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
    • 83 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is a collection of obvious historical value, shining the spotlight on a selection of lesser-known but significant titles within the long tradition of Capcom fighting games. Technically well realised, with netcode rollback and unlocked content right out of the box, it represents an excellent rediscovery opportunity for fans and the curious alike. However, some controversial choices - such as a Capcom Fighting Jam that no one asked for, or the requirement of the EO version of Capcom vs. SNK 2 in ranked matches - reduce its competitive potential and risk alienating veterans. At the moment, it feels more like a collection for nostalgics and collectors than a platform on which to build a new online scene, but Capcom has shown it knows how to listen to fans' complaints and who knows, maybe Capcom vs SNK 2 could break free of the shackles of that unfortunate revision very soon.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    NBA 2K25 is - still today - the best basketball experience on the entire market, with the right optimizations regarding the shooting system. Unfortunately, problems related to microtransactions remain.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    In what ways might Contra: Operation Galuga disappoint fans of the series? None. How, on the other hand, could it bring in new players who are not familiar with the arcade? With adrenaline-pumping action along challenging levels in which to fight your way through with a devastating weaponry, advancing one meter after another until the boss challenge. We are dealing with a bare-bones run and gun platformer in which the few extra contents are a real plus and not a formality because nowadays everyone has to have them. These are Bill and Lance's best adventures, and the two new characters are also very charismatic. Do you just want to shoot like hell? You’ll love it.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Even without surprising like MW did in 2019, beyond the technical problems of day one and a revisable UI, MWII knows how to entertain and chain to the another-game-and-I-stop loop as only the great CoDs can do.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    FIFA 20 does not change the formula that has led the EA series to excel in the football category for years. The content offer is wide, with a series of (interesting) variants that unfortunately risk falling into oblivion very soon, swallowed up by that bottomless well that meets the name of Ultimate Team. The changes to the game structure do not distort a tried and tested system that is quite spectacular and favors the attack on the defense. The impression is that a bit more courage would be needed to review some mechanics and get rid of some historical problems (for example the speed, both of the maneuvers and some players), even if on the whole gameplay is quite enjoyable.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Black Ops 7 attempts to redefine the series' historical formula with a more cohesive ecosystem, based on advanced mobility, shared progression and intertwined modes: not everything is uniform, the flaws are different, but the global result is ambitious, rich, alive.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Slightly better than Innocence in terms of storytelling, gameplay and world building, A Plague Tale: Requiem still needs some tuning on the technical side.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    The '80s aesthetics of GRIDD: Retroenhanced isn't probably the most original, but Antab Studio managed to create an excellent arcade shooter working from those stereotypes up, adding a deep gameplay and a strong personality. As Ronald Reagan used to say, "easy to learn, difficult to master"!
    • 71 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Postal Brain Damaged is a bomb! Fun, fast, ferocious and punishing. A Postal spinoff that breathes new life into a franchise that seemed to have lost all ideas.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Hard West 2 is a definite step forward in the right direction for the series.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Immortal Planet is a really good souls-like action RPG. Its isometric approach and its minimal (but awesome) graphic style allow the game to run even on older PCs. It's a pity that the adventure ends after eight hours only, but the necessity for a second run in the new Nightmare difficulty level to unlock all the stuffs is enough to justify the purchase.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Of Lies and Rain demonstrates how a small studio can interpret VR with personality, making you wonder what Castello Inc. could do with a different budget. It's an immersive adventure that thrives on gestures and sensations rather than statistics, and it restores to VR the physicality too often sacrificed for comfort. It's not a perfect game, especially from a technical standpoint, but it's authentic to the core and thrills: in a market where special effects are often emphasized over substance, this is more than enough to recommend it without hesitation to anyone with a headset.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Sonic Collection is not only a (guess what?) collection of the first games featuring the blue hedgehog and friends cleverly remastered and with an improved gameplay, but it’s also a long platformer – if we consider the Story mode which will take us by hand through all four chapters – which I would recommend also to those who are unfamiliar with the franchise and are simply looking for a fun and fast paced game with colorful graphics and an awesome level design where there’s always something new to discover. Highly recommended both for Sonic lovers and newcomers.
    • 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.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Milestone hold the reins of driving pleasure, shaping the raw material as they wish, finally exploiting all the Unreal Engine has to offer.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Cross Blitz is an RPG deckbuilder with two souls: the narrative mode Fables, structured on a hexagonal map with events and turn-based card battles, and Tusk Tales, a Slay the Spire-style roguelite with branching paths, relics, and permanent upgrades. Combat takes place on eight slots per side, where positioning determines attack and defense trajectories. Mana grows each turn, enabling increasingly powerful play curves. Over five hundred cards, synergistic abilities, distinct archetypes, and variable enemy decks make deck building strategic and highly experimental.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    BioShock The Collection brings the famous trilogy in the hands to the newcomers of the current generation. Despite some bugs, it's a must have, on consoles especially.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon offer a great many new things, making them a must have for newcomers and fans alike. The younger audience will appreciate the lower than average difficulty level, while hardcore fans will like the endgame and its tough challenges.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon offer a great many new things, making them a must have for newcomers and fans alike. The younger audience will appreciate the lower than average difficulty level, while hardcore fans will like the endgame and its tough challenges.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Injustice 2 is a clear improvement over the predecessor: bigger, faster, stronger. The subtle changes to the combat system make for a deeper gameplay, and the huge customization options are a perfect match for less dedicated players.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Broken Arrow is a solid RTS that can provide good fun to anyone who’s willing to spend a bit of time studying its systems, but the lack of campaign saves and an occasionally unclear UI are definitely areas where there should be improvements.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Whispers of a Machine tells a fascinating post-cyberpunk story, where the destiny of the world is decided in the streets of a tiny suburban town. The writing is brilliant, as tense as only a good thriller can be, while the investigation is always stimulating, supported by good gameplay ideas and clever puzzles.
    • 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.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Despite some camera issues and a low longevity, Wartile is an enjoyable game and a perfect mix between two worlds: RTS and board games. Even if you love just one of them, you should give it a chance.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    I'm glad that Gestalt: Steam & Cinder has made significant progress compared to the demo I tried a long time ago, because it would have been a shame to waste such beautiful pixel art on a mediocre game. At the same time, however, what we have in front of us is a "only" good Metroidvania: a valid product, therefore, for fans of the genre and also for those who are simply intrigued by it, but it certainly won't make you forget about Silksong.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    An immersive, immense MMO sandbox survival game that captures the fierce and mystical essence of Dune, with a merciless and seductive Arrakis. The combat system is subdued and there are technical uncertainties that limit its potential. But what fun.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Few games offer the precise mix of escapism and relaxation that is the basis of New Pokémon Snap. It's an exquisite game that improves on its predecessor on Nintendo 64 in every way, smartly taking advantage of the Switch's merits. If you adore Pokémon, this is certainly the well-deserved vacation for you.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Bloodhound is an excellent and well orchestrated FPS that takes its inspiration from the great classics like Doom and Quake. On the narrative side I would have liked more insight, even if the rest reaches its goal. Must have absolutely.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Hell is Us is a third-person action adventure that combines semi-open exploration and Souls-like combat. There are no maps or indicators: the level design guides the player through areas connected by environmental clues and dialogue. The combat system relies on stamina and light or heavy hits, and as hit points decrease, so does stamina, creating a vicious cycle that can be broken with the Healing Pulse, a technique that converts damage dealt into healing. The KAPI drone adds variety with support functions, while fights against Hollow Walkers and Haze offer a mix of interesting but not always varied patterns. The highly evocative atmosphere is marred by monsters that don't live up to the setting.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    SnowRunner is a dirty game with spotless physics. A truck-sized open world, tiring, slow yet extremely adrenaline-fueled work simulation. Maybe sometimes too tiring, but capable of giving enormous satisfaction.

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