Nintendo Life's Scores

  • Games
For 5,859 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 Horace
Lowest review score: 10 153 Hand Video Poker
Score distribution:
5867 game reviews
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’ve never been much of a fan of gacha-style mobile games, Dragalia Lost is hardly going to change your mind. With that being said, this is a remarkably well-executed ARPG for mobile devices; surprisingly in-depth lore, easy to pick up gameplay and oodles of customization options make this a game that’s easy to sink hours into, and the generous distribution of free virtual currency helps to keep the microtransactions to a minimum. It may not be anything groundbreaking, but Dragalia Lost is a release worthy of the quality associated with Nintendo’s name. You really should give it a try.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Digital Extremes hasn’t quite perfected the formula it needs to make Warframe completely accessible - the sheer number of interconnected systems and customisable elements suggests it never quite will - it still offers a co-operative third-person shooter with all the MMORPG elements you never thought you’d see running on Nintendo Switch. From the impressive visual fidelity Panic Button has maintained, to the sheer breadth of content you can access for free, Warframe represents another milestone for the console.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Donkey Kong Jr. is easily one of the more enjoyable of the Game & Watch releases and if you've never tried any of the Game & Watch titles, this one is a great place to start.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Flametail succeeds in taking the very simple gameplay idea of Maboshi's Square puzzler and turning it into a very enjoyable stand-alone package.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Motorsport Manager for Nintendo Switch will chew you up and spit you out, but once you’ve learned the ways of its frighteningly deep systems and overcome its steep learning curve, there’s a brilliant management sim to be found. Even if you’re not particularly a fan of professional racing, the sleek presentation and impressive level of customisation will definitely appeal. The lack of any ‘official’ drivers or teams is one of the few areas the game struggles in, but even without those licences, it’s still another great example of how rewarding some mobile ports can be when handled correctly.
    • 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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dorfromantik may not have a ton of staying power, but it offers up a satisfying and chill puzzle experience that we feel is worthwhile in the end. If you’re on the lookout for a game that doesn’t expect much of you and fits well for those late-night sessions just before bed, we’d recommend you give this one a look if it sounds interesting.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    We give this game a recommendation - 16-bit RPGs don't get much better than this and it's one that RPG fans won't want to miss out on.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 3 is the best update yet to the base game. The tracks on offer here are mostly stellar, and with the addition of customisable item loadouts in ‘VS Race’ modes both online and offline (which is available to all players, regardless of whether you have the Booster Course Pass), Wave 3 is a triumph and a great way to mark the halfway point of the Booster Course Pass.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're after a charming and creative puzzle-platformer, or simply a fun, fresh experience on DSiWare, Ace Mathician passes with flying colours.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Musou fans will love the fantasy setting and blade-based action, while Fire Emblem followers will appreciate the strategic wrinkles that series adds to proceedings. While the story is largely forgettable there's plenty of fan-service for Fire Emblem lovers here; granted, the cast list focuses on the more recent outings on the 3DS, but we imagine that DLC will redress the balance moving forward. Despite the addition of deeper tactics we fear that Fire Emblem Warriors may still be too samey for those who h ave struggled with Koei Tecmo's franchise in the past, but everyone else should definitely give this a try; it may well be one of the best Musou outings yet seen.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Phogs is a genuine dose of unbridled joy in a weird, physics-y, dog-tube package. It's hard to play this game without having a huge, goofy smile on your face. The Switch version has some minor to major issues here and there, but it rarely slows down the momentum of the puzzle-solving, dog-wiggling gameplay – this is another brilliant co-op experience for Nintendo's system.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Featuring addictive gameplay illustrating the dangers facing endangered sea turtles, the only bad thing is that you're not actually helping to save real turtles by playing it.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 are just as enjoyable and atmospheric as they were two decades ago. This remaster treatment faithfully cleans up the visuals, adds some quality-of-life improvements, and stuffs the package with bonus materials, presenting the games at their best, notwithstanding some minor visual bugs. Here's hoping the success of this collection sparks interest in a return to Nosgoth.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a very short runtime, those familiar with the shoot-em-up genre might not get a lot out of this game. We think this reflects quite well in its price, however, and for a game that started life as an April Fool’s joke, it’s actually very accomplished. If you’re up for a few laughs, definitely give this one a go; it’s a great start to what could potentially be a highly enjoyable, lasting franchise.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An emotional experience that’s as much about loneliness and letting go as it is about rockets, OPUS: Rocket of Whispers captivates from start to finish. It’s darker and bleaker than its predecessor, and scavenging for rocket parts isn’t as immediately appealing as stargazing, but it’s still every bit the affecting combination of narrative and gameplay that defined The Day We Found Earth. If you like curling up with a good book as much as sitting down with a good game, Rocket of Whispers is a perfect way to spend an enjoyable afternoon.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While not perfect by any means, Runaway: A Twist of Fate proves to pleasantly surprise with an engrossing storyline that will keep you playing to find out what twists await you.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lighting up Crayon Castle is a labour of love, and puzzle fans will find a lot to love here.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Essentially, you’re getting a lot more game for your money with Endless Ocean 2; it’s less free-form and meandering than the original, with greater purpose and direction. Whether that’s what you want from a diving game is up to you, although truth be told there’s few other alternatives.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There’s no denying that it is rough in parts and really could have done with a full remaster rather than a straight re-release, but Dragon’s Dogma nonetheless remains a fantastically gripping role-playing experience t hat manages to straddle the divide between exhilarating real-time action and stat-based adventuring.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Jurassic World Evolution: Complete Edition on Switch is a feature-packed and surprisingly playable port of a hugely entertaining game that provides a ton of fun for fans of the genre and Jurassic Park nuts alike. There are undeniably problems in handheld where the visuals take a pretty big hit and the framerate does struggle here and there in docked but, if you can deal with these issues, you'll find one of the most straight-up fun management sim offerings currently available on Switch awaits. So, who's hungry?
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Double Dragon & Kunio-kun: Retro Brawler Bundle goes well beyond a standard ROM compilation due to proper curation of the source material, and it successfully shines an overdue spotlight onto a sizeable selection of 8-bit Kunio masterpieces that most Western players never had the chance to experience. Contrary to what the tile may suggest, the NES games included end up being merely filler, while the real thrillers are undoubtedly the Famicom games, accessible to non-Japanese gamers for the first time here. A very large offering of varied single-player content complements nearly infinite multiplayer replayability, provided you keep it local, of course, as finding a game online is borderline impossible.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Zen Pinball 3D is an excellent representation of pinball, with the attractive stereoscopic visuals adding an extra sense of immersion.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An utterly charming, enjoyable experience to satisfy fans of both franchises; it's a crossover that, when experienced, seems entirely natural.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Gorgeous to behold and equally delightful to play, Timespinner is yet another top-notch Metroidvania on Switch. A lack of tough exploration challenges and an under-utilised time-freeze gimmick aside, it succeeds in using the popular genre as a vehicle for a genuinely intriguing science-fantasy tale that will motivate players to explore every inch of its fantastic pixel-art world.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a plethora of brilliantly-designed levels that never cease to surprise and excite, and a simple, two-button control system, this is a great game that caters to a wide variety of audiences.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There’s nothing particularly revolutionary about Bomb Chicken, it’s enjoyable predominantly because of its classic approach and how refined each aspect of the game is including the core bomb-laying mechanic. Each level is intelligently designed and has a great sense of flow. The puzzles and enemies are fair but challenging and the controls are precise and responsive. Unlike fast food, this isn't a cheap, quick and nasty solution that will leave you regretting your purchase - this is a blast.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite the few minor gameplay complaints, it's still difficult to fault the well-thought-out design that the game makes use of.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nintendo has been getting heat for the pricing of its recent Switch remasters, so to see Ubisoft's Beyond Good & Evil so lovingly restored for a reasonable price is a true joy. The 20th Anniversary Edition boasts some lovely visual and auditory upgrades, an excellent gallery feature, and a whole bunch of meaningful extras that make this journey back into Hillys well worth taking. Granted, the 30fps performance on Switch is a bit of a bummer compared to other platforms, and there's no denying that the experience has aged considerably in certain areas, but the gameplay is so varied, and the world so unique, that you'd be remiss not to at least give it a shot. Welcome back, 'Yade'.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re at all a fan of the more RPG-focused Mario RPGs, you owe it to yourself to play Escape from Ever After. It may be over a bit too quickly, but the writing, charm, and gameplay mechanics all come together to make for something you won’t want to miss.

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