The Games Machine's Scores

  • Games
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:
2658 game reviews
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Cataclysm makes you feel like a medieval architect with performance anxiety: every mistake is set in stone and paid for in blood. It may not be a title for the masses and it has some areas that could be improved, but it can be rewarding and is certainly original.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Even if The Last Guardian can sometimes get straight to our hearts, we cannot turn a blind eye to the frustrating gameplay. Its narrative fails to truly immerse the player, as the game mechanics lack to convey emphasis and empathy.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Those who love the traditional WoW modus operandi will be well rewarded by Dragonflight, but the expansion could have aspired to other goals with a little more courage in terms of creativity and design.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Octo is an excellent expansion, even better than the original game campaign if you are looking for a really stiff challenge.
    • 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.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    It’s difficult to improve a game which is already the best in its own genre, but SIE San Diego Studio achieved a good result with a few, but meaningful, changes. MLB The Show 18 offers an even more solid and consistent experience than its predecessor, although the devs cut off a couple of game modes. The new most important core element is the brand new progression system in the Road to the Show career, which offers the chance to live the tough dream of a mid- to late-round draft pick prospect.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    After repeating the same exact gameplay year after year, MLB The Show 23 finally offers some interest-ing new features in an fresh enjoyable experience, both in old and in new game modes. There’s a great atmosphere on the diamond, and there are tons of things to do, games to play, stars to unlock. Some shadows on the online, with a netcode that it's shaky at times.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Chaotic, crazy, rich, explosive. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is the best kart game outside the Nintendo universe and, in some ways, it is even more compelling than Mario Kart World. The only thing missing is that final spark that would allow it to definitively emerge from the shadow of its rival.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Messenger is a great example of “old school platform”. It’s fun to play, challenging but never frustrating, with good graphics and an excellent soundtrack.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Also on Nintendo Switch, just like on other gaming platforms, Outer Wilds is a visual and profound spectacle that goes far beyond expectations. It is a dense and emotionally charged journey, capable of bonding the player and showing how creativity can actually give an experience waiting to be discovered.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Warhammer: Vermintide 2 is an excellent sequel, improving almost everything over the predecessor, and with an art direction true to the Warhammer universe. The gameplay is bound to be a little bit repetitive, and the RPG elements aren't so deep, but the co-op experience is excellent: fighting the hordes of Chaos with three other friends is exciting, and definitely recommended.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Gears 5 is the natural evolution of the historic TPS series and, with its solid gameplay and contents, is a step towards the future that so many fans wanted. Perhaps some of them wished for a more decisive revolution, but the developers' hard work can be seen and felt, and it can satisfy any kind of player.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    51 Worldwide Games is an excellent collection that lives up to its name, which includes fifty-one games from all over the world: although most of them come from Europe or Asia, some of them are typical of Africa and South America. The latest Nintendo game proves to be an excellent pastime both for those who want to tackle each game alone, and for those who love to have fun in the company of friends and family.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Even without the precision and balance of its source of inspiration, Advance Wars, Wargroove still manages to offer an excellent strategic experience through a wide variety of modes.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Once again, Arkane Studios delivers an amazing title. Prey is a huge, non-linear adventure in which the player really is the king, a simulation where everything works just fine, with a deep and inspired sci-fi story. A true masterpiece.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    NBA by 2K is confirmed as the best basketball video game series, with a long and engaging career mode, effective AI and great visual appeal even for this installment. Unfortunately, microtransactions are still a problem and cannot be ignored.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Behind the appearance of an idle game with a weird palette lies a deeply strategic title, which requires a careful management of resources and the ability to foresee the moves of our hero in advance. Its simplicity makes it a game for everyone, while its complexity will make it a real challenge for veteran adventurers and RPG players. The camp management, the gathering of materials, the weapons and enemies statistics, the unlockable classes and the combinations of memory cards make Loop Hero one of the best strategy games of recent times.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    30XX is a compelling upgrade from 20XX. No longer a clone of Mega-Man, but a game with a convincing and fun structure. Too bad for the usual problems with the online.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Ace Attorney Investigations Collection revives the fan-favorite spin-off series with a fresh take on the classic formula. The collection introduces Western audiences to the previously unreleased second entry, but long-standing series limitations may still feel dated. Despite this, the collection’s charm and the return of beloved characters should delight fans who crave more of what they love.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tekken 7 is definitely a big guy. A new engine, new characters, new combat techniques and a lot of new game modes and options. It doesn't have the amount of content found in Injustice 2, but the way the familiar combat system makes you feel so powerful is still unmatched.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Konami’s Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars revives two beloved JRPG classics, preserving their deep storytelling and strategic gameplay. While the remaster improves visuals and adds quality-of-life updates, presentation leans heavily on HD aesthetics, which may divide longtime fans. The lack of a full retranslation and some dated mechanics hold it back from being a true definitive edition. Still, Suikoden II remains a masterpiece, and this collection is a welcome return for the franchise. Hopefully, Konami’s renewed interest signals future installments or improvements.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ninja Gaiden 4 is a powerful return, imperfect but full of character, capable of making us forget the years of silence with a combat system that borders on perfection in its fluidity and ferocity. The union between Team NINJA and PlatinumGames works: the action is brutal, visceral, and visually stunning, with an artistic direction that transforms Tokyo and its nightmares into a kabuki theater of soft lighting and blood. A clear limitation is the linearity of the maps and the repetition of enemies and bosses, which end up diluting the pace, making the second half of the adventure more tiring than exciting. Ninja Gaiden 4 has plenty of character and confirms itself as an aesthetically captivating game, but incapable of maintaining the tension it promises in its best moments. A convincing new beginning, even if it's not yet the masterpiece fans have been waiting too long for.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    In certain respects, Burnout Paradise aged pretty well: under the revamped visuals and the smooth frame rate, this remastered version keeps the original gameplay unaltered, and that means sheer, chaotic fun and adrenaline-pumping races across Paradise City. Sure, some gameplay elements feel a little older today (where's the fast travel?), but honestly, who cares when you're having so much fun?
    • 82 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    A bunch of new maps sniper-oriented and a new game mode is the proposal of In the name of the Tsar, an essential purchase for Battlefield addicted players, but exclusively for them.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Islanders is a uniquely-designed city builder that offers a relaxed experience even if you only have ten minutes to spare.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark is a nice tactical RPG with an accessible learning curve.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Tales of Graces F Remastered is a shining example of how to revisit a beloved classic. With its refined combat system, deep character customization, and emotional narrative, it retains the charm of the original while adding meaningful quality-of-life updates. The transition from PS3 to modern platforms is commendable, despite minor technical flaws like Switch's capped 30 fps. The vibrant world, endearing characters, and intricate battle mechanics make it a must-play for Action JRPG fans. While the sugary tone and Wii-era visuals may not appeal to everyone, its competitive price and rich content make it a worthwhile addition to the Tales saga.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores is a very worthwhile expansion that provides a host of tasty endgame content in the company of Aloy. It doesn't revolutionise the base game as intended, but Guerrilla Games' stunning Los Angeles is worth the price of admission alone.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Victoria 3 is a complex grand strategy game, however Paradox Development Studio went above and beyond to make it accessible to anyone with enough patience to learn the basics of how it works.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest Builders finds its way on Nintendo Switch, where the unique specificity of the console offers breeding ground for the endless possibilities of the game. Nonetheless, it's the same game as it was two years ago, with some fringe additions. An excellent opportunity, if you missed it when it was originally released.

Top Trailers