ZTGD's Scores

  • Games
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:
4813 game reviews
    • 86 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 provides another dark look at war and its effects on those who are waging it. Just like in the first there are some very dire consequences to using certain abilities in game, thankfully the developers have added another option which will only disable instead of destroying, which is nice but still feels bad to use either weapon. (Im being vague on purpose but if you played the original you know what I’m talking about) While I loved this game almost as much as I enjoyed the original, I just can’t shake the feeling that this didn’t do enough to be a full sequel, so much of it is so similar to the original. It doesn’t mean Fuga 2 isn’t great though, the story is just as moving as the original and the relationships players will be stewards over with these kids is one of, if not the best thing about this series.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Age of Mythology: Retold – Immortal Pillars is a great expansion for the series and feels like a celebration of Chinese mythology by not only showcasing excellent storytelling but also building on the top-notch strategic elements from its original release. By introducing the rich tapestry of Chinese legends and pairing it with refined gameplay and the stunning visuals, the expansion successfully reinvigorates the classic game for a new generation. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, Immortal Pillars offers tons of improvements over the base game and more to love about the Age of Mythology.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Generations feels like a slight step forward while changing things up a bit in the formula.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 93 Critic Score
    A fantastic game. The story is great and the combat has plenty of depth for any fan of RPG's. I can't recommend this game enough.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Easily one of the best handheld games of the year and quite possibly the best Castlevania portable title yet.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    All I can really say is that I think the narrative is extremely well done and I should have expected that coming from the guy who also created Pony Island which I thoroughly enjoyed as well. The art design and the audio design are also top notch. Expect to see this on plenty of GOTY lists as well as GOTY discussions because what I think Inscryption is extremely well done both in narrative and gameplay. I have a hope that maybe someday we see a multiplayer spin off because there’s still a lot this IP can offer, and I have friends who have played this as well and loved it and I really would like to challenge their decks. It could have survived on simply being a great card game and it managed to exceed that simple expectation and left me wanting more.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The game is one of the best Splinter Cells I have ever played, and I feel that Ubisoft has really made a solid game.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    If there is one thing I could say about Sparks of Hope, it is that is more of the same, and that isn’t a bad thing, far from it. But along with the improvements to gameplay, there are also some odd additions to be found, such as the Rabbids now spouting dialogue. Overall the package is a generous one, with plenty of content to enjoy and challenges to overcome. But it is hard to ignore the fact that Maio seems like a secondary character in his own game, as do all of the Mushroom Kingdom’s cast. Does the inclusion of Mario make Sparks of Hope a more appealing package, yes absolutely, but it stops at making it a better game. But it is hard to deny the appeal that the first game had and Sparks of Hope certainly makes good on the promises of the original. A game that places fun at its forefront.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As a straight puzzle game The Talos Principle is very solid, but the setting and narrative really elevate it into something special.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    What makes PGR 4 so good is the fact that the developers have played to the series strengths while adding in just enough to keep things interesting.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Despite the flaws with its pacing, Metroid: Samus Returns feels like true classic reborn- with all the polish expected of a modern release and stands proudly among the other fantastic 2D entries to the series.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Judgement is a game that was limited by its one console release. It is great to see the team at Ryu Ga Gotoku bring it to a wider audience. If you have never played a game in the Yakuza franchise this is a great jumping off point. It captures what makes those games so great without requiring a ton of investment in older titles to appreciate the story. There is so much to love about these games and I am constantly impressed at the way the team is able to craft genuinely fantastic characters and still pump out hefty experiences on a regular basis. I hope the Judgement series gets to continue, but as it stands this game is one worth checking out.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    I cannot stress how much enjoyment Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch has delivered. From the compelling narrative to the incredible visual design to the incredibly deep, and well-paced mechanics, this is a game with which every JRPG fan will likely fall in love. Even if you are a casual fan of the genre, this would be one I would recommend checking out if you have a PS3.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    The sweeping changes to the games career mode, the effort put in to increasing the quality of the presentation, and the incredible in ring action add a lot to an already great experience. With such a great foundation, UFC Undisputed has established itself as the clear frontrunner in the genre.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Stardust Galaxy Warriors is an exceptional title in an underappreciated genre. Anyone who remotely enjoys shmups should not miss out on this.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For a game that is all about puzzles it was a pleasant surprise to find so much of it set against a philosophical backdrop. Various conversations with Elohim (which is the Hebrew name for God) and characters from Greek mythology led to some genuinely thought-provoking questions. But for as much as this game made me think with its questions and musings about life, death and everything in between it was the puzzles that really pushed me. Players will come across quite a few difficult puzzles throughout their time in Talos Principle 2 but I can assure you that the hit of dopamine that you will get from your brain for the reward is well worth it.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Wasteland 3 is a great ride and fans of the genre should thoroughly enjoy it. It’s an added bonus that familiarity with Wasteland 2 is really not a pre-requisite for picking up Wasteland 3 – the game is accessible and holds up in its own right. Whilst the player-controlled characters lack any kind of development, fortunately this oversight does not apply to the rest of the inhabitants of Colorado Springs. There’s depth to the game’s story and its setting, and for the most part decisions have consequences. With around 60 hours of content, Wasteland 3 is well worth the investment.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As a freshman effort in an established franchise Neversoft has done just about everything perfectly. The game feels like Guitar Hero with just enough new spice to make it feel fresh at the same time. The track list is absolutely amazing and the addition of online and co-op career are much welcome additions.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Not that fans of the NHL have any other choice if they want an up to date representation of their sport of choice, but NHL 20 is a great pickup. Even if you aren’t a huge hockey fan there is a lot to love here, and the ability to simplify the controls ensures that everyone can have fun even if they aren’t all that knowledgeable with respect to the sport. The new multiplayer modes are fun and the customization options added to CHEL make for a pretty good reward for playing. If you’ve ever enjoyed playing a hockey game, it’s worth checking this one out. If you love the sport, it’s pretty much a must buy.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Wii owners should definitely rush out and snag a copy before it becomes a rarity. If you have even the smallest of interest in fighting games, this is a must-own. There simply isn’t a better fighter on the Wii and this is likely the closest we may ever get to a sequel to Marvel vs. Capcom 2.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Obviously, fans of Borderlands will get much more out of it, but even if you haven’t played the first person shooter RPGs, you’ll still have a great time seeing this world in the eyes of a couple of cons. It is well acted, has tons of style, and brings a great story to the table.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Definitely an improvement over its already incredible lineage. The Champion mode is fantastic, and nearly worth the price of admission on its own. Couple that with the rock-solid gameplay and suite of great online modes, and you have a game that's fit for not only huge boxing fans, but anyone that likes to beat up on their friends a bit.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    You may not like the story it tells, and you may not feel totally satisfied with the outcome; but when the story is told in such a well crafted manner it doesn’t really matter. Anyone who appreciates a good mystery will definitely get something out of Firewatch; just don’t let your mind race to much, as you may end up feeling a little let down.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Horizon Zero Dawn is a game Sony really wants you to love. This update is technically impressive on every level. The upgrade price is fair, and kudos to Nixxes for not just upping the resolution and framerate, there is a TON of work done here around the entire world. If you enjoy Aloy’s adventures, this is a no-brainer.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Despite the detour with the some of the controls, Super Street Fighter IV 3D stands as the tour-de-force for fighting games on-the-go and a must-own addition to the 3DS.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mass Effect 3 on Wii U is a tough sell. The game on its own is fantastic. The shooting is solid, the narrative is great and the characters are memorable, but you are simply missing so much of the experience by not having played the previous two. In the case that you have played them on other consoles, there is no incentive to lose your save and progress to migrate to Wii U.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Helldivers 2 on Xbox is more than just a port; it’s a chance for new players to experience one of the wildest, most unpredictable co-op shooters out there. It’s not perfect: UI issues, glitchy dropships and mission objectives, and the live-service trappings might not sit well with everyone. But in the right conditions, with the right squad, it’s one of the most fun experiences you can have on the console.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    The balance between puzzling, platforming and combat is, well, delightful.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Fans of Trials need to get this pack, especially if, like me you haven't touched the game in a while due to the massive onslaught of quality software this year. Trials Evolution remains one of the best downloadable packages on XBLA, and one of the feature titles for the service. I cannot recommend the value you get from Red Lynx enough.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Bravely Default stands currently as my first big game of the year contender and while there are a few minor missteps along the way, it’s still a giant leap forward for what a traditional JRPG should be in the modern age.

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