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
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Adventure and stealth fans should definitely have this title in their video game libraries.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The new content is certainly spookier than the base game, so it's fitting that it's being released a little more than a week before Halloween. The new features of Whispers in the Woods are a fresh coat of paint on the otherwise familiar wagon, and they're a compelling reason to get back behind the wheel if it's been a while since your last Pacific Drive.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It easily beats out former champ, "Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots," for Boxing Game of the Millennium.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Overall, Bayonetta 3 is an incredibly fun game. I like the new mechanics, the new enemies are fun to fight, and it has a lot of laugh-out-loud moments. I just wish all of it wasn't surrounded by a dreary tale of multiversal failure leading into a rather bittersweet ending. If you don't care about the story, the game has few flaws that I can think of. It plays great, is full of amazing absurdity, and was absolutely worth the wait for any fan of the franchise. In the long run, I think Bayonetta 2 is my favorite of the franchise, but Bayonetta 3 is still a remarkably good entry in Platinum's best series.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Road 96 shows that it is possible to do a "roguelike," narrative-focused story and do it well. It's a shockingly engaging and well-written game with likeable characters. It's sometimes funny, sometimes terrifying, and sometimes thought-provoking, but no matter what, it never gets boring. Each setback or revelation made me eager to see the next, and my ending felt like a satisfying resolution to the plot that I'd been building. If there were ever a game that defined, "It's the journey, not the destination," it's Road 96, and if you're a fan of quirky, narrative-driven games, then this is well worth a shot.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Kingdom Hearts II isn't necessarily the kind of game you replay obsessively, or even take an instant liking to, but once you sink into the fantastic world it presents, it's hard not to get addicted to its immense variety and kinetic pace.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    My only real gripes come in single-player action. Max has a very annoying habit of automatically switching to a handgun any time he's about to enter a cinema screen despite the fact that he might be carrying a perfectly usable assault rifle. There were some occasions the strongest rifle I was carrying in my arsenal practically disappeared after a bit of storytelling. This sometimes put me in precarious positions where I had to pull out a ridiculous combination of Bullet Time, rolling and melee (not always Max's strongest suit) to reach a weapon with more ammo in it. That led to a few expletive-laden moments, but it wasn't enough to get me to stop playing.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A very addicting, extremely fun and even thought-provoking game that will suck you into its world and keep you entertained till the very end … which just happens to be another one of its shortcomings. Right as you feel that you are starting to get into Fable, the game ends; the main quest and game can be completed from start to finish in as little as eight hours.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Shadow of the Colossus was a generation-defining game for a reason. Even now, a decade after its release, it's one of the most interesting games to ever be released. The PS4 remake is just about everything one could ask for. It retains the same gameplay and same plot but makes just enough upgrades, modifications and changes so the game feels a lot more playable without losing exactly what made it special. There's absolutely no better way to experience Shadow of the Colossus than the remake, and it's a must-play for any PS4 owners.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Other M is definitely worth picking up and totally worth the wait.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I highly recommend Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride because it's an example of great storytelling, solid gameplay and excellent overall presentation.
    • 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
    • 90 Critic Score
    That's really the only complaint that can be levied at this otherwise stellar game, which is a must-buy for fans of the rhythm genre who are looking for their next fix. Rhythm Heaven Fever successfully translates what had previously been a handheld-only series to consoles, and it offers enough fun and challenge to entertain players for hours and hours. This quirky little game may be just the motivation you need to pull your mothballed Wii out of the closet, plug it back in and have an absolute blast.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dungeons is one of the new kings of the genre, and it's incredibly difficult to put down.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you've ever had the slightest urge to hit the road and snag some Pokémon, then this is the perfect game for you.
    • 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.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It adheres very strongly to the concept of, "If it isn't broken, don't fix it," perhaps to the point of excess. It is a well-designed game, with terrific level design and a smooth, excellent combat system, but it also doesn't particularly bring anything dramatically different to the field.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 08 again serves football gamers on both sides of that fan fence.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is perhaps the best version of an already amazing game. All of its strengths are front and center, and any flaws were present in the original game, even if they're amplified in some cases. Even if you dislike the changes, the classic version is still makes it still an excellent way to experience the game, assuming you don't miss the War of the Lions bonus features. Final Fantasy Tactics remains a classic and a must-play for any fans of strategy RPGs or the Final Fantasy franchise.
    • 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.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It has everything I look for in an RPG - a quality story, superb visuals, excellent music, a hint of humor that doesn't overstay its welcome, and above all else, a sense of immersion that sweeps me away to another world.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pokémon Black is what a sequel should be. While the underlying formula of the game remains enticing and addictive, the improvements to both the gameplay and the multiplayer components make this a strong entry in the series.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Super Mario 3D Land is easy to recommend as a must-have game for any 3DS owner's library.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below is one of the more creative and varied Dynasty Warriors spin-offs on the market.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Grand Slam Tennis 2 is worth picking up, and the fact that the online portion of the game is still active certainly makes for an appeasing purchase.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is absolutely fantastic. The amount of effort put into Mass Effect 1 alone is more than I've seen from a lot of other remasters, and overall, it's an absurd amount of content for one bundle. The games have aged well enough that they're still a ton of fun to play both for newcomers and returning veterans alike. Even the sour points, like ME3's ending, sting less when you play the whole thing as a package. If you like epic space adventures, then there's no single better buy than Mass Effect: Legendary Edition. Now let's hope that Mass Effect 4 can live up to the high bar set by the originals….
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic — if safe — remake of an excellent game. The updates to the mechanics and visuals do a lot to bring it in line with Persona 5, and many of the game's rough edges are smoothed out. At the end of the day, it's still Persona 3, with all of its strengths and weaknesses, and it does a great job of recapturing the feel of a 2009 game in 2024. Fans will find a lot to like in Reload, and newcomers to the franchise will find a fantastic start to their journey.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Trine is one of the better platformers I've played this year, and it's definitely worth buying.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    No matter what your focus is, Halo Infinite is a blast. For multiplayer fans, the gameplay is rock solid. The back-to-basics approach works well to keep longtime fans engaged, and the game is easy to pick up and play to hook newer fans. Campaign fans will enjoy that mode despite a few issues, since the open-world setting allows for some breadth in approach while retaining the familiar mission structure and flow. Infinite should be on your Christmas list, despite the lack of other big features at launch, like co-op, Forge, and local play.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a love letter to the original game. With likeable characters, engaging gameplay, and clever twists and turns, FF7R does everything that it needs to. An over-reliance on pre-existing knowledge of FF7 may make it a tough introduction for new players. The strong writing and excellent gameplay should carry newcomers over the finish line, even if they're confused by things by the end. The ending might be a little controversial, but the rest of the game sets up such a strong base that I can't wait for Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 2.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The single player is good, but the multiplayer is awe-inspiring.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Despite its age, Forza Horizon 5 is a fantastic open-world, arcade-style racing game. The car handling is superb, there's an overwhelming number of events and races, and the large number of secrets ensures that you'll spend a ton of time driving around and exploring every nook and cranny. The structure and flow are so good that the only game that could match this is Burnout Paradise, a remake of a PS3/Xbox 360 game. Even if your only exposure to this type of game is The Crew: Motorfest, you owe it to yourself to grab Forza Horizon 5, even if you're only a casual racing fan. At the moment, there's really nothing else like it out there.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Unless your game library must be free of anything resembling a kids' title, you must have Monster Tale in your DS collection.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The game is just plain fun and has a terrific timeless appeal to it. This is the sort of title you could play through once or twice right away (even though it might take you three months), and then reinstall it again a year, two years, even five years later, and still have just as much fun.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Darksiders is certainly a pleasant surprise. A game that takes multiple mechanics from other, highly successful games usually ends up being nothing but a mess, but in this title, everything seems to mesh together well.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Overall, Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 is the strongest game in the franchise to date. While the plot is more over-the-top than the first game, it creates a far more compelling and interesting narrative to the sequel, while also expanding and building upon the many gameplay improvements. The combat system has never been better, and the mechanics have been polished to a sheen. It has flaws, and not all the plot points are going to work, but it's proof that CyberConnect knows how to keep players invested in the franchise.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Unless you hate strategy games or don't have a rig powerful enough to run this, you should not pass up Anomaly.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Even strictly offline as it is, Metal Arms is a damned fine game, combining an actual, real challenge with an idiosyncratic sense of humor and a sense of scale that's all too often AWOL in console releases.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Inside shows that Playdead has a knack for the short but powerful puzzle-platformer. The puzzles are logical and challenging, while the story is told well without a reliance on the usual things like dialogue and cut scenes. The balance between both creates a game that has a ton of memorable moments, and the flow is smooth enough that you're compelled to keep playing until you reach the thought-provoking ending. With a presentation that adds greatly to the narrative, Inside is well worth your time.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It feels good to turn something as hopeless as a wreck into something at least slightly useful. I’m surprised other racing games haven’t tried to employ something like this before!
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Fuga: Melodies of Steel stars anthropomorphic children as they confront the horrors of war in a tank armed with a soul-sucking Super Cannon. It feels like something I never could have anticipated playing, but it works. The characters are likeable, the gameplay is engaging, and I felt genuinely awful when something terrible happened to one of my charges. It's the rare game that comes out of left field and does most things right, and if you're a fan of JRPGs, you'll find a whole lot to enjoy with Fuga. Just … don't use the Soul Cannon, please.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is about as ideal of an Indiana Jones experience as you can hope for, and it's easily one of the best adaptations of a film franchise. It captures everything that made the best parts of the franchise shine, while avoiding the pitfalls and missteps of its weaker parts. It's a love letter to everyone's favorite whip-wielding, fedora-wearing adventurer, and the game shows why he still has a place in video games, even among the Nate Drakes and Lara Crofts. Only some slightly weak stealth elements bring down the game a tiny bit. It's a cliché, but ... well, this game belongs in a museum.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Without a doubt, I think that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is worth picking up for 3DS owners. While I've enjoyed a couple of other 3DS titles since the system's release, Ocarina of Time is the first game on the system that makes it feel like a must-have device.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    This title is a step in the right direction toward revitalizing a much-loved character. Sonic Mania Plus is a title that fans will enjoy, and its well-constructed design and replayability make it a great game for fans of 2D platforming. The title is a welcome addition to the Switch and creates a standout experience from other consoles.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    When Capcom first announced Pragmata six years ago, they couldn't have known the game would be launching a week after the Artemis II mission set a new record for human space travel. Just as NASA's moonshot was a success, so is Capcom's latest game. If you want a polished experience that brings something new to the table, you can't go wrong with Pragmata.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    There is an incredible amount of depth, replay value, and fun to be found on this one disc.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Crashmo, like Pushmo before it, is a near-perfect title for the 3DS. The new mechanics feel like a natural evolution for the series and provide some depth to even the simplest of levels.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It is a rare game that can appeal equally well to both the casual and hardcore crowds, yet de Blob does just that. It is a brilliant fusion of simple mechanics and in-depth play that deserves checking out.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bloodborne: The Old Hunters is a solid and enjoyable expansion that adds some much-needed new content to the game in exactly the right places.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I would highly suggest NHL 2005 for anyone who likes sports games, but the controls are too complex for casual non-fans who just want to pick up a game and play effectively.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Balatro is excellent all around. The concept is simple, and while the various card types seem overly complicated, the game remains easy to understand no matter how many rules there are. It's utterly enjoyable to the point where you'll keep coming back no matter how many times you lose to a boss with a ridiculous modifier. For anyone who likes card games, Balatro is a must-have.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Although Madden NFL 12 presents some new AI issues, it resolves many AI failings and gameplay shortcomings that have plagued the franchise for several years.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 has the unusual honor of being both one of the best anime-based games and best Warriors games I've ever played. It has its flaws, including the tiresome return of Giant foes and the usual Warriors repetitiveness, but it's a great example of how to reinvigorate something that seems like a tired formula. If you're a One Piece fan or a fan of the Warriors franchise, PW4 is absolutely worth a go. Once you've taken a bite of gum-gum, you won't be able to resist more.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap is an excellent example of the right kind of remastering for a sprite-based game. Everything from the original is kept intact, with only a few changes that make the game more bearable in the modern era without affecting the difficulty at all. The presentation is what everyone will be talking about, however, as this game surpasses expectations, which is a bigger feat for an indie developer than a larger studio. The game length may be short initially, but the many secrets will keep you coming back, making this title a must-have for platforming fans of all types.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Obviously, this title is highly recommended for anyone buying a hockey game this autumn, but if you've never played a hockey simulation, or it's been years and years since you've bothered, I can't think of a better place to start or return than NHL 10.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Although Madden NFL 12 presents some new AI issues, it resolves many AI failings and gameplay shortcomings that have plagued the franchise for several years.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    All in all Microsoft owes a hearty thanks to GMX Studios for producing such a fine add-on. If you felt let down as I was or if you feel that you’ve tired out CFS3, you’ll find this add-on pack to be exactly what you need.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Overall, Two Point Hospital is a treat on consoles and is not to be missed, especially given the inclusion of the DLC and almost all of the features from the PC. It's a funny, addictive and engaging experience that is great if you have fond memories of Theme Hospital or Theme Park.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Kalimba is a solid puzzle platformer that is trickier than expected.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Triggerheart Exelica is one of the best XBLA games I've played on the 360, so if you like vertical shooters of old and new; if Radiant Silvergun, Parodius or Do Don Pachi mean anything to you; or if you enjoyed the recent Omega Five, you'll be perfectly at home with Triggerheart Exelica.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    In Stars and Time is probably my dark horse for one of the best games of the year. It's a distinct, fun and interesting experience that makes masterful use of the time loop concept to create something that's deeply heartfelt. At times, it borders more on an RPG-themed visual novel than a full-on RPG, but it uses the RPG trappings more than well enough to justify it. Aside from some dullness when it comes to repeating events, In Stars and Time hits all the marks dead-on and should be a must-play for fans of plot-heavy RPGs.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition is a super-sized character expansion pack to an already impressive game. For 1,200 MSP ($15 USD), you're getting four new characters, a slew of balance changes and some tweaks to the online experience. It's not a revolution in play, but if you've already mastered Super Street Fighter IV, it does make the experience fresh again.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Definitely the best version of Tiger Woods you're going to get your hands on this year, and it offers a lot of promise for versions to come, especially with the Motion Plus accessory being available just around the corner.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    For those willing to put in the effort, Demon's Souls is perhaps the most rewarding RPG available on the PS3 and easily a must-have for any PS3 owner who doesn't mind a bit of difficulty and death.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition is a super-sized character expansion pack to an already impressive game. For 1,200 MSP ($15 USD), you're getting four new characters, a slew of balance changes and some tweaks to the online experience. It's not a revolution in play, but if you've already mastered Super Street Fighter IV, it does make the experience fresh again.
    • 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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Though GT 5 screws up a lot of the details, the overall experience remains one of the best in gaming, and Polyphony proves once more that when it comes to realistic racing, it's on a whole different plane than the competition.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I definitely enjoyed Motorstorm: Pacific Rift far more than I did the original, and the additional content and race styles do a lot for a game that already had some solid mechanics behind it.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    One of the best WWII-themed games ever released... Despite minor flaws with the story's continuity, length of game and odd mission choices, the game stands strong as one of the best of this year.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you can get over the admittedly wonky premise, you'll find an intense, involving horror experience.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Polished enough to be released as a stand-alone package, The Missing Link hits all the right notes and delivers more of everything that made Human Revolution such a standout title.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    When it comes to Diablo clones, I’ve played them all; Sacred, Harbinger, Blade & Sword, Dungeon Siege, and Space Hack. I’ve also loved each and every one of them for reasons unique to each. Titan Quest is easily the best of the lot, simply for doing everything this type of game requires and doing it better than all of its contemporaries.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Polished enough to be released as a stand-alone package, The Missing Link hits all the right notes and delivers more of everything that made Human Revolution such a standout title.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Except for some lingering bugs and other graphical issues, the Phantom Liberty DLC serves as an ideal swan song for this iteration of Cyberpunk 2077. The story is gripping from beginning to end thanks to some expected but exciting plot twists, a big diverging point in the story that occurs way before the end of the campaign, and some very memorable and fleshed-out characters. The tale may be somewhat self-contained, but the ties to the rest of the city make it feel like a proper expansion versus something completely siloed off from the rest of the game. That would be a good enough reason for existing fans to take the plunge, but given the various changes made by patch 2.0, it's a game that's definitely worth jumping into if you've been waiting for a good chunk of the issues to get cleared up.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Sly Collection is proof once more that great games are truly timeless, and upgrading the visuals not only doesn't ruin the experience, but it absolutely enhances it.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    At $9.99, Return to Castlevania is the most expensive DLC for Dead Cells yet, but it is substantial enough to be worth it. The new areas are a ton of fun, and the number of new weapons and costumes is hefty enough to add extra value to the game. It might not hit as hard for those who don't have nostalgia for Castlevania, but even then, the extra biomes and boss fights are pretty darn great.
    • 96 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Replayability, realism, and unequaled entertainment are just some of the reasons why you should definitely buy GTA.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Flame in the Flood delivers a brilliant twist on the survival genre. The inability to linger in one place makes the game feel like a proper adventure with some additional survival trappings.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rive: Ultimate Edition is a fantastic addition to any action-loving Switch owner's library. The action is almost non-stop, and the difficulty feels well-balanced between putting you at the edge of death while still giving you the means to overcome it. The game length feels just right thanks to this challenge, and the many different modes amplify the high score chase that becomes the impetus to keep playing. For a studio's final game, this is the best possible way to leave a lasting impression.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    An extremely enjoyable, funny, and lengthy outing that is suitable for everyone. It might be a bit easy for seasoned gamers, but if you're a fan of fun, you shouldn't pass this one up.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As mentioned before, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a very good title, and Tribute Games shows that it knows how to do a beat-'em-up well. The additions to the standard brawling mechanics make it a deep game for those wanting an evolution in the genre, but it remains simple enough for button-mashers to enjoy. The game runs at a good length and initially seems easy, but that changes once you start unlocking the modifiers. The amount of unlocks and challenges provide completionists with a good reason to return again and again.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Left 4 Dead is a shining example of zombies done right in a video game. It's an action-packed riot with gore galore and is four times as fun with friends.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Altogether, I came away from Resident Evil 5 feeling pretty impressed, and while the change isn't nearly as radical as it was when Resident Evil 4 was released, it's still a really solid follow-up that keeps everything that worked from the previous title.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    That leads to The Last of Us Part I being both the best version of the game and also extremely difficult to recommend unless money is not a concern. The Last of Us has aged well enough that you don't lose a ton playing the Remastered version, unlike the similar remake Demon's Souls, which took a cult PS3 game that many people had never played and gave it a modern updated release. If you're willing to wait for a price drop or sale, Part I becomes far more appealing because it is a wonderful improvement to an already impressive game. Aside from cost, there's no reason to go back to the older versions, and The Last of Us remains one of the best games in the Sony library.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Very solid and drastically improved over its predecessors. Even though the improvements are very slight, the game is extremely enjoyable.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Perhaps the highest praise I can give the title is that despite Sony's concerns with overpricing a multiplayer-only game, Warhawk, lacking all single-player capabilities, is worth every bit of the full price for games of this console generation.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dispatch is a genuine delight from start to finish. Aside from the minor (and as of this writing, now irrelevant) nag of having to wait for the entire "season" to be done, I can't think of any strong complaints. The characters are fun and likable, the plot is pretty darn enjoyable, and it's probably the most fun Telltale-style game I've ever played. Add to that the fun dispatch-themed gameplay, and you've got something that's firing on all cylinders. If the crude humor and concept don't turn you off, Dispatch is a must-play for any superhero fans.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is everything a remake should be. It polishes and shines the strongest elements of the original game while adding just enough modernization and new features to make it feel accessible to a newer audience. Everything from the gameplay to the graphics absolutely sparkles, and it is easy to understand why Romancing SaGa 2 was a cult classic. Only a somewhat thin SNES-style story holds backthe game slightly, and even that is a minor complaint. In a year filled with incredibly strong RPGs, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven might still be one of the best.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is a strong ending to the series. It deviates slightly from the franchise's established themes and ideas in favor of something more down to Earth, but it works.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Just Cause 2 is the sort of game where you're willing to put up with a lot just because it's so darn enjoyable. Any time you get annoyed by something, you can take comfort in knowing that there's something to blow up just over the next hill, and sending a tower of flames into the sky will make it all better.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    All those little, unexpected features make Axiom Verge a fun ride. It uses the well-known foundation from Metroid and builds its fun gameplay on top of it, fully aware of where it came from and where it wants to go. Accompanied by a perfect science-fiction score and beautiful visuals, there's a lot to praise here. It isn't perfect, and the underlying principles are far from new, but the approach is as fresh as one could wish within the limits of the genre. Considering the amount of available decent Metroidvania games on the Switch, Axiom Verge is a recommended purchase for fans of the genre — and every hardcore gamer looking for a fix.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ori and the Will of the Wisps is bigger and more polished than the original title. I can't recommend playing it before the original, if only because the plot relies on you having played the first game. Otherwise, this is an absolute must-play for fans of the genre. Some minor quibbles and a few annoying bugs hold it back, but hopefully, those will be addressed by the day-one patch. If you've been waiting for Will of the Wisps, you'll be extremely pleased.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Though it didn't launch day and date with the console versions, Injustice 2 remains a solid fighting game for PC players. The fighting system is a marked improvement over the original, and the online performance is solid, but the single-player content and loot system are what will keep people playing. There's so much content here that those who aren't interested in playing online will still feel like they got their money's worth. Fighting fans and those who enjoy the DC universe should definitely own this game.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It's strange, quirky, and basically unlike any other game on the market. It's also incredibly fun. The unusual mix of rhythm and strategy gameplay blends together surprisingly well, and it isn't strange to look up from a session of Patapon only to realize that you've lost a few hours when you only intended to play for five minutes.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Every bit the great game its predecessor was, and then some.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Yakuza 0 is easily one of the highlights of the PlayStation 4's lineup. An engaging story mixed with zany humor and over-the-top brawler gameplay, the title hits all the marks. It has its flaws, including a potential overreliance on non-brawling minigames, but they're not enough to drag down the game. Fans of the franchise should be delighted, and newcomers should find this title as a great place to dive in. The plot, characters and setting are instantly accessible, and the gameplay holds up extremely well.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is an absolutely pleasant surprise. There may be only one kind of puzzle to tackle, but it never seems to get old, especially when the stages keep it fresh. The combat may not be as flashy as the developer's previous titles, but there's more than enough strategy to keep the combat challenging. What will keep this title in people's minds is the story's focus on mental illness that is respectable without making it a mere gimmick. Coupled with a truly stunning presentation, Hellblade is certainly a title worth playing.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    In my opinion, Absolver is in the upper echelon of recent releases, but it still has a few issues. The camera can work against you at the most inopportune times, like when you're cornered, but that's more bearable to me than the motion blur. Other than those complaints, the game slows down its offerings after a dozen hours or so, unless you're playing co-op with friends. On the plus side, there's supposed to be free DLC in the future, and it seems like a pretty solid promise. Given Absolver's $30 price tag, you can't really complain about this purchase.
    • 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.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The end result is a game that is phenomenal in its presentation and very decent in gameplay. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition doesn't necessarily set a new standard or innovate within the Metroidvania genre, but it does create an experience that is elevated by its otherwise stellar production values. Ultimately, it's up to personal preference, but you should give the game a chance; you'd likely regret it otherwise.

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