TouchArcade's Scores

  • Games
For 4,638 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 52% higher than the average critic
  • 23% same as the average critic
  • 25% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 2.8 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 78
Highest review score: 100 Game Dev Tycoon
Lowest review score: 20 QUByte Classics: Thunderbolt Collection by PIKO
Score distribution:
4661 game reviews
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    There's always been something satisfying about match-3 mechanics, but after enough years playing them over and over they're bound to start feeling stale. Pixel Defenders Puzzle steps beyond that by taking something from a game that was already an excellent evolution of the genre and moving it forward to another, even-more satisfying level.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it's a little on the short side and there isn't a lot of replay value to it, for the price the iOS version goes for, Yet It Moves is an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys puzzle platformers.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Combined with the crazy visuals and the streamlined RPG mechanics and you have an impressive experience that is well recommended.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Retro City Rampage DX is without a doubt a well-made game, and one with some real high points to it. But there is that question of whether you should play it when the games it takes obvious inspiration from are available for about the same price.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    My chief complaint about Golf Zero is that there isn't more of it. This is the kind of game I could play for hundreds of levels at a time, and although there is more content in the pipeline it couldn't come soon enough. The 40 standard levels won't take you that long to blaze through, but that's because they're so addicting to knock out in rapid succession. With a more forgiving ad system and some extra levels it would be even easier to recommend.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Hyper Light Drifter is still an essential for any fan of pixel art games or action RPGs. I have a few problems with the difficulty spikes when there are too many enemies near you, but still adore this game. If you missed out on it on other platforms for whatever reason, the iOS port is an absolute steal even without the pre-order discount. I’d recommend playing this with a controller but Abylight Studios has done an excellent job with touch controls if you are going to play it on your iPhone. Over three years since the game debuted on PC and there really still is nothing like Hyper Light Drifter on any platform.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Simply put, you owe it to yourself to check out Super Evil Megacorp’s latest masterpiece.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Whale Trail contains all the components of a hit iOS game – colorful visuals, catchy music, a cute main character, and gameplay that's easy for anybody to pick up but hard to master. But somehow, it manages to not feel forced or contrived.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    While the lack of gyro support is disappointing, PowerWash Simulator is a very good conversion for Switch. The only downside is the long load times in its current state. Barring that, it is a fantastic way to experience PowerWash Simulator, and a perfect fit for portable play. I hope it gets a physical release in the future with all DLC content included and I’m looking forward to the Final Fantasy VII DLC pack. Out of all the “Simulator" games on the eShop, this one is special.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    You might be tempted to skip Cut the Rope: Time Travel. It's just another sequel, right? Nope. Time Travel offers a unique twist on an already solid formula. It's an excellent time waster, one that every member of your family should enjoy.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Is Dead Cells well suited to being a mobile game? Personally, I think so, but I would also love to see games like Stellaris or Mirror’s Edge on mobile as well. Generally speaking, if the thought of using a controller to play a game on your iPhone or iPad is anathema, then this is almost certainly not the game for you. On the other hand, if that sounds like the greatest thing since sliced bread and goat cheese, you’re in the right place at just the right time. But, regardless of platform or what controls you choose to use, there’s no question about it: Dead Cells is an amazing game, and anyone interested in rogue-lites would be well advised to give it a shot at their earliest convenience.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I had a ton of fun with Sacred Odyssey: Rise of Ayden, and highly recommend any Zelda fan give it a try. You'll have a great idea of whether or not you want to continue by the time you hit the pay wall, and hopefully you're somewhere with connectivity so you can proceed past it.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    If you own an iOS device that's on the supported device list (Basically, the iPhone 4S and newer.), particularly if you've got something recent, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is as must-have as it gets
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Each of the controls can be customized further by dragging and dropping them on the screen to the desired location.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With its sharp and colorful visuals and classic gameplay sensibilities, Super Phantom Cat is a pretty perfect hybrid of the new and old.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    SNK Vs. Capcom: Card Fighters’ Clash was one of the most popular games on its console, and even now it’s easy to see why. It’s one of those games that gives back the more you put into it, and Code Mystics has done just about everything possible to make sure you can enjoy it to the fullest. Those curious about what the NEOGEO Pocket Color had to offer beyond its excellent fighting games will want to pick this up, and it goes without saying that card game fans should dive in on this one as well.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As a fandisc, Piofiore: Episodio 1926 is superlative. It goes above that and is more like a full sequel to the original game. While I can’t recommend this if you haven’t played the original, it is an easy recommendation if you did enjoy your time with Piofiore. I hope the few text issues can be addressed in potential future updates though.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you had told me that an indie horror game would be on my top 10 games of the year a few months ago, I’d have laughed because of how good 2022 has been for JRPGs but here we are. Signalis is a shockingly good horror game that I recommend to any fan of the genre. It has a superlative atmosphere, stunning art, and an excellent soundtrack.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    So seriously, go download Mage Gauntlet. The time you spent reading this review could've been much better spent playing this incredible game.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you're coming into the series fresh right now, I think I would probably recommend Battle of the Bulge ahead of this game. If you enjoy that game's mechanics and are looking for a different scenario, Desert Fox is more than worth your time and money.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dorfromantik is a pleasant game. It’s pleasant to look at, it’s pleasant to listen to, and it’s pleasant to poke at. The controls in this Switch version are a little awkward, and it’s clear the game wasn’t built for a controller interface, but they’re not so bad as to ruin the experience. If you’re looking for a very low-stress game to unwind with, Dorfromantik is just about the perfect ticket.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Offers yet another stellar entry in CAVE's series of iOS shooters. It's probably the most straight forward and least complex out of them all, which makes it a great starting point for bullet hell newbies, but it does have its share of depth for those looking to master its strategies.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    People can and do split hairs about which Cave shoot-em-ups rank where, but I think there are two things that are generally agreed upon. First, even the worst of the classic line-up is excellent by the standards of the genre. It’s hard to go wrong with any of them, and Mushihimesama certainly won’t let you down in that regard. Second, Mushihimesama is one of the most beginner-friendly titles among a roster that often leans hard into the veteran player’s needs. It’s not surprising this latest initiative would lead with this particular game. It can be seen as a suitable gateway into the rest of this cherished developer’s works, and this Switch version does it every bit of justice it deserves.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you like adventure games or just want to enjoy an interesting, well-written story with a pleasingly dark vibe, Beacon Pines will serve you well. It’s a thoroughly engrossing tale that pulls you in further the more you play it. Perhaps a little too substantial to explore in a single session, but you’ll likely find yourself wanting to see it all the way through in one go. Add in a superb presentation with gorgeous visuals and excellent narration, and you’ve got a winner.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Barring one annoying control issue I ran into on Steam Deck, Little Goody Two Shoes is a superb experience, and really timed perfectly given the season. The trailer and screenshots make it look great, but it really is on a whole other level in person on a good display. Not only does it have great art, voice acting, and music, but it also feels like the best modern take on an older-style horror adventure game. This is a game that deserves your time even in this busy release season.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ok, it's basically the plot from the 1986 film The Fly mashed up with elements of Spiderman, but it works pretty well in setting up the story for Banzai Rabbit.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Simply a stunner in both execution and gameplay, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Mutant Mudds really has it all, and in terms of the slower-paced, exploration-based platforming games it's unmatched by anything else on the App Store.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you're a fan of digging down into the depths and testing your mind with clever puzzles, this is a no-brainer.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Essentially, what Tin Man has done with The Warlock of Firetop Mountain is to transform the classic gamebook into a single-player role-playing board game, one that comes with its own colorful storyteller and several modules to vary the experience on multiple playthroughs. The presentation is sublime, the considerable amount of new content has been implemented carefully and respectfully, and the mechanical changes sand off some of the original gamebook's harsher edges. I would have been quite happy had Tin Man done their usual fine work on a straight conversion of The Warlock of Firetop Mountain (and that is indeed on its way), but this is something altogether different and more special.

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