# Hellraiser: Revival, Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen and Kingdom Hearts Collection review roundup

**October 9, 2026 · Perthro**

October 8 and 9 brought three very different releases: Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival, a first-person survival horror game from Saber Interactive; Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, Capcom's expansion for its 2024 RPG; and Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III, nearly the whole saga on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and, natively for the first time, Switch 2.

The short version: Dark Arisen and the Kingdom Hearts Collection both sit at 84 on OpenCritic, with close to 90% of critics recommending them. Hellraiser: Revival has the widest spread, from 9/10 to 4.5/10, though Steam players rate it Very Positive. The Collection's reviews depend on your platform: 88 on Metacritic on Switch 2, a cooler 80 on PS5, where little has changed.

Scores below were taken at the time of writing and are still moving. If the gap between a Metacritic number and an OpenCritic percentage is confusing, here's [how the two scores work](/blog/2026-09-14-how-metacritic-opencritic-scores-work).

## Hellraiser: Revival, Dark Arisen and Kingdom Hearts Collection at a glance

|  | Hellraiser: Revival | Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen | Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Developer and publisher | Saber Interactive | Capcom | Square Enix |
| Release date | October 8, 2026 | October 9, 2026 (Steam lists October 8) | October 8, 2026 |
| Platforms | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Switch 2 | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Switch 2 | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 |
| Price (US) | $39.99 (Deluxe $49.99) | $29.99 expansion, or $49.99 with the base game | $74.99 |
| Metacritic | 69 (PS5), 75 (PC), 76 (Switch 2) | 83 (PS5), 85 (PC), 86 (Switch 2) | 88 (Switch 2), 80 (PS5) |
| OpenCritic | 73, 65% recommend | 84, 88% recommend | 84, 89% recommend |
| Steam user reviews | Very Positive (93%) | Very Positive (89%) for the expansion | Collection not on Steam |
| Length (per reviews) | About 9 to 10 hours | 20 to 50 hours | Depends how many of the games you play |

## Hellraiser: Revival review scores: 69 on Metacritic

You play Aiden, whose girlfriend Sunny is taken by the Cenobites after he opens a puzzle box called the Genesis Configuration. To get her back he makes a deal with Pinhead, voiced again by Doug Bradley from the films. The box doubles as your main power, flinging nails, saw blades and fire at cultists, and between chapters you're pulled into the Labyrinth, Hell's maze of shifting stone.

Metacritic lists it at 69 on PS5 from 42 critics (36% positive, 60% mixed, 5% negative), 75 on PC and 76 on Switch 2. OpenCritic has a Top Critic Average of 73 from 88 critics, with 65% recommending it. Players are kinder: on Steam it's Very Positive, with 93% of roughly 7,500 reviews positive.

- **TheSixthAxis:** 9/10
- **Insider Gaming:** 9/10
- **Pocket Tactics:** 9/10
- **GamingTrend:** 85
- **Hobby Consolas:** 83
- **GameSpot:** 8/10
- **Screen Rant:** 8/10
- **Giant Bomb:** 4/5
- **GameRant:** 7/10
- **DualShockers:** 7/10
- **Hardcore Gamer:** 3.5/5
- **IGN:** 6/10
- **Press Start:** 6/10
- **Eurogamer:** 3/5
- **Push Square:** 5/10
- **TheGamer:** 2.5/5
- **Game Informer:** 4.5/10

![Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival screenshot: the Genesis Configuration hurls fire across a graveyard](https://perthro.io/assets/blog/8ef4400ca7f3184e.jpg)

### What critics love about Hellraiser: Revival

How faithful it is. TheSixthAxis's Steve C calls it "everything I wanted from a game based on Barker's series," and Insider Gaming's Andrew Highton calls it "an unexpected gem in almost every way." GamingTrend's Ron Burke singles out "a career-capping return from Doug Bradley," and even Game Informer says Bradley is "unsurprisingly killing it."

Nearly everyone likes the Labyrinth. Eurogamer's Matt Wales says its "confounding abstractions are a real high point," and even Push Square's middling review calls those sections "brilliantly trippy." On Switch 2, Pocket Tactics' Kayleigh Partleton calls the port "the standard all developers should aim for when porting a game to the Nintendo Switch 2."

### Where Hellraiser: Revival reviews split: combat, bosses and bugs

The lower scores are about how it plays. IGN's Tristan Ogilvie (6/10) says "Revival doesn't have much meat to go along with its many buckets of blood," and finds the boss fights "utterly flat and forgettable for the most part." Push Square's Aaron Bayne (5/10) sums it up as "more pain than pleasure." DualShockers' Christian Bognar (7/10) wishes it "did a better job at scaring me, rather than annoying me," blaming trial-and-error chases and clunky melee.

Game Informer's Marcus Stewart (4.5/10) says "The resource economy is completely off," and lists bugs from pop-in to falling through floors. GamingTrend hit "frequent crashes to desktop" in the final hours on PC. Eurogamer's verdict fits the whole spread: "a strange, scrappy, and never less than fascinating game."

## Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen review scores: 83 on Metacritic

Dark Arisen sends the Arisen north to Norgan, a long-abandoned frozen region, to uncover the secrets of the undying Fallen Dragon. It adds randomised relics to find and get appraised, new skills for every vocation, and 12 Lost Rites dungeons across the base game's map. The expansion is $29.99; the $49.99 Dark Arisen edition includes the base game and is the only version on Switch 2, the game's Nintendo debut.

Metacritic lists it at 83 on PS5 from 32 critics (88% positive, 13% mixed, none negative), 85 on PC and 86 on Switch 2. OpenCritic has a Top Critic Average of 84 from 84 critics, with 88% recommending it. On Steam the expansion is Very Positive (89%), well above the base game's Mixed rating.

- **DualShockers:** 10/10
- **RPGFan:** 95
- **Push Square:** 9/10
- **Nintendo Life:** 9/10
- **Hardcore Gamer:** 4.5/5
- **Wccftech:** 8.5/10
- **COGconnected:** 85
- **GamingTrend:** 85
- **IGN:** 8/10
- **GameSpot:** 8/10
- **RPG Site:** 8/10
- **The Games Machine:** 8/10
- **But Why Tho?:** 8/10
- **Screen Rant:** 7/10
- **Everyeye:** 7/10
- **RPGamer:** 3.5/5

![Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen screenshot: a giant horned beast in a Norgan blizzard](https://perthro.io/assets/blog/3a96a7ccccaaeb98.jpg)

### What critics love about Dark Arisen

Norgan itself. Push Square's Robert Ramsey says it's "structured like an expedition, where exploration is everything," and calls it "often Capcom's open world RPG at its absolute peak." IGN's Jarrett Green calls it "an engrossing expansion full of interesting new characters and vibrant enemies," with looping caves and shortcuts he compares to Zelda and Metroid.

Most reviews also prefer the story to the base game's. Wccftech's Alessio Palumbo says "The narrative is structured much better, the characters are more likable." Nintendo Life's Scott McCrae says "Switch 2 performance doesn't leave much to complain about," though "Lack of cross save is disappointing for returning players."

### Where Dark Arisen reviews split: fast travel and the loot

The argument is over how much friction Capcom has sanded off. Screen Rant's Kyle Gratton (7/10) notes that limited fast travel "got some flak two years ago, and now that mechanic is gone," and says "Dark Arisen feels like a capitulation." RPG Site's James Galizio (8/10) finds that "Relics instantly overtake any and all gear you've gathered from the basegame," and IGN says "Rolling the dice for new gear was not particularly exciting." Wccftech still calls the combat "a chaotic, unorganized mess that feels fun but also lacks any tactical element."

Length estimates vary: IGN puts the main quest at roughly 20 hours, Wccftech spent around 30, and Push Square says about 50 with many of the side quests.

## Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III review scores: 88 on Metacritic (Switch 2)

The Collection bundles Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind, each also sold separately. Melody of Memory isn't included. On Switch 2 these are native for the first time (the Switch 1 versions were cloud-only), and owners of earlier digital versions get 50% off the upgrade.

Metacritic lists it at 88 on Switch 2 from 21 critics, all of them positive, and 80 on PS5 from 16. OpenCritic has a Top Critic Average of 84 from 37 critics, with 89% recommending it.

- **NintendoWorldReport:** 9.5/10
- **Hobby Consolas:** 90
- **TheGamer:** 4.5/5
- **MonsterVine:** 4.5/5
- **The Outerhaven:** 4.5/5
- **CGMagazine:** 8.5/10
- **Worth Playing:** 8.5/10
- **GamingBolt:** 8/10
- **CBR:** 8/10
- **Console Creatures:** 8/10
- **The Games Machine:** 8/10
- **Push Square:** 7/10
- **COGconnected:** 70
- **Console-Tribe:** 60
- **Pocket Tactics:** unscored

![Kingdom Hearts III, included in the Collection: Sora and Rapunzel in a town square](https://perthro.io/assets/blog/774de56dcc9cd127.jpg)

### What critics love about the Kingdom Hearts Collection

Having all of it, natively, on Switch 2. NintendoWorldReport's Neal Ronaghan says "Across the board, every game runs well on Switch 2," and TheGamer's George Foster puts it simply: "Kingdom Hearts on the go is a dream." For newcomers, Push Square's Jaimie Ditchfield says the Collection is "great value."

### Where Kingdom Hearts Collection reviews split: PS5 owners and the price

On PS5 and Xbox, these games were already playable on the previous generation, and reviews are cooler. Push Square (7/10) found "no significant changes to any of the included games" beyond a steadier 60fps in Kingdom Hearts III, and says "the lack of enhancements makes it hard to justify a purchase" for returning fans. GamingBolt's Stuart Glover (8/10) calls it "an awkward proposition for newcomers and isn't compelling enough for veterans," and COGconnected (70) notes the three parts "go on sale like clockwork." Even on Switch 2, TheGamer found Kingdom Hearts III's frame rate unsteady.

## Which one to play

**Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen** is the safest pick, with strong reviews on every platform, especially if you liked the base game. If what you loved was the friction (scarce fast travel, gear you had to earn), read Screen Rant and RPG Site first.

**Hellraiser: Revival** is for Hellraiser fans and survival horror players who can live with clunky combat and some bugs, at $39.99 for around 10 hours. If you want to be scared more than grossed out, read DualShockers and IGN first. If it all sounds like too much, try our [horror games for people who don't like horror](/blog/2026-09-30-horror-games-for-people-who-dont-like-horror).

**Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III** is easy to recommend on Switch 2, or to anyone new to the series. If you already own the games on PS4, the case is weaker even with the upgrade discount; our guide to [which version of a game to buy](/blog/2026-09-25-which-version-of-a-game-to-buy) can help.

With GTA 6 arriving on November 19, Dark Arisen is the biggest time commitment here. Our plan for [clearing your backlog before GTA 6](/blog/2026-09-28-clear-your-backlog-before-gta-6) can help you decide what fits.

### Sources

- [Metacritic: Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival](https://www.metacritic.com/game/clive-barkers-hellraiser-revival/)
- [OpenCritic: Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival](https://opencritic.com/game/21457/clive-barkers-hellraiser-revival)
- [Steam: Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1551980/)
- [PlayStation: Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/clive-barkers-hellraiser-revival/)
- [Pure Xbox: Hellraiser: Revival's divided launch reviews](https://purexbox.com/news/2026/10/clive-barkers-hellraiser-revival-is-getting-some-seriously-divided-reviews-at-launch)
- Hellraiser: Revival reviews: [TheSixthAxis](https://www.thesixthaxis.com/2026/10/08/hellraiser-revival-review-we-have-such-things-to-show-you/), [Insider Gaming](https://insider-gaming.com/reviews/hellraiser-revival-review/), [Pocket Tactics](https://www.pockettactics.com/hellraiser-revival/review), [GamingTrend](https://gamingtrend.com/reviews/clive-barkers-hellraiser-revival-review/), [Hobby Consolas](https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/videojuegos/analisis-hellraiser-revival-juego-que-consagra-obra-clive-barker-un-survival-horror-brutal_7046454_0.html), [GameSpot](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/clive-barkers-hellraiser-revival-is-the-best-entry-in-the-franchise-since-the-original-film/), [Screen Rant](https://screenrant.com/clive-barkers-hellraiser-revival-review/), [Giant Bomb](https://giantbomb.com/reviews/hellraiser-revival-review), [GameRant](https://gamerant.com/hellraiser-revival-review/), [DualShockers](https://www.dualshockers.com/clive-barkers-hellraiser-revival-review/), [Hardcore Gamer](https://hardcoregamer.com/hellraiser-revival-review/), [IGN](https://www.ign.com/articles/hellraiser-revival-review), [Press Start](https://press-start.com.au/reviews/ps5-reviews/2026/10/08/hellraiser-revival-review-bloody-and-in-chains/), [Eurogamer](https://www.eurogamer.net/hellraiser-revival-review), [Push Square](https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/hellraiser-revival), [TheGamer](https://www.thegamer.com/hellraiser-revival-review/), [Game Informer](https://gameinformer.com/review/clive-barkers-hellraiser-revival/an-angel-to-few-a-buggy-demon-to-many)
- [Metacritic: Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen](https://www.metacritic.com/game/dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen/)
- [OpenCritic: Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen](https://opencritic.com/game/21470/dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen)
- [Steam: Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen Expansion](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2593290/)
- [PlayStation: Dragon's Dogma 2 editions and add-ons](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/dragons-dogma-2/)
- [RPG Site: Dark Arisen release date, editions and contents](https://www.rpgsite.net/news/20617-dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen-release-date)
- [Nintendo Life: Dark Arisen review roundup](https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/10/round-up-the-reviews-for-dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen-are-in)
- Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen reviews: [DualShockers](https://www.dualshockers.com/dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen-review/), [RPGFan](https://www.rpgfan.com/review/dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen/), [Push Square](https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen), [Nintendo Life](https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch-2/dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen), [Hardcore Gamer](https://hardcoregamer.com/review-dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen/), [Wccftech](https://wccftech.com/review/dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen-review-30-hours-loot-combat-control/), [COGconnected](https://cogconnected.com/review/dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen-review/), [GamingTrend](https://gamingtrend.com/reviews/dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen-review/), [IGN](https://www.ign.com/articles/dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen-review), [GameSpot](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen-is-great-but-at-a-cost/), [RPG Site](https://www.rpgsite.net/review/21529-dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen-review), [The Games Machine](https://www.thegamesmachine.it/dragons-dogma-2-pc-ps5-xbox-series-x-s/dragons-dogma-dark-arisen-recensione-2/), [Screen Rant](https://screenrant.com/dragons-dogma-2-dark-arisen-review/), [Everyeye](https://www.everyeye.it/articoli/recensione-dragon-s-dogma-2-dark-arisen-cosa-funziona-cosa-non-espansione-67704.html) (But Why Tho? and RPGamer scores via the Nintendo Life roundup)
- [Metacritic: Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III](https://www.metacritic.com/game/kingdom-hearts-collection-i-iii/)
- [OpenCritic: Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III](https://opencritic.com/game/21490/view)
- [PlayStation: Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/kingdom-hearts-collection-i-iii/)
- [TheSixthAxis: The full Kingdom Hearts saga is coming to Switch 2, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S](https://www.thesixthaxis.com/?p=473238)
- Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III reviews: [NintendoWorldReport](https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/77642/kingdom-hearts-collection-i-iii-switch-2-review), [Hobby Consolas](https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/videojuegos/analisis-kingdom-hearts-collection-i-iii-para-nintendo-switch-2-unos-fabulosos-ports-que-llevan-magia-disney-cualquier-parte_7044678_0.html), [TheGamer](https://www.thegamer.com/kingdom-hearts-collection-1-3-switch-2-review-all-games-ranked/), [MonsterVine](https://monstervine.com/2026/10/kingdom-hearts-collection-i-iii-review/), [The Outerhaven](https://www.theouterhaven.net/kingdom-hearts-collection-i-iii-review-finally-on-nintendo-switch-2/), [CGMagazine](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/kingdom-hearts-collection-i-iii-ps5/), [Worth Playing](https://worthplaying.com/article/2026/10/6/reviews/151153-nintendo-switch-2-review-kingdom-hearts-collection-iiii/), [GamingBolt](https://gamingbolt.com/kingdom-hearts-collection-i-iii-review-i-see-a-lightness), [CBR](https://www.cbr.com/kingdom-hearts-collection-switch-2-review/), [Console Creatures](https://www.consolecreatures.com/kingdom-hearts-collection-1-3-review/), [The Games Machine](https://www.thegamesmachine.it/kingdom-hearts-collection-i-iii-ps5-switch-2-xbox-series-xs/kingdom-hearts-collection-i-iii-recensione-ps5/), [Push Square](https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/kingdom-hearts-collection-iiii), [COGconnected](https://cogconnected.com/review/kingdom-hearts-collection-i-iii-review/), [Console-Tribe](https://console-tribe.com/recensioni/kingdom-hearts-collection-iiii-353889/), [Pocket Tactics](https://www.pockettactics.com/kingdom-hearts/collection-switch-2-review)