The Mako Reactor's Scores

  • Games
For 311 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 77% higher than the average critic
  • 6% same as the average critic
  • 17% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 7.1 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 82
Highest review score: 100 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Lowest review score: 40 Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 1 out of 311
312 game reviews
    • 92 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Future Redeemed is a phenomenal expansion and perfect finale for the Xenoblade Chronicles trilogy. It is brilliantly-paced and has none of the issues prior releases have, making it even better than Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
    • 96 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The House in Fata Morgana on Nintendo Switch is the best way to experience a true masterpiece of storytelling.
    • 96 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    As someone who owns four different versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, I still don't consider it a perfect game or one that I would score a 10 despite loving it. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the other hand, is an easy 10 and Nintendo's best game yet. It is a masterpiece in just about every aspect.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Persona 4 Golden on Nintendo Switch feels perfect. Having now played this new version on all platforms, the Nintendo Switch version is the one I'd recommend above all for the system's hybrid nature, and because Atlus has done a fantastic job with this port bringing one of the best JRPGs of all time to a new audience. Hopefully it gets a physical release in the future.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Street Fighter 6 is a superlative fighting game with its robust online, amazing single-player content, gorgeous visuals, and sublime gameplay. It might be one of the best launch packages for any fighting game ever, and is a game of the year contender.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak enhances and improves Monster Hunter Rise in every way. The monsters are more challenging, the music is a lot better, and the postgame is actually good for more than a few hunts. The new mechanics add even more depth for those looking to dig deeper into each weapon. Even if Capcom didn't do a single title update, this would still be absolutely essential for every Monster Hunter Rise owner. It is that good, and I can't wait to put hundreds of hours into it over the next year.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak was already beyond amazing when it debuted last year, and the PlayStation and Xbox versions arrive with three title updates included making it even better. While it is unfortunate that Capcom couldn't launch them with all title updates included, Sunbreak is an essential, and I can now recommend Rise without caveats on PS5.
    • 95 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Persona 5 Royal was already the best version of one of the greatest JRPGs, and it has gotten an excellent PC conversion that is a joy to play on Steam Deck and PC. With the inclusion of all prior DLC from the start and support for higher frame rates and multiple control options, Persona 5 Royal on PC is absolutely essential. If you held off on prior console versions of Persona 5, your wait has been worth it.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Metroid Prime Remastered is a fantastic release in every way. It feels amazing to play and looks brilliant. We've seen many classics brought to modern systems with varying results, but Metroid Prime Remastered is sublime and a must-play for every Nintendo Switch owner.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Hi Fi Rush is a phenomenal experience from start to finish with fantastic characters, sublime music, gorgeous visuals, great voice acting, and superlative gameplay. It is essential if you enjoy action and rhythm games.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Guilty Gear Strive on Xbox Series X is superb. The game itself is even better now than it was at launch, and is my favorite fighting game on Xbox by a big margin. If you skipped Strive back in 2021, there has never been a better time to play one of the best of the best.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is the ultimate version of one of Square Enix's best franchises. It goes above and beyond with its fanservice, gameplay, and superlative selection of music from most of the publisher's best games. While it isn't flawless, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line gets my highest possible recommendation if you enjoy rhythm games and Final Fantasy.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Resident Evil 4 Remake is an incredible reimagining of a classic. The stellar pacing, memorable characters, and monsters aplenty combine with sublime gameplay and superlative visuals to make it absolutely essential.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Just like Trails from Zero, The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure on Nintendo Switch is the gold standard of how an older game should be brought to Nintendo Switch. The improvements and upgrades over the PS4 version are massive, and PH3 took things a step further to even add options we'd usually see only in a PC release. The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero to Azure is an essential duology for every RPG fan on Nintendo Switch.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Tetris Effect: Connected is one of the best Nintendo Switch games you can play today and a perfect complement to the amazing Tetris 99. If you haven't gotten it yet, the Switch conversion is brilliant and well worth your time. Hopefully it gets a physical release soon.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Tactics Ogre: Reborn feels like it is a bespoke Nintendo Switch game rather than a remake of an older title. It looks and plays like a dream on the system both docked and handheld, and the addition of proper HD Rumble makes it even better. With Tactics Ogre: Reborn and Triangle Strategy, Square Enix has delivered two of the best tactical RPGs within months of each other on the best platform for the genre.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero to Azure is one of the best duologies I've experienced in any medium. If you enjoy JRPGs with amazing stories, fantastic music, and brilliant characters, you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not playing both Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie still feels like a dream release after how far behind the West was with Kiseki localizations. Well, it is now here, real, and spectacular thanks to its story, music, and brilliant PC port.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Whether you played Ghost of Tsushima before on PS4 or are completely new to it, Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is well worth your time on PS5 with its stunning visuals, great use of PS5 features, excellent combat, and superlative soundtrack.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Despite the technical issues, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (with the base game) is one of the best Nintendo Switch games ever. The expansion enhances the base game to make it an easy recommendation for any newcomer to Monster Hunter, and an essential for every base game owner on Switch. Hopefully Capcom can improve the multiplayer performance in future updates.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Tactics Ogre: Reborn on PC is an essential for tactical RPG fans with its deep gameplay, tons of customization, superlative soundtrack, and with how amazing it feels on Steam Deck. It took Square Enix a long time to bring Tactics Ogre back, and I'm glad we got such a great version of it.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The wait for Drainus from Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth developer Team Ladybug on Nintendo Switch was long, but absolutely worth it. The Switch arrives with all post-launch updates from the start, and it is an excellent conversion that looks and plays brilliantly on Nintendo's hybrid system. This is one of the best modern shoot 'em ups, and a perfect fit for the Switch library.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem Engage is one of Nintendo's best games in years, and a much more polished release than Fire Emblem: Three Houses which I loved. While it suffers in its story compared to recent releases, it is still an essential for tactical RPG fans. It also happens to be a gorgeous game that shines on the OLED Switch display.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Guilty Gear Strive is an absolutely incredible fighting game with its gorgeous visuals, sublime gameplay, kickass soundtrack, and robust online play.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero on Nintendo Switch is the gold standard of how a JRPG should be brought to Nintendo Switch. It has improvements and upgrades over the PS4 version every way, and also goes above and beyond with many features to make it even better. I hope PH3 works on more Switch conversions in the future, because is now the best Falcom release on Switch.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Streets Of Rage 4 - Mr. X Nightmare DLC takes an already brilliant game and elevates it even further with a superb survival mode, amazing new music from Tee Lopes, and the addition of more playable characters at a stupidly low asking price.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Persona 5 Royal on Nintendo Switch is the true successor to Persona 4 Golden on PS Vita. Despite the visual cutbacks compared to the PS4 version, it is an essential for Nintendo Switch owners. With the inclusion of all prior paid and free DLC, this is a fantastic value proposition and well worth your time even in this busy month.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    If you're new to Armored Core like I was before playing Armored Core 6, this is an excellent entry point into a franchise I wish I had experienced before. With Armored Core 6, FromSoftware has one of the best games of 2023, and it feels like the studio's most-polished release yet. It was a joy to play on Steam Deck pre-release, and I'm having a ton of fun replaying it on both PS5 and Xbox Series X right now.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Ys IX: Monstrum Nox on PC is easily the definitive way to experience one of Falcom’s most ambitious games and one of the best action RPGs you will play this year.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection from Konami and Digital Eclipse is one of my favorite retro collections ever. It is chock full of amazing bonuses in addition to many games that have been great to revisit or experience for the first time. The enhancement options and features available elevate these games quite a bit as well. If you're a fan of the games or want to check out classic TMNT games, this release is an essential.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Lost Judgment is one of the best games in years with its superlative narrative, sublime combat, great soundtrack, plethora of side activities, and fantastic localization. This is easily one of Sega’s best.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    AI: The Somnium Files nirvanA Initiative gets almost everything right. It builds on the original in just about every way and remains a more accessible entry thanks to new quality of life features and difficulty options. The narrative is more over-the-top than the original with its humor turned up even more, and it excels with its excellent characters. If you enjoy mystery adventure games, you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't buy AI: The Somnium Files nirvanA Initiative. It is an easy game of the year contender.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo is another fantastic game from Square Enix, and an essential for fans of mystery, horror, and adventure games. It feels great to play on both Switch and Steam Deck. I want to see more releases like Paranormasight and The Centennial Case from the publisher.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy 16 is one of the most impressive games Square Enix has ever made even with its few issues. The brilliant combat, superlative voice acting, amazing music, and gorgeous world come together to make the best single-player Final Fantasy since the PS2 era. This one’s an all-timer.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is not only the best and most accessible Ace Attorney yet, but an absolute essential for fans of adventure games with its brilliant characters, amazing soundtrack, and great presentation.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    NieR: Automata The End of YoRHa Edition is a port that I never expected would happen, let alone one that would deliver a competent NieR: Automata experience on a portable. If you've wanted to play NieR: Automata on the go, this is a great way to do so. Square Enix and Virtuous went above and beyond here with support for motion controls, touchscreen, and also exclusive DLC. It isn't as good as playing on other platforms, but delivers in a proper NieR: Automata portable experience retaining everything that made the original game one of the greatest of all time.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is easily one of the best games in a decade and an absolute must play on Nintendo Switch despite the technical issues in some battle situations. I was skeptical of how it would run in parts given the performance issues on PS4, but the port is very well done and it looks fantastic on the Nintendo Switfch OLED screen. If you skipped this on PS4, you absolute have to buy it on Switch.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero on PC gives one of Falcom's best games the superlative PC conversion it deserves. PH3 has outdone itself once again with this release that plays like a dream across the board and shines on Steam Deck.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is the best Xenoblade game and an essential for any Switch owner despite its few flaws. With Xenoblade Chronicles 3, the Xenoblade Chronicles trilogy is Nintendo Switch's crown jewel.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Over the last few weeks, there hasn't been a single waking hour I haven't thought about Shin Megami Tensei V. The combat, music, and design are all amazing and the only area it falters is in the technical aspects. Despite that, this is one of the best JRPGs in years and everything I wanted from a new Shin Megami Tensei game.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective's remaster is a cleaner and smoother version of the DS classic which is one of Capcom's best games. If you've not played it before, you're in for a treat. This month is very busy with major releases, but Ghost Trick with its excellent revival is a trick you don't want to miss.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is not only the definitive way to experience Final Fantasy VII Remake but the complete package with a massively improved and visually enhanced main game and a brilliant DLC episode that exceeded all my expectations.
    • 96 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Despite some annoying performance issues, Elden Ring is a masterpiece. The combat, enemy variety, exploration, music, and open world are top notch. I’ve been playing it daily across all platforms alongside other games all month, and look forward to doing that all year as I try new builds, help friends, and try to do everything I want in this triumph of a video game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth is a fantastic metroidvania with gorgeous animation and great gameplay. The PS5 version even makes use of the console's activity cards and haptic feedback making it a great version to consider. If you've been wanting a game to scratch your Castlevania: Symphony of the Night itch, this is it.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA remains one of Falcom's best games, and the new PS5 version is a great entry point into the series thanks to its enhancements. If you already own the PS4 version, it isn't worth grabbing, but this is the best console version of Ys VIII, and the low asking price makes it an easy recommendation for newcomers.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ib
    Ib is an unsettling, creepy, and incredible experience on Nintendo Switch. It has excellent music, great art, and an amazing narrative through its multiple endings. If you enjoy exploration, horror, and 2D adventure games, you need to play this.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The original Fire Emblem Warriors was my favorite musou game. I say was, because Three Hopes has finally dethroned it with its amazing blend of Three Houses characters and Omega Forces' tried and tested formula. This isn't just a great musou experience, but a great Fire Emblem game.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Mega Mix+ on Steam Deck is the best portable Project Diva experience ever with its huge song list, gorgeous visuals, excellent performance, and features from both Nintendo Switch and PS4 games. If you've never played a Miku game yet, this is a fantastic entry point and an essential for rhythm game and Hatsune Miku fans.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Judgment on PS5 is easily the definitive way to experience one of Sega's best games and while there isn't much incentive for people who played it already to double dip, newcomers have a fantastic experience waiting for them with this remaster.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise on PS5 is brilliant with its excellent performance, visual options, PS5 features like Activity Cards, gyro support, and the inclusion of new feature updates and event quests available from the start. The only disappointment is Sunbreak not being available until this spring.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bayonetta 3 excels in its combat, music, voice acting, and scale making it essential for fans of the series, but it has a few technical issues holding it back. This is definitely PlatinumGames' most ambitious game yet, and an excellent exclusive for Nintendo Switch.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Like a Dragon: Ishin sees the historical adventure spin-off from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio finally released in the West, and the wait has been worth it despite some technical issues. The story, characters, and superlative voice acting make this an easy recommendation if you're a fan of the series.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The World Ends With You on PC is a bare-bones conversion, but one that runs great. This is easily the definitive version of one of Square Enix's best games in years.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Gotta Protectors: Cart of Darkness is an essential for Nintendo Switch owners with its humor, fun gameplay, appreciation of older video games, and brilliant music. The blend of strategy and action never gets old, and the online play works surprisingly well. This is one of the best value packages available on the eShop with DLC that is an absolute must buy for fans of Yuzo Koshiro’s music.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you've never played an Atelier game before, Atelier Sophie 2 on PC is a great way to get into the series and a fantastic game in its own right thanks to all the quality of life improvements. This is a must play for fans of the series and anyone looking for a relaxing and laid-back JRPG.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    While Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade itself is a bare-bones PC conversion, it is an absolute joy to play on Steam Deck. If you skipped the console version and own a Steam Deck, it is definitely worth grabbing. I just hope it gets patched to fix some issues that still linger from the original PC launch back in December last year.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mon Amour is a deceptively simple Flappy Bird-like game that oozes Onion Games’ signature charm. If you enjoyed the developer's other releases like Million Onion Hotel or Black Bird, you should already be playing this. It is a gem.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Persona 3 Portable on Nintendo Switch is an excellent conversion of one of Atlus' best PSP games. While it still has the flaws present in the original Persona 3 Portable release, I'm glad to see Atlus make this more accessible, and it is an easy recommendation thanks to the low asking price on Nintendo Switch. Hopefully Atlus does a physical release for Persona 3 Portable on Switch in the future.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    While Square Enix should've released them on consoles from the start, the new features and options definitely make the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series on PS5 worth grabbing as a bundle. It isn't perfect thanks to the scrolling issues, but everything else is excellent.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    My issues with Persona 3 Portable itself aside, the new PC port is excellent. It scales across different hardware well, runs well and looks good on Steam Deck, and arrives without the issues P4G had at launch on PC. It is disappointing that after all these years Persona 3's arrival on modern platforms isn't a complete remake, but it is hard to argue with the value P3P provides at its low asking price right now.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    No More Heroes 3 on Nintendo Switch was one of the best games of 2021 despite its technical issues. On PS5, it is massively improved when it comes to visuals, performance, and load times. If you enjoyed it before and want to replay it or are new to the series, No More Heroes 3 on PS5 is a fantastic experience that had me smiling from start to finish. Even a year and multiple playthroughs later, No More Heroes 3 is a goddamn great game.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Drainus from Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth developer Team Ladybug is an essential shoot 'em up with its superb gameplay, excellent visuals, and replay value. It is accessible to newcomers and truly shines on Steam Deck. Hopefully online leaderboards get added in a future update because this is one of the best games of the year so far.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Persona 4 Golden is a masterpiece and one of the best JRPGs ever. If you've waited for a competent version of Persona 4 Golden on PS4, your wait has been worth it, but Atlus should've done more for those playing on PS5 and PS4 Pro.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    NeverAwake is a game that feels perfect for short sessions on Switch. The visuals are a bit blurry on Nintendo’s hybrid console, but the cutbacks are all justified thanks to the gameplay being responsive across the board. While I didn’t care for some parts of certain levels, NeverAwake is an essential if you like twin-stick shooters, and a game I see myself coming back to very often.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is the perfect JRPG for Monster Hunter fans and those looking to dive into a memorable adventure with gorgeous visuals on Nintendo Switch.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Despite some difficulty spikes, Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is one of the best metroidvanias I've played in years, with gorgeous visuals, remarkable atmosphere, and amazing soundtrack.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It has always been hard to get people to play Corpse Party with the definitive version being only on Nintendo 3DS. Thankfully, that isn't a problem anymore and Xseed Games has made it easier than ever to play one of the best horror experiences of all time through this Corpse Party (2021) release which is an essential for fans of the genre on Nintendo Switch.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The wait for The King of Fighters 98 Ultimate Match Final Edition on PS4 was long, but it has been worth it. Having experienced it on Steam already since the rollback update hit, KOF 98 Ultimate Match Final Edition is an essential for those looking to get into a classic KOF online on PS4. It is unfortunate that SNK did not include the arranged soundtrack and 3D background options to make this the most complete version though.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sumire is a short but brilliant emotional adventure about getting the most out of limited time by experiencing love, friendship, growth, loss, and more.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection sees Atlus' most consistently great franchise return after a long absence. While the asking price is definitely high, you are getting three quality DRPGs with quality of life improvements and accessibility options making them great even for longtime fans.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Triangle Strategy on Nintendo Switch was one of the best tactical RPGs in years. On PC, it scales up well and plays great even on Steam Deck barring one issue. If you skipped the Switch release for a potential PC port, your wait has been worth it. Triangle Strategy has gorgeous art, amazing music, and memorable characters that come together for an unforgettable experience that is an essential for fans of the genre.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    After spending most of the last year on Sunbreak which I loved across platforms, Omega Force and EA's Wild Hearts is a perfect complement for Monster Hunter fans looking to play another great game in the genre. While it is unfortunately held back by technical issues, Wild Hearts does a lot that takes the genre forward, and I can't wait to keep playing the postgame through the coming months while we hopefully get more updates.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you enjoy JRPGs, you owe it to yourself to play Live A Live. Despite being a remake of a decades old game, Live A Live feels fresh and will surprise you with its interesting combat, gorgeous visuals, unique structure, and superlative soundtrack. It is a strong contender for the best JRPG in years.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As a newcomer (mostly) to the series, Pikmin 4 has been fantastic to experience. It oozes charm, and I love how it eased me into the action throughout the campaign. While Pikmin 3 Deluxe didn't click with me, I'm glad I got into the series with Pikmin 4, and will be playing Pikmin 1 and 2 in the near future on Switch. This is a gem, and another essential from Nintendo in 2023.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    AI: The Somnium Files nirvanA Initiative is a fantastic adventure game that builds on the original with improvements in just about every way. While it suffers from a few technical issues on Nintendo Switch even with the day one patch, it is an improved Switch conversion compared to the first game. AI: The Somnium Files nirvanA Initiative is easily one the best Switch games of 2022.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    We Love Katamari Reroll + Royale Reverie feels like a massive step up above Katamari Damacy Reroll in just about every way. While it has a few technical issues in its current state, it is a much better port overall and pure joy to play.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pocky and Rocky Reshrined for Nintendo Switch is an absolutely brilliant run and gun shooter that is one of the best Nintendo Switch releases of the year. It feels great to play and looks excellent on the Nintendo Switch OLED screen, but I am disappointed that co-op is not unlocked from the start.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Soul Hackers 2 is a traditional Atlus JRPG with a super-stylish coat of paint and some welcome quality of life improvements. It has catchy music, great characters, an amazing protagonist, and a fun core loop. If you enjoyed Tokyo Mirage Sessions' gameplay, this is an essential JRPG and one of the best this year.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon from PlatinumGames is a game I almost skipped thanks to the demo. Thankfully, I gave it another shot and ended up loving almost everything it has to offer from sublime music, gorgeous art, excellent voice acting, and the interesting gameplay. Everything comes together brilliantly in a storybook-inspired action adventure that is yet another win for the Nintendo Switch and a contender for the best game of 2023.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Judgment is one of Sega's best games in years, and it has finally arrived on PC with many modern PC features and it also plays great on Steam Deck out of the box. If you skipped the recent PS5 or Xbox Series X remaster, this is an essential.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Lost Judgment on PC brings one of Sega's best games in recent years to Steam in an excellent conversion that plays great even on Steam Deck. While it should've included all DLC from the get go with its asking price, this is an essential if you skipped the console version or if you want to experience it again on the go.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Live A Live was an essential on Nintendo Switch last year, and it sees an amazing glow up on PS5 with its boost to resolution, frame rate, and improved load times. While there isn't anything here that justifies a purchase if you played it before, newcomers will find a sublime JRPG in Live A Live on PS5, and I still hope it gets a physical release in the future.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Atelier Ryza 3 is Gust's most ambitious game, and a fitting finale for Ryza. Gust and Koei Tecmo have delivered better visuals and performance over the console versions on PC, but Ryza 3 unfortunately has some issues on Steam Deck at launch.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Volume 1 is a great value proposition for those looking to play these games because the individual games available are priced at $7.99 each while the collection with 10 games is priced at $39.99. Those who already bought a few or all of the games will not be too pleased about having to buy a collection for four games but those games would likely be priced at $7.99 on their own so this is like buying five individual games to get all 10. As a retro collection, Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Volume 1 is easily one of the best of the lot on Nintendo Switch right now.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society is one of NIS' best games ever. If you've wanted a dungeon RPG with an excellent story and tons of depth, this is it. I was surprised at how well it built on the base laid by the first game, and it continued to surprise me the more I played. On the PC side, it also looks and plays great even on Steam Deck out of the box.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match is essential for any fighting game fan who owns a PS4 and more than worth the asking price. Having already played a ton of The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match through the Xbox Live Arcade release via backward compatibility on Xbox One, The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match with rollback netcode (also on Steam) is an absolute joy. I hope SNK considers bringing spectating and more online features to The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match on PS4 and Steam in the future because Code Mystics absolutely nailed it with this new PS4 release.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Persona 5 Strikers goes above and beyond what I expected from a Persona 5 spin-off with its superlative music, stylish action, great story, and it is a must play for any Persona 5 fan.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Triangle Strategy is one of the best tactical RPGs, and an absolute essential for every Nintendo Switch owner. It has gorgeous art, amazing music, and memorable characters that come together for an unforgettable experience told through multiple endings.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Nioh 2 Complete Edition on PC includes everything from the PS4 version and some exclusive features making it a brilliant package overall and it is absolutely essential on PC for those who were waiting.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Atelier Ryza 2 is essential if you enjoy relaxing JRPGs and the perfect game to get into the Atelier series with thanks to its gorgeous visuals, brilliant music, fun combat, and great characters.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails' PC version is another excellent PH3 conversion, and it is amazing on Steam Deck. It has fun gameplay, superb music, and feels great despite its age. This is an easy recommendation for Falcom fans.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails on Switch is actually Falcom's first internally-developed game for the platform, and it is an excellent version of a PSP classic. If you've ever wanted to sample some of the developer's older games and enjoy action RPGs, this is worth your time on both Switch and PS5.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    SNK Vs Capcom: Card Fighters' Clash is an easy recommendation for fans of Capcom and SNK, but also anyone who enjoys an interesting card battler. If Nintendo and The Pokemon Company ever get around to bringing older Pokemon games to Switch, SNK Vs Capcom: Card Fighters' Clash is the gold standard for how dual releases should be handled.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch's library, and another win for the platform in 2023 with its superb core gameplay and presentation making it one of the best games on the platform.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mushihimesama on Nintendo Switch is not just a superb and accessible version of a brilliant shoot 'em up, but an essential part of every Nintendo Switch owner's library.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Castlevania Advance Collection is one of the best game collections available today with three quality Castlevania releases and a bonus extra game complemented by a wealth of additional features and content.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Anonymous;Code is the best Science Adventure release since the original Steins;Gate thanks to its superb localization, story, and characters. This is an essential on Nintendo Switch, and only held back by a few issues.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise on PC has all the updates and new content added to the Switch version right from the get go with vastly improved performance and graphics. While the visuals could've been improved further, this is still the best way to play Monster Hunter Rise.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rune Factory 4 Special is an excellent remaster of a Nintendo 3DS classic that has a few visual improvements on PC compared to the console versions. While the conversion has some interface issues that will hopefully be addressed in future patches, it is still worth your time with its budget price with DLC included from the get go.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Eschatos is already one of the best shoot 'em ups on Nintendo Switch. I hope some of the performance issues in Tate Mode can be resolved because that is my biggest issue with this release. Other than that, Eschatos is a sublime experience that I recommend to all fans of the genre. I hope we get a physical release in the near future.
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In Progress & Unscored

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    • 64 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    I've not played enough of Monochrome Mobius on PC for a full scored review, but I can say that this port is a lot better than the PS5 version going by the Japanese console demo I played. I'm looking forward to dig into the PC version more and see if it lives up to my high expectations when it comes to the narrative after how much I adore the Utawarerumono trilogy. Right now, I'm enjoying my time with Monochrome Mobius Steam Deck quite a bit.

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