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For 1,132 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 42% higher than the average critic
  • 10% same as the average critic
  • 48% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.4 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 74
Highest review score: 100 Pokemon Pokopia
Lowest review score: 30 Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 598 out of 1132
  2. Mixed: 494 out of 1132
  3. Negative: 40 out of 1132
1132 game reviews
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    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Awaria
    A tight, punchy package.
    • Siliconera
      • Posted Jan 6, 2025
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Neko Odyssey
    It's absolutely worth the time invested.
    • Siliconera
      • Posted Jan 6, 2025
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DoDonPachi SaiDaiOuJou
    DoDonPachi SaiDaiOuJou is one of those games that basically you tell a bullet hell fan to pick up because it is an essential title, but perhaps advise a more casual fan to consider if they like the developer or series first.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
    Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector did an incredible job of leaving me feeling lost, desperate, enraged at in-game entities or opponents, and like I was struggling to survive in a galaxy where every decision mattered.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dance of Cards
    Dance of Cards, overall, is a strong Poker and narrative game that went all-out with its gambling theme, aiming to make the player feel the same fear and exhilaration as its in-game characters. I really came to this game expecting very little, but instead got an experience that drew me into the lives of its characters and had me experiencing a hint of their own terror and the rush of a deadly risk. While I have my problems with the ending and some of the game’s problems, it’s still an impressive game that has a lot to offer if you’re willing to give yourself over to its quirks.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To
    There are a lot of reasons to play Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To, such as if you love Panel de Pon or Puzzle League or you want a dating sim that features more than visual novel gameplay.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While Waiting
    I love the concept behind While Waiting and the message the game conveys, but boy does it frustrate me sometimes.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Waiting in the Lime forest
    While the developers obviously put heart and passion into Waiting in the Lime Forest, it’s hard to recommend this game at its price when it doesn’t feel like it offers much in story or gameplay. Maybe in future updates, BARON DU JUVÉNILE will add more mini-games or another ending. In any case, I wish them well on their future endeavors and hope they can bring any lessons they learned from this to their next project.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Cabernet
    Cabernet is one of the more unique vampire games I’ve played, and I enjoyed maintaining a balance of managing Liza’s life while also dealing with more pressing tasks. It helped that some of her new contemporaries are also quite personable and fascinating. I just wish that some of the major campaign elements, at least early on, were a little more thrilling or that the Switch version was better optimized for the console.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Despera Drops
    I love the idea behind what’s going on in Despera Drops, and the push for answers and vindication meant I really loved seeing explanations in this otome game. Unfortunately, I feel that “thriller” part and some great character designs are the only focus. It doesn’t do a good job of balancing that with the romantic elements you’d expect from the genre. Add in two routes I felt weren’t handled well and, while I do recommend parts of it, I don’t feel it’s a perfect crime.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Sims 2: Legacy Collection
    The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle is a nostalgic blast to the past that gives newer players the chance to explore more options beyond the third game, as well as offers older players the opportunity to relive their childhood. Compared to the conveniences of modern entries, some of the older titles might feel frustrating to navigate. It’s almost like a metaphor for real life.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    QUByte Classics: Glover
    This version of Glover is a flawed port of a game that wears its age on its sleeve. Nothing here is bad enough to chase away those with warm memories of playing the game on Nintendo 64, but there are some differences that will likely chafe for some fans. If you don’t have any particular fondness for Glover, it’s hard to recommend with much vigor. It was decent enough in its time, but enjoying it now requires you to be very tolerant of the rougher aspects that come from such an early example of the genre.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Alter Age
    Alter Age makes use of its age-swapping mechanic to add some spice to its combat, but unfortunately fails to use it to make its story any more interesting. It’s a decent RPG that has some good monsters to beat up using its systems, but its trope-filled storyline doesn’t grab the imagination or stir the heart. It’s a decent RPG that I wish had done just a little bit more with its premise, but as is, it still offers a bit of light entertainment.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Book Bound
    Book Bound is one of those simple shop management games that doesn’t need to go over the top with details to be enjoyable. It isn’t overly complex or filled with major challenges. Rather, it’s a more relaxed game that feels like it’s about taking your time and gradually building up the bookshop of your dreams, rather than min-maxing your way to commercial success. It’s so pleasant that I found it easy to forgive its occasional clunkiness.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Please Be Happy
    While there are brief moments of intense emotion, Please Be Happy is mostly a very gentle story that might not satisfy those looking for an excessively cute or romantic tale, because that’s not what it is. It’s a story about slowing down and appreciating what you have, looking at yourself and deciding what it is you actually want to do and be. If you can match its pace, you’ll find a satisfying story in a pretty well made package. The pretty anime girls falling in love is just a bonus.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Grimoire Groves
    Grimoire Groves offers an overall satisfying gameplay experience. With only three spell slots and great diversity in the way spells interact with enemies, there are a ton of playstyles to develop. Although it takes a bit longer than I’d like to understand what I need to do to progress and how to do it, the cute character dialogue and expanding garden still gives me a sense of accomplishment once I do. Much like gardening, Grimoire Groves requires a little patience. But once you get past that initial struggle, it’s incredibly rewarding.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Urban Jungle
    Urban Jungle is interesting and happens to be one of the better organizational games like Unpacking that I’ve played. I like the defined identity of our avatar and sympathized with her situation. The concept is enjoyable too, and it scratches similar itches. It also encourages a bit of strategy, since you need to take into account other foliage, light, and humidity. However, it can also feel repetitive and restrictive sometimes, and the lack of proper handheld gaming PC and fully comprehensive controller support keeps it from being a Steam Deck must-have. With a few adjustments to the control scheme, it could be a relaxing way to pass some time.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Rift of the NecroDancer
    Rift of the NecroDancer features some interesting ideas and a great story mode, which shows how well the concepts from Crypt of the NecroDancer work in a new genre. I’m not the biggest fan of how some enemies are implemented, especially given the difficulty they present on more challenging levels when a lot of concepts are tossed at the player at once. It’s enjoyable and interesting, though how well you do while playing will be determined by your love of the series and music and willingness to really learn how to handle any type of attack. Those without a connection to the series might find themselves frustrated though, especially if they skip the tutorials.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    All in Abyss: Judge the Fake
    Sometimes I feel like if All in Abyss: Judge the Fake ended after the third chapter, I’d like the game a lot more. After that point, it feels like the other characters didn’t end up being as engaging and the Texas Hold’em hands and execution felt more tedious and uninteresting. I would say it’s close to being the epitome of an uneven game. The idea is interesting! For the first few hours, the Poker parts can feel fun! Some of the early Witches and scenarios made me want to quickly get through to find out what happened. But I feel like the design directions and some choices make it fall apart at points.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Tranquil Isle
    Tranquil Isle is enjoyable and can be a leisurely way to relax while developing an island. It’s a low-key town-building game for sure. However, while I enjoyed myself and it runs fine, this sim doesn’t really stand out. It might not be as memorable and eye-catching as other titles in the genre, which I think will keep it from becoming a “classic.”
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Breath of Fire IV
    While I feel like there’s something lovable about most Breath of Fire games, Breath of Fire IV can feel like one of the most memorable ones due to its story and Capcom’s gameplay decisions. So much so that I feel like even without some light enhancements, it holds up well for its age. The extra work GOG put on on compatibility and features helps Breath of Fire IV feel even more worthwhile, even though using a controller with it can feel a bit frustrating as you first find your footing.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    7'scarlet for Nintendo Switch
    While there may be some unfulfilling moments in 7’scarlet, depending on the route, as a whole it’s an enjoyable and often otherworldly otome game. Given how unusual its storyline can get and the twists and revelations that come after chasing after certain love interests, it’s definitely one that stands out among other Aksys, Otomate, and Idea Factory works. I’m glad it’s gotten a Switch release so even more people can experience and appreciate it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Labyrinth Of The Demon King
    There are times when I wish the Labyrinth of the Demon King gameplay might be a little more responsive or certain elements a little less fiddly, but the aesthetic and graphics are always on-point. It is fantastic about establishing ambiance. So even when I didn’t feel completely captivated by other elements, I felt compelled to keep playing to see what new areas and enemies might look like. One thing is for certain, and that is this game is a love letter to the fifth console generation.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Kabuto Park
    Kabuto Park feels like the type of game you play for about 15-20 minutes every day for a week when you need to take a minute to relax. It’s never taxing. The challenge is minimal. The bugs are cute. I doubt anyone will spend longer than a few hours 100%-ing it, but it’s enjoyable in moderation.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    SAEKO: Giantess Dating Sim
    Crude, salacious, yet surprisingly beautiful, SAEKO: Giantess Dating Sim is a fun short story for those who enjoy a fantastical take on dark romance. However, I sometimes wish it would veer a lot more into the themes and ideas it brings up.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Red Bell's Lament
    The Red Bell’s Lament is another example of Voltage offering a great otome game that feels different than what we’d expect due to its execution and story. It can be a little light on the romance, but there’s a strong narrative with genuine surprises and fantastic character development. It does feature some flaws at launch, both in terms of some missing translations and actual bugs that might cause issues with progression. However, I’m pretty confident the will be fixed, especially since Voltage made a statement, and result in this being one of the more interesting otome games on the Switch. Once a patch does appear, I think I’d consider it a must-buy for fans of the genre.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Nova Hearts
    The concept behind Nova Hearts is good and I like some story elements, but I’m not a fan of its romance and hate its combat. The relationships come across as awkward and superficial, with the script never really providing reasons why I should want Luce to end up with anyone besides “they’re hot.” The combat crawls along, is unenjoyable, and doesn’t feel fair sometimes. Top it all off with some issues with the Switch version, and I’d say it’s best to look to other dating sims on the system.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    BUSTAFELLOWS Season 2
    Bustafellows Season 2 is truly a game for anyone who loved the original otome adventure, and it still doesn’t shy away from pairing romance with the kinds of thrilling stories we’d find in crime dramas. The execution is gorgeous, so the character design is wonderful, portraits look great, and CGs are striking. Teuta is still generally a great heroine, and the continuing romances can feel really fulfilling now that everyone is established. In general, it’s a good way to spend some evenings if you already adore these dudes.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mushroom Musume
    Mushroom Musume is a whimsical approach to the Princess Maker genre, while still being a game that could get dark or a little unsettling depending on the choices you make for your character. It goes quite quickly and it’s really easy to make things work, eliminate some of the dangers or disheartening endings other stat-based raising titles can present. This makes uncovering different types of mushroom daughters and seeing new events easier. However, I do wish runs lasted a little longer considering how much potential there is for each child.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    MADO MONOGATARI: Fia and the Wondrous Academy
    I enjoyed Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy in spite of itself. I think the characters can be cute and fun, and I’m a sucker for any Mystery Dungeon style roguelike. The problem is that it really moves at a plodding pace, the combat system’s AOE and range systems get in the way of themselves, and the dungeon exploration feels more boring than challenging. I do think that, if there’s a sequel, a lot of this could be used as a foundation for something better. Trim some of the fat, like gameplay elements that didn’t work, tighten up the story, and adjust things to play more like Sorcery Saga (which was great) or the original first-person dungeon crawlers. I feel like the issue is that what’s here is too easy of a game with too cumbersome of a combat system for folks looking for a new Mystery Dungeon type of roguelike, but perhaps too slow-moving and awkward for those unfamiliar with the genre.
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