RPGamer's Scores

  • Games
For 1,239 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 26% higher than the average critic
  • 7% same as the average critic
  • 67% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 7.5 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 67
Highest review score: 100 Demon's Souls
Lowest review score: 20 Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
Score distribution:
1244 game reviews
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak does an excellent job of taking RPGamer’s 2021 Game of the Year and elevating it further. Some may lament the lack of a new game system similar to the Guiding Lands in Monster Hunter World. However, Sunbreak focuses on improving nearly every aspect of its base game. Hunting monsters continues to provide immense satisfaction years after the release of the original Monster Hunter titles. For those who enjoyed the base title, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak provides a compelling list of reasons to return back to the hunt.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remasteris exactly what it claims to be: a no-frills, touched-up rerelease of a beloved RPG. The mini-games are not enough on their own to warrant double-dipping, and some of its changes will take getting used to for fans, but both fans and newcomers can walk away satisfied with the updated visuals and features. Flaws of the original remain, as do its strengths, but a great game remastered is a great game made better, leading this to be the definitive way to play Bravely Default.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    8-Bit Adventures 2 deftly finds a way to combine nostalgic charm and heart in a manner to make everything feel alive. Combat never outstays its welcome and vibrant visuals combine with old-school music to create unforgettable moments on their own. The real heart of the game lies with the character work and depth to its story. These are characters that feel important and matter to the world around them, as every action is taken with purpose. There is a great adventure built on the foundations of the past that harnesses a story so full of personality that it stands alongside classics of the genre.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though there is enough in the margins to find fault with, Remnant II is still a sequel that only improves upon the first game. While the storytelling leaves a lot to be desired, the rest of the game receives an easy recommendation. Even the difficulty spikes and slower-than-desired rate of obtaining new weapons and upgrade materials can’t get in the way of a fun action RPG with solid combat, wide variety of play styles, and a bunch of secrets to uncover. It’s a positive step in the right direction for the series and makes me excited for what Gunfire Games will do next.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Far Cry 3 reaches for greatness, but falls short at merely being really fun. It has a few hiccups here and there and the story is very thin, but the exploration and combat really shine. It's a worthy addition to any collection.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Plenty of experimental RPGs failed miserably in the attempt, but Radiant Historia is one of the success stories. It held my interest just as well now as when I played it on the DS, and experiencing the new content was quite enjoyable. Hopefully the audience it didn't quite find in its initial release learns about it now, particularly the many outside North America who can now experience it without importing, and I give Atlus kudos for another top-notch title brought out of Japan.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Those looking for a challenging experience with deliberate combat, engaging atmosphere and lore, and meaningful exploration full of rewards, will not be disappointed with this title.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hand of Fate is a rollicking good time that can be completed in under 20 hours.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Etrian Untold 2 delivers the same kind of experience the first Etrian Untold did, but with further refinement.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Enotria: The Last Song is a very promising debut from a new development studio, and an impressive benchmark to compare future releases to. In a crowded Soulslike market, Enotria distinguishes itself with its unique setting and impressive production values. Combat is satisfying, despite carrying the baggage of a few too many systems with it, most of which can however be safely placed on the backburner. The real star of the show, however, is the level design, which creates a series of showstopper moments that permeate the game’s full runtime and never let a dull moment arise. With its optional story mode, the game offers something for every type of skill level, becoming an easy recommendation for players of all types looking to get into the genre.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Alpha Protocol is an excellent hybrid between a straightforward third person shooter, a tactical game like the Tom Clancy series, and a plot-driven epic like Mass Effect; it is unlike anything else on the market.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Mario RPG Remake is a classic, must-play RPG designed for casual RPGamers and hardcore fans alike. Even those who know the Italian plumber through his platforming antics should give this game a chance. The charming story is a heartwarming journey, and the gameplay is fun and captivating. The new art makes it feel modern while keeping its essence. While there was a missed opportunity to expand the story, Super Mario RPG Remake is still a fantastic experience worth playing.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Yakuza 3 has tons to offer for RPGamers of all kinds, and if nothing else, you can at least kick loads of gangster ass while taking names.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Surivor 2 Record Breaker is a worthy follow-up to the original and is a terrific example of a well-made enhanced port, something Atlus has shown time and again that they are experts at.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon Fantasy should not be dismissed as a Dragon Quest clone, but instead should be embraced as a game that takes all the greatness of the older games in that series and wraps them up in a nice, new format for a whole new generation to enjoy.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Atelier heroines have come in many varieties over the years. Students, heroes, shopkeepers, adventurers, and civil servants have all appeared in the series so far. As a parkour potion princess leaping through her open world, Yumia fills the alchemist role while stretching the mold, offering something new, much like many other aspects of her game. As the Alchemist of Memories, she offers an excellent start to what I hope will continue to be a fun new trilogy, or longer, for Atelier fans to enjoy.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It took an unusual amount of effort for me to finally play Child of Light, but the game lingers fondly in my memory now that it finally happened. This is a unique and affecting title that is worth seeking out by any who haven’t tried it before. Just be prepared for Ubisoft not to make playing the game an easy task.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Yakuza 4 is a triumph; for those who desire to take the plunge with this series, this may be the best place to start.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon is still fantastic, especially since the original was a major shake-up to the decades-old Pokémon formula. The update may be overly samey to someone who has already played Sun & Moon, but it does improve upon the base game in several ways. The new version is a must for newcomers to either this current generation or to Pokémon in general.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Atelier Ayesha is a game that can give even a cold person warm and fuzzy sensations. Ayesha's journey is worth undergoing for those who love to see how this series continues to improve.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sunless Sea is a unique experience that few fans of careful planning and literary cannibalism should ignore. Proponents of Fallen London's dark sensibilities and chilling, lore-rich writing will more than forgive its few mechanical trespasses; however, even less patient gamers may want to peek in to experience the sights and sounds of the zee.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Anyone who never liked the Metroidvania entries in the Castlevania series is extremely unlikely to be enthralled by Bloodstained. Koji Igarashi made no intimations of reinventing the wheel in Ritual of the Night, and the game is recognizably from the creator of Symphony of the Night. Playing this game nevertheless reminded me of how much fun a quality Metroidvania can be, and Konami is certainly in no mood to use its own intellectual property for anything other than Pachinko machines lately – plus if it had, something like paying money for additional save slots might have been introduced. Kickstarter-funded games have a decidedly mixed record, but Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is fortunately one of the success stories.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon is still fantastic, especially since the original was a major shake-up to the decades-old Pokémon formula. The update may be overly samey to someone who has already played Sun & Moon, but it does improve upon the base game in several ways. The new version is a must for newcomers to either this current generation or to Pokémon in general.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dungeon Siege III ends up being a fantastic hack and slack adventure that nearly achieves brilliance if not for lack of post-game content and expansive multiplayer.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game sounds great, looks great, plays well, feels old-school, and has a deep and interesting plot with characters we already know and love.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There is no game out there like Stray Gods, and while its execution has some flaws, its originality shines through. Summerfall Studios has crafted a memorable experience with loveable characters and catchy songs to boot. It’s been weeks since I completed both my playthroughs, and I’m still singing many of the unforgettable songs because they are unforgettable. Stray Gods casts a spell on the RPG genre, showcasing that risks truly can pay off, and succeeds by being an experience like no other.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Demonschool has a methodical pacing to it from story to combat that largely works in its favour. There are moments where the story drags out simply to match its established weekly formula, but the charming characters and thoughtful combat more than make up for that shortcoming. It is easy to appreciate the impressive amount of ways that its innovative combat system uses something as novel as strategic positioning. The level of thought and care put into the presentation and gameplay experience in this ambitious title is rewarded in spades for anyone that enjoys an entertaining romp into a strategic campy horror experience.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shadows Over Loathing very much picks up where West of Loathing left off. The two games have a very similar appeal, focusing on fun first and foremost but providing plenty of depth in their puzzles and exploration to ensure players are well engaged throughout. Exploring Ocean City offers plenty of rewards for players, be it satisfaction from solving a tough puzzle or challenge, or simply a good chuckle at the strange goings on.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tales of the Abyss is a very worthwhile addition to gamers' collections, and more than welcome on the 3DS' library. The removal of the technical issues is much appreciated and gives players the opportunity to experience the game at much closer to its full potential, where it easily earns the right to be spoken out in the same breaths as the more beloved entries in the series. Tales of the Abyss 3D is a very solid game all round, and the handling of characters' growth throughout the story should stick in one's memory for a good while.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's not as modern as Dragon Age: Origins, but it's worlds ahead of Baldur's Gate II.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.

In Progress & Unscored

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    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    It’s not trying to be big, flashy, or grandiose. There is no greater message it is trying to convey. It is simply a game wherein cute puppy dogs run around blowing stuff up with machine guns and missile launchers, and that is all it needs to be.
    • 73 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Provided the rest of the game keeps up with its strong opening, Phantom Doctrine is very well set up to be one of this year’s pleasant surprises and one that strategy fans be will happy to sink many hours into throughout multiple campaigns.
    • 62 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Fans of games such as older Elder Scrolls titles and even Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will likely find this an enjoyable experience. While Outward lacks the polish of those titles, it shares the vision of making a harsh, open-world experience into something memorable. It makes every victory feel like an accomplishment, and it allows the player to write their own story in a new and unforgiving land. And, for some, that is all they need from their RPGs to feel happily satisfied.
    • 59 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    I had a good time with Keepers of the Void, and appreciated the feeling of puzzling my way through a dungeon, as well as the spike in boss difficulty by the end. Even though it doesn’t add much, if anything, in terms of lore or storytelling to the game’s world, it’s a dungeon experience that Darksiders III overall benefits from. It doesn’t have many long-term rewards for those that have already cleared the main game, but it’s a worthwhile return trip to the world of Darksiders III nonetheless, even if only for a few hours, and the kind of thing I’d love to see integrated into the base game design for future outings in the franchise.
    • 69 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Miasma Chronicles is more than just a solid tactical RPG experience; it’s a game that’s both tongue-in-cheek fun and darkly mature, chronicling a humankind on the brink of extinction. The world-building and presentation offer much to take in and enjoy, while the combat is deep and sound, with tons of variables to constantly keep up with that can turn the tide of battle at a moment’s notice. It also has quite a keen edge, and those who enjoy a firm challenge will be well-served by what’s on offer. Despite a few technical hiccups in its current state, Miasma Chronicles has a lot to love, and is an easy recommendation for those wanting to scratch their next tactical itch with a game that asks much of its players, but also offers a wealth of quality in return.

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