Thunderbolt's Scores
- Games
For 2,038 reviews, this publication has graded:
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36% higher than the average critic
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4% same as the average critic
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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: | Red Dead Redemption | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest review score: | Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing |
Score distribution:
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Positive: 928 out of 2038
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Mixed: 867 out of 2038
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Negative: 243 out of 2038
2038
game
reviews
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- By Critic Score
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- Critic Score
Brawl is easily the most fun I’ve had on a Wii, and could be the most fun I’ve had with a game in ages. It’s just that good. There is just so much to do, and so many different and refreshing things added that it would be a crime not to at least take a look.- Thunderbolt
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Beyond the surface, you'll find a set of imaginative and extremely well-developed ports of games that did very well in other countries, but didn't get the recognition in this part of the world that they deserved.- Thunderbolt
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- Posted Feb 26, 2014
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Mutant Blobs Attack! isn't a game with many surprises up its sleeve, but within its designed simplicity it contains unbridled joy. It's a game that focuses on being fun first, and succeeds at that ambition.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Mar 15, 2012
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The graphics are incredibly fantastic and you’ll be shooting South Americans right up until Bungie release "Halo 3" in the autumn.- Thunderbolt
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It has such an enormous amount to offer (did I even mention the two player option?) and carries everything off with such confidence and style that it's hard to fault.- Thunderbolt
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The game that stands is an absolute thrill-ride, brimming with verve and excitement.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Dec 19, 2010
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Tri is one of those paradoxical titles that is by no means perfect, but doesn’t deserve anything less than a ten out of ten rating when compared to everything else on the system.- Thunderbolt
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Despite all its similarities, it offers so much more in terms of content and creativity. The sheer variety and unique twists on ideas make for some of the greatest platforming you'll ever see. You can go through whole stretches of this game and find something new and completely different in each passing level.- Thunderbolt
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The challenge of this game will bring out the best or the worst in a gamer, a true test of ability and skill. All of this is given to us with a great story, memorable characters, vivid settings, all wrapped up in a presentation that's second to none.- Thunderbolt
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Mass Effect 2 is a triumph of an action game, blending satisfying shooter levels with dark themes and hours of heated debate.- Thunderbolt
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BioShock is a title that gamers spend their whole lives waiting to play. Something that delivers on an absurdly high level in every department, and one that never dips in quality for the 15-20 hours that it lasts.- Thunderbolt
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Grand Theft Auto IV is a game for the ages, one that will without doubt be included in gaming halls of fame and remembered fondly by everyone who was there to play it when it was released.- Thunderbolt
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The adventure is lengthy, the characters are entertaining, and this is truly a game that you’ll want to keep in your pocket for any free minute you find yourself with. DS owners should not miss out on what could certainly be the best handheld RPG of 2009.- Thunderbolt
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Cyrodiil looks absolutely stunning. Everything is bright and wonderful in the sunshine, birds singing, pigeons flocking, butterflies dodging about in the shadows, and then environments look damp, cold and miserable when rain rolls into town. The level of detail is quite breathtaking.- Thunderbolt
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Rockstar have redeemed themselves and there's no need to return to the city after providing this compelling argument against automotive transportation.- Thunderbolt
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The Last of Us is a sobering conclusion to Naughty Dog’s relationship with the PlayStation 3. It is the studio’s finest game to date, marrying gameplay and fiction better than any of the Uncharted games. It’s sometimes haunting, sometimes beautiful, but more than anything else it feels real, and both you and Joel are very much vulnerable to it.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Jul 10, 2013
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It isn't one thing that makes Knights of the Old Republic such a masterful RPG, but a remarkable amalgamation of brilliant gameplay elements, jaw-dropping presentation and a huge helping of that special Star Wars magic.- Thunderbolt
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Look, folks. If you have any interest in RPGs, you need to play Persona 4. Period. It’s one of the best titles available on the PS2. In fact, it just might be the console's swan song.- Thunderbolt
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Perhaps my favourite part of Football Manager 2006 is the adaptation of the match engine into today’s defence-minded tactics. Teams are now more likely to play 4-5-1 and will often change tactics throughout the game, keeping you on your toes. It’s amazing once again at how you can swing a game with some simple changes, like setting a forward to run on the ball more in an attempt to coax a defender on a booking to challenge him and get sent off.- Thunderbolt
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Super Mario Bros. was, is, and always will be a gaming masterpiece. Its oft imitated, yet rarely equaled combination of gameplay responsiveness, superb level design and visual flourish, combined with that special loving touch that only Miyamoto seems able to wield, makes it one of those rare games that seems to transcend time.- Thunderbolt
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An improvement of an already sensational game. It’s got the stellar gameplay that made the previous title shine, as well as tossing in some great camera control and a few other modifications.- Thunderbolt
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While not as revolutionary as Mario 64 or Galaxy, 3D World manages to feel simultaneously fresh and nostalgic in a way the New Super Mario Bros. series never quite realized.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Jul 25, 2014
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Easily one of the greatest titles on the DS...Between exploring the massive towns, wandering through the multi-tiered wastelands, and challenging legions of trainers, you’ll enjoy a lengthy adventure that no other DS game can boast.- Thunderbolt
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From start to finish, the main element that propels Ninja Gaiden above all others in the action genre is the dazzling combat-based gameplay.- Thunderbolt
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The gameplay has been honed to near-perfection, showing that a tactical approach doesn't necessarily lead to more complexity.- Thunderbolt
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A magnificent hive of creativity and technical clout, and holds a world so open it frequently threatens to overwhelm. Skyrim is forever charming and consistently engaging, and will carve a completely different adventure for every player put under its dazzling spell.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Dec 14, 2011
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It’s just a terrific experience, somehow managing to gratify with choices that seemingly mean nothing, achieving this feat with a phenomenal central performance, expert writing and ceaseless creativity.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Oct 21, 2013
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Halo 2's Campaign mode is a luminous experience and testament of Bungie's rare talent for mixing gorgeous cinematics with captivating and fun gameplay segments, but it also serves as the concrete foundation for the game's multiplayer, making simple deathmatches, team skirmishes and CTF games that much more engaging.- Thunderbolt
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Gemini Rue is equal parts tense, thoughtful, and surprising; it's the single best, most compelling adventure game I've played in years.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Mar 2, 2011
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GTA IV may not have the best graphics, gunplay, A.I. or driving, but few other games have ever combined so many elements so successfully. It excels in creating a genuinely cinematic atmosphere, with writing on par with anything Hollywood can produce and action sequences that would sit comfortably in any movie.- Thunderbolt
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It’s rare that I get so excited over a game, but the interactive storyline, the solid gameplay, and everything else managed to make me a firm believer that the future of Star Wars will be bright one.- Thunderbolt
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It has so much depth and aptitude that you'll find yourself drawn in for hours, which will quickly turn into days, months and, dare I say, years. There's been so much effort put into every single aspect of the game that it's hard not to admire the hard work of the developers behind it.- Thunderbolt
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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.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Feb 5, 2011
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The dark storyline isn't fantastic, but the way it's presented certainly is. Gritty characters with a rare touch of humanity, intense combat that will leave you breathless, and some great multiplayer modes are sure to keep you hooked until the inevitable sequel comes along.- Thunderbolt
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This game has it all; the gameplay is solid and far more balanced than those of previous games, the many characters both return and make memorable debuts, and wide variety of new weapons, features and gaming modes will keep you coming back to quench your thirst for mass destruction. Accordingly, this game blows the competition out of the water.- Thunderbolt
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Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will surely set the bar for this generations in terms of quality, and should be the benchmark for a truly great game.- Thunderbolt
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Part of what makes the game so generally appealing is that, for the most part, it drops the nagging feeling of “good for an open world game."...Grand Theft Auto V is a good shooter and a good driving game with responsive character control. While some of the extras might be spread a little thin, there are no compromises with these central mechanics, which is a feat for a game of this breadth.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Sep 16, 2013
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With an adventure so far unmatched for memorable moments and constant thrills, the game is truly one of a kind.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Nov 4, 2011
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It seems inappropriate to label any game a 'classic' on such a novel platform, but if such a term is allowed, then The Incident qualifies emphatically.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Feb 5, 2011
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Run Roo Run is one of the most enjoyable experiences you can have on this particular platform, and probably the best dollar you'll spend for a long, long time.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Mar 5, 2012
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This is one of the best games of 2011. Never thought I'd be saying that about an iPhone title.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Jul 4, 2011
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I can honestly say that Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a superb accumulation to the series, incorporating just enough new additions to keep the hardcore happy and the new players excited.- Thunderbolt
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Its weird blend of influences coalesce into an experience that transcends its parts, creating a title that feels familiar enough for the average rhythm fan, but different enough to be considered on its own merits. Retro/Grade is a seamless mix of concept and execution, an essential entry into the music genre.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Aug 21, 2012
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As excellent as the storyline is, you could completely ignore it and still have an amazing experience.- Thunderbolt
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Besides the amazing cooperative campaign, playing with sixteen players via system link is the absolute most fun I have ever had with any multiplayer video game. You will be yelling, cursing and causing much ruckus well into the night during these frantic LAN parties.- Thunderbolt
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Super Mario Kart is still the best Mario Kart ever, but Mario Kart DS is remarkably close to edging past the original in almost every way.- Thunderbolt
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I hesitate to say, at this early stage, that this is actually a better game than either Fallout 1 or 2, but it very well may be; at the least, it is game-of-the-year material.- Thunderbolt
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A 2D fighting game fan's dream come true. It's got all the flash and pizzazz of "Marvel vs. Capcom," the finely tuned balance of "Street Fighter," numerous unprecedented gameplay enhancements that push what we expect from the genre and some of the best hand-drawn graphics to ever grace a videogame.- Thunderbolt
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As a sequel, you’d be hard-pushed to track down a game that is as brilliantly structured, nurtured and evolved as Gears of War 2. With a ruthlessly enthralling pace and variation of set pieces, this is an effortlessly superb package. I haven’t enjoyed a game as much as this since Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, which is surely one of the greatest compliments a title can get.- Thunderbolt
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One of the best games that I’ve ever played. The final level of the game is essentially a massive firefight through the Hoover Dam and it was arguably one of the best experiences I’ve had in video gaming.- Thunderbolt
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Valkyria Chronicles is a long, sweeping epic of a game that every PS3 owner should play. Its rich story, unique premise, and reimagined sense of strategic role-playing shouldn't be missed.- Thunderbolt
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Long stretches of riding across deserted, yet gorgeous, environments, punctuated by moments of sheer, adrenaline-pumping terror. The shockingly realistic animations (especially for your horse and the colossi), vast, streaming landscape, stirring soundtrack, and wistful story all combine with the game’s minimalist gameplay to create a videogame experience unlike any other.- Thunderbolt
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It’s the atmosphere created by the outstanding people at id that makes Doom 3 standout from the crowd. The lights flicker on and off, enemies hide in the dark and wait for you, and you truly feel alone most of the time you’re playing the game, which is surprising considering there are other characters that you work with.- Thunderbolt
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Halo 3 may not be as innovative as its predecessors or have the best graphics on the Xbox 360, but it's an outstanding game and a fitting end to what's been a fantastic trilogy.- Thunderbolt
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Essential, easily worth both the time and monetary investment not only to your own gameplay experience but also to that of your character. Besides the raised level cap, new traits, arsenal and items, once completed, the Big MT can be revisited at will. And unlike other DLC, this is one you'll actually want to revisit again and again.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Jul 28, 2011
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The multi-surfaced design is a refreshing take on an otherwise stale gaming genre. The simple, responsive controls and steady learning curve ensure that any gamer, be they the child who gets this for his or her birthday or the weathered gaming vet, can sit down and give this game a spin.- Thunderbolt
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LittleBigPlanet is much more than simply a game or even a tool, it’s an experience. The sack people are an infectiously charming bunch and as soon as you’ve settled in you’ll want to stay for the foreseeable future.- Thunderbolt
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Reach is the most spectacularly euphoric hello and goodbye in gaming history.- Thunderbolt
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Episode Two is an absolute must-purchase for any FPS fan. It’s an amazing experience from beginning to end. I truly cannot think of a way to improve this game.- Thunderbolt
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Between Rondo of Blood, its beautiful 3D remake and its legendary sequel, there's a lot of quality gaming here.- Thunderbolt
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An incredibly addicting, engrossing, and incredibly well-designed inclusion. No stone was left unturned as the developers crafted this masterpiece and if you’re a fan of the previous installments of this game, you’re definitely going to enjoy this latest edition.- Thunderbolt
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The fabulous storytelling, innovative dialogue system and impact of your choices remains in full force, and that’s all you really need to make a great RPG: the actual role-playing. The commitment from Bioware in making this franchise the best it can be is astounding.- Thunderbolt
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This game is all about customization. You get everything you need to create a park right out of the box, but you can design your own scenarios, park guests, fireworks shows, and buildings. Incredibly, none of this is particularly challenging to figure out as long as you put five to ten minutes into tinkering, with the only exception being the fireworks creator.- Thunderbolt
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The carnival atmosphere makes Rock Band a total blast to play, or to even just watch, waiting for your turn. Even with the high price of admission, Rock Band is well worth purchasing.- Thunderbolt
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Mixing the classic Zelda formula with a more mature tale, Twilight Princess is an epic of the highest caliber that gamers will not want to miss.- Thunderbolt
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It may not rock the boat as much as it did on DS, but Chinatown Wars is still one of the finest examples of handheld action on the market.- Thunderbolt
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The online multiplayer provides for limitless possibilities for handheld gaming, allowing its participants to access a miniature world where individual style and interactivity reign supreme.- Thunderbolt
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The highest compliment I can pay to the already highly lauded Resident Evil 4 is this: it makes all other games in its genre seem utterly pointless.- Thunderbolt
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This is probably one of the best, if the not the best downloadable title on the PSN and XBLA by far.- Thunderbolt
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Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter is stunning, exciting, fun and exhilarating to play, a great example of the 360’s power and online service and an essential title for all Xbox 360 owners.- Thunderbolt
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A must-own, a must-play, a must-have or whatever generic must-“word” or must-“phrase” that you’ll find plastered on a game box. From start to finish, this is a tight experience that will challenge and entertain you unlike any other FPS of 2005.- Thunderbolt
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With all the lackluster console-to-PC ports in existence, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay absolutely towers over the competition. The fascinating commentary mode and bonus level improve what was already a stellar game.- Thunderbolt
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While the wireless feature is one of the best things in Ridge Racer, the very best feature of Ridge Racer comes in the form of its gorgeous graphics engine... Ridge Racer looks freaking amazing.- Thunderbolt
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A gallant return to form and takes a direction that breathes new life into a formula that is fast reaching a decade old.- Thunderbolt
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The Secret of Monkey Island is still one of the greatest games of all time and this new Special Edition presents it to a new audience with its fantastic production values and hilarious dialogue.- Thunderbolt
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Definitely a notable improvement over last year's offering and the new Home Field Advantage feature is marvelous, but the recycled visuals and mere handful of other additions may deter those who already own 2004 from purchasing the game.- Thunderbolt
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Another exceptional addition in a long line of shooters. While it does put a new spin on certain elements the basic principle of play is the same as its predecessors, proving that massive change doesn't always trump simple refinement.- Thunderbolt
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Rather than just being a typical add-on, Blood Dragon exists more as a complimentary stand-alone experience to Far Cry 3’s tale of survival and savagery—it’s an insanely fun, ridiculous ode to the bygone era of games that got by on having great action gameplay and a title that sounded cool.- Thunderbolt
- Posted May 20, 2013
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Stands as a stark contrast to this normal guns-a-blazin' attitude, due to its meticulous stealth-based gameplay that demands patience, strategy and more than a little ingenuity on the gamer's part. This uniqueness of gameplay combined with great presentation and engrossing story makes Deadly Shadows a true gem.- Thunderbolt
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The classic Civilization quirks still remain - completely illogical backstabbing AI players included! - but the game now provides a much richer toolbox for budding conquerors.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Jul 2, 2012
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While the graphics are definitely dated, it’s the audio that makes the game stand out; crafting a classic game around music was definitely a gamble, and it really paid off this time.- Thunderbolt
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With a handful developers, Blue Wind has crafted one of the best pure action games on the iPhone. The graphics are gorgeous, the game is fun, and while the brief cutscenes are rife with dubious usage of the English language, it doesn't matter.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Feb 10, 2011
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While releasing Persona 3 for a third time might seem like a little much, P3P is more than different enough to be a fresh and interesting PSP title.- Thunderbolt
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MLB 10: The Show is by no means a perfect game, but it comes pretty damn close. No baseball sim delivers the amount of game found here, and more importantly, no other sim accurately portrays the nature of the game better.- Thunderbolt
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The story is lengthy and surprisingly well-written, and the voice acting is stellar. The combat mechanics are a solid combination of combo and tactical options, with a dash of insane supermoves for good measure. While there's a nice variety of gameplay modes and unlockables, the online multiplayer is what will keep you coming back long after you've gotten through everything. The presentation sets a new standard for 2D fighting games; no other fighter can pull it off with the same kind of style.- Thunderbolt
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Amazing. Not only does it introduce a much-needed change in the story, it gives the series a breath of fresh air with some interesting concepts.- Thunderbolt
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Despite the outlandish oil puddles and EMP blasts, switching between between criminal and cop has never been so fun.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Feb 6, 2011
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It's limited in many regards, but it's also a near-perfect fit for the handheld space.- Thunderbolt
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Dishing out mass destruction upon legions of enemy robots is a fun and addictive experience. With a nice variety of weapons and abilities, you’ll be able to tweak your mech’s capabilities in plenty of ways.- Thunderbolt
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Among Thieves is unquestionably one of the most alluring and exciting titles to have ever graced a gaming platform.- Thunderbolt
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It may not have the depth of Sim City or the dedicated following of FarmVille but Tapped Out is still a thoroughly entertaining and addictive experience; arguably the best videogame based on The Simpsons yet.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Sep 25, 2012
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Dead Space 2 is a superior sequel in pretty much every way. Just like Dead Space before it, the game isn't subtle and grabs your attention from the start.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Feb 8, 2011
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Regardless of its shortcomings, New Super Mario Bros. Wii is easily one of the best titles on the system, and an impressive addition to the series. Saving the princess just got fun again.- Thunderbolt
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It's a lengthy adventure full of personality, an endless plethora of weapons, and addictive co-op gameplay. Fans of the first game would be foolish to pass up another chance to visit Pandora and plunder the incalculable treasures therein.- Thunderbolt
- Posted Oct 19, 2012
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The journey to restore the world’s vitality is long and enjoyable, filled with memorable characters and scenes.- Thunderbolt
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