TheGamer's Scores

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For 1,254 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 44% higher than the average critic
  • 7% same as the average critic
  • 49% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1.6 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 73
Highest review score: 100 Nuclear Throne
Lowest review score: 0 Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 650 out of 1254
  2. Mixed: 523 out of 1254
  3. Negative: 81 out of 1254
1273 game reviews
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    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Pedestrian
    Taking a more relaxing approach to the classic puzzle platformer genre leads The Pedestrian to a big win here.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ori and the Will of the Wisps
    If you're the kind of person who can't stand bugs ruining your games then maybe you might want to wait a bit until this is good and patched. But even with the glitches, Ori and the Will Of The Wisps is undeniably a captivating, marvelous game that makes us hope that we won't have to wait another 5 years to see Ori in action again.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Guilty Gear -Strive-
    It's a fast-paced and fun fighter with a colourful cast and some truly excellent tunes. It's easy to play it for hours online as an experienced fighting game player, or just blast it for 30 minutes with some friends over the weekend. It can be chaotic and unpredictable, but it's always gorgeous and engaging. Guilty Gear Strive is easily the best fighting game of 2021 so far, and there doesn't seem to be much on the horizon that can top it. If you're looking for a new fighting game to play this year, this is the easiest decision you'll ever make.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Shantae and the Seven Sirens
    Shantae and the Seven Sirens is an inviting game. From the onset, it's hard not to get sucked in with the tropical setting, and new characters. The humor can be very clever. The action starts right away, introducing players to what could be the greatest world in the Shantae games yet. At six to eight hours for the main playthrough, the game isn't too long, but there are still things to do for completionists. Combat can be easy, but this shouldn't wreck the enjoyment too badly. Shantae continues to show why she is the queen of independent games.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Absolum
    Absolum’s effort to push its tried and true genre further is an absolute win, my new favourite of the bunch, and the biggest thing for beat ‘em ups since Streets of Rage 4 single-handedly brought them back.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    ITTA
    ITTA may have released last year, but there’s a reason why ITTA has hit the mark on Metacritic with both fans and critics alike. There’s also a reason why Super Rare Games decided to release the indie title in physical form. The game does have some forgettable bits of quirky dialogue, but ITTA is overall a fun and challenging journey through a mysterious world with accessibility features that make the game a must-play, especially for fans of the bullet-hell and boss-rush genres.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Just Dance 2020
    Overall, this latest game is unlikely to disappoint fans of the rhythm genre and this series in particular. It has a good selection of songs, the control system is spot on (presumably since the team has spent years refining it), and there are some nice returns with great new features.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade: Episode INTERmission
    Intermission is an excellent expansion for the world of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, introducing Yuffie Kisaragi and expanding upon her character and history in ways that simply weren’t possible in the 1997 original. She absolutely steals the show here, bolstered up by a selection of compelling newcomers and a continuation of the main narrative that teases a tantalisingly exciting future for this ambitious project. I’m unsure when we will next see something from Final Fantasy 7 Remake, but if it’s anything like this - we’re in for a treat.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Stormland
    I can't help but feel like Stormland is limited by the technology rather than maximizing it. Insomniac, to their credit, is helping push the medium forward and I know they'll be at the forefront as VR continues to grow. Stormland is so much fun to play that I wish there was a more advanced platform to play it on. Having said that, you won't find a shooter with better mobility than Stormland. If you've been waiting for a AAA FPS in VR, it's here.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Project Warlock
    This game shines and stands out from other games with significantly larger budgets and developer teams. Project Warlock is definitely worth a couple of thousand shots at demons and is as enjoyable on console as it was on PC.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Beyond Blue
    Without a doubt, Beyond Blue sets out to blend immersion of the deep blue seas and real, high-quality documentary material to provide an unforgettable experience. It may be short, but it should not be missed. While it is also available on mobile devices, it is certainly best experienced on a PC or console with a nice, large screen and some headphones.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Eastward
    All of that said, denouncing Eastward’s strengths and successes for any of the above would be disingenuous. It is a remarkable game that, while retro in ambition, will paradoxically go on to inspire the drive and uniqueness of future projects. It is clever, vibrant, and unapologetically original, and unless some magnificent twist of fate occurs over the next three months, it will undoubtedly go down as one of the best games of the year.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sword of the Sea
    Sword of the Sea brought me to tears at one point. It’s not something I can spoil, because I would implore anyone who will ever play this to experience this particular moment without any foreknowledge. It’s a short journey that took me a smidge over three hours to complete, but heck, what a stupidly enjoyable three hours those were.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Halo 2: Anniversary
    Halo 2: Anniversary is an excellent game, bringing fantastic first-person action and a compelling continuation of the story. The characters - Master Chief, Arbiter, Oracle, and more, all bring something to the table in a well-done script. Even those who just come for the shooting will likely be engrossed with what's happening in the plot. Of course, Halo 2's emphasis is still on shooting action, and it delivers that.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
    Fires of Rubicon is the series at its peak as FromSoftware fires on all cylinders. The mech gunplay evolves far beyond mindless action to tell a story of the oppressed stripping bare the power of those they serve to better a dying world. It’s a story that will always be relevant, but now more than ever, its lesson of standing up to those in power who are tearing apart the world for personal gain is paramount.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Wild Hearts
    Wild Hearts shows up as a colorful and curious contender in the hunting game genre, and a very welcome one right now. With games like Monster Hunter Rise going for a less challenging approach, this game brings fascinating ideas that make it the breath of fresh air that the genre needs, combining difficult battles with some twists in mobility and construction, in a completely unexpected fashion. Some improvements to the unfortunate performance issues are needed, but the overall experience isn’t less enjoyable because of them.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Goodnight Universe
    There are contemplative moments of compassionate beauty throughout that will stick with me for a long time to come, purely because they made me question my own relationships and how I want so badly to love and help my family in spite of their many flaws. Nice Dream has crafted a truly original narrative adventure here that will likely have a nuanced impact on everyone who plays it, and that alone makes it a triumph worth celebrating.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
    Part of me wanted Rebirth to capture fleeting moments of my upbringing, but I much prefer how this story and the people behind it have grown alongside me, perceiving an opportunity to present this epic in a different light that can only be achieved with the benefit of hindsight. I have no idea where it goes now, and that just might be its greatest achievement.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters
    The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters is a scary, fun time. It is almost like the video game equivalent of an amusement park haunted house - lots of fun, picture-worthy, and you'll probably remember the memories more than the actual times you jumped out of your seat and screamed.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 5
    Forza Horizon 5 is beautifully executed on Sony’s console. If you’ve already played the game elsewhere, then you’ll know what to expect, but if you’re a new player, then you’re in for a great time.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hi-Fi Rush
    Hi-Fi Rush’s PS5 port might not have much that makes it stand apart from its launch last year, but replaying it reminded me just how special it is and made me fall in love with it all over again. In a generation where games are constantly trying to sucker you into spending all of your time and money on one ecosystem, Hi-Fi Rush shines as an all-too-rare standalone, uncynical labour of love that deserves to be played on every platform.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Grounded
    Though it finished with a thud, Grounded still stands with the greats of the genre, like Subnautica or The Forest. It just oozes confidence in its theme, and successfully pulls off the feeling of wonder Honey I Shrunk The Kids gave me when I first saw it almost 30 years ago.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Diablo IV
    Diablo 4 has a solid foundation, but Blizzard is going to have to keep finding new ways to justify this slower take on the series forever, or else revert back to the mindless grind of D3, which isn’t what I want to see. Players are going to push for faster gameplay and less friction, and it's going to be up to Blizzard to stick to its guns here and maintain the vision of Diablo 4, while also managing the natural effects of power creep over time. It’s an unenviable position, but I respect the hell out of this team for choosing the path of most resistance and pursuing a unique identity for this game, especially in light of what Diablo Immortal is and what Overwatch has become.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Little Nightmares II
    Little Nightmares 2 is an enthralling, nerve-racking journey into madness. And it's all thanks to the terrifying imaginations of the people over at Tarsier Studios: a group of developers who seem dead set on giving us all childhood trauma even as grown-ass adults.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Halo: The Master Chief Collection - Halo 4
    If this is your first time playing Halo 4, prepare for a treat. Gameplay remains identical to previous installments, but with some additions enhancing the experience. The story is also a big highlight. With this game, it's hard not to consider Master Chief and Cortana as gaming's greatest duo. Halo 4 caps off The Master Chief Collection on PC nearly perfectly.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mass Effect Legendary Edition
    Even with those smaller issues, I have absolutely no trouble recommending Mass Effect: Legendary Edition to anyone looking for a good RPG, a good story, or just a good shooter. The effort put into the original Mass Effect is commendable, especially considering its age, and Mass Effect 2 and 3 are as great as before but with better visuals and the ease of access of all being on the same disk. Like the title says, this is a legendary trilogy, and it’s one that everyone should play.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
    In a year that’s absolutely packed with banger releases every other week, Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo stands out to me as one of the biggest surprises so far. It can be a tad too tricky for its own good, but the charming presentation, quick-witted writing, and creative use of its standout feature make it more than worth the occasional swear. To put it simply - yoyo need to play this.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise
    It's a great entry point thanks to the Village Quests and helpful dog companion. If you're a fan who already pre-ordered and want to know if it's good, rest assured. You might actually like Rise better than World, as it brings back some of the strategic variety while building on more recent quality-of-life updates. It's a shame that the Switch holds the game back in small ways, but this is a contender for best in the series. If post-launch support is as good as it was for World, this game could easily rise above the rest.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sonic Colors: Ultimate
    Sega aims to please Sonic fans during the Blue Blur's 30th anniversary, trying to learn from the mistakes of Sonic games that launched this past decade and improve on them. From the enhanced graphics and extra customization, to the addition of the Tails Save mechanic, Rival Rush, and a brand new and elusive Wisp, Sonic Colors: Ultimate has proven to be the most colorful remaster in Sonic's history.It may be a rehash of a decade-old game instead of an entirely new one, but Sonic Colors: Ultimate still manages to pass the test with flying colors.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Closer the Distance
    Despite its flaws, I’ve never played a game quite like Closer the Distance. It somehow successfully manages to turn the difficult process of managing a community’s grief into a playable game, prompting you to ask yourself difficult questions without being hamfisted with its themes. It tells a deeply moving and compelling story about what it means to take care of others, love those we’ve lost, and honour their memories in ways that respect them while making sure we keep in mind the people left behind. And it does all that while maintaining gameplay that never feels tiresome, balancing the repercussions of your actions in a realistic way, and making you really care about its characters. I’ll be thinking about this game for years to come.
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This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.

In Progress & Unscored

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    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    New Arc Line
    Right now, New Arc Line isn’t showing the coherence I had hoped for, but it makes up for that ambition. It’s a game I’ll be sticking with throughout its Early Access, and as long as you’re prepared for the fact that this might not be a smooth ride for a while, I can recommend that others do too. I just hope that the team realises that it needs to focus on improving the writing as much as the technical issues. [Early Access Review]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    inZOI
    InZoi is undeniably impressive both in its visuals and gameplay, with more than enough to get stuck into even in this early access version. Players will spend endless hours customising characters, buildings, and furniture, and that’s before they even start living their digital lives. Life sim fans are certain to lap it up with gusto, providing they can overcome the graphical barrier. The real test of whether InZoi will reign as the life sim king will come with time, as long as regular updates happen and Krafton delivers on the promise of all it has in development. [Early Access Score = 80]
    • 67 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Marvel's Avengers
    Every looter struggles in the early days, and it would be naive think a studio that's never made a game of this type before would nail it right out of the gate. That being said, it's already in way better shape than I ever expected it to be at launch, and, most critically, the combat — particularly in multiplayer — is an absolute blast. I'm hopeful, and I'll be sticking around to see where things go from here.
    • 72 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Throne and Liberty
    There’s a real promise in what stands to be a modern successor to one of the all-time greats of the genre, NCSoft’s Lineage 2. [Review in Progress]
    • 83 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    World of Warcraft: Shadowlands
    There's still a long way to go of course. I'm about halfway through the campaign, I've only unlocked three dungeons. I don't know what the end-game grind will be like and the rogue-like activity Torghast is still unknown to me. But I'm enjoying the process more than I ever have before, and more than anything, I just want to rescue the heroes of Azeroth and stop Sylvanas and the Jailer from doing... whatever it is they're doing.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Grounded 2
    From building your base to fighting off an endless horde of ladybird larvae, Grounded 2 is very much more Grounded, and some will likely question why this is a sequel and not an expansion to the original. But if you look beyond the superficial similarities, you’ll see a sequel that’s far more confident in itself. This isn’t an experiment for Obsidian anymore, it’s a full-blown project that’s getting the care and attention it deserves, with a bigger story, bigger enemies, and a bigger world to explore. We may be small, but I have very big expectations for Grounded 2. [Early Access Review]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Subnautica 2
    All things considered, Subnautica 2 has managed to mirror some of what made the first game so incredible, but it's a bit lackluster the second time around since it hasn’t changed or meaningfully built on much of it. Its greatest shot at doing so lies in its potential for an intriguing story, which the Early Access launch puts down roots (eh?) for. As long as future updates continue to evolve both the gameplay and the story to cement its own identity, I have no doubt it will be every bit as beloved. [Early Access Review]
    • 75 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
    There is value to Modern Warfare 2’s campaign. It is art. It’s also just intense fun throughout, because it is ultimately a video game. To say anything else is to take away from the years of hard work that has gone into producing this spectacle. But we can’t forget about the context: millions of people, a lot of them very young and impressionable, will play this campaign. This is why it’s important to have these sorts of conversations. The campaign constantly dances a wobbling tightrope between being too fantastical and exposing the realities of modern war. Sometimes it slips too far into the realistic horrors, and it’s unable to commit, so it has to pull you back with just one more big budget explosion. [Campaign impressions]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Schedule I
    Schedule 1 is the chillest game about running a drug empire I’ve ever played. My little dude, whom I’ve nicknamed The Eggman because all drug lords need a cool moniker, spends his time skating around town, laundering money at the laundromat, and peacefully snipping away at his plants in a dinky little room above a Chinese restaurant. When I invited my friend to play this new early access title, it wasn’t thirty minutes before three police officers were dead and half our supply was sinking to the bottom of the river. [Early Access Impressions]
    • 61 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Delta Force
    As is always the case with these types of things, install and play Delta Force at your own discretion. For a free-to-play shooter, it’s a solid game, but nothing too special. Worth trying out for the sake of a new shooter, but it probably won't tempt you away if you're happy with your current multiplayer game or if you object to kernel-level anti-cheats. [Review in Progress]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Masters of Albion
    Masters of Albion’s little quirks and British humour make it endearing and funny, adding some much-appreciated details to what makes it stand out, like its crafting and odd building mechanics. The humour is a throwback to old-school Fable, so it can be shockingly explicit, but in the best ways. However, overall, if Masters of Albion wants to keep players enthralled, the nightlife needs to calm down a little so I can go back to enjoying making rat pies. [Early Access Review]
    • 57 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Foamstars
    After the failure of Babylon’s Fall, Foamstars feels like yet another attempt from Square Enix to nestle in on the live-service market, and one I wouldn’t be surprised to see fail. It’s a shame, because on a foundational level, there is an aura of Jet Set Radio or Ghost Trick in its cool aesthetic and obscene lore, which in a better world could have been turned into something far less cynical. This is a game where foam has developed into a secretion from individuals who are basically soap-based mutants, and this is the most creative thing you’d have them do? If you get foam-o from this one, I promise you aren’t missing out on much. [Review-in-Progress]
    • 85 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park
    That really should be a given for a game with the phrase "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" in its name. Unlike other games to have worn that badge so far, though, I’m thoroughly convinced that there’s enough here to justify the price of its upgrade. What I’m still unconvinced of is whether this expansion is so good that the whole Wonder package is now an $80 game. Not because I don’t love Wonder and everything it brings to the table, both in the base game and its Bellabel Park upgrade, but because I’m yet to be convinced that any game is worth $80.
    • 87 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Crusader Kings III: Roads to Power
    Roads To Power is more than just the next in a long line of DLC. It’s a true expansion, one that promises all-nighters to die-hard fans, and could be the missing something that brings hesitant newcomers to finally try on the crown.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Lightyear Frontier
    There is a bit of a grind to get the materials you need, but it doesn’t feel like it. You can freely explore all areas right away, though accessing the resources involves restoring the land and solving the mystery of the ancient civilization. It’s a great way to unwind at the end of a stressful day, and with the multiplayer function, you can bring friends along on the journey as well. [Early Access Score = 80]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Dead as Disco
    But as it stands now, Dead as Disco is not only my favourite game I’ve played so far in 2026, but one that I can see being a true all-timer as more content is added and it’s polished up even more. Charlie Disco's comeback performance is already something truly special, but it can only get better from here. [Early Access Review]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Manor Lords
    Zoning new buildings is a pleasure in Manor Lords - significantly better than Cities Skylines 2, somehow - and watching your citizens drag the logs over, build the foundations, and set up the support beams, is completely immersive. You can wander around your town in third-person, your great red cloak billowing behind you, and exploring the streets at a walking pace brings the whole package together. “I built this,” you think. [Early Access Review]
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    007 First Light
    After spending a few hours with 007: First Light, I’m more confident it can and hopeful it has everything it takes to become an action blockbuster with nuance, spectacle, and flair that we just don’t get anymore. [Hands-On Impressions]

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