out of the simple action of simply moving your head around. While its high difficulty and progression system make certain aspects feel like a headache, the rest is pure fun. A surprising story also gets a starring role, and this is one of the best surprises to come out of PlayStation VR’s launch line-up.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Worms Rumble
    Worms Rumble is worth playing for a few rounds, and then a couple more, and so on until suddenly it’s 2 AM and you really should be asleep as you have work in a few hours but just one more game couldn’t hurt since you’re so close to unlocking that next skin anyway…
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Starfield
    There has never been a better time to jump into Starfield. The new Free Lanes update and Terran Armada further enhance the experience, which has become highly customizable and a lot of fun once you customize your ship and begin exploring. Whether you’re returning to the Milky Way galaxy or setting off on an adventure for the first time, you’ll find a rewarding experience waiting to be had after years of enhancement.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Apex Construct
    Even with the occasional boneheaded design choice, there’s still so much that Apex Construct does right. The absorbing level design, outstanding voice acting, and competitive combat all prove to be fantastic uses of PlayStation VR. Ultimately, the game feels like a very promising glimpse into the potential future of the platform.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom
    I can certainly do without these bugs, but they’re not enough of a deterrent to keep me from finishing this fun-filled action adventure. I’m just glad that I discovered the game at all because Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom has managed to fly its virtual airship under the radar until now.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate
    Been yearning for something a little more challenging and unforgiving than usual? Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate might just satisfy your craving.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Reus
    Despite this reining in on being a tyrannical god, Reus is phenomenal. It has that right balance of allowing players to move as quickly or as slow as they want for newcomers to the genre or seasoned god veterans.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kingdom Come: Deliverance
    Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an incredibly deep and intricate game that looks beautiful, but it has a fair amount of stumbling points in its quest for realism.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Serial Cleaner
    When it comes to pleasant surprises, Serial Cleaner ranks among my favorite indie releases of 2017. The simple to grasp mechanics yet surprisingly deep execution managed to take a genre that I traditionally loathe, and somehow deliver an immensely gratifying experience.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Patapon
    Patapon Remastered is a worthy remastering of a classic game that deserves to be checked out. If you can’t take an intense difficulty curve, however, you may find yourself frustrated at a lack of progress early in on the campaign. Sticking with it, and getting used to Patapon’s many mechanics being used, however, will likely result in a slow but steady mastering of all your drums.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise
    Monster Hunter Rise is a solid RPG that will require dedication to conquer. Once you figure out your play style and get comfortable with the game’s many systems, it’s fun to gear up, grab some food, and proceed to take on as many missions as you have the time for. Combat may feel sluggish, and there are certainly better-looking games out there. But few games let you mount a canine into battle against a dragon, while your feline companion grows a healing fruit tree in the midst of all the chaos. If for nothing else, play Monster Hunter Rise for the fun of doing just that.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Screamer
    Screamer is a refreshing racing game from an incredibly reliable studio. Milestone has taken a chance to do something different, and it has paid off as the anime-influenced story mode is a blast and the game looks fantastic. Playing just as impressively as its visuals, racing fans looking for something new will want to check this out.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Star Wars Battlefront
    Star Wars Battlefront is a casual fan’s dream come true. That’s not a bad thing, because what’s here is fun, but it’s something you have to consider if you’re looking for a more fulfilling title.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    FutureGrind
    FutureGrind’s story and sounds may not be the most gripping, but the breadth of what’s offered in terms of bikes, courses, and challenges make up for its other shortcomings. In the end, the quick thinking and creativity it requires make it a ride you won’t want to miss.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Invizimals
    If you're looking for a good title to help your kids from always wanting to mess with your $300+ PS3, inviZimals offers them plenty to do and see.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lost Orbit
    If you’re looking for a game that will test your reflexes, Lost Orbit is your game.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon Age II
    While the environments and fights may get a little redundant by the end, a well written story, plenty of side quests, and great character development save the day.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    New Super Lucky's Tale
    The PS5 version of New Super Lucky’s Tale is its best console port yet. It plays like a dream at 120 fps and at 4K resolution, allowing for the charming platformer to really shine. If you haven’t checked it out yet, this is certainly the version to get.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Thomas Was Alone
    Thomas Was Alone might not be a flashy, adrenaline pumping action-fest, but it is everything that I love about quirky PSN games.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Sims 3
    Thankfully, EA delivered a product that warrants the conversion from its veteran PC status to the king of high-definition gaming. The game sports a creative suite of tools and items to provide an adequate amount of customization without becoming overly complex for the user.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Complete Edition
    Simply speaking, what you’re getting here is a good, polished expansion to an already good game that was absolutely bursting with content to begin with.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tropico 5
    From the campaign, to the sandbox, and even to the multiplayer, I’m eager to make sure that the Ivles McKittensby dynasty becomes a ruling force to reckon with in my quest to make and govern the perfect tropical island.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    EVERYTHING
    No matter if I was playing or watching, every hour I spent with Everything was an interesting one. Much like life itself, there were moments of beauty and laughter, but also sadness. It’s undoubtedly a strange creation, but no other game can allow players to listen to Alan Watts discuss the interplay of difference while watching 10 outhouses perform a dance that results in a baby outhouse somehow being born. There’s something special about these moments, and it’s why Everything will be on my television screen for a long time to come.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend
    While the "Extend" in the title refers to its additional character and lengthened story, it's also an accurate description of the way play sessions can last much longer than expected - joyfully so.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Not a Hero
    Not A Hero is a thumping good shooter experience made all the more exiting through an intriguing art style; unrelenting gore and a relatively non-linear composition to pleasantly fleshed out levels.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's HAWX 2
    Fans of the first game will definitely find this arcade title very likable with the upgraded tweaks and enhancements to the gameplay.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy!
    It’s great that a game that many may have overlooked on the Wii is being given a new lease on life on the latest generation of consoles. A new coat of paint and some fun new gameplay features makes Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy! a very easy game to recommend to those seeking a challenging but super adorable adventure.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11
    EA Sports has, yet again, created the most true-to-life golf experience you can get without actually swinging a club. Though, when the PlayStation Move releases later this Fall, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 will support the motion-controller, which will have you actually swinging your way to a hole-in-one.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack
    It's not a deep game by any stretch of the imagination, but if you're looking for some classic platforming fun, with an out-of-this-world twist and dirt cheap price tag, then Mutant Blobs Attack hits the sweet spot.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pharaonic
    There’s plenty to like in Pharaonic, including fantastic visuals, interesting (albeit repetitive) character design and moment-to-moment gameplay that is hard to beat.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tecmo Bowl Throwback
    Tecmo Bowl Throwback manages to achieve what it set out to do, delivering a nostalgic trip down memory lane, while adding a fresh lick of paint and an online multiplayer.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    CastleStorm: Definitive Edition
    Essentially, this is the same game as before. If you’ve sold off your PS3 and want to play this game again, then it’s a complete package for $14.99.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shaun White Skateboarding
    For gamers who don't enjoy the realism from EA's Skate, Shaun White Skateboarding delivers an enjoyable break from reality. However, hardcore fans of the genre may not find their fix here. Still, Shaun White Skateboarding adds its own unique twist as well as much needed innovation to the skateboarding genre.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    John Wick Hex
    John Wick Hex is a fantastically unique adaptation of the film property, and even if it doesn’t quick stick the landing, I have to applaud Mike Bithell and his team for bravely trying something different with something as loved as John Wick. The gameplay is sharp and tight, brilliantly adapting the inner workings of John Wick’s mind into a gameplay mechanic and making you feel like a top-tier assassin when you pull it off. While a bit rough around the edges John Wick Hex is a great licensed adaptation with a bold fresh take on the existing property.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Outland
    A great title for the PSN. It draws from several other games for inspiration, but is able to make an experience that feels unique.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Road Not Taken
    Road Not Taken proved to be a very unique game for its genre, or genres actually. The interesting marriage of what could feel like a mobile title, with the punishing difficulty and creative narrative of a console indie makes Road Not Taken a great game to have in your PS4 library.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Arslan: The Warriors of Legend
    Arslan: The Warriors of Legend is an exceptional crossover with the Warriors series, standing just behind last year’s Dragon Quest Heroes as the best the franchise has to offer.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Yakuza 4
    Offers a lot to enjoy, but the age is really starting to creep up on it.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sideway: New York
    Yes the game is too short, clocking in at around 4 hours to complete, but sometimes it is not about length and instead about the pure fun you have. I found myself sitting there with a friend and just raving over and over about how beautiful and fun this game was, as we were moving from wall, to roof, to bridge, as only a piece of graffiti could do.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cloudberry Kingdom
    I loathed Cloudberry Kingdom 20 levels in and never stopped. I am one of the people who, when greeted with the opening paragraph, would have stopped reading. However, all of the loathing I feel cannot blind me to what is an excellent game which works not only with itself, but perfectly with its intended audience.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series - The Final Season Episode 2: Suffer the Children
    While the series may not reach the same critical heights it did as with the inaugural season, things were finally starting to get interesting again. The Telltale Tool engine runs well, the art style is unique and fun to look at, and the writing has improved. If this is how things must end, it could have been much worse.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
    Doki Doki Literature Club works best if you go into it knowing nothing about it. It’s still a visual novel dating sim, and the Plus! version really doubles down on the visual novel aspect, but it breaks the status quo and does the unexpected, making a deeply disturbing psychological horror game out of something that looks cute and adorable on the surface. The console version diminishes some of what made the PC version’s twist work so well, a necessary sacrifice to get the game to a wider audience. And if you are just looking to return to this world and these characters, Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! feels like the version that was made for the fans.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition
    It still has the occasional poorly-placed camera, and the graphics have not aged too well, but overall it’s a high-octane mix of platforming and combat interspersed with the occasional puzzle. Pick it up if you want your action fix.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Exoprimal
    Exoprimal’s biggest strength is that it’s easy to get friends into, and you’re basically guaranteed to have a decent time whether you win or lose. The shooter doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it has enough going for its structure that helps it feel fresh — even when you’re running the same stage for the 20th time. Future updates will be key to its longevity, but Capcom has quite a solid base to build upon, and it’s worth diving in with some buddies if you’re looking for something new to play.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Resident Evil 0: HD Remaster
    Exploring the title’s creepy, masterfully detailed environments is nothing short of a joy, and sorting out the harrowing tasks of inventory management and limited resources is tense in just the right way.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Grim Fandango Remastered
    Like watching a classic old movie, Grim Fandango Remastered feels like a hearkening back to the golden days of gaming, when PC adventure games ruled and games didn’t have difficulty settings so easy that it seems like the game is playing itself. This is as much a history lesson as it is entertainment, lest we forget the roots of great gaming.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT
    Without the inclusion of basic in-game move lists or character tutorials, Dissidia Final Fantasy NT presents players with a pretty steep barrier to entry and learning curve.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    NCAA Football 12
    Fantastic gameplay plus great football mechanics and unmatched realism that completely captures the college atmosphere, make this a must-own title for all football fans alike.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bloody Zombies
    Thought of as a virtual reality game with the ability for couch co-op via the TV, Bloody Zombies is a fun brawler that has both unique implications for its own genre and VR. That kind of evolution of games and platforms is just what video games need to grow.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    NBA 2K19
    Between a few novel minigames in Neighborhood and some simple esports integration, 2K19 sometimes feels like a title update as opposed to a full-blown sequel. But what really matters, the basketball, is better than it’s ever been.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Skate 3
    The best skateboarding game available today.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II
    Regardless of its tragic lack of special features, Trails of Cold Steel II is, like the one before it, an incredible game and must for JRPG fans.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Sims 4
    The Sims 4 is a game that rewards players the more time they spend with it. The heavier emphasis on the emotional state of each Sim adds a lot of variety to even regular household chores.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Battlefield V
    Who knew that the horrors of war could ultimately end up being so goddamn beautiful?
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Escape Plan
    I ended up liking Escape Plan more than most of the retail titles available at the PlayStation Vita's launch, and if you're looking to load up on games while stretching your buck, you can't go wrong with Escape Plan. I only wish it were a little longer for the price.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Forspoken
    Forspoken represented a huge risk taken by newcomer Luminous Productions. While the story may feel a bit contrived at times, the Flow method of traversal and combat more than makes up for it. Frey may annoy some people as the protagonist, but stringing together a chain of magical commands within just a few seconds while deftly avoiding incoming fireballs is rewarding, and ultimately, I came away from Forspoken having enjoyed my time helping the people of Athia.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Toukiden 2
    Toukiden 2 is a huge step up from its predecessor, and is a smart evolution of the gameplay that Monster Hunter fans have come to know. By opting for a more story-focused experience, it manages to forego feeling like a grind, and the open-world aspect allows players to really take in their surroundings.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2
    Despite an excessive amount of loading screens which will have you questioning the 3GB mandatory install, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 oozes with a vast amount of Chakra.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
    Despite some initial skepticism that they could pull it off, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is everything I want a Guardians of the Galaxy game to be. It is character-focused first and foremost, retaining the comedic heart and ’80s vibe that is core to the franchise. As a single-player game, it doesn’t get bogged down by expectations of some kind of grind or endgame. While combat can sometimes be rather chaotic and there are a few bugs, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy understands what Guardians of the Galaxy is—character, comedy, and heart.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hoa
    Hoa is a wondrous adventure that can easily be consumed in a day. It’ll make you forget about your troubles as the soundtrack lifts you up. Even its climax isn’t particularly intense, but the last level is a great change of pace. Though it lacks some of the modern features we take for granted these days, perhaps part of the charm is randomly running through the whole thing again so that you can be reminded of simpler times, when games didn’t ask you for more money with flashing ad banners for the latest season pass or premium skin, or fail to even start because of a service being offline. There are longer games priced at $14.99, but none are this pleasing to the senses.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    CastleStorm: Virtual Reality
    CastleStorm VR is not a necessary VR release, but it is a fun one, showing the possibilities for traditionally non-VR titles on the platform. Head tracking works well, and playing the game feels like you are playing with a physical medieval play set.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Megaquarium
    Megaquarium is a fintastic game to relax and unwind with at the end of a long day.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Exorcist: Legion VR
    While the adventure may be incredibly short, it is one that groups may enjoy, to see how others react to the horrors that await within. However, much like a scary movie or haunted house, once you know where the scares are located, they don’t have the same oomph as the first time through.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Talos Principle: Deluxe Edition
    The Talos Principle may be one of the best puzzle games of the year. Sure, it starts out pretty slowly, the first dozen or so of the game’s 120+ puzzles are laughably easy, and the controls may be a little awkward, but these are minor flaws in the bigger scheme of things. There’s an entertaining and thoughtful story about not just humanity, but what it means to be alive.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Hacker's Memory
    It’s a truly interesting game that handles its characters with care and affection, and the dungeon crawling elements are excellent. Without familiarity with the past game, however, it also alienates potential players in a way that seems unproductive.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ninja Five-O
    Ninja Five-O was a great game when it was released in 2003 and it remains one today. Thankfully, this underrated Konami classic is now widely available and can be experienced by all. It’s one of Hudson Soft’s hidden gems and this is a lovely port of it that has some cool features and quality-of-life upgrades.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger vs Darkdeath Evilman
    A timesink well worth your $30. If you love strategy/turn-based RPGs, deep customization for weapons and body mods, level grinding and a hilarious story, then do not hesitate to pick this game up.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DmC: Devil May Cry Definitive Edition
    There is enough new material here to allow players who have already completed the original game to go back and enjoy the Definitive Edition, and, besides the few cutscene errors and the poor writing, it is a must-buy title.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters
    What you end up with is a precise golf simulator full of features, but lacking emotion. If you're looking for a golf game to get your hands on, then this is a safe bet, but if you're just stopping by to see if Tiger Woods has anything special in store to drive you to pick up a club and play, then you'll just have to wait another year.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    RiMS Racing
    Finally, it seems we have some competition in the superbike video game space. RiMS Racing is a solid start from RaceWard Studio, and they should be proud of what they have built. From here, expanding upon the bike roster should be priority number one, because we are spoiled for choice in other bike racers. Just the thought of this team getting their hands on new bikes to scan, model, and record gets me excited in much the same way as hearing Polyphony Digital does the same thing to add to their roster of cars. You just know it’s going to be given the royal treatment! The parts removal/installation mechanic is neat, but a way to speed on past it would be great for those who play games to get away from the more mundane portions of a hobby. One thing is for sure: it’s an invigorating time to be a superbike fan, and RiMS Racing is a great example of why.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Life is Strange: Before the Storm - Farewell
    Before the Storm‘s bonus episode doesn’t feature the series’ best writing or any pivotal choices, but it all works as intended here. It’s just a fond farewell to a friend. One that gives players one more opportunity to see two of their favorite characters interacting with each other, and one final chance for the player to say their own goodbyes.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Resident Evil: Revelations 2 - Episode 1: Penal Colony
    While the graphics in Penal Colony are pretty disappointing, the atmosphere, pacing, and amount of content are easily worth the price of admission.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Surge
    Deck13 has built on the successes and mistakes of Lords of the Fallen and has created something that is able to not only stand toe-to-toe with the Souls franchise but is also capable of standing on its own with its unique identity.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Project Warlock
    Project Warlock is a fun, affordable ($14.99 USD) homage to a bygone era of first-person shooters that did not hold your hand and only allowed you to progress after you earned it. Fast-paced gameplay, tight, secret-filled levels, a fitting soundtrack, and sprite-based graphics all add up to a game that feels ripped from another era, while introducing a few ideas of its own to keep things fresh. Some balancing issues and an occasionally-glitchy weapon wheel hardly detract from what is ultimately a modern blast from the past.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Disney/Pixar Toy Story 3
    Even though the Story mode can be a bit too difficult at times, the Toy Box mode helps the game rise above the rest.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Oxenfree
    Oxenfree deals with some heavy topics in just a few hours, and manages to do something genuinely interesting with them. A phenomenal conversation system anchors most of the experience, but there’s many mysteries for dedicated players to solve. Oxenfree is a game that rewards players that go the extra mile, and how much you get out of it is directly tied to how much you put in.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum Session!
    Of course, the strength of Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum Session, beyond its time-honored musical mechanics, is the variety in its tracklist, its long list of goofy unlockables, and easily digestible score chasing.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hot Wheels Unleashed
    Despite some balancing issues and some issues with how cars are obtained, Hot Wheels Unleashed is still a ton of fun thanks to its breakneck-speed racing, a detailed track editor that would make your inner child jealous, awesome collectible cars, and packed single-player content. Add in the nostalgia for playing with Hot Wheels cars and tracks as a kid, and you might find it to be one of 2021’s hidden gems.
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