Windows Central's Scores

  • Games
For 812 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 60% higher than the average critic
  • 5% same as the average critic
  • 35% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 4.5 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 79
Highest review score: 100 Cyberpunk 2077
Lowest review score: 20 Soda Drinker Pro
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 10 out of 812
827 game reviews
    • 90 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is a tough one to review. I put hundreds of hours into Monster Hunter Worlds, which represents what is arguably my favorite game of last gen, and maybe even a top 5 of all time for me. As such, you can imagine how excited I was to play Wilds. Unfortunately, a variety of design oversights holds Monster Hunter Wilds from achieving the high bar set by its predecessors, which shows how fragile the ecosystem of Monster Hunter is when poorly balanced. Wilds is simply far too easy, which means you rarely need to upgrade gear, you don't need to farm mats, you don't need to adjust tactics, or repeat-fight monsters — I'm by no means "pro," but the fact I died only once all the way through to high rank is not representative of the challenge that makes the game's various systems rewarding to use. As epic as the new monsters are, as awesome as the environment design is, and as fun as hunting with friends remains — the core Monster Hunter experience felt a bit degraded in Wilds. Without some balance tweaks, I'm not sure Monster Hunter Wilds will achieve the longevity of its predecessor, but new players may appreciate the gentler learning curve.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're a fan old school RPGs with unconventional gameplay, I would recommend Echo Generation. If you didn't grow up with those sorts of games but enjoy mysteries involving cosmic horrors like Stranger Things and Gravity Falls, I would also recommend this title. It's certainly a worthy addition to the Xbox's extensive library of great JRPG-styled indie games.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Blasphemous may not have the best combat, but its intriguing premise and visuals elevate it.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Medium is one of the most gorgeous horror games I've ever played. Its detailed environments, compelling characters, and unique setting make it a must-play for psychological horror fans.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The real star of the show here is the stunning facial animation which captures every detail of an actor's face.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There are things that could be improved, like the excruciating respawn times, as well as some things that feel too difficult just for the sake of it. Pre-release is also never a time to get a proper feel for online multiplayer, so hopefully it doesn't fall apart there. None of this takes away from the enjoyment of playing ONRUSH as a single player. I hope it remains supported with additional content because it's a game I'd love to keep playing.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed immerses players into the treasured universe of paranormal extermination like never before. The moment-to-moment gameplay is nothing short of enchanting, and the emphasis on authentic squad-based ghostbusting stands as the best video game interpretation we've been treated to so far. However, the fun is dictated entirely by the number of friends you play with.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The update seems to have quite a few bugs, with A.I. behaving strangely, and for large empires, the micromanagement for planets might simply be too much. Additional resources to look out for, some that are planet specific, are laborious to learn, and even more so to acquire at times, with the galactic resource trading system feeling a little basic. Overall, though, I'm still loving Stellaris, and I eagerly anticipate where it'll go next.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pillars of Eternity II is a good game, but the Xbox One port needs more polish.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Solo players will likely be disappointed by the content offered here, but if you have a squad of dedicated friends who enjoy sinking their teeth into class-based meta, there’s so much to love with this gory, campy, and mesmerizing video game.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With menus and controls specific to controllers, Age of Empires 4 on Xbox works beautifully and provides fun strategic gameplay for up to eight players. There are plenty of different ways to enjoy the game from historic solo campaigns to skirmishes against other players (or the computer), but it might be a little harder for newcomers to the Age series to learn how to play. Still, the quality-of-life improvements for Xbox all work together to create a fantastic RTS experience on console with different features than what's available on PC. Plus, you can play with keyboard and mouse on Xbox if you want.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    What Remains of Edith Finch is a real gem of a narrative game. It has a compelling story, beautiful graphics, and mechanics that are extremely easy to pick up, even for gamers new to console controllers.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    FAR: Changing Tides is the follow-up to FAR: Lone Sails, following a little boy named Toe as he leaves his home in a makeshift boat after an unseen apocalyptic event. There is no dialogue or combat, leaving all of FAR's storytelling to be interpreted by the player as they solve puzzles to overcome obstacles on their travels.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A few small issues and some bugs aside, Dungeons of Hinterberg is a solid action-RPG. At its core though is some fantastic, sharp writing that asks interesting questions of its player and protagonist, all wrapped up in a cozy setting. Here's my review of Dungeons of Hinterberg.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's the sort of loosely adapted licensed game that we don't see much anymore. With great looks, fun exploration-based gameplay, and challenging shooting-based combat, most Metroidvania fans will get their money's worth as they try to master The Mummy Demastered.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is more of a live service than a standalone game, one that continues to recover from a catastrophic launch. It relies so heavily on streaming its assets and world textures from the cloud that it's plain to see how its offerings could disappear should the service ever shut down. Nonetheless, Asobo Studio's developers have worked tirelessly to recover this visually breathtaking but temperamental simulator into something that appeals to a broader audience rather than a tight-knit niche. It could become a category-leading example of post-launch improvements if it continues its upward trajectory, and I encourage everyone to try it at least once.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the story isn't out-of-this-world and the gameplay experience has some annoying flaws, Onimusha Warlords is, at the end of the day, a great game and a true classic that deserved to be brought to Xbox One.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    UI anomalies and enemy pathing issues aside, Evil Genius 2 is a deep and addictive simulation strategy game that will satisfy your inner desire to, you know, take over the world.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite its flaws, Steelrising will reward those who give it the time. It's fun to explore, with a rewarding combat system and quality-of-life features that'd be welcomed in more soulslikes. While its easier difficulty and rough presentation may drive away some Dark Souls veterans, there's plenty on offer when overlooking its faults.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed Valhalla provides a gorgeous playground to explore with excellent combat. Though the story seems unnecessarily long, it's a fun Viking tale mixed with the series' own flare and sci-fi elements.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hitman 3 features some of the most complex and most creative levels in the series history while polishing the gameplay to perfection. Unfortunately, it's held back by some hefty paywalls, uneven mission pacing, and some occasional clunky AI.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite a few shortcomings, Back 4 Blood is nevertheless an excellent and fresh take on the beloved Left 4 Dead formula.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Stellaris really is one of those "just 10 more minutes" types of games that could keep you awake at ridiculous hours, if you let it.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Order of Giants may not quite have the same impactful foes that permeated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, but it's still a puzzle-laden adventure worth seeing through. Rome has never looked better in video games, and Troy Baker continues to put in a phenomenal performance as the titular hero.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It is a shame that Wild Hearts launched in the state it is in. The gameplay loop of hunting monsters and using their parts to create gear is addictive, the weapons are entertaining to use, the Karakuri system is deep and filled with secrets, and the world of Azuma is beautiful and immersive. Yet the horrendous optimization issues bring down the experience and, in worst cases, render the game unplayable on certain platforms.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tekken is a long-running and proud series. As the first entry for the current console generation, Tekken 7 is also a great entry point (lack of tutorials aside). Loads of colorful characters, tight gameplay, and lots of fun customization and unlockables will keep fighting-game fans entertained for months.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you're a novice or expert chess player, the sharp looks and wealth of features make it a great buy.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Flintlock is a fun "Soulslite" that has an interesting plot despite bad storytelling. It will hook you with its satisfying combat, fast-paced exploration, and fascinating environments. You're armed with an axe, a pistol, and magic while going up against both human and supernatural foes with a fox-like creature at your side. Knowing when to use what attack makes all the difference. There are three difficulty modes to choose from, so you can find the best playing experience. Plus, this game allows you to pause whenever you want, making it more accommodating than other Soulslike games out there.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fantastic party game that's perfect for some couch competition.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is a tough but addictive installment for the third SUPERHOT follow-on. This game includes multi-level stages, a variety of new enemies, and a roguelike element that puts a fresh twist on the beloved original. Mind Control Delete is also free to those who already own SUPERHOT.

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