Video Chums' Scores

  • Games
For 3,660 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 48% higher than the average critic
  • 18% same as the average critic
  • 34% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 2.3 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 73
Highest review score: 96 Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut
Lowest review score: 0 Bus Fix 2019
Score distribution:
3660 game reviews
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As a rather short yet wholly immersive puzzle-filled adventure, Iris.Fall manages to remain clever and captivating from start to finish.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Figuring out the many puzzles within Down in Bermuda is a treat thanks to its laidback and adorable game world and simple gameplay.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As far as first-person adventure games go, Call of the Sea is a somewhat short and memorable one that you'll be glad you experienced.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Those who enjoy Epic Dumpster Bear's humour will surely have a good time with JankBrain yet it remains a bit rough around the edges.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It's a funny and chaotic Kunio-kun-inspired soccer romp but Strange Field Football could use a bit more structure and fine-tuning.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It may owe a lot to Hidden in Plain Sight but Unspottable manages to elevate its gameplay to new heights with its super-fun gimmicks.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It may offer solid space combat but Redout: Space Assault's lack of ambition to try anything new holds it back from being special.
    • 49 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I had fun with The Unexpected Quest but its failure to challenge me made the experience less satisfying than it could have been.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tadpole Treble Encore is a whimsical musical adventure that can easily appeal to gamers of all ages and skill levels.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Rhythm Fighter's gameplay is rewarding, impressively strategic, a great deal of fun, and is amplified by its awesome music and art.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you have the patience to persevere through its irritatingly tricky segments, Golden Force can be a rewarding fun-filled adventure.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    For all that Ys IX: Monstrum Nox does that's new, there's no denying that it's still a tried-and-true Ys game at its core. Although I wish it took more risks with its setting and gameplay, it's still a great action RPG that fans like me will love.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Although I still prefer the original, Atelier Ryza 2 is a wonderful experience that fans of the first game will love. It may be a confusing journey at times but the amount of wonder and charm throughout make persevering consistently feel rewarding.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    Turrican Flashback Collection includes 4 undeniably old-school run 'n' gun games that genre fans may want to play but be warned; there are plenty of aspects that haven't aged well at all which makes playing this compilation quite annoying at times.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Cyber Shadow is definitely a genuine old-school experience which mostly works in its favour although it can be a frustrating test of patience at times. No matter which way you slice it, if you enjoy old-school 2D action games, playing Cyber Shadow is a must.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Cyberpunk 2077 is a frustrating mess. Its main narrative and characters are compelling but it's all within a game so buggy that, in terms of games with good stories and botched launches, it gives Fallout: New Vegas a run for its money. While I enjoyed my time in Night City because of its solid writing and characters, I cannot give Cyberpunk 2077 a recommendation.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Rod Land is an unexpected surprise from the golden age of adorable single-screen arcade games. Its nifty scoring mechanics and wide variety of enemies make it quite a satisfying treat so if you enjoy retro games then definitely give it a go.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    Your enjoyment with Blacksmith of the Sand Kingdom will vary according to how much mileage you get out of its gameplay loop until it begins to become tedious. Before that sinks in, it's a great RPG but afterwards, you'll gladly come back to it just every once in a while.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It may not be the best Neo Geo Pocket Color fighter on Switch but Fatal Fury: First Contact is certainly a charming and fun game.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It may seem like a laid back game but Traffix will have you intensely focus as you carefully guide traffic within its many tricky stages.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Mia's Picnic is an easy breezy puzzler that makes collecting fruit a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you want to wind down.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Grindstone is the sort of puzzler that appeals to hardcore genre fans and casual gamers alike with its immediately gratifying gameplay.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With many great couch co-op games out there, it's hard to wholeheartedly recommend Shakes on a Plane although it is quite charming.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It pleases me to say that Shady Part of Me is one of the best surprises of the year so if you like indie puzzlers, you have to play this.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If the idea of a simple yet challenging rhythm game appeals to you then you'll have a blast aiming for high scores in Rhythm of the Gods.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Twin-stick shooters simply don't get much better than Synthetik: Ultimate with its intricate and tactical approach to gun-based combat.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    Super Meat Boy is a genuine classic that has stood the test of time and contrary to its title, I don't think Forever will. It still offers challenging and rewarding gameplay but its core mechanics sometimes make for a patience-testing and tedious affair.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Burst Shooter seems more like a game made for a school project than something that should be commercially available to the public.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    When it comes to shoot 'em ups, Grood is a capable indie although it doesn't do all that much beyond the very basics of the genre.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you want to inject some festive fun into your Switch library then guiding Santa along tiles makes for a nifty little puzzle game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Although I had fun playing Ponpu, it made me want to dive back into Bomberman as it isn't quite as satisfying as Hudson's classic.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Colossus Down is a great beat 'em up that takes place in one of the most twisted indie franchises out there and I highly recommend it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As a silly spoof game, Landflix Odyssey is jam-packed with parodies of TV shows that'll keep you glued to your TV with its fun gameplay.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Not many indies completely nail retro arcade games as well as Tanuki Justice does so if you love 2D action then this is a must-have game.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    As a fan of the Yakuza series, I had a good time with Like a Dragon but it could definitely use a lot of fine-tuning if there's ever another RPG-style sequel. Overall, I'm happy that it exists but I was hoping its combat would have been much better executed.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 62 Critic Score
    If you are a human who enjoys interior decorating and making princesses as pretty as possible then Pretty Princess Party can be a ton of fun. However, if you merely want to have a party with your princess pals then there isn't much to enjoy in that regard here.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    If you have fond memories of playing the Final Fantasy Legend games on your Game Boy back in the day then Collection of SaGa is simply a must-have nostalgia trip. They may not hold up as well as some other RPGs yet these titles remain wonderfully unique and special.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Among Us is a game made for those who have a lot of online friends or followers. If you don't fit that description then you can have fun but will more than likely get irritated while playing with random players who obviously have no idea what they're doing.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Gears 5: Hivebusters is a must-play for any fan of the series. From its dire situations to its jaw-dropping combat scenes, it's hard to pull yourself away from the action-packed campaign and once you've completed it, you'll gladly play through it again.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    As a roguelike follow-up to a pretty fun twin-stick shooter from a couple years back, Tesla Force incorporates plenty of interesting mechanics and systems that help make its frantic shooting action feel fresh and exciting.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Ruinverse is bursting with a charming cast of characters in an easy-to-follow story and its campaign is filled with old-school RPG fun. The end result is a rewarding albeit sometimes disappointingly unchallenging adventure that you'll ultimately be glad you went on.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    At the risk of sounding cheesy, Howling Peaks will blow you away with its clever wind-based gimmicks and elaborately-designed levels.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you're slipping around an icy patch or collecting its frosty armours and bows, Creeping Winter is an excellent addition to Minecraft Dungeons. Just make sure you're ready for some truly tricky scenarios before getting your winter boots on.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Jungle Awakens has quite a distinct setting that manages to be both memorable and a little eerie. Throw in interesting enemies and gear and you're left with a worthwhile expansion which features a couple lengthy story missions that are fun to take on with a friend.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythmic Adventure Pack is an enjoyable collection of over 130 songs to bang your drum to with 2 story campaigns that provide a fun alternative to the typical gameplay even if their overall formula remains a bit too simplistic.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is essentially a carbon copy of the first game except it has a new mode and a different story-based adventure. Because of that, I can't help but feel like it could have been DLC instead of a brand new separate game.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Space Invaders Forever contains 3 very different alien-shooting experiences in one enjoyable collection. Whether you prefer fending off invaders solo or with a few friends, you're bound to have a great time with these fantastic games.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 52 Critic Score
    Twin Mirror is a passable mystery adventure with a varied cast and the occasional satisfying use of deductive reasoning but its story and protagonist leave a lot to be desired and on top of that, it's far too short.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    As a simple twin-stick score-chaser, Destropolis gets the job done but its more annoying aspects will make you scratch your head.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dadish's cute and colourful graphics go hand-in-hand with its simple platforming formula to make one hilarious indie that's great fun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    You may not have heard of the film that it's based on but Captain Sabertooth and the Magic Diamond is a solid and mostly fun platformer.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The many distinct scenarios within Wildfire are great fun to master no matter how you approach them and it's impressively funny, too.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Competitive puzzle games don't get much better than Petal Crash. From its strategic gameplay to its charm, it's the complete package.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you're a fan of any of the social media personalities in Slide Stars then you'll have a great time sliding and flipping through its levels.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As far as frantic co-op games go, Out of Space: Couch Edition is great and will have you and your gaming chums entertained for hours.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Without a doubt, PHOGS! is one of the best co-op games released this year so if you enjoy gaming with a pal, you'll want to play this.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition makes a great action game even better. Although it doesn't quite contain as many additions as I was hoping it would, it's still an excellent game, especially for those who don't already own the vanilla version.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    If all you want is XCOM-style combat set in the Gears universe then Gears Tactics will be sure to satisfy but just don't expect it to offer a fully-featured immersive campaign that's anything beyond simply beating mission after mission.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 59 Critic Score
    With so many amazing action RPGs and adventure games out there, playing Chronos: Before the Ashes often feels redundant, especially because it manages both genres with a great deal of mediocrity. In other words, it doesn't quite add up to a satisfying journey.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    DIRT 5's off-road racing with over 60 vehicles in 10 real world settings can be a ton of fun as you go for the gold while slipping and sliding in the rain, snow, ice, and mud. Plus, building your own stunt arenas is great for those who prefer careful maneuvers.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin combines 2 very different genres into one rewarding experience and its heartwarming story is the icing on the cake. It may become a little tedious after a while but the journey is still worth partaking in for those who enjoy unique games.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I wish that Pacer tried to forge its own identity instead of being another WipEout clone because it's simply not as good of a game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    It may be inspired by a top-notch niche PS1 puzzler but Cube Raiders doesn't quite hit the mark with its awkward controls and rules.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Even though Disc Room is a fun game, its design suffers from difficulty that ultimately relies on randomness more than anything else.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you're new to Crimzon Clover or not, if you're a shmup fan then you'll love everything that World EXplosion has to offer.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you enjoy classic single-screen arcade games and want to play one with a few friends then you'll dig Umihara Kawase BaZooKa!
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mad Rat Dead blends 2D platforming and rhythm elements to create a challenging and unique formula that'll definitely keep you hooked.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Although YesterMorrow isn't all that challenging or novel, it still does 2D platforming well enough to create a mostly satisfying journey.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    QV
    It may be simple and laidback but there's no denying just how magical QV is with its satisfying puzzles and adorable game world.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    If you're a Bridge Constructor fan like I am then you'll likely find a lot to love about this quirky The Walking Dead spin-off and its clever gameplay wrinkles. It may not be the smoothest experience in the franchise but it's certainly the most fascinating.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Söldner-X 2: Final Prototype is one of the best shoot 'em ups ever made and this Definitive Edition is an excellent incarnation of it that every genre fan needs to add to their gaming library. I sincerely hope to play Söldner-X 3: The Last Mission one of these days.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Bubble Bobble 4 Friends: The Baron Is Back! is a fantastic revival of a classic arcade game that has stood the test of time beautifully. If you're a fan of the series then this newly improved modern interpretation will be sure to delight.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're looking for a new RPG to add to your Switch library, look no further than Seven Knights -Time Wanderer-. You'll be pleasantly surprised by its large cast of characters, gorgeous detailed scenery, and gameplay that never gets dull.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Crystal Ortha is a simple and highly enjoyable old-school RPG with impressively lovely 2D visuals and fantastic music. It might be a bit too simple for dedicated genre fans but there's still a fun and epic journey awaiting anyone willing to give it a go.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay presents an adorable adventure that's full of variety and silly mini-games. If you don't mind that it's short and would like something to entertain the kids, this will certainly do the trick.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    As one of the better Musou spin-off games out there, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a welcome treat for Breath of the Wild fans. Its gameplay remains expectedly repetitive but there's still a ton of fun to be had with its variety of combat abilities.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Its stylish visuals and slick gameplay make The Pathless stand out as a truly epic experience. If the concept of whipping around massive intricate environments at ridiculous speeds while solving puzzles and taking down bosses appeals to you then definitely check it out.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    In Bugsnax, the bugs are snacks and that's quite cool. Beyond that, its relaxing open-world objective-based gameplay is solid for winding down with after a long day but it doesn't really have much else going for it.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Planet Coaster: Console Edition is the kind of game that's great fun at its core but being able to get the most out of it will require a lot of patience. So, it's worth playing if you enjoy fine-tuning every intricacy of a park and don't mind getting used to its controls.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Demon's Souls is an excellent game whether you're new to the franchise, have only played the Dark Souls games, or are a fan of the original. However, if you fit in the latter group like I do then you may be disappointed by its less visceral yet admittedly gorgeous world.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Overcooked! All You Can Eat is the ultimate way to enjoy 2 of the best co-op games ever made so if you're looking for hours of entertainment for you and your friends and family, this makes for quite a hearty meal.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    Sackboy: A Big Adventure accomplishes what few modern games do by simply offering an unabashedly lighthearted world that's bursting with joy, fun, and plenty of laughs. It's an absolute must-have for any gamer who enjoys co-op experiences.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Even after 10 years, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered is bursting with some of the most thrilling racing gameplay out there.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Tetris Effect: Connected is 2 steps forward and 1 step back from the original 2018 release so if you want to play Tetris online, I can't think of a better option than this. Oh, right; Tetris 99... but that doesn't have a cool single player campaign like this does.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you have nostalgia for portable fighters then The Last Blade: Beyond the Destiny will be a welcome addition to your Switch library.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It's a simple game at its core but mastering Terror Squid will require a lot of strategy and fast-thinking so it'll appeal to score-chasers.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Expanding and contracting formations of ships is the name of the game in Shoot 1UP DX and who knew doing so could be a ton of fun?
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    They Bleed Pixels is a simple and challenging 2D action game but one that ultimately feels dated with plenty of cumbersome moments.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If it had all of its issues ironed out, 9 Monkeys of Shaolin would be a prime example of rewarding beat 'em up gameplay.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tens! is one of my favourite puzzle games of the year with its charming aesthetic and original gameplay and it all shines in multiplayer.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The concept of a Picross game with quirky dating sim elements may not appeal to everyone yet it remains a cool and off-the-wall indie.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you enjoy Mystery Dungeon games as much as I do then you'll absolutely love everything that Crown Trick has to offer.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Astro's Playroom is perhaps the best pre-installed console launch game that I've ever played. In fact, it's so good that it provides even more incentive to get your hands on a PlayStation 5.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Without a doubt, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a much more enjoyable game than the original and it shows off PS5's performance brilliantly. It's too bad that it isn't longer because I loved every minute of it.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you're a fan of endless runners then you'll probably enjoy Double Pug Switch but don't expect it to redefine the genre.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    When it comes to genre-blenders, few games do as good of a job as Galacide with its clever combination of shooting and puzzles.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Gonner2 is definitely a fitting sequel but it doesn't quite feel like a substantial step up from the original and its action is far too chaotic.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Its clunky platforming can sure be frustrating but A Tale of Paper still provides a memorable and captivating adventure.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Exploring Supraland's imaginative world will make you feel like a kid again and discovering all the secrets within it is great fun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Area 86 provides some fun sandbox escape room gameplay yet it doesn't quite offer a rewarding campaign with its open-ended nature.

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