Worth Playing's Scores

  • Games
For 6,708 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 61% higher than the average critic
  • 6% same as the average critic
  • 33% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1.4 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 73
Highest review score: 99 Pac-Man Championship Edition DX
Lowest review score: 10 Navy SEALs: Weapons of Mass Destruction
Score distribution:
6708 game reviews
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a robust and varied Job system that adds countless customization options, new dungeons and Jobs, and the portability of a handheld, Final Fantasy V is sure to keep even series veterans busy.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    No game has ever captured the feel of its movie counterpart so well. If EA ever realizes how much they are missing out on by passing up Live they could have a masterpiece on their hands.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Disc Room runs with its easy-to-understand premise almost perfectly, so everyone can easily figure out the basics. The accessibility means that the initial ending can be seen by those who aren't deterred by constant failure. The puzzles related to some of the challenges are brain-teasers, and the simple analog stick and one-button controls are very responsive, providing more incentive for players to dig deeper into the game after the credits roll. Give Disc Room a try, unless you don't enjoy the evasive nature of bullet hell shooters.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    The single player campaign starts off incredibly well, evoking thoughts of "Oh my god, they finally made a decent single-player Tribes experience," and then declines to the lowest possible point not five levels into the game.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Hitman: Absolution proves to be another notable entry in the series. It may house a ho-hum plot, and you'll hate just about every character you come across, but the open nature of the approach is good enough that you'll overlook those blemishes.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    For those who miss the feeling of a long tabletop campaign or have been craving a new isometric RPG, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is the game for you. It's not perfect, but it has most of the best parts of playing a game with pen and paper while ironing out some of the fiddly and boring parts so you don't have to deal with them. Owlcat Games has taken what it learned from Kingmaker and improved upon it to give us something new and fun — no dice required.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    The locations look decent, if not a bit overwhelming at times, and the gameplay is solid, with the exception of a few hiccups. Newcomers can have fun, but the frustration factor is high, only rising as you progress.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If Kirby Mass Attack is really going to be the last Kirby title on the Nintendo DS, then it's ended its run on a very high note. The mechanic of controlling 10 Kirbys at once works like a charm thanks to great level design and good controls.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 89 Critic Score
    Guitar Hero III is a great game — at least as good as its notable predecessors. In the title's PlayStation 3 version, however, the deal comes with a caveat: For a seamless, uncomplicated experience, you can't bring your old Guitar Hero gear with you.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    All in all, Alan Wake is a brilliant piece of storytelling and one that is going to stand out as an example of single-player gaming done right.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Helldivers II is a good game that happens to have some current teething problems. Everything — from the perfect satirical tone to the solid gunplay and variety of difficulty levels — create some exciting and satisfying gaming moments. Some of the more military simulation traits generate some tense situations, but they can be humorous moments, too. The microtransactions don't feel too bad in the game's overall scheme. If the connectivity issues can be resolved and stabilized soon, then Helldivers II can be one of the sleeper hits of the first half of 2024.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Brutal Legend isn't a bad game by any means, and there is certainly plenty of fun to be had while playing it. It simply tries to do too much at once, and as a result, doesn't do anything as well as it should.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Green Hell VR on Quest 2 is an audio-visual showcase that sets a high bar for future Quest 2 titles and ports. It does so by making smart adjustments to the original game without compromising its core experience and gameplay. The streamlining of open spaces makes the experience easier, especially for those familiar with the title, but the gameplay is immersive yet unforgiving. It's not entirely smooth sailing, with some annoying bugs and frame rate stutters and some inherently frustrating gameplay moments that can take some wind out of its sails. As far as survival games on the Quest 2 go, Green Hell VR is the most immersive of all, and it's a great pick for survival fans who want to experience some rainforest survival training in virtual reality.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Beacon Pines is the type of adventure game that's perfectly suited for genre newcomers and those seeking to get away from the point-and-click style while retaining the genre's deeper storytelling. The story remains fascinating, since it clashes with the idyllic town setting and cast of cute characters. The ability to uncover every branch of the story tree via your discovered actions drives the desire to see every possible outcome even, if it is forced on you via the game design. The overall gameplay length ensures that it doesn't overstay its welcome, but some players may not like the semi-visual novel flow of most of the game. If you're willing to overlook that design decision, you'll be more than happy with this unassuming adventure.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Katana Zero is a mesmerizing title. The narrative twists and turns in odd ways, and the payoff is both open and satisfying. The action is crisp if you can commit everything to memory well enough to create small, bloody masterpieces. With a familiar yet attractive presentation, Kata Zero feels right at home on the indie-loving machine that is the Nintendo Switch.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Overall, Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined is a fantastic remake that hits all the right marks. I don't necessarily agree with all of the changes made, but they work with what the game is going for. It's an engaging, fun, and well-made Dragon Quest game that is among the best of the franchise. There's no better way to play than Reimagined, especially if you are interested in Dragon Quest VII but felt intimidated by the time commitment. Even longtime fans of the series will find new surprises and new experiences to enjoy.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    While some of the missions are entertaining enough for a quick diversion, the game's overall quality is lacking, with uncharismatic and unengaging characters everywhere you turn, tired clichés, and sloppy gameplay.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Its lack of content and essential features holds it back. Not counting any repeated playthroughs or attempts, you'll likely see everything there is to see in a couple of hours. While new and potentially free content is on the horizon, the current price of $30 feels a touch steep. When Demeo adds some essential features, like a level editor or a save function, and some more dungeons, it could become one of the go-to VR experiences for RPG fans. It hasn't reached that lofty goal yet, though.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With its aesthetics, tone, and gameplay, The Plucky Squire is a near-perfect game for younger kids, and I'd recommend it without hesitation. Add to that the boatload of charm, and it's very much a title that a parent can enjoy as much as their child does. It lacks the bite of a Zelda game, so if you need your games to be difficult, then this likely isn't for you. However, if you're just looking for the video game version of reading a charming storybook, then The Plucky Squire knocks it out of the park.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    All in all, Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days is a great strategy RPG, and while I still prefer the original title's story line and characters, there's nothing to really complain about when it comes to the gameplay.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Lies of P is a solid Souls-like title that benefits from being one of the first to emulate parts of the Bloodborne vibe and style that people have been clamoring for since that title was released. The time period and Belle Epoque style give the game a fresh identity of its own, and the title tones down some of the elements from the From Software hit, while still retaining the high level of difficulty that fans enjoy. The combat can be deep due to the weapon variety, and the secrets to be uncovered are numerous, which partially makes up for the lack of online functionality. As long as you don't try to look too much into the story, you'll find Lies of P to be an enjoyable experience all around.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    An obvious labor of love, Dust: An Elysian Tail more than earns its asking price of 1,200 MSP ($15 USD) through a mix of strong characters and solid gameplay. It's wholly old-school, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    The series' best effort in years.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    My one complaint is that sprinting requires you to hold in the left thumbstick while pointing in the direction you need to go, which can get a little uncomfortable.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ultimately, how much you enjoy Grounded is going to depend on how you play and if you choose to enable any of the customization options. In the default state, if you're looking to adventure through the story, you'll have a fun time, but Grounded is at its best when played as a survival sim. Focus on exploring the world, and let the story happen in the background. It may be a slower pace, but it's also more rewarding.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    If you remember the original fondly, then you have nothing to fear; it hasn't been broken. If you're not a hardcore strategy gamer or if you were weaned on them in this century, you may find the archaic mechanics and limited scope a little on the disappointing side.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition won't win over any new fans due to the core act of long battles against hapless minions, but existing fans will love the sheer amount of content here. With the many long modes available and all of the DLC present, this title offers some real value, and while the presentation isn't breathtaking, it is good enough to keep up with the relentless action. For fans of the series, DW8 on the Switch is well worth picking up.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Yoku's Island Express is a game that you'll encourage others to check out the minute you start playing. Aside from the gorgeous aesthetics, the use of pinball mechanics is inspired, and the execution of the mechanics is done well. It's a relatively short experience, but it feels packed with tons of side-quests if you can deal with the backtracking seeming to go on a little longer than usual due to the pinball mechanics. Overall, Yoku's Island Express is a brilliant game that adventure fans need.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    All in all, the content in Dark Souls II: Crown of the Sunken King boils down to around two hours for a playthrough, although deaths and retries have the potential to bloat that number.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    It shows off the dragged-out combat and its new 'rougher, meaner' attitude like a four year old happily waving around what it found in the cat's litter box, and all of the really good parts seem to go right under the radar. You have to actively work to get to the fun parts, in other words.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    MIO: Memories in Orbit is a charming, enjoyable and perfectly well-made Metroidvania. The core gameplay loop is engaging, and there's enough room for upgrades and mastery of skills to keep the relatively simple combat feeling fun throughout. Some awkward platforming drags down the experience a little, but it's not enough to sour the whole. All in all, MIO feels like a great game for fans of Metroidvania-style games to play, and while it may not exactly reinvent the wheel, it shows that a well made game in the genre can still be addictive and fun.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The basic gameplay is untouched, but you get new levels, new enemies and new obstacles. Ms. Splosion Man features all the same fun and exciting gameplay as the original game, but it also adds in a fair amount of new things. It still has rough edges, but if you liked the original Splosion Man, there's more of the same here to enjoy.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Worms WMD is resetting the series and delivers in all the important areas while adding some minor improvements. If you like Worms and specifically want a portable version of it, this a fun investment of your time. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it's probably the best version of the game currently available.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    It's not necessary to have knowledge of the prior games in the series to enjoy Platinum, and it's easily the best version that's currently available.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    As a sum of its parts, Assassin's Creed: Odyssey is a big adventure that has its highs and lows but ultimately provides an enjoyable journey through Ancient Greece. The story is great, and the world is breathtaking, which is arguably the most important part of the game. Unfortunately, it is held back from achieving greater honors by repetitive and shallow gameplay that is sometimes forced upon you through level-gating and grinding. There is lots to do if you put your mind to it, but it's also very far from a masterpiece. Maybe some of the post-launch content and updates can improve the game further to make it a better adventure to play through down the line.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Obviously, there are a couple of rougher edges in this "reboot" of the Forza Motorsport series, but there is quite a solid game to be found. The PC version seems like it could use a patch or two to bolster the performance, and the AI doesn't seem to respect that you also exist on the track. However, this is a game that absolutely delivers if you are the kind of person who finds their peace while taking a vehicle on track and trying to find its absolute limit.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Valkyria Chronicles 2 is a solid sequel. It doesn't fix all of the original title's mistakes, but more importantly, it doesn't make any new mistakes
    • 83 Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    I'm happy to say that THUG 2 Remix looks very similar to its console cousins, which is to say it looks great. Level designs are unique and colorful, not to mention large.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Rarely have games floored me with their animations and graphics as much as Odin Sphere did, but that is almost all that is worth recommending.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    It's not exactly teeming with innovation, but it is fun enough to warrant at least a rental for those interested.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is an absurdly ambitious, delightfully over-the-top and genuinely enjoyable game to play. It captures the same raw insanity of Danganronpa but has a level of raw excess that makes it stand out from the shadow of its big sibling. It does have missteps, including some content which is a tad too uncomfortable for its own good, and the RPG elements end up subsumed by the visual novel gameplay, but if you're a fan of Danganronpa, then this spiritual successor is well worth a look.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Once Upon a Katamari is another excellent title in the series. The game design is still timeless, and the act of picking up everything in your path never gets old. The additions of power-ups don't change the game dramatically, but the solid level design and varied objectives do a good job at keeping the game fresh. The time travel concept also helps in that regard. Still bathed in that joyful but lo-fi presentation, Once Upon a Katamari is a game that's benefitted from long stretches between releases and remains a great title for both veterans and newcomers alike.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Your enjoyment of WarioWare: D.I.Y. will really be dependent on what kind of a gamer you are. If you are playing this just for the games, you'll be pretty disappointed.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The visuals are terrific, with perfect lighting and great frame rates, and the music sticks to its pulsing electronica roots. Pulse, with its challenging gameplay and deep single-player campaign, is first and foremost a fan service to traditional WipEout fans, but newcomers will likely fall in love with the game, too, assuming they don't become too frustrated in the early going.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    It may not be perfect, but Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is certainly a game worth playing. There is plenty of value to be had, no matter if you are a Gears fanatic or someone who is brand new to the series. Just make sure to experience it with a friend at your side.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Completing the entire game with a 100-percent rating should take competent gamers no more than 14 hours, which is a shame, as Tomb Raider: Legend is really enjoyable for the short time you have with it.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Rainbow Six: Vegas was a good game, and Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 is more of the same. The only problem here is that "more of the same" includes glitches, but not very much original or innovative gameplay.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    There's no getting around some of the technical and interface hiccups with Red Faction: Guerrilla, but if you can deal with the shortcomings, this really is a fun game.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Ys: Memories of Celceta is one of the best games on the Vita. It is frustratingly flawed in ways that would be easily fixed, but the strengths more than outweigh the weaknesses.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Some limitations are implemented, but ultimately, the tools of multiplayer are equivalent to stringing several DS-10s together to form more complex works.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    If you're looking at Sayonara Wild Hearts as a game, then it'll remind you of a very forgiving arcade game. There are some extra modes designed to challenge those who are chasing high scores, and the zodiac wheel is good for those who want to earn some Trophies for solving brain teasers, but the game's forgiving nature and short length mean that it is easy to reach the game's ending. Instead, the game wants you to look at it as a catchy pop album that you'll want to return to, time and again. With the gameplay, graphical presentation, and music coming together so well, that's exactly what you'll be doing.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fairly long at over 40 scenarios, the title also offers a choice of path splits, and three different difficulty modes. Even after you're done, it can be a fun experience to try a new team or to get a missing skill point.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    No More Heroes on the Switch is an overdue and no-nonsense port. While it doesn't add much, it looks and runs great, finally allowing more people to play the title on a current-gen system. It's still plagued by a few design decisions and incoherent pacing, but it usually makes up for that with its over-the-top action and storytelling. Regardless of whether you've previously played the title, this port is the one to get if you're eager to (re)discover what No More Heroes is all about.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, Watch Dogs 2 is a solid title that improves upon the original in gameplay and plot but still has some flaws. It's too easy at times, and the plot isn't structured well enough to have the desired impact, but that's easy to forgive when you're setting up a Rube Goldberg contraption to send a hacked car covered with sticky bombs into the middle of a group of gang members. It won't drastically change your mind if you disliked the first Watch Dogs, but if you found it flawed but fun, you'll probably enjoy the bulk of the sequel's improvements. The drop-in multiplayer and freedom of gameplay do a lot to keep the title feeling engaging, but it depends on a player's creativity in order to thrive.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key is a comfy and cute game. It's one more trip with Ryza and her friends, with mostly familiar mechanics and locations, but there are enough new twists to make it a worthwhile revisit. The only real complaint I can give is that the Key mechanic is poorly implemented, but even that is a case of missed potential rather than anything that's actively bad. If you like Atelier, it's easy to like Atelier Ryza 3.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Even though it can feel a bit threadbare at times, Dance Central is still worth picking up, as it is a great way to experience the Kinect sensor.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    F1 2011 is a good game built on a solid foundation that is only improving with each annual installment. Still, Formula One racing is not every gamer's cup of tea. It's strangely addictive, but it doesn't have the pick-up-and-play nature of a Burnout game. Dirt and Grid are more down to earth than Burnout, but F1 makes them look a lot like OutRun.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Chivalry II is a lot of fun. It's visceral, easy to learn but difficult to master, and it's simply a bloody good time. The balancing issues, lackluster customization options, and a general lack of maps take the wind out of its sails far too quickly. That means that a couple of updates could turn this little gem into a must-play title. I'm hopeful that Torn Banner can build on the solid foundation that it has poured for Chivalry II.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    It's a fun derby racer game that lives up to its FlatOut roots and more. It has a somewhat bare-bones presentation that is rife with bugs and long loading screens, but when it works, it's a remarkable experience from start to finish. If you love this kind of racer, the console version of Wreckfest will hold up its end of the deal and deliver frantic mayhem racing at its best.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With accessibility its central focus, Related Designs has done an admirable job with Dawn of Discovery to allow the player to tackle things when he wants to rather than making unforgiving demands with unclear deadlines or obstacles.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A very good PSP title. For veterans of the series, the sequel will feel very much like the three-year-old predecessor.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you like to sing, even just a bit, you'll love SingStar PS3.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Lost Judgment can best be described as The Yakuza Game With The High School. It's familiar and comfortable, and it's likely to please fans of the franchise who weren't thrilled with the JRPG style of the last game. The storyline is sometimes too grim even for a Yakuza title, and it plays things a bit safe, but it's still a darn fun experience. If this really is the Judgment spin-off's last entry, then it's a fitting send-off to the sub-franchise.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The game of soccer has never been so complete, with so many teams, leagues, cups, options, modes, and everything else that you can possibly imagine.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you have a small interest in role-playing games, Child of Light comes highly recommended.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Perhaps one of the most positive things about the additions in City of Villains is that it seems that the developers have every intention to carry over the successful elements to City of Heroes, giving a good game a needed boost, and hopefully attracting new and old players to both games.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    If you want an excellent action game on the go that captures the best elements of the glory days of old and does so with a style that is rare nowadays, get to a retailer or store and get Cave Story 3D. If you haven't played this game yet, you are missing out.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As I said before, Minecraft is what you make of it. The game has no real end goal and a minimal set of instructions, so you decide what you want to do. It is a sandbox in the truest sense of the word, so it'll please those who like making things up as they go along. It still needs updates to unlock the true vision and potential, but what you have here is a very enjoyable and versatile experience that should be played at least once.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Lego Marvel Super Heroes is fantastic.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix+ is a great game PC-owning rhythm game fans. The music remains catchy across all of the genres it tackles, and while the playfield can be busy, the mechanics place you in a trance once you get into a groove. The basic arcade mode is enough for most fans, while more creative types will enjoy the ability to create t-shirts and dress up the vocaloids in costumes. The absence of two songs isn't too bad, but the frame rate stutter is going to be painful if you plan to perfect all of the songs at higher difficulty levels. Fix that, and this would be perfect, but as it stands now, unless you hate vocaloid music, Project DIVA Mega Mix+ is worth a purchase.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Once you get past the slower pace of the game, Dead Space: Extraction provides a slick extension of the Dead Space universe. It's not quite a traditional light gun shooter, but it's also not a first-person shooter. It's a hybrid that is well suited for this form of interactive storytelling, and it nicely balances action and exposition.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Still, if you already know basketball well, or you're willing to learn to play that game to play this game, it's a solid title including a surplus of detailed features and plenty of variety in gameplay action. Newcomers shouldn't expect to be stars right from the opening tip-off, though.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The tweaked gameplay mechanics, along with a bigger emphasis on platforming and puzzle-solving, make this a perfect ending chapter for the recent trilogy, and series fans will certainly be pleased with how Shadow turns out.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Katamari Damacy Reroll is as good as you remember. While this remaster doesn't add any meaningful content, the core gameplay and stages remain addictive and fun. It's a relaxing and unique puzzle game with some outstanding colorful visuals and an incredible soundtrack. If that's what you're after, you can't go wrong with Katamari.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Resident Evil: Revelations is a darn good game. It has nagging flaws and problems that hold it back, but most of those are situations that could have been handled better, not situations that were actively bad. It's a fast-paced, frantic and intense game, and it should be in any Resident Evil fan's library.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sam & Max: Save the World Remastered is a welcome sign of life for a classic adventure IP. It feels like it's the start of an effort to properly revive the series in small steps, and that would be great news on its own. The remaster is handled decently, and it achieves what it sets out to do. It updated everything that it needs to, and it looks decent enough on modern systems it. While certainly small in scale, it shines with some good writing and humorous stories that I still enjoy every time I play through it, and that's the lifeblood of any strong adventure experience.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Probably the best vocal series available at this time for any console.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Outer Worlds 2 is a solid, engaging and enjoyable follow-up to the original game. It changes its dynamic and tone enough that it can potentially turn off people who really loved the original. At the same time, it feels like something that might work better for those who prefer their RPGs to be less goofy. There's a varied and interesting set of character builds available, and it's easy to imagine playing the game multiple times to see distinctly different outcomes for various quests. If you're looking for a solid RPG with some good meat on its bones, The Outer Worlds 2 does everything it needs to do.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The Switch 2 version of Hogwarts Legacy can be ranked a step above the Xbox Series S iteration of the game. The presentation is miles above the original Switch version, and by comparison, it doesn't feel as if anything was compromised to make the port work. The presence of mouse controls gives the game more range in the gameplay department, but the base game was already strong enough that the new control scheme is more of a bonus rather than something that changes one's stance on the title. If you owned the game on the original Switch, then it feels foolish not to do the $10 upgrade. For Harry Potter fans who either want a dedicated version of the game on the go or own nothing but Nintendo consoles, this title is a must-have.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Saints Row: The Third is a video game, and it revels in that fact. Along with providing one of the best story modes of this hardware generation (complete with co-op), it comes with near-limitless ways for players to make their own fun when that story is exhausted, or when they want a break from the rollercoaster. These days, most video games do not live up to their original asking price. Saints Row: The Third does, and then some.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    All of the good traits from the first game have been amplified, and the changes feel like better implementations of the original ideas. The endgame content is substantial, and the introduction of classes so late in the game changes things enough to make the experience feel renewed. Add to that the promise of lots of free future content, and you have a loot shooter that is well worth your time.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    The dynamic skill system, club tuner, and simultaneous online play are all welcome additions, proving that the folks at Tiburon aren't content to merely sit back and pump out the same game year after year.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Graphically, this game is state-of-the-art.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The Madden series is iconic in the world of sports gaming. Regardless of your reason for playing, you can't go wrong with Madden NFL 18 because it's the ultimate NFL simulation experience on the market. This year's iteration brings dramatic changes in the form of an interactive movie, but there's something here for everyone, whether the interest is in MyTeam, online play, the MUT system, the competitive scene and community, or the superstar career mode.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    For arcade style shooting fans, it feels almost mandatory to have this in your gaming library.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Even with the game's increased emphasis on multiplayer over single-player content, Tekken 7 remains a fun fighting game experience. The core mechanics are as tight as they've always been, and the new material adds some flair to rope in new players. The character roster is balanced between old and new fighters, with just about everyone getting some improvement to their skills. A good number of people are only interested in getting the fighters into ridiculous outfits. The PC iteration boasts a very healthy community and some nice graphical improvements over the console versions, so any gamer on the PC will be happy to have this fighting game in their grasp.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    In the end, Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection nails the visual update but stumbles when it comes to gameplay. Hardcore fans of the franchise can look past the rough edges and find the fun buried underneath, but if you don't feel like putting forth the effort, you'll probably be happier playing the original arcade game via Capcom Arcade Stadium.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're looking for a game to play with a less-experienced sibling or spouse, you could do a lot worse than Viva Piñata. It's playful, charming (assuming you ignore the grim potential inherent in the idea of sentient piñatas), easy and simple enough that even young players can pick it up with ease.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Regardless how far you've traveled in the Destiny universe, taking on this continued adventure is one you won't regret. The raid, which releases shortly after the Forsaken expansion, will surely be another great experience, if for no other reason than the loot it offers. Even without the raid, the rest is well worth the time and energy. The only thing holding it back is how the Destiny expansions work, which require all prior DLC to be purchased, including Forsaken, which will understandably be a turnoff for some newcomers.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tales of Arise is a Tales game through and through. It's polished and consistently enjoyable, and it features an excellent combat system. The story and characters are not particularly ambitious or distinct, but they give you a fun world to explore for the 40+ hour runtime. In an era where "safe" JRPGs are uncommon, it's nice to have one that does exactly what it promises. It's not the best or worst of the series, but it is a darn fun Tales title that lives up to the franchise's name.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you crave strategy and realism, Dangerous Waters is a simulation that'll have you playing for years to come.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Bejeweled 3 doesn't radically alter the match-3 landscape, but it does provide a very healthy set of play options that are sure to please almost any puzzle game player out there. If you're looking for a good time-waster, Bejeweled 3 will fit the bill nicely.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Shift 2: Unleashed is a very good racing game, but it's not quite refined enough to be a great racing game. Shift 2 is fun, but you need to know how to play it in order to appreciate it and get the most out of the experience. When played correctly, this is an intense, borderline terrifying behind-the-wheel experience, and it's worth checking out the game for that aspect alone. Shift 2 may not be ready to play with the top dogs in the genre, but it's still a wild ride from start to finish.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's a clinic in movie tie-in game making, with broad appeal, interesting gameplay, and stellar presentation.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Trenched stands out as one of the best downloadable titles this year on any platform. The mix of genres works out just right, as the tactical notions of a tower defense game blend in well with the action of a third-person mech shooter.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle is satirical, nonsensical, and just plain weird. It's also fast, bloody, impactful, and a few other things that I am not sure I can or should put into words. It sometimes makes the original title feel more subdued, which is strange to say since that the first game wasn't exactly tame. Given its much-improved gameplay loop, interesting side-quests, insane boss fights, and hilarious gameplay, NMH2 is indeed a wild rollercoaster ride that must be seen to be believed. If this does not get you hyped for the series' third entry, nothing will.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Not only is The Division 2 a solid gaming experience, but it's one that Ubisoft plans to continually support over time. We've already seen the beginning of that support, and there is no indication that it'll let up. Whether you are a solo player or someone ready to jump in with a squad of friends, The Division 2 is a game you don't want to miss.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    No matter how many first-person shooters the Xbox 360 has, there's always room for one of the quality of Unreal Tournament 3.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Donkey Kong Adventure is a very well done side story to the main game. Everything that made the base game so enjoyable is practically unchanged here, while the new characters make the game a blast to play for those who have already beaten the main campaign. It would've been nice to change out characters, and it also would've been neat to see Rabbid Peach's progress carry over between campaigns, but fans of the original should pick up this DLC.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is a very by-the-numbers Atelier title, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's fun to play, has a strong cast, and is nicely polished. It doesn't try anything new or special, and it feels very much like a "safe" game. If you like Atelier titles, Atelier Sophie 2 is going to be a solid, if unexceptional, entry in your collection. It's an improvement on the original Sophie through and through, but it doesn't live up to other recent titles.

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