XboxEra's Scores

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For 738 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 52% higher than the average critic
  • 10% same as the average critic
  • 38% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.3 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 75
Highest review score: 100 Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
Lowest review score: 10 Demolish & Build Classic
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 471 out of 738
  2. Mixed: 228 out of 738
  3. Negative: 39 out of 738
756 game reviews
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    • 66 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Gear.Club Unlimited 3
    Gear.Club Unlimited 3 is a tough game to rate. At its core, the driving is sound, the graphics are decent, the game mechanics are interesting, and the career is meaty enough to bother. It even offers a 60 frames per second mode, something previous episodes did not – at least, on Nintendo consoles. On the other hand, it has various important flaws related to the overall racing, and the lack of online multiplayer is a huge step-down from the previous game which did, eventually, add said feature. What we’re left with is a mostly competent, not particularly memorable arcade racer with a handful of highs, but some baffling lows as well. It is a fun game, and on Switch 2 there aren’t too many better alternatives for this kind of racer. But if it follows the previous episode’s path, it may get new content, proper multiplayer and astonishingly deep discounts before long. Perhaps you’re better off waiting for all of that to happen, before jumping in.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    God of War Sons of Sparta
    God of War Sons of Sparta has a weak start, solid middle, and strong ending. If you can get through a tedious first few hours you will eventually be rewarded with solid combat and an emotional story.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    High on Life 2
    High On Life 2 is bigger yet smaller. It’s both bold and more reserved in how it dishes out gameplay mechanics and story beats. I loved my 15 hours with it.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    REANIMAL
    Tarsier Studios have taken their signature DNA and refined it - it's not perfect, but it's a sharp, confident experience. Bleak, beautiful and deeply unsettling - Tarsier certainly haven't lost their touch.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
    Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a mostly competent remake of an original that needed an update. The combat and upgrade changes are welcome, though those in the ending and its attempt to justify the expansion are not. If you’re a longtime fan of the series, there may be enough here to drive you mad. If you’re a lesser fan like me or brand new to it all, there’s enough fun to be had here that it’s worth checking out.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Kotama and Academy Citadel
    Kotama and Academy Citadel is a good Metroidvania title that does its own thing when it comes to progression. Which is part of why I like the genre so much—the fact that there’s still so many ways to get players engaged with differing approaches to character upgrades, challenges, storytelling, and the like. Kotama’s game doesn’t always nail every aspect that same of the greats of the genre do, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t have a solid combat system, boss fights, and excellent visuals and information relaying. This is a solid Metroidvania title to add to your ever-increasing backlog.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    RIDE 6
    It took six entries, but the RIDE franchise has finally graduated. What used to be promising, enjoyable, but ultimately not particularly remarkable motorcycle racers, now gave way to RIDE 6 – a legitimately great bike racing game. Refined graphics, much improved handling, more variety than ever, great customization and a much more coherent presentation turn Milestone’s latest into one of the finest 2-wheel racers out there. If you slept on the RIDE series thus far, start paying attention – RIDE 6 is quite a blast for motorcycle fans.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Vampires: Bloodlord Rising
    Taking everything into account, Vampires Bloodlords Rising earns a very nice score. It’s a game with large, strong ideas and compelling vampire fantasy and systems that clearly support the long-term growth vision they have, from the arcane skill tree to castle building to followers and cooperative play. But it’s also a very much an early access experience. Some systems lack depth. Onboarding can be a little rough and polish is still coming. If you’re willing to grow with it, there’s something very special here. Just know what you’re buying into, which is potential just as much as what’s already present. [Early Access Provisional Score = 80]
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Don't Stop, Girlypop!
    Don’t Stop, Girlypop! presents a brilliant audiovisual experience, combining over-the-top “girly” Y2K aesthetics with one of the fastest FPS modules on the market. If you’re a fan of the 2000’s pop culture, the high-energy female vocaled pop music of the era and have been dying to dazzle your weapons in a shooter, this game is for you. Those searching for an Ultrakill-tier boomer shooter, however, might walk away disappointed, as underneath it all is a slightly clunky, not particularly memorable sequence of arenas with big hordes of enemies and weak platforming on the side.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven
    Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven is an excellent, pricy expansion. I spent over twenty hours, having an absolute blast, learning the secrets of the mountain. If you have an endgame save, then Woolhaven is absolutely worth the cost for fans of the title.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kingdomino
    All in all, the official videogame for Kingdomino is just that: Kingdomino, digitally. It features two artstyles, a strong online module and various settings, but it also doesn’t do anything special or different compared to the board game. No particularly fancy animations, no extra game modes, no campaign to play through. If you want Kingdomino on your device, this is perfect – it’s even a light-weight game that runs on weaker machines, so it’s got very little in terms of downsides.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
    As it is right now, Xbox is the only platform where you can play every single mainline Final Fantasy game, barring, of course, the sequel to this one: Rebirth. But that’ll come in due time, so the point still stands. What is that point, you ask? Pretty simple, really. Xbox is the premier place to play Final Fantasy on consoles, and Final Fantasy VII Remake is a JRPG worth purchasing for fans and non-fans of the genre alike.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    MIO: Memories in Orbit
    Mysterious intrigue, tight platforming, satisfying combat, and an emotional soundtrack carry you through 20 enchanting hours. It can be overly difficult at times in its optional parts. Whether on Game Pass or a full purchase, MIO: Memories in Orbit is an incredible game and well worth checking out for any action platforming Metroidvania fan.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Real Face of a VTuber
    By the end of the game I walked away a happy camper. I got a fairly good understanding of what people love about VTubers, a bit of terminology in, and all-the-while engrossing myself in an entertaining story with good visuals and music that sadly does have its own set of pitfalls.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Quarantine Zone: The Last Check
    Quarantine Zone: The Last Check is a fun, repeatable, relaxing time. Few games let you stare so much before blowing a hot load of lead directly into the target of your gaze.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 67 Critic Score
    Syberia VR
    Would I recommend Syberia VR? I’m not really sure as, despite my large number of reservations and frustrations, I ultimately did enjoy the experience. It’s all very much thanks to the creative world of B. Sokal’s Syberia and seeing some of the sights in virtual reality really was a treat. This is a great adventure game turned clumsy VR experience, but if you can put up with its oddities, you’ll have a good time.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dora: Rainforest Rescue
    Ultimately, like many licensed games based on pre-school programs, Dora: Rainforest Rescue is not a deep or innovative platformer. It is, however, very loyal to the Dora IP, it is bright and colourful and incredibly accessible for even young players’ first videogame ever. It could have used some more inventive or variety, but it’s a great Christmas gift for young Dora fans.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 98 Critic Score
    Hollow Knight: Silksong
    When I rolled credits for the third and final time, I put my controller down and let my thoughts and feelings carry me. The last third had some of the best moments in the title, and I can confidently say that Hollow Knight: Silksong is better than the first game in almost every single way. More agile, more expressive, more fun, more… everything. Hollow Knight ran so that Silksong could sprint.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 69 Critic Score
    Atomic Owl
    Atomic Owl is an enjoyable little romp that has some good ideas and even goes as far as to trust the player right off the bat with the protagonists full arsenal. The visuals are lovely and the music was probably the highlight of the game. But middling level design, uninteresting boss fights, and a lack of polish do drag down what could otherwise have been a really good game.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Terminator 2D: NO FATE
    Terminator 2D: NO FATE is a gorgeous, fun time, with all the positives and negatives of 90s arcade games. The inclusion of alternate story paths helps the title from feeling too repetitive. Any fan of the franchise would do well to check this one out.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Thank Goodness You're Here!
    Overall, Thank Goodness You’re Here is an absolute gem of a game full of humanity and fun. Coal Supper really have done an excellent job capturing the heart and soul of the community of Barnsworth, and the game took me nostalgically back to TV I watched when I was young, whilst also making me laugh out loud from the start to the end. If you want something extremely silly, absurd and exceptionally well made to spend a couple of hours with, then you should definitely check it out.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Death Howl
    Death Howl is amazing. It takes the deck builder and the Soulslike and makes something I didn’t know I was missing. As a Day One Game Pass title on PC, it’s there and ready if that interests you. The game comes to consoles on February 19th, 2026. It is a 30+ hour playthrough with incredible highs, even at its most frustratingly difficult moments.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Octopath Traveler 0
    OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 is a damn good JRPG. The world, despite my grievances with the main story, is interesting and fun to explore when the game lets you. Wishvale’s rebirth’s best parts aren’t the uninteresting city building but, again, the stories of the characters within. With great music and visuals accompanying all this, you can’t go wrong with SQUARE ENIX’s latest turn-based title.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DOG WITCH
    DOG WITCH is plenty cute as it is fun. Thanks to the short runs, it’s easy to hop into whenever you need to spend a bit of time without having to overthink on builds and setups. Thanks to a good amount of enemy and equipment variety, you can’t go wrong with this adorable deckbuilder.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sleep Awake
    SLEEP AWAKE is a game I saw in my email, having never heard of it. I redeemed the key on a whim, and dear lord, am I happy that I did. The four hours I spent in The Crawl as Katja were full of intrigue, some genuine scares, and a hell of a lot of enjoyment.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Chaos Zero Nightmare
    Chaos Zero Nightmare shouldn’t be this addicting, but I spent a lot of time crawling through the Chaos over the last month. There’s a fair bit of content to trawl through and the bleakness of the world contrasted with the colour anime aesthetics is very interesting, which has kept me engaged with the story thus far. It’s not easy to wrest me away from my other actively played gacha games, but CZN has done it and I can recommend it to anyone who enjoys sauntering through gloomy deckbuilding dungeon crawlers.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sektori
    In a year full of genuinely incredible games, I’m more than pleased to have found another one that you should immediately look to pick up. I beg you, don’t let Sektori pass you by. This is an utterly mesmerising and innovative twin-stick arcade shooter, packed full of content and modes and with a level of challenge that ticks all the right boxes. Now to take on those harder modes – I’ll see you on the leaderboards!
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    MARVEL Cosmic Invasion
    My biggest hope is that Tribute Games can implement some of the combat tweaks I mentioned earlier to really take this title to the upper echelon of games in the genre because as good as it is, it doesn’t quite stand toe to toe with the greats, but it’s agonisingly close.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Silent Hill 2
    SILENT HILL 2 is a fantastic remake. It uses the skeleton of one of the PS2 era’s best titles and improves upon it with fantastic graphics, excellent new voiceover work, and, as an Xbox Play Anywhere title, there isn’t a better storefront to buy it on.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 71 Critic Score
    Ire: A Prologue
    Despite my issues with the game, Ire: A Prologue is one of the better survival horror titles I’ve played. It’s got a good lore backing it, a great performance from the cast, and the objectives chance often enough to keep gameplay fresh. Emily might chip in to occasionally help the player, but you’ll be doing most of the puzzle solving on your own. Against the precipice of a terrifying-looking monster hunting you down in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle, this is easily a game that’ll terrify you to bits. If this is a start to a franchise, this is definitely a good one.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A.I.L.A
    A.I.L.A is a solid experience, with a strong beginning and end, let down by a weak middle. If this version of VR existed in the real world, then the medium would have taken off far more than it ever did. It’s a good setup for a horror game, and fans of the genre would do well to check this one out sometime.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    DAVE THE DIVER
    Dave the Diver is an excellent, enormous title that is best left as vague as possible. Go in without looking too deeply into it and be ready for dozens of hours of some of the best that video gaming has to offer.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Monsters Are Coming! Rock & Road
    Monsters Are Coming! Rock and Road is a solid addition to the never-ending bullet-heaven/rogue-lite/survivors-like (yeesh) genre. It looks nice, plays well, and has at least one bopping track to help carry it through a series of runs that are only let down by some punitive progression requirements.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Double Dragon Revive
    Ultimately I don’t think Double Dragon Revival is going to bring the revival to the franchise the title claims. There’s something here and I reckon another year of development, polish and tweaking could honestly result in a legitimately great scrolling beat ’em up. But as it is right now – especially at an asking price of around $50AU, it’s difficult to justify for anyone outside hardcore Double Dragon fans or scrolling beat ’em up fans that just want something to play before something better comes along.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is an absolute riot. It’s not afraid to rely on copious amounts of nostalgia, while also pushing the series forward in the most logical direction. Treyarch have looked back at Black Ops 2 and 3 for inspiration, and have delivered a fantastic Call of Duty, full to the brim of incredible content.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Once Upon a KATAMARI
    Once Upon A KATAMARI is exactly what I wanted it to be. A game about rolling up the world, bringing people together (in a non-traditional sense), all the while being a treat for the senses. It’s easy to pick up and can be challenging to master as you navigate levels with twists and turns that can be best described as “the world’s messiest rooms”. You can’t go wrong with The King of Love’s latest and long-awaited game, methinks.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Pigeon Simulator
    Pigeon Simulator is the definition of ‘fine’. While it does nothing great, most mechanics work just well enough to allow for fun when in a group. It is a poor experience solo, though, so unless you have a friend or three, which is made easier as a Day One Game Pass launch, it may not be for you.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Kentum
    Kentum is a rare gem—funny, smart, and mechanically rich. It’s the kind of game that sneaks up on you, then refuses to let go. If you loved Tiny Rocket Lab, this is its chaotic, sarcastic older sibling with a PhD in cloning and a minor in existential dread. Whether you’re here to build the ultimate base, explore a mysterious world, or just laugh at ORB’s one-liners, Kentum delivers.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    RENNSPORT
    RENNSPORT has all the core elements in place to be an engaging and accessible racing simulation. A handling that feels solid even a controller, a more welcoming approach than most hardcore sims have, and a lot of solid ideas to have great racing going at all times – against the AI and online alike. Yet, with only 12+2 tracks, a limited selection of cars, a lack of polish in many areas, various missing features and a confusing microtransaction model, it needs more time in the oven to truly become an essential racing simulation.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Winter Burrow
    For me, once the novelty of the cuteness wore off, I found the mechanics to be a bit boring, and in parts very frustrating (mostly due to the lack of a map when trying to find items I needed). For veteran players, the only stand-out feature here is the way the game looks and the ‘cosy’ style of play. Does this make Winter Burrow stand out in its genre? I’m not sure that it does, and honestly I’m not sure it has endeared me to this type of game at all.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Let Them Come: Onslaught
    Let Them Come: Onslaught is a quality bullet heaven experience. It offers a lovely art style, an exciting soundtrack and an intense difficulty with well-designed level progression. It is, however, a bit on the short side, with only 4 levels, 2 characters and not a huge build variety. It’s a game that is quite close to greatness, but it will need a bit more content to truly become an unmissable classic survivors-like experience. I still feel like recommending it to fans of the genre, as its gameplay loop is one of the best ones on Xbox right now.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Egging On
    I haven’t finished my own journey with Egging On, but after plenty of hours with this egg-cellent game, I’m comfortable in saying that this is one Game Pass release Xbox gamers shouldn’t miss out on, and PC and PS5 gamers should consider taking a crack at. It’s unique, egg-ceedingly challenging, and yet, full of fun and good humour. Just like all my egg jokes, it’s cracking stuff.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    A Pizza Delivery
    I think a lot of us often struggle with something, and A Pizza Delivery does itself few favours by stitching together a random set of experiences under self-doubt and confusion. But life really is just a road of things happening until it’s over—self reflection may be in order, but there’s no point wallowing in it. I really liked this game.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Voidtrain
    Voidtrain is a fantastic game in a genre I rarely enjoy. Hypetrain Digital deftly weaves an intriguing, emotional story into a thoroughly enjoyable gameplay loop. It’s launching into 1.0 on Xbox Game Pass, and it is well worth checking out solo or with friends.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    XENOTILT: HOSTILE PINBALL ACTION
    Ultimately, XENOTILT: HOSTILE PINBALL ACTION is a great evolution of DEMON’S TILT sensational digital pinball formula. A table that looks and plays even better, various new modes and ideas, even though the general feel of the game has not changed much. Eye-popping 16-bit visuals, a banging 16-bit soundtrack and a brilliant gameplay loop. This is a pinball table with depth and replayability worth dozens of hours of gameplay, and anyone with even a passing interest in pinball should play it. XENOTILT may not be a transformative experience over the previous game, but does it really need to be?
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Dead Static Drive
    Dead Static Drive is a pretty, broken game. The poor gameplay mechanics and constant issues with quest progression further drag down what is otherwise a disappointing title.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    1000xRESIST
    1000xRESIST is a marvelous narrative-oriented videogame. Its minimalistic, sometimes slow gameplay is accompanied by one of the most engaging and well-crafted stories in modern gaming. Themes such as discrimination, rebellion to authorities and the pandemic are handled with utmost care and credibility. Very memorable characters, excellent artstyle, impeccable performance and even a great English dub. The pace can be a bit slow, and the story does take a little to truly get going, which means it’s probably not going to be a game for everybody. But now that it has finally released on PlayStation and Xbox, and of course launching on Game Pass, do yourself a favour. Play 1000xRESIST, as it really is an unforgettable journey you have been missing out on.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Blue Archive
    It’s a low-maintenance game with a creative cacophony of ideas mixed with a dab of fourth wall-skirting plays that appeals to a wide-reaching audience of all ages. Where many games opt to host depressing narratives to appeal to their young adult audience, Blue Archive instead plays itself straight—keeping an upbeat vibe with a touch of comic mischief while not being afraid to touch on the “what-ifs” if things all went wrong. It’s easy to pick up and play and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Spartan Survivors
    Spartan Survivors won’t win any award for its simplicistic artstyle and quite basic bullet heaven formula. Yet, for a free Halo fan game, I have a hard time asking for much more. The gameplay loop is enjoyable. The game is packed with Halo-themed characters, weapons, enemies and locations. There’s 10 levels and much to unlock. It’s currently only playable on PC, but it’ll hit Xbox consoles in the future, as well. Whether now or when it hits consoles, do give this one a fair shot if you’re into Halo, as it’s clearly a project made with passion by someone who loves the IP.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bloodshed
    Bloodshed doesn’t pack a sensational amount of depth and variety. It does, however, offer lots of enemies to burn through in a very satisfying first person twist on the bullet heaven formula, rolling the credits before its repetitiveness could become a huge issue. Definitely one to check out, if you’re looking for your next survivors-like and you’re into boomer shooters.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage
    For those wanting a more modern fighting game with a focus on story based single player content, you’ll need to look elsewhere. For fighting game fans who want the simpler more quaint arcade and competitive experience then look no further, Virtua Fighter is back!
    • 84 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection
    Revisiting the original trilogy is still a blast, especially online, despite many other collections already exploring those games. Padding out the title count with many ports of the same goes is a bit futile, but a good exercise in game preservation.
    • 86 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    ARC Raiders
    It’s one of the best multiplayer games of the year, standing toe to toe with the giants in the genre. I’ll see you topside. [Review-In-Progress score = 90]
    • tbd Metascore
    • 81 Critic Score
    Majogami
    Majogami is a fun, fast-paced romp with a fair bit of replay value. It can get a bit repetitive due to the nature of the main character’s gimmick, but you’re encouraged to finish up each level as fast as possible. And despite the speed of the game, the composition of the visuals makes it easy to distinguish between foes and the direction you’re going to rend unto them. A great action-platformer all around.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Simon the Sorcerer Origins
    I’ve quite happily played through and enjoyed Simon the Sorcerer: Origins, and for fans of the series, this is genuinely a pretty great return for this 90’s adventure game anti-hero. In many ways, it feels made by a group of fans that loved these classic games, and as such, is made with a fair amount of care and passion. I hope they get to make another one.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Halls of Torment
    Halls of Torment efficiently combines the highs of some of the best bullet heaven shooters out there, with immaculate Diablo-coded looks and sounds. Despite not being revolutionary, nor packing the outrageous depth of some of its rivals, Chasing Carrots‘ title is easily one of the most interesting and addictive titles in the genre. And, as a Game Pass release, you have very little reasons not to give this one a fair shot.
    • 69 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Wreckreation
    It may not be the most polished or spectacular racing game on a surface level, but you get used to its jank, as you fill up its immense sandbox with cool things to do – alone or with buddies – there simply is no racing game with such an exhilarating and creative sandbox out there. This in turn makes me forgive some of its oddities and problems. If the community lives up to the game’s lofty ambitions, we might have quite the game on our hands. I will surely revisit Wreckreation after launch, as I’m very curious to see how it evolves from here. [Review in progress/ Provisional Score = 80]
    • tbd Metascore
    • 73 Critic Score
    Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed
    All in all, Hot Wheels Let’s Race: Ultimate Speed is a fast-paced, yet accessible racer, based on Netflix’s show and the Hot Wheels toys. It certainly fails to live to some of its full potential due to a variety of reasons. These include an oddly twitchy handling, lack of online, a lack of real challenge and limited variety. Yet, the show’s infectious style, the speedy races and the editor should ensure a good time for younger players and fans of the show. Even I, as an adult, had a good time, speeding through these acrobatic Hot Wheels tracks, despite the game’s limitations.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Painkiller
    Ultimately, I walk away from Painkiller with somewhat mixed, but overall fairly positive feelings. The gameplay is fast, satisfying, with rock solid peformance and excellent graphics making for a blast of a shooter. It is, however, Painkiller in name only, as not only it loses the series’ core aspects, but also is rather uninspired all around. Very few memorable moments in the raids, generic enemy and arena designs, and not quite the depth needed for such a co-op experience to last you long. Still, if you crave for more shooters in the style of modern Doom, do give Painkiller a fair shot, as it can be a ton of fun both solo and with two allies by your side.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition
    Despite the incredibly janky physics, the shockingly low amount of content, the outdated graphics… Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition can be pretty enjoyable. The high speeds, the adrenaline-filled courses, the retro vibes… in short, I still had fun. I can not recommend a game like this, however. It’s way too short, way too unpolished, way too expensive for what it offers. Thus, you might want to wait for some patches and some deep discounts before joining this family.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Bounty Star
    Bounty Star: The Morose Tale of Graveyard Clem is a game full of good ideas and poor execution. I loved the setting and enjoyed the story thanks to some great voice acting and music. The gameplay loop was a letdown, though. Full of repetitive tasks and unsatisfying combat. This one is tough to recommend, even if it is Day One in Game Pass
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Outer Worlds 2
    The Outer Worlds 2 is a confidently made game. It is perfectly scoped, with excellent gameplay, writing, and voice acting. The combat and movement are the biggest step up over the original. Whether you have played that title or not, if you want a choice-heavy, narrative-rich adventure in a far-off solar system, then this game is worth a download or Game Pass or buying outright.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    NASCAR 25
    NASCAR 25 is a great videogame of an entertaining racing series, offering all sorts of thrills online and offline alike. Solid graphics and presentation, satisfying handling, tons of settings to allow every kind of player to find the experience that suits them most. A gripping, if relatively safe career mode is the highlight, but the online leaves me wondering. It can be exhilarating, and the netcode is strong, but the game seems uninterested in punishing unsportsmanship. The result is the most chaotic online racing I’ve ever seen – at least in a game that isn’t supposed to be a destruction derby. It’s a safe, but a quite exhilarating title. Perhaps, with a few tweaks to the online racing, we could have one of the all-time greats for this sport. Definitely one to have for NASCAR fans.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted
    Don’t get me wrong – Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is… fine, for the most part. If you’re not a purist, and can accept a few occasional glitches, it’s a decent way to experience a classic. But the very few improvements don’t quite offset the game’s increased price, nor its technical and design woes. I can’t say with certainty if art was enhanced via AI, as some seem to claim. Regardless, it is a bit of a moot remaster; unless you’re on a platform, such as Nintendo Switch, without access to prior versions of this fantastic game. If you’re on Xbox, like us, you’re better off with the excellent Xbox 360 version – which is still backwards compatible to this day.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    PowerWash Simulator 2
    There isn’t a ton new about PowerWash Simulator 2, and that is exactly what I wanted. What is improved, from the graphics to the streamlined cleaning processes, makes what was already a serene experience into one of the most chill vibes you can find in gaming.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Ninja Gaiden 4
    NINJA GAIDEN 4 revives the decade+ dormant franchise with a new developer leading it into an insanely fast, new direction. It’s a fun, occasionally beautiful title with an actually not terrible story, perhaps a first for the series.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Keeper
    It’s fair to say I really enjoyed Keeper. It stuck it’s hooks into me and didn’t let go, right up until the moment I rolled credits. I laughed, I gasped in shock, and I beamed as brilliantly as a lighthouse. Double Fine have made a lovely game here, one that throws in the sorts of surprises that only this medium can achieve.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    BALL x PIT
    BALL x PIT is a brilliant mish-mash of two genres, with excellent strategic choices in its main gameplay sections. The town building may not be for all, but I enjoyed it well enough. The only minor issue was the sameness of the progression between the base game and new game plus. Still, it took me nearly 60 hours to get to that point; it’s in Game Pass on Day One, and I had a blast while doing it.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Just Dance 2026 Edition
    Just Dance 2026 Edition is still just as fun as it always was. It’s a great title to get your friends and family together around the TV all the while losing a few calories in the process. The experience is a bit clumsy this time around and some bugs can get in the way, but that won’t stop you from enjoying the latest round of songs in this year’s iteration of Ubisoft’s popular dancing series. All you gotta do is Just Dance.
    • 84 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Battlefield 6
    Battlefield 6‘s multiplayer is the most Battlefield-coded entry in the franchise in many years, taking us back to the series’ glory days. Tight gunplay, excellent presentation, impressive polish and a surprisingly robust launch arsenal. [Multiplayer Score = 90]
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Little Nightmares III
    If not for some of the problems I encountered, Little Nightmares 3 would be a rock solid continuation of the franchise from Supermassive Games. While it doesn’t quite hit the narrative and atmospheric highs of Little Nightmares 2, it brings in some smart new ideas, two player co-operative play and makes for another wonderfully sickening time in Nowhere. It’s just a shame it was such a frustrating journey.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Little Rocket Lab
    For fans of Spiritfarer, My Time at Sandrock, or Automation Academy, this is an easy recommendation. But more than that—it’s a game that feels good to play. Peaceful, rewarding, and quietly inspiring. You start by fixing old machines… and before long, you realize you’ve fixed the town, and maybe even a little piece of yourself too.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    SOPA - Tale of the Stolen Potato
    SOPA – Tale of the Stolen Potato is a lovely adventure title that shows just how creative storytelling you can be with the smallest of foods. It encapsulates a piece of Latin America within its gorgeous art, enchanting music, and engaging puzzles. Technical issues do eventually compound to make for a bit of a cumbersome experience, but I can look past that to recommend this adventure to all.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch
    Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch is a solid roguelite strategy RPG. I think players will enjoy the roguelite mechanics and world mythos very much, but combat and level design leave a lot to be desired. Still, it’s not a bad experience—I am quick to drop a boring SRPG, but this one kept me engaged throughout the entirety of my playthrough.
    • 75 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    King of Meat
    King of Meat may not feature the tightest 3D platforming ever, nor the most engaging brawler mechanics in history. Yet, its eventful and varied dungeons offer exhilarating platforming, satisfying exploration and chaotic combat. It’s fun as a solo game, but with other players it turns into an absolute riot. Tons of items to throw around, explosions, moving platforms, wacky physics – it’s hilarious chaos. With plenty of player customization, a powerful level editor and an almost stupid number of things to unlock, King of Meat could easily stay in your multiplayer rotation for quite some time. Here’s hoping the game’s player population will be solid enough to keep it around for a long time! [Provisional score = 80]
    • 74 Metascore
    • 74 Critic Score
    Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny
    Despite everything, however, I had a great time with Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny. The simple gameplay formula and the local co-op options turn this ARPG romp into an accessible entry point into this exciting genre, with the 9 playable Nicktoons characters offering sufficiently diverse skills to bother trying ’em all. It’s a short game, with a very limited loot and build variety. Yet, the game’s solid pacing, cute presentation and fun combat still carry the experience all the way to the end, and I could see many younger folks have a blast, as their RPG-ified SpongeBob fights side-by-side with Jimmy Neutron against evil wizards and robots. I certainly had a lot fun, and I’m not even that young anymore!
    • 71 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Alien: Rogue Incursion Evolved Edition
    Alien: Rogue Incursion Part One – Evolved Edition’s name is nearly as long as its runtime on console. I was able to clear the entire game in roughly 3 hours, though I knew where to go and what to do after having played it once in VR. Without that immersive interactivity, what was already a mediocre title is made that much worse.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    LEGO Party!
    Above all, the team at SMG Studios have created a game with all the LEGO charm one would expect, full of the sort of variety only LEGO can bring, and a selection of mini-games that produced all the screaming, laughter, competition and fun one would want from a family-friendly title. Definitely one to break out on game nights.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Extremely Powerful Capybaras
    Extremely Powerful Capybaras is an enjoyable co-op romp for up to 4 players, making for a chaotic but fairly stylish bullet heaven experience. Taken as a solo game or comparing it to its much more ambitious contemporaries, however, it does very little to stand out, and its basic gameplay doesn’t quite hold the depth necessary to warrant many repeat runs. Hardcore bullet heaven fans like me and those seeking a fun co-op experience will have a good time, but there’s countless more interesting titles in the genre by now.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Moon Mystery
    Moon Mystery shoots for the stars and nearly achieves its goals. For $20, you get 5 or 6 hours of occasional fun, and a few moments of utter bewilderment. It is an ambitious, flawed, mediocre game that I kind of love.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    DreamWorks Gabby's Dollhouse: Ready to Party
    In the end, DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party is a fun little adventure that captures the cuteness and charm of the series. It features accessible yet enjoyable platforming, many fun side activities, but also a huge chunk of the show’s big roster of support characters – all dubbed, in fact. The show’s iconic visuals are perfectly recreated, and so are its tunes, turning Gabby’s first proper console release into a great gift to any young fan of the series. It’s a little bit short, and surely it won’t win any awards for originality, but for a licensed videogame of a preschool show, it’s actually quite nice and wholesome. Meow!
    • 72 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Formula Legends
    Formula Legends is a wasted opportunity. A lovely artstyle, an interesting driving model, a lot of love for the history of Formula 1 are felt through and through, but the inconsistent physics, poorly balanced AI, various glitches and a complete lack of multiplayer end up severely hampering the experience. I feel like it’s only a handful of updates away from becoming a truly enjoyable arcade romp, but as of today, I only feel like recommending it to hardcore fans of the genre who can probably close an eye on a lot of issues.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles
    The story for FF Tactics remained entertaining throughout. As a first-time player, it zigged when I thought it would zag and I will always appreciate when stories in RPGs like this can feel somewhat grounded with a focus on politics, inter-personal relationships and plenty of time for the characters to sit and reflect on the events in-game. Yes, there are still plenty of crystals, magic and other FF staples but Tactics feels like a cut above most other JRPG stories and is now one of my favorites in the Final Fantasy series.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
    Excellent visuals with great performance, vibrant tracks, a technical driving model with quite the skill ceiling, a massive depth and variety, despite the not crazy amount of unique content just quite yet. It may lack a memorable single player portion, and it does have a few minor shortcomings. Rest assured though: Sonic’s latest kart racer is one of the absolute bests the genre has to offer. Its incredible spectacle and high-octane racing slingshots it to the top of the must play kart racers on Xbox, and I’m sure I’ll be revisiting this one for a long time.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    EA Sports FC 26
    While it doesn’t solve all of the franchise’s issues, such as how predatory Ultimate Team is with its pay-to-win lootbox mechanics, FC 26 creates two separate playstyles that should satisfy almost any football fan – those seeking the arcade thrills of the fast-paced online modes, and those who want a slower, more tactical single player career as well. The changes to the physics and AI are smart and felt, and the amount of content and polish really has no rivals, making FC 26 the best the franchise has been in years. Authentic Mode truly reignited my passion for the ball, and I can’t wait to finish my review to go back to my virtual dreams of Juventus winning the treble. One can dream, right?
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Silent Hill f
    SILENT HILL f is a terrifying and terrific title. This harrowing tale of choice and consequence should thrill and properly disgust any fellow survival horror sicko.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter
    Ultimately, I walked away from Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, 50 hours in tow, not regretting a single bit of it. It’s an amazing RPG til the end and the remake only enhances the original experience. Not many games can keep my interest this long, especially when it comes to combat and elongated story scenes—and the lore behind it all is both well-thought out and incredibly imaginative. Don’t miss this one for the “skies”.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Puzzle Quest: Immortal Edition
    Puzzle Quest: Immortal Edition is an absolutely inessential upgrade for what is quite the timeless classic. It’s still a mighty fun and deep single player RPG campaign, with a ridiculously addictive core gameplay and plenty of content to boot. But the few changes and additions barely warrant a new version, especially if you already own the previous backwards compatible Xbox 360 or PC version, with the lack of any sort of multiplayer being a bizarre omission. It’s quite the classic single player experience, but this remaster doesn’t quite change enough to become an essential buy.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Jump Space
    The design decisions that Keepsake Games have made so far for Jump Space have resulted in a compelling, rock-solid foundation for what promises to be a genre-defining game. Jump Space puts fun, intrigue and slick gameplay systems first, mashing together multiple genres into something that is oozing with charm, replayability and jaw dropping wow-moments. I am hooked. [Provisional Score = 85]
    • 79 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Dying Light: The Beast
    Top-tier movement and combat elevate a decent story into something worth your time.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Frostpunk 2
    Frostpunk 2: Console Edition is a bold and mostly successful attempt to bring a demanding, systems-heavy experience to a wider audience. The game’s moral complexity, ideological tension, and survival mechanics are as potent as ever. Its reworked controls and UI show clear care and understanding of the platform — even if they’re not perfect. This isn’t a game for everyone. It’s dense, demanding, and emotionally draining at times. But for players who want strategy with substance — who like the cold bite of hard choices and the thrill of pulling a city back from the brink — it’s a standout.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor
    Deep Rock Galactic: Survivors is easily one of the best bullet heaven titles out there – which is no small feat, considering the amount of competition there is nowadays. Excellent visuals, lovely gameplay, with the unique mining mechanics that add a lot of depth to the runs. There’s a ton of content to grind towards, with even 300 unique achievements at launch, making this title a strong candidate to stay installed on your SSD for quite some time. A bit of a shame perhaps that it lacks any sort of co-op, since that’s a huge part of the original Deep Rock Galactic experience. Even so, this is one of the finest bullet heaven games out there right now, and with it launching on Game Pass, you have no excuses not to dig into the deep dungeons of Deep Rock Galactic: Survivors.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Machick 2
    Machick 2 doesn’t quite reinvent the bullet heaven wheel, but it greatly expands on the already great ideas of the first game. Gorgeous 2D graphics and various unique concepts, such as creating your own wands and hatching chicks to fight for you, turn it into a unique enough experience to bother checking it out among the hundreds of similar titles out there – one that runs very well even on lower end PCs, in fact. Some readability issues and slightly less depth than the genre’s bests perhaps don’t allow it to become an unmissable classic, but fans of the genre should absolutely check it out. And with console releases confirmed to be coming in the future, bullet heaven fans on Xbox should absolutely keep an eye out for this one!
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Garfield Kart 2: All You Can Drift
    Garfield Kart 2 is a fun kart racer, in some ways better than its predecessor – but everything it does better is because it shamelessly copied another, much better game. With so many quality mascot kart racers out there, you can probably opt for something a little more remarkable.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    LEGO Voyagers
    LEGO Voyagers is a gorgeous, surprisingly emotional adventure about friendship, the joy of pure play and supporting one another. Even the smallest of us can achieve great things.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Borderlands 4
    Borderlands 4 is a masterpiece.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
    My verdict? This isn’t just a retro release—it’s a tribute. To the creativity of the 90s, to the risks developers took, and to a mascot who still puts a smile on people’s faces. It may not be flawless—but it is, without question, the purrfect way to experience Bubsy.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants
    Indiana Jones and The Order of Giants doesn’t quite rise to the incredible heights of the original game’s story, but what’s here is more of what I wanted. More incredible locations, puzzles and maze-like tombs, dripping with atmosphere and history. What more could a budding archaeologist ask for?
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Void Crew
    I’ve decided to make this a review-in-progress, rather than a final score, for a couple of reasons. The first is that getting 4-6 players together to pump in twenty or so hours in a week is a tough ask, and I want to play a bit more before I render a final verdict. I also feel like Void Crew is the sort of game I could recommend, especially for gamers that enjoy the chaos of multiplayer co-operative games. However, that recommendation can only come once it’s had a few more patches to resolve what I feel are some pretty glaring issues. Until then, fans of these sorts of titles should be aware that the fun is in there, but there are number of issues standing in the way of finding it. Perhaps they’re lost in the Void? [Review-In-Progress Score = 60]
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel
    If you’re a big fan of bullet heaven shooters, do keep an eye out for Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel, though perhaps it’s not quite an essential buy just yet.
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