ZTGD's Scores

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For 4,810 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 64% higher than the average critic
  • 6% same as the average critic
  • 30% 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 Blue Prince
Lowest review score: 0 Ultracore
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,954 out of 4810
  2. Mixed: 1,627 out of 4810
  3. Negative: 229 out of 4810
4813 game reviews
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    • 87 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Absolum
    As a beat ’em up, Absolum comes quite close to a perfect 10; the enemies are responsive, the characters are incredibly fun to master, the bosses are unapologetically brutal, and the gorgeous 2D art brings everything together perfectly, creating a game that is beautiful to see in motion. Sadly, some of Absolum’s roguelike mechanics feel alienated from the rest of the game, failing to connect properly in a satisfying way. Modern roguelikes follow an unfortunate trend of only providing players with the most boring, safe tools possible, and it feels like the genre as a whole is now used as a crutch by developers to enforce repetition...Regardless of its issues, Absolum is still a fantastic beat ‘em up developed by some of the most talented people to have touched the genre. Roguelike veterans might find Absolum’s early progression a little grating, but the solid foundation laid out by Guard Crush and Dotemu manages to hold the game together until it hits its stride.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    GRID
    GRID is the type of game that straddles the line between sim and arcade so well that it actually works on both levels.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Iconoclasts
    Iconoclasts is a pretty fantastic game. The story is fun and interesting, the controls are tight and near perfect, the art and animation is beautiful, and many of the puzzles and traversal are both fun and challenging at the same time. If you’re into the Metroidvania style games and don’t mind a bit of backtracking, this is the game for you. I can’t suggest it enough to fans of the classic SNES side scrolling shooters and action puzzle fans.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bayonetta
    Bayonetta is the kind of game that makes me appreciate why I love videogames. It really defines a time when things were not taken too seriously and the focus was more on style and gameplay than anything else.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time
    It's not a difficult game, but with bolts, Zoni, Skill Points, holoplans, Constructo Mods, space missions, Trophies and Challenge Mode, there's an abundance of gameplay. It's a robust single player experience, and I particularly love that Insomniac has kept their signature Skill Points, with their own quirky requirements, separate from Trophies.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    NBA 2K14
    There is so much to see and do in NBA 2K14 it can feel overwhelming for someone like me who isn’t a huge fan of the sport. The sheer attention to detail and ease of use though really drew me into the experience. The Lebron story mode is a novel idea, and the presentation is simply awe-inspiring.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Fallout 4
    There’s a ton of things to do and remember in this game, and while I enjoy what it does, it never really explains much of it. It took me way longer than I wanted to actually learn how to build and maintain my bases, and the tutorial is minimal at best.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Iconoclasts
    Iconoclasts is a brilliant game that permeates from the amount of care and time put into it. It is by far one of the best of 2018, and I recommend everyone give it a go. It is now available on almost everything (still waiting on my XB1 version guys!) and even if you are as sick of the tried and true formula of so many other games in this genre, this one stands out. Yes it is worth noting that we are affiliated with the publisher, but I promise that has no bearing on my feelings for this game. It stands out above the crowd and deserves so much more attention than it is currently getting.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3
    I spent quite a bit of time hanging out in the Velvet Room fusing new Persona.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
    Circling back to the question that I pondered for all those years- with all the great new talent and abundant resources in tow, FromSoftware has brought Armored Core back in glorious fashion with their finest overall entry in the series history yet. Whether you’ve never heard of Armored Core before or are a die-hard fan that’s been waiting a decade for a new release, this mission to Rubicon 3 is one not to be missed.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Unreal Tournament III
    Exactly what you would expect from the series. The fast paced action is still among the best available and the visuals set a new bar for shooters. PC gamers may balk at the lack of features out of the box, but PS3 owners looking for a great online shooter will have a hard time finding a better option this winter.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias
    LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias is one of the best downloadable games you will play this year. The sheer amount of detail and care poured into this title secretes from every flick of the Wii remote. The motion controls are better than most every other game on the system and the art directions is absolutely jaw-dropping at times. I cannot recommend this title enough to anyone who enjoys a solid platformer.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Thumper
    On the outside, Thumper looks bizarre with its strange design and nightmarish visuals. But don’t let that fool you, Thumper has it where it counts. Behind the game lies an incredibly deep rhythm game that invigorates the genre and will push and punish you in equal measure. Pair that with extremely quick load times and a game that flawlessly runs at a smooth 60fps, and Thumper will be music to your ears.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Witness
    The Witness is an example of superlative game design. Carefully crafted and mentally challenging. Everyone should dive into this world, it is the perfect game for several players to sit on a couch and solve. It will make your head hurt, it will tease your brain more than any game before it, but it also delivers satisfaction in solution better than anything else before, and perhaps after it.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    Kirby's Epic Yarn
    Overall, I cannot stress enough that if you own a Wii, you need to own this game. It is one of the most fun, unique and charming platforming games.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    DJ Hero 2
    Unlike a lot of music games, DJ Hero 2 is more than just an extended track pack with a few tweaks; it's a totally new and improved game.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles
    If you had any question about getting this enormous expansion, my suggestion is do it. You shouldn't need any other reason, in fact, you should not even bother with reading reviews on it.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Lil' Guardsman
    Lil Guardsman is a perfect palate cleanser in this sea of bigger releases in early 2024. Its heartwarming and genuinely funny story and cast of characters make multiple playthroughs a joy and not a chore to replay. I have become a huge fan of indie games in the past few years, and developer Hilltop Studios have come out swinging with Lil Guardsman. Perfectly walking that line between cozy and comedy, I loved every minute of this one and if you need a smile; I highly recommend it.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    DiRT Rally
    DiRT Rally is a tour de force for rally games, and a return to form for Codemasters. It is brutal, unforgiving, and most of all extremely rewarding for those that enjoy true rally games. It is not for everyone, and its simulation aspects will turn off a ton of gamers, but those willing to stick with it will find one of the most finely-crafted racing games of the generation.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Fight Night Round 4
    Perhaps the best part of the new Legacy mode is the sheer volume of stat tracking.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
    A remake was a risky move, considering both the old-school nature of the game and the fact that it has technically been remade three times already (Super NES, Game Boy Color, and the Mobile/Switch versions). I am so glad that Square Enix decided to take the leap and build this game into their incredible HD 2D engine. I’m even more excited that we’re getting DQ1 and 2 in this style next year (although I’m very curious how they’ll pull off the solo nature of DQ1). Whether this is your first or fourth time going through this absolute classic, you’ll completely adore this version. I hope it helps a whole new generation of RPG gamers experience a true pioneer.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    F1 2017
    For all of its surface gimmicks and complex management systems, F1 2017 excels by maintaining a real sense of accessibility for players who aren’t true F1 aficionados. Racing players will find this an enjoyable experience, albeit that experience probably won’t offer a great deal of longevity once the novelty wears off.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Cuphead
    Cuphead is a rare case where the long development cycle didn’t ruin the final product. This game matches its incredible look with stellar game play. In the sea of games releasing this year Cuphead stands tall as one of the best. There is little reason to skip this gem, it even comes with an outstanding value price and plenty of replay. Don’t sleep on Cuphead. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to listen to the soundtrack one more time.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Velocity 2X
    It still has that addicting game play, and it’s still a fast game that is easy to pick up and play. The new mechanics are interesting, and even when I found them a little daunting at times, I still had a blast with the overall game play.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Valkyria Chronicles
    Unconventional and beautiful, Valkyria Chronicles delivers a game that is both deep and whimsical.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition
    The Xbox One version seemed to perform decent enough, though there are times when smoke effects or other graphical elements kick into play that causes some system performance issues. Luckily, with the type of game this is, it was never a huge hindrance. Pillars of Eternity is a great RPG experience by Obsidian, and my time with the port was a very good experience. The excellent music and voice acting, the wonderful writing, and the multitude of ways quests can play out just add up to Pillars being a wonderful RPG to add to the collection. PC players have known this for a while, but console owners can now experience this for themselves. Now if everyone will excuse me, I still have plenty more adventures to partake in the world of Eora.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Messenger
    The Messenger is a horrible name for a game that pays homage to Ninja Gaiden. Don’t let the name stop you, though. This is one of the best of its type and is worth checking out. I do wish it was more widely available across consoles, but Switch and PC owners should certainly not miss this one.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Resistance: Fall of Man
    The game will keep you playing for months to come with its massive online component and solid single-player experience.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Boom Blox Bash Party
    Boom Blox Bash Party is the definition of how to take a great game and make it even better.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Rise of the Tomb Raider
    If puzzles, adventure, mystery, exploration, a race against time with an evil rival company sound exciting, and your PC can handle it, Rise of the Tomb Raider is a can’t miss experience.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    JumpStart: Pet Rescue
    There is plenty of content here, enough it seems to keep a child entertained from age three all the way through to six.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Total War: WARHAMMER
    Total War: Warhammer should be given credit for breathing new life into the Total War franchise, a task it primarily accomplishes with distinct factions and a fun battle system.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Grim Dawn Definitive Edition
    Grim Dawn is still a fantastic game that any fan of the action RPG style will enjoy. There are tons of customization options not only with the game mechanics, but with the character builds as well. It’s a beefy game and with all the expansions added in, this is a complete package that any RPG fan will enjoy and get a ton of time in and while the menu navigations aren’t the best in the world, it’s something that now Xbox fans can enjoy.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Two Point Museum
    Two Point Museum is another great entry in the ‘Two Point Universe’. With each game the team at Two Point Studios shows their growth and as such each one is better than the last. Fans of micromanagement sim style games will find lots to love here, not the least of which is the stellar radio station that plays during gameplay. I am hoping that the team delivers some post-launch content to add some more areas to Two Point County, but even in its base form, I don’t see this one going extinct anytime soon.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
    Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak offers new content that is not only impressive in scale but also in its quality. While there are some notable elements like difficulty in searching for multiplayer games and afflicted variations being a bit over tuned holds it back from being a perfect expansion, the positives very easily outweigh the negatives.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
    BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger is the type of game fans usually get only once a generation. The sheer amount of passion and care that was taken to ensure balance, accessibility, and enjoyment is nearly unmatched.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Saints Row IV
    It feels less robust than the last game, but the amount of fun I derived is more than worth diving in for. Grab yourself a donkey beer and a tentacle bat, it is time for some virtual stimulation.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Need for Speed: Most Wanted U
    For those that don’t already own the game, this is without a doubt the best package available, but I have to imagine that audience is significantly small. It also lacks enough new to warrant double-dipping for those that already own the game on another platform.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    DmC: Devil May Cry Definitive Edition
    Whatever reason you haven’t played this, it is time to finally dive in, and for those like me who already beat it to death on previous consoles, it is more than worth jumping back into. It really is one of the best releases and the ideal way to craft a remaster.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise
    Monster Hunter Rise on PC is the definitive version of an excellent entry in this long running franchise and whether you are a veteran of the series or a rookie, looking to jump in for the first time, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab a weapon and start hunting some monsters.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Guitar Hero: Metallica
    Metallica songs just seem to lend themselves to this type of game. The note charts are a blast and the presentation is top-notch.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
    I highly suggest it to 3DS owners looking for a complex series that can last them well over 100 hours. There’s nothing else like it on the system.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest Builders 2
    Despite my criticism of the pacing, I actually love this game. It improves upon the first game in all the ways I would want. I only wish there was a way to have the game stop trying to walk me through every step of the game. I would rather fail and have the game tell me I did something incorrectly than having to wait for the game to give me permission to play the game. The inclusion of a first person mode makes building roofs and exploring caves far more pleasurable than the first game as well. Overall, DQ Builders 2 manages to do everything a sequel should do to improve upon the previous game. I fully recommended to anyone wanting to play a more structured Minecraft-like experience to pick this one up.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sky Force Reloaded
    I’ve always enjoyed the genre, and everything in Sky Force Reloaded is solid enough. From a visual, gameplay, and soundtrack standpoint, I’m more than happy. I just can’t shake this feeling that the game was designed to kill hours on the phone, and for me it just doesn’t translate into a great home console experience. I like replaying shooters like this, but I prefer to go through the entire campaign over and over again. Here I’m so burned out on each stage by the time I finish or unlock the next that I don’t want to play anymore, which is never a good sign. Though for the low price, there are much worse things to spend $9.99 on.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dragon Age: Origins
    Dragon Age: Origins has sucked me in more than most other games this year. I find myself thinking about the game when not playing it, imagining other scenarios and different ways that situations could play out.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Steins;Gate Elite
    Evaluating the worth of a remake can be difficult, as it’s often unclear how to weigh its strength and weaknesses in comparison to the original. This bodes doubly true when it’s the remake of one of my favorite games of all time. While I have some contention in regards to the changes made to the main campaign, the additional stories are well worth the cost of admission by itself for fans, and even though I hesitate to call “Elite” the definitive way to experience the beauty of Steins;Gate, there is simply no bad way to experience such an exceptional story.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    The Sims 3
    The Sims 3 isn't a bad game, not in slightest, and too a different group of gamers this might be all they wanted, but for me this feels like a sequel that Will Wright had nothing to do with. There is no new magic, or amazing new idea that is going to re-imagine the whole series, it's just more and better stuff that we got in Sims 1.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Titanfall
    Titanfall was heralded as “the game” for Xbox One, which is a little unfair. It is a very niche audience that will dedicate themselves to the title. Also considering it is (eventually) coming to 360 and already out on PC, it is hardly exclusive. Still it takes a lot to bring me back into the online shooter fold, and Titanfall has definitely dragged me back in. I can see myself enjoying this for months to come; I just hope they deliver enough support to keep it interesting beyond that.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Borderlands 2: Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep
    While I enjoyed my time questing, the fact that I barely gained a level and found almost nothing of value the entire time was really disheartening. Overall I had fun, but the experience fell short of what it could have been.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Gears of War 4
    Everything about Gears of War 4 is as polished and perfectly executed as I expected. The Coalition have done an outstanding job in continuing the series, and I am genuinely excited to see where the series goes from here. This new trilogy has opened up a brand new story that is sure to entertain for years to come, and now PC players can join in on the fun. The series is in good hands, and anyone who enjoys Gears is in for a treat when the game launches. [Tested on an Origin PC]
    • 86 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered
    I’m not saying this is a no effort port, but that the effort put in and the price they are asking for a game that is six years old seem disconnected. Right now there are plenty of great RPGs available that are new and with a price tag so high it’s hard to suggest the old game rather than the new one. I can only recommend this to people who have never played it or the hardest of hardcore Ni No Kuni fans because otherwise just wait for a sale to play this one again.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR-
    It’s an absolute joy to play and one that I believe will stand head and shoulders above the rest of the anime fighting game crowd for some time to come.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pinball FX 2: Marvel Pinball
    Pinball FX 2 is one of the best impulse games on the market. It is great for twenty minute sessions or two hour marathons. If you are a fan of pinball in general, you need to download this impressive collection.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    God of War: Ghost of Sparta
    It may be a somewhat short experience, but there's no denying the fact that the time you do spend with the game will be a great one.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Trials HD
    All in all Trials HD is a fantastic addition to the XBLA library and completely unlike anything else on Live Arcade. The game offers a superb amount of content and challenging gameplay that will keep you coming back over and over again.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
    While the new features are a nice bonus, the core game is still here and still fantastic. Tropical Freeze was overlooked when it launched for many reasons. Now with Switch being as huge as it is, it is great to see this masterpiece get a second chance. I strongly recommend not passing this up a second time. Switch continues to make the Wii U feel obsolete daily, but it is great to see some of its best games getting a second chance.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Radiant Silvergun
    Be warned, this is definitely not an easy game, and dying comes naturally (just check out our Breaking the Seal above for reference), but it is immensely rewarding and a reminder of when games were about scores and challenge instead of cut scenes and movie-like narratives.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm
    The tactics and strategies devised are simply amazing, and truly speak to the balance for which the series has become known. Heart of the Swarm delivers plenty to give players a swift kick in the pants, especially thanks to the nuances delivered by the new units.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pentiment
    Pentiment is not a bad game, it’s just not one that I have no real interest in; It’s more along the lines of an interactive, mystery novel than a video game. While I loved the storybook art style, the overly stylized font was just too much to look at for long play sessions. And Pentiment tends to drag on a bit too long for my taste, but for those that have a love of history, murder, religion, betrayal, secrets, walking from left to right/right to left and reading your video games; then I think you should try Pentiment, especially at the price of $19.99 or included with your Game Pass subscription.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Resident Evil 7: biohazard
    This game epitomizes what a Resident Evil game is, and has revitalized a series I grew up adoring.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure
    With an unforgettable cast of characters, enthralling story and a deep, enjoyable combat system, Trails to Azure is truly the full package. It’s not just one of my favorite games in the long running Legend of Heroes series, but one of the finest that the JRPG genre has to offer.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Alters
    The Alters is a unique, emotionally layered, sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking game that will have you questioning your own life choices and then simulating alternate versions of them.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Diablo II: Resurrected - Reign of the Warlock
    I’m still not sure if I should attribute the DLC’s quality to Microsoft’s leadership or the work of a passionate development team; perhaps it is a mixture of both, but Reign of the Warlock is a truly outstanding update for Diablo II. It’s easy to see that the warlock was crafted by people who have a fundamental understanding of the game’s tone and mechanics, allowing for a fun and creative experience that manages to breathe new life into a classic. If Blizzard manages to uphold this standard of quality in the future, then I wish the best of luck to all other ARPG developers.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ghost of Yotei
    Ghost of Yōtei is another outstanding achievement by the team at Sucker Punch. While I didn’t love it as much as its predecessor, it is still one of the best games to launch this year. Sony continues to push the envelope when it comes to single player experiences.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Mortal Kombat
    An incredible package that should appeal to any fighting game fan or anyone who grew up with the series. Ed Boon and his team at NetherRealm have created a love letter to fans that will stand the test of time.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
    My only real complaint is that 1200 points may be a bit steep for a game that can be finished in a few sittings and has minimal replay value. Still, it’s a good start to the Summer of Arcade, and anyone looking for something different will do well to check it out.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    NCAA Football 11
    The game will certainly not blow you away by any means, but if you dive in year in and year out you won't be disappointed. I can only hope Madden is this improved because that means that I am in for a great year of virtual football.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition
    With the challenges in place, a guaranteed large player base, tons of fan service, online play, and the customization of the entire game, the price tag for Online Edition makes it a steal. If you enjoy Street Fighter or enjoy fighting games, you owe it to yourself to pick this game up.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
    Final Fantasy XII is the reason remasters were invented. It takes a game a lot of players likely missed out on and brings it into the new age. It helps that the design and characters fit well in today’s gaming space. It was great seeing this game release, especially for players like myself who never got to give the game a chance when it originally released. It isn’t the most unique or interesting game in the series, but it is definitely one worth checking out for those that missed out on it the first time around.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Homeworld Remastered Collection
    As a modern re-release of two classic games, the Homeworld Remastered Collection should ultimately be considered a benchmark. Gearbox have delivered on all fronts: visuals, playability, compatibility and spirit. It’s also a heck of a lot of fun.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Tomb Raider
    I would also love to see them bring back more of the unique puzzle designs featured in past games, but as a starting point, Tomb Raider is easily one of my favorite games of the year so far, and one I think deserves to be experienced by everyone. If you have a love for the series or third-person adventure games, this is a must play. Lara is back and better than ever.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    DmC: Devil May Cry
    Sure, the combat can be argued all day long by purists of the series, but if that is your hang up, you are denying yourself an amazing game to play. Fans of the genre, series and games in general definitely need to see what Ninja Theory has achieved here. It's easily an early contender for my favorite games of the year.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nioh 2: The Complete Edition
    Nioh 2 is not a bad game by any means, I think it is just a style of game that I have grew out of. I’m 35 now, I’m married, have a full-time job, and really don’t have the time to master this game’s many mechanics. That’s not to say it isn’t still overwhelming to me to see all these options here. It most certainly was and for another person, particularly someone who likes this style of game, they will be in heaven. That being said, even I can say this is a must play for people that want a big game with some challenging combat and all the bells and whistles that come with the genre, and this PC version runs and looks just as good as one would expect.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dragon Ball FighterZ
    Dragon Ball FighterZ is simply a marvel. For Dragon Ball fans it is a no-brainer, for fighting game fans it is a must-have, even for those like me who know next to nothing about the series. It is extremely easy to get into, a blast to play, and it looks outstanding. This is a sleeper of 2018 for me, and I cannot recommend it enough.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
    There’s a ton of content, and the game’s presentation is really impressive. While I was disappointed in the need to grind out ship upgrades, it wasn’t enough to dull my enthusiasm for the rest of the package.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Fight Night Round 3
    I recommend picking it up, if only for the awesome multiplayer, deep Create a Boxer system, and smooth control. Even with the AI problems, this title is sure to give fans of the Sweet Science plenty of jaw breaking, rib crunching fun.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Bastion
    The game defines what passionate developers can accomplish on the platform, and if you appreciate old-school design with a modern twist, not playing this game could be considered a crime.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 99 Critic Score
    Joe Danger
    If you love video games and love having fun, then you need to do yourself a favor and download Joe Danger. I guarantee you this, it will be high on top of my game of the year list come December.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon's Dogma 2
    Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a fantastic experience that comes with a lot of baggage. I suspect it will get those things ironed out over time, but if you can get past all these issues, this is an experience unlike any other. The world feels more alive than 99% of all other games. The sense of discovery is amazing, and there truly is nothing else like this out there. I highly recommend checking it out, or at least dipping your toes in with the extremely cheap original game. Capcom has done an amazing job of creating another unique experience that everyone should see at least once.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the best iteration of the character and easily the best thing Xbox has put out in years. MachineGames understood the assignment and nailed every aspect of the character while making it feel like a new entry in the movie/adventure series.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mortal Kombat 11
    Mortal Kombat 11 is a tale of two games- the one where everything just feels fantastic, the fighting, the story, the visuals. They combine to create one of the best fighting games ever crafted. Then there is the other side where grinding for all the cool stuff the game has is a real chore. I want all my Fatalities and skins, but the game is locking them behind this free-to-play feeling system that really tarnishes an otherwise incredible experience. I hope they clean those parts up, because I feel like this game could last for years as a fan-favorite.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2
    GRAW 2 is the definition of a year-to-year sequel. All of the things great about the original are here and all of the issues have been addressed in some form or fashion.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack
    One of those games that will shine bright when people discuss the Vita's launch lineup. It is the Geometry Wars for Sony's portable and a game that anyone who enjoys the medium needs to check out. The price is right, the content is plentiful and the gameplay is top notch.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 98 Critic Score
    Max Payne 3
    The story and presentation rival that of a summer blockbuster. Throw in some smart dialogue, fantastic gameplay and addicting multiplayer, and Rockstar has hit the ball out of the park again.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    NHL 12
    It is always hard to review these incremental sports releases because they mostly spend their time tweaking things the fans are going to appreciate. NHL 12 continues that trend, and remains the best hockey game on the market, by far.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rise of the Tomb Raider
    Rise of the Tomb Raider is a stellar title for the fall season, and a sequel that addresses most of the complaints about its predecessor. Crystal Dynamics is really knocking it out of the park with the reboot of Lara Croft and I cannot wait to see how it evolves over time. Anyone with an Xbox One needs to pick this title up. It once again makes a solid case for my top ten list of games of the year.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    DJ Hero
    DJ Hero is almost a breath of fresh air in an already overcrowded genre. The rhythm game is becoming too much of a business and this really feels like it was designed with a lot of passion for the music.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 2
    Forza Horizon 2 is a fantastic racing game, probably the best released so far in this short-lived generation of consoles.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    SteamWorld Heist
    SteamWorld Heist is another gem. The universe and its inhabitants are joyful to play with and kept me coming back for more. Image & Form took a bold step by not opting for the easy route, instead choosing to expand on an already interesting theme. Heist is as good as any full priced 3DS game out there; and in most cases, even better.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    XCOM: Enemy Within
    Any fan of Enemy Unknown should pick this up without a doubt. The new upgrades are awesome and the new missions and maps keep things fresh well into the 20 hour mark. Fans of strategy games should look into this as well, as it has something for everyone.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Luigi's Mansion 3
    Luigi’s Mansion 3 is far and away the best entry in the series. It uses a familiar formula with a unique twist to create a single player adventure worthy of the quality we come to expect from Nintendo’s first party lineup. The stellar animation and presentation are unmatched, and the addition of co-op play is a huge bonus. Nintendo continues to deliver exemplary titles for its newest console. It almost feels like they can do no wrong on Switch. Yet another game that Switch owners should not miss out on.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    Dance Central 3
    Like the previous games before it, Dance Central 3 is just plain fun to play. Games that my entire family enjoys are rare, and it's even rarer that I enjoy playing those games on my own as well. Playing solo (with the blinds closed, of course), even on Easy, I worked up a pretty good sweat and had a blast doing it. With excellent motion recognition, a great track list and loads of multiplayer options, it remains the best dance game for Kinect.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
    Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is a stellar sequel to a forgettable classic. Nintendo has refined the formula and made it interesting to fans and even those that didn’t find the appeal behind the original. For those looking for the next great 3DS game, don’t sleep on Luigi’s latest.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    DJ Hero 2
    Unlike a lot of music games, DJ Hero 2 is more than just an extended track pack with a few tweaks; it's a totally new and improved game.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Guitar Hero 5
    Definitely the best of the series, and easily the most streamlined of the genre. The option for importing songs is disappointing, but everything else is finally up to par with that other music game.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
    Filled with charm and solid gameplay as well as a hardcore mode that removes the ability to shop and farm weaker enemies for XP among other things means that there’s a lot of accessibility for players both unfamiliar with JRPGs and players who thrive off them. I would suggest picking this game up and having it being the side game to the blockbuster titles coming out right now to bridge the gap between the big releases, because it moves fast enough with the plot to always feel like something is being accomplished but not as fast as say Spider-Man that came out the same week. Don’t let Dragon Quest XI be lost in the Fall game rush.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Destiny: The Taken King
    Current players get the Destiny they’ve always wanted, and new players get to experience the best iteration of the game.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    DiRT 4
    There is a lot to see and do in DiRT 4, and it is all well-designed. I feel like the career mode has a little too much micromanagement for my tastes, but I appreciate the additions. For fans of classic rally games this is by far the best it has been in years. DiRT Rally left me feeling a little empty with its focus on simulation style, but DiRT 4 strikes a nice balance between being accessible to anyone, but deep enough for hardcore fans.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Returnal
    Returnal is a game that comes at a time when PS5 owners are starved for a new title. It will do really well, but I wonder how many people will stick with it due to the roguelike nature. The launch issues are also causing problems with losing runs, which are overly long and really defeating when lost. Still it did something very few games of its type manage to do, it got me to really enjoy the genre. I loved playing Returnal and I would definitely love a linear-progression version of it, but am perfectly satisfied jumping back in just to play because it feels so good. I hope they make some quality of life changes over time and really bring this game home. As it stands this is a great roguelike experience that can deliver many hours of entertainment if you don’t mind recycling that fun over and over.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 94 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 10
    A fantastic addition to the series, and quite possibly the best football game ever created.
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