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
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Arcade Archives: Super Dimension Fortress Macross II is a great addition to Hamster's lineup because it's such a distinct shooter. You normally don't see a caravan-style shooter, so the game immediately feels different when compared to the other shoot-'em-up titles for retro enthusiasts. The presence of different difficulty levels gives the game some legs, as does the fact that you need some actual skill to beat the game instead of using infinite continues. The game features a solid audio and visual presentation, so shooting fans will find a lot to like in this game.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Resident Evil: Revelations is a well-made game. It lacks the highs of Resident Evil 6 but also avoids that game's tremendous lows, focusing on a more consistent, well-rounded experience.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In the end, this is still a fine game and a must-have for those who crave sprawling, open-world adventures, but you might be better served waiting for things to settle down if you don't want to troubleshoot things along the way.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ultimax is very similar to the original game, but it's bigger and better in every way.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii gives players exactly what they expect from the title. It's a rollicking, funny, and enjoyable side story that lets fan favorite Goro Majima shine in a way he hasn't since Yakuza 0. The main plot is a little thin, and the pirate mechanics are bare bones, but beneath that, it's a darn fun Yakuza adventure, and it contains perhaps the best iteration of the game's brawler mechanics to date. Any complaints boil down to, "It's more of Like a Dragon," and that's always good.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's a solid addition, if not the best expansion in the series overall, and while I'm enjoying it, it really is just more of the same, and I can't help but feel like it could have been a little better.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Those players who grew up wasting their time, energy, and no lack of their parents' money in places like Token Joe's, where the lights never worked but the monitors still glowed, this collection will hit just enough right notes to justify the price.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As the first part of a series, Jenny LeClue: Detectivu makes a great initial impression. The actual detective work strikes a balance between thought-provoking and easy to figure out. The presentation is wonderful, even if the audio could have fared better. It is the story that keeps you hooked with a flawed but likeable main character and a layered, supporting cast. It culminates in a story where the lack of a proper ending is the only thing that sours the experience. Provided that the team can release the second game in a timely manner, this'll be a memorable experience for adventure fans.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it may be different from what series fans are used to, it is absolutely a game worthy of the Earth Defense Force title and lineage.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's very easy for a developer to use nostalgia as an excuse to put out a half-baked product, but Double Dragon Neon is a well-crafted love letter to the beat-'em-up genre. It may not be a long game, but it is a complete delight while it lasts.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A worthy follow-up to the last Colin MacRae game, but while it's competent and looks fantastic, it leaves a little something to be desired in a few key areas.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it may be different from what series fans are used to, it is absolutely a game worthy of the Earth Defense Force title and lineage.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overlord delivers a fun experience and is well worth the $39.99 retail price of admission.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a great combat system, good-looking characters, and a ton of unlockables, Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit was poised to be the game that brought in new legions of Dragon Ball Z fans. Unfortunately, the lack of any explanation of the story — coupled with a few nitpicks here and there regarding online lag, boring stage design and predictable AI — means that this one isn't likely to find mass market appeal.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Visually, Front Mission 3: Remake is a sideways upgrade. You have fully 3D maps and environments and higher-res models than the PS1 version, but the upgrade is rather lackluster. In some cases, I preferred the PS1 design for the Wanzers to the Remake's version. I also found the map a tad harder to read at times, since enemy mech designs would sometimes slightly blend into the background. It looks far better on high-resolution screens than the blurry and pixelated PS1 version, but I think the art design took a hit. The music is quite good, offering both the original soundtrack and a new remastered modern version that did a good job of remixing the music.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Trinity Universe is a good choice for RPG fans who don't mind a heavy dose of humor in their games, and it'll keep you entertained for quite a while.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection is a solid, if overpriced, collection of some excellent dungeon crawlers. The same core gameplay remains strong to this day, but series vets might be annoyed at the lack of Untold's features. Any of the games is an excellent game on its own and provides gameplay for quite a while. If not for the price tag, this is an incredibly easy game to recommend, with or without Untold features. Even the most hardcore of Etrian Odyssey fans may want to stick to one game or wait for a sale.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There isn't much here for Earth Defense Force 2025 players, especially since it doesn't include the three previously released DLC packs, but new players will fall in love with this title almost immediately.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    All in all, Evil Genius 2 is a perfectly solid update-slash-sequel to the original title. It doesn't break the mold but focuses on streamlining the core gameplay while adding more enemies, features and traps. It's similar enough that it probably won't change your mind if you didn't like the original, but by the same token, if you liked Evil Genius, you'll most likely enjoy Evil Genius 2. It's also a good starting point, as you don't need knowledge of the original to jump into evil scheming. It's not perfect, but it's probably the best supervillain simulator out there.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom is certainly worth playing. The quest is rather lengthy, especially given today's standards of single-player game length, and it remains enjoyable in both combat and exploration despite the occasional instances of backtracking.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shadow Warrior 3 is a fun shooter that falls short of greatness. The combat is fast and frantic, and it is intense enough that I found myself getting lost in it. The short length, lack of variety, and inevitable comparisons to Doom Eternal don't do it any favors. I am glad that I played Shadow Warrior 3, and I imagine a lot of folks will feel the same way. It might be best to wait for a price drop, as $50 is slightly hefty for the amount of content you get.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cocoon is a simple game, but for a game that amounts to shuffling orbs around, it does a fantastic job of providing a sense of progression and advancement. The strong visuals give the game a solid sense of identity, and similar to Limbo, it's the basic design that helps it shine. Overall, it's a solid indie puzzle title, and while there's certainly no shortage of those, Cocoon is one that's well worth playing.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Finally, a fully featured wrestling game has come to the Nintendo system, complete with all of the creation systems thus far and full online play. The controls actually work for the system, making it easy for people to pull off some of the more complicated maneuvers and even do things not featured on the other versions of the game.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hide and Seek maintains the level of quality demonstrated in the series premiere. Presentation aside, the classic and new systems in place make for some good gameplay moments, and the story remains as intriguing as ever. It answers a few questions while providing more queries to ponder. If the release schedule goes on as expected, it shouldn't be too long before the third episode arrives, and we can't wait to see what's in store.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For someone with infinite money, LEGO Dimensions is one of the best LEGO games on the market and is a great example of how to make figurine-based games fun both in and out of the game. It's funny, it's creative, it plays well, and it's everything a LEGO game should be.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Birds of Steel is a title that casual fans will enjoy, but it has more appeal to airplane aficionados of that particular era. The plethora of available planes and the attention to detail really showcases the development team's dedication. The presentation is excellent, despite a few flaws, and the game is a meaty experience on the single-player side despite the apparent focus on online multiplayer options. It may not be perfect, but this is one of the best airplane simulators on a console yet.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's an average game because the puzzles are too simplistic despite their stylish appearance, and there's nothing that compels you to repeat the journey. As a story, however, the title succeeds in giving you an amazing journey as it deals in a subject matter that few games ever attempt.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Doom II may not have the same visceral impact that it did 15 years ago, but it is still a hellaciously fun game that's worth checking out.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As it stands now, Age of Empires Online is a very good game. It still retains the same mechanics and core strategy elements from the original series while adding in an online element that doesn't feel all that intrusive. Even though there's a decent amount of content locked away until you shell out money, there's enough to do here with the base free game. You can have more fun with it compared to some fully paid titles. Time will tell how the game holds up in the long run, especially with more items to buy and a fluctuating user base. With its current model, Age of Empires Online is easy to recommend even if you absolutely have no plans to buy anything for it at any point in time.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In the end, Space Pirate Trainer may have come a little too late to PSVR. While the platform has a larger install base, the genre has already seen countless entries. Space Pirate Trainer was one of the first and is probably the best and easiest way to get going with VR in a small and satisfying package that works remarkably well. If you get easily hooked on simple-to-learn and tough-to-master high-score games, this is an easy recommendation.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though it hasn't aged that well, Dead Rising remains a good experience. The game can be tough as nails due to the intentional design choices and flaws that stand out in comparison to modern conventions.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Altogether, Pipe Mania is a pretty addictive puzzle title on the PSP, and it does a great job of building upon its original formula while keeping the puzzle-based gameplay exciting and relatively fresh.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fans of the original Assassin's Creed will find a lot to love here, but anyone who left the first game feeling unsatisfied will want to rent before they buy.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nidhogg 2 is a worthy follow-up to the original. The new additions give the game some depth while still keeping intact the spirit of the game. For those who appreciate the prior title's simplicity, it's still there if you're willing to tweak some options. In the end, the game is a perfect multiplayer title in short bursts, and it's a game that's worth keeping in your library for such an occasion.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For the moment, I'm confident in saying that Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite plays well, which is good, because everything that surrounds that base game is a hot mess. It deserves a lot of the initial terrible buzz it received because unless you have your hands on it, Infinite just looks like refried hell. The Vs. series has never exactly been known for its high production values, but for a major fighting game release in 2017, this borders on embarrassing. It's a fun game that's often difficult to look at, and more so than any balance patches or DLC, it could use a fresh coat of paint.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pikmin 3 is a solid sequel. It improves on the mechanics of the previous games and includes a good amount of enjoyable content.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Strange Brigade is a flawed but ultimately fun experience. The combat is good if you can get over some of the quirks, like being forced to aim when you want to take a shot and no ability to automatically sprint without a decent amount of running room. The campaign length is fine, but the immediate knowledge that more levels are coming in via DLC gives you the perception that the game could have been much longer instead. If you don't mind having to gather friends to play online, then the experience is good since you barely have a shot of getting random online strangers to help out.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're a One Piece fan or someone looking for something just a little different from your standard Dynasty Warriors title, One Piece: Pirate Warriors gets a heavy recommendation. Just keep in mind that "different" is the key word, for both better and worse. Your money buys a whole lot of content, so it won't be wasted. The Main Log, while mostly enjoyable, takes a bit of patience, but the other modes are worth the price of admission all by themselves.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This would be a good choice for a new gamer looking for a good RTS WWII title, but the veteran gamer might feel a case of déjà vu because nothing truly sets RFB apart from anything else.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The story is conveyed well via good writing, with enough twists and revelations that make it feel like a children's show due to the subject matter and higher stakes involved. The puzzles are great brain teasers but also have the good sense to not fall into the trap of being difficult for the sake of it. Most of all, that art style is too attractive to pass up, with every character being extremely likeable. Provided you don't mind the cliffhanger ending, Nairi is a worthy pickup for adventure fans.
    • 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.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though the gameplay is still saddled with recurring issues, the next-gen visual enhancements make the game much more atmospheric than any previous hardball sim.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With wonderful writing, gorgeous graphics, great voice acting, and realistic sounds, Still Life proves that macabre adventure games are finally coming into their own, although there is still room for growth.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're a fan of first-person shooters on the Switch and have an affinity for the classics, you should have Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour. The classic gameplay remains as engaging as it was all those years ago, and while the new episode doesn't make up for the fact that its predecessor had more content, the ability to take the game on the go on a modern platform makes up for that. Unless you're a Duke Nukem die-hard who has a Vita lying around and purchased the Megaton Edition years ago, 20th Anniversary World Tour is a good purchase on the Switch.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mad Max will probably not be for everyone, especially for those who are pining to find some kind of innovative leap forward for the open-world genre.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sega Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co. may look like a random collection of games, but the three choices feature a strong cross-section of classic gameplay from SEGA's heyday. The emulation is solid, the games are fun, and to top it off, this is the first time any of these have been collected in their original forms. At a mere 800 MSP ($10 USD), there's plenty of fun to be had.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The title has a very solid presentation and promises longevity due to randomization, so strategy fans will undoubtedly enjoy Invisible Inc.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar is a polished and enjoyable, if slightly unambitious, entry into the franchise. It does everything it needs to, and it does it well. It's a notable improvement over the original game in terms of quality of life and general design. The worst thing about it is that it's a predictable entry in the franchise, which makes it a fantastic starting point for those looking to get into Story of Seasons, but it might feel too safe for longtime fans. If you have any interest or love for the franchise, there's a lot to like, even if it feels safe.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tekken Revolution won't inspire people to toss out their old Tekken copies and embrace this wholeheartedly. Unless you exclusively play online, you'll miss out on the offline features and local multiplayer that make fighting games so much fun.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A solid and enjoyable sequel. The tone has changed, but the characterization and combat are back in full force. There are a few nagging complaints here and there but nothing that should sour the experience for people who enjoyed the first game. At worst, it feels too familiar in both strengths and weaknesses. Almost every complaint and praise about the first game can be leveled at the second. ToCS2 is not a game for newcomers at all and is only for fans of the first. Likewise, be prepared for a game that leaves as many questions as it answers. It's a more satisfying ending than the first game, but there's still a lot more going on in Erebonia.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Clever puzzles, fun boss fights and crazy costumes make for a charming and enjoyable experience. However, there are too many things that can go wrong to easily recommend the game to those who may not have a dedicated group of local friends to play with.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom is certainly worth playing. The quest is rather lengthy, especially given today's standards of single-player game length, and it remains enjoyable in both combat and exploration despite the occasional instances of backtracking.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though it is by no means the definitive version of the title, Skullgirls: 2nd Encore is a great fighting game for the Vita.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As stated earlier in the review, Marvel's Deadpool VR is a good game overall. While the title may not contain the usual expected elements in a VR title, it helps the medium become more mature by being as long as an average non-VR title and by being more than a glorified shooting gallery. Except for the grappling hook issue, the game controls well and plays spectacularly. Combat is inventive and features diverse weaponry. This is a well thought-out title that fans of action games and Deadpool will enjoy, provided they haven't gotten tired of his antics yet.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    QQQbeats!!! is a fun game that's made some notable improvements over the formula established by Touhou Spell Bubble. The fully voiced cut scenes and addition of rapid-fire rhythm segments make the game more exciting, while the addition of a co-op mode gives Touhou Spell Bubble fans something different to look forward to. The soundtrack is excellent, and even though the online community is gone, the presence of local play means that the solid gameplay mechanics can still be experienced long after the campaign is done. QQQbeats!!! is a hidden gem of a game, and fans of puzzle and rhythm games should seek this one out.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I had a hard time trying to get Rio to do exactly what I wanted. Aside from that, the battle system was pretty solid, mixing up timing requirements and hitting the enemy at the right spots. I also love the fact that there is no ammo.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A great entry point for novice attorneys, thanks to a new cast of vibrant characters.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Your enjoyment of Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown is going to depend on a few factors. If you're more of a competitive online fighter, then you'll appreciate the focus on that scene. With the game's inclusion on PS Plus and PS Now, there's an even better chance for the online community to last for some time, since so many people will have access to the game. Those who enjoy local versus play won't find any mechanical differences, but at least they don't have to worry about wearing out their PS3 system or controllers every time they want to sneak in a few rounds. Single-player fighting game enthusiasts will feel the sting the most, since Ultimate Showdown takes away a few modes. Overall, the game is just as solid as it was back in the PS3/Xbox 360 era, and the hope is that this title will go multiplatform and spark enough interest that the publisher will start looking at doing a proper sixth game in the series.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is a short game, and at $20, it might be a little expensive for a single evening or weekend, but it's worth checking out. There are a few other games in its small genre pool, but Little Nightmares sets itself apart with its level design and surreal atmosphere. Set aside a block of time, try to go into the game as cold as possible, and be ready for a lot of deaths, some of which are gruesome and many of which won't feel fair. It's a sort of dark fairy tale, to go by my experience, and you'll get about 60 unhappy endings before you get to a slightly better one.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a great example of a game that might be inspired by something else but nonetheless manages to be darn fun on its own. It's easy to write it off as a Hades knockoff, but there's enough fun in this game to enjoy it on its own merits. The core mechanics can occasionally be a touch awkward, and the narrative never really grabbed me, but the moment-to-moment gameplay was plenty of fun. If you're looking for a different flavor of action-RPG adventure, Towa hits the mark.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    ZombiU isn't the kind of game that merits purchasing a new console, but it's still exciting, if flawed. There is no other zombie game on the market that captures the tension and fear of a zombie film the way ZombiU does.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Windjammers 2 is an addictive 1v1 arcade game that is perfect for esports or your own little rivalries. The tight gameplay and controls expand on the original, and if you find an opponent close to your own level, you'll experience a ton of great matches. There isn't much that you can do outside of some bot matches and local play. Online features are available, but during our testing period, it was almost impossible to find an opponent, much less one who wouldn't immediately obliterate us. That doesn't make Windjammers 2 less good, but it does limit how much of that goodness you can experience. If you have a few capable friends or want to try it on another console, Windjammers 2 is the perfect 1v1 game to play and obsess over in a friendly rivalry.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Batman: The Brave and The Bold is exactly what fans of the series want from a video game. Like the show, it features plenty of action and lots of co-op play with a heavy dose of humor both in and out of the cut scenes.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Swords & Soldiers remains a great real-time strategy game for the Wii U.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a fantastic remake of the original Spyro trilogy. It expertly toes the line between loyalty to the classics and updating the originals. I would absolutely put it in the high end of remasters, and I felt it did an even better job than the recent Crash Bandicoot remaster. The only real flaw is that it's still a port of PS1-era games, so if that play style isn't up your alley, Spyro Reignited probably won't change your mind.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    New Star GP goes past initial expectations to deliver a very well-crafted racing game. The arcade simulation mix in the racing feels great, and while there are only two modes, they're both so well done that the title doesn't feel like it needs more modes. The lack of online play is a shame, but the omission of manual transmission will turn off those who can only drive that way. For everyone else who isn't craving a pure simulation experience, New Star GP is well worth your time.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    To sum things up, Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel doesn't look so hot on the surface.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    All in all, Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection is exactly what it promises: a shinier, more modern, and no less punishing Ghosts 'n Goblins game. It offers various handicaps and advantages, but no matter how many it tosses at you, it won't change one simple fact: You are going to get hit, frantically run around in your boxers, and then die — a lot. If masochism in video games isn't your thing, you'd be better off looking elsewhere. If you want a GnG experience that feels familiar and modern at the same time, look no further than GnGR.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kinect: Disneyland Adventures isn't for the jaded gamer who thrives on competition or conflict. It's intended for kids and those who are still enamored with The Magic Kingdom, and Frontier Developments should be commended for a very enjoyable and polished product.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Doom: The Dark Ages is a welcome attempt to reinvent the most iconic shooter franchise of all time rather than sticking with what had previously worked. Some of the changes work, and some don't, but for the most part, the gameplay is extremely fun, even if it didn't hit the highs of Eternal. An extremely weak plot, some feeble side mechanics, and a somewhat underwhelming soundtrack drag down things a tad, but if you enjoyed Eternal and 2016, then The Dark Ages still has a lot of fun in store for you. Just be prepared to parry like you're playing Metal Gear Rising.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you are looking for a masterpiece of racing as a genre, Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition Remix probably isn't quite it, but it's plenty close, with open-ended free play where you can choose what to do freely.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Red Faction: Armageddon both satisfies and disappoints, depending on your camp. The single-player campaign may feel too restrictive for some because of the lack of open-world areas to play with, but the weaponry and mass destruction you can inflict still make the somewhat-lengthy experience fun. While co-op multiplayer is great, the lack of competitive modes will turn off those who have come to expect a more refined multiplayer experience. Still, the game is enjoyable enough that fans will not be terribly disappointed in the final product, especially those who prefer single-player over multiplayer games.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The game may be as old as the Wii's predecessor, but New Play Control! Pikmin still remains a very challenging and engaging title. While the graphics haven't held up as well as one would have hoped, the sound and gameplay definitely remain timeless.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There's plenty to like about Mayhem Brawler. The setting is unique among games in the genre, and the mechanics work well with the combat system thanks to its fluidity and diversity. The main campaign may be short and the unlockables list consists of one mode, but the three different endings and multiple campaign branches mean that there's more content to this game than originally believed. You'll have to rely on local friends for this one, but there's an absolutely good time to be had.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a solidly enjoyable JRPG that is hurt by not having the style of the original or the ambition of its spin-off. Genre fans will find a lot to like here, and those who enjoyed Xenoblade 1 for its exploration and gameplay will find Xenoblade 2 to be a worthy follow-up. Comparisons to the original are unavoidable, and Xenoblade 2 takes longer to warm up than the original, and it never reaches the same heights. Taken on its own merits, Xenoblade 2 is a fun JRPG with a ton of content, customization and gameplay that any genre fan will enjoy.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a solid sequel that differentiates itself sufficiently and improves upon the franchise's formula. It has a diverse mix of units and races, wonderful artwork, and what appears to be a massive range of strategies. Customizing your forces with an array of passive effects and active abilities is handled effortlessly by the UI, and it's very rewarding to use it in the tactical combat. The campaign should take anywhere from 30 to 60 hours to complete, depending on how quickly you play, and that's before stepping into the random scenarios and multiplayer, where a wide range of options and customizations can cater to your play style.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Oddworld: Soulstorm is Oddworld at its best. It's creative, clever, funny, enjoyable to play, and shockingly good at getting you to empathize with Gollum's slightly uglier cousins. The gameplay is simple but enjoyable, and it makes you want to save as many of your fellow Mudokons as you can. Imagine that: a game-long escort mission that is fun! If you like puzzle platformers, I'd recommend starting with New n' Tasty, but Soulstorm is an excellent follow-up. It's worth playing, especially if you're a PS+ member and can get the game free on the PS5 during its launch month.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A well-designed, well-executed, graphically superior racing game. The replay value is high, the learning curve is fine, and the overall presentation is first-rate.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Red Faction: Armageddon both satisfies and disappoints, depending on your camp. The single-player campaign may feel too restrictive for some because of the lack of open-world areas to play with, but the weaponry and mass destruction you can inflict still make the somewhat-lengthy experience fun. While co-op multiplayer is great, the lack of competitive modes will turn off those who have come to expect a more refined multiplayer experience. Still, the game is enjoyable enough that fans will not be terribly disappointed in the final product, especially those who prefer single-player over multiplayer games.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In the end, Revenge of the Savage Planet is a good follow-up to Journey to the Savage Planet. The concept of exploring new, absurd worlds remains novel, while the expanded tool set and mobility tweaks strengthen the gameplay. The worlds are large and packed with loads to discover, and the game offers up a good amount to do even after you've seen the credits for the first time. For those who love exploring, Revenge of the Savage Planet is well worth checking out.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is a strong update to a good game. It adds all of the polish and updated features I had wanted. Most of the problems I have with the game are ones that were true of the original release, too. It's a darn fun little follow-up to Onimusha: Warlords, which expands the gameplay without losing the fun feudal Japanese Resident Evil vibe the franchise has always had going for it.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues is a great addition to Traveler's Tales LEGO games and a fun follow-up to first LEGO Indy title.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For all its bluster, Dragon Age: Origins comes off as a game that's afraid to take risks. Everything about it, from the combat to the story line, stays very safely within established bounds. After Mass Effect, though, Origins feels like a bit of a step backward.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The story and gameplay mechanics have greatly improved, and it sports many graphical upgrades. It's unfortunate that the enemy AI isn't more challenging, but for this franchise, the fun will always come from the end-game content. As long as players understand and accept that, they should snap up this sequel and prepare for another long adventure.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It may be a very straightforward journey and it may feel like a knock-off of Sega's Alien Syndrome, but Alien Breed Evolution: Episode 1 is still a darn fun and tense game with redone graphics and well-used sound.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The gameplay's got certain unavoidable flaws, but with a player-controlled camera, some more evocative set design, and another few hours' worth of gameplay, Obscure could've been one of the greats.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Digimon Survive is an interesting experiment that largely succeeds in taking a beloved children's franchise and giving it a darker tone without completely losing what made it so beloved in the first place. The story is largely engaging and has enough twists and turns to keep things moving forward at a comfortable pace. The gameplay is enjoyable but unexceptional, but the story is the main draw. If you're a fan of Digimon, then Survive is absolutely worth your time. Even casual JRPG fans will likely find the story to be worth a look.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pinball FX2: The Iron & Steel Pack is a great addition to the Pinball FX 2 collection. Both tables offer a nice balance between ambitious and traditional elements that make them pleasing to a wide range of pinball fans.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's a little disappointing that the mechanics, story and gameplay haven't seen any noteworthy updates, but it's a great port.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's Pokemon. Moreover, it's Pokemon with online play. If you're a Pokemon fan, that reason alone is enough to pick up Diamond and Pearl, ignoring the new Pokemon and new features.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster is an average port of an exceptional title. Despite being almost 20 years old, it's still one of the best JRPGs ever made, and it still stands up favorably to the games that came after it. It's still a PS2 game at heart, but it's a rare one that has aged quite well, so it's still worth playing for the first time even without the comforting glow of nostalgia. Unfortunately, the actual HD upgrade is perfunctory and bare-bones, so what you see is largely what you get. It's basically a way to play Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne on modern systems, and it's good for that. It just could have been more.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The best compliment that we can give to Shinsekai: Into The Depths is that it feels like a well-done indie game. Exploration is the game's big hook, since the environments, secrets, and floaty movement encourage looking around, while combat works most of the time but isn't the main focus of the experience. There's a good balance between exploring at your leisure, maintaining your stats for survival, the boss fights, and the dwindling resources in the late game. Although the extras aren't enough to entice Apple Arcade subscribers to double-dip, everyone else will enjoy this adventure from beginning to end.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Like its predecessors, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is for a specific type of player who wants a driving game instead of a racing game. The player must enjoy messing around with the intricacies of off-road vehicles and doesn't mind experiencing every driving mishap possible. Expeditions isn't a game for everyone, but for those looking for something different from the norm, it's well worth a shot.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There's enough good stuff here to recommend it to genre fans and fans of the previous game.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Hydorah is a game for those who appreciate the space shooters of yore. It isn't forgiving in the slightest, but it also doesn't overwhelm you with bullet hell sensibilities. It looks and feels so much like those old games that you could mistake it for a long-lost classic. Even if it didn't come with a co-op mode or a nice bonus game, Super Hydorah is so fun that it would still be a recommended purchase for genre fans.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Darkness II proved to be a solid, artistically pleasing twist on demonic possession and dark heroes, and it's one story with mobsters I plan to follow with interest.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Priced at 1,200 MSP ($15 USD), Scarygirl is on the high end of the impulse purchase range, but still worth the cost. It's one of those select titles that grabs your interest from the start and holds it through the end of the adventure.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you can soldier past what makes it feel as battered as its namesake and push aside its past baggage, potential survivors might find that New Vegas' odds are worth betting on.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Although it's short, Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight is solid. It hits the beats of a standard Metroidvania game perfectly, and while it doesn't add anything groundbreaking or new to the genre, it gives the player a great combat system to work with. Except for the lack of music in spots and some enemy blending due to the color palette, the presentation is solid, especially for fans of pixels. The level of difficulty on display can be hit-and-miss depending on your expectations, but otherwise, fans of side-scrolling adventure games will want to check out Momodora.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The inclusion of four new multiplayer maps and a zombie map frankly don't do anything for the game that weren't done when you first opened the box last November, but that's not a bad thing. If you're avid about Call of Duty: Black Ops, there's nothing to complain about, even at roughly three bucks a map. If you've already put away the game in favor of other engagements, don't expect this DLC offering to suck you back in for very long. If you remain fully engaged, the Escalation content will only enhance the game.

Top Trailers