Xbox Nation Magazine's Scores
- Games
For 548 reviews, this publication has graded:
-
21% higher than the average critic
-
1% same as the average critic
-
78% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 15.5 points lower than other critics.
(0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 59
| Highest review score: | Burnout 3: Takedown | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest review score: | The Guy Game |
Score distribution:
-
Positive: 137 out of 548
-
Mixed: 268 out of 548
-
Negative: 143 out of 548
548
game
reviews
- By Date
- By Critic Score
-
- Critic Score
Grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until your eyes bulge, your face turns blue, and your heart thuds against your rib cage like a charging rhino... Screw the PC version. This feels like the game Xbox was always meant to host. [Feb 2005, p.81; NOTE: 1UP's Doom 3 review is simply XBN's review republished without credit.]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Developer Oddworld Inhabitants has done something quite remarkable in the creation of a first-and-third-person-shooter-cum-adventure combining guts, heart, brains, a sense of humor, and wondrous beauty. [Feb 2005, p.86]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
The first game to truly capitalize on GTA's design paradigm, Mercenaries deserves its war-worn props. [Feb 2005, p.97]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Despite its additions to the canon, Lords comes up short. It's not a farce by any means. It's just less forceful than expected, love's equivalent of perhaps a shot in the shins. [Feb 2005, p.98]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
This is a rightful heir, just not resoundingly so. [Jan 2005, p.84]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
It's all about control, and Madness 2005 offers plenty of it. [Jan 2005, p.92]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
The shoddy A.I. and other flaws are rare or negligible enough so as not to detract from the overall enjoyment of an otherwise great game. [Jan 2005, p.89]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Coming out almost a year late than the first Revolution, the Xbox version lacks many of the improvements Harmonix made for PlayStation 2's "Karaoke Revolution Volumes 2 and 3." [Dec 2004, p.88]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Microsoft and Bungie have created a gigantic bell that sounds like thunder and reverberates with a fury worthy of a gale-force hurricane. It's not perfect, but get in front of it, and wonderful things - wonderful destructive things - are bound to happen. [Dec 2004, p.72]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
If you have an active imagination, you might want to avoid this game. You can play it if you want, just don't plan on getting any restful sleep. [Dec 2004, p.83]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Its self-concious metacomedy helps elevate what is already a solid game into a sing-songily fine game. [Jan 2005, p.98]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
An experience every bit as thrilling, addictive, and shallow as the original. [Dec 2004, p.92]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Combines slick, well-tuned controls with an accessible combo scheme with unbelievably thick visual effects to create a complete third-person action package. [Nov 2004, p.92]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
It's this combination of thought and reflex that makes Crusaders exceptional despite its faults. [Nov 2004, p.101]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Rescue very nearly outclasses every other cutesy platformer on Xbox. [Nov 2004, p.90]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Where 2005 really breathes is in its pasing game...The entire system is remarkably intuitive, making the Xbox controller feel as if it's a natural extension of the onscreen action. [Nov 2004, p.98]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Yes, it's similar to previous Hawk games at heart - certainly cause for concern for players burned out on the series - but what a monster game it is. [Dec 2004, p.87]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
The game's biggest asset is its viscerally thrilling slam dunk contest...The arcadelike nature of dunking makes it an addictive element in an already solid title. [Nov 2004, p.98]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
The first thing you're going to notice about this game is how unbelievably gorgeous it is. [Dec 2004, p.94]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
This is fan service - and competitive gaming - done right. [Dec 2004, p.84]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Star Wars Battlefront is essentially action-figure theater on the television screen, and playing online is like inviting your friends over to take part.- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Skates in a league of its own when it comes to the most basic function of hockey gaming: realistic physics. [Oct 2004, p.94]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
If there's any reason to buy 2005, it's for the 10 new courses, which look beautiful (as always) and offer enough challenge to keep most players whacking around for weeks. [Nov 2004, p.99]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Fable both soars and sinks. It's wondrous and wearisome, a great step forward in the development of heroes in RPGs and a tremendous stumble over its own two feet. And in the rising and falling, it finds itself. [Oct 2004, p.88]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
And then there's Xbox Live play, which functions shockingly well under any circumstances. The game has singlehandedly shown the console world online fighting games need not be plageud with lag of the likes seen in "Capcom vs. SNK 2: EO." [Sept 2004, p.96]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Hands down, the best arcade racer ever made. Ever. [Oct 2004, p.99]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
A glorified mission pack... [but i]ts flawed but compelling single-player and addictive, feature-packed multiplayer component (both online and now offline co-op) guide this Arrow directly to its mark. [Aug 2004, p.78]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
The single most glaring problem with 2K5...is the crowd A.I. The audience is just flat-out stupid, and this is terribly unfortunate because it distracts from what would otherwise be a totally immersive NFL gaming experience. [Sept 2004, p.86]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
EA has kicked its game into overdrive; in fact, the only major flaw to be found here lies with the retread, obtuse, and strangely homoerotic banter between TV commentators Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso. [Aug 2004, p.90]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
As a veritable demolitionist's playground, Conspiracy proves a most promising affair, that rare release so packed with potential that the inevitable sequel is actually an already exciting prospect. [Aug 2004, p.92]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
The rush and stress of sprinting both teams from cover to cover in the midst of this chaotic bombardment, knowing that any random high-pitched streak or painted contrail could take out half your team in an instant, is unprecedented in military games to date. [Aug 2004, p.85]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Graphically exquisite and resplendently crafted, Bay is one of the best exclusive titles in the Xbox library. [June 2004, p.82]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
One of the finest, purest, and most hardcore 2D shooter on any system to date. [July 2004, p.88]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
If you're willing to stick it out through a couple of slow-paced early levels, it quickly hooks you and won't let go. [Aug 2004, p.95]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Don't let its sophistication scare you - at the end of the long, mud-splattered day, the game is above all else accessible and fun. [June 2004, p.94]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
It's dense and intimidating, and it demands practice; give it time, and button-mashing will no longer seem relevant in boxing games.- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
An amazing sports game that plays like a song and has all the makings of a classic hit. [May 2004, p.89]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
You'll be slack-jawed over "Shadow Strike's" online drama. Yes, it's <I>that</I> good. With single and multiplayer in one fat Xbox package, Tomorrow is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best pure-stealth action game today. [Apr 2004, p.74]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
In spite of any inconsistencies, disparities, or shortcomings, Breakdown is an enormously compelling, satisfying game - one imparting a joy of discovery sorely lacking in far too many of today's biggest titles. [Apr 2004, p.88]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Car handling and physics are spot-on, and real-time damage has been enhanced to the point where you wince every time you hit a rock or other obstacle, as the dents and dings rack up.- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
It completely captures the core of that oft-revered 2D console gameplay and rerealizes it almost flawlessly...If Gaiden isn't the "perfect" action game, it's pretty damn close.- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
For the most part, "Nothing" makes performing these Dondian stunts easy, with its intuitive controls, friendly camera, good level design, and clearly defined goals. But the inventory system could use some work. [Mar 2004, p.74]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Developer WOW takes advantage of Xbox Live's potential to deliver truly compelling multiplayer races. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.98]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Looks spectacular, with dazzling day-glo colors, ultrasmooth movement, and trippy effects. Every stage explodes with breakneck speed, insane loops, absurd corkscrews, and other gravity-defying razmatazz. [Mar 2004, p.82]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
With each day presenting a enw opportunity to fly or fall face down, Bustin' Ouot never loses its luster. [Mar 2004, p.83]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
A good story told well is a rare thing, but for the third time, Revolution has done just that. Players looking for an intelligent adventure will find few better Xbox titles than this. [Mar 2004, p.82]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Gorgeous to behold, boasting dynamic lights, shadows, and interactive environments, making it relatively easy to suspend disbelief. [Mar 2004, p.64]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Embarking on the game's destruction train gives players access to dandy weapons such as the shark gun. [Mar 2004, p.93]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Players are made to feel as if they're interacting with real characters in a dynamic world. [Mar 2004, p.97]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Overwroght melodrama and third-person-persepctive gunplay make for an excellent mix. [Mar 2004, p.81]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Hardcore "Revolution" fans will be most excited by features debuting in Ultramix...Beginners and those who lack a natural rhythm will be disappointed, though. [Mar 2004, p.99]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Playing the game through Xbox Live is literally like having a shared arcade machine in your living room. [Mar 2004, p.100]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Brimming with heart-stopping moments where you've got to take big gambles....A perfect union of storytelling, gameplay, and technological wonder. [Mar 2004, p.96]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Second only to "Halo," Arms is the best shooter on Xbox. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.80]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
A rare take on World War II that doesn't involve storming a beach. [Mar 2004, p.94]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
The game's incredible sense of speed, seat-of-your-soild-trousers physics, and overall production polish is second to none on Xbox. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.81]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
A superb basketball game, with Grade-A action, intuitive controls, and more bells and whistles than an ice cream truck. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.85]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
The game achieves excellence through realism, feel, and transparent interface. [Mar 2004, p.88]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Online play affords Links players an option "Tiger" simply can't compete with. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.94]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Both games' inherent brilliance remains intact. As playgrounds, they're marvelous. As experiences they're undeniably powerful. [Mar 2004, p.77]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Basically an all-you-can-kill, hack-and-slash buffet from start to finish. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.82]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Ultimately, whether 2004 is, in fact, a better game than Konami's "Winning Eleven 7" on PlayStation 2 is debatable; what is clear, however, is that this is easily the finest game of footy to be found on Xbox.- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
These new options are perfect for the hardened "Morrowind" veteran, adding just the right amount of innovation to an already solid RPG, and fortunately, this edition is compatible with old save files. [Mar 2004, p.91]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
With all-or-nothing rail and jump placement, the game can sometimes feel shorter and more difficult than it really is, while at other times a bit too easy. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.91]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Serves up round after round of smart, strategic firefights, challening both mind and reflex. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.99]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
In defiance of the weak missions, air battles are frantic affairs, and they are great. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.78]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
A smooth framerate, flawless camera, and spot-on control makes the experience nothing short of sublime, and the game a near-perfect mix of exacting artistry and technical wizardry - not unlike snowboarding itself. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.91]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
If there's ever been a better basketball videogame than NBA Live 2004, it resides on the Planet Degloop, yet unavailable for human pleasure. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.84]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Midway's given the game a facelift and polish to great effect, replacing the overbearing amounts of flash and glitter with solid gameplay. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.99]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
A gratifying, kinetic approach to swinging the club mimics real life. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.94]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Pound for pound, it's gritty play - and experience points - propel NHL 2004 to a hard-fought win [over "ESPN NHL Hockey"]. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.97]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Smooth controls top this delightful meal and tons of replay value make Hit & Run, dare we say it? Ehhh-xcellent. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.91]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
One kick-ass game. If you're a fan of NASCAR racing, you've never had it so good on a home console. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.97]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
ESPN Hockey's offensive game is sublime... Unfortunately, playing defense can become frustrating, as players are often slow getting back to the goal. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.97]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Warriors is fantastic, and not even its flaws, notably, slowdown when enemies choke the screen and popup of random objects on the horizon, spoil the beautiful brawling. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.85]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
If there was no "Madden," ESPN NFL Football would easily be the best football game this year. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.96]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Nearly everything about Otogi, from its art direction to its intricately balanced game design, is infused with careful thought, consideration, and much love. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.86]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Unlike most 3D fighters, Calibur II's melee system isn't so mcuh an elaborate re-creation of the canned rock-paper-scissors style gameplay as it is a vast metaphysical playground giving players unprecedented freedom to create their own deadly techniques. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.88]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Aurally and visually stunning, Madden 2004 is easily the best re-creation of digital football ever made. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.94]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
In terms of story, depth, and simply humanity, it is the best [RPG] Xbox has to offer. Arguably, it is Xbox's best game since "Halo." Undeniably, it is enough to make the hear soar. Bravissimo. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.80]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Dynasty mode allows you to enjoy one of the best college football games ever created in a setting that, at times, feels like an adventure or role-playing game. [Aug 2003, p.88]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
While Club II foes raise the bar for arcade-style racing, it falters in the audio department. [Aug 2003, p.76]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Realism aside, what puts MotoGP 2 over the top is its seamless Xbox Live integration, pitting 16 players together in an online free-for-all. [June-July 2003, p.89]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
On the strength of its online options, Wolfenstein's multiplayer is on par with the best on the Xbox. [June-July 2003, p.86]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
In terms of pure adrenaline and graphical splendor, there isn't a racer out there that can stack up against Burnout 2. [June-July 2003, p.88]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Deliriously frenetic and expertly calibrated. [June-July, 2003, p.82]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
One in the search of an online, cooperative console experience would be hard-pressed to find a more gratifying solution than this. [June-July 2003, p.84]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Wall your Sim in a doorless room with no food or toilet facilities, and watch her whiz on the floor. [June-July 2003, p.90]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Last year I called "World Series Baseball" the Mona Lisa of video baseball. This time around, it's even better. [Apr/May 2003, p.88]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
It's clear that the good people who made this game are baseball enthusiasts, and that's important. [Apr/May 2003, p.89]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
If you're looking for a flawlessly executed version of one of the coolest motor sports on earth, this is well worth checking out. [Feb/Mar 2003, p.85]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Sadly, performance was spotty thanks to ever-depressing and intermittent network lag. [Feb/Mar 2003, p.83]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
The most beautiful shooter we've ever played. In fact, it's a work of art. [Feb/Mar 2003, p.74]- Xbox Nation Magazine
- Read full review
-
- Critic Score
Everything in Two Towers - from the rich, lush environments to the lovingly rendered boss monsters - comes impressively close to matching its cinematic counterpart. [Feb/Mar 2003, p.76]- Xbox Nation Magazine
-
- Critic Score
Beautiful and challenging... A twisting, turning plot tops off the meal and this Sea, simply, demands to be bathed in. [Feb/Mar 2003, p.82]- Xbox Nation Magazine
