Nintendo Enthusiast's Scores

  • Games
For 844 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 64% higher than the average critic
  • 7% same as the average critic
  • 29% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1 point lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 74
Highest review score: 100 Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition
Lowest review score: 15 Don't Crash
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 58 out of 844
844 game reviews
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ape Out is simply an outstanding and utterly enjoyable experience. The moment I became that big, angry monkey, I was glued to the screen and never wanted the action to end. The music dropped my jaw, the visuals made my eyes go wide, and the addictive gameplay kept me entranced until I reached the final level. The ape is truly out, my friends.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    On one hand, SMT IV is one of the best games on the 3DS and is surely worth a playthrough by every 3DS owner. Apocalypse, however, is more or less a re-skin of the 2013 title with a new story perspective. Those that are looking to dive back into an SMT title with an expanded story and don’t mind retreading familiar ground will surely find a lot of recognizable fun in Apocalypse.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Much as it pains me to say, Ni no Kuni — an otherwise masterpiece — is not worth your time on the Nintendo Switch. Its issues are simply too frustrating to work around or forgive. The game is in dire need of patches that overhaul how the game performs on the handheld. I was hoping with talk of a new game in the series and this Switch port that the future of the franchise would be positive. For right now, I’m just disappointed that Nintendo fans have gotten the short end of the stick.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The game is perfect for the Switch due to its short songs and addicting gameplay. Just Shapes & Beats can be played on the go in short bursts or for long periods of time. Fans of the music genre will find a lot to love, and those who like fast action will be glued to the screen for hours. Switch owners looking for an entertaining indie game should pick up Just Shapes & Beats. Not only is it a fantastic game on the console, it’s one of the best indie games of the year.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    VA-11 HALL-A is a game I think everyone should try out. Its interesting characters, compelling stories, and flawless soundtrack help it stand out in the visual novel genre. It’s simply a must play on the Nintendo Switch.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tetris 99 is a game absolutely worth enjoying, and at the low price of absolutely nothing, there is little reason not to give it a download.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Alien: Isolation might be one of the best licensed games ever made, and Feral Interactive has succeeded in preserving its harrowing gameplay on Nintendo Switch.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    There is nothing like Loop Hero, and it feels born for Nintendo Switch. Those who love roguelikes must absolutely play this refreshingly weird game, and even people who detest roguelikes may find themselves captivated by this game's unique and imaginative mechanics. Loop Hero is the best example of indie ingenuity.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Overall, Pocket Card Jockey is a surprisingly fun title that is definitely worth picking up if you’re a fan of either solitaire or horse races.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The intuitive mechanics are still as addictive as the first time around, but a larger number of maps and the addition of Salmon Run cements Splatoon 2 as an excellent standalone value.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Like its brethren before it, Shovel Knight: King of Cards features some of the best platforming game design ever seen in a video game.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Knockout City is a ton of fun, with lots of game modes, amazing visuals and music, tons of customization, and incredible network capabilities. Graphics take a hit on Switch and the controls carry a steep learning curve, but it is a great experience overall.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Octopath Traveler isn’t perfect, but its major faults mostly pertain to the story. Beyond that, the game looks beautiful in a distinct way, interacting with NPCs in the game world is goofy fun, and the combat system is a multifaceted and rewarding revamp of Square Enix’s previous offerings. When you put it all together, Octopath Traveler is an engaging RPG with a unique identity that it can be proud of, even if its narrative falls far short of Square’s other classics.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection is an excellent value for the price tag. Mega Man Zero was designed for hardcore gamers, but if you can't handle the difficulty, new Save-Assist enables less skilled players to still enjoy those titles to the fullest. And Mega Man ZX, though unremarkable the first time, truly shines as something memorable with ZX Advent and its diverse gameplay options. Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection contains most of Inti Creates’ best work, and it’s another Capcom collection worth adding to your Switch library.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    OlliOlli: Switch Stance keeps the difficult yet satisfying gameplay of this indie hit intact as it makes its way to Nintendo’s newest console. As long as you’re prepared for a challenge, this is a pretty fun title. Though, a level creator would definitely have added to the package, especially with the Switch’s touchscreen.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mutant Mudds Super Challenge is, for better or worse, more of the same – just a bit harder.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The game’s powerful double-team of uniqueness and wonderful execution means one thing: Limbo demands to be played. It is more than worth your time.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    All in all, Monolith Soft has achieved something here that is obviously related to their past work, but manages to feel very, very different. Reinvention is a task that vexes the best of developers; to do it in the time frame this game was delivered in is frankly astonishing. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is flawed, as tragically as the heroes and villains it portrays. But I’ve grown to love them, nonetheless. Maybe you will, too.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    A fantastic video game and an interesting port for Nintendo Switch. It features some of the best combat around, memorable boss battles, difficult gameplay, and wonderful set pieces.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    If Overcooked 2 left you wanting more, then absolutely check out Surf ‘n’ Turf. These kitchens are some of the best levels in the series, requiring strategy, coordination, and being ready to switch everything up on the fly. As orders and chaos start to pile up, even Overcooked pros will have their hands and heads full. Surf ‘n’ Turf expands the original game with a wonderfully challenging few hours of content. A worthy follow-up to a great game–get it. You won’t be disappointed.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pokémon Legends: Arceus sends the series in a new, bold direction, while also setting the groundwork for future games.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Katana Zero is super cool where it counts with very little faltering it. The action is practically flawless and begs you to learn from every small mistake you will make by throwing you back into it instantly. The story clearly has ambitions beyond this one title. While it doesn’t fully stick in a cohesive manner, I really hope we will see more of it in the near future. With action and style this good, some misgivings can be accepted. Carve some time out for this one.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ultimately, with Killer Queen Black, there are layers of complicated, dragging tutorials, confusing menus, and gameplay generally unfriendly to newcomers. But past that, there is an exciting, unique, and thoughtful title that will have you and your friends frantically testing out all kinds of different roles, plans, and contingencies on the fly.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This Gleylancer re-release is full of meaty gameplay enhancements that make it one of the most engaging and easy-to-enjoy classic shmup experiences you'll have on modern consoles.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Yoku’s Island Express is a great game. Combining Metroidvania exploration with pinball gameplay was an interesting decision that paid off big time. Despite its short length, Yoku’s Island Express is still a complete adventure, one that is relaxing and an absolute pleasure to take in. Anyone seeking a more laid back Metroidvania title with beautiful sights and sounds should play Yoku’s Island Express.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sadly, the problems that plagued the Wii release of No More Heroes are still present here. The overworld is a barren wasteland with not much to do. Strength training and performing jobs are tedious. Levels are linear and boxed in. Hit detection can be literally hit or miss. You can’t quickly retry a failed battle event. There are no autosaves. And unique to this release, Silvia’s phone calls no longer come through a speaker as they did with the Wiimote! Regardless, No More Heroes is still a blast to play. There’s something so satisfying about swinging your hands to slice someone in two. It has blemishes, for sure, but its main gameplay and sense of style win out in the end. The Switch release is the definitive version, bar none, so check it out if you like quirky adventures.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is the quintessential video game for the Switch. People who travel often should buy Flat Heroes. If you like challenging gameplay, buy Flat Heroes. If playing with friends is your ideal way to experience a game, buy Flat Heroes. What I’m trying to say is that Flat Heroes is a game that all Switch owners should have in their library. It’s a fantastic experience that I will be playing for months to come.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you’re a super-serious racing fan, then Horizon Chase Turbo might come off as being a bit too simplistic. But, I think it strikes a good balance between having a fun arcade feel with some challenging aspects also being present in order to keep you coming back again and again. As stated, I find the Switch version to be the best suited for the task. Thus, I’d arguably consider it to be the definitive version of the game just for the sake of being able to play it at any time.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Overall, Runbow is easily one of the best indie titles currently available on the Wii U, and the single best local multiplayer game I have played on the console. What really sets Runbow apart though isn’t just its multiplayer gameplay, but its plethora of modes, innovative level design, charm, and overall gaming excellence.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With its high-quality story, gameplay, and delightful protagonist, I want to tell everyone to play CrossCode. However, without a stability patch, the experience is noticeably worse on Switch. At the moment it’s an amazing game, but one plagued by bugs and crashes. Just like every MMO in its opening days.

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