The Games Machine's Scores

  • Games
For 2,655 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 Dino Dini's Kick Off Revival
Score distribution:
2657 game reviews
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Animal Well is an atypical metroidvania that exploits many of the genre's tropes to give birth to something different, almost completely eliminating the entire action component to focus exclusively on the puzzles. The end result is a fascinating, mysterious and at times mesmerizing video game that does not end once the credits are rolling, since reaching the ending represents only a new beginning for Animal Well. As long as you really want to escape the well, of course, but why do it? It's so good down here.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Quake II Enhanced is the definitive, improved and updated version of the second iteration of idSoftware, one of its most important historical IPs belonging to another generation. An accessible, unique price that could be useful for anyone, especially newbies, above all ever-enthusiasts and those looking for a unique experience. To have everywhere, even on a toaster.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Hands down, Uncharted 4 is the best title ever developed by Naughty Dog, and not just because of the stunning graphics. A wonderful balance between storytelling and gameplay, even better than the previous installments, pushing the boundaries of engagement and sheer fun. There’s no better way to say it: if you own a PlayStation 4, you must play this game.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    In case anyone had any doubts, Split Fiction is proof that It Takes Two was not a random stroke of luck. Hazelight’s new game is every bit as crazy as the 2021 Game of the Year, and although this year the competition is going to be fierce, Split Fiction might be a serious contender for the title as well.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance breaks the chains that initially tied it to too modest hardware to finally shine on a range of systems capable of enhancing its visionary beauty. In addition to this, a sensational series of additions makes the management of demons even deeper, while an alternative narrative line will make even those who lost sleep over the Switch version happy.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    We were expecting nothing less, considering how good the previous DLC was, but Blood & Wine is really wonderful in every sense. The game world is huge and rich, and Geralt is more powerful than ever, with new items and talents. Another excellent work from CD Projekt.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    I know I'm going out on a limb, but Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may not be a masterpiece for everyone, but it comes close without fear. A superfine narrative, a galvanized and well-optimized combat system, a dedicated soundtrack that hits all the most tense moments. I entered the sacrificial tunnel of Expedition 33 and came out with tears of joy for how much I savored throughout the adventure. About thirty hours of gameplay that have been a continuous joy and I am fully aware that I will play just as many to finish all the things left pending.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Unicorn Overlord is incredible, a deep and accessible strategy game that resurrects and updates the formula of a divisive classic like Ogre Battle, which has been dormant since the days of Person of Lordly Caliber. Beautiful to see and listen to, magnetic and impossible to put down: everything is right, apart from some small flaws listed in the body of the review. They don't really make games like this anymore, so don't miss out.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Tekken 8 is yet another great chapter in a series incapable of making missteps. The new mechanics change the skin of the game and, although the historical detractors will not find particular reasons to change their minds (the famous "volleyball simulator" for the emphasis placed on juggles), all the others will find an incredibly deep game, which will accompany them for several years to come. Who knows, maybe thanks to Ghosts even those who are completely resistant to online gaming will find the courage to take their first steps in a new world.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    It may have lost the console war, but this new incarnation of SEGA as a publisher is an unstoppable force of nature: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the perfect sequel, which corrects the mistakes and doubts that arose during a first episode that was perhaps too experimental. An incredibly satisfying combat system frames one of the most engaging stories written by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio in an adventure that is a serious contender for game of the year, and we're only in January.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Iceborne is more than just an expansion, improving in every way the already excellent gaming experience offered by a blockbuster like Monster Hunter World. Recommended for veterans and new players.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Far Cry 6 is a very expansive first person shooter with a compelling story, full of entertaining things to do and missions to accomplish. The enemies are a little too predictable but the gameplay is always fun, with tons of weapons to find and customize, and the incredible “pets” you can bring with you are just the cherry on top. Graphics and sound are high quality and very immersive.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    If you've never played a game in the series, New Horizons is a great start. On the other hand, if you are already familiar with Animal Crossing, you will find a good amount of nostalgia but also pleasant little news, which will make this new adventure worthy of being lived day by day.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Saros is an extraordinary game—bordering on perfection within its genre—and a masterclass in how to fully harness its own strengths. Its gameplay is entirely at the service of the player; featuring polished mechanics, a palpable and customizable progression system, and the genuine sensation of playing a title with infinite longevity. It stands as a magnificent display of strength from the team at Housemarque—a studio that is no longer the underdog—having successfully delivered two of the very best exclusives of the PlayStation 5 generation: Returnal and—indeed—Saros.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    We couldn't have hoped for a better conclusion to the Dark Souls trilogy. Miyazaki-san was able to give the fans the most gorgeous souls-like experience ever, despite some frame rate issues that affect the console versions.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Team Asobi turns a convincing tech demo into a full-fledged game with top marks, again showing all developers out there the potential of haptic feedback. Entertaining, full of secrets and framed by an impressive audio-visual presentation, Astro Bot is a winner, partially limited by a moderate longevity and a series of facilitations that will not appeal to everyone. If you plan to explore its universe far and wide in search of secrets after watching the credits roll, make it yours immediately.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Brutal, deep but above all fun: the combat system of God of War Ragnarök is worthy of the god of war himself! The exploration shows the side of a certain repetitiveness that in the long run tends to tire, but the epic nature of the plot and the sumptuous technical realization make the conclusion of the journey of Kratos and Atreus a show worth living to the full.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    It's a bit like being back in the company of old friends from a past that's impossible to forget: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth successfully continues the rewriting work begun four years ago, ferrying Cloud and his companions into an open world of rare beauty. A certain repetitiveness in the secondary activities and some minor flaws related to the combat system - exciting but still not perfect - are personally negligible trifles in the face of a reunion of such calibre. To recommend it is a trivial formality.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Hades is an exceptional game. It’s got a fun gameplay loop, incredible visual design, good animations and a ton of story and dialogue (and it’s all voice acted!). Definitely Supergiant’s best game to date, and a must-play both for roguelike fans and newcomers to the genre.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    A masterpiece. This is the way every software house should think and build a graphic "point & click" adventure game.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    It doesn’t matter who you are, when you play Doom Eternal you will feel as badass as his Doom Slayer. With a fast paced and gory gameplay, this incredible FPS is a must buy to anyone old enough to hold a Shotgun in hand and shoot demons in the face.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise was an excellent chapter of the series on Switch, but the PC version plays in a completely different category. If you liked Monster Hunter World, you'll love Rise. Yes, even if the thought of starting all over again terrifies you.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Despite some fps issues, XCOM 2 is as perfect as the PC version. The best game of this year, no doubt about it.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    I can't stop playing this game! Great as a beat’em up, great as a roguelite, Absolum is just wonderful as a combination of the two genres. The cherry on top – but maybe is the foundation below – is a glorious lore and a brilliant narration that will keep you wanting more.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered on PC is an excellent way to live or relive one of the best console classics of last years, a real "definitive version" that can push the game to unprecedented graphical heights.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a masterpiece, and I'm not used to using the term too lightly. It has a magnetic plot, is supported by a successful cast and the audiovisual presentation literally sparkles, enhancing Switch as rarely before. If you love Japanese RPGs, you have to have far more serious problems than those that plague Aionios to get rid of it.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 4 is the best Xbox One exclusive to date: Playground managed to craft an exciting racing game set in a colourful open world full of things to do. That said, we can’t wait to see what this talented team can do outside the racing genre.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    The very existence of Psychonauts 2 demonstrates that good ideas have to overcome a thousand difficulties before being realized, but in the end they somehow impose themselves. It took years for the first chapter to overcome people’s skepticism but, day after day, it has built up a fan base so large that we were finally able to play with a full-fledged, high budget sequel. And it's beautiful. Pleasant, original, colorful, compelling. Do you need more adjectives to be convinced?
    • 92 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Nintendo reinvents the two-dimensional platform game through the sheer power of imagination, looking to the past and using it as a foundation to create something new. No one else has done it so brilliantly, but ultimately everything is easy when you are the king.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Despite the lack of real challenge, Marvel's Spider-Man is an absolutely excellent title, with a fascinating, detailed Manhattan and an incredible amount of high quality contents. The best game featuring the "web-slinger" ever.
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

?
    • 75 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    There’s no doubt Arboria is an interesting rogue lite, but perhaps it was been published at the wrong time, in a market really overcrowded by games of the same type. The game offers captivating graphics, the original setting and the robust combat system, as well as the interesting character skill tree have but also lacks variety, which combined with the absence of side quests tends to make every run look the same. I still enjoyed, although the long waiting times between one run and the next are a poor fit for the genre.
    • 72 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Another generation of the Nintendo Sports series, that once again delivers a truly enjoyable and entertaining experience. Still, the singleplayer experience could use some love.

Top Trailers