Nintendo Life's Scores

  • Games
For 5,857 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 45% higher than the average critic
  • 18% same as the average critic
  • 37% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 8 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 67
Highest review score: 100 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Lowest review score: 10 Lawnmower Game: Racing
Score distribution:
5865 game reviews
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Like most minigame compilations, you really need to round up a few friends to get the most fun out of Deca Sports DS. The events have a simplistic skew and several just aren't worth returning to alone, leaving you underwhelmed after a while.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    This isn't how a game port to a more powerful system should be, and if you absolutely have to sample Mickey's latest adventure we suggest looking to your old system or the Wii Menu.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Rather than building on the solid foundations its predecessor set last year, Gear.Club Unlimited 2 slams into reverse gear and delivers racing gameplay that feels significantly more laggy and sluggish than the original. With no attempt made to cut its remaining mobile roots and more performance issues than a drunken West End actor, we just can’t recommend dropping a whopping £54.99 on this unoptimised, clunky effort.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, Fossil Fighters: Frontier is too innocuous and likeable to stay mad at for long.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With its predecessor containing over four times more puzzles at the exact same price on the eShop, and with its most glaring issue curiously still present in this new release, it's hard to recommend Kids over the original Color Zen.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If we've made this game sound thoroughly generic, that's because it is. But it's not a disaster — Operation Blackout has plenty to do, with unlockable skins and modifiers to mess around with if you get into it, and there's love for the G.I Joe property here, so fans of the toys may get a kick out of it. For everyone else, though, it's a very difficult game to recommend. If you want a third-person shooter on Switch, Rebellion's Rogue Trooper or Zombie Army Trilogy are both better buys. And now you know. And knowing is half the- actually, no, forget it. We're not even going to finish the thought. We're better than that.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Worms Rumble is a reasonably fun game in its own right; the battles feel fast, the weapons pack a decent punch, and the addition of zip wires make traversal a blast. The problem is that in transitioning to a multiplayer-focused battle royale style game, much of what made Worms so iconic in the past is now gone, with far fewer weapons and absolutely no destructible environments. Add to this a rather limited selection of levels, and you’ve got an experience that may well be fun for a short while, but certainly won’t keep you engaged for the long haul.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Swords & Bones needs to be approached and scored based around several key details, including whether you enjoy Ghosts’n Goblins or Castlevania-style platforming, as well as indie takes on the theme. If the answer is ‘yes’ to these metrics, then Swords & Bones comfortably earns its modest price tag. It has near zero replay value once completed and tied in a bow, and it’s neither deep or surprising; but it is, undoubtedly, a fun way to kill three hours with a talented gang of bedroom coders. If that sounds appealing, the negligible investment will be money well spent.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    We would only ever recommend Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs to Pac-Man diehards at its launch price point. In fact, given the fate of its Pac-Man 99 forebear, we would be hesitant to open our wallets for it at all, because we doubt it will have much longevity if it isn’t eventually made free-to-play. Though it introduces a cool idea or two, multiplayer Pac-Man was done better by its predecessors and, as it stands, its price tag is tough to justify.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    One wonders if the entire Bubsy series wasn’t actually designed as a sort of torture parody; that the intention all along was to pummel unsuspecting children into submission via an innocent-looking, anthropomorphic-bobcat-led platform game. Picture this: some kid in 1993 got Bubsy for Christmas after the sales clerk told his parents that Sonic and Mario were old hat, and this was the hot new thing. That kid either never forgave his parents for the injustice and the playground bullying they endured as a result, or they committed fully to the Bubsy universe and found a happy place within it. If you’re the latter, then this collection is for you. And only for you.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    When it all works like it should, The House of the Dead: Remake is a fun update of a Sega arcade classic. The performance can be janky and the controls clunky on its default settings, but if you’re willing to put the time in to tweak them you should get something you’re happier with. You shouldn’t have to do that with a light gun shooter, though, and the fact you do has to go down as a failing on the game’s part.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Astro Bears Party plays more like a tech demo that is a few days into development rather than a complete package. The concept is a neat idea, but it seems as if the developer got the absolute basics up and running and then decided to halt work to rollout the title. The amount of content in this game is so underwhelming, as a result, that it’s hard to justify putting any real cash towards it. At best this is perhaps suitable for a few short rounds of multiplayer, or for any younger people who are new to video games. Otherwise you should look elsewhere if you are seeking a new party game on the Nintendo Switch.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Momonga Pinball Adventures is ultimately a fun experience. It escapes falling into the trap of being 'just another pinball game' by adding different challenges and exploration, rather than sticking to the restrictions of a table.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For diehard fans of oddball Japanese titles the fact that Minon: Everyday Hero has some decent gameplay and nice trappings which add spice to what can sometimes seem like a mundane gaming scene the price is probably worthwhile.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Epic Dumpster Bear is the epic adventure of a dumpster-diving bear as he attempts to battle against the evil corporation, and proof that you should never judge a book by its cover.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    There is a good game in Paper Cut Mansion, but it would need at least a year polishing and refining what's here to make it worthwhile. As it is, the interesting concept and excellent art direction can’t make up for shallow gameplay and clunky mechanics. Nothing in this game is terrible, but there are far better roguelites out there to spend your time and money on.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants is not the steaming cash grab that you might have assumed by seeing the publisher involved. Neither is it anything close to the action-packed highs that we have seen from the heroes in a half-shell in recent years. Instead, we are left with a game that is perfectly serviceable but ultimately forgettable, let down by repetitive levels and combat and lacking any reason to go back for more. If, for some unknown reason, this is the only Turtles beat ‘em up that you can access, then you will likely have a perfectly fine 90 minutes of playtime. But the alternatives on Switch deliver much more memorable, satisfying TMNT experiences.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    We didn't hate Elrentaros Wanderings' grindy dungeon-crawling gameplay. There are things to like, even if those moments are interspersed with long stretches of boring, repetitive enemy-bashing. There are hints of the trademark Rune Factory charm here and there, and the art is genuinely lovely, but this sparse action RPG feels like a new skin stretched far too thinly over the skeleton of a much better game.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you've got someone to play this with, it's a great way to pass the time on those rainy days – just like with the physical versions of the games (apart from Bop It, which we would have gladly swapped for the real thing or a paint drying simulator).
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Wrestling Empire is the video game equivalent of Paul Heyman-era ECW. It's low-budget, it's extremely rough and it's often difficult to watch, but there's a clear passion for pro wrestling underneath it and we're sure it'll develop a hardcore following of fans who love it in spite of its many, many flaws.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Still, if you can endure its quirks Dementium Remastered is a strong horror shooter on the system, with fun combat and a tense atmosphere combining well.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Graphically, the game is technically decent, though the frame rate could have been bumped up a bit more. From an artistic perspective, the environments and characters are all a bit ‘samey’, blending together from one level to the next, with little variation. It’s a shame, because Hong Kong is undoubtedly a visually striking city, but the buildings showcased in The Hong Kong Massacre could have been plucked from literally any town in the world.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Data East may not have had the golden touch when it came to making arcade games, but they certainly had a few gems in their catalogue, which Data East Arcade Classics does a good job of sampling.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    When you think "party games," you don't normally think of playing multiple games in the exact same manner, and there's a reason why – it gets boring.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The lack of any difficulty options and the lacklustre multiplayer mode does not do the game any favours, but for many it could provide a nice little diversion at a low price.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There's no denying the fact that the original Xevious arcade game is beginning to show its age with overly simplistic visual designs and repetitive gameplay, but it's impossible not to be impressed with just how much the addition of true 3D depth injects into the overall experience.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Armikrog feels like a game for a different era, for good and ill. While point-and-click adventures can play to the nostalgia of some, they can feel mired in traditions that just don't translate to a more mainstream audience. If the former sounds like something you'd be into Armikrog will probably push your buttons. If the latter sounds like something you fear, Armikrog's lack of clear goals and an expectation of excessive patience means it's probably not for you.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Adventures of Tintin is merely the sum of its parts; decent platforming, good music and a sizeable amount of gameplay don't ever quite gel into a satisfying whole. There's potential for a better game in here, but it'll have to wait until the inevitable sequel.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Buried deep within Neverwinter Nights' loins remains an entertaining, engrossing and lengthy RPG adventure, bundled with oodles of extra campaigns and one-off adventures. But to enjoy that you're going to have to put up with some of the most stuttery, bug-riddled nonsense we've seen on the Switch. Fun and frustrating in equal measure.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    For the first couple of worlds it's a simple, addictive little platformer with tight level design. Unfortunately, the game loses its way by not introducing enough new ideas to keep things fresh, and by relying too heavily on trial-and-error in the back half of the quest.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It’s such a shame Mable & The Wood can’t back up its interesting premise and impressive visuals with engaging gameplay. It’s a unique take on the shapeshifting concept, to be sure, but navigating the environment is more frustrating than it is fun. There’s a nice variety of boss encounters that keep the experience feeling relatively fresh, but overall, this is one Metroidvania that fails to live up to the hype.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    There is fun to be had in Farming Simulator 23: Nintendo Switch Edition, but those who find it will need to be intimately familiar with the farming process. This version feels like a significant downgrade over the PC edition released in late 2021 and has some gameplay quirks that hinder the actual experience of running a farm. Unless you are desperate to take your farming on the go with the Switch, there are better entries in this series out there to play.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Thor is short and often repetitive, but it features a long list of attainable moves, combos and techniques to keep things fun and interesting.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Poor decisions in the wardrobe department, tedious animal treatment sections, useless "party games" and bad QA take a lot away from what could have been a pretty fun game to play with your kids.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you need something you can play for hours at a time, however, your best bet is to ignore the in-game shop altogether; take the money you'd spend on an afternoon's worth of Jewels, put it towards Pokémon Battle Trozei instead, and let the endless supply of Poké-puzzles tide you over between Shuffles.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Veterans of the first game won’t be expecting a technical tour-de-force, but Deadly Premonition 2 still manages to underwhelm in pure performance terms. However (and this is a big however), it's a game with real character and it's very tough to dislike, even as you stutter your way around Le Carré on your skateboard. If you've ever been intrigued by the original, we'd recommend giving this a go. It’s janky and derivative, yes, but it’s also irresistibly wonderful and strange, and there's no other video game quite like it.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The simple fact of the matter is that this game is just too sluggish and doesn't offer up enough gameplay variety to keep most people's interest for more than a few minutes.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Players might be put off by the short length and lack of multiplayer -- which means it probably won't get as much playtime after the first runthrough by anyone but high score junkies, but if you're a fan of the genre it's worth a look.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Long load times, ugly cinematics, and finicky touch controls aside, the fun mission structure and engaging gameplay makes this one worth picking up for anyone seeking big fun in small bursts.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    In conclusion, Inside My Radio is a fairly novel, robust rhythmic platformer that's fun for a few hours; you'll soon be moving on to other things. Worth picking up for a Sunday afternoon blast if you fancy something a tiny bit different.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As simple as Back to Bed may seem, it's a satisfying puzzle game. Bob's dream sequences further enhance the experience with the inclusion of an appropriately fitting surreal art style. If you're in the mood for a fun and functional puzzle game, maybe consider this one.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Standing out from the crowd with a unique, physics-based control scheme is all well and good but, by restricting its usage to just one simple idea, the game feels like it needs to be developed further to truly shine. The mechanics are undoubtedly interesting, and they’ll pique your curiosity at first, but after several levels players will be craving something new and that unfortunately never comes. Not a bad way to idly pass the time, then, but not something to shout home about either.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Wanderjahr TryAgainOrWalkAway hides a very competent and well designed strategy combat/puzzle game under the casual friendly visuals. Despite some struggle and grinding occasions that pop up now and then (one might even call some of the bosses overly unfair), the overall experience is very satisfying so even in massive defeat you don’t feel you were wasting your time. You will probably get the most out of this one playing it in portable mode with touchscreen controls, so make sure you have a screen wipe at the ready; even a single battle can lead up to hundreds of index finger taps on your Switch screen so tap softly... but tap decisively.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame isn't the groundbreaking reinvention the franchise so desperately needs, but it's still a step in the right direction. It's still got the same one-note combat (even with some Master Builder special attacks thrown in for good measure) and missions too often boil down to 'Go find enough resources to build this item, which opens this door, etc', but for all the times it falls into the pitfalls of its own past, there's plenty to appreciate. The focus on collecting resources makes total sense for a game all about breaking everything in sight, and the mixture of sandbox levels and creative building options is a timely reminder that LEGO Worlds has plenty of ideas still worth revisiting.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Considering how quickly Five Dates was conceptualised and developed, the overall execution of the story is commendable. Having said that, it’s a shame there’s no option here to flip things around and have a woman protagonist join the app to date five men in addition to Vinny. We appreciate this would effectively double the amount of work required, but we have to wonder who exactly Five Dates is aimed at. As it is, the entire premise feels like a throwaway side-story shoved into a Richard Curtis rom-com to simply appease the men in the audience. It’s a fun little distraction, but ultimately not an experience that’s going to stick with you for long.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Rise of the Slime has some accessibility issues, mostly because of its occasionally iffy controls and the ridiculously small text, but if you can look past those, then you'll find a pleasantly bitesized little roguelite deckbuilder. It's no Slay the Spire, but it doesn't need to be; it keeps to its small scope well enough.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Michael Jackson: The Experience is indeed a good way to dance along to your favourite King of Pop routines, but that's really about it.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Like a classic chocolate cake, Cooking Mama Sweet Shop is comfortingly familiar, dependably tasty, and not about to surprise or delight with any particular twists. It doesn't do much to innovate on the series’ successful recipe of touchscreen microgames and food-based fun, but what's here is solid, and the focus on sweets does play to the series' strengths — even if the 'Shop' side of the equation falls flat. It's also commendably accessible, and backs up its all-ages appeal with simple, easy to read gameplay that's perfect for younger and novice gamers. If you're not specifically into desserts, Cooking Mama 5 is still our pick for the better game, but if you're looking to take a baking break with life's sugarier pleasures, Mama's Sweet Shop is a pretty sweet place to be.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Chubbins is a deceptively difficult old-school platformer that's all about managing your angles and learning to bounce at just the right moment.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The strange addition of Zen mode, a pleasing aesthetic and a smooth menu interface give RocketsRocketsRockets far more personality than you’d think its generic title would afford. Simple, enjoyable matches make this a great pick to play with friends, despite a weak single-player offering.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With multiple play modes and a two player option, this a game that should appeal to families looking for something light and enjoyable to play together on a night in. The gameplay may be somewhat lacking in variety and it will not pose a challenge for the older audience, but the kids will certainly have a good time with playing this one.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    All in all, Elastic Boy is a moderately good start for young kids who want to start getting into actual gaming (perhaps as a step up from Lexis Numerique's other WiiWare series), and for 600 Wii Points it's not really too expensive. Be on the lookout for sequels!
    • 56 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If Space Invaders floats your intergalactic boat, Super Destronaut DX will definitely scratch your itch and the attempts to nudge and wink its way through your fond memories of neon lights and electro tunes are admirable. However, unless you’re a high score hunter or a multiplier maniac who has had their fill of more interesting shooters or music-based games on the system like Just Shapes And Beats or Lumines Remastered, Super Destronaut DX will end up being a brief time killer, but not much else.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Transformers Prime feels most at home on Wii U: increased visual fidelity makes it more striking and true to the cartoon than the cruder Wii and 3DS editions, and predictable yet appreciated flexibility offered by the GamePad brings a bundle of convenience. Just as on other platforms, though, the game is aimed squarely at the younger/casual Transformers crowd.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The concept behind WWE 2K Battlegrounds is a solid one, but it's let down time and time again by limited and repetitive combat, dopey AI, an excessively locked roster and a series of bewildering design choices that really should have been questioned at some point during production. We hope it eventually gets an improved sequel, but until then, the Switch is still lacking a proper main event-tier wrestling game.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With Super Toy Cars, you either embrace the weird physics and accept that this is a cheap, silly experience, or you don’t.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    As a single player experience, Gameloft's Texas Hold 'em Poker will provide about as much diversion as a good game of Freecell. The visuals are excellent and the game plays well, but the useless online experience and one-note gameplay prevents us from recommending this game to anyone but die hard fans of this poker variant.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A lot of fun once Campaign Mode picks up, but it's all just too basic and repetitive to become very compelling. It's not a bad game, it just lends itself to tedium.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pokémon Rumble Blast is a good game, but - let's face it - we've played it before. The 3DS gave Nintendo a wider palette to work with, but it seems like it was content to leave well enough alone.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Star Wars: Hunters might not bring anything particularly new to the ever-increasing field of class-based shooters, but there's a lot of fun to be had here. If you can look past the fiddly menus and 'Arena Pass' trappings that have haunted so many in the genre, Hunters offers a level of tactical PvP gameplay that is simple to grasp and entertaining enough to warrant mastering. Best of all, it feels right at home on Switch. There's certainly room for improvement but, like ol' Shiv Palpatine, we will watch its career with great interest.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures is both incredibly enjoyable and considerably infuriating. There’s just enough of that classic magic in there to make the design and management of a theme park a consistently rewarding experience, and using permits and research to space out your access to the good stuff makes this a genuinely fun time sink. However, the level of automation that’s migrated over from the mobile iteration really does negatively impact this Switch port, and issues with overall performance place a big caveat around its neck. While it's not a total disaster, RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures does leave you wanting a little more – especially if you're a seasoned fan of the long-running series.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Lonpos does very little to make itself stand out from the abundance of alternative WiiWare puzzlers and the price doesn’t quite justify what’s on offer here.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There's nothing badly wrong with Gods vs. Humans, but with 60 levels that are largely the same your interest might start to wane quite fast.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    It's not a tense, open-world survival game and it's not a zany, action-packed zombie kill-a-thon. How To Survive falls somewhere in between the two, and will likely appeal only to die-hard fans of the genre, or anyone willing to spend cash on a cheap thrill or two.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There will inevitably be some long-time fans disappointed by the game's far tamer level designs and lack of fan favourite Monkey Target mini-game, but those who can open their minds up to something a bit different might actually find the game a fun and engaging experience.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Ultimately, it's an average game diminished by its own bugs, glitches, and largesse.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite occasionally getting lost and feeling overwhelmed by all the options and moves, Samurai Warriors 3 is a real treat and it's easy to see why Nintendo secured it exclusively for the Wii. Although there is a ton of content, the gameplay is structured in bite-sized pieces so players can make some serious accomplishments in a short span of time.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Shifting World certainly contains the germ of a great idea but it execution leaves a lot to be desired. Uninspired level design, a useless map, poor responsiveness and inexplicable slowdown all come together to make Shifting World feel like an unfinished beta version released at retail. Shifting World had potential, but in its current state, you're not missing much by passing on it.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Beenox has done some good work with the webslinger, but to call its latest Spider-Man game "amazing" on 3DS would be a massive stretch. The story is passable, nestling deep enough that you want to see where it may go, and almost in spite of itself delivers enough moments that really capture the essence of Spider-Man, but between the repetition and glitches there may come a point where you'll have to have a good think about whether it's a game you want to see through to the end of its six-to-eight hours.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Taking clear inspiration from the seminal BioShock series, Close to the Sun promises much but delivers a somewhat lacklustre exploration of a world 'enhanced' by Nikola Tesla’s fascinating vision. The horror is ramped up with a tense and unsettling atmosphere, but cheap and repetitive jump scares lower the tone and the rudimentary puzzle sequences provide little in the way of real challenge. To make matters worse, the Switch is far from the ideal system to contain such a visually striking game; while the Helios remains a sight to behold, there’s little here to warrant jumping aboard.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It has a few design flaws that detract from the gameplay, particularly in terms of simple usability, and to tell the truth there’s not really a huge amount of originality on display. If you’ve played any open world GTA off-shoot in the past ten years you’ll find little in C.O.P. to surprise you, but if you’re after a less-adult title in the genre then C.O.P.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Many of the problems with this 3DS version link back to the uniqueness of the Wii game: its motion controls have not translated well to the cramped button and touch screen layout on the 3DS.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With clunky controls that would have worked great with a little more attention, sub-par graphics, and unsatisfying puzzle solving that can leave you frustrated, Staff of Kings tries very hard to disappoint its players.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    At the end of the day, though, this is the best sandbox game on the Wii U yet, and fans looking to get their fix need to look no further.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Othello is a release that can certainly grab and hold the attention of those that like the core game or want a bit of relaxed multiplayer; you can easily pass a Joy-Con or even exclusively use the touchscreen. However, while it's interesting to see Arc System Works diversify itself, the title would be much more at home if it was included with a compilation of other tabletop games. It's a functional and solid release, though it's down to individuals whether the convenience is worth the price, or whether this is one of those 'when on discount' downloads.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Ultimately, we have to ask ourselves one crucial question when it comes to Half Past Fate: Romantic Distancing: do we really need yet another reminder of the truly awful situation we’re all still in? The story being told here is an uplifting one, but it’s also stuffed with terms we’ve become all too familiar with over the course of the past year: social distancing, flattening the curve, remote meetings… we could go on. Games are – perhaps more than ever – a means of escapism, and Serenity Forge’s new title strays a bit too close to reality for our liking. We’d probably recommend other developers try again in a few years time when the dust has settled.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Soccer Story delivers a colourful, charming take on the 'sports adventure', bursting at the seams with earnest effort and care from the development team. It's a fun experience, though it doesn't reach the heights of the genre's most famous release. Bugs and hitches pop up occasionally too, but if you're seeking some light entertainment and happen to love football, its cute visuals and charming world make it worth consideration.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Diner Dash is a fun game and a well-executed concept on the PC which could have been faithfully ported to WiiWare simply by swapping mouse for Remote and adding NES-style control for a manual alternative. Instead we have unnecessary use of the Nunchuk and visuals which certainly could have been better rendered on the Wii than they are.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Midnight Mysteries: The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy presents a decent seek-and-find adventure with an enveloping storyline, but it doesn't take you into enough of Poe's stories to provide as enveloping an experience as it could.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Bombing Bastards doesn't stand up to the high standards set by some recent Wii U eShop releases, but it's a competent if unremarkable action puzzler.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Monster Combine TD is an interesting take on the tower defence genre, building off of the gameplay of Plants vs. Zombies, but the inherent flaws in some of its gameplay aspects will quickly come to light and put a damper on the experience.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    In conclusion, The Grumpy Reaper isn't going to win any awards for originality; there's a distinct 'Rare'-esq feel to the cartoony graphical presentation and the fuzzy nostalgia feeling that comes with the basic gameplay is initially quite endearing - the simplicity feels refreshing.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A perfectly passable, prototypical roguelike RPG, Adventure Labyrinth Story is a decently diverting game that's happy to entertain without leaving a lasting impression.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    On a system like the 3DS, there's no shortage of top-shelf RPGs to choose from, but if you've played the best and are looking for a solid mid-tier effort, you might just be in luck.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Combining crazy physics and an even crazier story scenario, Coffin Dodgers has managed to do just enough to stand out from the crowd, offering a decent little kart-racer that should generate a laugh or two. A slight lack of content and a less-than-perfect overall quality prevent it from being something worth shouting about, however, so you might want to consider your options before jumping in with an immediate purchase.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Bit Dungeon Plus does exactly what it says on the tin and it does it fairly well. The title won’t draw you in with an intricate story of medieval rivalry and bloodshed involving a vast fantasy world, but the pick-up and play nature of the game will. Some might find its limitless nature frustrating and unnerving, but by improving your set of gear and tactics with each round after countless near-deaths is exhilarating in its own right. Make no mistake - the game is quite rightly harsh for the genre it’s sitting in but if you’re a glutton for punishment and you’re scouring the eShop for a simple, yet highly rewarding eShop dungeon-crawler that won’t break the bank then Bit Dungeon Plus is worth picking up for the attractive asking price.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There's fun to be had in Suicide Guy. There's a nice variety of situations and environments and exploring each stage can be a blast. The technical problems are what ultimately drag Suicide Guy down. Still, if you can get past the bugs and glitches, there's a nifty little puzzle game waiting for you on the eShop.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Despite looking moderately eye-catching in screenshots, Bird Game + ultimately proves to be the game that its title suggests: a bland and frustrating experience in search of an identity. The concept has potential, but a lack of polish and focus means it never really leaves the ground.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Slender: The Arrival is far from the greatest horror game on Nintendo Switch. With the likes of Outlast 2, Layers of Fear, and Resident Evil to compete against, this bland and bare horror title shows its true colours separated from the hype of 2013. Unlike the mystical powers of the Slenderman, there’s nothing compelling here in the slightest, unless you like looking at poorly rendered forestry.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    There's an interesting and fun game buried somewhere deep beneath the surface of Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolf, but you’ll need to crack the tough, unintuitive armour that protects the core mechanics before you can find it. Unfortunately, you don’t have the privilege of a Thunder Hammer at your disposal – all you have is time, and you’ll need a lot of it to get any real enjoyment out of this rather disappointing title.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you’re a die-hard fan of the studio, then perhaps Code Shifter is worth a look if you find it on sale someday. Otherwise, there isn’t much to see here.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Bake ‘n Switch makes for a fun experience overall but it’s hard to deny that certain elements feel bare. With a minimal PvP mode, no single-player option (at launch, anyway) and issues with online progression, it does feel rushed upon delivery but there’s still plenty of content to keep players busy. If you can assemble a team of friends, have a younger family to entertain or just want a new multiplayer experience, there’s enjoyment to be found here – but it’s a cautious recommendation.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Tennis World Tour 2 is a simulation style affair that demands much from its players but doesn't reciprocate with a game that's capable of matching their efforts. Flaky AI and a lack of basic player animations leads to core gameplay here that feels rough and unsatisfying for the most part. Matches often descend into a procession of double faults, there's absolutely zero net play, and no matter how much practice you put in, things always feel like they're out of your control. There is a decent selection of modes here and the fundamental ideas behind the gameplay could have made for a good time, but a lack of finesse in how these things have been implemented mean this one is best avoided by all but the most foolhardy of tennis fans.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Nadir: A Grimdark Deckbuilder succeeds in delivering a visually beautiful experience, but the game around these gorgeously metal images doesn’t feel like it had the same care as the art design. It is frustratingly difficult, a fact exacerbated by the inconsistently presented information and issues around how the game’s controls were ported to the Switch. This is a game that feels unfinished, despite the visual flair it offers.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    We wish we liked Library of Ruina more than we do; its world and characters touch on clever themes and storytelling devices, but never fully lean into its potential. Slapdash pacing coupled with sluggish, nerve-wracking menus makes playing Library of Ruina an exercise in courting digital whiplash as you cycle between rushed, truncated story beats and glacially-paced menus. If it had more engaging combat and a more efficient narrative setup, Library of Ruina would have really impressed us. Sadly, we don't feel very compelled to see it through to completion.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Mario and Sonic 2014 feels like a minor progression, and not the huge leap you might be expecting.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A solid, enjoyable 2D platformer particularly suited to less experienced gamers.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you're in the mood for a completely mindless, easy to learn action RPG, Legends of Exidia might not be a very bad pick, provided you can look over its flaws.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    POKER DICE SOLITAIRE FUTURE succeeds as a simple and accessible GamePad application that will allow poker diehards and high-scoring addicts to pass a little time while their television is in use. Unfortunately, it's such a bare-bones package that there's not much incentive to keep returning for more.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Double Dragon Revive is the sort of game that’s just damningly mediocre. It doesn’t fumble the ball too hard in any significant way, but neither does it really excel at offering a fun and engaging beat ‘em up. Interesting gameplay ideas are held back by uneven execution, and the uninspired graphical style kind of takes some getting used to. This will have its fans, and it’s worth purchasing on a deep sale someday, but it’s definitely nowhere close to the list of games I’d recommend to someone wanting to expand their beat-‘em-up collection. Perhaps Billy and Jimmy will wow us with their inevitable next outing, but this one is just 'alright'.

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