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For 808 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 57% higher than the average critic
  • 5% same as the average critic
  • 38% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 4.4 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 79
Highest review score: 100 Bayonetta + Bayonetta 2
Lowest review score: 30 Back in 1995
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 602 out of 808
  2. Mixed: 200 out of 808
  3. Negative: 6 out of 808
822 game reviews
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    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Gears 5
    Gears 5 is a big, loud blockbuster that brings so much to the table, it’s easy to under-appreciate it. By building on the stories set in motion by its predecessor, Gears 5’s narrative journey is a benchmark for the series so far with well-rounded characters that are far easier to love when compared to the original trilogy’s gruff, motley crew. Once you throw a polished, brutally competitive online facet, Horde’s best iteration, and the promising Escape into the mix, Gears 5 becomes a package too hard to refuse considering the clear value on offer. The story’s driving force might be “bound by blood” but Gears 5 is bound for greatness.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
    Like Citizen Sleeper before it, Starward Vector feels like a tremendous coming together in so many senses. The marriage between the original’s core concepts and the new mechanics feels natural, while the motley crue you take to the stars with, their stories included, are an exceptional cast of characters whose place in my sleeper’s own journey I’ll never forget.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ori and the Will of the Wisps
    On the Xbox One X, late-game save files for Ori would tend to boot in at around ten seconds which, granted, isn’t even that bad in retrospect. Despite this, Series X still bests those times significantly, bringing it down to only about five seconds. It’s an undoubted improvement across the board, as the game’s now far more optimised than it was at launch. If you’ve managed to avoid Ori and the Will of the Wisps up until this point, I absolutely implore you to take a chance on one of the year’s most beautiful platforming games. Now even prettier and more stable, it’s sure to light a fire in your heart.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Batman: Arkham Shadow
    Batman: Arkham Shadow feels like the virtual reality experience that Batman deserves. A fully-fledged triple A title that successfully translates so many industry defining elements into a VR framework with the utmost success. Camouflaj have delivered a unique and fantastic addition to what is already a sublime series of games.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy VII Remake
    At the end of it all, even under immense scrutiny and in spite of some disappointing shortcomings, there's no getting around the fact that I had a giant grin on my face for just about the entirety of Final Fantasy VII Remake. It's an enjoyable enough game if you're a casual fan of Final Fantasy or action RPGs, but if you're in it for the fandom you may just have your mind blown. It's not a perfect game, but it absolutely exceeded my expectations of what a remake of Final Fantasy VII could be. All that's left now is to (not so) patiently wait for the next part…
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut
    Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, and in particular its core offering of the Iki Island expansion, does a great job at giving players more of what made the game's original release special. The brisk new adventure takes Jin Sakai on a journey of reflection and reconciliation that contains plenty of beautiful, memorable moments and some very cool new gear to play with. The updates made for its native PS5 release do feel a touch slim given that they come at an added cost, but they do go a long way to refining and enhancing the experience. A great game made better, then, and a fantastic excuse to spend dozens more hours in Photo Mode.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Diablo IV
    Diablo IV is an unquestionable win for Blizzard and one of their foundational franchises when it needed it most. An unrelenting commitment to vision, redefined Sanctuary, never-ending player progression, and excellent boss fights are just a few of the reasons Diablo IV isn't held back by uneven pacing and recycled content.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Halo Infinite
    With an adventurous campaign, complete with a sandbox that’ll still be there when your friends can join the fight, and a multiplayer suite that feels like a note-perfect revival of the Halo of old, Halo Infinite feels like the complete blockbuster sci-fi shooter we’ve been waiting for from 343 Industries. It hasn’t happened overnight for the team, but the mantle passed to them, at last, feels earned.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Starfield
    If what you’re hoping for is The Elder Scrolls or Fallout in space, then Starfield is that. Not only does it have countless stories begging to be sought out against a vast and beckoning star chart, it’s also the most polished Bethesda Game Studios title we’ve ever had.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mafia: The Old Country
    Mafia: The Old Country is an excellent prequel to the Mafia series. There’s so much to like in the 10-15 hour experience, whether it’s the excellent writing, stunning cutscenes or the enjoyable moment to moment gameplay. While it has its flaws, Hangar 13’s latest is a well-crafted love letter to a series I’ve loved for many years.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
    Every part of the game was a delightful surprise and I’ve found myself absolutely addicted to the game, even post-story. Every time I come back to Yakuza 6, I find something else absolutely charming about it.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Metaphor: ReFantazio
    Metaphor: ReFantazio is another banger RPG from ATLUS. It doesn't reinvent the wheel that Shin Megami Tensei and Persona have established as the studios bread and butter, but it iterates on them in unique ways with an undeniably fresh setting. It's hard not to applaud ATLUS for embracing something so tonally different from what they're known for nowadays.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
    While Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a markedly different game than Kingdom Battle, it's a more than worthy sequel that successfully steps into its own space within the realm of turn-based strategy. It's undoubtedly one of the best games on the Switch, and one of the best showings from Ubisoft in recent years.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Plucky Squire
    The Plucky Squire is absolute magic, and a page-turner, from beginning to end. From its first, boisterously narrated word, the game packages so much heart and character within a rather novel, wildly creative notion. It takes what Pixar did for toys and applies it to storybooks.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy XVI
    Final Fantasy XVI is an epic in every sense of the word. Consistently sharp writing, a captivating cast of characters, exhilarating combat, and a timeless soundtrack coalesce into an experience that showcases what the PlayStation 5 is capable of at the highest level. It constantly finds ways to top its own scale in remarkable fashion, but never loses sight of the intimate journey it's built around.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
    Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak takes an already meaty game an expands on it even further. Despite a few missteps, Sunbreak sports a roster bolstered by sheer quality, smart improvements to the Switch Skill system, and the introduction of Follower Quests which coalesce together to propel Rise into the upper echelon of Monster Hunter titles.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tetris Effect
    Tetris is like an old shoe, it's comfortable and familiar. It's hard to believe that three decades on, Tetris is still making the splash it is. It's an evergreen sensation that constantly renews itself and its latest iteration, Tetris Effect might be its euphoric best. Were this rock and roll, Tetris would be held in as high esteem as The Beatles and this particular game would be its 'Revolver'.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Saltsea Chronicles
    Saltsea Chronicles is unequivocal proof that Die Gute Fabrik is an unstoppable force in the industry. A team blazing brand new trails, wholly their own, with stories that are radical and thoughtful in equal measure and told in unexplored ways that only video games could deliver.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    THRASHER
    THRASHER is hands-down one of the coolest-feeling, most entrancing and memorable VR experiences I've had in some time. With a simple enough concept backed up by gorgeous presentation and the same gleefully unnerving vibe that made Thumper so compelling, it's an absolute trip and a thoroughly impressive use of hand tracking on the Meta Quest.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Neva
    Neva is a profoundly moving, interactive work of art. It’s as pleasing to the eye as it is the ear, and the effort this still young studio has gone to in developing upon ideas cemented in their first game, Gris, is commendable. Without eclipsing it, Neva matches the stirring catharsis of Gris with another flash of brilliance.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Life is Strange: Reunion
    Life is Strange: Reunion is excellent. It’s a beautiful love letter to Max and Chloe’s story that provides closure in a way that makes sense. Technical issues aside, this is Deck Nine’s best Life is Strange game by some margin.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Devil May Cry 5
    Devil May Cry 5 rights all the wrongs of its predecessors with style and gusto, whilst being incredibly welcoming to series newcomers. The three playable characters bring great combat variety against the games huge slew of enemies and bosses. There are a few little niggles that stop the game from being the best it could be, but Devil May Cry 5 is undoubtedly one of the best in the series.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
    Ni No Kuni 2 is a wholesome adventure that improves on the first game in almost every way. The art design and visuals are some of the best on the PS4 and the combat and exploration are both fun and engaging.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
    Infinite Wealth is a stellar follow-up to Yakuza: Like a Dragon in just about every way. It's bigger, bolder and with some smart tweaks to combat it's a significantly better turn-based RPG. Series fans have a ton to look forward to in the larger-than-life story and emotional character moments, and though there are some glaring issues with its dungeons and post-game offerings, the end result is the franchise's best entry yet.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Kingdom Hearts III
    Kingdom Hearts III takes the series to astonishing new heights. With exhilarating combat, fantastic Disney worlds and a smart approach to an unavoidably convoluted story, it does everything it needs to not only please hardcore fans but anyone up for a solid action JRPG. Against all odds, this might be the perfect Kingdom Hearts game.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Immortals Fenyx Rising
    Immortals Fenyx Rising is an epic adventure that perfectly leverages the rich, storied history of Greek mythology with a focused and honed version of Ubisoft’s now-ubiquitous open-world design. Deviating from the norm, the game’s unique design and structure help Immortals be one of Ubisoft's most focused adventures and easily one of their most enjoyable yet.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Gears 5
    Gears 5 is a big, loud blockbuster that brings so much to the table, it’s easy to under-appreciate it. By building on the stories set in motion by its predecessor, Gears 5’s narrative journey is a benchmark for the series so far with well-rounded characters that are far easier to love when compared to the original trilogy’s gruff, motley crew. Once you throw a polished, brutally competitive online facet, Horde’s best iteration and the promising Escape into the mix, Gears 5 becomes a package too hard to refuse considering the clear value on offer. The story’s driving force might be “bound by blood” but Gears 5 is bound for greatness.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
    I thoroughly enjoyed The Lost Crown. It took me a little under 18 hours to finish the game with quite a bit of exploring off the beaten track along the way – and the next day all I wanted to do was pick the game back up to get to more exploring. It’s got compelling exploration, great feeling movement, engaging combat and satisfying puzzles. Genuine innovation in the genre and smartly integrated accessibility features make The Lost Crown a game I heartily recommend.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Stellar Blade
    Stellar Blade recalls the classic era of character-action games in truly inspired fashion. It might struggle to deliver on its core narrative, and its platforming is often more frustrating than it isn't, but neither of those things are enough to bring down a thoroughly enjoyable action experience. It wears its inspirations on its sleeve, but manages to build on them in engaging fashion with a deliciously layered combat system and gorgeous presentation to boot.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
    Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition pulls out all the stops to give players enough reason to come back. The loading is insanely fast, the ray-tracing is absolutely delicious and the frame rates are buttery smooth. If you've previously struggled to get into Devil May Cry, this won't necessarily appeal to you any more than previous games have. But if you're looking for a killer app to show off either your precious new hardware or television, then you should look no further.
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In Progress & Unscored

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    • 79 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Star Wars: Squadrons
    It’s easy to argue that Star Wars: Squadrons doesn’t offer quite enough. Players get what is essentially an eight-hour tutorial which acts as a prelude for the game’s multiplayer, a limited but fun offering of modes with some potential for great staying power. [Review in Progress Score = 70]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Fishing Paradiso
    Card Shark succeeds at establishing wild stakes within its wonderfully weird take on 18th century France. It serves up a memorable cast, a story that rewrites history in a fantastical way, all the while arming the player with tricks of the trade that’d make Penn and Teller blush. For a game that’s more about playing your opponent than your cards, Card Shark is a memorable adventure.
    • 75 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit
    Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit provides a fresh and unique gaming experience, which feels hard to come by these days. The kart is cleverly designed and well put together, responding to every precise movement. Whilst the core gameplay might get a little repetitive, the technology has a bright future, and it's guaranteed to provide fun for the whole family.
    • 72 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Nintendo Switch Sports
    Nintendo Switch Sports feels familiar, yet still remains fun after all these years, especially when played with groups of friends. Whilst the offline offering is a little bit basic, we're hopeful that what's on offer online will take advantage of the easy to play, hard to masters gameplay mechanics. [Review in Progress]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Grounded 2
    Grounded 2 is shaping up to be another win for Obsidian Entertainment in the survival space. Despite some difficulty worries, this early access launch is a confident showcase of Obsidian's newfound familiarity with the survival genre.
    • 67 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Diablo Immortal
    I’ve had a great time levelling and fighting with my Necromancer so far, and am super excited to be able to play the game with friends when the game is released for everyone very soon. As long as the monetisation strategy doesn’t get in the way of the game being fun to play, I think this could be a game I get hooked on for a while.
    • 63 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    #DRIVE Rally
    Outside the co-drivers, I enjoyed my time with Drive Rally. While the career mode is bare bones, the actual rally driving is wonderful. It strikes a balance between being approachable and having the depth to keep you playing and improving. Well worth a look if you miss the glory days of 90s era rally games. [Early Access Provisional Score = 75]
    • 86 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Cyberpunk 2077
    Cyberpunk 2077 is staggering, overwhelming, and even surprising at times in its spectacle. Although my first dozen hours with the game has been marred by easy-to-fix problems, Nighty City, along with all it offers and all that call it home, makes for an intoxicating escape. Here’s hoping the next one hundred hours are as utterly compelling.
    • 75 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    New Star GP
    It feels like it’s still got some room to grow in certain places in order to reach its full potential, but, unlike real world F1 in 2024, it’s pretty damn fun. [Early Access Provisional Score = 80]
    • 73 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Wrath of the Druids
    Wrath of the Druids is a great addition to Valhalla’s already well-bolstered package. Visiting Ireland, learning about its rich history and mythology is something I’d never thought that I would be interested in. But Wrath of the Druids is so engaging that it’s hard not to recommend to people who enjoyed Valhalla. Just don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel, but instead, bring a few more.
    • 76 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Far Cry 6 - Vaas: Insanity
    All in all, Vaas: Insanity paves the way for some stellar downloadable content for Far Cry 6 that is already more conceptually interesting than anything in Far Cry 5. Vaas' experience, while perhaps telling us a little bit too much about the ambiguous villain, co-opts the idea of a rogue-like competently to offer a new twist on the formula, but lead by a familiar face.
    • 82 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Marathon
    Marathon is a special game that, like Destiny before it, is firmly rooted in the team’s focus on shared communal experiences, immaculate gun feel, and just straight-up vibes. I hope it finds enough of a foothold to exist in the live-service space longer than some of its contemporaries, because if death is the first step in Marathon, I can’t wait to see what the next one is.
    • 77 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
    As a sequel to the Modern Warfare reboot, Modern Warfare 2 feels like both a celebration of the series’ original trilogy as well as “the team” at its core. The party is spoiled somewhat by inconsistent pacing, technical issues, and incongruous mechanics, shoehorned in from what will ultimately be the game’s multiplayer suite. Through it all, the referential nods to Call of Duty of old stitched the experience together for me. [Campaign Review = 70]
    • 85 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Control: Ultimate Edition
    As a next-gen update then, Control does a decent job of taking advantage of both the power and unique features of the new generation of consoles, especially if you happen to be playing on a PlayStation 5. While the ray-traced effects might not make this a must-replay, it’s still a far better and (crucially) more stable experience than the game has ever been on consoles, not to mention the joy of playing with the 60fps option instead.

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