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
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition is a respectful and functional restoration of the role-playing video game originally developed by Obsidian Entertainment. The graphics and overall performance have improved, but the aesthetic remains dated. Modern accessibility features are missing, while companion AI is still lacking. However, most of the content, especially Mask of the Betrayer, shines with narrative depth. This is a faithful remake that aims to preserve the magic of the original, and it largely succeeds.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Although the gameplay of My Memory of Us might seems simple, or even trivial, I can’t help but notice that this game could be an excellent device to bring the younger ones acquainted with one of the darkest pages of human history. Using smiles and touching words, My Memory of Us ends up being the best method for us to understand our past so that the mistakes of our fathers won’t be repeated.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Vader Immortal: a Star Wars VR Series is practically a video game amusement park attraction, and I mean that in terms of length as well. But it’s still an enjoyable experience that will delight every fan of Lucas' opera omnia for a couple of hours.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Daemon X Machina is the perfect meeting point between Armored Core and Zone of the Enders, offering a quick and exciting gaming system, without sacrificing a good dose of depth and customization.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Farming Simulator 17 combines the simulation of life in the fields to an economic farm management. The result of this combination is a good game, despite a non perfect net code and some minor bugs.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Spacebase Startopia is a next-generation reboot of an amazing, 20-years old sci-fi strategy game, with the same approach to gameplay but a fairly renewed graphics style, perfectly fitting the funny dark humour that pervades our star bases. It’s incredible how Spacebase Startopia manages to look modern even today: further proof that good ideas never get old.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    Unfortunately, I can’t say I have had huge amounts of fun with Galactic Civilizations IV. Although all the basics are there for an enjoyable experience, and Stardocks added a good amount of specific systems to make the experience unique, crucial aspects like war management and IA behavior ended up ruining my time with the game.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bye Sweet Carole is a thriller/horror adventure that finds its strength in the visual arts: the narrative, aesthetics, animation, and music are meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail, resulting in a delightful, extremely inspired and well-paced work. This marriage is marred by a few sporadic bugs and some escape mechanics that might require more than one attempt due to the way the game maps are designed. None of this, however, manages to detract from the experience—primarily emotional—that the game offers, proving captivating in both form and content, drawing inspiration from classics like Clock Tower and Heart of Darkness.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Last Flag reworks the CTF formula, transforming it into a game of reading your opponent rather than one of pure skill. When matches click, the experience can be tense and unpredictable; however, the execution leaves much to be desired. The gunplay is merely decent, content is limited, and the player base struggles to sustain the system—not to mention a distinct lack of depth across various gameplay components. As things currently stand, the result is a multiplayer game that entertains for the first few hours but, in the long run, fails to maintain its hold on the player.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Conan Exiles shows some flaws and missing contents that make it still weak and incomplete. The potential of the game, however, is still good.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Rune Factory 5 is a good game, but it's hamstrung by a mediocre technical implementation. Fans of the series will be able to find the usual series of bucolic activities to do between dungeons, but those who appreciate nice-looking and fluid graphics will find it hard not to prefer Stardew Valley.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The third DLC of Black Ops III offers the most deliciously "pulp" zombie chapter of the Origins saga, together with a couple of good maps. Probably not the best DLC ever, but an expansion that will make the Call of Duty fans happy.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Despite some technical issues and a skimpy single player, Empires Apart is an enjoyable and well balanced old-style RTS. If you are in search of a competitive multiplayer game, look no further.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Lost Sphear is an honest and sincere tribute to the JRPG genre of the nineties: the storyline, the characters, and the art direction are all reminders of that era, with a combat system that's pretty engaging and not too hard to the player. Well, it's not the most original game ever released, but if you like the genre, you'll definitely find something worth your time.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Chains of Freedom is a turn-based strategy with action elements and simplified tactical management that sits somewhere between XCOM and Jagged Alliance, while renouncing elements such as targeted headshots, stance and reaction fire. Alien crystals to equip offer variety, customization and a touch of build strategy. Missions are linear but packed with optional areas, and the post-apocalyptic aesthetic feels polished, believable and well-directed. Suitable for those seeking accessible combat with near-infinite resurrection options, less for purists who demand depth and control of every action point.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Signifier is an ambitious game that is also aware of its limits. Unfortunately, that is not enough to elevate it among the greats. It offers a great, alienating and at times disturbing atmosphere, but its strongest suit is tackling issues that force the player out of his comfort zone. Unfortunately, mechanics are not as strong as the atmosphere, which makes the short duration (about six hours) a good choice. The ending is a bit fuzzy, however – and probably a setup for a sequel.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Night Call is thriller on the importance of verbal confrontation, adapting to one's interlocutor, creating fluid dialogues without necessarily complying with all their thoughts. A visual novel that is so classic, even predictable in its police nuance, but brilliant in the micro-situations we will experience in every journey.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Gameplay wise, NBA 2K21 is once again an excellent product, and the best hoops videogame on the market (also due to lack of competition). While very similar to its predecessor, it is also evolved and revised. However, being a 2K title, microtransactions are inescapable.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Football Manager 26 is finally back, and the effort has certainly been tasteful and valuable. The primary goal was to revamp the game and start from scratch, but obviously the tried-and-true gameplay formula couldn't be completely overturned. The new drop-down menus are pleasant and touch-friendly. All the new features, such as the reorganization of some mechanics, including those incorporated elsewhere and others eliminated, need to be taken into account. We're on the right track as we await patches and additions with future versions of the game.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Despite some excesses in the levels structure, and the evident low budget, The Spectrum Retreat is a real game design diamond, with a well-structured and engaging narration.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    A lazy job. The game is quite fun, despite the obvious repetition of the genre, but the porting presents the same problems of the original version. Tons of content is not enough to let the game get more than a modest appreciation.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A huge and luxurious mansion, haunted and full of traps, becomes the setting of deadly challenges between complete strangers. What might seem like the beginning of a book written by Agatha Christie and Stephen King is actually a surprisingly fresh and entertaining party game with a thriller twist. Technically it's not a masterpiece, but if you have a few friends around it could become your favourite multiplayer game until Halloween and beyond.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    A great action Gundam game, penalized by instability during online matches and the lack of some modes that should have been implemented. Not only, but mostly for fans of the anime series.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Touken Ranbu Warriors features a combat system which virtually would allow to complete all missions just using, in addition to the directional stick, a single button. Acting this way, however, you would miss the soul of the entire musou and its myriad of lethal and spectacular attacks performed by charismatic characters. Although the official plan is restoring the normal course of history, the real one is to unlock all the combos to try them out on the field and slaughter the poor, unfortunate enemies. Thanks to its breathtaking onslaughts at the price of a simple gameplay, fans of this kind of products will love it.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Strange Brigade, with its pulp magazine taste, is a good action co-op to play among most demanding titles. Unfortunately, the amount of content at day one is limited, holding back the score, although Rebellion has announced additional campaigns and new characters to expand the game after launch.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    Kill la Kill: IF has a lot of potential, unfortunately the contents are lacking, despite a visually stunning combat system.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 62 Critic Score
    MotoGP is basically Valentino Rossi: The Game without The Italian Doctor. The game still works, and it's still fun, but it seems like the devs are waiting for the next year to finally bring the series into a new era.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Some minor balancing issues aside, Battleborn is a pretty good title: the gameplay is solid and fun, the roster of characters is rich and guarantees a lot of variety in combat, and the multiplayer modes will keep you entertained. The real problem, here, is the lack of a true, genuine personality that would allow it to rise above its competitors.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM is perhaps one of the most complete titles dedicated to the world of Naruto. The simplifications in combat system may not be appreciated by everyone, but the title remains a must have for all Naruto fans.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    Frantics is a fun and polished collection of minigames, made unique by its wonderful aesthetics. The gameplay is very effective in bringing out the worst and most competitive side of the players involved, so it’s perfect for a night with friends. Ruthless competition, misconduct and wicked behaviour are combined well with a game system that, while maintaining the inclusive philosophy of PlayLink, do not skimp so much action and rhythm. In the long run it may become a little bit repetitive, but until then it’s amazing.

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