PSX Brasil is one of the Brazilian sites with a large number of reviews. Since 2009, we have published opinions on PS3, PSP, PS4, PS Vita, and PS5 games to inform our readers about our thoughts on specific titles released for these (and future) PlayStation platforms.
That said, to clarify how our Review Policy works, we are publishing this article. We hope this makes our scoring and review process clear.
First, we would like to clarify that these rules have long been applied internally. The only difference now is making them transparent to everyone.
Review Structure
PSX Brasil reviews are in written form, separated by game images every two or three paragraphs. These images may be provided by the publisher or captured by the reviewer via Share/Create.
The text itself has no word limit. The reviewer explains the game’s core concept, storyline (if applicable), gameplay mechanics, technical aspects (graphics, sound, etc.), and discusses what works or falls short.
The conclusion features a verdict summarizing the review in one paragraph, the final score, basic game info, and disclosure of how the reviewer accessed the title. We also include gameplay footage (recorded by the reviewer, absent when embargoed or unsuitable—e.g., Visual Novels) and a launch trailer or representative overview.
Codes from Companies
No game company pays PSX Brasil for reviews. Our support consists almost exclusively of receiving digital copies (99% of cases). We explicitly state that sponsored posts from other companies do not include reviews.
Rarely, if no review copy is provided, the reviewer purchases the title. This is stated in the review footer.
The footer always discloses the source company and platform tested.
Deadlines
PSX Brasil doesn’t impose deadlines on reviewers. Exceptions include anticipated games received pre-launch with publisher embargoes. We ask reviewers to play as much as possible in these cases.
However, games sometimes arrive on or just before embargo day, making timely reviews impossible.
Ultimately, reviewers choose when to submit, considering the above factors.
Regardless of embargoes, we set a maximum two-week deadline post-code receipt, barring exceptions.
Gameplay Video
To showcase gameplay, reviewers record footage for our YouTube channel.
Video length is typically 15, 30, 60, 120, or 180 minutes, preferably from the beginning, demonstrating core gameplay concepts.
For example, RPGs exceed 30 minutes to reach key sections, while platformers demonstrate quickly. Reviewers determine this.
Publishers often request spoiler-free videos, especially pre-launch. Our standard approach aligns with this. We may post full gameplay series on YouTube (spoiler-free thumbnails/titles) without embedding them on-site.
Verdict
The verdict summarizes the reviewer’s overall impressions, highlighting key strengths and flaws. It provides an overview for readers who prefer not to read the full review.
The verdict is translated into English for Metacritic and OpenCritic, appearing near the review’s end.
Scores
Scores use a 1-100 percentage scale. Reviewers assign scores independently, but follow these parameters:
- 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 64 – Dark Trophy
- 65, 70, 74 – Bronze Trophy
- 75, 80, 84 – Silver Trophy
- 85, 90, 94 – Gold Trophy
- 95, 98, 100 – Platinum Trophy
Scores under 64 increment by 5. Categories clarify progression: The first score (e.g., 75) indicates it barely qualifies for that tier; the second (80) is mid-tier; the third (84) nears the next tier but doesn’t qualify.
A 95% Platinum Trophy means “excellent, play ASAP.” 98% is “near-perfect, minor flaws.” 100% denotes a “masterpiece” whose flaws are negligible—a title “destined to be remembered for years.”
Metacritic and OpenCritic
PSX Brasil is featured on both Metacritic and OpenCritic, which aggregate reviews from approved global media outlets (sites, magazines, YouTube channels, etc.).
Our inclusion means our scores impact games’ aggregate scores. As noted, the English verdict appears on both platforms.
Check our profiles:
Reviewer Profiles (Updated May 9, 2022)
Ivan Nikolai Barkow Castilho (soulzonik)
- Date of Birth – 05/05/1987
- Consoles Owned – Atari (broken, does it count?), Master System, Mega Drive, SNES, Nintendo 64, Saturn, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, GameCube, Wii, PS3, PSP, PS Vita, DS, Xbox 360, 3DS, Wii U, PS4, PS4 Pro, PS5
- Top 5 Genres – Platformer, Fighting, Action, Adventure, RPG
- Top 10 Series/Games – Sonic, Zelda, Horizon (Zero Dawn/Forbidden West), Super Smash Bros, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, SoulCalibur, Resident Evil, The Witcher, Metroid
- PSN ID – soulzonik
- Most Important in a Game?
(10%) Technical Aspects
(20%) Fun
(10%) Longevity / Replayability
(50%) Gameplay
(10%) Other (Story, Soundtrack, Originality, etc) - Social Media: Twitter, Facebook
Founder, administrator, reviewer (and any role you can imagine) of PSX Brasil. I’ve written for the site since its 2009 launch as PS3 Brasil.
With bachelor’s and teaching degrees in Chemistry, followed by a master’s and PhD, I now work exclusively on the site.
Gameplay is my top priority. A game with terrible graphics and zero originality can excel if gameplay is great.
I favor action, platformers (2D/3D), and fighting games (I pursue ranked trophies). Though I play FPS, TPS, racing, etc., I avoid strategy (e.g., Age of Empires), simulators, and sports titles (I play FIFA/PES with friends but avoid reviewing them).
Thiago de Alencar Moura
- Date of Birth – 02/17/1992
- Consoles Owned – Mega Drive, SNES, PS1, PS2, Nintendo DS, PS3, Wii, PS Vita, Nintendo 3DS, PS4, PS5
- Top 5 Genres – RPG, Strategy, Sports, Action/Adventure, Visual Novels
- Top 10 Series/Games – Final Fantasy, Warriors/Musou, The Legend of Heroes/Trails, Assassin’s Creed, Disgaea, Mega Man, Dragon Age, Star Ocean, God Eater, Apex Legends
- PSN ID – alencart_
- Most Important in a Game?
(15%) Technical Aspects
(15%) Fun
(05%) Longevity / Replayability
(25%) Gameplay
(40%) Other (Story, Soundtrack, Originality, etc) - Social Media – Twitter
Lawyer and PSX Brasil writer since 2013, focusing on JRPGs, indies, and sports games. Involved in podcasts, YouTube/Twitch livestreams, and site features like interviews.
I aim for distinct, honest criticism to provide robust insights. My emphasis on narrative-rich games with compelling characters (especially with great OSTs) means gameplay takes second place to story. Technical polish is less critical—unless it’s a Respawn FPS.
Bruno Henrique Vinhadel Silva
- Date of Birth – 10/30/1989
- Consoles Owned – Atari, SNES, Mega Drive, PS1, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4, PS5
- Top 5 Genres – RPG, Action, Shooter, Arcade Racing, Simulators
- Top 10 Series/Games – Chrono Trigger, Red Dead Redemption, Battlefield, Mass Effect, Bloodborne, God of War, The Witcher, Top Gear, Dead Space, Football Manager
- PSN ID – bhvinhadels
- Most Important in a Game?
(05%) Technical Aspects
(50%) Fun
(10%) Longevity / Replayability
(20%) Gameplay
(15%) Other (Story, Soundtrack, Originality, etc) - Social Media – Twitter
I work in e-waste recycling. With a degree in Information Systems and 10+ years in IT, I’ve been gaming since age 8 across platforms before settling on Sony. Joined PSX Brasil in 2017. Though hooked by live-service games like Destiny (1000+ hours!), I love shooters and RPGs. Fun is paramount—it’s why we play. Tech enthusiast, but it doesn’t define a game’s quality.
Paulo Roberto Montanaro (Montanaro)
- Date of Birth – 03/27/1983
- Consoles Owned – Atari 2600, Master System, Super Nintendo, Saturn, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Wii U, PlayStation 5
- Top 5 Genres – RPG, Fighting, Third-Person Action, Survival Horror, Adventure
- Top 10 Series/Games – Resident Evil, The Last of Us, Uncharted, Mortal Kombat, God of War, Assassin’s Creed, Dragon Age, FIFA/PES, Batman Arkham, Shadow of Mordor, The Witcher
- PSN ID – PRMontanaro
- Most Important in a Game?
(15%) Technical Aspects
(30%) Fun
(10%) Longevity / Replayability
(20%) Gameplay
(25%) Other (Story, Soundtrack, Originality, etc) - Social Media – Facebook, Alvanista
Self-proclaimed bubble-wrap popping champion. Father, husband, pop-culture fan. Current supervisor of audiovisual production/communications in higher education. Bachelor’s/master’s in Sound & Image, PhD in Education. Researches/teaches gamification and transmedia. PSX Brasil member since 2019. Passionate about immersive narratives—I admire games that blend world-building, lore, and balanced design.
Luis Guilherme Machado Camargo (Seph)
- Date of Birth – 01/04/1992
- Consoles Owned – Nintendo 64, Gamecube, Wii, DS, 3DS, Wii U, Switch, PS1, PS3, PS4, PSP, Vita, PC, PS5
- Top 5 Genres – RPG, Action, Fighting, Racing, Rhythm
- Top 10 Series/Games – The Legend of Zelda, Trails/Kiseki, Yakuza, Wipeout, Final Fantasy, Tales of, Metal Gear, Street Fighter, Devil May Cry, Guilty Gear
- PSN ID – Seph_luis_br
- Most Important in a Game?
(05%) Technical Aspects
(30%) Fun
(05%) Longevity / Replayability
(30%) Gameplay
(30%) Other (Story, Soundtrack, Originality, etc)
Games have been my top hobby since childhood. I value strong narratives and/or gameplay freedom. Degree in Computer Engineering and Project Management. PSX Brasil writer since 2013 (previously Wii Brasil/Switch Brasil).
Francisco Maia (Cotrip)
- Date of Birth – 12/27/1985
- Consoles Owned – NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation, GameCube, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PS Vita, WiiU, PlayStation 4 Pro, PlayStation 5
- Top 5 Genres – RPG, Action/Adventure, Fighting, Multiplayer Shooters, Survival Horror
- Top 10 Series/Games – The Last of Us (1 & 2), Bloodborne, Breath of Fire 2, Ogre Battle 64, Darkest Dungeon, Spelunky, Persona (4 & 5), Dragon Quest XI, Resident Evil, Zelda
- Most Important in a Game?
(10%) Technical Aspects
(20%) Fun
(10%) Longevity / Replayability
(30%) Gameplay
(30%) (Story, Originality)
Journalist (MA in Social Communication, soon JD). Gaming enthusiast across platforms. Passionate about entertainment media.
José Viana
- Consoles Owned – PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 1, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo GameCube, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color
- Top 5 Genres – Visual novels, DRPGs, RPGs, rhythm games, platformers
- Top 10 Series/Games – The House in Fata Morgana, Utawarerumono, Muv-Luv, Steins;Gate, Chaos;Child, Danganronpa, Zero Escape, 428 Shibuya Scramble, Persona 4 Golden, Demon Gaze
- Most Important in a Game?
(30%) Technical Aspects
(30%) Fun
(05%) Longevity / Replayability
(05%) Gameplay
(30%) Other (Story)
Gamer since childhood, reignited by visual novels. Former English reviewer for The Vita Lounge. PSX Brasil writer since 2015. Advocate for handhelds and niche genres.
Rui Celso Nascimento Junior
- Date of Birth – 08/13/1992
- Consoles Owned – SNES, N64, Game Cube, Wii, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, PS3, Switch, PS4
- Favorite Genres: JRPG, Action, Adventure, Horror, Action-RPG
- Favorite Series/Games: JAK, Tales of, Paper Mario, The Last of Us, Assassin’s Creed, Resident Evil, Persona, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Kingdom Hearts
- PSN ID: Ruyuri
- Most Important in a Game?
(20%) Technical Aspects
(30%) Fun
(20%) Longevity / Replayability
(20%) Gameplay
(10%) Other (Story, Soundtrack, Originality, etc) - Social Media: Instagram
Dreamed of writing for gaming magazines since childhood. Journalism graduate with 5+ years in games media. PSX Brasil writer since September 2018. While JRPGs are my passion, I explore horror, action, and adventure to broaden my perspective.
Eric Oliveira (ericbomdia)
- Date of Birth: 11/22/1992
- Consoles Owned: Telejogo, Master System, PlayStation 2, Game Cube, Wii, PlayStation 3, DS, PlayStation 4, 3DS, Switch
- Top 5 Genres: RPG, Adventure, Horror, Action, Survival
- Top 10 Series/Games: Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy, Silent Hill, Overcooked, Pokémon, Dead by Daylight, Worms, Rayman, Monkey Island, Grim Fandango
- PSN ID: ericbomdia
- Most Important in a Game?
(10%) Technical Aspects
(20%) Fun
(15%) Longevity / Replayability
(20%) Gameplay
(35%) Other (Story, Originality) - Social Media: Twitter, Instagram
My first gaming memory is playing Pong on a Philco TV. Physical game collector. Business Administration graduate, pursuing Production Engineering/Cultural Production. Former “pro” in family Worms 2 tournaments. Joined PSX Brasil in 2019. Obsessed with unique storytelling, exemplified by my repeated purchases of The Curse of Monkey Island after disc failures. Still waiting for PT’s full release.
Mateus Alexandre (Matz)
- Date of Birth: 09/02/1994
- Consoles Owned: N64, GBC, GBA, NDS, 3DS, Wii, Switch, PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5, PSP, PSVita
- Top 5 Genres: Open world, FPS, Action RPGs, Horror, Puzzles
- Top 10 Series/Games: Silent Hill, Metal Gear, Half-Life, Bloodborne, The Witcher, Assassin’s Creed, Red Dead Redemption, The Last of Us, Disco Elysium, Doom
- PSN ID: MaatHatter
- Most Important in a Game?
(20%) Technical Aspects
(30%) Fun
(10%) Longevity / Replayability
(30%) Gameplay
(10%) Other (Story, Soundtrack, Originality, etc) - Social Media: Twitter, Instagram, Instagram
Psychology graduate turned Graphic/UI Designer. Have written for Adrenaline, Mundo Conectado, and Jogazera. Pixel artist and traditional illustrator. Gamer since childhood across Nintendo/Sony platforms, now invested in PC gaming. Love psychological horror, open worlds, and Soulslike RPGs.
Bruno (Evan)
- Date of Birth – 01/13/1989
- Consoles Owned – Telejogo, Master System, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo 3DS, Oculus Quest 2, PC
- Top 5 Genres – RPG, Action, Strategy, Platformer, Narrative
- Top 10 Series/Games – Horizon, God of War, Uncharted, Kingdom Hearts, Life Is Strange, The Last of Us, Overcooked, Dead by Daylight, Fortnite, QuanticDream games (Heavy Rain, Detroit: Become Human)
- PSN ID – evankendal
- Most Important in a Game?
(20%) Technical Aspects
(25%) Fun
(15%) Longevity / Replayability
(15%) Gameplay
(25%) Other (Story, Soundtrack, Originality, etc) - Social Media: Instagram
Former IT technician, call center agent, and bank teller. Journalism graduate. Now an English teacher and PSX Brasil writer since December 2020. Author of “Contos do BRT” and “Mundo das Sombras” (available on Amazon).
Victor Vitório
- Date of Birth – 04/05/1985
- Consoles Owned – Mega Drive, SNES, Nintendo 64, Wii, Switch, Xbox 360, PS1, PS2 (late gen), PS3, PS4, PS5, PSP, PS Vita
- Top 5 Genres – Metroidvania, Soulslike, Exploration Adventure, 2D/3D Platformer
- Top 10 Series/Games – Donkey Kong Country 2, Chrono Trigger, Hollow Knight, Phoenotopia: Awakening, Bloodborne, Dark Souls (series), Valkyria Chronicles (series), The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Metroid, Super Mario Galaxy
- PSN ID – Vitorio-V
- Most Important in a Game?
(10%) Technical Aspects
(15%) Fun
(05%) Longevity / Replayability
(40%) Gameplay
(30%) Other (Story, Soundtrack, Originality, etc)
Introspective history graduate with a master’s in Literary Theory. Share gaming passion with my kids (8 and 4). Family gaming sessions use four controllers. PS5 displaced my Switch—portable mode strains my eyes. Joined PSX Brasil in January 2023.
Marco Aurélio Couto
- Consoles Owned – Atari, Master System, Mega Drive, SNES, PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5
- Top 5 Genres – RPG, Soulslike, FPS, Metroidvania, Adventure
- Top 10 Series/Games – Castlevania, Bloodborne, Dark Souls, Uncharted, Red Dead Redemption, Dragon’s Dogma, God of War, Dragon Age, Borderlands, Battlefield
- PSN ID – surf360
- Most Important in a Game?
(10%) Technical Aspects
(30%) Fun
(05%) Longevity / Replayability
(30%) Gameplay
(25%) Other (Story, Soundtrack, Originality, etc)
Civil engineer with 20 years in real estate. Part-time athlete, music student, and lifelong gamer (since Atari). Joined PSX Brasil in late 2022. Thrilled to review diverse titles and evolve as a writer.
Isabella Alves (Bella)
- Consoles Owned – SNES, PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5, Switch, 3DS, PSVita
- Top 5 Genres – RPG, Action, Adventure, Metroidvania, 2D/3D Platformer
- Top 10 Series/Games – Yakuza, Final Fantasy, Dragon Age, Mass Effect, Kingdom Hearts, Castlevania, Donkey Kong Country 2, Top Gear, The Witcher, Bayonetta
- PSN ID – bellaalves
- Most Important in a Game?
(10%) Technical Aspects
(25%) Fun
(05%) Longevity / Replayability
(30%) Gameplay
(30%) Other (Story, Soundtrack, Originality, etc) - Social Media: Twitter
IT graduate pursuing web development. Gaming passion ignited by an SNES at age 6. Console loyalist (no PC gaming!). PSX Brasil writer since December 2022. Also stream “questionable-quality” gameplay on Twitch while battling my backlog.