Push Square's Scores

  • Games
For 3,622 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 31% higher than the average critic
  • 8% same as the average critic
  • 61% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 7.1 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 68
Highest review score: 100 The ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection
Lowest review score: 10 Yasai Ninja
Score distribution:
3638 game reviews
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    We'll never in a million years grow tired of hearing the announcer's ecstatic “IT’S A NEW LAP RECORD”, but the main draw after finishing off the tournament mode is the tracks themselves. The tournaments start you off on relatively simple circuits, but each time you revisit the planet, new elements are introduced. It's a brilliant approach to level design that allows to you carry forward your knowledge of a track while adding new things to ensure you’re not just on autopilot. Throw in the ludicrous number of shortcuts on each track, and it’s possible to have an almost entirely different experience on each lap. More than anything, this game being both 20 years old and incredibly fun is a clear sign that a modern Podracing title should absolutely be a thing.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    EDENS ZERO is a competent adaptation and a very basic — but often fun — action RPG. Generic in its design and held back by some seriously rough visuals, it's the kind of game that's barely going to appeal to those outside of the established fandom, but there is a charm in how breezy it is to actually play. The bottom line is that if you're looking for an easygoing anime-based adventure, you could do worse than EDENS ZERO — although it does take a few hours for things to feel mechanically interesting.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Overall Operation Babel is a frustrating experience. The game mechanics aren't explained particularly well, and so you’ll need a lot of patience to figure out how everything works. If you’re a newcomer to the genre then you’re better off playing something like Ray Gigant. While Babel has some interesting mechanics, it definitely lacks a lot of the polish of similar titles like Stranger of Sword City. Simply put, there are a lot of quality dungeon crawlers out there on Vita that do a much better job than Operation Babel.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Framerate fluctuations render Tetris Ultimate almost unplayable, and while these issues only seem to occur when online, disconnecting tends to strip the title of much of its appeal.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Siegecraft Commander is a good idea which very nearly works. There is a lot of game packed in, and if a decent multiplayer community can be formed then it could be a fun one to be part of. The problem is the wonky control system which never quite feels right and undermines much of the good stuff on display.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    While it is hard to be too critical of this game, considering the entire project was developed by one person and a small staff, it is also hard to even call this a full game. It's a shame because its graphics rival tentpole AAA productions and there's clear passion to deliver a satisfying gameplay loop. But a lacklustre story and repetitive pacing coupled with unnecessary additions such as the skills makes Bright Memory: Infinite an uneven and jarring experience. Perhaps in the near future, given a bigger budget, developer FYQD Studio could make a more fully realised vision.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Battlefield 2042 is disjointed and incomplete at launch, but it's impossible to deny it still has that magic spark that made past entries thrive. There aren't enough maps and one too many bugs and glitches get in the way of the fun. However, with the excellent Portal mode to bolster it, Battlefield 2042 does just enough to get us on board. While we wish so many things were better, nothing else does it quite like Battlefield.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Occupation is bold, ambitious, and a bit of a mess. Its bugs and occasionally obtuse storytelling severely detract from the overall experience, and yet it will live longer in the memory than the average game. There’s something fascinating here: a real-time thriller that puts genuine political power in the palm of your hands. But it’s strangled by its own ambition, and that’s as inevitable as it is unfortunate.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Like its predecessors, Destiny 2: Warmind struggles to justify its price tag thanks to a throwaway campaign and some incredibly tired mission design. The quality of Destiny's core gameplay is still clear to see and the expansion as a whole is dotted with a handful of high points, but it ultimately just feels like the game is purposefully treading water until September's big arrival -- and that's simply not good enough.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Fuse is a boring game that just so happens to be tolerable with friends. Aside from some idiotic AI, there's nothing necessarily wrong with the shooter – but it fails to ever do anything to justify its existence. If you have a group of buddies willing to commit to the experience, then you may find a glimmer of fun here. Otherwise, expect one long, dreary slog.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sonic 4: Episode II is good - not great, not very good, just good. Its physics are better than the first game and the broad nods to past games will please fans, but the music is a disappointment and the combo moves limit the flowing momentum that would have nudged it into "very good" territory.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 is a shambles. Its best qualities are always short-lived, buried deep beneath the frustrations of non-existent RPG elements, extreme padding, and diabolical technical issues. Beyond the promise of its opening hours, this is a tragic misfire of a game.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Trailblazers is an ambitious and entertaining arcade racer with a great core concept that gives races a very dynamic edge. The added strategy that the track-painting system provides makes for an excellent ebb and flow to the racing, and the presentation is well executed. Some gameplay hang-ups do occasionally spoil the fun, however, with stubborn AI drivers that cause lots of unwanted collisions -- including your teammates. Some performance issues aside, this remains an engaging, and rather different, racing game that just about overcomes its problems to offer some good old fashioned fun.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Mato Anomalies is a tough sell; it features some fresh ideas and concepts (which should be applauded) but fails to create a compelling core gameplay loop in the process. With so many other other excellent turn-based titles demanding your attention, it fails to provide a compelling reason to undertake this surreal journey.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    This Diablo clone shares many of the mechanics with the famous dungeon-'em-up, but scarcely manages to execute them with the anywhere close to the same degree of quality. The moment to moment gameplay is where Warhammer: Chaosbane falls shortest, offering a loop that is neither fun nor addictive by any recognisable measure thanks to dull combat and disappointing loot. There's little reason to recommend Warhammer: Chaosbane in a world in which Diablo III exists – which is the world we currently live in – so we're not recommending it.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    PlayStation Vita Pets is not exactly a prize-winning pooch, but it’s definitely the pick of the litter in a genre that’s renowned for its mediocrity.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Planet Alpha is an enjoyable sci-fi indie, one that is undeniably stunning and engaging thanks to a unique day-night dynamic and interesting puzzles. Its major downfall is the glaring predictability of the story, but most players will be over the moon with what this game has to offer.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Bubsy: Paws on Fire is a combination of elements that range from merely adequate to frustrating beyond belief. In fact, the best part of the game is often being able to break the rules and cheese your way to victory. With almost zero redeeming qualities to speak of, the only way this game could possibly offer anything of benefit is to Trophy hunters, as there are a fair number of easily unlocked gold trinkets. If that’s not something you care about, then steer well clear - it’s just not worth it. Despite the shockingly long legacy as a series, surely this time must be the last, right?
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 21 is stagnant, and while football fans will find things to enjoy, it’s not like there’s an alternative option available. The Yard is a genuinely promising addition, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it evolves over the course of this season – and future games. But an embarrassing story and an untouched Franchise mode mean that it’s the only real reason to upgrade. And while Madden Ultimate Team continues to be a time sink, the stale state of the on-field simulation means that this year’s game fails to find its intended receiver.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Call of Cthulhu’s successfully evokes Lovecraft’s Mythos by delivering an eerie story that ultimately doesn’t stray too far from some well-trodden ground. While anyone expecting a terrifying horror title or an RPG packed will player choice and decisions will need to check those expectations at the door, there’s at least a half-decent adventure game lurking under the surface.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Shiftlings is a fun, quirky title that may surprise those who decide to give it a go.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Dialogue between characters can often feel a tad overzealous considering the game's light-hearted approach to comedy, making it hard to recommend to anyone unable to stomach an inoffensive, self-aware fantasy romp of this fashion.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Trivial Pursuit Live! is an amusing, original adaptation of the original board game. Its terrible online mode, visual slowdown, and lack of variations let down what is otherwise great fun with friends. For the right people, under the right circumstances, you won't see a single problem. For everybody else, this is one to buy later down the line.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Primarily a game for fans, Lost Song obviously won't appeal to everyone, but those who do enjoy the source material will certainly appreciate its colourful and inviting world that's packed with things to do.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Thanks to a control scheme that doesn't make sense and sometimes doesn't do what it's supposed to, and appalling AI for both allies and enemy units, Sudden Strike 4 is a ga me that answers all of these questions and a bunch more you were probably afraid to ask.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    With the online being a bit of a bust and the single player modes failing to really showcase the game's strengths, it's difficult to recommend Slice, Dice & Rice. Against a human opponent, the title's interesting and entertaining on a fundamental level, but as an overall fighting game package, it's found lacking.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Late in the game, one of the characters has a line where he says “I am a miserable, unfortunate man.” We can’t think of a more perfect way to describe playing this title. From a team capable of making a game as exceptional as Fated: The Silent Oath, the quality of work, or lack thereof, on display here stings.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Astria Ascending is a beautifully hand-drawn game with an old school JRPG feel. It tries to keep the experience modern with some much needed quality of life improvements, but annoying bugs hold it back. It’s a bit of a shame that the story is fairly forgettable but the fun combat system does help alleviate this to an extent. With a very detailed job system and plenty of optional side content to get involved with, there is entertainment to be found here if don’t mind the grind — but as an overall role-playing adventure, Astria Ascending has clear flaws.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    We were enjoying the lowlife-detective-gets-in-way-over-his-head storyline, but it takes another turn later on into something decidedly more obscure. The final hour or two throw the whole story for a loop, and to make things worse, it feels as though none of the plot threads are resolved — you're just left hanging, probably with a furrowed brow, while the credits roll. It's a shame, as the music and visuals are excellent throughout, but the presentation just isn't enough on its own, and that's about all it has.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There’s an absolute treasure trove of licensed content, spanning both men’s and women’s teams, with only the lucrative Indian Premier League the notable omission. However, a robust creation suite means fans will be able to create any missing players or clubs and share them online, which should plug any small gaps that do exist...The biggest downside, then, is just the underlying lack of budget: cricket is popular enough, but it’s not baseball, and it’s clear that Big Ant Studios just didn’t have the resources to nail key gameplay mechanics, like fielding, which feels flat and unrealistic due to the limited selection of animation cycles in its library.

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