Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)'s Scores

  • Games
For 952 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 48% higher than the average critic
  • 4% same as the average critic
  • 48% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 4.9 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 70
Highest review score: 100 Red Dead Redemption
Lowest review score: 20 NFL Tour
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 89 out of 952
952 game reviews
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As uneven an effort that Prologue is at times, there are moments in the game that are transcendent. [June 2008, p.68]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As two previous games prove and hundreds of fans can attest, LEGO and Star Wars go together like peanut butter and jelly. [Holiday 2007, p.79]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It may not be a "real" sequel, but it is hard to imagine portable fighters getting much better than this. [Aug 2011, p.84]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it shows its age at times, Persona more than deserves the respectable treatment it's finally been given. [Nov 2009, p.74]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    LEGO Harry Potter doesn't reinvent the gameplay brick, but it does manage to rearrange its signature parts to create a fresh, imaginative experience for LEGO Harry Potter fans alike. [Sept 2010, p.80]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An engrossing experience that ends too soon. [Apr 2010, p.79]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a pretty lean summer of releases, Cybertron is among the best we're going to see for a while. [Sept 2010, p.78]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, however, the game does an admirable job of balancing the natural limitations of attempting to recreate parkour in an interactive medium. [Holiday 2008, p.76]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fans of the series won't be disappointed though, and unlike Tiger's recent media scandal, we think players should find Tiger Woods 11 a pleasant diversion from the rigors of daily life. [Aug 2010, p.83]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With many new monsters, a vastly improved progress system, and the full original game (as a UMD-only unlockable), this is one worthy sequel--good enough that we might even be able to remember it entire name this time around. [Jun 2010, p.78]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Borderlands may be a little rough around the edges, and the story is less than engaging, but the overall experience is satisfying and compelling. [Holiday 2009, p.66]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    3D Sonic has improved upon past controls with the use of a homing attack that lets him target enemies, as well as the launch pads that allow for more fluid gameplay. [Dec 2011, p.81]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're looking for a big, bloody, bottonmashy adventure, it should hold you over quite well until God of War III arrives. [Feb 2010, p.74]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even though the learning curve is steeper than your typical wrestling or boxing game thanks to the dizzying depth in its controls, UFC 2009 Undisputed delivers the most functional and entertaining MMA gameplay to come along in years. [July 2009, p.80]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The challenges can get dauntingly tough, but Dokuro's clever design, wry humor, and effusive charm make it irresistible. [Dec 2012, p.84]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Vita or PS3, just be sure to take advantage of one of the collections. [Sept 2012, p.85]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In the hearts of these developers, Damned finds it salvation. [Aug 2011, p.77]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Although it's extremely linear, occasionally irritating, and lacks the crap-your-pants scariness that its eerie environments and grotesque enemies suggest, Dark Sector is still an enjoyably intense shooter with a lot of unique twists. [May 2008, p.70]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A hell of a good time. [Apr 2010, p.72]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There are more than enough memorably twisted moments of genuine fright and bewilderment to keep any horror fan's eyes wide open through these ten warped hours of madness. [July 2008, p.80]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    But small gripes aside, NBA Live 09 delivers some great basketball and will please most PS3-owning basketball fans. [Nov 2008, p.88]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Simply put: this game looks and sounds great, and after some gimmicky missteps with the last few franchise entries, we're pleasantly surprised to find this is the Spider-Man game we've been yearning for, not just another licensed tie-in. [Sept 2012, p.82]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it's marred by frequent visual pop-in and frustrating checkpoint placement, Spec Ops is nevertheless a pretty significant achievement. [Sept 2012, p.79]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An epic and engaging experience, Awakening isn't quite the tour de force we were craving from the creators of Origin, but we're more than happy with this "furthers adventures of" epilogue. [Jun 2010, p.82]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In gameplay terms, LRB is essentially no different than any other Rock Band title. [Jan 2010, p.81]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    We could debate endlessly whether there was any need for Activision to come up with the Band Hero moniker, but the end result is another solid Guitar Hero game. [Jan 2010, p.80]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    From Dust takes the god game to a slightly flawed but intriguing place. [Dec 2011, p.77]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    "Quotation Forthcoming"
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    But our perseverance was rewarded with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, making Dark Souls one of the most engrossing RPG's we've ever played. [Dec 2011, p.76]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    "Quotation Forthcoming"
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    PGA Tour 13 is most certainly a complete golf sim package, but the additions merely refine rather than shine. [May 2012, p.84]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Minor gripes aside, Sorcery offers up an absorbing adventure and fluid spell-casting controls, making it the most fun we've had behind the Move and a must-play for wizard wannabes of all ages. [Aug 2012, p.81]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While comparatively subtle to 2011's makeover, the new coat of polish is still quite noticeable. [Dec 2011, p.73]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy Tactic addicts should almost feel right at home. Almost. [Aug 2012, p.81]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The action's effective and fluid, and the animation is at times as beautiful as the sport demands. [Nov 2012, p.81]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Touchy controls made for a few frustrating segments, but clever level design, interesting gameplay mechanics, and two-player co-op missions make it easy to forgive the game's issues. [Dec 2011, p.69]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With so much content at our fingertips, we suspect we'll be making devils cry again for a very long time. [May 2012, p.80]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Puzzles were never too frustrating, and Rochard's witty commentary really worked, despite his shoddy southern accent. [Dec 2011, p.69]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This years model. F1 2011, improves on last years's game in almost every way: qualifying is real, pitting works, and the handling no longer feels ripped from the Dirt series. [Dec 2011, p.68]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As a twin-stick shooter, it's inferior to the tighter, more ingenious Geometry Wars, but boosting clean through a massive iceberg is ace. [May 2012, p.81]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    But even with a limited breadth of content, Tony Hawk HD manages to dish out more nostalgic fun for $15 than our last few retail purchases combined. [Oct 2012, p.83]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 58 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ninja Gaiden 3 isn't just a great hack-'n'-slash action game, it's a great Ninja Gaiden game. [May 2012, p.78]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even with all the solo bulk, the most exciting addition to Wipeout Pulse is undoubtedly that of Wi-Fi play via the PSP's Infrastructure mode. [Apr 2008, p.86]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Does Rainbow Moon pack enough gameplay to pass 15 dollars worth of time? Absolutely, and then some. [Oct 2012, p.84]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fan service doesn't get any better than this. [Oct 2012, p.84]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As enjoyable as Sleep is, it still feels a bit dated. [Oct 2010, p.74]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    AvP's multiplayer is gory, gratifying, and will bring an evil little smile to your face. [Apr 2010, p.76]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A game best left to the most masochistic, hardcore game. [Dec 2009, p.80]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Without the distraction (and egoism) of star power, and an emphasis on teamwork, pace, and movement that strains but doesn't break the AI, NCAA Basketball 2010 is pick-ip-and-play friendly for college game newcomers and hoop aficionados alike. [Jan 2010, p.84]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Much about 13 feels familiar, but considering the quality of this portable package, that's not a bad thing. [May 2012, p.77]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    PGA Tour 12 doesn't refine the golf experience, but its streamlined approach makes it simpler to enjoy a round on the links. [May 2011, p.86]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Between its buckets of content and excellent presentation, FlatOut offers more than enough reasons for extreme race fans to buckle-up for its PSP debut. [May 2008, p.82]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Massively upgrades and updates the PS2 original, making it more accessible through improved presentation and navigation of its deep roster management system. [Oct 2008, p.86]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The technology works surprisingly well. You can battle your PS3 or online opponents. [Holiday 2007, p.74]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Great for honing skills on the road or simply on its own, CTP is an excellent port. [Jun 2010, p.79]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dressing up classic gameplay with gorgeous graphics is sometimes enough. [Oct 2010, p.83]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In spite of its flaws, it's entertaining and addictive as, well, hell. [Oct 2008, p.80]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Patapon may indeed be a game so unusual that it's marching to its own beat, but Japan Studio did such a phenomenal job tying together the control, music and art direction that we recommend grooving right along with that wonderous, delightful beat. [Apr 2008, p.78]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Quiz World's about as fun as Quiz TV; maybe next year we'll get the best bits of both. [Jan 2010, p.83]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It may not be the flashiest Vita title, but Hustle Kings is a perfect fix for armchair billiards enthusiasts. [May 2012, p.77]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's not the revolution we were hoping for, bit it's easily the best portable Creed fix yet. [Holiday 2012, p.,70]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's still a very good game--well worth playing right now--but we suspect Mafia II will only fulfill its potential with all the DLC that'll inevitably populate Empire Bay. [Nov 2010, p.78]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Although last year's NASCAR The Game 2011 was a credible effort, Inside Line is the first NASCAR racing game in years that feels like someone cared. [Holiday 2012, p.72]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    One of the most feature-rich games on the market. [Jan 2012, p.82]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Joe Danger 2 might test our patience, but it's still a great little game well worth the download. [Holiday 2012, p.72]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though frustration can mount during the solo adventure, Shooter 2 still offers up a ton of ingenuity and creative punch at a puny price. [May 2011, p.83]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mostly, though, Birthday is about shooting the hell out of big gruesome monsters. This might be all the meaning most of us require. [May 2011, p.82]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's the best Monster Hunter game yet. [Sept 2009, p.81]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    We came to Homefront for its front lines and its heart, and it's here the war is won. [May 2011, p.80]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Enjoyable enough that adult gamers won't mind playing along. [Jan 2012, p.87]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's still undermined by AI niggles, animation glitches, and the lack of a check swing. [May 2010, p.78]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Anyway you cut it, there's an 80-percent chance that you're going to be entertained. [Aug 2008, p.72]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While much has been made of the improved graphics and gameplay--with good reason thanks to a whole new motion engine, more intuitive controls, the elimination of the exciting-but-not-very-realistic-turbo button, and the AFL and Super Bowl options--it's online where Madden 11 really shines. [Nov 2010, p.83]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The hole in Top Spin 4's serve is its lack of game commentary, which imparts an eerily quite, last-gen feel to matches. [May 2011, p.79]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With NHL 2K sitting out this season, these details combine to make NHL 11 the best--and only--videogame on ice. [Nov 2010, p.83]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is a licensed game done right. [Nov 2010, p.85]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    We found ourselves fighting Beaterator's interface more than we'd have liked, but hey, at least we were able to make some decent-sounding tunes to play on our PSPs and iPods. [Holiday 2009, p.79]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Make no mistake: These stars shine, but not as bright as we might have liked. [May 2011, p.78]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Looking beyond the kid-friendly presentation, we found a goldmine of fun in this staggeringly deep yet lighthearted civ-management adventure. [Sept 2011, p.87]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Goal-oriented gamers needing a concrete beginning and end will be let down, but if you're easily engrossed with multiplayer and exploration, Most Wanted is certainly a blast. [Holiday 2012, p.78]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fans of traditional arcade racers will find more value in Apocalypse's replay-rewarding multiplayer, but it's the campaign that'll have them instinctively gripping their Hyundai's steering wheel a little tighter every time they cross a rickety bridge. [May 2011, p.74]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Buzz! Master Quiz is a title that anyone interested in portable party games should consider, whether you're a parent needing a diversion for the kids in the car or a PSP owner looking to flex your trivia muscles. [Dec 2008, p.88]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    At its heart, FIFA showcases all the highlights of its past lives, with a few interesting tweaks. [Holiday 2008, p.83]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's an addictive cycle, and every step has its own interesting challenges, RPG and strategy fans shouldn't let this little sleeper pass by. [Holiday 2012, p.81]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even longtime fans will enjoy a second romp through this simple, yet slick, PSP re-release. [Dec 2009, p.84]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    SR2 is loud, destructive, and dumb as hell, but that's what makes it so much fun. [Holiday 2008, p.66]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The sequel bests the original in just about every way while maintaining the same story-focus that helped the first game rise above the average shooter. [Apr 2012, p.76]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    After recently being reinvigorated by the impressive LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, the slowly stagnating LEGO franchise continues its resurgence with LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean, an entry that benefits most from its cinematic source material. [July 2011, p.81]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 92 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Journey's short length and limited replayability make it difficult to wholeheartedly recommend. It is, however, a tour de force of brilliant visuals and music, as well as a joy to play through and explore. It's absolutely worth experiencing at least once. [Apr 2012, p.78]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This top-down arcade shooter has a slow and steady pace that's a great match for it's moody, sci-fi horror vibe. [April 2011, p.85]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hopefully sequels will enhance the career mode. [Apr 2012, p.80]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There are a few curious selections(Hi, Flicky. Hi, Ristar), but overall, Sonic knows old school games. [Apr 2009, p.82]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For a trippy rush of never-give-up candor and liberating loop-de-loops, take a trip back to the Sega Saturn and switch off your brain for a while. [Holiday 2012, p.81]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Optional challenge rooms aren't as engaging as the critical path, but their inclusion doesn't sully the sinister fun. [Apr 2012, p.81]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    At the very least it's worth playing through to the level cap just to fight alongside the most recognizable characters in comics. [April 2011, p.82]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    ProStreet doesn't re-invent the wheel, but it definitely turns a corner for the series, and does it with enjoyable results. [Holiday 2007, p.77]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The bargain price(along with the Metal Gear Rising: Revengence demo)might make it more attractive to gamers new to Zone of the Enders, and it's definitely worth it for old fans. [Dec 2012, p.81]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe offers plenty of MK fun, tons of combos to learn, and yes, a bundle of not-so-graphic finishing moves if you're up to mastering the dozen long combo chains. [Jan 2009, p.76]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Regardless of whether we're fully controlling our hero or using simplified, RPG-style battle commands mapped to the PSP's face buttons, duodecim earns its keep by challenging us to use our brains as well as our flying fingers of fury. [April 2011, p.81]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    • 60 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    However, with five difficulty modes, an optional crosshair view, and extra mini-games, Time Crisis 4 should appeal to just about any arcade-lovin' audience...provided they have deep enough pockets. [Jan 2008, p.85]
    • Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)

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