The Games Machine's Scores

  • Games
For 2,652 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 71% higher than the average critic
  • 7% same as the average critic
  • 22% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 4.3 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 79
Highest review score: 99 Baldur's Gate 3
Lowest review score: 30 Real Farm
Score distribution:
2654 game reviews
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    A collection bearing the System 3 label that brings the *The Last Ninja* saga back to life, pairing it with some of the most iconic beat ‘em ups of the late 80s—from *International Karate +* to *Bangkok Knights*. Unfortunately, many of the included titles have aged poorly and prove difficult to stomach after so many years; moreover, the collection feels “lazy,” to say the least, offering no significant extras to whet the appetite.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Last Flag reworks the CTF formula, transforming it into a game of reading your opponent rather than one of pure skill. When matches click, the experience can be tense and unpredictable; however, the execution leaves much to be desired. The gunplay is merely decent, content is limited, and the player base struggles to sustain the system—not to mention a distinct lack of depth across various gameplay components. As things currently stand, the result is a multiplayer game that entertains for the first few hours but, in the long run, fails to maintain its hold on the player.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Being harsh on video games—especially those from small studios—never gives me much pleasure; yet, the more I reflect on The Occultist, the harder I find it to identify any aspects that truly won me over. A few environments are salvageable, Doug Cockle does a fine job, and the diary illustrations are genuinely lovely—but there is little else. All in all, very little indeed.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    More than twenty years after Defiance, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance proves to be a bitter disappointment. Instead of honoring the saga’s complex narrative background, Bit Bot Media’s title offers a clumsy retcon that resembles terrible fan fiction. In terms of gameplay, we are presented with a banal 2D platformer—devoid of any real challenge—that can be completed in under three hours, all while cycling through inconsistent art styles and an annoying soundtrack. This is decidedly not the title we deserved, especially after such a long wait.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    High on Life 2 tries to be more of a videogame than High on Life ever was — and to be fair, it actually succeeds. The problem is that nobody really asked for that, especially since, when you strip it down, it’s still an average shooter that in this second iteration loses much of the meta‑ironic charge that defined the first game.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Regardless of the strengths and weaknesses listed in the review, Styx: Blades of Greed is a classic video game that reveals its true colors and uses all its gameplay in the very first hours, only to then become bogged down in chronic repetitive gameplay, remaining unchanged until the end credits. The inspired level design and clever use of the lighting system are some of the game's redeeming features, but it's truly difficult to overlook the enemy AI's structural flaws and generally low difficulty.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    God of War: Sons of Sparta attempts to delve into Kratos' past with a promising narrative, but ends up betraying much of the power expected from a title in the saga. The idea of exploring the trauma and nascent fury of the Ghost of Sparta was intriguing, and Deimos is a successful human counterpoint, but the game fails to transform this potential into a memorable experience. The predominant feeling is that of a timid title, almost fearful of its own heritage: the combat lacks bite, the two-dimensional graphics appear uninspired and lacking in character, and the mechanics — although functional — are uninspiring and constantly feel like something we've seen before. Sons of Sparta does not leave its mark, does not surprise, does not embody the epicness and brutality that made Kratos an icon; interesting for the most curious fans, but disappointing for those who expect the fury and emotional impact typical of the saga.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The more I played Romeo is a Dead Man, the more I realized I was in the presence of the quintessential decent video game, nothing more. The game developed by Grasshopper Manufacture is a formally correct action game, without any particular or obvious flaws, but also lacking in interesting sparks and ideas. Beyond the crazy style typical of Suda51's works, what remains is an "old school" video game that can entertain fans of the genre for about fifteen hours, but never truly excels. It's a shame about the optimization, or rather, the lack thereof.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Bogos Binted? is a wacky party game based on card games between lazy aliens, where each turn players contribute to a shared sum without exceeding a random target number. Whoever goes over the limit activates a compressor connected to their skull, often with fatal consequences. The gameplay is immediate, just the right amount of mean, and supported by special cards capable of turning the tables at the last second. The bizarre look and super-budget price work in its favor, but the fact that only one of the four planned modes is present in the final release is a significant drawback. Without rankings, tournaments, or leaderboards, interest quickly wanes if you're not playing with friends. Fun, but still incomplete.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    With Renegades, Bungie tries an ambitious crossover, but it ends up making Destiny 2 lose its uniqueness. The inspiration from the Star Wars saga feels forced, with a weak story, unconvincing characters, and a universe that ends up being corrupted by alien elements. The campaign is short, the activities are repetitive, and new features are virtually nonexistent. It's only saved from complete disaster by its solid gameplay and a few flashes of brilliance here and there. Definitely not enough to revitalize a struggling live service suffering from an obvious identity crisis.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    Possessor(s) aims to combine action platforming and Metroidvania in a devastated urban world, offering great mobility and a combat system without contact damage, making battles more fair and dynamic. The original visual atmosphere, good writing by the Luca–Rhem duo, and creative level design are somewhat overshadowed by some graphical oversights and a control system that is not always precise. The lack of a grace period when taking damage can be very punishing when there are multiple enemies on screen. A solid game, but with imperfections that limit its impact in one of the most competitive markets.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Terrifier: The ARTcade Game is a side-scrolling beat 'em up inspired by the Double Dragon arcade cabinet, featuring four playable characters from Damien Leone's horror franchise. It offers good pixel art, a chiptune soundtrack, convincing CRT/VHS filters, and six modes, including Arcade, Story, and Boss Rush. The combat system is basic, based on two attacks and a special move, with gory finishers and collectible weapons. However, imprecise hitboxes, chaotic priorities, and broken pacing detract from the experience, making the title appealing only to the most die-hard fans.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons attempts to enrich the classic Bubble Bobble gameplay by introducing roguelite and metroidvania elements, and on paper the idea is actually quite promising; unfortunately, the bland level design and an overall execution that borders on amateurish make it impossible to tell whether the format could truly have worked or if it should have been abandoned from the start. There’s very little worth saving in this production, Bubble Symphony aside. Hardcore little dragon fans will find something to chew on for a good number of hours, but fun is by no means guaranteed.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Fans of the World of Darkness will certainly find at least the atmosphere, good characters, and an enjoyable plot, thanks in part to the fact that big-budget vampire-themed games don't come flooding in. Fans of the first game for its RPG aspect and replayability will find almost nothing here except pale homages. It's up to you to decide where you stand between these two extremes. As a side note, I feel it's important to note that compared to The Chinese Room's typical output, this game still represents significant ambitions and a first for the English studio. Perhaps the experience gained will one day bear sweeter fruit, without leaving a legacy too burdensome to manage.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Death by Scrolling is a top-down roguelite by Ron Gilbert that combines instant action with ongoing progression: each run makes your character a little stronger, pushing you toward the classic "last playthrough." The simple yet tactical gameplay offers automatic combat and limited equipment options, with procedurally generated environments and a constant wall of flames hounding you. However, it suffers from a lack of variety, a sometimes unclear level design, and an often unfair difficulty. It's fun for short sessions, but far from the brilliance of the best casual roguelites.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Pokémon Legends: Z-A is fun, but it's clearly light-years behind industry standards and what one would expect from the most profitable franchise in video game history. The good ideas are completely drowned out by shoddy graphics and dialogue that still believes children need to be banal and simple, ruining a plot that works at its best and finally gives dignity to the characters and the plot holes that Game Freak missed in the sixth generation.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Double Dragon Revive isn't a complete disappointment, but it doesn't completely captivate either. It's a prime example of a project that works just enough to entertain, especially when the action heats up and the combat system shows its potential, but never really pushes the envelope. Arc System Works has crafted a respectful and reasonably solid beat 'em up, but it lacks a clear vision: a comeback that doesn't know where to look, torn between reverence for the past and a fear of fully modernizing itself. The result is an honest title, even enjoyable for fans of the genre, but inevitably destined to fade away without a trace, especially when compared to far more successful experiments like Neon or Gaiden. Perhaps wait for a price drop before giving it a chance.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's not the return fans of the series were hoping for, but that doesn't stop it from being a decent cooperative shooter. It does, however, need more content.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    At its core, Sworn isn't bad and has all the makings of a fun game to keep you entertained for several hours. Beyond that, however, it stops offering any real enjoyment or gameplay depth. Compared to other behemoths, it's the one that sits closest to its comfort zone, also benefiting from a co-op system for up to four players that could make the difference. Varied in the progression of the four heroes, the biggest obstacle is the pace of the game, which alternates between really slow and fast moments, where, however, the slow pace of our heroes never manages to respond to the game world with any real responsiveness. It takes a bit of practice, at least in the first few hours, which feature a rather steep difficulty curve.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    Dreams of Another mixes action and adventure in a dreamlike world where you destroy bokeh-like globes of light to reveal environments and objects with souls. The protagonist, Man in Pajamas, guided by Wandering Soldier, alternates between exploration, simple puzzles, and shooting sections. The mechanics revolve around the concept of “No Creation Without Destruction”: you can create only after destroying. The levels, however, are small and fragmented, interrupted by frequent returns to the main menu. Enemies and bosses are harmless, and the dialogue is slow and repetitive. Artistic and original, but suffering from a static pace and lackluster gameplay.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac is a fun and light-hearted action platformer full of little surprises and mini-challenges that will delight fans of Namco's popular mascot. The excessive ease and speed with which the main adventure concludes are its most notable flaws, which could deter players looking for a real challenge.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    NHL 26 delivers a mixed experience. The game shows flashes of brilliance, thanks to a solid gameplay rhythm and a fair amount of on-ice spectacle, but it's still weighed down by a range of persistent issues. These flaws, while sometimes minor, can become increasingly frustrating over the course of a full season, especially for dedicated players. The revamped Be a Pro career mode is a welcome improvement, addressing several weaknesses from previous iterations. However, the rest of the game modes offer little evolution, largely recycling content and features from last year without introducing meaningful innovations.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is particularly impressive when it comes to gameplay: the combat system is varied and creative, the exoskeleton customization is extensive, and the boss fights, when they work, offer spectacular moments. Multiplayer is also solid, thanks to cross-play that expands the possibilities for cooperation. The rest, however, isn't quite as impressive: the plot is weak, the cast forgettable, the filler missions slow down the pace, and the game world, while vast, feels empty and repetitive. Last but not least, on a technical level, the Switch 2 version reviewed here shows clear limitations, with slow loading times and an unstable frame rate. This is a game that will entertain fans of mechs and gear optimization who are willing to overlook the objective problems, but it's unlikely to satisfy those looking for an engaging story or a world to enjoy exploring.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Lost Soul Aside is one of those titles that, once you've played it, makes you realize the difference between knowing a video game series well and developing one. There are several elements worth saving, but they're not helped at all by the context in which they were inserted. And the idea of ​​launching everything at a premium price also lowers the appeal of the offering.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    After Grendizer, Microids brings back Space Adventure Cobra, which spotlights a sort of interstellar Lupin III who loves getting into trouble. Unfortunately for him, this time he has to deal with an adventure marred by incomprehensible design choices. What's completely flawed is the control system, which makes many stages of a game that otherwise had the potential to appeal especially to "old teenagers" of the '70s and '80s, unnecessarily difficult and unfun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Gatekeeper is an isometric roguelike that focuses on straightforwardness: no complex hubs, just choose a character and get started. Missions alternate between simple objectives such as escort, resistance, and activation, and spectacular, well-constructed boss fights. The power-up system is effective, with 10% bonuses that are cumulative and immediately noticeable. However, the progression system is immature: perks are unlocked with a slow “point collection” that does not enhance the character but only the assortment in the shops, and abandonment due to excessive grinding could come very soon.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Definitive Edition is an extremely disappointing “definitive” collection: a superficial remaster that doesn’t do justice to the historic first chapter of the RTS saga. The four included titles remain solid in terms of content and replayability, but the remastering work is minimal and incomplete. Given the high price, the remastering feels sloppy and unjustified. Yet another wasted opportunity for Relic Entertainment.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    A futuristic wheelchair basketball game that nods to Rocket League. The idea isn't bad and the foundation is there, but currently Drag x Drive is more of an experimental title that needs some tuning and, above all, desperately needs new content in the months immediately following its launch.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A faithful and visually stunning adaptation of Demon Slayer’s latest arcs, but limited content, minor gameplay tweaks, and weak online support make it feel more like an expansion than a true sequel.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Despite the introduction of a well-written new character like Lodi and the presence of the Nine, the gameplay in The Edge of Fate proves to be extremely repetitive, with dull puzzles and fetch quests that slow down the action. The Desert Perpetual raid offers a few interesting ideas, but the campaign feels shallow and lacking in narrative momentum, leaving the impression of filler content.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 62 Critic Score
    Unfinished Business is not a disaster, but neither is it something that will stick in the memory of RoboCop fans. It's a conservative expansion, merely replicating on a smaller scale what worked in the base game, but without adding enough personality to make it an essential purchase. The feel is still the right one thanks to exhilarating action sequences and - why not? - to a few moments of genuine videogame ingenuity, but the flat pace, repetitiveness and bland setting soon dampen enthusiasm. It will please those who want to make the trusty Auto-9 sing one last time, but those hoping for truly meaningful content would do well to lower their expectations.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 63 Critic Score
    Edens Zero features a good gameplay system coupled with an excellent combat system. Unfortunately, the game is extremely repetitive and superficial.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ruffy and the Riverside is an adventure-platform that seems to have come straight out of the 64-bit golden age, but the “swap system” integrated into its gameplay manages to make it quite unique in its genre and to give life to truly unique and fun puzzle elements. The perhaps excessive “richness” of some levels makes orientation more difficult than it should be and some performance issues on Switch 2 (in backward compatibility) would require prompt intervention by the development team.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Gex Trilogy reintroduces the three original chapters of the famous 90s platformer, with accurate emulation and some modern features such as quick saves, rewind, trophies, widescreen support and CRT filter. The first episode, in 2D, is notable for its wall and ceiling walking mechanics, while the two sequels in 3D chase the Super Mario 64 model, losing some of the originality. The constant, dated humor may be repetitive, but the collection remains a solid product for nostalgists and completists, enhanced by extra content such as concept art or interviews with the developers.
    • 39 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    MindsEye intrigues with its cyber-noir atmospheres but stumbles on many, too many of its promises. Everywhere you look while walking through Redrock City, you see an ambitious action game that shoots for the stars but ends up crashing to the ground.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    FBC: Firebreak is a cooperative spin-off that seems intriguing on paper but unfortunately lacks substantial content. With only five missions—rather simplistic ones at that—unremarkable classes, a limited variety of enemies, and uninspired weapons, the investment of time and money may not be justified. On top of that, the artificially slow progression system is reminiscent of the worst live-service practices. It might have some appeal if played with a close-knit group of friends, but engagement risks being short-lived.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Bithell Games, what should we do with you? What is this game? As an action game, it is not very in-depth, it is not stimulating. As a narrative, the story is appreciable but does not leave any freedom to the player. Did you look for linearity so as not to alienate those who wanted to fight? Fine, but then you should have developed that part more. And instead the final result remains in a sort of limbo, far from being an excellence in the various souls that compose it. For those who see the glass half full, it remains a well-written story in a super fascinating narrative universe.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Dragon is Dead is a solid, challenging, and technically well-crafted action roguelite. The combat system is responsive and rewarding, with wide room for customization thanks to an articulate skill tree and elemental builds that reward experimentation. Persistent progression between runs encourages you to improve, while well-characterized bosses offer intense challenges. However, those hoping for complex levels or deep exploration may be disappointed: maps are simple, repetitive, and structured as arenas, more functional interludes than true worlds to discover.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition is a superfluous remaster. While it features slightly sharper textures, revamped audio, and updated 3D models, the changes are marginal compared to the original game, which is already playable in 4K and enhanced by the 2021 Anniversary Edition. Furthermore, the renewed UI partially undermines the user experience, while the changes to the control scheme make it less flexible. Despite all that, the qualities of the original game are still there.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Battle Destiny Remastered is an adaptation that, while remaining faithful to the original title's portable origins, offers a solid and exciting gaming experience for fans of the SEED saga. Fast and fluid gameplay, coupled with decent Mobile Suit customisation and a large roster of mechs, form the beating heart of a title capable of entertaining for hours. However, the meagre and fragmented narrative, aimed almost exclusively at long-time fans, and above all a frustrating and ill-calibrated lock-on system, severely hamper the game's potential. The good level of challenge is often unfairly constrained by unfortunate design choices, which make the experience less accessible to newcomers. All in all, a flawed but charming product that will mainly satisfy those already familiar with the Gundam SEED universe.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Once the initial enthusiasm for the dual wielding weapon and the three warriors has waned, run after run the flaws of Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade become more and more evident and allow excessive repetitiveness to take over.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    An action cop game that winks at Miami Vice, Hill Street and other historical detective series from the 80s. The game structure is interesting, the chases intense and challenging and the tasks to be performed quite varied, but in the long run repetitiveness makes itself felt and a few technical glitches break the magic. Technically we are close to average, but a few corrections are needed to put right the less than perfect fluidity and a few too many glitches.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    A ‘puzzle platformer’ with a strong personality, an excellent cast and an intriguing story. In terms of gameplay, there is no shortage of ideas, but the game's potential is almost totally destroyed by a large number of bugs and glitches that ‘dirty’ the gaming experience, making it MUCH more complicated than it should have been.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A teen drama adventure with a lot of nostalgia and a good atmosphere, but with a lazy script and boring gameplay.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Hoverboards and rock music made the fortune of Back to the Future and the formula works quite well also in Star Overdrive. The game developed by the Italian team Caracal presents an aesthetically pleasing sci-fi adventure, with a setting that is not particularly original but fascinating and full of activities. Some ‘stiffness’ problems in the walking phases, small technical stumbles and a bit of repetitiveness in situations, however, prevent it from taking off.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If like me you really have a hard time saying no to a soulslike, and you are out of candidates, and the idea of ​​playing with an attractive maiden is a bit unnerving, your best option is to take another look at Elden Ring and look for some templates for the character editor. But if the Interregnum has really really bored you, then I guess AI Limit is not the worst choice you can make, just don't expect a memorable experience.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 62 Critic Score
    Beyond the Ice Palace 2 attempts to resurrect a forgotten action platformer from 1988, turning it into a Castlevania-like. The gameplay introduces chains used for both combat and platforming, but imprecise controls and questionable physics detract from the experience. Uninspired level design, repetitive bestiary, and badly distributed checkpoints make the game frustrating. While having a good atmosphere and an interesting combat system, this sequel ranks below the average of modern indie productions and will therefore be appealing only to hardcore fans of the genre.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Collector difficult to recommend to all gamers. Excellent for nostalgics, less so for those approaching Yu-Gi-Oh for the first time.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Synduality: Echo of Ada is an extraction shooter poor in content and plagued by a pay to win system. The slow progression make a frustrating experience.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Assigning a bad rating to Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is a dirty job, but someone had to do it. Reduced to the bone content and one of the most feeble rollbacks I've ever seen condemn to insufficiency an extraordinary but outdated game, unable in its current state to offer an online infrastructure that guarantees the development of a healthy community. We hope that the new chapter in such a prestigious series will not suffer from such neglect.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Freedom Wars Remastered is an operation that fails to restore luster to its former glory. Already narratively it was not something never seen before that could be defined as seminal and, even today, unfortunately the absence of a charismatic character is felt throughout. Not helping are the technical problems, such as a slowdown in the pace due to excessively long loads and an unstimulating work from a gameplay point of view, really old.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Nintendo cares about our health and to prove it brings us a new chapter of the Fitness Boxing series, urging us to get off the couch and follow the workout routines of inflexible virtual trainers. The playful streak of titles like Ring Fit Adventure and Boxing Fist of the North Star disappears in favour of more serious training based on the fundamentals of boxing. Worth considering if you're looking for an excuse to burn off those Christmas calories.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    The Spirit of the Samurai is a decidedly particular game: it is full of very good ideas which, however, are never fully developed. The stop-motion style is still worth a try.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fairy Tail 2 improves the combat system, now clearly more action, but it fails to create a playful structure without depth and with few positive sides within it. It is a rather compassionate adventure, which still manages to entertain but not to upset the cards on the table.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The beauty of an art style in which retro and modern give life to a visually credible dystopian world cannot hide the gameplay lacks under its pixelated guise: despite the short duration, the lack of depth between investigative phases, exploration and combat has time to leave a bitter taste in the mouth.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I tried to be objective, I swear. Little Big Adventure – Twinsen's Quest is good at respectfully transposing into the contemporary a French action-adventure that many of us keep in our memories, but it also has to deal with some limits that are partly inevitable since they are children of other times. The pragmatic desire to modernize the initial work trying not to overly distort it is pleasing even if it is not completely convincing in the result, especially if observed with eyes free of the beauty filter known as nostalgia. However, it remains a balsamic dive into the past to return to Twinsun and see old friends who seem rejuvenated, despite a technical sector that, due to a few too many flaws, does not fully do justice to the original masterpiece.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 63 Critic Score
    The so-called Remastered versions of Warcraft I and II show the least possible effort to bring back two of the most important legends of the Blizzard catalogue. Such a lazy and lacklustre result would have made sense had it been given to fans to celebrate Warcraft's 30th anniversary, but as it stands, it joins Warcraft III: Reforged in the ranks of mediocre products that, until a few years ago, we would never have expected from such a legendary developer. Thrall does not approve.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 63 Critic Score
    The so-called Remastered versions of Warcraft I and II show the least possible effort to bring back two of the most important legends of the Blizzard catalogue. Such a lazy and lacklustre result would have made sense had it been given to fans to celebrate Warcraft's 30th anniversary, but as it stands, it joins Warcraft III: Reforged in the ranks of mediocre products that, until a few years ago, we would never have expected from such a legendary developer. Thrall does not approve.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Kong Survivor Instinct is an extremely simple metroidvania, but functional in its nature. It lacks structure in the narrative sector, decidedly over the top, as in the depth of the level design, but overall it turns out to be a good job.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    Providing an environment where you can shoot dozens, hundreds of enemies with glee is one of the most surefire ways in which you can keep gamers entertained. However, that’s also all that Viscera has going for it – weapons are shoddily balanced, the graphics are chaotic and messy, and the game’s poorly optimized. Still moderately fun, but not the kind of game you’d enthusiastically recommend.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Donatello, aka the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, are back on track. Mutant Unleashed is a game that remains in the comfort zone of third-person action, trying to offer a minimum of depth in the off-stage phases but falling into repetitiveness when it comes to taking the field, play the hard way and above all entertaining.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Had it been released in the middle of the last generation, perhaps Unknown 9: Awakening would have had a different effect. Today it is really hard to be impressed by a video game like this, technically and conceptually too old in which the only thing that is promoted is the story.
    • 47 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    A multi-discipline sports title starring the Looney Tunes is a good idea... in theory. Unfortunately with only nine characters, four disciplines and two modes Wacky World of Sports translates it into a game poor in both content and depth
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A Final Fight-like fighting game with a horror flavour seems the perfect recipe for success. Unfortunately Night Slashers Remake is an unrefined product that only in some elements seems to betray the laziness with which it was developed. A more “meaty” combat system and the addition of a new playable character are not enough to balance a disappointing graphical compartment and some technical issues. Despite all this, the four-players coop mode is still quite fun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns is a DLC poor in content, which does not justify its excessive cost. The new balance fixes some issues from the past, but there is still a long way to go.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 61 Critic Score
    Finding the right “number” for Until Dawn Remake is a complex balancing act. On the one hand we have an adventure that works and is entertaining, on the other a re-release that raises eyebrows quite a bit. Taking into account the quality of the work it is impossible to go below the sufficiency, but it is equally impossible to go higher, considering that the original version costs less than a third and, in terms of gaming experience, does not have any substantial difference.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Vampire - The Masquerade: Reckoning of New York is the worst chapter of the visual novel version of the franchise. Listless, without bite and with an uninteresting protagonist. The trilogy ends with a chapter below expectations.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    The Funko Pop phenomenon finally arrives in the world of videogames and, taking its cue from LEGO titles, tries to reach a similar audience with simple and immediate gameplay. Unfortunately the result is not what was hoped for due to some questionable design choices and several small bugs that spoil rhythm and enjoyment. Also almost totally missing is the ‘collectibles factor’ that we hoped would be a staple of this production.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    An ‘on the road’ adventure to rediscover the sense of belonging to a community, of living to share. Some will criticise Caravan SandWitch for the simplicity of its gameplay, the lack of a real challenge and some minor technical issues. It is legitimate, as long as you don't lose sight of its story and what lies behind it, because this is the element that elevates the game above the crowd of mediocrity.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is not for those looking for fine technicalities, both in graphics and gameplay. It is a decent pastime for the early hours that hides the potential to create its own fan base, but to allow it to do so, more content is needed and a review of the multiplayer section starting with the integration of effective 6VS6 PVP, to allow the most competitive to challenge each other without bots in the way.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Emio - the Smiling Man has a good story to tell, held hostage by mechanics from the early days of Japanese interactive fiction that refuse to give way to fresher, more current game design ideas. It's a bit of a trial-and-error fairground and excessive verbiage, but if that doesn't scare you off (there's a demo to try out that might suit you) you'll be rewarded with an investigative tale of unquestionable value.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Concord is not a bad hero shooter, but neither a good one. It has really nothing special to offer in relation to other game of the same genre that are free to play, and it lacks of a distinctive characteristic. The lore is not original, the characters are not memorable, the shooting is not very good and the gameplay modes are few and old.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    Guayota is a nice and colorful puzzle game with extremely well constructed gameplay sessions. Too bad about the too much repetitiveness of some puzzles.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    While the effort that went into creating Mars 2120 can certainly be praised, this is not the kind of game that you would easily recommend to friends. It’s never bad or outright awful, mind you, and playing it is a fairly easy-going experience. But at the same time, low enemy variety, poor bosses, generic story and uneven optimization means that this game will stay very far from the top of the charts.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 63 Critic Score
    Shift 87 is a walking simulator that hybridizes within it an unsuccessful loop mechanic regarding the reporting of any anomalies. The basic idea is interesting, but it's a shame that continuing through the maps is extremely difficult, also due to the various bugs.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Kaku: Ancient Seal is sub-par in every aspect of the action-adventure genre. Stay clear.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    An horror adventure with a strong 'Carpenterian' flavour that delivers some interesting ideas and awakens ancestral fears, but in the end leaves the taste of a missed opportunity. An excessively linear gameplay, limited longevity and some technical issues prevent it from reaching the level of The Chinese Room's best productions.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    Wizardry Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord is yet another masterstroke from Digital Eclipse, a developer capable of breathing new life into classics with incredible talent. Apart from its fundamental historical value, however, Wizardry is a game that is now rather limited in its mechanics and cadence, classifying itself as an artefact suitable mainly for digital archaeologists eager to rediscover it. It would have been great if it had been accompanied by the wealth of historical notions to which Digital Eclipse has now accustomed us.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    F1 24 is a definite step backward for the Codemasters and Electronic Arts series. Many of the new features introduced in this new iteration are not only unconvincing, but in fact go to the detriment of a game formula that is admittedly old but at least works. With less content than last year and an outdated graphics compartment, the 2024 edition of the official Formula 1 video game is nothing more than a homework assignment. While waiting for a revolution that may never come, unfortunately this remains the only alternative for fans of the top motorsport championship.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Astor: Blade of the Monolith is an action game with a nice combat system, but unfortunately it tends to repeat game situations a little too often during the approximately 15 hours needed to reach the end credits.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It might seem like a classic case of quantity overshadowing quality, but in reality Samurai Warriors 4 DX is a decent conversion of one of the most popular chapters among Musou fans, enhanced by a hefty dose of DLC. It shows its age in several respects but retains an exciting and entertaining soul, which will finally delight those who have been longing for the game's arrival on PC since 2014.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Die by the Blade works in its video game mission that pays homage to Bushido Blade. for the rest, it is a huge wasted opportunity given that the title lacks all the contents.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Sker Ritual is a classic horror cooperative shooter (also playable in single player) in which you'll find elements already seen in similar games, from Call of Duty's Zombie mode to Left 4 Dead and Killing Floor. Technical issued highlighted the need for updates to make the gaming experience smoother and more satisfying. We also hope that the developers will get busy releasing new content in the near future because the four maps now available quickly tend towards repetitiveness.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A highly atmospheric text adventure, with well-characterized characters despite some clichés and a plot that we can shape, one choice at a time. Cooper's development doesn't involve much furthermore, between rhythm and gameplay, there are several ups and downs which, together with the bugs, don't allow the game to shine like the neon lights of Terrahive.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    The Forgotten Kingdom is the classic excellent DLC for Remnant II: a budget price for an important amount of content. in the future, however, something more will be needed to keep the game alive for a long time.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Endless Ocean Luminous is not the dream sequel I always hoped for to Arika's beloved submarine series. The change of direction has favoured the co-operative component, but has mutilated the original experience of many interesting and distinctive features. The purely educational aspect remains, and the possibility of organising dives together with such a large number of friends is not to be underestimated, but I wouldn't recommend the game to those who are only interested in reliving the fascinating sensations of the original chapters on Wii.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Eiyuden Chronicles: Hundred Heroes is a good, deliberately old-fashioned JRPG with all the pros and cons. As a love letter to Suikoden it hits the mark despite some uncertainties, but the biggest problem at the moment are the bugs we encountered during the review, some very serious and impossible to ignore. Wait patiently for the bugfixes.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    One could easily define Lotus Lantern: Rescue Mother as a reskin of Hades set in Chinese mythology, and trash it upon seeing that it does not touch the qualitative heights reached by Supergiant Games' work. The gameplay, however, is captivating, and the roguelite structure coupled with a good handling of the difficulty curve entices you to jump into another run to field test the newly achieved perks and the new character build. Each enemy has its own movement and attack pattern to learn, and the bosses are challenging enough. It doesn't innovate the genre, but it gets the job done.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A fluid and dynamic action-platformer with great potential, flawed by a too rigid structure, limited longevity and some annoying bugs that spoil the experience. A metroidvania with these dynamics could give an eventual sequel the breathing room this project needed.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 64 Critic Score
    Truly, a game of paradox (pun intended). The concept of Ages is exciting but the way it is implemented forces players into science-focused gameplay. The system of resources is meant for hardcore player, but others like diplomacy and international economy are half-baked to say the least. This game wasn’t ready for release.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Death Noodle Delivery is a fascinating project in theory but the magic ends after a couple of hours of completing the game. Few mechanics, a constant vulgarity in the script and a general feeling of having an incomplete game in your hands.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    We are not at the mythical levels of the first episode, it is evident. Outcast – A New Beginning is a sequel without infamy and without praise, net of a nostalgia effect which inevitably has its weight but cannot justify every shortcoming. Strengths and weaknesses are almost equal when it's time to take stock, appreciating it or not depends a lot on how much importance you give to both. This is one of those cases in which the price doesn't play in the work's favor, however with a discount it might be worth giving it a chance because there is only one Cutter Slade.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Alone in the Dark is, unfortunately, a missed opportunity. Despite an absolutely fascinating aesthetic and artistic structure, the game encounters terrible technical problems, so much so that it affects the performance of the game itself in terms of gameplay mechanics.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Legend of Legacy HD returns with a nostalgic nod to its 3DS origins, now on PS4, PS5, and Switch. Remastered visuals preserve its charm, while Masashi Hamauzu's score shines. Yet, its unconventional turn-based RPG mechanics demand relentless grinding, testing even the most patient. Character growth relies on repetitive battles, lacking traditional experience points. Narrative depth takes a backseat to experimental gameplay, leaving some feeling detached. Despite its cult status and nods to SaGa series, Legacy's HD revival lacks modern refinements. While it caters to hardcore RPG enthusiasts, its unchanged nature may deter newcomers seeking accessibility and guidance.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    Not bad, not great: Welcome to ParadiZe is a fun pastime that made me want to play more Diablo IV.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    A cozy and mildly paced RPG. Bandle Tale enters the world of League of Legends from the farthest corner of Runeterra and offers "Stardew Valley-style" gameplay based on the use of bizarre machines, sewing skills, gardening and cooking talents. A simple but charming adventure, suitable for all ages and featuring delightful pixel-art.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Dicefolk is a valid alternative in the search for a good roguelike with mechanics linked to dice management that are interesting, but very unbalanced and managed by luck.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Brilliant idea that is not developed to its fullest potential. Still, if you are not necessarily looking for the next Portal, it will be good fun for some hours.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The risk of being repetitive or boring in some situations, the insipid narrative and a perfectible technical sector work against it, yet not everything is to be thrown away because Skull and Bones has potential, I can perceive it while I sail its seas juggling between PVE clashes and other players who, like me, aspire to the title of pirate king. Unfortunately, the problems during development end up being reflected in a live service which, despite the intriguing pirate setting, in the current state of things appears incapable of standing out from the crowd to rival the giants of the genre.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Journey to Foundation is a game that is greater than the sum of its parts: the absolute merit of the original work is set against the backdrop of mechanics and ideas that are limited and already seen, but when put together manage to function as pieces in the complex and fascinating mosaic that Foundation has always been. Do not, however, expect a revolutionary or particularly challenging VR experience.

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