Worth Playing's Scores

  • Games
For 6,707 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:
6707 game reviews
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Though there are some technical flaws, NBA 2K11 remains an exceptional basketball game and an absolute must-buy for lifelong MJ fans.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Zettai Hero Project: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman is one of NISA's best titles to date. It isn't perfect, but it does so much right that it is easy to overlook its minor flaws.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    God of War: Ghost of Sparta is probably the weakest entry in the franchise. It has a relatively unimpressive story, fairly unmemorable locations, toned-down enemies and lackluster upgrades. At its heart, it's still a God of War game, and it is still fun to play.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Medal of Honor isn't the perfect marriage of campaign and robust online features, but it is certainly an entertaining, often exciting, shooter experience - especially in the multiplayer modes.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Super Scribblenauts is about as straightforward of a sequel as you can get. It's almost easier to compare to an expansion pack than a full-fledged sequel. There are improvements and mechanical updates, but nothing really changes the entire experience.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hydrophobia is a good title that doesn't last for too long. The controls may not suit everyone's tastes but it excels graphically and audibly and raises the bar on the technical proficiency of downloadable games.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Samurai Warriors 3 is strictly for hardcore fans who already know what they're getting, or the newcomer who has yet to experience the series. It's definitely friendly for new players, but it's not going to deter the people who hate these games from bashing it on their forum of choice.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Kirby's Epic Yarn is a rare game that is good for everyone. It is charming, fun and easy to play, while well-designed enough that the lack of challenge doesn't become boring.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Awakened Shadow is a net positive, but there's almost nothing about it that makes it stand apart from other titles in the genre. Everything is functional, and nothing is extraordinary; the game is interesting, but it's not particularly entertaining
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    For the big paintball fan, the game is a good alternative to being out there on the field. For everyone else, the game is a pretty decent rental.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dead Rising 2 is as straightforward a sequel to Dead Rising as you can get. There are no drastic changes to the formula, for all the good and bad that implies.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's fast, merciless and brutal, but it's not a lot of fun to play. Unless you're out of other options for 2-D brawlers and have money burning a hole in your pocket, hold off on Shank. It's still a decent title, but for 2 GB and $15, there are better ways to spend your hard drive space, money and time.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The game is absolutely overflowing with content, and the emotional, intriguing story will keep you hooked right through the end.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Fortunately, Enslaved ranges from consistently good to outstanding, and for that reason, I'd recommend the title if you have an interest in single-player adventures full of masterful storytelling.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is perhaps one of the best examples I've seen of a rental game. The platforming is simplistic, and most of the time, combat is a one-button affair.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite the lack of famous mascot characters, Wii Party is a truly enjoyable game.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lords of Shadow is a solid action game that incorporates some of the best moments from across the genre, but it's not the next great Castlevania game.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It has its problems, but fans of old-fashioned JRPGs will find a lot to like in The 4 Heroes of Light.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Atelier Rorona: Alchemist of Arland isn't a bad game, but it isn't a particularly great one, either. Like Atelier Annie, it's focused more on the social aspects instead of the RPG aspects, almost to the point where the RPG elements drag down the rest of the game.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Front Mission Evolved has some interesting ideas, but none of them are polished.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The one saving grace is that in spite of all these shortcomings, if you've never played Sid Meier's Pirates! before and only own a Wii console, then this is a title you absolutely must own.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    If you're looking for the next great leap forward, then sit tight and wait for Rock Band 3 with its new keyboard peripheral and Pro mode. However, if you're looking for a fun new twist on familiar mechanics, then there's absolutely nothing wrong with Warriors of Rock - if you can get past the fact that you have to play Nickelback.
    • 43 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    From a technical standpoint, the game is solid with a good soundtrack, graphics fitting for this console generation, and intuitive controls. From a gameplay standpoint, it is quite messy as the art style isn't all that appealing, the characters feel indifferent, and the story ultimately goes nowhere.
    • 47 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    PlayStation Move owners can safely skip Brunswick Pro Bowling. It's a pretty uninspired take on the sport and lacks any real personality or options.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's not quite as polished as Namco's XBLA updates (Pac-Man Championship and Galaga Legions), but for the retro fans out there, Infinity Gene still provides plenty of entertainment bang for your buck. Go in knowing what to expect, and you won't be disappointed.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    If multiplayer is your thing, it's a must-have title. If you're a hardcore Halo fan looking to flesh out the story and really just want more of the same, then pick it up. If you're looking for an innovative FPS that pushes boundaries and helps define the genre, though, you may want to look elsewhere. Reach is fun, but it doesn't provide the same kick in the ass as your first time through the original Halo.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'hoole would have been a very good game for children had it not been for its brevity and lack of difficulty.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest isn't that bad of an adventure game. The main game is quite lengthy, and the side quests only add more enjoyment to the adventure, especially if you go questing with a friend.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    In the end, Kidz Bop Dance Party is a respectable title. Unlike the more popular dancing titles on the system, it feels like your controls count for something, and the overall dancing mechanic is much easier to understand.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Sonic Adventure is still a loved title among some hardcore Dreamcast enthusiasts, but those may be the only people who need to pick up this title without any reservations.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    In short, this is a game for the Monster Hunter crowd. Most other folks will struggle to find the appeal.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    At 1,200 Microsoft points ($15), Plants vs. Zombies is a bit more expensive on the Xbox 360 than on the PC, where you can snag it from Steam for a mere $10. If you've never played the game, it is well worth the cost.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions is a flawed experience. When it hits the mark, it hits hard, and it manages to capture a lot of the charm and fun of playing as Spider-Man. Unfortunately, this charm and fun is soured by the repetitive and unimaginative gameplay and the number of glitches.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Unfortunately, the few high points in Tom Clancy's HAWX 2 don't do enough to make up for its myriad shortcomings.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    As far as gameplay goes, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep is easily the best of the Kingdom Hearts games and is a solid addition to the franchise. The combat is fun and interesting, and it manages to avoid feelingly overly repetitive or simplistic.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Yet given a fairly abbreviated development cycle - by contemporary AAA standards - and considering there's only so much a design team can do in simulating a sport that does exist in the real world, EA has again turned in a great iteration in their popular NHL franchise.
    • 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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    What I do know is that it's fun, and while the multiplayer is unlikely to pull a huge crowd away from StarCraft II, it's absolutely worth a look for any RTS fan who has a friend to play with.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it's impossible to fairly compare NHL Slapshot to triple-A HD console hockey titles, this Wii game is a state-of-the-art effort in sports gaming for Nintendo's console, a system that is too often overlooked for proper treatment when it comes to pro-league licensed titles.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions delivers a good Spider-Man experience for the current generation of consoles. The combat is done well, even in the first-person battles, and the feeling of being Spider-Man translates well, despite the lack of an open-world setting.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Other M is definitely worth picking up and totally worth the wait.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    This is a perfectly acceptable game, but it's also mostly boring and safe. We all know that the game of life boils down to "no risk, no reward," so this mediocre game gets a mediocre score.
    • 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
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For a game in a genre that is so easily dismissed by most gamers, Disney Guilty Party turned out to be a very good title. Disney Guilty Party is a must-have for any Wii gamer.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Worms is back, and it's bringing hilarious, strategic, turn-based strategy mayhem with it. For only $20, it's strongly recommended for most strategy gamers or people who are looking for something different.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Despite its technical shortcomings, Mafia II manages to become more than the sum of its parts. With a script that could have just as easily driven a major motion picture instead of a video game, Mafia II grabs hold early on and never lets up, not even at the very end.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Your enjoyment of Mafia II will come down to what you're expecting from the title, DLC notwithstanding. If you were expecting a modern sandbox experience set in an older time, then this isn't the game for you.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Elemental: War of Magic has a lot of good ideas that set it apart from being another kingdom-building clone, and while it borrows from many places, it doesn't really do a great job of making any of them feel particularly strong or fully fleshed out.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    Ivy the Kiwi? is a curious beast and certainly worth at least a rental, but it certainly isn't for everyone. Like Let's Tap before it, it feels more like an experiment instead of a tightly focused game.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Call us old fogies if you like, but there's a pretty firm belief that when a game ships, it should be feature-complete, not "mostly done" with a promise of completion at some unknown future date.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Like its protagonists, Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days is flawed. The single-player game is quite short, the story ends rather abruptly, and the difficulty of Arcade mode ramps up a bit too slowly.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The simple fact is that Ys Seven is one of the best RPGs on this or any other console, and it's a true hidden gem for PSP owners.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    With a good selection of character classes and pick-up-and-play controls, Monday Night Combat is an enjoyable take on competitive multiplayer.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 11 is easily one of the most solid efforts in recent years, and it's definitely the sort of game that nearly any football fan will be pleased with.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Harmony of Despair is an interesting take on multiplayer gaming, but it isn't really Castlevania in anything other than name only.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    With a solid technical background and good multiplayer, Hydro Thunder Hurricane shows the capabilities of the Xbox Live Arcade.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ultimately, if you enjoyed playing though the main game, then The Signal is going to be a welcome expansion to the adventure.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    The title is simply more of the same, but it's been polished to the point that it would be difficult to make it any more modern without losing the franchise's strong core. It might be off-putting that the campaign only centers around one race, but in spite of that, the game is a surprisingly full experience.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you only own a Wii and desperately need a JRPG to play in a pinch, then this game will do, but that doesn't mean that you're going to feel good about it later.
    • 42 Metascore
    • 45 Critic Score
    Clash of the Titans is a poorly made, extremely derivative game that missed its money-making opportunity when it missed the movie's theatrical release date.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Limbo is one-third a fantastic masterpiece and two-thirds a solid, if unexceptional, game.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Occasionally, you'll be reminded that, as funny as it is, the gameplay of Deathspank is nothing special, and if you stripped away the laughs, it would be a pretty average experience.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Even if it weren't the only game of its type on the console, it would be easy to recommend Broken Alliance as a purchase for anyone looking for a spaceship shooter with some depth. It's not the best surprise game of the summer, but it is an enjoyable one.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It seems the NCAA Football franchise has finally found its identity, and the end product is extremely impressive.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    It's far from the worst HoMM-alike out there, but Disciples III has far too many flaws to recommend, and considering the excellent alternatives, there is little reason to pick it up.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies is an old-school RPG with a lot of charm. It has moved toward modernized gameplay, but at heart, it's still the same Dragon Quest that people enjoy.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Perhaps the best summary for Crackdown 2 is to say that it's essentially Crackdown with zombies and co-op. Initially, that sounds like the greatest game ever, but the real picture isn't quite so rosy. A newly designed city and seamless co-op aren't enough to overcome the game's ho-hum missions or general lack of content.
    • 45 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    This is a decent budget-minded fighting title, but it's not exactly one where you'll get much playtime.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    This is the third release of Persona 3, and even for an excellent RPG, it's difficult to justify buying it again and again. However, Persona 3 Portable contains enough new features to make it a worthwhile purchase.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Hiccups aside, Puzzle Quest 2 is a fine sequel that is sure to please fans of the original as well as draw in plenty of new players.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Warts and all, APB has enough going for it that gamers who are looking for this type of gameplay on a larger scale will have a lot to enjoy.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 is a great game. The blocky world of Hogwarts is arguably the best rendition of the magical school yet.
    • 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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    At the end of the day, Singularity is a flat-out fun experience.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Sin & Punishment: Star Successor does exactly the same thing the original game did: Provide a devilishly fun experience under the guise of a simple but difficult shooter.
    • 43 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Naughty Bear mostly coasts on its great concept. Its execution aims high and fulfills some of its promises, but not enough to remain engaging.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Transformers: War for Cybertron is a game for Transformers fans made by Transformers fans.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dragon Ball: Origins 2 is a tough game to recommend. It's clearly made for fans, but that isn't quite enough to make one overlook its flaws.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Toy Story 3: The Video Game is a very interesting title. On one hand, the Story mode tries its best to deviate from the movie for a bit, and while it works, it barely raises the game beyond a decent rating. On the other hand, the open-world nature of the Toy Box feels so refreshing and fun that one wishes it were the entire focus of the game.
    • 40 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Naval Assault: The Killing Tide could have been good. The idea of submarine warfare is still exciting, and the Battlestations series has shown that submarines are still very powerful vehicles of war. Unfortunately, the pacing of the title as well as the indecision between a simulation and arcade style hurts the game significantly.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it has a few bells and whistles, 100 Classic Books is primarily an e-book application, and it does the job well. It's available at the budget price of $19.99, and its value only increases when you throw in the 10 extra downloadable novels.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    In spite of the story mode never quite syncing up properly, everything else included in Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker more than makes up for it.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    In the end, Green Day: Rock Band's biggest strength is its collection of songs. However, given the limited scope of the bonus material and the otherwise basic gameplay elements, it is difficult to recommend it as a stand-alone title.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    If you have any interest in golf, you should give Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 a serious look. It's not perfect by any stretch, but it's addictive and fun, and there's plenty to do before you'll get bored with it.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    At the end of the day, the Mega Man Zero Collection is a functional compilation that will please the hardest of hardcore Mega Man fans.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you have a passing interest in the world of golf, I highly suggest checking out Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11. It's definitely the best entry yet in the series, and golf fans shouldn't pass it up.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Satisfashion: Rock the Runway's lax level of difficulty can be a sticking point for a number of casual game fans. Challenge helps to define a game, and a game with no challenge means that it can be completed rather quickly.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you enjoy the one thing that Alpha Protocol does well enough, you'll probably be able to overlook its downsides. There is little else to recommend Alpha Protocol, so if the idea of the fluid story line doesn't get you excited, then this game isn't for you.
    • 46 Metascore
    • 45 Critic Score
    With an 800 Microsoft points ($10 USD) price tag, Ben 10 Alien Force: The Rise of Hex is positioned as an impulse buy, but even then, it fails to impress. Take away the license, and you're left with an extremely generic platformer that manages to achieve mediocrity at best. There was potential here, but it went unfulfilled.
    • 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.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Blur ultimately ends up as the sort of game everyone should experience but not everyone will love. The game's unique method of pairing semirealistic racing with kart-themed chaos works incredibly well, making for a fun experience that feels different from those that came before.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Die-hard fans of UFC and of the sport will immediately have fun with UFC Undisputed 2010 while the more casual fans will enjoy the superficial upgrades.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    On the one hand, the game's creation and sharing features are second to none, and this title can stay incredibly popular and fun so long as the community sticks around. On the other hand, the single-player experience is pretty awful, and even when you manage to win a race, you'll rarely have any fun doing it. In this case, the good mostly outweighs the bad, but gamers who don't come in totally informed about their purchase could end up getting burned.
    • 98 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    While Super Mario Galaxy 2 could easily have been a cheap cash-in with a few lackluster additional levels, it manages to be something more. It expands on the gameplay of Super Mario Galaxy and adds enough new twists and turns to feel like a full-fledged sequel.
    • 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.
    • 95 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Red Dead Redemption is by no means a perfect game, Western or otherwise. The middle segment of the plot feels tacked on, and you won't encounter many interesting characters. Many of the missions aren't very exciting, and there are a few glitches here and there concerning both the audible and visual aspects of the game. Even with all of that going against it, the game remains engaging, especially when you're not on a story-based mission.
    • 95 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you look at the main game, Red Dead Redemption isn't the best. With rock-bottom difficulty and an inane plot, grinding through John Marston's adventure is a tiresome experience. However, it's one of the best sandbox games ever released.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, Trauma Team is a very solid inclusion to the franchise. It is undoubtedly a kinder, gentler entry to the franchise that tries to appeal to gamers who've been scared off by the high difficulty of the previous entries.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    If you're willing to put up with the infuriating AI and lack of courses, then you'll find a lot to love about Split/Second.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Game Hits! offers lesser versions of four classic games in one convenient package. The games hold up reasonably well, but there's little done to improve upon the originals.

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