Some of Metacritic’s top performers are under threat by a new challenger, the last one you’d expect.
The Disney Nintendo DS game, Cory in the House (2008), is somehow climbing the ranks through what appears to be a completely unplanned and uncoordinated campaign to see it level with the likes of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Spotted by Kotaku, if you head to Metacritic right now and check out the rankings for the Best Games of All Time, you’ll find Cory in the House comfortably sitting in third place based on user reviews.
That places it just under Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and on par with Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence (2005).
It’s also the highest-rated Nintendo DS game on the site based on user reviews too, beating the Chrono Trigger port.
For those unfamiliar with this legendary title, it’s a stealth and adventure game based on the Disney series of the same name. The gameplay sees Cory and his friends sneak through various levels of The White House and other locations in Washington D.C, all whilst dodging Secret Service agents like they do in the show.
Cory in the House, More Like Cory in the Charts, am I right?
That was awful, sorry.
Is it good? Apparently not.
It only has a few official critic reviews on Metacritic with one from IGN saying: “The game has some of the clunkiest controls we’ve seen, the presentation is insultingly stupid, the minigames are hardly games at all, and on top of everything it’s really short.”
Gamers everywhere disagree though, as the latest user reviews herald Cory in the House as “breathtakingly beautiful.”
One review read: “️️️️️Cory in the House for Nintendo DS Literally Changed My Life Cory in the House for Nintendo DS is not just a game—it’s a lifeline, a joy machine, and a masterpiece of handheld chaos.”
Another said its mere existence “puts life in new perspectives as a beautiful masterpiece that changes lives.”
It’s all a bit of a laugh of course, but there are many gamers out there who don’t find it funny due to how it’s changed the current rankings.
This has led to a slew of negative user reviews for Cory in the House in an attempt to beat it back down the list, though it doesn’t seem to be working as it’s still comfortably sitting in the top three at the time of writing.
Should people be abusing the Metacritic reviews in this way? No, absolutely not. Is it funny? Yes, it really, really is.
It’s interesting to see how older games can suddenly gain popularity and recognition, especially in today’s gaming landscape. This shift in rankings keeps things exciting for both new and nostalgic players. Looking forward to seeing how this unfolds!
the age of nostalgia. It’s fascinating how social media can reignite interest in these titles, often leading to a resurgence of fan discussions and even new content creation. This game might just be tapping into that nostalgia factor!
You’re absolutely right about nostalgia playing a big role! It’s interesting to see how younger gamers are discovering these classics for the first time, creating a fresh wave of appreciation. This game’s revival could also spark discussions about what makes certain titles stand the test of time.
Absolutely! Nostalgia definitely has a powerful influence on how games are perceived. It’s also fascinating that newer players are discovering these classic titles for the first time, creating a unique blend of old and new perspectives on the gameplay and graphics.
I completely agree! Nostalgia can shape our experiences in such unique ways. It’s interesting to see how older games can suddenly gain new appreciation as newer players discover them. This resurgence often leads to fascinating discussions about game design and storytelling from that era!
how older games can suddenly gain a new audience. It’s a reminder that some titles resonate beyond their original release, often due to their charm or unique gameplay. This could spark a revival trend for other classic games as well!