Thunderbolt's Scores

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For 2,038 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 36% higher than the average critic
  • 4% same as the average critic
  • 60% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 5.7 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 69
Highest review score: 100 Red Dead Redemption
Lowest review score: 10 Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 928 out of 2038
  2. Mixed: 867 out of 2038
  3. Negative: 243 out of 2038
2038 game reviews
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    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    ATV Offroad Fury 3
    There’s isn’t much realism, most of the graphics and attention to detail are poor and you won’t be feeling the wind rush through your hair anytime soon, but for sheer multiplayer fun you could do a lot worse than give this a go.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Etherlords II
    A perfect example of what happens when the core of the game overweighs the plot, and quickly takes over it in importance.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Walking Dead: 400 Days
    Whatever her motives, 400 Days and indeed The Walking Dead are remarkable achievements simply because they prove that games are capable at spawning thoughts of fundamental debates such as the meaning of life and death.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ghostbusters: The Video Game
    There are some presentational issues that let it down, some of the weapons are a little underused, there are large chunks of inactivity and it’s relatively short at just over five hours, but that isn’t quite enough to stop this from being one of the best movie tie-ins in recent memory. They came, they saw, they kicked its ass!
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    New Super Mario Bros. 2
    Now, there is some challenge for the gamer that's inclined to find it. Every stage has three hidden star coins, and the acquisition of them all can be tricky, and necessary to access the harder levels. For everyone else, this is another Mario game that's far too easy and plays it far too safe. It's more Mario for people who want more Mario, and nothing more.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Alien Hominid
    AH doesn't quite live fit comfortably into the 'great shooter' garb I've seen it masquerade about in on the net--those clothes fit noticeably loose. Still, it's fun with a friend, a decent way to spend a few frantic hours, and one can't help but appreciate what was attempted here.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Grand Slam Tennis
    A true diamond in the rough.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Switchball
    Switchball is an innovative new take on the traditional marble game, with a plethora of interesting additions to spice up the old formula, and stunning graphics to please the eyes.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Star Wars Republic Commando
    For all its annoying faults, inconsistencies and peculiar glitches, the game manages to provide a solid ten hours of thrilling, kick-em-where-it-counts, shoot-em-up action.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Dead Space 3
    There’s also unevenness to the pacing between the high-energy action divided by constant collect-a-thons.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django
    The transition between the Gun del Sol and the multiple weapons is decent, implementing a slew of new features necessary to see you through the game unscathed.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Disney Alice in Wonderland
    It takes the idiosyncrasies of its source material and crafts a videogame around it, working just as viably as a completely independent property with its own sense of identity and adventure.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Every Extend Extra Extreme
    Every Extend Extra Extreme is a visually striking and addictive game, but one that won’t appeal to everyone.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey
    You might get a little lost on your journey sometimes, but you’ll never feel anything less than totally immersed. EverQuest II comes highly recommended both to MMORPG newbies and to those who might have become jaded with what other MMORPGs have to offer.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Injustice: Gods Among Us
    Being a NetherRealm Studios production, it has a tendency to flirt with the superfluous, but there’s tasty meat to be found in the core combat even if not all of its mechanics mesh perfectly together.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Top Spin 3
    Top Spin 3 isn’t your friend, it’s not going to hold your hand and take you through the motions.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth
    It has the clever writing and style that made the previous games so amazing.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mutant Storm Reloaded
    In a world of shooters all aiming to win gamers’ hearts, Mutant Storm Reloaded has all the ingredients to succeed alongside the best of them.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Nintendo Land
    Nintendo Land isn't a bad game, for free. As something that is included with the system, as long as you bought the deluxe model, this makes for an interesting tech demo, letting you and your friends try out different methods of how a game can be played on the Wii U. There is some fun to be had, but it's short lived, mainly due to lack of content, and not all of the content will be fun to everyone.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Starhawk
    It's the single player element that proves the weakest link in the package, as whilst it isn't terribly conceived, it remains a shallow experience, providing nothing that a decent tutorial couldn't have done in preparation for the plethora of more exciting multiplayer options.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Yakuza 2
    Yakuza 2 is more than worth your attention. The writing is often sharp and witty, the cast of characters are wonderfully realised each with there own intricate back-story and the story is deep enough to throw off even the biggest of cynics.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day
    If you’ve played the first Brain Age title (and according to statistics, if you own a DS you’re about 90% likely to have done so), enjoyed it, but have since grown bored of it, then it’s a no-brainer that Brain Age 2 is the perfect solution to get your prefrontal cortex running smoothly once more.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Devil May Cry HD Collection
    It does feature one of the most disappointing games ever made, but it also stars two of the best games ever made, so it sort of balances out.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
    It feels a little lightweight given that most of its content can be played within two or three hours, but the online modes are perpetually enjoyable and unlocking everything will require a moderate time investment.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mafia II
    For fans of mobster movies, Mafia II is the ultimate toybox. It has period clothes, music, and architecture that perfectly evoke pre and post-war Americana, and a gritty script to boot.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sega Rally Revo
    It may take a while to get used to and not have the longevity that other racing games offer, but its frenetic arcade gameplay is a blast to play and makes a change from the simulations on the market.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth
    Even though I was put off by the stealth sequences and the occasionally high difficulty level, it's impossible not to admire how frightening and intense this game can be.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Death Rally
    For straight up action, this is definitely one of the better iOS titles available.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tony Hawk's American Wasteland
    Though it might not be as great as "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2" in my mind, it's still a pleasure to play.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Expeditions: Conquistador
    The story provides a nice backdrop for the exploration, and your party members feel like actual humans and not disposable toy soldiers.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Zeno Clash
    Zeno Clash is a marvel, channeling yesterday’s hardcore brawlers whilst maintaining modern sensibilities.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Banjo-Kazooie
    Banjo-Kazooie may be more of an homage to Nintendo’s first 3D romp through the mushroom kingdom than a pioneer of the same genre, but that doesn’t make it any less satisfying.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Soldiers: Heroes of World War II
    The maddening difficulty level of this game destroys it. If you’re truly patient, then maybe, just maybe you might be able to get something out of it.., but if you’re like me who plays games to be entertained, I think you’re going to find yourself wanting to return this one.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams
    Twisted Dreams brings back an unlikely product of a derivative time and gives it unique life. It's a positive early argument for Kickstarter revivals and while it still works in known quantities, it provides a hellishly difficult and sweet platformer that finally provides a non-ironic reason to enjoy the Giana Sisters.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shadows of the Damned
    A truly unique, absurd action game that no one should miss. With the help of Shinji Mikami, Suda 51 has delivered his most palatable experience to date.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Gears of War 3: RAAM's Shadow
    Ultimately Raam's Shadow provides all the things the series has been about from the beginning, mixing the most up-to-date mechanics with a known origins story that's simultaneously disposable and perhaps crucial for the hardcore fans. What it doesn't provide, however, is anything that'll change your mind either way.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Alien Zombie Megadeath
    An enjoyable, lengthy twin-stick shooting affair. Restricting the player to platforms creates a unique dynamic in the genre and adds a fresh element of bullet hell.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Killzone: Liberation
    A fantastic shooter that combines strategic combat, excellent level design and some genuinely (and maybe too much so) challenging gameplay.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Arena Wars
    I had tremendous fun with Arena Wars; its fast paced action and tactical warfare proving to be a godsend after endless struggles and yawns on various RPGs.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Last Guy
    Being the Chosen One is a tall order to drop on anyone, but The Last Guy makes it one of the most addictive downloadable games available on the PSN.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks
    What you get out of Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks depends on your familiarity with the series. The more you know, the more you’ll like.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game
    As far as beat 'em ups go Scott Pilgrim vs. The Word is a dream come true.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sonic the Hedgehog (Live Arcade)
    With the added bells and whistles of achievements and an online leader board it's an attractive offer for Sonic fans and people interested in platformers alike.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Thomas Was Alone
    Thomas Was Alone’s greatest strengths are in its storytelling and character. In this it fully exceeds, keeping me playing past the point of growing over familiar and dreary of the oft-repeated mechanical themes. But due to this it can be expected that many who start the adventure will never finish it, though, which is certainly a shame.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Canabalt
    There are more complex games out there, but there aren't many more exciting games on the iPhone and iPod than Canabalt. Its simplicity is an asset that takes advantage of the system like few other games other have.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Daytona USA
    A lazy port that could have offered players more. In a crowded and competitive marketplace, only those most nostalgic gamers should purchase this. Everyone else will get enough from the demo.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Tales of Monkey Island Chapter 2: The Siege of Spinner Cay
    There's enough good in this episode to make The Siege of Spinner Cay a little bit more than just a mandatory stepping stone to the next chapter. But one can only hope, however, that this isn't the beginning of a mid-season slump.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Penny Arcade Adventures: Episode One
    As a first episode, Rain Slick succeeds in leaving you wanting more, and anxious to drag your party and stats on into Episode 2. Sure at its core, it’s an extremely light weight JRPG, but if you’re playing this game for ingenious game design then you’re missing the point.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Suffering
    Ultimately, The Suffering tries a lot of different things, but it doesn't really do any one thing strongly enough to stand out.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy III
    Final Fantasy IIID is a flawed RPG, but still a fun one, and definitely a bright, shining semi-historical treasure whichever way you look at it.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Retro Game Challenge
    But what it lacks in style and depth it makes up for in sheer replayability and nostalgia. It takes you back to a time before there were meaningful stories, fancy leveling systems or any of that other stuff you might take for granted.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    DK: Jungle Climber
    This is a pick-up-and-play game in its purest form, albeit with a uniquely tropical control set-up that hasn’t been utilised anywhere else before, sans its neglected prequel.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The King of Fighters XIII
    Despite its lacking online features and (Russian) roulette connectivity hoopla, KOFXIII is still an excellent game. For OGs desiring an honest, non-n00b friendly fighter, or for new schoolers wanting a unique challenge, don't miss out. It's time to knuckle up.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype
    Even if your shoot-'em-up experience is limited to Contra or Metal Slug, I still highly recommend giving this game a shot (again, gratuitous pun intended). Let's hope that SideQuest Studios's Final Prototype isn't actually… well… final.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising
    Patient gamers who enjoy more tactical shooters will likely appreciate its strong points and look beyond the bugs and glitches. Those that prefer to run and gun should probably steer clear.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dead Nation
    Dead Nation for all intents and purposes is a top-down Left 4 Dead: it's taut, it's atmospheric and it will certainly get your blood pumping.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ultimate Spider-Man
    The style and mood captures the spirit of the comics perfectly, and having two playable characters is a feature that turned out excellent. It's a shame that stomping through the streets as Venom while devouring civilians can't make up for the repetitive missions and the appallingly short time it takes to beat the game.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Black
    The graphics and sound might be a great leap forward, but the rest of the game fails to meet any of the current criteria for a good first-person shooter.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Stranglehold
    Even though it isn't a direct adaptation of a film, Stranglehold is probably the best example of a movie-based game to date.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Arcana Heart
    If you're a fan of 2D fighting games then you will definitely enjoy this game.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Need for Speed Carbon
    While it isn't a revolution in racing design, it's a good game with a lot to do.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Costume Quest
    Costume Quest ultimately fills the same void as the candy filling the kids' buckets: it tastes good, but it's not terribly filling.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    MLB 11: The Show
    This is a game that was crafted for the fans, tweaking the things that they already liked without necessarily improving on the overall experience.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Metro 2033
    It’s certainly an impressive debut title and one of the best games to come out of the Eastern Bloc, but its basic mechanics could have done with some extra polish.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Guilty Gear XX Accent Core
    Bottom line: Get this game. If you’re a newcomer to the series and have been curious as to what everyone’s raving about, give this a shot. The AI may be brutal in later levels, but the learning curve and well-crafted Practice Mode will serve you well.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Transformers: War for Cybertron
    Though one could claim that the campaign and online rewards/achievements and the mediocre level of character customization online make the game worth looking into, in truth, this is a title that doesn't warrant your attention unless you're starved for a taste of Transformers flavour and the most basic gaming experience.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
    If you’re not on board with the series’ mashing of shooting and RPG elements, there’s nothing here that’s going to dissuade, and even casual fans might not feel the need to pick up this interquel after they’re still stuffed from Borderlands 2, but for the hardcore fan it’s hard to deny the formula is still plenty of fun and taking things to the moon provides enough of a difference in the mechanics to justify a play-through.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Grandia III
    Grandia III makes great strides in the magic and skill systems, and the battles are as exciting as ever. It’s just that the storyline is so disappointing that at times it is difficult to continue playing through the game.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Crusader Kings II: Sons of Abraham
    It never quite feels like you get as much bang for your buck as previous expansions.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Gunstringer
    In just a few minutes the last painstaking levels were worth the time it took to get there.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil
    The inclusion of the early Doom games with multiplayer is a great perk which really increases the longevity of this package, which is pretty important because this game is pretty short.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Summon Night: Swordcraft Story
    Even the presentation pales in comparison to the likes of Golden Sun and the other handheld RPGs we've grown to love or hate over the years.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Adventures of Shuggy
    Nothing is broken, and The Adventures of Shuggy is a solid, functional title. But it wasn't until the later levels that the toe-curling, tense moments came in and I felt any exhilaration or reward.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    ZombiU
    ZombiU is an atmospheric game that can be very tense and even sometimes scary. You just have to be willing to over look its flaws.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hero Academy
    Hero Academy is a fun little game which will keep you entertained for a few hours as you plan strategies and eventually conquer enemies, but there is little available to keep players enticed beyond that. At present the game is somewhat light on features but the gameplay's emphasis on defensive strategy will keep fans of the turn-based game coming back for more.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin
    Project Origin delivers an experience that will have you turning off the console, and not the lights.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    TERA
    If simply taken as the sum of its parts, TERA might not seem all that impressive. But considering just how excellent its combat is and just how gorgeous everything in-game looks, it's impossible to dismiss the game as just another run-of-the-mill MMO.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Tales of Graces f
    Despite its engaging combat, Tales of Graces f fails to distinguish itself from so many other JRPGs that have the exact same elements and handle them much better.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Disney's Kim Possible 2: Drakken's Demise
    Throw in cool rapport between Kim and friends Wade and Ron, fairly good tunes, and a turn playing as a naked mole rat (ooh, provocative!), and you've got a winner.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mighty Fin
    While not containing an extensive range of content, Mighty Fin does provide a consistently enjoyable experience on the move, one devoid of frustration or a 'buy in-game credits' system.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A World of Keflings
    It's best to think of A World of Keflings as an XBLA Christmas present for the wee ones, really a "Baby's First RTS" more than anything.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mercury Meltdown Revolution
    A quirky puzzler with an extremely intuitive control scheme that clicks from the minute the game loads.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Attack of the Friday Monsters! A Tokyo Tale
    Play it for the laid back narrative and faithful recreation of 1970s rural Japan, not for a deep monster-battling system or a well-told story.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Full House Poker
    A truly confounding experience. For all of the initial thrills its presentation brings and all that it does right with the XP system and game modes, the ways in which it misses the mark are hard to ignore.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!
    It is ideal for those looking to further develop their mental alertness, or wanting to take a break from gaming-overdose, or simply anyone who feels like a quick, productive coffee break.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Awesomenauts
    Sure, it carries with it some hereditary issues of the 16-bit era – lack of depth and flattened when playing without a friend – but when it works Awesomenauts is a needed break.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Arx Fatalis
    An underrated gem.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    3D Dot Game Heroes
    3D Dot Game Heroes is challenging, but it's nowhere near as difficult as Demon's Souls - but it really doesn't need to be. The overall experience is relaxed and humorous, and the retro concept stays amusing for the whole ride.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pro Evolution Soccer 2008
    Despite the shiny graphics, catchy music and long-awaited additions and tweaks, PES is showing its age as it's flogged again for another year. It's a great experience, the best we've got so far in fact, but is more of a small step than the giant leap we were once again really hoping for.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
    For a system that is criticised for the lack of games, you could do a lot worse that this.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Puyo Pop Fever
    While the core gameplay is fundamentally the same, Puyo Pop Fever just didn’t grab me like "Puyo Pop" on the GBA did. It’s still a good game, but there are a few other puzzlers on the DS that I think are worth your time over this one.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Rayman Raving Rabbids
    Even though it's all mini-games, and as much as you may hate the association of Wii and kiddy-esque mini-games, the humour is something that everyone can enjoy.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Singularity (2010)
    The progression system certainly encourages multiple replays, as do three endings based on your final decision.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Strider
    Strider isn’t the lightning-in-a-bottle remake that Bionic Commando Rearmed was. That was a clever reimagining, where the updates enhanced the experience rather than detracted, and every new armament felt like a natural requirement of the combat mechanics. Here, it’s overstuffed with nary a worthy challenge in sight.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    R-Type Dimensions
    So really it depends on whether you’re willing to fight through the classic mode to try and justify your purchase. Those that do will enjoy R-Type Dimensions despite it’s horrendous difficulty level.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis
    While it doesn't cover any new ground and isn't pushing the DS in any way, it's a fun and easy to get into puzzle platformer that will keep you hooked if you give it enough time- especially if you play around with the level editor.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Half-Minute Hero: Super Mega Neo Climax
    During a time when Japan's hit a creative drought with RPGs, it's great to see a game that's adopting this traditional style, and using it in a more imaginative way.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Delta Force: Black Hawk Down
    Like a good summer blockbuster, the action is entertaining, the thinking is kept to a minimum and most of the experience is forgotten when it stops.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Shadows of the Damned
    The pairing of Suda 51's unhinged creativity with Shinji Mikami's sense for distinguished mechanics is enough to make Shadows of the Damned a compelling release in its own right.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Resonance (2012)
    Garbed in retro aesthetics, an upbeat soundtrack, engaging puzzles, and a story that whispered promises of a long and grandiose experience, Resonance was definitely armed to the teeth. As a puzzle packed title, it does well enough to keep players immersed and plugged in. But as a story driven spectacle, expected from any point-and-click title, having things dim down prematurely is a sure disappointment and is best kept as a one time foray.
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