Video Game Talk's Scores

  • Games
For 393 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 32% higher than the average critic
  • 4% same as the average critic
  • 64% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 8.6 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 66
Highest review score: 100 Super Mario Galaxy
Lowest review score: 10 Fighters Uncaged
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 59 out of 393
393 game reviews
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's hard to improve upon a solid game when making the sequel, but Rare has done that and more with Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're looking for a good golf game for the Wii, then Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 All Play is the one to get.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though Red Faction: Armageddon isn't the most creative game on the market, it's one of the most entertaining action games to hit the market in a while. Fans of previous virtual mining expeditions (scratch that; uprisings) on the red planet will feel at home with the game's easy to grasp control scheme and incredibly exciting mechanics.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, "FIFA 09" only appears to have minor adjustments to the game play, but they provide more responsive controls.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game excels at involving the player in the unsettling narrative and remaining unrelenting at making you fearful of every single step taken throughout the decrepit castle.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's not innovative or surprising in any way, but the graphics and gameplay are enjoyable and the multiplayer is a fun option.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Soul Calibur IV brings the supremely balanced fantasy fighting to the next gen systems, with great success. There are a few drawbacks, such as the spotty online and the woefully inadequate storylines, but the pros far outweigh the cons.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DJ Hero is the ace up Activision's sleeve, simultaneously reinvigorating their music game slate while opening up a whole new genre to the mix (pardon the pun). And unlike the assembly line feeling of the Guitar Hero sequels, DJ Hero really does give a fresh spin (I can't help it with the puns!) on the music game world.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game features a ton of solid gameplay with enough improvements over the original to take note of.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s a neat little distraction and cool as a screensaver or distraction for those awkward dinner parties, but when compared to the real thing it’s boring, dull and the limited number of fish available make the cost far outweigh the benefits.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The bottom line is that like the world of "L.A. Noire" itself, the game is neither black nor white; it has its grey areas and it's up to the gamer him or herself to determine how those grey areas affect their playing experience.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're looking for a new Naruto game to sharpen your kunai on then Ultimate Ninja 3 is definitely worth a spin. The gameplay may be the same as ever but slight improvements in just about every department help flesh out the experience.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Okamiden never feels like a giant leap forward, but it was never intended as such. Instead, it shows that the world of Okami is ripe for further adventures, and that they can appear in new and exciting forms.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For anyone that's played the previous LEGO Star Wars titles or for those that love the animated television series on the Cartoon Network, Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars is a fantastic purchase that can be enjoyed by fans of all ages.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Taken by itself Disgaea 3 has a lot to offer with some fantastic gameplay, fun mechanics, open-ended customization, and plenty of opportunities to grind for levels.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    To conclude, Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars is a huge diversion from the norm, but it's also quite a good game. In fact, it's one of the best launch titles for the Nintendo 3DS.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As a standalone game this is easily a recommended title if you enjoy the sport in any fashion, it’s true to the sport and plays, looks and sounds great and there’s a large pool of players around the world to play online.
    • 43 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game is fun, it looks great, and given the relatively sparse offerings for 3DS launch titles, this one is easy to recommend.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An excellent MMO on nearly all counts, but suffers from a shockingly huge learning curve.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's far more effective as a fun aerobic workout or a way to get your groove on if you wouldn't step foot "in da club."
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're looking for a solid Arcade title to pick up then you could do a whole heck of a lot worse than 'Splosion Man. This game is a blast from start to finish and it's even better with friends.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    X-Men Origins: Wolverine is the real deal folks. It's a hard-hitting action game and a comic book movie tie-in all wrapped into one package that defies stereotypes.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Yet again, a game on the Wii that looks to be well below my level of interest surprises by focusing on the gameplay and implementing solid, intuitive controls. That it's extremely accessible thanks to the tutorial-on-steroids story mode is just another feather in the Wii's something for everyone cap.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Homecoming isn't pure Silent Hill, but it offers a Highly Recommended restructuring of the series that keeps up with the speed of a more inventive gaming universe while staying very true to the brand's core visual and thematic essence.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The audio soars even higher than the graphics.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    NCAA Football 10 isn’t an earth shattering game, but is still very, very fun. For someone like myself who never watches football at all, it does a great job at sucking me in to the experience and leaving me thoroughly entertained.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The single player campaign seems short compared to its predecessor, but that may be due to familiarity of the game's design. It really doesn't make any difference though as the multiplayer options are absolutely phenomenal.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Those unfamiliar or new to the series will have a bit of a learning curve as they become used to the speed and controls. But, patience and practice will be rewarded and any FPS fan will enjoy this solid title addition to the 360 library.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bomberman is simply just one of those games that is amazingly easy to pick up and understand, but hard to master.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    FIFA 08 has a lot of diversity of its game play and offers an addictive, easy to learn experience for soccer fanatics.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kung Fu Panda isn't a title designed for adults, but rather the young fans of the movie.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Prototype is a blast to play. It's fun, rewarding, and stands as one of the better constructed open-world titles I have played in a very long time.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're one of last year's players who has come this far and what you've read hasn't swayed you, stick with last year's edition. It's not obsolete; the decks are different enough that you'll still have fun playing them. If you are intrigued, I say drop the $10 and get going.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you want to really get into a snowboarding game, actually standing on a board is probably the best choice, and the integration with the Balance Board raises Shaun White Snowboarding: Road Trip above the pack in that respect, but it's in no way gimmicky, as it can be just as enjoyable with your Wii-mote, thanks to a very intuitive control system.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The biggest fault of Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is not a poor gameplay experience, but rather one that's over a bit too quickly.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    You are looking at about 3 to 4 hours of playtime with this add-on pack, not terribly overpriced for 560 marketplace points ($7). The main draw is obviously the expanded storyline, ideal for Fable III junkies that want to stay engrossed in the narrative.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Die-hard fanatics of platformers should download the demo of Braid and check it out before pulling the 1200 point trigger. The rest of the gaming population needs to wait for Microsoft to reduce the price or find some Marketplace points on sale before purchasing Braid.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hardcore shmup fans need to give this a look, if only to try something familiar yet fresh, while if you ever enjoyed a game of Galaga, this is your chance to see where the genre's promise remains.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Infamous is a well-realized game.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An awesome game that is a must for every PSP owner.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you enjoyed Sam and Max’s first XBLA outing, this release is a no-brainer.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're a Call of Duty fan and were grimacing about Treyarch being involved with this installment, don't fret. World at War is a fantastic game from start to finish and the multiplayer is every bit as fun and addicting as Modern Warfare's.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you have any love for the Back to the Future series or simply are looking to digest TellTale's latest click-happy adventure, you really can't go wrong with Episode 1: It's About Time.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Midnight Club: Los Angeles Remixed is a worthy addition to the series even though it has a few stumbles here and there.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Of EA Sports Active 2, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved and The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout, the latter has the absolute best use of motion tracking during the actual exercises as well as the motivation to keep you going.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The attractive price is not the only thing that makes this frantic space shooter worth trying out. Looking past the hit or miss humor in the dialogue, the action is absolutely addicting and you will be replaying levels incessantly to build up some space cash to purchase your next upgrade.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars is the biggest and most ambitious handheld GTA game ever, and the production values really show in the PSP port, with its vastly improved graphics and audio.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you've been waiting for a Madden that's going to be entertaining instead of frustrating, this is your year. I highly recommend the '09 edition!
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the Windows for Live process has been poorly implemented across the board for these new Microsoft PC titles, the addictive nature of Viva Piñata will delight people of all ages and keep you pecking away at the keyboard to mate your newly acquired species of Piñata.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the game isn't perfect, specifically in the areas of its deeply flawed Legacy Mode, it still manages to provide a boxing experience like no other.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    ITSP is undoubtedly a work of art, even if you only based that evaluation on its unique and beautiful visuals. But the rest of the package more than carries its own weight, especially the design and variation amongst the bad guys and some of the level design.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're looking for an RTS that is cut from a slightly different cloth then EndWar is definitely the way to go.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Gamers who enjoy solid hockey games will definitely want to pick up NHL 09.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you are brand new to the Pokémon series, you are going to find Pokémon Black to be an incredibly involving RPG and darn entertaining if you enjoy the genre. It's definitely worth checking out and will probably keep you entertained up until the launch of the 3DS later this month.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Thought it may be a sequel in title only, Far Cry 2 is a fantastic shooter worthy of finding a home in any FPS fan's library.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ilomilo is an incredibly charming puzzle game that will likely be too frustrating for some players and the lack of a fully featured multiplayer mode decreases the replay value dramatically.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The combat is a blast, the single-player game is faithful to the source material, online matches are appreciated, and the game looks and sounds the part.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's still Grand Theft Auto when it's all said and done, and most gamers who can't soak into the series won't find a different enough experience to sell them otherwise.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Yes, it will sell like crazy this holiday season, and it's certainly not bad, but I find the game's potential to ultimately be more exciting than the game itself.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Looks can be deceiving, and the looks of The Munchables suggest something for younger players, but it's tougher than that, and is certainly enjoyable enough for just about anyone to play (at least until the end, when the game becomes a tad too repetitive (though the pay-off is decent enough.))
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While the stylish production value of the title is utterly fantastic, I can’t recommend a $20 game with an obnoxiously easy difficulty level that lasts about 4 to 5 hours.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I'm a sucker for a good puzzle, and this game offers up plenty of them, but once you figure them out, there's nothing left.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's very easy to admire Child of Eden. The artistry of its sound and visuals, the simplicity of the gameplay, and the Kinect integration all combine to make a game that should be experienced by anyone who spent their hard earned cash on the device. However, its short length and various control snafus make it difficult for me to recommend it as a purchase. In truth, this feels like a very sharp, very polished Xbox Live Arcade game.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The best crowd for this game is likely 20 somethings that want another dancing game to go with their Kinect system.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    NCAA March Madness 08 has a fair amount of improvements over the previous year; the modifications of the dynasty mode and changes to the low post play. Rent both NCAA titles to see what style of play fits you best.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    But with the controls implementation difficult to get a handle on and the graphics looking unfinished, the Wii tennis throne remains slightly out of reach, but it's a solid debut for the franchise.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For less than a buck, you are getting 60 puzzles to solve as well as a clever presentation to go along with it. The only major drawback to The Heist is there are few, if any, original gameplay concepts introduced.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Even though this DLC pack as slightly shorter than Dead Money, it definitely felt more satisfying to complete. It also feels more polished than Dead Money and I definitely ran into less bugs during gameplay.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you're looking for a good street racing title, then this is definitely one to consider. It's not perfect, but there are enough positives to put it neck and neck with some of its competition.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The combination of the ancient control mechanics, odd pacing and lack of real world entertainment drag the game down and seriously decreased my enjoyment of Mafia II. Still, it's worth a playthrough if you just adore mafia games and have a solid PC build to take it on.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Two Worlds II suffers from a handful of the same problems as the original, but the improved graphics engine and deeper gameplay are positive steps forward for the series.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Guitar Hero Aerosmith isn't a bad idea, but the execution is so lazy that it's hard to recommend.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Thankfully, there’s a rescue function, or else Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer would be endlessly difficult for many. Instead, it’s simply a tough, deliberate RPG that’s still worth the time for its challenge aspect.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's a very good soccer game, but it could have been a great one with just a little more work on Konami's part.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Throw in some iffy control elements, a lack of in-depth online play and real players, and game-play modes that lack variety, and this game fails to excite. And now, with a cheaper downloadable version available that should satisfy fans of the big-name teams who make the Big Dance each year, this game's value is a bit lower yet.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A fun and addictive experience. It is challenging with a lot to offer and pretty good replay value. With eighty stages out of the box, that's a lot of gaming.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As it stands it's a solid, fun game, but it's far from being perfect and there's a lot of missed opportunity here.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, "Sega Rally Revo" does offer the cool addition of GeoDeformation and moderately enjoyable multiplayer options. However, the game suffers from dismaying AI (which takes away from the fun of the single player), little depth and what I consider to be overly floaty control.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you were in love with Dragon Age Origins, I'd strongly recommend testing the demo before purchasing Dragon Age II. You should be able to get a good idea of how well you can handle 25 to 30 hours of that combat system. For those that hated the methodical battles of DA: Origins, you will probably love the fast paced, mindless combat of Dragon Age II.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I would recommend renting Major League Baseball 2K11 if you have an Xbox 360 to get a feel for the game and see how much you are willing to put up with. If you have a PS3, you obviously need to buy MLB 11: The Show instead of this game.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The 200 or so levels will eat up a solid chunk of your gaming time and is very addictive to the casual gamer.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Slice HD is a devilishly sadistic combination of Operation and Twister that likes to mess with your brain. That being said, it's a brilliant use of the iPad screen, just not the greatest game on the app store.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fans of the series will no doubt feel right at home in this iteration and continue to support the franchise. Those new to the Midnight Club line or those looking for a new racing game to pick up will still get a great deal out of this game.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Offers fast, sleek-looking gameplay, as graphics are impressive in almost all regards.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As the second true title to promote healthy activity and get people off the couch and moving, Outdoor Challenge does have a good array of games to get people up and moving. Sadly, the motivation may dwindle after a period of play.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For all that's good about this game, the way the content is locked down and cut down (from the previous version) hurts the end product, and the unique pricing structure makes it all too easy to be cynical about it all. That said, if you want to enjoy good motocross racing (and especially if you're a fan of the sport) this is probably your best bet. At the least, it's a relatively cheap option.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While I enjoyed playing this game, it simply flew by (I completed my first run in just over seven hours,) and the teases of characters who make appearances but aren't playable were disappointing.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The game is simply a blast to play and it’s one of those games where you can drop hours into and not even realize it.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World is a worth-while role-playing effort for the Wii. It's a true successor to the original title for the GameCube with a continuing story and improved gameplay elements.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The game hasn't changed the formula which is probably a good thing but the length, camera, multiplayer, and HD visuals all lead to disappoint in some degree or another.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s very much geared toward a laid back style of play that’s surprisingly difficult to transition into when playing anything else on the Xbox 360.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The game is solid and even if you struggle at many rhythm games, you will find yourself easily overcoming the learning curve as you drum your Patapon army to victory.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    This pick-up-and-play title offers up more than enough challenge to keep you busy but enough charm and enjoyment to keep trying when hitting a brick wall. Though there's a high level of frustration in places, as levels take on the ridiculous difficulty of bullethell shmups, with practice and patience, you can master the swarm and have fun doing it.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As a first try out of the gate for Eutechnyx, NASCAR 2011: The Game holds up moderately well. That being said, they will need to work on building a more in-depth career mode and a much smoother multiplayer experience if they really want the franchise to take off next year.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's not pefect, but Outland offers a very satisfying gaming experience for those who are willing to stick with it.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Clearly, the game is designed for younger players in mind (although that seems somewhat at odds with the older crowds that Rango is attracting in the theaters). The game is just a scant five hours long and the lack of extra gameplay modes drags the game's replay value down considerably.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Saints Row 2 isn’t a GTA killer, that’s for sure. However, it stands well enough on its own due to its different take on this style of game.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero? is only for Disgaea fans or lovers of hard platforming titles.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fortunately the sequel is just as good, if not slightly better than, the original game. It finds a home on the Wii and fans of the strategy genre should definitely give a spin to see how Kuju Entertainment developed it.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Though there's not much more to this release than the 25 classics and nine previously-available XBLA games, and the presentation isn't nearly as clean as it could be (likely because of technical requirements for the online play) there's a lot of fun to be had with these games, and with the XBLA games running five bucks a pop, this collection is a genuine bargain (if you like the XBLA games, that is.)

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