The Escapist's Scores

  • Games
For 784 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 49% higher than the average critic
  • 4% same as the average critic
  • 47% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.1 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 75
Highest review score: 100 Pokemon White Version
Lowest review score: 10 Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 43 out of 784
875 game reviews
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Like a grizzled veteran of countless battles, Total War: Rome II is still set in its ways, for better or worse.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A solid third person shooter but is marred by some repetitive gameplay elements and a lack of depth with its mechanics and story.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even with its few missteps, Disney Infinity is a magical experience that succeeds in immersing adults and children alike in a robust universe where you will spend countless hours making your childhood dreams into videogame reality.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Bureau: XCOM Declassified doesn't tell much of a story, and the gameplay is split between the action-packed missions and the supremely boring HQ meanderings. You'll have a ton of fun when you're actually on missions, but that only accounts for 60% of the time you'll spend in game.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    A fantastic game, keeping up the series' tradition of giving players a wide open world and the tools to go absolutely bonkers within it. It's hilarious, it's action-packed, and most of all, its fun to play.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Europa Universalis IV is a well-constructed simulation of what it's like to bring through the colonial era. For history buffs and strategy grognards, EU4 delivers an excellent update to a storied franchise, but it may be hard for new players to penetrate its esoteric systems.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    This is a retro re-release at its finest. The game feels like its classic counterpart, but it has a number of improvements to make it more palatable to a modern gaming audience.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Those that love or have fond memories of Shadowrun will get the most out of Shadowrun Returns, but anyone that enjoys RPGs, XCOM and cyberpunk settings could also find something to love.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Divinity: Dragon Commander has a unique setting and interesting characters, but its real time and turn based strategy elements don't hold up to its narrative aspects.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Dragon's Crown is gorgeous, and though at times its flavor may be of questionable taste, ultimately it does still manage to strike a lot of the right nostalgia chords.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The ending may not be the best thing ever, but it can't tarnish the incredible enjoyment you'll get out of Pikmin 3. This is probably the best game yet on Wii U.
    • 38 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Dark is a title that's full of repetitive gameplay and occasionally stupid-high difficultly, topped off with a lackluster story and dull characters.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The things that Exato has done to make Guncraft different from its predecessors have made it a better game. Instead of a clone, they've stepped up and made an engaging game that lets you get your block-building and headshot fix at the same time.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The sweeping changes to the Civilization V ruleset are both refreshing and familiar. Each of the updates feels like a logical evolution and are seamlessly integrated with the existing systems. Brave New World feels like Civ V Complete.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Deadpool can be surprisingly fun. The combat's well put together and there are some genuinely hilarious moments in the story, but it has its share of controller-throwing difficulty problems and hit-or-miss jokes, many that aren't quite as funny if you play through the game more than once.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Duels 2014 has everything you've ever wanted from a Duels game. The Sealed Play option takes this version to a whole new level, and will make it exceedingly difficult for Stainless to one-up itself again.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Extremely funny and surprisingly poignant, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep is the Borderlands 2 magnum opus.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Company of Heroes 2 is a shot of vodka. You know what to expect from its real-time tactical combat, and playing one mission or match quickly turns to two, three or four. But watch out for the hangover; the Eastern Front was hell.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    You'll have fun while you're playing it, but the lack of depth will cut into the single player experience after a few hours. The multiplayer is very enjoyable, but not strong enough on its own.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Neverwinter is an extremely fun adaptation of D&D's 4th Edition, with all of its strengths and weaknesses. Though the game is arduously linear at times, they've made the roller coaster gameplay into a wild ride with beautiful environments, and just the right amount of freedom to explore.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A brilliant remake of two classic, underloved arcade brawlers.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you're willing to really delve into all the facets of Dust 514, and a few technical issues, there's a satisfying shooter with some stakes for you and your corporation mates to be found. If you'd rather not get that invested, then Dust 514 might not be for you.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This standalone expansion is a wonderful fantasy strategy game in its own right, but it doesn't quite have enough to place it in the pantheon of classics.
    • 95 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The characters in The Last of Us are relatable without being entirely stereotypical, the story is driven by the characters, rather than the reverse, and the adventure sections, while nothing new mechanically, offer a great way to really delve into the world. Given the lack of truly innovative mechanics, and the reliance on well-known types of gameplay, like the all-too-typical "find a ladder to climb to the next section" adventuring bits, The Last of Us isn't perfect, but it's awfully close.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Gunpoint is a short, well-crafted title that combines film noir, stealth, and hacking puzzles into a incredibly fun gaming experience. No one mechanic or playstyle takes precedence over the others, but all are equally balanced and fun to play around with.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Remember Me doesn't do anything outright terrible, but neither does it come together as something truly great either. An interesting big idea sci-fi setting can't hold a whole game together; it needs to be coupled with equally interesting gameplay.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If there was any question whether Daedalic is the inheritor of the LucasArts adventure gaming crown, consider it settled. The Night of the Rabbit is an outstanding example of the genre and an impressive next step in the ongoing evolution and refinement of its creator.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Some of Fuse's flaws, like the grindy boss fights and a storyline that takes itself a little too seriously at times, can harm the experience, but it's a well built third-person shooter that's fun to play solo or on a team.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sanctum 2 is a thrilling, fast-paced tower defense game, which keeps things interesting with the FPS gameplay during the assaults. The RPG elements add to the total package, making even the single player feel like a complete experience.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's a port of an excellent game that matches its source material beat for beat. Whether you're a franchise fan or simply a gamer looking for something fun to play on your 3DS, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is one of the best options of the platform.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Regardless of which thief you prefer to use, or if you'd rather tackle the game solo or with other players, you're going to need a great deal of patience, luck and skill in order to handle Monaco's complex missions.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As a sequel, Last Light approaches perfection. It improves on its predecessor in just about every way, but may leave newcomers scratching their heads.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Zombie Tycoon 2 is an entertaining attempt to bring RTS gameplay to consoles, with a healthy dose of humor and zombies for good measure. Simplified controls and streamlined tactics greatly assist the experience, but imprecise movements and a lack of consistency keep the single-player campaign back from its full potential.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even as simply a pure action game, Blood Dragon would be worth a look, but for those who appreciate the retro futuristic style that it bathes in, it's an absolute treat.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Zeno Clash II is a beautiful, mature adventure that isn't quite as polished as it is unique.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the game is a little limited by the platform, the underlying mechanics will capture a certain style of player.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    As frustrating as all of the technoglitches are, they might be dealable if there was anything or anyone to care about in Riptide, but there isn't.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Injustice: Gods Among Us is big dumb fun, and anyone who digs superheroes or virtual fisticuffs will find dozens of ways to enjoy NetherRealm's latest fighter.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Absolute brilliance that falls just short of perfection. Guacamelee! is the best Metroidvania since Cave Story.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Defiance is a middle-of-the road third-person shooter that never seems to fully capitalize on its alien-filled, post apocalyptic setting.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A refreshingly upbeat platformer that puts silliness and fun above all else. The gameplay is easy to grasp for platforming veterans, while the massive amount of content and alternate game modes ensure you'll be entertained for hours. You also may never look at your cat quite the same way again.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel is easy to pick up and fun to play, but generally lacks in distinction. The co-op centered gameplay is a neat trick, but it doesn't do enough with the co-op mechanics to really set itself apart.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A significant improvement over Parsec Production's original game, featuring a much more robust narrative, and a darker, more foreboding atmosphere. You may have mixed feelings about its brevity and the repetitive mechanics, but it's certainly a well-built game that, above all, is scary to play.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While grinding and idiosyncrasies will get to some, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is a great game. It shines particularly bright when played [in] multiplayer.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Bioshock Infinite is both a breathtaking achievement in videogame storytelling and a marquee example of a game that will stick with you long after you see everything it has to offer. Calling it simply a first-person shooter is practically an insult. If you can make it through the game without being emotionally affected - or even experiencing a bit of an existential crisis - you need to check your pulse immediately.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Darkstalkers Resurrection isn't just a re-release of two classic fighting games, it also stands as the best example to date of how to revive games from the 1990s on modern gaming hardware.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It's a fantastic little platformer that looks great, plays well, doesn't talk down to you and utilizes the strengths of the system to their full effect. This is a game that really "gets" the essence of the 3DS, and understands that a good 3DS game means so much more than just using the 3D effect.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Some of the narrative elements are weaker this time around, but longtime fans will appreciate seeing character arcs begin to wrap up as the game moves to its conclusion in Legacy of the Void. Those looking exclusively for multiplayer will enjoy how the small differences change the game dynamics and strategies, though $40 might be a bit steep for just a few units if you're not actively invested in the ranked format.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Judgment is gorgeous in its destruction and the gunplay is simply unmatched, as has been the case with every Gears title since its inception. The fact that the game doesn't offer anything significantly new is definitely a point against it, but it remains undeniably fun to play.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Simply put, LEGO City Undercover is a blast to play. It's funny, challenging, and features tons of extra content that'll keep you busy for hours. Sure, it's got a few minor quibbles here and there but it's hard to dwell on them when everything else is so enjoyable.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    God of War: Ascension is an intriguing blend of action-oriented hack-and-slash combat and puzzles. Though the platforming aspects don't really sell Ascension, they do give you an opportunity to catch your breath.
    • 45 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    A game you desperately want to like, but never quite manage to, given the heaping portions of frustration you're served at every turn.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Crysis 3 is visually stunning, and it's still fun to jump around in a nanosuit, but the new additions to the gameplay and the lackluster story don't make it very memorable.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    This is the Tomb Raider you've wanted for years. It needs a few more puzzles, but that's a small gripe when cast against such a marvelous adventure.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, Kojima Productions and Platinum Games have retooled Raiden into a capable character who is finally justified in having his own game. By taking him out of covert missions, Raiden's able to wield his sword of justice and use his martial arts skills out in the open. This is more fitting to him than sneaking around in a cardboard box, which is possible in this game in case you want to pretend you're still Solid Snake, even just for a minute.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Omerta's a deeply flawed blend of real time strategy and tactical turn-based battles that doesn't live up to the expectations of its premise.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Akaneiro: Demon Hunters is no Diablo III, but it's a surprisingly robust experience and proof that free-to-play gaming doesn't have to be second-rate.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It might have trouble holding a steady pace across the whole game, but Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time is an enjoyable platformer with many differing styles of gameplay to keep things interesting. Plus, the sheer amount of collectibles and treasures to hunt down will make it hard for any completionist to put the game down for long.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Once you best the 6-8 hour campaign - and suffer through an absolute butchering of some long-held Aliens narrative themes - it's time to try out the surprisingly solid multiplayer modes. While the head-to-head options will likely be an afterthought for many franchise faithful, the online throwdowns actually manage to capture the Aliens feel better than the campaign itself.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Strike Suit Zero is a decent space combat sim but the strike suit angle feels forced and ungainly, and the game misses on a few too many important points to be a true contender for the crown.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dead Space 3 has a way of getting into your head, uncoiling and slithering around your subconscious until you're not quite sure what's wrong, you just know you want to get the hell out. Its subtlety makes for a great contrast to the in-your-face combat that dominates the rest of the game.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Cave's offbeat sense of humor is mostly charming, and actually solving the puzzles inside it feels delightfully difficult. However, the severely diminishing returns on its replay value make it more of a momentarily amusing distraction than something you'll be holding onto for years to come.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    A game worth buying a 3DS for.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Skulls of the Shogun is an enjoyable game with style to spare. The sharp difficulty curve and reliance on aggressive tactics bring it down somewhat, but only because it's easy to see how a few small differences in design could have earned the game a place in eternity, rather than a pleasant distraction on the long road to get there.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    What Ni no Kuni lacks in finesse it more than makes up for in quantity and packaging - there's tons to do and every single moment in the game is a visual delight. It can be extremely frustrating and makes some choices that don't quite work, but offers enough charm to ultimately win you over.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Gorgeous, atmospheric and utterly intriguing, Kentucky Route Zero is a fine example of all that is good about indie game development.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Journey Down: Chapter One combines an intuitive control scheme, HD graphics, and classic point-and-click adventure gameplay to set up an intriguing story. The first episode lags a bit, and the voice acting doesn't add nearly as much as the improved visuals, but still shows a lot of promise for a potentially great series.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Anarchy Reigns may not have an incredibly in-depth story and also has some nagging flaws that detract from its otherwise entertaining gameplay, but it's enjoyable enough to warrant a playthrough.
    • 41 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    A porn game that's unfortunately short on both the porn and the game, Seduce Me is dull, uninteresting and eminently forgettable.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The combat in Devil May Cry gets to be repetitive when you play for too long in one sitting, but the missions are well designed for playing in short bursts and picking it back up later.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Forge has some bright ideas, but they're buried under the rushed execution and unimaginative presentation.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Black Knight Sword isn't particularly good at anything it sets out to do. Moments of gorgeous art design are offset by shamelessly cloned enemies and pointlessly confusing dialogue. The game is clearly doing everything it can to be different, but it appears more time was spent making the game weird than making it a cohesive experience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Minion Master is a promising idea that offers some unique multiplayer fun. A throwaway single-player mode, inconsistent production values, and expensive microtransactions hold it back from its full potential, though.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon taming doesn't feel very engaging, but because of the story's depth and the host of new items and abilities, Dragonborn is still a thoroughly charming experience.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It might take a while to figure out how its various mechanics work and its pacing may be too slow for some, but PlanetSide 2 is a solid shooter that does a very good job of merging the social aspects of an MMO with the action-heavy game play of an FPS.
    • 45 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    At its heart, this is a bad port of an average arcade game from 2009. While the multiplayer occasionally delights, the rest of the experience feels unfinished. The single player is a meaningless grind with little to offer aside from a skeletal story. TANK! TANK! TANK! might have served as a passable downloadable title, but as a full retail game it's one of the Wii U's worst launch titles.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A hardcore experience in just about every sense of the word. If you're looking for a simple hack-and-slash brawler, you'll need to look elsewhere. Strategy is paramount here, and while the skill - or lack thereof - of your teammates can indeed doom you to failure, the rewarding feeling of waging a successful war is well worth it.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A loving tune-up of BioWare's groundbreaking RPG, with visual enhancements, bug fixes and new content, but the game itself is the same as it ever was, wonderful and punishing in equal measures. It's a great second chance for RPG lovers who missed out on the original, but gamers after a more casual or relaxed diversion may find it more frustrating than fun.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The experience is high on satisfaction and low on frustration, making it an undeniably perfect fit for the company's mobile console. It's not entirely flawless, but as Mario games go, it's one of the best.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Far Cry 3's single player story may have its ups and downs, but it's still an incredibly in-depth action experience. It's combat and open-ended gameplay is engaging and well-designed, and there are plenty of incentives to explore the game world to see what you can find. The multiplayer modes, while not as detailed, are a nice extra feature that's just as enjoyable as the single player campaign.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A survival horror game that delivers tense exploration with more than a few drawbacks, ZombiU succeeds in making the Wii U's gamepad feel like an essential part of the experience and proving well-designed mature games can flourish regardless of what console it's played on.
    • 33 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Unless you're a glutton for punishment, or enjoy nearly broken multiplayer experiences, it's best to pass on this one and pray Declassified will at least prove to be a good learning experience for Activision and Nihilistic, if they ever decide to give a Vita shooter another try.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Latency issues aside, 90% of your time with PlayStation All-Stars is going to be spent fighting, away from the game's lifeless game modes, unlockables, and challenges. And that fighting, easily the most important factor of the game, is an absolute blast, even if the way it resolves doesn't always feel fairly tallied.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It's not bad, but compared to its predecessor, and to other Daedalic adventures in general, it's not really all that good, either.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Black Ops 2 is conflicted. It wants to move in bold new directions, but it falls back on safe, but aging, mechanics.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're a fan of Mario Kart, LBP Karting will be thoroughly enjoyable with familiar controls and adorable characters. The planets of the Craftverse are varied enough to keep you playing through the Story mode, while the creation mode gives you all the tools you need to spend any number of days crafting your own unique racing experience.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Natural Selection 2 is a fantastic-looking FPS/RTS hybrid that's an in-depth and involved experience for those who enjoy cooperative and team-based games, although it does come with a steep learning curve that'll turn some players off to the strategic side of the game.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's almost as though Ubisoft wasn't confident enough in Liberation's story and gameplay to let it stand on its own. The result is a game that is fun to play, but in spite of itself. It's an Assassin's Creed game through and through, and fans of the franchise will find the key elements very much intact. But brace yourself to deal with useless gimmicks and a patchwork story that ultimately holds Liberation back from greatness.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's going to feel a little off with a new studio taking over the franchise, and Bungie left a big mark on gaming with Halo. While 343i shouldn't just try to make a Bungie game, the single player isn't up to the series' standard. Halo 4 does balance that with a robust amount of content across the various gameplay modes.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fallen Enchantress engenders a feeling of real accomplishment, without requiring the investment in time and study demanded by truly hardcore strategy titles.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With its retro-style visuals and surreal story, Hotline Miami is a brutally challenging but engaging 2-D shooter that'll have you coming back for just one more mission.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed III lets you jump into an intriguing point in history, and it succeeds on nearly every level with nimble combat, fun diversions and the chance to captain your own ship. Connor might not be an altogether likeable hero, but the New World he's fighting to protect is one you won't forget.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Absolutely bonkers, but untangling its many secrets is an addictive enterprise. There's tons of plot to discover, and the many storylines cross and reference each other in subtle ways that reward the diligent player.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    A deliberately created test-tube baby that was forced into a premature birth before it had a chance to fully develop. The odd flashes of brilliance in the campaign and the fun multiplayer moments are marred by the myriad of bugs and clichés and the feeling that the game would rather play itself than let the player have any real input.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The AI can be a bit clunky and its reluctance to bring important developments to your attention can be annoying, but if you're out for some simple strategy fun that won't bury you in arcane rules (or you just dig the idea of building your own glorious underground kingdom), A Game of Dwarves should suit nicely.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DOA5 is fun to play, easy to pick up, and hard to master. Everything you want from a fighting game.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Edna and Harvey: Harvey's New Eyes is deep, dark and twisted. If that's your thing, this is your game.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    When your team is doing what they're supposed to be doing, besting an opponent can be extremely satisfying. There's nothing better than seeing your sworn enemies helplessly strapped to planks of wood after you've finally taken their castle. However, when you end up on the losing side you'll immediately wonder just how much cash the other team spent on its gear, or how lucky a particular player got with a high-powered weapon drop.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Rather than pushing off being sneaky to sections or merely offering it as an option, Mark of the Ninja is a return to form for the stealth genre where bypassing an opponent is just as thrilling as killing them.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    A must-play for any PlayStation owner, The Unfinished Swan is a short but brilliant exercise in broadening perception, and utilizing simplicity.

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