Push Square's Scores

  • Games
For 3,628 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 Persona 4 Golden
Lowest review score: 10 Yasai Ninja
Score distribution:
3646 game reviews
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Destroy All Humans is a good attempt to bring back the cult classic in 2020, but it misses the mark in a few key areas. While there are some nice improvements to the core gameplay, they don't do enough to rescue the old fashioned mission design and difficulty spikes. It's a shame, because there's some fun to be found here -- you just have to put up with quite a lot of PS2 era baggage. Fans will be delighted, but this remake is hardly out of this world.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There's more here than just brainteasers, though. An understated narrative moves with you, again taking cues from Valve's seminal puzzler, but doing enough to stand by itself. Tonally, the game shifts between light and dark, dipping its toes in comedy and horror in equal measure. There are some surprisingly tense moments throughout the short runtime. This story element somewhat takes over as you get towards the end, and while it's a shame the puzzles lose steam, it all culminates in a surprisingly profound message. It might not push its core concept to the absolute fullest, but the overall experience is a charming and enjoyable one.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    That said, there's still lots of fun to be had. The game is rough around the edges, but the core gameplay is solid and it shines in multiplayer. If you're looking for something different, this is worth a try -- just don't expect to be building masterpieces.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Neon Abyss is a fun, fast-paced twist on the rogue-like genre with a solid core gameplay loop. Although it brings new ideas to the table in the form of collectible eggs, and it has a good variety of weapons, enemies and synergies, it's not without its drawbacks. Performance issues, the lack of the genre's typical dodge button, and the chaotic room design all prevent Neon Abyss from being a must buy title.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Despite the handful of enjoyable hours Rocket Arena has to offer, it's not an investment worth considering. With microtransactions already up and operational alongside a premium price tag, it’s likely to find itself without a player base before too long. Rocket jumping can only take it so far.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    In-keeping with the nature of our man-machine protagonists, there are rich customisation options available. There are some generous difficulty tweaks, alongside Iron Man and perma-death modes. Each hero unit has myriad augment slots, upon which they can attach a plethora of weapons. It pays to be armed to the teeth because arenas are often dangerous close-quarter scraps. Cognition Points are the resource that dictates movement and abilities. Starting CP can be boosted with nodes scattered across the arena, which adds a tactical edge to positioning. Critical hits prevent the Necron from using their regenerative abilities, while certain weapons offer escalating buffs that give extra damage multipliers the more you use them. These elements combine to make fights satisfyingly varied from mission to mission.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Creaks is one of PS4's very best games of 2020 so far. Its commitment to continually evolving its mechanics makes for a phenomenal puzzling experience packed full of surprises and elating moments. With a stunning art style to boot as well as a narrative which reveals itself in all the right ways, Creaks offers an unforgettable ride that can be considered truly special.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The random nature of the level order and the Hacks offered to you mean there's almost a rogue-like flavour to it, though this is still very much a linear game. It's just a little wider, and that meta-storyline and clinical creepiness is absolutely still part of the experience. Endless and Infinite modes mean you'll never run short of baddies to break, a task that's just as satisfying here -- if not more so with the added power-ups.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ghost of Tsushima is a joy to play and a joy to behold. Sucker Punch has crafted one of the most memorable open world games of this generation, buoyed by an immensely satisfying combat system and an engaging, dramatic story. Unlike many of its open world peers, it's a refined and focused experience -- gripping and immaculately presented at its best. A fitting first-party swansong for the PS4.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There’s a lot to love about CrossCode, from it’s fast and frantic combat, through to it’s tough but satisfying puzzles. The MMO setting is incredibly well done and manages to mimic the online experience whilst also taking time out to make fun of itself. This is an absolutely charming RPG where it feels like there's always something new to experience.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is the most complete series entry to date, with a full Formula 2 season, followed by up to 10 consecutive senior campaigns in an enthralling Formula 1 career. The new My Team mode allows for an even more personalised pilgrimage, and on track everything sings. It’s a shame we’re missing the story introduced in the previous entry and we hope Codemasters return to this and flesh it out in future outings. But all things considered, F1 2020 includes a frightening amount of content that makes this an essential for fans of the motorsport. This is, after all, the only complete Formula 1 season in 2020.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Marvel's Iron Man VR delivers on the mission to make you feel like the armoured avenger. Some technical hiccups aside, this is a well rounded virtual reality title that takes advantage of the tech to immerse you in Tony Stark's world. It wins the day with fantastic controls and engaging combat, and the optional challenges will keep you busy once the story's wrapped up. If you don't mind waiting around in loading screens, this is a thoroughly enjoyable PSVR experience.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Both Museum Archive volumes utilise the same basic user interface and generic retro music that is serviceable, if a bit dull. They also employ the same settings, including a screen size modifier and a rewind system that makes any game laughably easy when abused. Having exactly the same functionality in both games also raises the uncomfortable question of why these collections had to be separated into two volumes at all. Still, they both offer a good selection of nostalgic gems, the odd so-so title like the frustratingly sloppy Mappy-Land, as well as a disappointing lack of unlockable extras. If it were one complete collection it’d be easily recommended but, as two separate purchases, these are for hardcore Namco fans only.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Both Museum Archive volumes utilise the same basic user interface and generic retro music that is serviceable, if a bit dull. They also employ the same settings, including a screen size modifier and a rewind system that makes any game laughably easy when abused. Having exactly the same functionality in both games also raises the uncomfortable question of why these collections had to be separated into two volumes at all. Still, they both offer a good selection of nostalgic gems, the odd so-so title like the frustratingly sloppy Mappy-Land, as well as a disappointing lack of unlockable extras. If it were one complete collection it’d be easily recommended but, as two separate purchases, these are for hardcore Namco fans only.
    • 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.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    SpongeBob Rehydrated is a vibrant remake of a much loved PS2 platformer. It's a little rough around the edges, but it's a solid effort that brings back a type of game that's all too rare on modern machines. The simple fun of collecting, bashing enemies, and exploring a beloved location is very much here, and fans young and old will get a kick out of this underwater excursion.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    The flaws in Disintegration’s execution are easy to spot. Restrictive level design and a limp narrative hamper the single-player, while the multiplayer suffers from a dearth of content and no way to make the squad combat sing. Perhaps a sequel could expand on the genuinely good ideas V1 has brought to the FPS table. Disintegration is an interesting genre blend that ultimately falls short.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Elder Scrolls Online: Greymoor is another solid expansion, but it's nothing that you haven't seen before. Western Skyrim is fun to explore, and the DLC tells a decent tale, but quests continue to lack any real innovation, highlighting the title's ageing gameplay loop.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Beyond Blue excels in presenting gorgeous marine environments stuffed to the brim with fascinating ocean life and interesting places to explore. Whether you’re swimming with humpback whales or exploring underwater caverns, this is an experience that really does make waves.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Desperados III's Wild West setting makes for a charming backdrop, and the well-balanced, varied cast of bounty hunters means that each mission can be seen off in multiple, equally rewarding ways. But while the blend of refined real-time strategy mechanics and ever-escalating challenge will surely appeal to fans of the genre, novices could be perplexed by the often unforgiving difficulty and occasionally finicky rules.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The Last of Us: Part II adds a couple more inches to the already outrageously high bar that Naughty Dog has set for itself. This is the developer’s crowning achievement to date, expanding and improving upon the concepts that it’s been iterating on for over a decade now. Unparalleled presentation combines with an engaging gameplay loop that puts you in the shoes of its characters – and forces you to feel all of the tension and misgivings of its cast. It’s uncomfortable and not everyone will necessarily enjoy its direction, but that’s ultimately what makes it so essential.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With five worlds, each with five sub-levels consisting of between one and four stages, as well as a plethora of secrets to find, there’s enough here to keep any FPS fanatic entertained for hours. Each stage quickly becomes a repetitious dance which somehow never becomes dull, and reaching its end is euphoric and rewarding. Project Warlock is great; a pastiche of brutally tough and charmingly gritty 90s first-person shooters, with only a few quality of life improvements to be made.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The puzzle-platformer and visual novel genres probably couldn't be further apart from one another, but Evan's Remains is proof that the two can live in harmony. While it is by no means perfect, Maitan69 Studios' first major title is one well worth experiencing if you have even a passing interest in either style of game.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While the gameplay is solid, we came away more impressed with the art direction and sound design than expected. The lightly stylised, cel-shaded look works for 1971, with the organic environments looking especially nice. The sheer variety of locations is impressive, too, including an oil rig, airbase, canyon, and nomadic village. Meanwhile, the exploration music is absolutely beautiful, though the combat soundtrack gets a bit repetitive.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While the game’s not terribly impressive visually, some aspects of this elevate the game. The draw distance is laughably small, shrouding the game in fog at all times, heightening the experience. And the monster AI isn’t terribly robust, but everything is fair; any time we died it felt more like user error. Learning the rules of the ship is the key to surviving. When to fix a broken pipe, when to hide, when to run. As you die over and over, all these rules craft you into a more skilled player and make a more enjoyable experience.
    • 75 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    If you're looking for more Mortal Kombat, Aftermath will undoubtedly satiate your bloodlust for a short period of time, but it feels overpriced for what it actually offers. Of course, your mileage will vary, but for now it's more of an already excellent fighter – just not much more.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ion Fury is a shooter that phenomenally emulates what made the early FPS so wonderful. A timeless gameplay loop that effortlessly coaxes fun out of a formula so old it stretches decades into gaming’s past, the game is an incredible amount of fun. The technical problems we encountered muddy the waters, but even with those present (and a fix incoming for that game-breaking bug) we enjoyed our time with the game enough that we still recommend that anyone interested in playing it, do so.
    • 49 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Those Who Remain is a psychological horror experience completely lacking in scares and atmosphere. Its uninspired gameplay loop has already been done better time and time again, resulting in a dull, unnecessary title.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Mafia II: Definitive Edition could have been a welcome distraction during the quieter summer months, but in its current state, it must be avoided at all costs. While its narrative and writing may still hold up 10 years later, the long, long list of technical flaws and glitches overshadows its few accomplishments. And that's all it deserves because this is the worst remaster of the PS4 generation.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    You may be tired of open world collectathons, but Maneater bites back with more than enough novelty to make the format feel as fresh as Port Clovis’ well-populated oceans. A moreish gameplay loop with a well-designed sandbox mean there’s some-fin special here, and while it makome as a surprise, not even control and performance issues will deter you from flashing your teeth.

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