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
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bomberman Blast captures mostly everything Bomberman Live has, and adds some excellent new content into the mix. It’s been a long time since we got some classic Bomberman action on a Nintendo console, but it’s back now, and possibly better than ever.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you've enjoyed WarioWare D.I.Y. and are looking to further the experience, WarioWare D.I.Y. Showcase is the perfect compliment to the already outstanding DS title.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    All in all, Project X Zone 2 is an enjoyable experience that improves upon some faults present in its predecessor, while adding in some interesting new features.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The numerous modes and options may not be hot across the board, but the strong campaign and bountiful multiplayer options provide a memorable blast through the Cold War.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Crown Trick is a stylish and strategic roguelite that slows the usually frenetic pace of its genre down and introduces some rhythmic turn-based battling to proceedings. Elle's ability to blink around arenas, combined with the plethora of powers she gains from the many weapons, relics and familiars she encounters along the way, also adds plenty of variety and flexibility to the runs you'll make here. There are some UI niggles that need addressing, the inherently random nature of the core gameplay can plague proceedings now and again and busy battles can become hard to read at times but, overall, this one's a very solid effort that fans of roguelites should definitely check out.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bejeweled 2 on WiiWare is undoubtedly great if you've never played the game before, but its biggest competition is ultimately itself: versions of the game are available on virtually every platform, some cheaper or even free to play, so a 1000 Point WiiWare download might not be the best option for you.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Making of Karateka is not for everyone, and most of its appeal will lie with older gaming generations. If you’re a student of historical gaming flash points, however, it’s a package that delivers the goods, and in fine form. It doesn’t have anywhere near as much unique gaming content as Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, a fact that will limit its appeal. Despite this, the two remasters are solid, the prototypes intriguing, and the content comprehensive. If you were a fan of Atari 50, The Making of Karateka will find you well.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fascinating and unique WiiWare game that deserves to stand on its own merits.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is a wonderful retread of a forgotten classic, smartly polishing up its best parts and modifying its worst parts to make for an overall more enjoyable experience. Though the visuals are just 'okay' and the detective gameplay can be a bit plain, the action-packed combat, reworked demon fusion, and interesting story all come together to make for a gripping adventure. I’d recommend you pick this one up if you’re curious and you think it may be up your alley. I’ve never played anything quite like Raidou, and it offers a very unique take not just on the standard SMT formula, but action RPGs on the whole.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In some ways, it feels counterintuitive to write a review of Dear me, I was… — a title which centres upon capturing heavy feelings that can’t be so easily put into words. However, it’s not every day that a visual novel successfully manages to craft a moving narrative about art, life, and the passage of time solely on the merit of its visual and musical storytelling. Even if the game itself remains silent, Dear me, I was… is worth talking about.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Arriving mere months after its predecessor, we’re happy to report that Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden proves itself to be a satisfying and endearing sequel. It’s mechanically almost an exact copy of the first Voice of Cards, but things like the new setting and Mark Atherlay’s narration help to make it feel like a distinctive entry that stands well on its own. We’d give Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden a high recommendation for anyone looking for another ‘cozy’ game to add to their collection or for players who want to try an engaging, but not overly demanding JRPG. For all its brevity and minimalism, Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden is an unforgettable experience.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed: The Rebel Collection has come as something of a surprise to us after the disappointment of Assassin's Creed III Remastered. Here are two excellent swashbuckling epics ported to Nintendo's console in fine fashion. Black Flag is a revelation in portable mode and looks and performs almost flawlessly as you blast your way around the Caribbean on Edward Kenway's captivating pirate adventures. Rogue, although it struggles to keep up slightly here and there, is always eminently playable and together with the excellent Freedom Cry, they give Assassin's Creed fans something they've wanted for a very long time now – this is handheld Assassin's Creed at a standard we weren't particularly sure we'd ever see on Switch.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bright, technicolour visuals, punishing difficulty, excellent level design and tight controls are all hallmarks of this deliciously enjoyable sugar rush. Spinch is a short but sweet experience and one that certainly proves itself to be worthy of both your time and money. Although it’s regrettably marred by early launch performance issues, Spinch is an otherwise wonderful platformer that we’d highly recommend to anybody who just can’t get enough of the genre.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    GetClose is a ray of indie sunshine that displays remarkable ingenuity in both its aesthetic appearance and its simple gameplay. Its art style may lose a little bit of its lustre due to the blender-like speeds at which you're forced to battle, but that will soon be forgiven (and forgotten) thanks to an intuitive concept and ingenious no-frills use of the Wii U GamePad and Pro Controller.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Small gripes aside, Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar is a strong showing for the farming franchise, with the addition of the eponymous market bringing a nice weekly structure to proceedings.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The solid graphics and tight gunplay save this from mediocrity and make it one that we'd suggest you look into picking up at some point.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Puzzle Labyrinth is going to confuse and delight in equal measure. Despite the name, it's less focused on creating complex mazes than it is on testing your ability to decipher clues and explore the environment, encouraging the player to experiment and learn an ever-changing set of rules.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An interesting concept that has been executed very successfully makes INVERSUS Deluxe a solid purchase option for Nintendo Switch owners. The adaptable arenas create fun, action packed matches and it can be difficult to put down at times. A surprisingly challenging difficulty level in the game’s Arcade mode could possibly put off some players but will likely attract more, feeding their need to fight for the highest score possible. Enjoyed best with friends, but thankfully also a worthy experience to play through alone, INVERSUS Deluxe could well be your next go-to party game.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Beyond Words, then, is an enjoyable roguelike experience that smartly mixes in chance mechanics and run-based gameplay with a foundation that challenges your vocabulary. Though it feels notably derivative, it ultimately does a good enough job of executing on the mechanics it apes to stand on its own two feet. I’d suggest you pick it up - there's lots to dive into in this one.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bite-sized but very tough to chew, Yōdanji is a devilishly tricky roguelike with a fun theme, addictive, goal-based gameplay and massive replay value. Its 21 unlockable characters are the key to the latter, with each yōkai essentially acting as its own unique class, and discovering and trying to master the mechanics of each monster is pure old-school joy. Its anachronistic presentation won’t be for everyone, and clunky controls make for a sometimes confusing crawl, but anyone looking for a tough-as-nails good time with plenty of personality will get more than their money’s worth here.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tetris Party Live is yet another solid release in the series, but you can't help but wonder why no download or local multiplayer options were included in the package, especially considering the emphasis on competitive play. Of course, if you're one of those gamers that just can't seem to get enough of the falling block madness and enjoy the idea of competing with other players online, Tetris Party Live should do the job quite nicely.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Steel Assault is like a bite of an extremely delicious, well-seasoned steak. Just one bite. It lingers in your mind and makes you wish for more, yet in some respects, that’s much better than if you were given the whole thing and took it for granted. If you liked the snappy action and ridiculous difficulty of may old arcade classics, then Steel Assault is absolutely something you should look into. It’s absurd, it’s fun, it’s hard. And it’s short. It doesn’t offer up much more once you've reached the end, but what’s here is intensely well-executed, and we’d definitely recommend you give it a go.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Primrose is the kind of game that gives back what you put into it. You can mess around and have a fun enough time, and if you're willing to put the time in to penetrate its intricacies you'll find one of the most rewarding puzzle games currently available on DSiWare.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It took us around 10 hours to complete our first playthrough of Wife Quest, which is not a bad run considering the low entry price. There is a lot of personality and style on display here, and players who want to go for all the trophies in the game will have plenty to come back to. Save for a few small visual hiccups and the fact that the game's humour is often an acquired taste, there isn’t really a lot to pick fault with here; it's fun, short, and well-balanced enough to keep it from ever becoming overwhelmingly difficult. While it's not quite in the same league as the likes of Hollow Knight and Axiom Verge, if you're a fan of Metroidvania titles, then Wife Quest is yet another title worth checking out on Switch.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In Venba’s short play time, the narrative-led cooking game conveys so much of this family’s experience. The stirring story is presented in snackable chapters, each with an emotional tale tied to a dish. The puzzles aren’t too challenging, making for a comforting, cosy playthrough as you prepare each meal. Be warned though: this game will make you hungry. And it may also make you cry.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tales of Graces F Remaster occasionally feels dated thanks to its visuals and limited map, but the unique structure of the plot and fun combat make it a worthwhile addition to the library of any JRPG fan. The characters remain the stars of the show, with more growth and change over the course of the game than we expected. If the frequent but short load times don’t get in your way, it is easy to sink dozens of hours into this adventure.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Football Manager Touch 2018 is a mostly feature-complete version of the best football management game in the business. For Switch-owning football fanatics, it's perilously close to a must-buy. Yet this is also a deeply imperfect and ill-fitting port that seems to have been crowbarred into Nintendo's platform.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Pinball Arcade is an excellent representation of classic pinball machines from over the years.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    WWE All Stars executes fun, arcade-style action well, with accessible controls and exhilarating presentation. The lack of a career mode and online features will disappoint some, but it's a small dent in a very fun package.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Charming, addictive but sometimes ruthlessly unforgiving, PixelJunk Monsters 2 has made the transition into 3D almost unscathed. While there is a sense of if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it in some instances, it's still a gorgeous, lovingly-crafted and action-packed tower defence game that despite a few annoyances, will delight, entertain and challenge in equal measure.

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