Game Informer review scores

The latest Game Informer review scores (December 2009) include Modern Warfare 2, Ratchet and Clank Future 2, Left 4 Dead, Rabbids Go Home, and more.

[Valay]

There are some pretty good scores all around. Shame about Drawn to Life - The series apparently doesn't transition well to the Wii.

[Madusha]

It was pretty good on the DS, didn't know it was even out on wii lol.

[Saaking]

lol, MW2 9.75?! WTF? L4D2 9.5!?

They might as well give it a 10, taking off .25 and .50 points won't get them their credibility back.

[Valay]

There's also another Drawn to Life for DS.

[mikeslemonade]

Sadly Gameinformer is misinformed just like all other game reviewers. What ever happened to the 5 which meant it was average game. Even 1up has fallen that path. L4D2 doesn't deserve more than a 6.

[Valay]

I can see where you're coming from. The closest magazine I can think of to what you're describing is EDGE. They're tough on games for the most part.

[kaveti6616]

Modern Warfare 2 (PS3/360) – 9.75
Borderlands (PS3/360) – 9.25/9.5
Left 4 Dead 2 (360/PC) – 9.5
DJ Hero (PS3/360/Wii/PS2) – 9, 8.75
GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony (360) – 9.25
Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising (PS3/360) – 7
Dragon Age: Origins (PS3/360) – 8
Tekken 6 (PS3/360) – 8.75
LEGO Rock Band (PS3/360/Wii) – 8
LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues (PS3/360/Wii/PC) – 6.5
Tornado Outbreak (PS3/360/Wii) – 6.75
Demon’s Souls (PS3) – 9
Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time (PS3) – 9.25, 9.25
Risen (PC) – 8.5
Rabbids Go Home (Wii) – 7.5
Wii Fit Plus (Wii) – 8
Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (Wii) – 5.75
Half-Minute Hero (PSP) – 8
Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron (PSP) – 6.75
AddThis

"This magazine is no longer in complete agreement with my views on gaming. It has thus lost all credibility and I will make it a point to mention their bias in favor of the inferior console whenever I have a poignant opportunity to do so." - Sincerely, a random fanboy on a random website.

I remember not too long ago when GameInformer gave InFamous a high rating, the fanboys were saying that GameInformer "is one of the few legitimate reviewing magazines still left." But no, how dare they give Left4Dead2 a high score. Those fanboy bastards. Shame on them. Don't they know that Valve are just a bunch of incompetent fools who started making games in 2006 and know nothing about community support? Valve = trash. /sarcasm, son.

[HolyOrangeCows]

GameInformer decks Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time for using the "same formula with new additions", but not for the L4D2 review.

I am ashamed of you, GI.
Your reviews were some of the last that were fair and consistent.

[Saaking]

Yep, since it's PS3 exclusive it must for some reason completely offer a new experience. But of course, MW2, Halo ODST, and L4D2 (ALL THE SAME GAME WITH A FEW ADDITIONS) are amazing innovating titles!!! Seriously, if you guys can't see how bias this is, I feel bad for you.

[kaveti6616]

A game doesn't have to be innovative to be great, Saaking. What the hell man? Uncharted 2 does nothing new. Killzone 2 does nothing new. Both great games, nothing new. The mechanics remain the same, the visuals change. Great.

Where the hell does GI or anyone for that matter, say that ODST was innovative? You guys need to stop playing the victims. ODST got average scores. It didn't live up to any hype, it didn't sell phenomenally well. If indeed a game is trash, eventually it will reflect in the sales. I think you guys need to just stop feeling sorry for yourselves. Look. A Crack in Time got a great score. Demon's Souls got a great score. So, what's the problem? It's not enough that your favorite games get good scores? The games that don't appear on your consoles have to get crappy scores? Is that it?

[Saaking]

You forget, however, that casuals far outnumber the core gamers. To them, Wii Sports and Wii Fit is the best (since of course it sells so much right?) I"m sure you don't think those two games are by any definition good? Right? And you missed my point.

What I'm saying is, PS3 exclusives get deducted points for "not being original" or "innovative" yet games like MW2 and L4D2 which are the same game with added weapons and different maps get a free pass.

[kaveti6616]

Well, for all you know, PS3 exclusives might be deducted points for not fixing the problems of their predecessors. Other sequels might have the same derivative formula but may address problems of their predecessors. Did you ever think of it that way? Cuz, I understand that there will be biased websites, but what you need to know is that some reviewing publications like GI or IGN are separated into different offices. IGN has a team that only reviews PS3 titles, and a team that only reviews 360 titles. So basically, those guys love the consoles they review games for. Why would they be biased against it?

[HolyOrangeCows]

Left 4 Dead 2: The AI is still dumb as a doorknob and the humans still have a notch higher of better chance.

It's NOT the case of them not addressing predecessors' problems.

[kaveti6616]

Well then, I don't know what to say. It was the PS3 boys who said that Game Informer was one of the few reputable reviewers around. And now, just because they gave L4D2 a high score, they're fanboys. Explain that to me.

So here's the deal. Let's say half of all game reviewers were biased, and Game Informer wasn't and everyone respected them for it. So each time a PS3 exclusive was reviewed, the fans acknowledged that Game Informer did a good job with the review. And then one day, Game Informer released reviews for a plethora of games. The PS3 exclusives got very good scores, but some game that PS3 fans were not happy about (because a studio that doesn't work with the PS3 made it) got a great review. And the PS3 fans were outraged.

The PS3 fans had been saying to the 360 fans that there was not a chance in hell that this particular game was going to get good reviews, but it did. So, should I, Kaveti, say, "Oh yeah, you PS3 fans are right. I certainly should trust you, because you guys are not biased or bitter at all about this. You've all played the game, so you would know how glitchy it is and how bad the AI is, because you played the whole game. You didn't just watch a youtube video that shows a shortcoming of the game, no. You played the whole thing."

What am I to do? This site is full of insane people, and it's making me insane already. To me, the mentality of the fanboy is this: he wants his console to succeed, he wants the games on his console to succeed, and he wants every console that is not his console and every game that is not on his console to burn in hell.

Agreeing with a fanboy about biased sites would be the same as agreeing with a conspiracy theorist about every crackpot accusation against the government that has ever been made.

[Nikuma]

GameInformer is affiliated with GameStop. They inflate scores to sell games.

[Rampant]

We feel badly for you, so I guess it evens out then! Take it easy or you might end up with a heartache.

[table]

I don't think they are biased. If they were, they wouldn't have given ratchet a 9.25. That game is more of the same, though a good game, and probably doesn't deserve such a high score likewise with L4D and MW. MW, a multiplatform remember so it's on ps3 also believe it or not, gets the score on hype alone and I guess that it's blasphemy to give a valve game(mainly PC focused game remember) a low score. This is nothing to do with 360 v ps3. The only suggestion of bias is falling into the trap of hollywood hype like every website does.

[Feral Gamer]

How many Ratchet and Clank games vs 2 Left 4 Dead games? R&C has had many opportunities to innovate. Left 4 Dead only has 1 sequel.

[Madusha]

All scores seem to be very accurate. 9.75 for MW2 doesn't sound right, should be around 9 or 8.5 IMO.

[knox]

i played mw2 the otehr day, 8.5 or 8.75 for me

[Figboy]

NO FPS score from Game Informer will EVER be right.

i've been replaying KZ2 over the past week, and it truly is the best console FPS this year, if not this generation. it is simply unmatched. not saying the other suck (the CoD series, Halo series, and Resistance series are all quality FPS series), just that Killzone 2 elevates the genre beyond the typical design ethic, and attempts to do something new with it (instead of twitchy, auto-aim driven FPS, it's more grounded, weighty, and realistic).

it goes beyond the visuals, but i don't think it's been given the respect it deserves (it's not even on Game Informers top 100 games of all time, but other, lesser games are).

anyway, the review system this generation has been broken and is a mockery of what it used to be. play and buy the games you want because YOU want to, not because a magazine trying to make a living off of going with the ebbs, flows and trends of the industry tell you you should be playing and liking.

[steck67]

Totally agree. Killzone is such an amazing game. It's a shame though, that it was criticised because it felt too heavy, or it had not enough weapons, or just simple nit-picking. If I remember correctly IGN didnt give Killzone 2 a 10 in graphics because the textures on the flame thrower was weird? and they forget about MW2's horrible textures and hives the graphics a 10? This is the reason why I have given up trusting reviewers these days, they just seem to nitpick games like Killzone 2, games that show that dev's actually put their efforts into.

But yea, Killzone 2 IMO is the best console FPS I have played to date. CoD is fun, I must admit but Killzone 2 takes the cake. The clan system especially is amazing in Killzone 2. I just cant wait for Killzone 3. That ending left me hanging lol.

[cyberwaffles]

yeah, killzone 2 was nothing short of a 9+ score, but i was kind of surprised about the 8.75 they gave them. certainly not a bad score and i guess it can be justified since the game is still flawed in a lot of ways, but its definitely one of the most unique and best shooters i've ever played.

can't wait for killzone 3. improved graphics, better campaign, optional co-op, lengthier competitive ranking, more weapons with attachments, and just some slight improvements over the aiming will be the perfect FPS for me.

[Willio]

FPS is forever changed after playing Killzone 2 because of the recoil. Every other becomes easy to manage.

[TheTruth2009]

Uncharted 2 - 1.5 million copies - Metacritic Score: 96 GREAT GAME.
Demon Souls - 300,000 copies - Metacritic Score: 89 Not AAA.
Ratchet & Clank - 200,000 copies - Metacritic Score: 86 Not AAA.
Ninja Gaiden Sigma - 300,000 copies - Metacritic Score: 83 Not AAA.
EyePet - 90,000 copies - Metacritic Score: 71 Hello?
God of War Collection - 120,000 copies - Metacritic Score: 93 Expansion pack for PS2.

Judging by the games listed above (you know, the games that Sony Fans on this site have been touting as the AAA Holiday Lineup), it seems as though not only have the games FLOPPED in terms of sales performance, but also have fallen short on reaching AAA status.

(With the exception of a desperate rehash of the God of War Games and a stellar Uncharted 2 release.)

Now without:
Changing the subject.
Hurling insults.
Talking about them being new IP's.
Talking about diversity in PS3's lineup.
Accusing Bias Gaming sites.
Criticizing Microsoft for allegedly buying the media out.

How about HONESTLY answering the question on what grounds you have to say that PS3 released AAA games this Holiday Season?

Waiting for an answer. And please... Don't change the subject.

It's getting pathetic. :-)

[djtek184]

you're taking this console war thing way too seriously

[Saaking]

LMAO, GOW collection isn't an "expansion" (you must be thinking about L4D2 or Halo ODST). It's what people call a "remaster." Look it up. hahaha!

[steck67]

It depends on your definition on "AAA".

To me, a AAA game doesnt need to get a score of over 90 on Meta, nor does it need to sell millions. All it needs is fun-factor. Games like Fable 2, R&C FToD, Demon Souls, Infamous, Crackdown, Viva Pinata and among many others that had failed to reach the 90+ category are all considered AAA in my book since I enjoyed playing them all.

So to me PS3 has had a AAA holiday line-up, so did the 360, oh and lets not forget about the multiplats.

[kaveti6616]

Well, you just said it yourself, dude. Uncharted 2. AAA. You just asked, on what grounds can we say that Sony released AAA games this holiday season? Uncharted 2. Does that answer your faulty question?

And any way, I think an 89 is pretty damn close to AAA status. I'd be willing to lower the bar for AAA slightly to accommodate Demon's Souls. And A Crack in Time gets lower scores for fan service. In contrast, most Mario games never stop being derivative and they remain AAA. And Metacritic isn't a very good judge anyway. A lot of the sites that give games really low scores aren't very reputable. They're just trying to show the industry that their standards are really high so people will pay attention to them whenever they give a game a good score. Most every one gives Ratchet and Clank 90s and 80s, and then you have this one stupid site that gives it like a 60. Why? No matter how derivative, the game is polished, and solid.

[Unicron]

It's rather sad that you use arbitrary review scores which are nothing more than someone else's opinion to judge the quality of a title.

Kudos.

[badbond1]

One question for you chump : Which console between the PS3 and the 360 is selling more this holiday season? I think we all know the answer. And THAT is simply because it is the PS3 is the better system with the better VALUE! FREE online, BETTER games. Keep in mind that we have more to choose from because we have a better selection of games! Now, get you a PS3 now, botty boy beotch!

[knox]

yay for rachet and clank

[MajestieBeast]

Love ratchet and clank i seriously hope Insomniac will just keep making the games ryno V ftw.

[knox]

ill be pissed if a crack in time is the last 1

[Marceles]

I'm glad they gave Ratchet a good score, it deserved it.

[knox]

sta

[NoOoB101]

Well to compare it to MS holiday line up then ya, Sony has them beat. Forza is the only one that came out that scored above a 90..in which sold less than most sony exclusives so doesn't that make it a flop? I wouldn't call it that but your logic says otherwise ;)

[Saaking]

OF COURSE NOT!!! It doesn't have Halo in the name therefore it's not a flop. Wait... that doesn't make sense!?!?

[Blow Out Your Brains]

I will take a fun and addictive game over a technically innovative game any day. UC2 and K2 are technically amazing, I don't think anyone will argue that. For me though, they lack a serious fun factor that I find in games like L4D2, MW2, and Borderlands. I don't understand why you all care anyway, if you love the game, that's all that counts. You need a review to validate your enjoyment of the game?

[Captain Tuttle]

Nah, they usually need a review to justify their console of choice.

[bjornbear]

I'm still stuck here _ people help me!!

Demon Souls or GoWI&II US over seas order?! =( Let me know if you care!!! ='(!!

[monkey602]

I was concidering the same thing.
Demon Souls sound like the better choice really. I mean you could easily get GOW1&2 for cheap second hand on the PS2.

But it also comes down to me not really caring for God of War either so I don't know if thats much help to you.

Surely DS will get an EU release soon right? 0_O

[bjornbear]

GOWI & II will come out before DS since it HAS to come out before GOWIII =/

I'll just go with DS, but i'm worries there aren't any servers in EU =(

[Captain Tuttle]

Good score for Borderlands

[XDF]

You guys need to chill out and have a coke and a smile.

How can you go cry about rachet getting 9.25 and Demon's Souls getting only a 9 when on avg. they are only getting 8.6 and 8.9 respectively on Metacritic.

If you guys would buy the game than whining every single time your game for your system and brand of choice score less than other games, then N4G will be so much better.

Don't forget they also gave Uncharted 2 a 10s a month ago
http://www.n4g.com/NewsCom-...
and gave Forza 3 only a 8.5 when it has an avg. of 92 on Metacritic.
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
But all you hear was GI is the best by all the PS3 Fanboys and not a word from X360 fanboys criticizing the Forza 3 score. That is the difference.

Stop being such sore losers and determine for yourself if the games are good or not.

[GarandShooter]

Sore losers? What exactly did they lose? What could they possibly have won? That comment makes as much sense as the claims of bias and credibility.

To all: If you agree with the score, great. If you disagree with the score, then it's likely the reviewer has different tastes than you, and I would suggest finding a reviewer whose tastes more closely mirror your own.

I personally find GI's reviews and scores to be fair assessments the majority of the time. I am more interested in the text of their reviews, rather than the numerical score. It is certainly in their interest to promote sales of games for all platforms, as they are associated with GameStop as someone pointed out earlier.

[bjornbear]

you're really packing a grudge =P Internet website comment's sections are not the best place to release stress from life problems

See a shrink, or talk to some body, don't come here =P it's kind of sad

[xXKingofStingXx]

I used to like GI and thought them to be one of the better publications out there but over the past few years their magazine as a whole has been going down the drain.

I gotta say though, it's hard not to call these guys biased anymore when they review games like Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 and score it LOWER than it's counterpart even though it's a VASTLY superior game.

The reason behind the score? The lack of blood........Never mind all the improvements the game made over the original, all the additions or the fact that it looked miles better and played smoother. No, nevermind all that, in the end the blood was the deciding factor...Now thats just grasping at straws there!

I had to laugh when i read that and if it were not for the fact that i receive the magazine for free i would have cancelled my subscription right then and there.

As I've said earlier, video game journalism is a joke and has to be taken with not a grain of salt but rather the whole shaker.

[Veneno]

Game Informer is the biggest game mag. they don't give honest reviews, They have yo give the readers (THAT PAY THE MONEY!!!$$$$$) some games to look forward to otherwise who would read a mag with a bunch of negative nancies?

[SuperStrokey1123]

THey certainly were feeling generous...

[digitalpowershot]

Killzone2 is the best of the best! I've played the single campaign again and the MP and after coming back from MW2, I was left with my mouth open... MW2 has such bad textures and ugly graphics compared to Killzone2.

In Kilzone2 every detail is just like WOWOWW and you smile thinking how much effort they put not only in the details.

As for the controls, please update your Killzone2 copy and select "high precision mode" (=CoD mode) and just kick it! It will rock!!!

[OhMyGandhi]

okay, even those of you who absolutely adore modern warefare 2, HAVE GOT TO ADMIT that it DOES NOT deserve a 9.75.
Oh my god, that makes me sick.

thats a near perfect score for a game that's FAR from perfect.

I am not a hater.
But even my friends who devote hours and hours to this game say that "they play because all their friends play, and that's it".