Tag: Metacritic

  • Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 Review: Performance Still a Mess

    Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 Review: Performance Still a Mess

    Key Takeaway

    – Performance improvements over demo, but frame rates still drop into the 20s during intense battles.
    – Docked mode uses DLSS upscaling from 540p to 1080p; handheld mode targets 576p with noticeable visual cutbacks.
    – Common issues include blurry textures, reduced draw distances, regular pop-in, and occasional crashes.
    – Despite drawbacks, most reviews consider the port a technical achievement given the hardware limitations.
    – Port’s 86 Metacritic average trails the PS5 version (92) and Remake Intergrade on Switch 2 (89).

    Since the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 port announcement, gamers have wondered how it would run on the handheld. A demo alleviated some fears, but also raised performance concerns. With reviews now out before the June 3rd release date, they give mixed impressions of visual quality and frame rates. Many players are crossing there fingers for a smooth experience, but early signs suggest a bumpy ride.

    Digital Foundry’s Technical Deep Dive

    Digital Foundry provided a detailed technical analysis of the Switch 2 game, noting gains over the demo. The demanding open-world RPG comes closer to maintaining its 30fps target. Stutters are less frequent, even in towns teeming with activity. That said, drops into the 20s still occur, particularly during intense battles. The outlet emphasized that while improvements where made, the game still struggles under heavy load.

    Resolution and Visual Cutbacks

    In docked mode, the title employs DLSS upscaling to boost resolution from 540p to a maximum 1080p. In handheld mode, Square Enix developers aim for a more modest 576p. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 reviews highlight how cutbacks are especially apparent in the latter scenario. In either case, hair is pixelated, while NPCs and foliage have been stripped from some environments. This leads to a noticable drop in immersion when exploring the games lush landscapes.

    Harsh Criticism From Indy100

    Indy100 posted one of the most negative breakdowns of the game’s performance. Calling it “too ambitious” for the Nintendo console in its current state, the tester labels it as a “bit of a mess.” Textures often look blurry, with reduced draw distances showing the limitations of the hardware. More troubling, the journalist suffered multiple crashes during gameplay. They argued that the port feels rushed and unpolished compared to its PS5 counterpart.

    Pop-In and Enemy Glitches

    One common complaint in many Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 reviews is regular pop-in. Despite the optimization efforts detailed by director Naoki Hamaguchi, the glitches can be distracting when exploring. Breaking immersion, Nintendo Life also described how enemies on the horizon remain still until approaching at close range. This issue seems to plague both docked and handheld modes, making combat encounters feel less dynamic and more predictable.

    Overall Critical Reception

    Ultimately, even with performance drawbacks, most sites hail the port as a technical achievement. The Square Enix project stressed more powerful systems like the PS5 on its original 2024 release date. Yet, with an 86 Metacritic average, the port currently trails the PlayStation console version’s 92. Also, it’s slightly behind Remake Intergrade, which notched an 89 after its January debut on the handheld. Fans hoping for a flawless transition may need to adjust their expectations accordingly.

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  • Crimson Desert Reviews: Annoyance Fixed Before Release Date

    Crimson Desert Reviews: Annoyance Fixed Before Release Date

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crimson Desert received an average Metacritic score of 78, which fell short of some players’ expectations.
    2. The initial inventory space was limited to 20 slots, but developers increased it to 50 in response to player feedback.
    3. Patch updates improved inventory capacity significantly, allowing players to expand their slots to 226 through side quests.
    4. The absence of storage boxes remains a concern, and developers are exploring solutions to enhance storage options.
    5. The review embargo raised concerns, as Metacritic only featured PC ratings at launch, leading to speculation about potential performance issues on console versions.

    With an average Metacritic score of 78, the reviews for Crimson Desert didn’t quite meet the hopes of some players. Nevertheless, it seems that the developers have already tackled one of the most frequently voiced concerns. Even though the game features a vast open world brimming with loot, many found the inventory space to be inadequate. As mentioned on Reddit, GamingTrend pointed out that certain reviews might not reflect the enhancements made from earlier versions.

    Inventory Space Improvements

    Initially, the game from Pearl Abyss was a hoarder’s worst nightmare, offering a mere 20 inventory slots. Responding to the backlash, the studio quickly upped that number to 50. In addition, players can acquire even more storage by purchasing items from in-game NPCs.

    Patch Updates and Side Quests

    According to the author of the GamingTrend review for Crimson Desert, a patch made significant improvements within just 3-5 days of testing. By completing side quests, players can increase their capacity. By the time the critic finished their article, they had a much more accommodating 226 slots available. However, it seems that some opinions did not recognize these updates.

    Ongoing Storage Issues

    Like many open-world RPGs or MMORPGs, players will gather weapons, gear, and crafting materials in Pywel. Although the new options are more fulfilling, the absence of storage boxes remains a notable flaw. Luckily, some testers have reported that the developers are looking into a more lasting solution.

    It remains unclear why Pearl Abyss decided to delay fixing one of the game’s major quality-of-life issues. Perhaps the technical difficulties of rendering seemingly endless maps took precedence. Nonetheless, Reddit users have pointed out that fans of The Witcher 3 faced similar restrictions before updates were released.

    Review Embargo Concerns

    The publisher has come under fire for how they managed the review embargo. Even on the day Crimson Desert launched, Metacritic had no ratings for the console editions, concentrating exclusively on the PC version. With limited footage for the PS5 or Xbox Series X, some fans suspect that the company is concealing performance issues.

    Crimson Desert’s day-one patches might alleviate inventory problems or frame rate drops, but these updates highlight a common industry concern. Reviewers may not interact with the same game as buyers do, which can significantly influence pre-order purchases.

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  • Crimson Desert Reviews: Metacritic Average 78, Control Issues Persist

    Crimson Desert Reviews: Metacritic Average 78, Control Issues Persist

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mixed Reviews: Crimson Desert has a Metascore of 78 on Metacritic, highlighting both praise for its visuals and criticism for gameplay issues.
    2. Gameplay Challenges: Players experience varying difficulties with combat, facing both overly tough early bosses and less challenging later enemies.
    3. Control and Narrative Issues: Awkward controls hinder gameplay, and the scattered narrative makes it difficult for players to piece together the story.
    4. Inventory Management Problems: The lack of storage leads to frustration, as players may become overwhelmed with collected items.
    5. Technical Achievement: Despite its flaws, Crimson Desert is noted as a technical milestone in open-world gaming, setting a new benchmark for detail.

    While not always the main factor in sales, critics can still sway consumer choices. The review embargo for Crimson Desert has finally lifted, revealing a wave of assessments on Metacritic. After 82 reviews, the open-world game holds a Metascore of 78. Many reviewers commend its ambitious visuals and physics but point out issues that may frustrate numerous players.

    Reviews and Performance Insights

    The initial reviews of Crimson Desert mainly concentrate on the PC version, which generally does not highlight many performance issues. However, even with stable frame rates, certain elements of the Pearl Abyss game are creating some divide among players. If gamers had come across leaked feedback, they might not be shocked by the recurring criticisms.

    Mixed Reactions to Gameplay

    Even with a 7/10 rating on Metacritic, Insider Gaming captures the general sentiment, dubbing the game a “title of extremes.” The reviewer praises Pywel as a vast and intricately detailed universe worth exploring. However, the game is bogged down by an “excess of unfocused systems, a weak story, and combat that has trouble with consistency.”

    From other feedback, players might have varied experiences with Crimson Desert’s combat. Diverse enemies demand skill and patience to overcome. Conversely, some bosses early in the game could be overly challenging for an unprepared Kliff. As he advances, other foes may not provide the same level of difficulty.

    Control Issues and Narrative Quality

    A significant issue affecting the game, both during combat and exploration, is the awkward controls. Even after remapping, the intricate layout can take a considerable amount of time to get used to.

    Prior to the release of Crimson Desert, there were concerns regarding the narrative quality. There is a story present, but it is scattered across such expansive maps that piecing it together can be tough. Several reviews also mention uninspired characters that do little to enhance the storyline.

    Inventory Management Frustrations

    Unfortunately, handling inventory can lead to frustration and even rage-quitting. Without storage boxes, players may quickly find themselves with too many items collected in Pywel. It’s possible that Pearl Abyss could address some of these quality-of-life concerns through patches.

    Even if it doesn’t compete with GTA 6 for Game of the Year, many entries on Metacritic recognize Crimson Desert as a technical milestone. Open-world titles may now have a new benchmark to aspire to in terms of detail. Some players, undeterred by its flaws, will find themselves deeply engaged. As described by GamingTrend, it is a “once-in-a-generation action RPG that redefines the genre.”

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  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 User Score Drops to 1.7 Amid Criticism

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 User Score Drops to 1.7 Amid Criticism

    Key Takeaways

    1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has received a user score of 1.9/10, making it the worst-rated game in the franchise.
    2. Critics rated the game higher, with a Metascore of 83/100 based on 18 reviews, showing a significant divide between user and critic opinions.
    3. The game faced tough competition from other popular shooters, peaking at around 100,000 players shortly after its launch.
    4. Fans expressed frustration with the franchise’s annual releases, citing technical flaws and a disappointing campaign as major issues.
    5. Concerns were raised about the use of generative AI in game development, leading to criticism of the game’s creativity and overall direction.

    With the release of another installment in Activision’s Call of Duty series, Call of Duty Black Ops 7 has unfortunately reached a low point, garnering a Metacritic user score of 1.9/10 from over 1,440 reviews (as of now). In an interesting twist, critics have given it a Metascore of 83/100 based on 18 reviews, showing a stark contrast in opinions.

    User Reception

    Based on user ratings, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is currently the worst-rated game in the franchise. It trails behind Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023), which has a user score of 2.3 from 2,399 reviews, and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, which holds a score of 4.4 from 2,106 reviews.

    Competition in the Market

    This release has faced stiff competition from other popular first-person shooters this year, such as Battlefield Studios’ Battlefield 6 and Embark Studios’ Arc Raiders, which achieved peak concurrent player counts of 747,440 and 481,966, making them the third and fourth most-played games on Steam.

    In contrast, Black Ops 7 is somewhat obscured by the Call of Duty launcher, complicating efforts to identify exact player numbers. However, estimates from SteamDB indicate that the game peaked at roughly 86,000 players on its launch day, November 14, and reached around 100,000 players on November 16, ranking it as the 17th most-played game on Steam currently.

    Controversy Surrounding the Game

    The launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has sparked much debate, with fans split over the annual releases of the series. Black Ops 6 was released almost a year ago, leading many gamers to express fatigue with the franchise. Players have criticized the game for technical flaws and perceived shortcuts that suggest it’s the target of review bombing, although many negative reviews do reflect genuine issues.

    One major point of criticism is the game’s lackluster campaign and a bizarre boss fight featuring a giant Michael Rooker, which has left some fans questioning the direction of the series, especially given that the last installment had a more grounded and engaging narrative.

    AI and Game Development

    Concerns have also been raised about Activision and Treyarch’s use of generative AI to produce game assets, including Calling Cards, artwork, camo designs, operator skins, emblems, and loading screens. Activision has acknowledged the use of this technology but maintains that “our creative process is still led by staff.” The annual release schedule has created fatigue within the COD community, with some gamers dubbing this year’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 as “Activision’s biggest disaster of all time.”

     

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  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Scores Lowest User Rating on Metacritic

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Scores Lowest User Rating on Metacritic

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Date and Setting: Black Ops 7 was released on November 14, 2025, and is set in the year 2035, featuring iconic characters like David Mason.

    2. Zombies Mode: The game includes a Zombies mode that offers a new adventure with hidden secrets and a variety of weapons.

    3. Poor Player Reception: It has a low PC user score of 1.9 on Metacritic, making it the lowest-rated game in the Call of Duty franchise.

    4. Campaign and Multiplayer Criticism: Players have criticized the campaign for being too short and lacking engaging storylines, while the multiplayer suffers from lag and weapon balance issues.

    5. Future Outlook: The game’s rating may change over time, but many players are frustrated with the current issues and are uncertain if they will be addressed.

    While Call of Duty stands as one of the leading first-person shooter series globally, some titles can fall short of expectations. Black Ops 7 is one such game, failing to impress players.

    Game Overview and Features

    Launched on November 14, 2025, the narrative unfolds in 2035, featuring several iconic characters, including David Mason. Additionally, the Zombies mode is part of the package, offering players a fresh adventure filled with hidden secrets and a variety of weapons to explore.

    Player Reception and Criticism

    Despite Black Ops 7 being touted as the most ambitious entry in the series, player feedback tells a different story. Currently, it holds a disappointing PC user score of 1.9 on Metacritic, marking it as the lowest-rated game in the franchise. For context, Modern Warfare III, which debuted in 2023, had a slightly better rating of 2.1 out of 10.

    As time goes on, this score might change. However, several factors have contributed to its current standing.

    Campaign Issues and Multiplayer Problems

    Many gamers criticized the campaign for its short length and lack of engaging storylines. Moreover, numerous bugs have surfaced in this mode, detracting from the overall experience. The multiplayer aspect also suffers from significant lag and noticeable weapon balance issues, which have led to player frustration.

    In conclusion, it remains to be seen whether Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will improve its rating in the near future, and if the various problems highlighted by the players will be addressed.

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  • Sega Tops Metacritic While Nintendo and EA Miss Top 20 List

    Sega Tops Metacritic While Nintendo and EA Miss Top 20 List

    Key Takeaways

    1. Metacritic’s rankings for 2024 evaluate game publishers based solely on critic scores, excluding retail sales and user reviews.
    2. Fulqrum Publishing ranked 37th with 219.1 points, while Electronic Arts and Nintendo fell to 23rd and 22nd, respectively, after strong performances in previous years.
    3. Nintendo’s major titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, scored lower than usual, potentially due to a strategic wait for the upcoming Switch 2.
    4. Ubisoft improved its ranking from 23rd to 18th, and Take-Two Interactive rose significantly from 25th to 12th.
    5. The top five publishers for 2024 are Focus Entertainment, Sony, Aksys Games, Capcom, and Sega, with Sega achieving its third top ranking, aided by successful titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio.

    Metacritic has released its list showcasing the leading game publishers for titles launched in 2024. The platform applied a unique points system to evaluate the publishers, relying solely on scores from critics’ reviews. Games that were rated as “great” (scoring 90 or above with at least seven reviews) received an extra five points. Notably, retail sales and user reviews were not part of this specific ranking. The list encompasses various hardware platforms, but mobile games were left out. This marks Metacritic’s 15th annual review, featuring major players like Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft, who have been recognized in previous years.

    Rankings Overview

    At the forefront of the rankings (refer to the table below), Fulqrum Publishing sits in 37th place with 219.1 points. Atari is positioned at 31st, while Bandai Namco takes the 27th spot, and Konami follows in 25th place. However, two big names fell short this year. Electronic Arts landed in 23rd, and Nintendo, which had a strong performance in the past and ranked sixth last year, now finds itself in 22nd. Electronic Arts’ top-rated game this year was The Sims 4: Life & Death (PC, scored 86), but Madden NFL 25 (PS5, 70) and NHL 25 (PS5, 66) didn’t receive as much praise, with user ratings of just 3.1 and 3.0, respectively.

    Surprising Performance

    It wasn’t only Electronic Arts facing a disappointing outcome in 2024; Nintendo also experienced unexpected stagnation. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Switch) performed decently with a score of 88, but The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (Switch) “only” reached 85. Typically, most Zelda titles score above 90, with Ocarina of Time (N64, 1988) achieving an impressive 99 (3DS version available on Amazon). This could be attributed to Nintendo taking a more gradual approach in 2024. The anticipated release of the Switch 2, along with its major titles this year, is expected to elevate Nintendo’s position in the next year’s rankings.

    Other Notable Changes

    Ubisoft has shown improvement, moving up from 23rd to 18th place, while former two-time champions Take-Two Interactive made significant strides from 25th to 12th. The top five publishers, ranked from lowest to highest, are Focus Entertainment, Sony, Aksys Games, Capcom, and Sega. Sega, which was ninth in the previous rankings, owes its rise to titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio (PS5, 94), Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (PS5, 87), and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (PS5, 89). Sega has previously won in 2016 and 2021, making it the first publisher to top the rankings three times, as noted by the site.

    Metacritic

    Teaser image (edited): Metacritic & Sega

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  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Developer Reacts to Bad Review

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Developer Reacts to Bad Review

    In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), gamers once again take on the role of Henry, steering his journey through the medieval landscape of Bohemia. This RPG is a vast, engaging sandbox that is packed with realistic features—Henry needs to eat, sleep, and keep his equipment in good shape, among other tasks. Enhancing the strengths from its 2018 predecessor, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, this sequel continues to enchant its loyal fanbase. The standard edition can be found on Steam for $59.99, while the Gold Edition is available for $79.99.

    Impressive Reception

    Just one day post-launch, KCD2 has received 4,790 reviews on Steam, with an impressive 92% of them being favorable. On Metacritic, the game boasts a Metascore of 88, although a user score wasn’t available at the time of this writing.

    A Step Forward

    When compared to its earlier version, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, which currently has a Metascore of 76, KCD2 marks a notable improvement. However, lead developer Daniel Vávra expresses some discontent. Out of 53 Metacritic reviews, four are labeled as “Mixed,” meaning they scored below 60. One review that particularly annoys Vávra is from GamesHub’s Jam Walker, who rated the game 50 out of 100, explaining:

    “Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a game that bluntly requires you to engage with it on its own terms, which I do find somewhat commendable. Yet, I found it to be a tedious grind to interact with, where everything felt excessively exaggerated. There’s a captivating sandbox hidden within, but excavating through the layers of annoyance was just too much for me most of the time.”

    Commitment to Realism

    The adverse review likely arises from KCD2’s dedication to realism—a key feature that many fans love but that also requires significant effort. Activities such as weapon forging or alchemy must be conducted manually, which can take a lot of time but also deepens the player’s immersion.

    Metacritic holds a significant place in the gaming world, with a game’s Metascore often viewed as a benchmark of its quality, and negative reviews can sway potential buyers. Nevertheless, the GamesHub critique is unlikely to greatly affect KCD2’s success, given that the majority of reviews are in the 80 to 100 range.

    Developer’s Disappointment

    Vávra’s frustration stems from KCD2 not reaching the esteemed 90-point threshold—a level typically reserved for elite games. He conveyed his disappointment in a post on X:

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