The Games Machine's Scores

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For 2,656 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:
  1. Positive: 2,064 out of 2656
  2. Mixed: 569 out of 2656
  3. Negative: 23 out of 2656
2658 game reviews
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    • 81 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    MARVEL Cosmic Invasion
    Marvel Cosmic Invasion once again confirms Tribute Games' ability to engage with a genre they know inside out, without sacrificing their own identity. It's a brilliant homage to the beat 'em ups of yore, finding fertile ground for ideas, pace, and character in Marvel's cosmic landscape. Some sporadic frame rate drops in the most intense situations and the natural loss of momentum when playing solo don't detract from its solidity, nor from the care that shines through in every aesthetic and mechanical choice. We weren't able to fully evaluate the online multiplayer, but its presence completes an already generous package. Overall, it's a thoughtful and genuine production that puts the focus back on what really matters: the pure pleasure of the action.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
    Fifteen years have passed since the last Commandos, and Mimimi Productions managed to revive the legacy of Pyro Studios. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is an excellent tactical game, deep and profound, albeit some minor and forgettable flaws (probably due to the inexperience of the German software house).
    • 77 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Akka Arrh
    The coin operated “classic which has never been” comes back to life thanks to one of the most visionary and iconic game designers of the 80s. And it’s gorgeous.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R
    We would have preferred a proper sequel, but the gigantic roster gives JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R that encyclopedic value that will keep Hiroiko Araki's fans busy for a long time. The partly revamped audio-visual presentation still holds up well against the weight of years, and the variety of characters is put at the service of a sufficiently complex and satisfying combat system. Too bad about the lack of rollback, but never say never.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    MotoGP 25
    MotoGP 25 continues its streak of victories in the motorcycle simulation genre, presenting itself as very solid in its Pro mode and fresh in the new Arcade, which simplifies without trivializing a riding model that is now refined, physical, exhilarating from the start until you take it to the limit, getting the best out of it.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Just Dance 2020
    Just Dance 2020 will ignite your parties and make you dance until exhaustion. It is so immediately fun that it is easy to overlook the issue of track discoverability and the lack of a proper story mode.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Baldo: The Guardian Owls
    A complex, amazing Zelda-style action adventure set in a beautifully crafted world with plenty of towns, creatures, buildings, shops and NPCs. There’s a lot to discover and a lot to play, although some mechanics might feel dated to younger players. The game suffers from some still-to-be-fixed bugs which can be annoying. Overall, NAPS Team did a great job, and brought us a game that Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli could have done themselves.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers
    The new features included in Shadowbringer further refresh gameplay and storytelling of this remarkable MMORPG. Even with the typical weaknesses of the genre, which however requires several hours of repetitive activities such as FATE events and secondary quests to level up, Final Fantasy XIV still proves to be among the best massive multiplayer online experiences, especially together with a close-knit group of friends.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Before We Leave
    Space whales! Before We Leave brings us space whales! And along with them, a polished city builder which takes known tenets of the genre to forge its own direction. Repetitive assets are a minor flaw in an overall extremely enjoyable experience with a lot to do even in the absence of a real game over.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    EA Sports FC 25
    EA Sports FC 25 is an interesting (and more importantly, fun) new edition of the EA Sports football saga, with many small tweaks to the pre-existing game modes and two big new features, Rush and FC IQ. In both cases, it can be said that the target was hit, and that the overall quality stands at very good levels. A few bugs and glitches in the menus do not affect a more than enjoyable gaming ex-perience, which promises to keep fans busy for a long time with careers, multiplayer challenges and trading cards...
    • 78 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Metal Slug Tactics
    There is nothing to say, Dotemu has a real nose for those games in which the nostalgia effect is not mere marketing, but a basis on which to build solid and satisfying gaming experiences. Who would have thought that the formula of the turn-based strategy would have adapted so well to one of the most famous run'n'gun franchises ever? Dotemu would have said it, that's who. And in fact, here we are singing the praises of Metal Slug Tactics, which only lacks a few additional bosses to add that variety that in a roguelite adds hours of longevity for players.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Kingdom Come: Deliverance
    It's almost impossible not to compare Kingdom Come: Deliverance with the Witcher series: there's absolutely no fantasy in the Warhorse production, but it boasts a strong character, an enormous quantity of content, choices that matter, and an adult and mature storyline. You can't expect the same visual quality or a comparable level of polish (pun intended), but the battles are like nothing you've ever seen, and the depth of the simulation really drags the player into a beautiful medieval novel.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Terminus: Zombie Survivors
    Terminus: Zombie Survivors is an excellent turn-based strategy with a character creation and growth system worthy of the best role-playing games, where before facing zombies you have to think about your vital parameters, just like in survival games. Fifteen classes, multiple endings, procedural map generation and tons of items to find, craft and use guarantee hours of playing time. Combat is simpler than what we've seen in the XCOM series, with gameplay more similar to board games than video games, but anyone who loves zombie culture will want to get to Terminus at least a few times.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Pacific Drive
    Courage should be rewarded, always. And Pacific Drive is a brave game, offering unique gameplay focused on the exploration of the Zone and the relationship between man and vehicle. We will feel helpless and powerless most of the time, banking on car upgrades to have any hope of surviving in this bleak and hostile environment. The action is slow paced as the protagonist is not an Invincible Super Soldier but an ordinary man in his beat-up car, and this may turn away some fans of driving games, but the high point of this production is the story.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Shotgun Cop Man
    Shotgun Cop Man is an atypical twin stick action shooter platformer, which does not include traditional jumps and you fly through the air exclusively using the recoil of the weapons. The Super Shotgun projects with powerful shots, while the pistol allows you to glide and correct the trajectory. Infinite ammo, reload only on contact with the ground and short but intense levels require precision and planning. The gameplay blends creative movement and tense combat, with additional challenges to eliminate all enemies, avoid damage and complete the levels within time limits. Minimalist graphics, an adrenaline-filled soundtrack and an integrated level editor complete an experience designed for fans of technical and hardcore platformers.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    MotoGP 21
    MotoGP 21 is the best MotoGP simulator you could wish for and on PS5 it's even better. There are some technical imperfections, but none of them can ruin a rewarding, fun and addicting gameplay.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Griftlands
    Griftlands is an atypical deckbuilding roguelite with an addictive gameplay formula and a top notch narrative. I can see myself playing this game for a very long time while trying to master everyone of its aspects.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Tetris Effect
    Not only do we have a new Tetris, but finally we find a version of this eternal classic with a single player campaign, whose narrative is entirely entrusted to the audio-visual mix that combines perfectly to create moments in which the multi-sensorial experience elaborated by our brain joins the logical work necessary to complete the levels. The only real flaw of Tetris Effect is the absence of multiplayer.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    FIFA 17
    The Journey and the Frostbite engine are the two big innovations of FIFA 17. The game is enjoyable in most of the offline modes; conversely, if you are a multiplayer gamer you should beware of the excessive use of skill moves and dribblings from other players, too often decisive in the economy of the matches.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    State of Decay 2
    State of Decay 2 proves to be better than the first chapter in all aspects despite the limitations of the new multiplayer mode. On Xbox One it's weaker on the technical side, but the price is great in all cases.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Company of Heroes 3
    World War II according to Relic once again graces our PCs, and while there's certainly a few remarks to be made here and there, it's really hard not to look extremely favorably upon Company of Heroes 3, which brings a dose of enviable content and a personality that few other strategists are able to express at the same level.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Wildermyth
    Wildermyth is the best turn based strategy game out in the latest months, and also a great RPG. I would have preferred a unique big campaign rather than small stories that aren't even that tied together, but smaller episodes could be more attractive to a casual audience. Artistically beautiful to the eyes, with a very particular style, capable of keeping you glued to the monitor for a long time, although there isn't that much to do when we aren't engaged in turn-based combat. To be played at a high difficulty level, turning the game into an epic chess battle.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    A Way Out
    After the heartwarming Brothers - A Tale of Two Sons, Josef Fares extended the scope of his unique co-operative gameplay, addressing a much wider spectrum of players. There are many gameplay opportunities that, together with a top-notch narrative, create a highly engaging and original experience. The execution may not be perfect, but it's a deep and bold work.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Cosmodread
    Cosmodread is an excellent sci-fi roguelite VR developed by a studio that was truly a pioneer in virtual reality gaming: their first game, Dreadhall, brilliantly experimented with some new concepts. Cosmodread follows in the same vein, and with a little more variety and graphic detail on PC VR, it might have been a true masterpiece. Nevertheless, it's still a masterful exercise in good mechanics, horror mood and style.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    GRID
    Grid is back to establish itself as one of the most exciting racing games in recent years. Missing a bit of courage, but the amount of cars and disciplines manages to keep high the desire to play. There are some technical limits and only 30 frames per second, but also wonderful weather and lighting management.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem Warriors
    Fire Emblem Warriors is a good title for all the fans of the musou genre, that takes advantage of the hardware it's been designed for. The roster could have been better and the storyline is nothing but ordinary, but the action is furious, with an unexpected strategic depth.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Avowed
    Avowed isn’t going to be the next Baldur’s Gate 3, or this generation’s Skyrim, being closer to The Outer Worlds than either of those games. And exactly like The Outer World, it’s a great action-oriented RPG set in a bizarre but not unpleasant world that is easy to recommend despite a few flaws.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
    Despite some uncertainty regarding the framerate The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is an excellent remake, which enhances the original experience in every way and makes it modern thanks to a very valuable series of improvements.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Monster Train 2
    Monster Train 2 builds upon the winning formula of its predecessor, enriching it with new factions, mechanics, and game modes that expand the content of the original title. Without radically changing anything, it delivers a deep and highly replayable experience, featuring a rewarding progression system and a steadily increasing difficulty curve that encourages dedication, learning, and experimentation. Unfortunately, the random element plays a significant role in high-difficulty matches, but that's both the charm and the challenge of roguelite deckbuilders.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Grand Kingdom
    The last tactical RPG from Tomohiko Deguchi deserves to be explored thoroughly, thanks to its variety of situations and the deep gameplay. The PS4 and PS Vita versions are almost identical, with cross-play support.
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