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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:
  1. Positive: 413 out of 1239
  2. Mixed: 695 out of 1239
  3. Negative: 131 out of 1239
1244 game reviews
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    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore
    For anyone who played the initial release on the Wii U, there’s not a ton to revisit, though the combat remains immensely satisfying and the story continues to hold up and is further beefed up by new content. While the game won’t appeal to those seeking the tactical gameplay of a classic Fire Emblem, anyone who didn’t jump onto the idol train last generation could do far worse than picking up this Encore, especially with a dearth of other games in a similar vein on the Nintendo Switch.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones
    If a steep difficulty curve, the promise of learning and juggling deep gameplay systems, and keeping a close eye trained on stats at all times sound right up your alley, or if you just want to be immersed in a well-made, atmospheric world, then Stygian is well worth checking out.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love
    Perhaps if this game had come out in 2005, when it was originally created, when the industry was slower and the game releases were more spread out, it might have been more appealing to more players.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon
    Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon could be played by someone new to the series quite easily thanks to its many refinements and the tutorial contained within the Prologue chapters. Veterans of the series will find a game that combines the refinements of more recent entries, save for a lack of variety in battle objectives.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dodgeball Academia
    Dodgeball Academia breaks off at an appropriate point and leaves a good feeling behind; there’s enough about the game to enjoy its content. It successfully evokes the feelings that come from watching fun cartoons, though on the gameplay side it feels like it would benefit from having more standout and extended matches as regular encounters towards the end because it felt like they were mostly making up the numbers. There’s definitely scope available for Pocket Trap to build on what it has created here, and I’d be very happy to see it do so.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
    Fire Emblem Echoes provoked a multitude of emotions from me, not all of them positive. It's different than anything else in the series, and shows what happens when a developer feels like veering away from the established path. It's to the game's credit that I found it quite addictive and sank a lot of hours into it, plus much of what takes place is genuinely interesting. Yet some of the nasty tricks it pulls in the last battles were just infuriating. A somewhat mixed bag, but absolutely worth investigating by series stalwarts.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
    Dream Team is certainly not a bad game, and the positives it offers are considerable. It nevertheless feels like a missed opportunity for something even better, and veterans of the series will probably find it getting a little old before the conclusion is reached.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Everhood
    During its six-hour runtime, not counting the New Game Plus mode that gives access to extra battles, secrets, and endings, Everhood manages to not only distinguish itself from its influences, but also to turn the expectations that come with them upside-down, all to provide an experience that can’t be found anywhere else. Whether or not the game will achieve a cult status remains to be seen, but players itching for something out of the ordinary better not let Everhood slip under their radar.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Rune Factory 4 Special
    Rune Factory 4 Special is an easy recommendation to any RPGamer who enjoys farming and life sim games, as well as for those casual Stardew Valley fans that wished for more variety in the combat aspects. It’s been long enough since the 3DS release that this game can be enjoyed fresh again, and for those who missed it the first time around, now’s the perfect time to give it a try. I thoroughly enjoyed my time back in the land of Selphia, and seeing everything that made Rune Factory one of my favorite portable game series work so well on the Switch has me even more excited to see what’s ahead for the series now that we’ve sadly left the dual-screen period of gaming behind.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie
    With its placement as a capstone on the titles that have come before, The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie is very much one for the fans. It’s largely a celebration of all that’s come before it, both narratively and in its combat, and ultimately successful for doing so. It’s nature means Trails into Reverie is lacking some of the fun investigative parts that have helped players inhabit the world, but being able to see all of the main characters interact again is a pleasure, and it once again pulls off an impressive emotional finale. With all that said and done, it’s definitely time the series headed for new pastures and hopefully western fans won’t have too long to wait before finding out where it goes in Kuro no Kiseki.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
    Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma stands as a triumphant evolution for the beloved franchise. By boldly venturing into a new, culturally rich Eastern setting, it breathes fresh air into its established formula while retaining the core elements that fans adore. The cohesive integration of its various gameplay elements—from the strategic depths of village management and the relaxed rhythm of farming to the engaging action of its combat and the heartwarming intricacies of its relationships—creates a truly satisfying experience. The game’s strengths lie in its innovative approach to community building, its refined combat system, and its deeply endearing cast of characters, all presented with captivating visuals.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
    It’s very pleasing to see Inazuma Eleven make its return in strong form. Level-5 has translated its gameplay onto PC and consoles well, while keeping the series’ nature and enduring charm intact, as well as ensuring that fans will have plenty to keep them occupied ahead of any potential sequel. There are still plenty of areas for improvement: the non-story modes struggle to find a gameplay loop that is particularly engaging, and there are times where more of a challenge would be welcomed. However, with a solid revival to build upon, here’s hoping it’s a much shorter wait before the next entry.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Darkest Dungeon II
    When a game is successful it can be easy to just make a few changes and call it a day for a sequel. Altering the formula with how traversal works and adding in new ways of making the game feel both punishing and fair is what makes Darkest Dungeon II exemplary. With so many different options of making things work it is easy to get lost in this world for one more run. Those that stick past the many fallen runs will find a game that shines by not having players learn to run from walking, but rather how to stand battered and bloody after crawling and fighting through everything the game throws at them. This game is a well-designed gem for any brave enough to enter its depths.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fate/Samurai Remnant
    Fate/Samurai Remnant makes its mark with a strong story and setting, though the gameplay isn’t quite enough to make the most of it. It’s still enjoyable to work through, but the repetitiveness of everything begins to grate by the time a first playthrough is done, running counter to the game’s clear intention of getting players to revisit it for the additional story elements and endings. Fans of the series will certainly be able to appreciate its take on the formula and how it connects to the wider series, and despite the game’s weaknesses, its story should be more than strong enough to get new fans into the franchise.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy XV
    Final Fantasy XV offered a lot of surprises, some good, some bad. As you make progress, it eventually feels like you're playing through two different games merged into one. Some will be more forgiving than others, though it never ruined the experience for me.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV
    For those who’ve stuck with Class VII through thick and thin over three games, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV is the crowning achievement to an exceptionally well-written story with plenty of tears and laughter mixed together into a timeless package. Continued iteration of an already excellent combat system and improved pacing past the first act come together to create a unique experience that I will no doubt continue to treasure for a long time. Though it took a while to get here, the journey was absolutely worth it.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bravely Second: End Layer
    Although it's not going to win over those who struggled to get into Bravely Default from the early going, Bravely Second should hold great appeal for everyone else.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD
    Skyward Sword HD should be commended for its attempt to improve on the original. Having a new control scheme and making a good deal of Fi’s advice optional make it a more palatable experience. However, the game still suffers from pacing issues that made the original feel too bloated as well as a disappointing deemphasis on exploration. This remaster could have realistically improved upon a lot, yet it would still fall short compared to the series’ strongest entries. There is still enough for those looking for a more traditional 3D Zelda experience on the Switch provided they keep their expectations in check.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Wasteland 2
    If you're a fan of this style of game and have played the best recent releases, look behind you. Because that's where Wasteland 2 is going to be.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Muramasa: The Demon Blade
    However, don't go into Muramasa expecting an impressive story. For gamers that want an experience full of beautiful scenery and engaging gameplay, Muramasa will provide just that.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Minit
    I never felt short-changed by Minit; I simply wanted to play it more, which is a testament to the game's design. It's such a simple, tight formula, but is executed so well that it just feels perfect.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Avowed
    I haven’t played an Obsidian game in a long while, and I have to say that in terms of characters, storytelling, and worldbuilding, I felt right at home with everything that was happening throughout Avowed‘s modest runtime. Even with the uninspired combat and the performance issues, I found myself constantly wanting to explore the Living Lands, make potentially life-altering decisions that could affect the world, and steal Marius’ snacks for good measure. Avowed does a fabulous job of keeping players on their toes while also weaving stories that make players want to see everything through to the end. While Avowed has some blemishes, there is a lot to love in this world, and I want to see more of it.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom - Prince's Edition
    The Prince’s Edition is probably the best way to enjoy this content, as its staggered inclusion throughout the game gives it more utility to the player as a means of raising levels, materiel, and equipment, rather than leaving one with a feeling of “more of the same” well after the player has exhausted what the main game has to offer. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is nothing like its predecessor in general playstyle, but it shares the same sense of whimsy and wonder, the same motifs of sadness and redemption, and is a well-built game overall.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail
    In the end, Dawntrail does the job it needed to do by giving players the new adventure they need to get going once again. It takes a little while to get there, but when the payoff comes it shows how the narrative team behind Final Fantasy XIV is at hitting the emotional highs. The dungeons, boss fights, and location designs further demonstrate the team’s impressive ability to keep injecting fresh mechanics and sights to a fully matured title. It may ultimately be regarded as an expansion that keeps the game rolling rather than bringing it to a new level, but Dawntrail is a worthy continuation of Final Fantasy XIV’s line.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
    Capcom has definitely found its footing in terms of creating a kid-friendly Monster Hunter spinoff series, as Monster Hunter Stories 2 has a lot to offer for newcomers and veterans of the series alike. While the battle system is fantastic for a younger audience, it does lack depth and can feel like quite the slog, especially late game. While the story won’t wow anyone, it is sincere in its approach that it’s hard to be disappointed in it. Monster Hunter Stories 2 is great for monster-taming fans, and those who don’t mind a slow-paced game in a gorgeous and inviting world.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    South Park: The Fractured But Whole
    While South Park: The Fractured But Whole improves on Stick of Truth in a lot of ways, the whole experience feels somehow less grand. Although the game is slightly longer, probably lasting most players 20-30 hours, it doesn't push the boundaries nearly as far as Stick of Truth, and the poor pacing towards the end of the game definitely detracts from the overall experience. That said, there are a huge number of highly memorable moments peppered throughout the game, and it's an experience South Park fans won't want to miss.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    In Stars And Time
    In Stars and Time brought forth one of my fears and forced me to confront it with its premise. While the game has such a fantastic story with wonderful characters and a powerful twist, a lot of the repetitive elements can and will be a turn-off to some. I mostly adored my time with the game, but I won’t sugarcoat my frustration in having to constantly replay the same battles and dialogue. For those who stick with it, In Stars and Time is an emotionally engaging tale that is worth the effort.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Stellar Blade
    From beginning to end, Stellar Blade remains consistently wonderful from a presentation perspective, uneven but perfectly well from a gameplay perspective, and lifeless and poorly executed from a narrative perspective. Stellar Blade consistently shines in many areas, but any recommendation must come with a heave “your mileage may vary.”
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech
    SteamWorld Quest is an excellent fifteen-hour adventure filled with humor, well-designed gameplay, and vibrant, detailed graphics that make the relatable characters and world around them just pop. While this game might be on the radar for current fans of the SteamWorld universe, it should pique the interest of many fans of well-written, visually pretty RPGs as well. I’m delighted I got a chance to play this and now find myself interested in digging into the rest of Image & Form’s other titles.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars
    While I wasn’t fully impressed by Konami’s additions in this remaster collection, I am happy for anyone who can finally access these two classics. The Suikoden series is for those who love political intrigue, gripping storytelling, and a fantastic soundtrack. Suikoden as a series does an amazing job of pulling RPGamers into their war-torn worlds and making them feel invested in what is happening. While I miss some of the quirks of the original localization, such as Jowy having multiple spellings to his name or the Celestial Sword being known as the Sward Dragon Sword (it will always be the SDS of my heart), I cannot deny how much happiness I felt replaying two of my all-time favourite RPGs. Even though this remastered collection is fairly barebones for veteran players, it is absolutely worth grabbing for anyone who has never had the opportunity to play these classic JRPGs.
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