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
    • 65 Metascore
    • 63 Critic Score
    The underwater combat in Aquanox: Deep Descent certainly feels right, however the lousy enemy AI, the consequent generally low difficulty, and several naiveties in the gameplay formula do not allow the game to be enjoyable from start to finish. It doesn't help that the plot and dialogue writing is abysmal. The end result is unfortunately an all too generic, sometimes soporific, submarine shooter.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Soccer Story is an adventure capable of entertaining those who love football thanks to many fun challenges, a light atmosphere and the constant promise of new things to come. Some technical problems, easily circumvented AI and an RPG soul only hinted are its limits, but it remains a love letter to football for football lovers.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Collector difficult to recommend to all gamers. Excellent for nostalgics, less so for those approaching Yu-Gi-Oh for the first time.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Phantom Fury is a classic FPS that manages to engage and entertain. It is a simple but well-finished evolution of its predecessor, to whom it owes a lot and which can still be an excellent yardstick in the panorama of boomer shooters. The new production, while not shining for originality, knows how to be a remarkable follow-up.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite some minor flaws, MXGP2 provides one of the best experiences in the motorbikes racing genre. Be sure to activate the first person camera and the "pro" physics, and you'll be in for a real treat, made of a genuinely fun and thrilling gameplay.
    • 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.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Crymachina is a touching tale that touches on the nuances of human details and its hidden and primitive insecurities. Speaking through a common language, already seen in the works of Yoko Taro and in the history of FuRyu productions, but nevertheless manages to find flashes of originality, especially when the three main protagonists are explored in depth. The game design doesn't shine but it doesn't disappoint either, managing in any case to stimulate the player's interest through a good skill-based combat system. It's a shame that the graphics, very dated and often an eyesore, don't offer further emotions.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Despite the excellent work done by FieldSENSE, Madden NFL 24 fails to solve some of the issues that have plagued the EA Sports saga for years. Adding poor menu navigation to predictable game modes and imperfect AI, the final result is a game that has some good moments, but has no chance to win the Superbowl.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Twin Mirror is a good adventure, albeit with its flaws. Even without infusing its new IP with the same depth of character development shown in past works, DONTNOD still managed to create a well done self-contained story and enrich it with interesting additional mechanics. But despite all this, Twin Mirror’s story feels like it could have used a few more hours.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    Sword Art Online: Last Recollection, has a good track record and an interesting, little communicated and evocative context in game design. In the end I ended up with a single player and a multiplayer, with a non-recurring effect in the Alcun mode of living with one another, presenting a mess that is not particularly effective. The bottom line is that it is only possible to distinguish between the two, but it is only subtle.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 63 Critic Score
    This is probably the last chapter of the Olympic series on Wii U, and it comes packed with a lot of revamped minigames and numerous occasion to have fun with friends and family. You won't probably play it a lot after the Olympic fever is over, though.
    • 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.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Even if Sniper Elite V2 Remastered shows the signs of age, it’s still an enjoyable sniping game. There are some problems (AI is far from being perfect), but fans of stealth/sniping games should give it a look.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Might & Magic: Chess Royale is a decent representative of auto chess games, taking most mechanics from existing competitors. The hybridation with battle royale genre is only taken so far, which is a true pity.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Artistic provocation that is more form than meaning or courageous exploration of the aesthetic limits of the video game? About an Elf is probably both, and that’s why it’s worth playing. Its five-hours mix of visual novel, RPG and point&click will be one of the surreal-est experiences you could have with a joypad in your hands.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 63 Critic Score
    Edens Zero features a good gameplay system coupled with an excellent combat system. Unfortunately, the game is extremely repetitive and superficial.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons attempts to enrich the classic Bubble Bobble gameplay by introducing roguelite and metroidvania elements, and on paper the idea is actually quite promising; unfortunately, the bland level design and an overall execution that borders on amateurish make it impossible to tell whether the format could truly have worked or if it should have been abandoned from the start. There’s very little worth saving in this production, Bubble Symphony aside. Hardcore little dragon fans will find something to chew on for a good number of hours, but fun is by no means guaranteed.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    Blacksad: Under the Skin is an adventure that moves away from the classic point and click structure, but it's far from perfect in the ambitious game design. That said, Pendulo Studios game is pleasant to play and overall unmissable by fans of the original comic.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Solus Project is still a fascinating title, albeit on PS4, one that suffers from the same problems of the original release (repetitive, and a disappointing survival). The VR headset adds a nightmarish control system, but at the same time offers an intriguing take on the horror side of the game.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    The top-down tactical shooter Thunder Tier One offers a realistic and engaging singleplayer campaign, unfortunately ruined by AI partners who are too prone to ignore orders and cause havoc. The multiplayer is fun and shootouts are hectic, but there’s also a distinct lack of modes and the progression system isn’t too exciting. We don’t doubt Krafton will keep the game patched and updated though.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 58 Critic Score
    Synduality: Echo of Ada is an extraction shooter poor in content and plagued by a pay to win system. The slow progression make a frustrating experience.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    The Falconeer is an interesting aerial combat game which, however, is weighed down by several burdens that do not allow it to shake off the monotony that arises from its own ambition as an open world.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Minecraft Legends demonstrates the ability of Blackbird Interactive to also range over genres other than the classic RTS, given the more action imprint of this title. There is some doubt about its accessibility to the youngest, given the dexterity it requires in giving specific orders and the limited independence of our allies in the field, but otherwise it is a great way to pass the hours for those who want to pass the whim for strategy but look for something more relaxed than the standard RTS.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Aven Colony could have been a great space sim manager: there are some good and original ideas, but the game is really easy, without a real challenge, and a lot of things simply don't work, gameplay-wise.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Invader Studios has packaged a survival horror experience with a good atmosphere and decent pace, adding small but interesting new features and significantly improving the technical compartment. A sequel that represents a good step forward but still has a long way to go to walk side by side with the best exponents of the genre.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 64 Critic Score
    The Ram From Hibernia is a quite entertaining (but short) experience for younger audience, but it feels like another missed opportunity for OSome Studio to elevate this beloved franchise to an higher level of gameplay.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Valkyrie Elysium's combat system is sufficiently complex and entertaining, which is good, considering that what remains of the game is quite forgettable. A decent game for fans of the tri-Ace saga, but certainly not essential. Also because, if you're hungry for Norse adventures, there's a certain god of war waiting for you at the end of November.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Although I am convinced Red Solstice 2: Survivors will find its niche fanbase, I can’t really say the hybrid action/strategy gameplay impressed me. The single-player campaign is nice to have but it doesn’t stand out - the core experience here is definitely the multiplayer co-op.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Legend of Legacy HD returns with a nostalgic nod to its 3DS origins, now on PS4, PS5, and Switch. Remastered visuals preserve its charm, while Masashi Hamauzu's score shines. Yet, its unconventional turn-based RPG mechanics demand relentless grinding, testing even the most patient. Character growth relies on repetitive battles, lacking traditional experience points. Narrative depth takes a backseat to experimental gameplay, leaving some feeling detached. Despite its cult status and nods to SaGa series, Legacy's HD revival lacks modern refinements. While it caters to hardcore RPG enthusiasts, its unchanged nature may deter newcomers seeking accessibility and guidance.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Steel Seed is definitely not a perfect title: it suffers, in particular, from a combat that is not very clean, from occasional glitches, and from a story that has very few high points. It remains, however, a game of average quality characterized by spectacular settings and a soundtrack with some nice moments. If in the future Storm in a Teacup manages to fix the feel pad in the hand of its games, it is not impossible that in five years from now the Roman group will be able to surprise us with some nice things.

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