The Sydney Morning Herald's Scores

  • Games
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 Donkey Kong Bananza
Lowest review score: 20 Army Men: Sarge's War
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 58 out of 862
862 game reviews
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Combat against dim-witted goons can become repetitive but missions offer diversity.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Total Overdose may be another unashamed clone, but its amusing Mexican underworld storyline and crazy acrobatic moves make it a load of irresistible fun.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Convincing physics have been brought into play to improve the feel of passing, crossing and shooting - a feature that brings FIFA more in line with the current simulation champ, "Pro Evolution Soccer."
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Xbox 360 version Icon tested features 12 beautifully recreated courses, astonishingly realistic player animation and convincing crowds that even react when you hit a wayward drive in their direction.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Opponents cheat to keep every race competitive but it can be irritating, especially when rivals destroy your car within reach of the finish line.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The outrageous characters, puerile gags and crass commentary provide chuckles but the jokes soon become stale. Player reactions after each point also quickly become tiresome.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There are a couple of perplexing flaws in the design, such as the inability to go prone or jump over low walls and fences, but suspend your disbelief and you'll be gripped.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The fact that the characters are so annoying makes it quite enjoyable to see them meet their makers, but it's wise to protect them for as long as possible.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Navigating the menus and many options can be seriously intimidating for the uninitiated, thanks to some complicated design features.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Unfortunately, the emphasis on economic management and the lack of precise unit control means combat lacks finesse. Like real-time strategy games of old, the best tactic is usually to simply amass a huge force and crudely rush at overwhelmed opponents.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The levels are so big and detailed that it's a wonder they don't bring your console to a crashing halt.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, this is a pleasant surprise best suited to gaming newcomers and fans of the show.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The story and dialogue never cease to entertain. Objectives include rescuing prisoners, killing fearsome scarecrows and playing Cupid. But, although the developers want to ridicule, the action remains conventional.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Major change comes on the battlefield. With the introduction of game mechanics from Dynasty Warriors, players can now directly control troop manoeuvres.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Frantic battles with thieving rodents conclude each level but soon become repetitive and don't add much to the package. Nor do the small collection of simple multi-player mini-games, which include food gobbling contests and a shooting gallery.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Newcomers to the trials and tribulations of Jack Bauer are unlikely to be impressed by this game's generic shooting and driving action. But fans of 24 will be quaking, thanks to the authentic atmosphere and gripping story, set between season two and three of the TV series.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Navigating the menus and many options can be seriously intimidating for the uninitiated, thanks to some complicated design features.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Not as ground-breaking as the original, but still a rewarding experience.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    But youngsters will need help completing some tasks as it's not always clear what to do next. Boss battles can also be demanding, requiring both button bashing and touch-screen scribbling.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite the game's terrific combat, Sudeki is sadly let down by a plodding story, clumsy dialogue and forgettable characters.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It feels uncanny and exhilarating performing high-speed leaps.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Gripping and gritty, but will leave you wanting more.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With a rather abrupt final sequence it does seem to rush to its climax, but despite its brevity, this is an unforgettable trip through the realm of Kong.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you're happy to pay the fees and have no trouble socialising online, a fun alternative existence beckons.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Unfortunately the core combat that makes up the majority of the game soon feels more like chore combat.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It would have been good to see the game's accessibility for beginners complemented by combination moves for more skilled players.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While conventional, Ty 3 is diverse family fun at a wallet-pleasing price.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The best in the series to date, this brain-over-brawn tactical shooter successfully delivers all the action of a first-person shooter at just half the pace.

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