Nintendo Insider's Scores

  • Games
Select another publication »
For 929 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 53% higher than the average critic
  • 8% same as the average critic
  • 39% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.6 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 75
Highest review score: 100 Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
Lowest review score: 10 Woodle Tree Adventures Deluxe
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 542 out of 929
  2. Mixed: 345 out of 929
  3. Negative: 42 out of 929
934 game reviews
view
per page
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The TakeOver
    The TakeOver is a good beat em’ up. It doesn’t evolve and expand the genre, and that’s where a feel of disappointment stems. It’s entertaining, the soundtrack is spectacular, the visuals are serviceable, and the campaign is engaging enough to keep you invested for its duration. The lack of online leaderboards and online co-op is disappointing, as the omissions limit the value proposition of the title. If you are looking to experience another beat em’ up on the Nintendo Switch, then The TakeOver is something you should play, but you may feel a bit unsatisfied by what the package offers.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pokemon Brilliant Diamond
    Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS games. They probably lean too much on the safe side, not achieving an awful lot to improve on the originals other than a few quality-of-life improvements. The improved Underground sections are a welcome addition, but the missing features from Pokémon Platinum are a big let-down. All in all, though, the Sinnoh region offers just as brilliant of an adventure as it was 15 years ago and the formula that worked back then (and then some) is still as addictive to this day. If you are a fan of classic Pokémon titles, this is a no-brainer.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    World to the West
    If you’re the type that allows yourself to become lost in the sense of adventure, then you really can’t go wrong with World to the West. There is some laborious puzzle design that leads to inconsistent pacing, but such moments never derail the experience enough – leaving you to become lost in the world’s charm, the witty repartee between its characters, and the story that it wants to tell.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Runner3
    Runner3 is overall an uneven experience. For every great feature or moment, there’s always something weighing it down not far off. Its soundtrack is fantastic but sadly the visuals disappoint. The game is tough but sometimes unfairly so. The worlds are overflowing with craziness but there are only three to explore in all. Runner3 is a fun sequel sure but it is one that’s annoyances stop it reaching the dizzying heights of its predecessor.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    3 out of 10: Season One
    3 out of 10: Season One shows a lot of promise and heart through its humour and characters, even if its short length is disappointing and its gameplay feels a bit superfluous. I’ll certainly be checking out season two whenever that rolls around.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition
    Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition is a wonderfully put-together package, its 150 challenges so addictive to play, its presentation slick and implementation of multiplayer a surprise hit. Sure, we’ve seen these games repackaged over and over to the point of delirium, but when they’re done so in such a fascinating and entertaining manner… well… bring on Nintendo World Championships: SNES Edition is all I can say.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
    Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S is an excellent puzzle game, packed with content and offering plenty of options whether playing alone or with friends. If you’ve never had a chance to try the original out, then this enhanced version is definitely the way to go. For returning players, however, it’s tough to recommend picking up the Nintendo Switch 2 title even with additional options. All in all, then, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S is a great time, unfortunately marred by the lack of an upgrade option.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Late Shift
    Of course, should you choose to only play once, then the game’s 90-minute length may leave you worrying about value for money. Treat it like a cinema ticket, though and honestly, it’s worth every penny. It’s fun, it’s interesting and when played in handheld it feels like a whole new genre has opened up like a vein of precious metal.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors
    Dragon Ball Z fans that are loyal to the television show and had a hard time believing what they were playing in "Taiketsu" should be overjoyed with Supersonic Warriors.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
    Sure the combat can feel a little repetitive or the difficulty uneven. Sure you’ll fight with the camera amongst the villains themselves but at the end of the day, these are problems that irritate rather than ruin your time spent playing. In essence, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is like the movie summer blockbusters it’s trying hard to imitate. It’s big, it’s silly, it’s sometimes shallow but every time I pick up the controller I’m always left entertained.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Colors Live
    Colors Live may not be the most powerful drawing program for digital artists out there, but it was never intended to be so either. What it excels at is creating an incredible online community that lets anyone lay out their tools in front of them and think outside the box to create interesting and often thoughtful artwork. With online monthly challenges to take part in and inspiration spread out by the bucketloads, there are so many potential hours to spend amongst a much healthier and more welcoming community. More so than pretty much any other form of popular social media out there.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Jackbox Party Pack 8
    It’s impressive that even eight games deep, the Jackbox Party Pack series continues to deliver a reliable yearly source of laughter and fun. While The Jackbox Party Pack 8 may not offer the best quintet of games the series has packaged together, it’s certainly one of the more varied and hugely entertaining ways to spend an evening with friends and family.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Another Code: Recollection
    I’m not sure I’d be able to recommend Another Code: Recollection to people who prefer a higher ratio of puzzle to story in their adventure games, but if you’re fond of visual novels I think this is a solid recommendation. If you have a younger relative looking for something unlike anything currently on the market, I think this would make for an incredible gift. It might just change the way they see the world, and speak to them in a way no other games are capable of.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Earthlock
    More than anything, it is a joy to exist in Earthlock’s painterly world. This throwback to PlayStation-era JRPGs ranks among the best role-playing experiences that there is to be had on the Nintendo Switch so far. And, while it can be seen that its inspiration has held it back in certain ways, the refreshing approach to turn-based combat and the strategising that underpins it will hopefully help the game to be remembered as a classic in its own right.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mulaka
    Mulaka’s strength as a game comes from the painstaking effort that has been made to sufficiently portray the culture of the Tarahumara people, and, as such, there is much joy to be found in exploring the sun-baked region and learning from those that inhabit it.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pokemon Shining Pearl
    Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS games. They probably lean too much on the safe side, not achieving an awful lot to improve on the originals other than a few quality-of-life improvements. The improved Underground sections are a welcome addition, but the missing features from Pokémon Platinum are a big let-down. All in all, though, the Sinnoh region offers just as brilliant of an adventure as it was 15 years ago and the formula that worked back then (and then some) is still as addictive to this day. If you are a fan of classic Pokémon titles, this is a no-brainer.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Pumpkin Jack
    Playing through Pumpkin Jack definitely took me back to the days of the original Xbox, PlayStation 2 and GameCube and the plethora of action-adventure games like this that populated those consoles. What that means though is while Pumpkin Jack can be an enjoyable nostalgic trip at times, it also suffers from the same problems those games were guilty of back then namely their simplicity and uneven quality. Pumpkin Jack is charming and atmospheric, sure, but held back by the very games it’s trying to evoke.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mario Strikers: Battle League
    Mario Strikers: Battle League Football plays a mean game of soccer, proving to be just as much fun, chaotic and satisfying as its predecessors. Unfortunately, what surrounds it is a package that feels light on content and options limiting it from reaching the dizzying heights of the series’ best. As a result, Mario’s latest sports outing is a solid goal rather than a full-blown hattrick.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
    Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain delivers an enjoyable – if familiar – assortment of challenging games for all ages that shine best when competing with others. Unfortunately, a general lack of content means you’ll see everything it has to offer within a day or two, mode variety stretching your milage maybe a little farther. A fun, if short-lived experience.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Picross S 2
    Jupiter has delivered another satisfying slice of Picross bliss. While Picross S2 might be just more of the same, its hard to imagine a way in which the developer could shake things up without ruining what makes the puzzler so addictive in the first place. If you’re hungry for more Picross or just a new puzzler in general then Picross S2 is a safe recommendation, albeit a rather predictable one.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Adventures of Bertram Fiddle: Episode 1 - A Dreadly Business
    The story is a humorous one even if not every joke lands as intended and the puzzles need a little more breadth in approach, but the start of these new Adventurings are promising.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Trine: Enchanted Edition
    After nearly a decade, Trine Enchanted Edition still looks and plays as wondrously as ever. Its progressive reward system and ability to cater for gameplay variety keeps the adventure entertaining for the half a dozen hours or so it takes to complete the game. As a result, it suits the Nintendo Switch nicely despite the fact that the importance of a Right Stick makes split Joy-Con accessibility a missing feature. If you do happen to have a few sets of Joy-Con and Pro Controllers spare though, it’s certainly worth having a crack at multiplayer. For Trine Enchanted Edition is best served as a team effort with allies you can depend upon.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Yomawari: The Long Night Collection
    Featuring a unique blend of horror and a charming, chibi-like art style, Yomawari: The Long Night Collection is a decent two-game bundle that fans of the genre will enjoy. The monsters you encounter on your journey will scare the hell out of you. Having said that, the trial and error elements hinder the experience, as does the general scare factor once you get into the second game.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Bit.Trip Beat
    It is the simplicity of BIT.TRIP BEAT that really stuck with me and made me enjoy it so much. As you’ll find out later, not all of the ideas work as well as the simple ones do, and this is one that certainly works well enough to introduce a whole saga.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Football Manager 2021 Touch
    Simply put, if you have limited time and only want to dip your toes in, rather than fully submerging yourself, playing Football Manager 2021 Touch on Nintendo Switch in handheld mode is the best way to experience the game. Aside from the revamped matchday experience, there is not a great deal to differentiate this from Football Manager 2020 Touch.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Burly Men At Sea
    I feel like I’m misleading readers by using the word game or play because really, this is closer to a visual novel or a comic book in motion. I created bonds with those on the screen, I laughed, I gasped in shock and I missed the sense of the game when I wasn’t within the world. Burly Men at Sea is very much a folktale exploration of the world and relationships that surround us.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    OPUS: Rocket of Whispers
    The story that OPUS: Rocket of Whispers has to tell is a meaningful one, that touches on mental health issues such as loneliness, dealing with grief and low self-esteem. It is clear to see that it is a game that has been created from the heart, and, while much of it will be spent scavenging for rocket parts, it is the message that it imparts that will linger in your memory for a long time to come.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Nintendo Switch Sports
    Nintendo Switch Sports goes to prove there’s still plenty of fun to be had in swinging and shaking away with imaginary sports equipment. With a more generous dose of sports, this could have been fantastic, but instead, Nintendo seems to have settled on pretty good. While some sports certainly score harder than others, the overall package nonetheless remains entertaining, easily accessible and surprisingly competitive online.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Simon the Sorcerer Origins
    As I’m a newcomer to the Simon the Sorcerer series, I can’t really speak to how authentic this prequel is. But a bit of research tells me this franchise has been through some tough times, so fans will hopefully have some forgiveness for a good-hearted effort even if it doesn’t quite hit the mark. As for myself, as someone who has enjoyed adventure games through the highs and lows, I had a solid time with Simon the Sorcerer Origins. Not every reference landed, but the game wasn’t so obsessed with them as to make me feel lost. The story was engaging and the puzzles were largely fair, and that’s a big part of what I like to see in games from this genre. Fans of Broken Sword or Monkey Island might want to give this a shot, even if they don’t know Simon from a hole in the wall.
Page:

Top Trailers

See all »
See all trailers »