Press Start Australia's Scores

  • Games
For 807 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. Negative: 6 out of 807
822 game reviews
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The story, the world and its characters are all oddly compelling, despite some visual and technical shortcomings. Despite its issues, Vampyr is a rare instance in a game where I felt like my choices meant something and had consequences. It’s a huge shame that repetitive combat and exploration means it doesn’t keep up that momentum from beginning to end.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tarsier Studios’ unique take on horror is immersive and terrifying, and, barring some load time issues and small technical problems, finds a good home on the Switch.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    SEGA Mega Drive Classics does a great job at modernising the classics, bringing in some games that we haven’t seen in a release like this before, but at the same time drops some true classics like Sonic 3. While a plethora of features and some slick presentation make this feel like less of a cynical cash grab than it could be, the omission of these titles and cumbersome navigation makes this collection serviceable but less than definitive.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Detroit: Become Human is, without a shadow of a doubt, David Cage's best work. After almost a handful of failings, Detroit: Become Human showcases what David Cage is capable of as both a writer and a director. He isn't shy about tackling taboo topics, regardless of the backlash, and it pays off here in what is a tour de force story of overcoming oppression.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Banner Saga is an excellent game, driven by a wonderful score and a moving story. It’s a perfect fit for the Switch too, and the port itself is handled well.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    State of Decay 2 is just as good as the original but fails to make good on its major promises. There’s some great quality of life improvements here and there, but the repetitive goals to work towards and cursory co-op options stop it from being any better than the original. Despite all this, State of Decay 2’s gameplay loop is strangely alluring, but many won’t put up with its technical shortcomings.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is an exceptional platformer that feels right on the Nintendo Switch. It's one that both experienced gamers and newcomers alike will both enjoy (thanks to the new Funky Kong mode), but probably not worth it at full price for those who picked it up on Wii U.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    South Park: The Fractured But Whole is a good fit on Switch, though some noticeable technical issues highlight the sacrifices made in order to get it on the hybrid system. That said, what’s here is a great South Park adventure — one fans of the show should certainly check out if they haven’t already.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    God Of War is a cinematic masterpiece that manages to reinvent and push an already fantastic series to new heights. Barring some pacing issues in its narrative, Sony Santa Monica has breathed new life into Kratos and the God of War series, and I can't wait to see what's next.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    I really wanted to love Sea of Thieves, I think it’s a fantastic concept that could truly grow into something special. But as I kept playing it, I was waiting for more to present itself to me. More to do. More to find. Unfortunately, after many long hours with the game, and some server issues (that have since been fixed) I’ve decided that I’ve had enough time with Sea of Thieves. In short, it’s not a game for everybody.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Outlast 2 on Switch is a great way to tackle what is one of the scariest horror games I’ve played in recent memory. The port is excellent, only marred by some inconsistencies seen in the game itself — horror fans should definitely check this one out.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Far Cry 5 is an absolute blast from beginning to end, chock full of things to do and involve yourself in. The narrative is interesting, and everything you do in Hope County feels meaningful in some way or another — making for an experience that feels as rewarding as it does enjoyable.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A rich and thoughtful independent darling that delivers on a story that respects its characters and remains grounded, hardly ever resorting to nonsense action just for the sake of it. Though we predicted the game's ending before it happened, the conclusion hit us like a truck. With its extremely reasonable pricing and share play, A Way Out is a must play from one of the industry's most talented small teams.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    One of the most lackadaisical remasters that I’ve ever played.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    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.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Assassin’s Creed Rogue Remastered is a modest remaster but a good one. While some other options would’ve been appreciated to prioritise framerate over resolution, the game itself still stands up four years on. It’s missing some of the bells and whistles that games like Origins have since introduced, but it’s unique premise and concept means it’s an experience most Assassin’s Creed fans shouldn’t miss.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Attack on Titan 2 is a great dive into the brutal world of Shingeki no Kyojin, and is a blast to play on the Switch. While held back by some annoying technical bugs, what’s on offer here should be enough to appease both series veterans and newcomers alike.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Burnout Paradise is unarguably a stellar racing game and it paved the way for the likes of Forza to do what it has done with its Horizon franchise, so for that there'll always be a place in my heart for it. It's a tough sell for returning veterans as the visual buffs are minimal and the game itself is unchanged. Though if you were too young and didn't get to play Paradise, there's enough here, especially with all of the extra content on-disc, to justify the price of admission.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kirby Star Allies is a cute and chaotic traditional Kirby game with fantastic buddy AI and strong potential as a co-op experience. It pays fantastic homage to its roots while adding in new mechanics that work well. Unfortunately, the length of the experience will have some doubting whether it’s truly worth it, but Kirby Star Allies is one of the most wholesome Switch games you can try right now.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    At the end of Curse of the Pharaohs, I was very happy to have spent another weekend in Bayek's world. Ubisoft have offered exactly what you loved about Origins plus some fun twists from the afterlife on the side.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There is no denying that Turok 2: Seeds of Evil is a more refined game than its predecessor. That much is certain. With Nightdives efforts, Seeds of Evil plays better than it did twenty years ago. There are some things players will have to overlook – particularly the dated visuals and some samey looking level designs – but Turok 2: Seeds of Evil is still a blast to play.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I can confidently say that Nightdive’s remaster is the best way to play Turok after twenty years. All the issues that most would’ve had with the original version are gone – better draw distance, a smooth framerate and smoother controls all improve a game that was in dire need of a fresh coat of paint.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Moss builds a world and draws you into it with gusto, confidently using some of the best visuals and art direction I’ve ever seen on Playstation VR. Despite this, technological limitations of the control scheme hold it back from being truly great.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    An uninspired mish-mash of poorly balanced systems that translates to an experience that feels like a chore.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Payday 2 is a very competent FPS game that allows you to tackle it in just about any way imaginable. Unfortunately, when it comes to the Nintendo Switch version, the price, performance and the fact that content is lacking behind versions that have been out for years will only make it worth purchasing for gamers who are desperate for a new FPS on the go.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Age of Empires: Definitive breathes new life into an absolute classic, and allows us to put on those rose-tinted glasses for another long campaign across the map, dominating through any means possible and constructing an empire very few could dream of.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In a medium so fixated on hurting others, it's refreshing to enjoy a slice of life story about the complexities of love, romance and life itself.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fe
    Like Unravel before it, Fe is another triumph for the EA Originals program as Zoink don’t hesitate to flex their creative muscle. Despite a few foibles, the core mechanics are sound enough. Though it’s in its world-building and artistic direction that Fe truly shines, with a spacious map that sparks the kindling of exploration and ignites that love for adventure.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Bayonetta herself is one of the sassiest characters in gaming and the combat is simply better than any hack and slash action game that I've ever played (and still is to this day). The game is only made better by the enhanced performance and portability provided by the Nintendo Switch and it's one that every Switch owner should have in their collection.

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