Nintendo Life's Scores

  • Games
For 5,856 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 Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
Lowest review score: 10 153 Hand Video Poker
Score distribution:
5864 game reviews
    • 58 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Players who love good old fashioned adventure games won't be disappointed if they give High Strangeness a chance.
    • 46 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    An underwhelming presentation and an unwieldily camera make it a tougher sell for non-fans, but if you're willing to overlook those flaws, unchaining humanity can be a blast.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Yes, it's unoriginal, but Bloo Kid always has a smile on his face while jumping on those generic enemies and at least the inspiration is coming from the right places. Give him a chance, he's trying his best.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    We've seen a lot of budget-priced titles on the Nintendo eShop over the course of its near four-year history, but few games have proven their worth even at the lowest prices. Runny Egg can be added to the list of exceptions, providing a cheery and addictive little diversion with surprisingly open level design and a good sense of humour.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Super Mario mode isn't as enjoyable as the main game; it's a nice change of scenery if you become bored with overgrown lizards parading in front of you, but it's best to stick with Puzzle & Dragons Z for the most part.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Overall, Best Friends - My Horse 3D is a good example of how not to make a horse racing sim.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Whether you're a longtime MegaTen fan or just enjoy deep, strategic RPGs, you'll have a great time with Record Breaker, so summon up your courage and sign in to Nicaea; you won't regret it.
    • 46 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Unfortunately, Karous -The Beast of Re:Eden- is what could only be described as a painfully average game. Aside from the mess that is the story, it doesn't do anything wrong necessarily, but it doesn't do anything exceptionally well either.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    This is the exact type of game that has the opportunity to build off of its predecessor, but instead sticks to the basics and ends up suffering for it.
    • 40 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Put this notebook back in your desk.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    There will be a niche market that TABLETOP GALLERY appeals to, and the titles do offer moments of distraction to those with an interest in such games - but there is very limited enjoyment to be found here for the average gamer; most will happily bypass this one altogether.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Worth a look for die-hard mini-game score addicts, providing you're willing to repeat, repeat, repeat. For most though there won't be enough gameplay here to satisfy.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pokémon Rumble World takes the basic beatdown gameplay the spin-off series is known for and combines it with fun connectivity features that give it a uniquely social feel.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Players are better off using that two bucks to buy some actual gum. Watching candy spin down the machine dispenser chute is about as fun as Bubble Gum Popper.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As its own experience, Cube Creator 3D stands up well as an entertaining experience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, DOOORS is an enjoyable, mind-bending puzzle game that encourages gamers to use unconventional thinking to problem solve their way through its numerous challenges. While the difficulty of these challenges can unpredictably spike at times, the whole experience is rewarding and inventive enough to be worth the time and effort.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    All in all, Madskull Creations has taken the traditional arcade formula and applied modern day controls to create a classic yet refreshing little Wii U title. For the little money being asked, it's well worth checking out.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    There are so many other puzzle games on the 3DS that are far more enjoyable and engaging, so we suggest you look elsewhere unless you really, really like word searches.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you or someone you know likes word searches and can withstand the no-frills presentation, you may well garner some sort of entertainment from this eShop entry. But it's hard to recommend a game that does so little to differentiate itself from its pen and paper roots.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It's difficult to recommend a game such as A-Train: City Simulator simply because of it's nigh impenetrable barrier to entry. Fans of simulator games such as these will find a rewarding and incredibly in-depth simulation of running a big business, but most will miss this and be lost to its confusing and unforgiving gameplay.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Newcomers should hold off on this one given the lack of any kind of tutorial, as should the left-handed, but if you're after a simple way to carry an instant jam session around with you, then it's a rock-solid option.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Tilelicious is a puzzle game with solid, market-tested core gameplay, but it's marred by archaic design choices that hold it back from being a stronger offering.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Sit. Heel. Stay away.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Simply avoid.
    • 35 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    We really wanted to like psyscrolr; it's a beautiful game with a lot of love put into its presentation and design. Unfortunately, it's impossible to recommend in its current state.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fun while it lasts, Pazuru is a solid little addition to the 3DS puzzler library and is definitely worth a look.
    • 40 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Excave II is a safe sequel with shares a lot in common with its predecessor, but with some very nice refinements made to the formula. Inventory management is much easier, using healing items while fighting is no longer a dangerous affair, and the variety in environments and weapon types has expanded even further.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 10 Critic Score
    So to summarise: Jet Dog has hardly any gameplay, relies on a good chunk of luck in combination with an awful lot of grinding.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fans of either series - or anyone up for a challenging dungeon-crawl in a idyllic setting - will have a great time combing through these charming catacombs.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Affordable Space Adventures is a unique game that can only conceivably work this well on the Wii U, though the 3DS could be a decent alternative in future.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It suffers from some rehashing, and not everyone will find the humour up their alley, but fans of AVGN who also don't mind a good platforming struggle shouldn't hesitate to pick this one up.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, Fossil Fighters: Frontier is too innocuous and likeable to stay mad at for long.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Tetraminos strips back the formula into a modest single-player experience, but fails to go anywhere compelling with it outside of a few stray powerups and level variants.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Iron Combat's greatest offence, such as it is, is not putting to proper use the truly fun mechanics it introduces; this isn't necessarily a reason not to buy it, but it should be considered for those looking for a lengthier experience.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    BOXBOY! will surely find an audience among those who are deeply in love with the Game Boy's sensibilities, but this writer is finding it increasingly difficult to be nostalgic for a style that never goes away. What's left, then, is a polished puzzler with surprisingly dull tendencies.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It may not be the most polished game, with its finicky frame rate and an underwhelming 3D display, but the charming characters and satisfying gameplay make this a game worth any Harvest Moon fan's time.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Whether you're a seasoned mahjong veteran or a curious newcomer to the game - there are far better alternatives on the 3DS eShop.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Big Space Invader fans or those looking for quick shots of pick-up-and-play may very well enjoy this, and at its initial budget price tag it wouldn't hurt too much to try.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Leagues ahead of most other indie eShop arcade-style games, Dot Arcade is a slick and professional production that bursts with personality and enthusiasm.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    It's hard to fault PENTAPUZZLE on a functional level — everything you need to have a mildly amusing time is present and accounted for. With that said, we'd caution you to think hard before spending the launch price of $4.49 on something this middling; there are other options that offer similar experiences for very little, and some of them with a lot more content.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A brilliant portable version of a true classic, fans of RPGs willing to commit themselves to the task of saving Bionis shouldn't hesitate to pick this up - it is, quite simply, the biggest world we've experienced on such small screens.
    • 46 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    It's a bold move for Natsume to develop a game that strays away from the series' conventions and tries new things, but the overall experience is lacking the polish and charm that the Harvest Moon name has come to represent.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Let this one sink into the depths, never to be resurrected.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it's not perfect - there really shouldn't be slowdown in a game with 8-bit pixel art, and it can be frustrating to try to figure out where to go next - anyone looking for a challenging, satisfying action adventure will likely get a lot of enjoyment out of it.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A few small factors aside, Trine Enchanted Edition is a gorgeous rendition to pick up for those who enjoyed the sequel.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Though somewhat underwhelming as a full experience, it's a decently fun (and cheap) party game. Just make sure to have friends to not touch anything red with.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Game design this smart and simple is just plain refreshing in a market saturated with so much overcomplicated nonsense. The presentation is also surprisingly good, with major points going to the detailed sound effects.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's a great starting place if you've never played a game in the series before - if you want a light-hearted game to enjoy with a group of friends, regardless of their skill level, you could do a lot worse than this.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For the most part, Zombie Incident turns out to be an extremely enjoyable throwback platformer with highly addictive gameplay. What faults the gameplay does possess due to its antiquated design are eclipsed by its wonderful visuals, highly addictive gameplay and sublime chip tune soundtrack.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A fantastic version of a timeless classic and another victory punch for Sega's 3D Classics range - 3D Out Run is a beautiful journey that everybody should take.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fun, quirky new release from Nintendo. While there are a few flaws in the game design, we think that there's enough good here to justify a purchase from any Nintendo fan looking for something different.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With a greater variety of stages and events, and further expansion to the online leaderboards, this could have been a real classic, but Proun+ is still definitely worth a look for anyone that doesn't mind retrying a course until they get it juuust right.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars is a hugely enjoyable action puzzler with some really fantastic ideas and mechanics. The sharing feature is easily the biggest draw, and the possibility of fresh content being available for years to come is enormously exciting.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    For a title being touted as yet another "Best of" experience, Best of Arcade Games - Bubble Buster miserably fails to be the best, and instead simply ends up being adequacy at a premium price.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Aside from the minor disappointment of lacking added features, the core game has translated across intact; thankfully it's as good as it ever was.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    What GravBlocks+ lacks in presentation, it makes up for in variety.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's not a perfect game, and the difficulty in later stages may deter some of the more casual puzzle fans out there, but it's worth keeping in mind that this was designed as a way to relax, and is best experienced when taken lightly.
    • 43 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Disappointing all over.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For those who fancy themselves a chef with an appetite for battle, Adventure Bar Story is a fun, inexpensive way to get your fill.
    • 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.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There is fun to be had in Titan Attacks while it lasts, but with a fairly high entry price (at the time of review) it's reasonable to hope for a little more content and polish - a competent player will easily see everything on offer in just a few hours play.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    By no means is it a poor game, it's just shallow to the point where even a unique and compelling concept such as this, one that utilizes both the Wii Remote and GamePad, becomes dull rather quickly.
    • 43 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Excave is a game that doesn't take its presentation and narrative terribly seriously, unlike some other RPGs, but this doesn't take much away from the experience. The game's strengths lie in its simple combat which manages to stave off repetition, the array of weapon types, and the diversity of ways players can tackle each dungeon.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The fans and faithful of the Jewel Quest series who don't mind wildly cramming gems into a corner for several minutes might very much enjoy the newer takes and elements of The Sapphire Dragon.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    If this game goes on sale in future, or reduces its price to a few bucks, only consider it if you're absolutely desperate for this type of experience. Right now though, Flap Flap can flap off.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Strained braincells and hand cramps aside, this is a unique and beautifully crafted puzzler which is as admirable for its artistic approach as it is for its fresh mechanics.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's not as complete of a package as many were hoping, namely with the absence of a sharing program within the application, but the core mechanics remain spot-on.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Even if you've been searching desperately for an air hockey simulator on 3DS, we can't possibly recommend this bare-bones, repetitious attempt, at least not at its current price.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Some of the games are perfectly playable, but most of these are variations on Solitaire that can be found for less eShop funds in Best of Solitaire alongside dozens more, so you're better off with those alternatives.
    • 39 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    There are plenty of fun multiplayer games for the Wii U, and Rock 'N Racing Off Road just has too little going for it to earn a recommendation.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Charming the game may be, Rainbow Curse is a few strokes from greatness: overly repetitive mechanics, underused ideas, and a failure to integrate its clay theme into gameplay in any meaningful way keep it from reaching the lofty heights to which it potentially could. Well crafted, but not a masterpiece.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    In trying to enhance such an archaic video game experience, Bigben Interactive has merely formed a glossy patina on what is essentially an outdated video game experience, and despite its decent visuals and modern additions, this does little to break the mould; it finds itself lost in an ever-growing sea of Breakout clones.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Players willing to overlook the rough-and-ready packaging will find plenty of genuinely fun primate puzzling here.
    • 44 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    At its launch price this is one of the better mobile-esque values on Wii U - just know that this one's not in it for the long haul.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Depending too heavily on its Game Boy-influenced presentation, Tri-Strip doesn't take the time to acknowledge that a couple of modern touches could've injected much-needed value into its limited package.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In summary, though, fans of arcade shooters should pick this up without a second thought - it's a welcome and long overdue return of a true classic.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy+ is a minor and slightly cheeky update - despite Nintendo planes and amiibo support it's certainly not worth a double dip for those with the original.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, however, the experience is still fairly solid, so we recommend giving the free content a shake and then deciding whether or not you want more of it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Fans of the WiiWare release might be pleased to see this one landing on a new platform, but be warned that it hasn't carried over well.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A true portable blockbuster.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Citizens of Earth is a rare breed of sprawling RPG that doesn't take itself too seriously, and blends solid mechanics with parody and imagination very well indeed. The style is there, but when it comes to overall experience, a long list of glitches rains on this Vice President's parade somewhat.
    • 30 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    This is the same recycled thing we've seen over and over in the two years since Dong Nguyen had a surprise hit, and it's high time this vapid avian adventure took a permanent vacation.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    A magnificent remastering of one of the finest Legend of Zelda games to date. The visual overhaul, the streamlined features and other improvements make this version an even more enjoyable and accessible experience than the original N64 release.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Citizens of Earth runs for about 15 hours if you tackle a decent amount of side-quests and level up your team, which is pretty short by RPG standards.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Quell: Memento shines with elegance and substance, successfully building upon the foundation of its predecessor without sacrificing the relaxing mood and tempo at which it operates.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Simple and small but full of fun, Breezeblox combines immensely satisfying spatial puzzles with a pleasant presentation, smooth control and clever level design.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you want to play solo or with a friend, this game is a must-have for anyone looking for a bit of mindless fun while bashing brainless hordes.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Still, players looking for an atmospheric puzzler with some inventive gimmicks should find plenty to enjoy with most of this title, regardless of these hiccups.
    • 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.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    We recommend it as a must buy for fans of action platformers, especially those that enjoy retro nods and winks with their modern day experiences - this one's a straight shooter.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Those expecting the original game designed for multiple people may be disappointed by its distinctly solo environment, but otherwise it's an excellent little budget title for some Eastern solo fun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Fans of the ScaryGirl character may like being able to import pre-made characters, but other than that we suggest sticking with software that's more robust.
    • 41 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    With a much larger collection of words and maybe a couple more ways to play, uWordsmith could be a very solid, brain-based party game. As it stands now, however, its lack of vocabulary is a telling blow that makes it hard to find the words to recommend it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Silly, challenging and tightly-tuned, Electronic Super Joy: Groove City serves up the kind of moves that platforming diehards will likely eat up.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you're going to play Space Lift Danger Panic!, there's a good chance that it's going to be for the plot and occasional returns to Survival Mode, but it's a hard sell for players looking for something with a little more depth. It's just too bad that more effort wasn't put into the general gameplay to give it a little variety.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Those looking for a more 'premium' tennis experience on the Wii U would probably be better off with Wii Sports Club: Tennis. However, Family Tennis SP certainly holds its own as cheaper, motion control-less alternative.
    • Nintendo Life
    • 51 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Whilst by no means a poor game, Penguins of Madagascar will give those playing a very mediocre experience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    While there is some fun to be had, a purchase is only recommended for creative players who can turn straw to gold - otherwise, stick with a portable version of Minecraft.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Whether you're looking for exploration or monster-rearing, there are far better options on the 3DS - for an eShop alternative, try The Denpa Men 3 - so we regretfully recommend leaving this one lost in space.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The story's rather lame, and the occasional presentational hiccup can be jarring, but these shouldn't deter players interested in the genre — anyone who enjoys card games, either online or physically, should at least give this one a spin.

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