PlayStation LifeStyle has been around for nearly 10 years, and I figured a fun way to kickoff our new statistical-driven feature By the Numbers would be to take a look at some of the lowest scores we’ve handed out to games over the years. Some readers asked to see the highest reviewed games, and there ended up being a lot more games that got awarded a 10 than a 1. Due to that, I’m separating this feature into a few parts (the first of which can be found here, but please note that it has been updated as five games were initially looked over).
In the second of three parts, we’re taking a look at the games that received the prestigious 10/10 score in 2012, 2013, and 2014. All three years were filled with great games, but only eight titles were able to grab our top score.
With that said, check out the eight games in those three years that were able to capture the reviewers’ hearts and have PlayStation LifeStyle give them a 10/10 rating below:
I’ve included the reviews for each game in the slideshow above. So, if you want to learn why each game earned their 10/10 rating then read the full text. As the great Dave Meltzer often says, “reading is your friend.”
By the Numbers is a new weekly recurring feature that’ll look at gaming from a numbers-oriented view. Next week we’ll be back with the third and final look at the site’s highest rated games.
Essential Reading:
- Hellblade and Why Mental Illness Needs the Mainstream Spotlight
- What’s in a Video Game Location?
- PS4 Games to Get in the PlayStation Store’s Attack of the Blockbusters Sale
By the Numbers: Best Reviewed Games pt 2
-
PSLS' Highest Scored Games (Part Two)
-
Mass Effect 3
Alex Osborn wrote in his review:
"Mass Effect 3 is so much more than a game. It blends genres and transcends the video game medium to offer up an experience unparalleled in this industry. This game will easily be a front-runner for Game of the Year and is in my mind a serious contender for being the best game of this generation. It may not have a multiplayer mode that can stand up to the likes of Halo and Call of Duty, but it does offer the best single-player experience that $60 can buy. If you consider yourself a fan of the franchise, I’m sure you’re already too busy playing the game to read my review, but if you are a newcomer who has steered clear of the series for whatever reason in the past, you owe it to yourself to give this game a chance. I dare you to be unimpressed."
-
Assassin's Creed III
Anthony Severino writes in his review:
"Admittedly, after a few spin-offs of Ezio’s adventure, Assassin’s Creed as a franchise grew stale to me. The prospect of the new more familiar locale, a new Assassin, and a new engine promised the evolution I was seeking. Ubisoft has delivered in spades. Assassin’s Creed III takes everything that worked well in previous titles, sprinkled in a touch of Red Dead Redemption, tweaked the combat to be as smooth as Batman: Arkham City, borrowed the cinematic and character development of Uncharted 2, and polished it all off to be one of, if not the very best, game of 2012. It will be remembered fondly as one of the crowning achievements of this console generation, and offers a window to what next-generation titles may be capable of in scale, story, and wealth of content."
-
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
Cameron Teague writes in his review:
"I have been asked a few times which games Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch resembles the most and, to be honest, I cannot think of a single one. This is such a refreshing and unique experience that brings together a solid story and characters with gorgeous visuals and a fun combat system. Merit cards add huge value to the questing system and magic adds a great element to how you traverse the world. The only gripes are extremely minor and don’t even put a dent in this polished game. This collaboration between Studio Ghibli and Level-5 has produced a beautiful tale of friendship, courage, and adventure that covers multiple age groups and brings older gamers back to a time when they first started to fall in love with RPGs. With over 30-60 hours of gameplay, this is a game that you cannot afford to pass up, it is a true gem. To put it best, this game gave me the same feeling as the first time I saw the original Star Wars trilogy."
-
BioShock Infinite
Chandler Wood writes in his review:
"BioShock Infinite is a game that has received a lot of hype. With our review publishing after the majority of other reviews had already given it a perfect score, I went into the game looking for the negatives. I wanted to find something wrong, some annoyance, or anything to not buy into the hype. Truth be told, the negatives are not to be found, or if they are, they are so minor that they do not at all mar the finish of the rest of the game. BioShock Infinite is honestly as near perfect as a game can get and should not be missed."
-
The Last of Us
Anthony Severino writes in his review:
"The Last of Us highlights the human traits in us all: our instincts, our emotions, and the things we do to get by. Recently, I’ve felt troubled. Video games have been my passion for over 25 years. It’s what I do, day in and day out. It’s my escape, but it’s also my job. I haven’t felt that special “it” feeling in a while, but I get by. This industry has grown stagnant, and I’ve been seeking an elevated experience that made me feel, not just play a game. The Last of Us is exactly what I needed. It’s a hallmark of excellence in writing, design, and performance. Naughty Dog and Sony not only have a system seller on their hands, but a game that’ll define an entire console generation—a true classic that’ll be talked about and fondly regarded for years to come."
-
Grand Theft Auto V
Dan Oravasaari writes in his review:
"Overall, Grand Theft Auto V is a must have for anyone who likes open-world games, great characterization, or bank robberies. If anyone is still wondering if GTA has lost its ability to take on the politically correct about ‘appropriate’ content, do not fear, as it is full of violence, social commentary and explicit nature that is sure to aggravate someone with too much time on their hands."
-
The Last of Us Remastered
D'yani Wood writes in her review:
"The bottom line is, I thought this game was very much worthwhile even after being doubtful before I played it. Speaking to those who have already played the PS3 version, if you really loved it back then, I would suggest getting this version for PS4 too. It has a lot of extras and it looks really beautiful with the 1080p, higher frame rate, and updated graphics and character models. To those who are interested in diving into The Last of Us for the first time, what are you waiting for?!? The Last of Us Remastered is just a perfect game made even more perfect."
-
Assassin's Creed Unity
Chandler Wood writes in his review:
"With Unity, I felt like I was playing Assassin’s Creed 1 and 2 again, with improvements that made sense to the series as opposed to the odd additions that strayed too far from the creed. The entire experience was enrapturing, and the odd skating citizens in crowds were not enough to deter me from thoroughly loving every moment that I spent with Arno. I don’t give Assassin’s Creed Unity a perfect score lightly, but a return to the core of the series and a strengthening of those central pillars makes Unity shine like the glint of a well polished hidden blade and stay true to the creed."
