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
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Cyberpunk 2077 has come to the end of its journey, setting aside the best for the grand finale. Phantom Liberty is arguably the best expansion created by CD Projekt RED, and it concludes with a bang the journey of a much-discussed game, nevertheless deserving now more than ever to be played. There is no better time to return to Night City or - even better - to step into the shoes of V for the first time.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    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.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The remake of Dead Space follows the track of the original game, obviously (and considerably) improving it from a technical point of view and adding or modifying some gameplay elements. The result is a sci-fi horror adventure that will please series veterans and thrill-seeking newcomers alike.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is an excellent revision that turns a great game into a true next gen experience. Don't miss Episode INTERmission, a short but intense DLC.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem: Three Houses succeeds in bringing a breath of fresh air into a saga that is perhaps too anchored to its own style, it does so by renewing the experience without losing sight of the deep strategic soul that has always been the trademark of Intelligent Systems’ works. The pace of the game may seem a bit diluted to the most fundamentalist fans, but the overall result is, in our opinion, absolutely convincing and worthy.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    I was skeptical about a Switch release of NieR Automata, a game Square Enix was unable to get run smoothly on PC. But somehow Virtuos achieved a miracle, making possible to be 2B even on the Nintendo hybrid. I was expecting a Waterloo-like disaster. The outcome instead is Austerlitz.
    • 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.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The Final Shape is one of Destiny 2's best expansions and a worthy conclusion to the Light and Darkness saga. Lots of content, all beautifully crafted, including an outstanding campaign and exciting endgame activities, are matched by a new subclass and the introduction of some brand new enemies. The latter are not very inspired, to be honest, but in some specific situations they require changing approaches to confrontations to get the upper hand. All in all, a big yes for The Final Shape and for Bungie, which can thus redeem itself after the débâcle of Lightfall.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Death Stranding 2: On The Beach improves on all the gameplay of the first episode and offers breathtaking views, it's a shame for a story that loses a bit of intensity in the central part.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Horizon Forbidden West for PC is the best adventure starring Aloy, even on not the most powerful configurations. All the magic of Guerrilla Games' game has been delivered uncompromisingly and will engage you for several hours as you explore, fight and experience a beautifully narrated and wonderfully portrayed story, accompanied by a soundtrack worthy of a top-notch film production. By forgoing some detail, which is moreover compensated by the smaller screen size, even Steam Deck – or similar consoles – owners will enjoy this excellent production.
    • 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
    • 90 Critic Score
    Everything has led to this... Resident Evil Requiem is the game that sums up 30 years of the saga, taking us back to where it all began. It was a huge risk for Capcom, but one that paid off almost flawlessly, delivering a narratively compelling, technically sumptuous title characterized by two gameplay styles that are as different as they are well blended.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    A Way Out could have been a lucky shot but It Takes Two confirmed the talent of the team led by Josef Fares in creating very fun and mirror games characterized by true strokes of genius. Split Fiction remains on the same, very high levels of its predecessors and even on Nintendo Switch 2 it confirms itself as an unmissable experience ... unless you have already experienced it on other platforms given the lack of any type of additional bonus.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dreams is a revolutionary experience, well-developed and capable of being as accessible as it is deep. The dream has just begun, but already, with all these incredible tools, seems like something wonderful.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 96 Critic Score
    It Takes Two is absolutely stellar. Extremely varied, never boring, fun and exciting to play, incredibly pretty and with great character writing. If you enjoy cooperative play, you owe it to yourself to play it.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Thirteen years after the release of the first chapter, Remedy tries to improve itself and answer the questions that fans have been holding in for so long. Alan Wake II is another excellent step toward the ultimate maturation of the Finnish dev team, capable like few others of telling fascinating and engaging stories, surrounded by solid gameplay and a first-class cast. A few minor technical flaws and some knots yet to be unraveled (perhaps in a DLC?) are the only, small moles in a production that maintains the excellent levels already achieved with Control.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Three of the best Castlevania games in one unmissable package, jam-packed with extras and a bonus game that isn't exactly the best but... it's a bonus so we gladly keep it. Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin and Order of Ecclesia, each of these games brought unique features to classic Castlevania gameplay and they are all still extremely enjoyable today.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Horizon Zero Dawn is an instant classic: tough, challenging, huge, incredibly fun to play. It's the new definition of the videogame in the most classical way, where the center of the experience is the genuine entertainment of the player. There are some minor flaws here and there, and the narrative isn't as strong as it could've been, but nonetheless, it's the best action game of this generation.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    KCD2 is a huge medieval RPG that carries all the strengths and a handful of rough edges of its predecessor, integrating them into an incredibly realistic world and epic narrative. It expands, refines and enriches the legacy of the first chapter in an excellent way in practically every way, so for those who appreciated KCD it is a must-buy.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Ghost of Tsushima is surely not a revolution in the open world panorama, yet Sucker Punch managed to craft a must-play hit much more meaningful and interesting than other similar experiences. There’s no need to re-inventing the wheel if you are confident of your idea. Ghost of Tsushima is this.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Devil May Cry V debuts on the new consoles with a definitive Special Edition, which confirms its status as the best stylish action of the last generation. The new modes and the presence of Vergil as a playable character are great additions, while the Ray Tracing does not feel like it adds much, and certainly not enough considering it comes at the cost of a slashed frame rate or resolution.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    The remake of The Last of Us: Part I on PlayStation 5 brings Naughty Dog's beloved classic to the same level of technical quality as its sequel and other flagship titles of this new generation Sony, making the two experiences much more homogeneous between them, with an eye towards the improvement of AI and many options for accessibility. If you have so far missed the opportunity to immerse yourself in this apocalyptic world with Joel and Ellie, this is certainly the best time to make up for it. As long as you are willing to spend.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    What Remains of Edith Finch talks about death, but sounds like an incredible hymn to life and its meaningful journey. Giant Sparrow brings walking simulator to another level with an amazing story told through compelling gameplay solutions and an inspired environmental storytelling.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Asgard's Wrath is one of the greatest titles produced since the birth of VR gaming, perhaps the most ambitious ever. Even its models are over the top - the last God of War is clearly quoted - but Sanzaru's game manages to build its strong personality with challenge and taste for discovery, using our double dimension - divine and terrestrial - to stage a VR show never seen before for graphical and playable details.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Despite its being a little bit easier than the "regular" XCOM 2 and some AI issues, War of the Chosen is one of the best DLC out there: big, with a lot of stuffs and enjoyable from the beginning to the end. If you love the genre, you should not miss it for any reason.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Playing Neon White is like being John Romero in 1993 in front of a machine running the original DOOM. The same need for speed, the same surgical precision, the same satisfaction in beating a level and getting the maximum score. Arcade at its finest, at its essence, at its core. One of the fastest-paced experiences on the market and definitely this summer’s gaming obsession.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is not a soulsborne, and it’s not another Tenchu. However, the breathtaking landscapes of a war-torn Japan and a mysterious but compelling story make a perfect outline for a rhythmic, stimulating and particularly challenging gameplay.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is one of the masterpieces of the year, a title that stands out in the already large Annapurna stable and yet another confirmation of Simogo as one of the most talented teams around. A puzzle game, a graphic adventure, a detective story, even a simple dungeon crawler, chameleon-like and always surprising, but above all a cursed, engaging, disturbing story, which starts from a psychological thriller and ends up thinking about art in the broadest sense of term. Obsessive level design, extraordinary atmosphere, incredible moments for a work that I have no illusions about being commercially successful but which, perhaps, like certain arthouse films, could become a cult.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mewgenics is a turn-based roguelite that blends deep tactical gameplay with unapologetic dark humor. The action order is individual and dynamic, determined by stats and modifiers, while cats have no fixed classes: collars define their role, abilities, and progression, with upgrades chosen from random pools. Each feline can take part in only one run, making breeding and partial skill inheritance central mechanics. A competitive AI, full permadeath, and numerous random events ensure constant variety, balancing strict strategy with genetic unpredictability.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dragon's Dogma 2 is an extremely engaging open world action game, featuring a combat system that is practically flawless and a huge map full of secrets to explore. It follows a philosophy of its own and for this it deserves to be rewarded, but the optimization problems that afflict the PC version tested during the review do not allow it to achieve excellence, at least for the moment.

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