Shacknews' Scores
- Games
For 1,736 reviews, this publication has graded:
-
47% higher than the average critic
-
5% same as the average critic
-
48% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0 points lower than other critics.
(0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 75
| Highest review score: | Tekken 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest review score: | Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 |
Score distribution:
-
Positive: 996 out of 1736
-
Mixed: 688 out of 1736
-
Negative: 52 out of 1736
1763
game
reviews
- By Date
- By Critic Score
-
- Critic Score
Nightdive’s Quake II remaster is one of the best values in a year overflowing with fantastic games. It appeals to veterans who played the original, and all the customization bells and whistles make it welcoming to players who want to experience it for the first time.- Shacknews
- Posted Dec 24, 2023
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Despite some annoying technical issues, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an absolute feast of an RPG. It’s cliche to say, but it genuinely feels like there is something to discover at every corner. There’s a variety of ways to build your character and party, and the Pawn system feels like it should be the standard for similar games moving forward. Capcom has once again shown a deep understanding of why its games resonate so well with people, and Dragon’s Dogma 2 is one we’ll be talking about for years to come.- Shacknews
- Posted Mar 20, 2024
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Having now completed every side mission, substory, and objective in a little over 25 hours, I can only hope Ryu Ga Gotoku learns from this game and works on more bite-sized spin-offs fleshing out the rest of this universe roster of loveable weirdos, gallant heroes, and snarling villains.- Shacknews
- Posted Nov 6, 2023
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Your goal in Atomfall is to escape, but the reality is this world is far too interesting to want to leave. I cared very little about finding this Interchange at first, and instead preferred to hunt for buried caches, find recipes, read notes, and uncover secrets. I killed characters just to see what was in their pockets, but not before I heard what interesting things they had to say. It wasn’t personal on my end, but those three bullets and the key to the secret room behind them was far more valuable to me than their life. If that seems harsh, no problem, because you’re free to play the complete opposite of me, and I promise it will be just as entertaining.- Shacknews
- Posted Mar 21, 2025
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
It might not be the longest game, and the thrill of the exploration may bottleneck a bit at the end, but the changing course, different routes, and ultimate ending of Beacon Pines are still more than worth exploring for any fan of narrative adventure.- Shacknews
- Posted Sep 21, 2022
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a game that is meant to be loved and savored for years to come, and I'm sure it will be looked back on with as much fanfare and admiration as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Nintendo's other hallmark titles.- Shacknews
- Posted Mar 2, 2017
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
That a first-person shooter like Doom exists in 2016 is shocking. Its levels are vast and intricately designed, its gameplay diverse and joyful, its toolset robust. Multiplayer is its weak link, but the adaptability of SnapMap is more than enough to offset that.- Shacknews
- Posted May 17, 2016
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Nintendo is known for being conservative and protective of its properties, and it's taking an uncharacteristic risk by giving players this much control over its most iconic character. We're already seeing creativity flourish. I can only imagine what will happen when we're all Mario's caretakers.- Shacknews
- Posted Sep 2, 2015
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Tetris Effect is the best iteration of the game franchise since the New Tetris on Nintendo 64.- Shacknews
- Posted Nov 11, 2018
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
With a huge, breathtaking world, an epic story, and choices that leaves a significant mark on the world around you, Dragon Age: Inquisition embodies everything that makes the series so popular.- Shacknews
- Posted Nov 11, 2014
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Team Sonic Racing is a strong return to form for Sumo Digital’s kart racing spin-off series. Built on a solid foundation of gameplay, the risks taken with the implementation of the team dynamic pay off big time and sets Team Sonic Racing apart from other available titles in its class. Although it could use some beefing up in terms of side content, Team Sonic Racing is a versatile experience that fans of the franchise will adore.- Shacknews
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Zero Sievert might use a lot of familiar genre descriptors, such as roguelike and extraction shooter, and it might not do a whole lot different from other, similar games that came before. However, everything it does, it does just right. It rewards you enough to make the steep challenge worth putting up with. It pushes you to explore and experiment by making both goals feel achievable with the right plan and a bit of luck, and eventually, it gives you the tools to make some fantastically detailed weapon builds and take on even bigger challenges with bigger rewards on offer. It's all recognizable, sure, but when Zero Sievert is this fun, innovation doesn't really matter.- Shacknews
- Posted Oct 23, 2024
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
When I rolled credits on Mixtape, I was sad that it was over so soon. But then, I was immediately excited at the prospect of multiple future playthroughs where I could toy with all of the quirky minigames and their outcomes en route to seeing everything the game had to offer. It’s how I knew that I truly love a video game. Like with many of the coming-of-age films it takes inspiration from and the timeless artists featured on its soundtrack, I know I won’t be able to resist the urge to come back to Mixtape again and again.- Shacknews
- Posted May 7, 2026
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Psychonauts 2 is a well-expanded sequel to the first game with tons of personality, solid platforming and action, and a great story with a memorable cast of new and returning characters.- Shacknews
- Posted Aug 23, 2021
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Dotemu and Guard Crush Games have not pulled any punches with Absolum. Its fluid, hard-hitting combat system is a blast to play, and piecing together the best build to crush foes with 100-hit combos never gets old. Every runthrough in the fantasy world of Talamn is challenging but fair and replete with new paths to discover. Despite a few minor flaws, Absolum takes a bold step toward modernizing the beat-’em-up genre with an original story and technical prowess.- Shacknews
- Posted Oct 9, 2025
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
When it comes down to it, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a brilliant and astounding experience by a developer that has shown itself to be a leader in the open-world genre. Henry makes for such a pleasant protagonist that you can’t help but love him, and the journey you go on across medieval Bohemia is equal parts complex and deeply absorbing. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 shines bright among its peers, even with its dints and dents.- Shacknews
- Posted Feb 3, 2025
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Short, sweet, and smart, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown took me by surprise. It’s not just about how much I enjoyed it, but how intelligently Strange Scaffold came up with a gimmick that sounds bizarre on paper, but absolutely nailed it in practice. I never could have guessed what a turn-based beat-em-up could possibly be, but now I perfectly understand the concept. As someone who’s more keen on brawlers than being a general on the battlefield, this is an approach to tactics that lit up all the best parts of my brain, and kept on cooking until the credits rolled. And then some, because the song that plays at the end is a banger.- Shacknews
- Posted May 22, 2025
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
With its strong cast of characters, complicated and compelling cases, and a good combination of new and classic elements in a good, lengthy prequel story, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is a courtroom drama I couldn’t put down till I saw the mystery through to the end.- Shacknews
- Posted Jul 26, 2021
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Marvel's Spider-Man is at once a fantastic action game, a dramatic story-driven adventure, and a love letter to fans of Marvel's ever-endearing wall-crawler. It's also one of the strongest titles in Insomniac Games' catalog, and will no doubt be counted not only among the best games of 2018, but also among the best PlayStation 4 exclusives ever released.- Shacknews
- Posted Sep 4, 2018
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Shadow of Mordor is influenced by other games, but not defined by them. Instead it takes pieces from some of the best games of the last few years, augments them with RPG mechanics and the new Nemesis system, and integrates them all so well together that it's sometimes hard to tell where one system begins and another ends. It's a remarkable achievement.- Shacknews
- Posted Sep 25, 2014
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
In true Sabotage fashion, Sea of Stars faithfully captures the nostalgic appeal of retro turn-based games while improving upon its systems with contemporary innovations. The witty, self-aware dialogue and charming cast of characters are bolstered by thoughtful design choices and a compelling narrative. Sea of Stars is an instant classic that retro RPG fans and newcomers alike will not want to pass up.- Shacknews
- Posted Aug 28, 2023
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Evil Dead: The Game surprised me in every single way. It was more than I expected. The attention to detail in the characters, enemies, and environments. The Knowby cabin is outstanding and nearly a 1 for 1 replica. The finishers are beautiful, the environments eerie and creepy, the gameplay loop addictive, but most importantly it is fun.- Shacknews
- Posted May 28, 2022
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Warhammer: Chaosbane is an absolute treat for fans of the Warhammer universe. If you like dungeon crawlers or Warhammer in general, you should definitely pick this up – especially if you don't have a phone. Be sure to check out the full review above for an exciting look at Warhammer: Chaosbane, which should absolutely be on your radar when it comes to Game of the Year considerations later in 2019.- Shacknews
- Posted Jun 2, 2019
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Cairn is a phenomenal climbing game. There were times where I wanted to throw in the towel because of some minor animation hiccup, but, like Aava, I couldn’t stop. There’s this intriguing parallel at play here, one that I found myself thinking about in those moments where I needed to rest my sweaty palms and Aava needed to recharge her stamina. Neither of us could stop. We had to see it through to the end, in whatever form that took. By the time the credits rolled, I knew that Cairn would stick with me for a long time. This is a game you absolutely have to experience.- Shacknews
- Posted Jan 29, 2026
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Mimimi Games puts their pedigree to work in Desperados 3 in fantastic ways. It’s not easy, and sometimes it’s downright cruel, but when a plan comes together in Desperados 3’s vast and varied Wild West, it’s supremely satisfying.- Shacknews
- Posted Jun 12, 2020
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition offers up a lot of content and does a great job of compelling players to unlock more of it. As long as everyone knows what they’re getting into though I would definitely recommend this game to fans of the Dynasty Warriors franchise regardless of their familiarity with Zelda. I’d also give a thumbs up to fans of the Zelda games that are into arcade-style action every now and again.- Shacknews
- Posted May 16, 2018
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Jurassic World Evolution 2 is endless fun for a fan of the blockbuster franchise. A large library of species to unlock and study, bioengineering, and the ability to revisit iconic moments from the movies makes it an easy recommendation for anyone looking for their fix of Jurassic content. Even as a park manager, the game is quite satisfying, aside from some light frustrations here or there.- Shacknews
- Posted Nov 19, 2021
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
It wouldn’t surprise me if I ended up spending 200 hours on a single save, then loading it back up in a few months to do it all again. Whether I’m chasing the thrill of a daring train robbery, or the serenity of a solo camping trip, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world game I will return to time and time again.- Shacknews
- Posted Oct 25, 2018
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Wasteland 3 is one of those games that I could go on and on about, but the truth is, you really need to experience it yourself. The vast amount of content on display here is admirable, and inXile has once again proven why the community surrounding its titles is so passionate about what they do.- Shacknews
- Posted Aug 26, 2020
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
It is incredibly well-optimized, ensuring it will look good and run smoothly on a variety of hardware. Microsoft pledged to put a focus back on its PC players and if Gears 5 is an indication of what is to come, mouse and keyboard jockeys are in for a treat.- Shacknews
- Posted Sep 4, 2019
- Read full review
| 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
?
-
- Critic Score
Call of Duty: WW2 is competently made by a skilled team. I just wish some of that talent and skill could be put towards anything other than this yearly pile of linear shooting rehash. The game runs well and is very playable, so things aren’t all that bad, they just feel soulless. All I could think of while playing is how I would rather be killing Nazis in Wolfenstein 2. [Provisional Score = 50]- Shacknews
- Posted Nov 3, 2017
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
All early indications are Dishonored 2 holds up to the high bar of its predecessor, and while it offers a bit more replayability with Emily and Corvo and some new game mechanics, it isn't as much of an advancement as it is a return to a formula that continues to work incredibly well for the series.- Shacknews
- Posted Nov 15, 2016
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Even the true fans will retreat to YouTube to watch the cutscenes, because there's nothing to entice players here. Re Mind is a dud and a total disappointment for any KH fan.- Shacknews
- Posted Jan 27, 2020
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
God of War already played well and looked great on the PS4, and as expected it’s even better when unleashed on PC.- Shacknews
- Posted Jan 12, 2022
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
With Xenoblade Chronicles 2, every item down even the darkest corners of my inventory has a purpose. It can feel overwhelming at times and you'll surely pull your hair out trying to decide what to sell, if anything, but hardcore players will be rewarded kindly if they want to spend the time. More casual players will find some fun too, but won't be punished if they decide to obsess over every little detail.- Shacknews
- Posted Nov 30, 2017
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Those who enjoyed and have missed the controller-throwing fury of Cuphead will be happy with the Delicious Last Course. It's a wholesome story, features more of the vintage art style that made the original so memorable, and the addition of Ms. Chalice even makes the base game retroactively more accessible.- Shacknews
- Posted Jul 6, 2022
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
The Death Stranding Director’s Cut adds enough new tools and toys for players to utilize to make the experience worth replaying for those diehard fans. And for those that were unsure about getting in, the shuffling and redistribution of tools ensures that the early game is more approachable, while still retaining the sense of scale and progression offered at launch. The other features, like the firing range, racing track, and new location elevate an already rich experience. So collect your order and tie up your laces, because you’ll want to walk another 500 miles or more to experience what’s on offer here.- Shacknews
- Posted Sep 23, 2021
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
If you’ve never played the original Last of Us, I would argue this is the version worth playing. The upgrades over the original are quite numerous. From the upgraded visuals and impeccable work done on lighting and shadows, to the expansion of accessibility options and even new ones over The Last of Us Part 2, and finally a multitude of subtle gameplay improvements that make the whole experience all the more enjoyable, this is a fully upgraded package. I won’t say every “improvement” is actually an improvement or even necessary, but the sheer amount of polish added to this version of the game likely ensures I will never go back to The Last of Us Remastered over Part 1, given the choice. [Impressions]- Shacknews
- Posted Aug 31, 2022
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Boobs Saga is a confusing mess of poor controls, bad voice acting, terrible combat, and awful English text and dialogue. It's a shame, because it seems otherwise it could shape up to be a serviceable lewd adventure. [Early Access Score = 40]- Shacknews
- Posted Dec 25, 2018
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Eldritch Realms adds an impressive number of new ways to think about Age of Wonders 4, and the hero units and realm challenges are among the strategy game’s best so far. Sure, it’s not another Empires and Ashes-level expansion, but it’s pretty darn close.- Shacknews
- Posted Jun 18, 2024
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
For long-time Monster Hunter players, it’s always worth picking up the expansions, especially in the case of Sunbreak. For those looking to get into Monster Hunter for the first time, treat Sunbreak like dessert: it’s there for you once you finish your meal. But whether you’ve been at the banquet for a long time or just getting your first plate, you can’t go wrong with Sunbreak, it’s a stellar addition to an already excellent experience.- Shacknews
- Posted Jun 29, 2022
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
While the main focus of the story isn’t on how badass Batman is, Telltale has done a great job with the combat sequences, and the story-driven choices that are littered throughout the narrative really help to push the character forward.- Shacknews
- Posted Aug 2, 2016
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Prey is messing with my head - in a good way. All the elements of a great game are there, while driving me mad with its complexity.- Shacknews
- Posted May 9, 2017
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
For those who were disappointed by Ultimate Alliance 3's first few DLC offerings, Shadow of Doom has some more meat to it and should be more of what true believers are looking for.- Shacknews
- Posted Mar 28, 2020
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
As somebody who wasn't into the Nier lore going into this review, I'm fully invested now. That's the magic that Nier Replicant works and, even with its faults, it's a treat for both fans and newcomers.- Shacknews
- Posted Apr 27, 2021
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Insomniac’s first DLC outing for Marvel’s Spider-Man proves to be a worthy one. While it doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, it adds more activities for players to dive into and features a fully fleshed out story with some pretty memorable characters. The best thing The Heist has going for it is that it gets to build on top of the spectacular foundation laid with the original game.- Shacknews
- Posted Oct 23, 2018
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
WWE 2K17's expansive game systems represent possibly the most substantial update to the franchise in years. Most of the changes are small, but they add up to the most fun I've had with a WWE game in years.- Shacknews
- Posted Oct 17, 2016
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
If nothing else, Aftermath is a must-play for both newer fans of the modern Mortal Kombat narrative and old-school fans who enjoyed the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie. While there have been offshoot projects like the Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge movie that released earlier this year, Aftermath's story shows once again that there are no better tellers of the Mortal Kombat lore than the NetherRealm team themselves.- Shacknews
- Posted May 28, 2020
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
If you’ve already played through what the core game has to offer, Iki Island is a reasonably priced expansion (as is the PS5 upgrade). I do wish it had just a little bit more to offer, but I will take it over nothing. If you loved what this game already had to offer, how could you turn down more of it?- Shacknews
- Posted Aug 19, 2021
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
"Like Dark Souls" has become a frequent and often eyerolling-inducing comparison, albeit with good reason. Love it or hate it, Dark Souls has informed countless games since it burst onto the scene in a spray of blood and smashed controllers. The Surge excels by knowing when to take cues from the king of the genre, and when to turn left where its predecessors turned right. I'm over a dozen hours in, and I'll happily play dozens more.- Shacknews
- Posted May 15, 2017
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Peel away impressive visuals, and you're left with a game that seemingly holds itself together with haphazardly-placed thin threads. Being that it's an open world extreme sports game, you're encouraged to explore around the mountains, detecting drop zones and finding new challenges to participate in.- Shacknews
- Posted Dec 11, 2016
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
It is a treat to get to experience Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PC, whether it’s for the first time or a revisit. Nixxes does a superb job at making it a joy on PC, and the game’s holiday themes make it the perfect game to get you in the spirit. Not only did it renew my excitement for the future of this franchise, but for more PlayStation games to get PC ports down the road.- Shacknews
- Posted Nov 18, 2022
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Players who may have passed on the PS4 release in anticipation of Death Stranding coming to PC will not be disappointed. The game ran great during my preview experience, and features keyboard and mouse support. In a world that seems increasingly chaotic and apocalyptic, Death Stranding can provide players with a world that is actually trying to repair itself.- Shacknews
- Posted Jul 13, 2020
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Besides fun gameplay, 007 First Light packs a punch in the presentation department. Its audiovisuals are stunning to behold; you’ll feel like you’re playing a Bond movie, but with all the accoutrements of a modern video game, alongside decision-making that feels uniquely yours. [Hands-On Impressions]- Shacknews
- Posted Apr 30, 2026
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
To call Nioh a copycat would be doing it a disservice. Combat is tight and layered with options, levels are gorgeously rendered and ooze atmosphere, and the story is entertaining enough to keep me interested yet can still be set aside when I'm more interested in perfecting my ki pulses.- Shacknews
- Posted Feb 6, 2017
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
A new journey in the Life is Strange universe has begun, but so far, it's not one I'm particularly enjoying.- Shacknews
- Posted Sep 26, 2018
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Overall, Monster Hunter Rise on PC is another perfect example of why the series belongs on computer. It offers all the excellent experiences found on the Nintendo Switch, albeit with improved visuals, better resolution, a myriad of performance options, and greater controller support. Hopefully there comes a day when PC players get to experience a Monster Hunter title at the same time as console players, because the series has shown that it thrives on PC, with a playerbase ready to dive into it with their whole hearts. For those that have been biding their time, I’m pleased to say that Monster Hunter Rise on PC has been well worth the wait.- Shacknews
- Posted Jan 10, 2022
- Read full review