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
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Fans of the The LEGO Movie and previous LEGO games are sure to enjoy this one as well, but don't seek it out expecting anything that you haven't already seen.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The fact that Quell Reflect takes the “ice” mechanic and creates an experience of it that doesn't make you want to shatter your 3DS against the wall is a testament to the care creator Fallen Tree Games took in the level design and ambience.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether or not you're willing to pay for some extra features, Steel Diver: Sub Wars features a highly enjoyable online multiplayer mode; that's something, perhaps, that the 3DS has missed so far. Since it's free, you have no excuse not to check it out — perhaps you'll even like it so much that you'll spend some money.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    AeternoBlade isn't a bad game, it's just bland and occasionally frustrating.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Spot the Differences is a disappointing game. With its lack of content and premium price point — $9.99 is completely unreasonable for a product with one mode that can be found for free elsewhere — we don't recommend Spot the Differences to anyone other than fans of good photography. Even then, there are cheaper alternatives.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Taken on its own merits, though, free from comparison to the earlier versions, it's hard to see Retro City Rampage DX as anything less than a deranged masterpiece.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    My Farm can be credited with at least being a functional piece of software on the Wii U. Nevertheless, that by itself isn't enough to make this a game you'll actually want to play.
    • 33 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW! for 3DS is less playable than its Wii U counterpart, and its cut corners show everywhere; it’s not the game that Adventure Time fans deserve or should expect from a developer like WayForward.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is still a very good game and a worthy addition to any LEGO fan’s collection, but the series’ seams are definitely starting to show.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze utilises the Wii U’s graphical capabilities beautifully, with levels both stunning in design and looks, and impressive set-pieces that never skip a frame and can test any gamer’s skills. As a single player experience it is near flawless, but the precision of the level design can lead the often fun multiplayer into moments of chaos.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Like its predecessor, Touch Battle Tank 3D 2 is a misfire.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For fans of Angry Birds who are looking for a change of pace, or anyone who is craving a bit of relaxing fun, this castle is definitely worth crushing.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For those that purchased Inazuma Eleven 3 last year, there's little reason to buy this; there's too much overlap and a lack of any real progression. Level-5 keeps piling on more of the same content, when creativity is required.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    In the end, Percy’s Predicament feels like an unfinished build of a game that could’ve released for PC back in the late 90’s.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    If you've decided that your game is only going to do one thing, you need to make sure that it does that one thing well. For ARC STYLE: Solitaire, doing that one thing well just wasn't in the cards.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    If you can look past the blatant consumerism and potentially damaging image-crafting effect that the classic line of dolls has on children, Barbie Dreamhouse Party has a lot going for it when scrutinized with an eye for metaphor.
    • 43 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Stay away from LEGO Friends.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    While it's not all bad — there's nothing "broken" and younger players will enjoy dressing up their hamsters and collecting new cages — the experience is simply too thin to justify its price tag.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    This is a good game that has been ported sloppily, but is a tempting option for those that absolutely must have a new kart racing fix and can't wait for Mario Kart 8 to arrive on the grid.
    • 49 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you’re still interested after reading through our criticisms, there’s likely enough here to justify a purchase; otherwise, you’re probably best off leaving this photo undeveloped.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For fans of the franchise or younger gamers looking for a few hours of high quality — albeit simplistic — fun, it's certainly worth some consideration.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    There are no two ways about it: Hot Wheels: World’s Best Driver is not good.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With much to explore and so many ways of storming the castle’s inhabitants, Unepic is a fun and well-designed challenge for those who enjoy platformers and yon hefty olde RPG feel. Its tight and rewarding core makes it a quest that can be enjoyed along with, or even in spite of, its cheekier sense of humour.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    It's obvious that Frozen: Olaf's Quest is aimed towards younger gamers, and it's a decent level entry into the world of platformers. For some it might feel quite short and limited, but collecting each and every treasure will take some time, therefore extending gameplay.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s difficult to determine whether this game was made for superhero fans or to those who already enjoy the game series, but Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure finds a good balance that should appeal to both crowds.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    World Party is well worth a try for anyone looking to add a fun dose of fitness to their Wii U routine.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you like strategy, tower defence, or even physics-based puzzlers and action games, CastleStorm is highly recommended.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 10 Critic Score
    This is just a bad, bad game that nobody should go near ever.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's a simple, clear experience with strong gameplay that reminds us why we love the Mario Bros. in the first place.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Knytt Underground is without a doubt the most unique game on the Wii U eShop.

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