The Sydney Morning Herald's Scores

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For 862 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 31% higher than the average critic
  • 4% same as the average critic
  • 65% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 3.9 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 71
Highest review score: 100 Shadow of the Colossus
Lowest review score: 20 Seven Samurai 20XX
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 403 out of 862
  2. Mixed: 401 out of 862
  3. Negative: 58 out of 862
862 game reviews
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    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Test Drive Unlimited
    A car aficionado's paradise and a novel concept in driving games. Unlimited's online world is certain to be mimicked.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Yakuza
    A captivating, story-driven fighting adventure with great characters, but not everyone will enjoy the violence and repetition.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    LocoRoco
    Gloriously cheerful and refreshingly original rock 'n' roll fun.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Enchanted Arms
    Xbox 360 gamers will be pleased to have a grand RPG, but sadly it's not nearly as enchanting as it could be.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins
    Here's a game to sort the men from the boys. Just try not to grind your teeth away.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Super Monkey Ball Adventure
    Ambitious and frequently entertaining, but ultimately too frustrating for its own good.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Saints Row
    Saints Row lacks the clever subtlety and fun-loving sense of mischief of GTA, with much of its humour falling flat. But there's plenty of fun to be had while waiting for the real deal ("GTA IV") to be released in October next year.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Star Fox Command
    The touch-screen combat, for the most part, works well. However, once the difficulty begins to increase, flying your craft through obstacles and shooting specific targets becomes frustratingly fiddly work, as you frantically tap and flick the stylus pen.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dead Rising
    A triumphant survival horror blockbuster with strong replay appeal, but some players will lack the patience to cope with its considerable demands.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    FlatOut 2
    You'll instinctively reach for the seatbelt in this aggressive display of reckless racing.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    FlatOut 2
    You'll instinctively reach for the seatbelt in this aggressive display of reckless racing.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Super Monkey Ball Adventure
    Ambitious and frequently entertaining, but ultimately too frustrating for its own good.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    FlatOut 2
    You'll instinctively reach for the seatbelt in this aggressive display of reckless racing.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Super Monkey Ball Adventure
    Ambitious and frequently entertaining, but ultimately too frustrating for its own good.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tekken: Dark Resurrection
    The biggest problem is a hardware issue: it can be difficult for players to hit diagonals on the PSP's directional pad. But once mastered, experts should have few frustrations.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Warlords
    There's certainly enough here to keep you busy for months, and if anything, it's a great excuse to return to what is an undeniable classic.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    CivCity: Rome
    Mission objectives lack imagination, and after constructing several cities the game can feel repetitive and formulaic.
    • 52 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The Ant Bully
    The twitchy movement makes it unnecessarily difficult to target enemies with your primitive ant weapons (a lock-on button turns out to be little help) and it's all too easy to fall when carefully crawling up walls.
    • 47 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The Ant Bully
    The twitchy movement makes it unnecessarily difficult to target enemies with your primitive ant weapons (a lock-on button turns out to be little help) and it's all too easy to fall when carefully crawling up walls.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Miami Vice: The Game
    The shoot-'em-up action is well designed, but there's just not enough variety to sustain your interest.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Monster House
    Good harmless fun, but there are more creative and better-value children's games available. Enter at your own risk.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Monster House
    Good harmless fun, but there are more creative and better-value children's games available. Enter at your own risk.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Prey (2006)
    Despite a flimsy storyline that's riddled with cavernous gaps in logic, Prey's rollercoaster ride of gun-toting action delivers the punch of a blockbuster movie.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Chromehounds
    As long as you don't fall asleep at the wheel, Chrome Hounds offers a smattering of explosive action.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Prey
    Despite a flimsy storyline that's riddled with cavernous gaps in logic, Prey's rollercoaster ride of gun-toting action delivers the punch of a blockbuster movie.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Ship
    A refreshingly innovative and unique multiplayer game requiring poise, cunning and paranoia.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth II
    This slow-paced strategy game is just as successful on console as it is on PC - in fact it's hobbit forming.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Glory of the Roman Empire
    It may lack challenge, but it's a decent start for newcomers who won't be thrown to the simulation lions.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Juiced: Eliminator
    A deep and enjoyable racing game but offers little to stand out from the pack.
    • 49 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Over G Fighters
    A good example of why realism in games isn't necessarily the best outcome.
    • 52 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
    Sparrow is capable of light and heavy sword swipes, but specific enemies are damaged only if you use the "correct" combination of moves on them. It's a restrictive and highly repetitious system that drains much of the fun out of combat.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Micro Machines V4
    When alone, there are plenty of races and time trial competitions to play but having to replay challenges over and over in order to progress is frustrating.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Micro Machines V4
    When alone, there are plenty of races and time trial competitions to play but having to replay challenges over and over in order to progress is frustrating.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Micro Machines V4
    When alone, there are plenty of races and time trial competitions to play but having to replay challenges over and over in order to progress is frustrating.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    World Tour Soccer 06
    Fun for a few minutes, but destined to be substituted for something superior.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Titan Quest
    If you're looking for something that's easy on the eye and not too demanding, then Titan Quest might help satisfy your thirst for adventure.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    MotoGP 4
    The overall presentation has a polished televised look, but unfortunately it still doesn't have race commentators, just the roar of 21 angry engines.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Street Fighter Alpha Anthology
    Controls are incredibly precise, although real Street Fighter diehards might want to ditch the joypad and invest in an arcade controller, such as NubyTech's Street Fighter Arcade Stick or an X-Arcade.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    MotoGP '06
    Battling 15 online riders is absolutely thrilling, but beginners will need plenty of practice, as most will find it difficult just staying on the track.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    And 1 Streetball
    A sporty struggle that's all style and no substance.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Cars
    Many youngsters will simply enjoy hooning around Radiator Springs, although some might get frustrated not knowing where to go next.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Disney/Pixar Cars
    Many youngsters will simply enjoy hooning around Radiator Springs, although some might get frustrated not knowing where to go next.
    • 46 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    And 1 Streetball
    A sporty struggle that's all style and no substance.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Cars
    Many youngsters will simply enjoy hooning around Radiator Springs, although some might get frustrated not knowing where to go next.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Cars
    Many youngsters will simply enjoy hooning around Radiator Springs, although some might get frustrated not knowing where to go next.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Big Brain Academy
    Entertaining and competitive brain-teasers, but the compilation would be easier to recommend at a lower price.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    City Life
    An enjoyable city-building simulation that lacks SimCity's depth but emphasises social cohesion.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Half-Life 2: Episode One
    Episode One could be criticised for lacking new weapons and environments, yet few games are more polished or entertaining.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hitman: Blood Money
    Blood Money gives the assassin even more flexibility, with abilities such as climbing, disarming opponents, hiding, using human shields, staging mock accidents and sophisticated distraction techniques.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Rogue Trooper
    Where Rogue Trooper rescues itself from mediocrity, however, is in the way it utilises Gunnar, Helm and Bagman. They all perk up with humorous quips and helpful advice, while the futuristic gadgetry is inventive.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Rogue Trooper
    Where Rogue Trooper rescues itself from mediocrity, however, is in the way it utilises Gunnar, Helm and Bagman. They all perk up with humorous quips and helpful advice, while the futuristic gadgetry is inventive.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Heroes of Might and Magic V
    The lovingly detailed graphics can be rotated and zoomed, but the core game mechanics remain intact.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Freedom
    Freedom offers countless missions and roleplaying elements such as mining, fishing and gardening.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Field Commander
    It's accessible for beginners but has tactical depth for experienced warmongers.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Lemmings
    Purists may cringe at the pause option, allowing players to assess levels and assign abilities without fear of Lemmings bumbling into trouble, but it helps pinpoint creatures in a chaotic herd.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Rogue Trooper
    Where Rogue Trooper rescues itself from mediocrity, however, is in the way it utilises Gunnar, Helm and Bagman. They all perk up with humorous quips and helpful advice, while the futuristic gadgetry is inventive.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis
    Table Tennis offers surprising depth. Games against accomplished opponents are intensely gripping.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    New Super Mario Bros.
    Old-fashioned Mario fun. As pleasurable, challenging and addictive as two decades ago.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends
    Visually, the game is spectacular, but the 3D engine demands a fairly powerful PC - the bigger the battle, the slower the performance. Thankfully there are plenty of graphics options to fiddle with.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Desperados 2: Cooper's Revenge
    What scuppers a lot of the enjoyment here is the flakey artificial intelligence of the enemies and the sheer willpower needed to persist through many of the technical glitches.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    World Soccer Winning Eleven 9
    This time the AI is a harder nut to crack, requiring more thoughtful passing to open up your opponent before you strike. So long as you're thinking like a footballer, you're going to score goals.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast
    The branching track system is brilliantly designed to challenge and thrill in equal measure. Giddy car handling enables skilled drivers to power-slide gracefully around corners at ridiculous speed.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast
    The branching track system is brilliantly designed to challenge and thrill in equal measure. Giddy car handling enables skilled drivers to power-slide gracefully around corners at ridiculous speed.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War
    A solid and entertaining game with exciting dogfighting action and many planes, but offers very minor changes to its predecessors.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast
    The branching track system is brilliantly designed to challenge and thrill in equal measure. Giddy car handling enables skilled drivers to power-slide gracefully around corners at ridiculous speed.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Rampage: Total Destruction
    Those with a sadistic streak will enjoy hurling cars, gobbling victims and belching. But players will quickly tire of the repetitive button bashing required to raze buildings and swat hapless enemies.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    FIFA World Cup: Germany 2006
    A fun football simulation for newcomers and the best FIFA of recent years. Even so, competitor "Pro Evolution" still has the virtual World Cup firmly in its grasp.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    FIFA World Cup: Germany 2006
    A fun football simulation for newcomers and the best FIFA of recent years. Even so, competitor "Pro Evolution" still has the virtual World Cup firmly in its grasp.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    FIFA World Cup: Germany 2006
    A fun football simulation for newcomers and the best FIFA of recent years. Even so, competitor "Pro Evolution" still has the virtual World Cup firmly in its grasp.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    FIFA World Cup: Germany 2006
    A fun football simulation for newcomers and the best FIFA of recent years. Even so, competitor "Pro Evolution" still has the virtual World Cup firmly in its grasp.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    FIFA World Cup: Germany 2006
    A fun football simulation for newcomers and the best FIFA of recent years. Even so, competitor "Pro Evolution" still has the virtual World Cup firmly in its grasp.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dreamfall: The Longest Journey
    The biggest concern is that the game's conclusion leaves many unsatisfying loose ends.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!
    A simple idea brilliantly executed. Perfect for newcomers to gaming.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tomb Raider: Legend
    The best new addition is a magnetic grappling device that allows Lara to move faraway items and swing across chasms. Puzzles are beautifully integrated into the environment and frustration rare.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tomb Raider: Legend
    The best new addition is a magnetic grappling device that allows Lara to move faraway items and swing across chasms. Puzzles are beautifully integrated into the environment and frustration rare.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tomb Raider: Legend
    The best new addition is a magnetic grappling device that allows Lara to move faraway items and swing across chasms. Puzzles are beautifully integrated into the environment and frustration rare.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Real World Golf
    Any golfer will be able to pick up and play in seconds, and the sensation of playing real golf is astonishing. Pity the software simulation is so drab.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Real World Golf
    Any golfer will be able to pick up and play in seconds, and the sensation of playing real golf is astonishing. Pity the software simulation is so drab.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Commandos Strike Force
    An uninspired shift to first-person saps this Commandos instalment of that special strategic touch.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Commandos Strike Force
    An uninspired shift to first-person saps this Commandos instalment of that special strategic touch.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Commandos Strike Force
    An uninspired shift to first-person saps this Commandos instalment of that special strategic touch.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Top Spin 2
    Though it's not without its faults, this is still an ace tennis simulation.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Kingdom Hearts II
    A superior sequel worth the wait. It's another huge, memorable and magical adventure.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers
    The strategy play can sometimes feel mechanical, but budding tacticians will undoubtedly love it.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers
    The strategy play can sometimes feel mechanical, but budding tacticians will undoubtedly love it.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Untold Legends: The Warrior's Code
    The classification warns of mild fantasy violence, which sums up the game nicely.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII
    The only thing blazing will be the tail section of your plane and your fragile patience.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers
    The strategy play can sometimes feel mechanical, but budding tacticians will undoubtedly love it.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII
    The only thing blazing will be the tail section of your plane and your fragile patience.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII
    The only thing blazing will be the tail section of your plane and your fragile patience.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Capcom Classics Collection Remixed
    Unfortunately, the line-up is just as likely to annoy retro fans as please them, with many of these 20 games from the late '80s offering little more than curiosity value. Some were poor-quality clones when they were originally released and today are unplayable.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Godfather
    Adapting one of Hollywood's masterpieces was brave, but it's a pity the game designers lacked the courage of their convictions, choosing to shoehorn Grand Theft Auto into the mafia setting.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Godfather
    Adapting one of Hollywood's masterpieces was brave, but it's a pity the game designers lacked the courage of their convictions, choosing to shoehorn Grand Theft Auto into the mafia setting.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Me & My Katamari
    Not as essential as the PS2 version, but terrific ball-rolling fun that you can enjoy anywhere you go.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Go! Sudoku
    Go! Sudoku may be addictive but because of the repetitious nature of the puzzles, you might wonder why it's worth forking out $50.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Metal Gear Acid 2
    The learning curve is steep but mulling over the rules becomes part of the addictive charm.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Godfather
    Adapting one of Hollywood's masterpieces was brave, but it's a pity the game designers lacked the courage of their convictions, choosing to shoehorn Grand Theft Auto into the mafia setting.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
    The most captivating first-person role-playing game yet. This is essential gaming.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
    The most captivating first-person role-playing game yet. This is essential gaming.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Tetris DS
    The best addition is multiplayer action. Up to 10 nearby mates can battle wirelessly and faraway foes can be challenged online. But purists might consider changes such as a hold box for troublesome pieces, previews of the next six blocks and infinite spins to be far less welcome.
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