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
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With a retro-styled interface and sounds to throw any gaming fan into a fit of audio nostalgia, Music On: Retro Keyboard is simply more fun than the serious Electronic Keyboard.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Monster Crown is a decent game that falls short of greatness in a few areas. Legitimately cool ideas with breeding and an overall solid combat system are let down by lackluster monster designs and performance issues. Then there’s the elephant in the room, which is that Monster Crown ultimately feels like a jankier and less addictive version of the oldest Pokémon games. We’d still give this one a recommendation, as the bones of the experience are good enough that its worth a punt for big Pokémon fans pining for the 8-bit days, but you might want to wait for a sale with this one.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Gang Beasts' charm has always been its janky, unpredictable, chaotic physics brawling, and you'll either be pleased or disappointed to know that it hasn't changed too much since 2014. On Switch, it runs well in Local and Online mode, although the Switch's voice chat options make the latter a less appealing choice. If you're a fan of portable party games, though, this is a classic not to be missed.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Tunche looks and sounds good, plays neatly and consistently and is fun for couch co-op. However, it takes its punchy ideas and sneaks off into a dark, dirty alley where people just won’t want to go and find it. It is fun if you’re willing to get in there and get stuck in, but you’ll need to step over the broken glass of tiny screen text, try not to touch the wet-stained walls of repetitive, roguelite early encounters, and apologetically deny having any spare change to the drugged up yuppie of verbose exposition. In conclusion, if you are looking for a fight, mate, let us point you in the direction of Tunche.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite the lack of a single original idea to call its own, Landflix Odyssey is saved by its gameplay, which is both challenging and fun. Each stage is just the right length if you want to drop in and out, and there’s enough here to keep you busy for a good four or five hours altogether. If you’re willing to forgive the poor translation and weak attempt at parody, then Landflix Odyssey is a solid 2D platformer worth checking out.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Existing fans will feel so well served by this release that there needn’t be any hesitation in picking it up. Those dipping their toes for the first time should know that it operates in a way that has aged differently to other classic first-person shooters. Whereas Doom's combat and fluidity remain free and immediate, its axis of movement more realistic and its stage layouts more controlled, Rise of the Triad functions around its own, unique design parameters, where violence and abstraction reign supreme. Learn its maps, the versatility of its weaponry, and how to make best use of its playground elements, and there’s a game here with the capacity to enthrall.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Kirby Star Allies is a fun, relaxing game that does a good job of showing off what makes the main Kirby series so great. The slow pace, diverse powers, beautiful environments, adorable enemy designs, and light difficulty ensure that this is an enjoyable ride from start to finish. But with that being said, there’s a lingering sense that the developer was a little too keen to play this one safe, and the lack of new ideas may come as a disappointment to series veterans. This is not the Super Mario Odyssey or The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild of the Kirby series, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a bad game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pixel Paint 3DS is a fine tool for creating pixel art, but as a port it doesn't improve on its predecessor enough to make it great. Creative types will find a lot to love here, but beginners looking for tutorials or some help along the way won't benefit a great deal. Whether you'll enjoy what Pixel Paint 3DS has to offer comes down to your artistic abilities; we just wish that this could have been considered a definitive edition.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The third Football Manager on Switch is a relatively minor upgrade to an already entertaining and compelling game. The controls are still unwieldy and the new features, while welcome, aren't exactly transformative: as such, we'd usually recommend you consider buying last year's game for a slightly lower price. However, since Sega's pulled the 2018 and 2019 editions from the eShop, you don't have much choice but to pay full price for this one.
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite a limiting always-online requirement and a current lack of support for docked/tabletop play, Lightseekers rescues itself from by disaster thanks largely to the robust nature of its card system, the support for scanning in physical cards and the sheer depth of tactics available to different skill levels. Thankfully, it's also free-to-play and the the ability to earn digital cards at a steady pace via in-game challenges will keep players coming back for more each day. It’s great to finally have a proper CCG on Switch – even if it's not properly optimised for Nintendo’s hybrid console quite yet.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite utilising a rudimentary list of controls, the charming and irreverent tone of Escape Doodland makes it really quite entertaining and genuinely funny. The touch of having Steve shout ‘no’ in his silly high voice as the monster closes in for the kill is delightfully grim. Despite the slightly frustrating elements, Doodland ‘escapes’ the clutches of mediocrity thanks to its smooth physics, subtle wit, and memorable art style.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Players who love good old fashioned adventure games won't be disappointed if they give High Strangeness a chance.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Golazo! is a competent love letter to '90s arcade football games, accurately capturing both their strengths and weaknesses. Playing alone against the CPU can be a frustrating affair, but get some pals involved and this one's got post-pub entertainment written all over it.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    DC's Justice League: Cosmic Chaos is a fun action brawler with a wide enough range of difficulty levels to appeal to both younger players and older superhero fans who aren't above watching funny cartoons. Its technical issues and lack of co-op let it down, but what's there is an entertaining game that'll last you a decent time.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re happy to pay the subscription and want to rather literally just dance, treating yourself to the series’ newest instalment provides you with the largest selection of tracks the series has ever offered and would be a good investment. Of course, if these things don’t apply to you, it’s considerably harder to recommend the upgrade from last year’s entry.
    • 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.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Though it’s an improvement on its predecessor, Fairy Tail 2 is still the epitome of a middle-of-the-road licensed game. It doesn’t do anything exceptionally great or innovative, nor does it have any issues or shortcomings that significantly drag it down. Despite poor plot pacing, shallow mechanics, and some lacklustre performance, the lively combat system, rewarding exploration, and heartwarming character interactions ultimately make this one worthwhile. We’d recommend Fairy Tail 2 to franchise fans who played the previous RPG, though newcomers should be more wary of jumping straight in. It isn’t a ‘run out and buy it immediately’ release, but you likely won’t be disappointed if or when you do get around to it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Slice It! has a rather simple premise but employs it well. Although it's somewhat one-trick and can have its share of mild nuisances now and then, it's an overall solidly designed game and a good pick for those who want to shave off some time with a few visual puzzles.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Other than the overly chaotic nature of the action, Mighty Goose is a visual treat, oozing style with its character and environmental design. The companions are also well realised, and can actually be played by a second person via co-op, although their abilities are arguably far inferior to Mighty Goose itself. Regardless, whether you play on your own or with a friend, Mighty Goose is a blast, and while it’s a bit short-lived at three-to-four hours, it’s definitely worth a shot if you’re up for some over-the-top run 'n' gun action.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, Wave 5 is another good wave, though not a great one. Squeaky Clean Sprint, while perfectly decent fun in itself, can't quite match the heights of something like Yoshi's Island, and tracks like Moonview Highway and Sunset Wilds make us feel like Nintendo just isn't quite giving its all when it comes to this DLC. Still, the positives outweigh the negatives, and we're confident that once the final wave lands later this year, the Booster Course Pass will prove an essential purchase for Mario Kart fans.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    When GoldenEye 007 works it feels like one of the best shooters on DS, but the combat blemishes are frequent enough to become quite maddening.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fans of rhythm games should give this one a spin but for those out there that are looking for the next Final Fantasy Theatrhythm could walk away wanting just that little bit more in terms of story and familiarity.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s remarkably refreshing to get a game that not only requires the strict cooperation of two players to beat, but actually encourages as much verbal communication as possible. You don’t need an online connection to play, and you’re not necessarily restricted to playing just on Switch, which makes it even more accessible. Those who prefer to game alone will get nothing out of this experience, but if you’re up for a unique take on the puzzle genre – and have a likeminded friend to game with – then look no further than Tick Tock: A Tale for Two.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    ShadowPlay is a nice and relaxing change of pace from your typical puzzler and a game worth spending some time with. It may lack some of the replay value of the genre’s more immediate fare, but there’s enough here to keep both your brain and imagination working for a while.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Tactics Ogre: Reborn is a seminal and still-enjoyable SRPG that manages to respectfully hold its own against the many descendants it now exists alongside. Though some elements of its design feel a little archaic, its deeply political and branching narrative, orchestrated soundtrack, and solidly built strategic combat all come together to make for a worthwhile experience. Visually, this version is disappointing, and we wouldn't say Reborn is one to rush out and buy immediately, but if you're a sucker for strategy and want to experience an influential classic with some mod cons thrown in, we'd suggest you keep this on your watchlist.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There's plenty of fun to be had, but given the clever level designs and gameplay ideas, you can't help but be left wondering how much better it would have been with a little tightening up in the control department.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Robonauts reworks the conventions of a classic arcade shooter by pairing the timeless genre with basic platform game action. The pick up and play nature also remains intact. With two difficulties and some challenging objectives, this game is no pushover. Unfortunately, one shortcoming of arcade shooters is often the repetition that comes with eliminating wave after wave of enemies, and Robonauts is not exempt from this. Still, it is a well-crafted Nintendo Switch eShop game that could provide fun play sessions in-between bigger releases, and even a new co-op experience for family and friends.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you have no interest in retro gaming and aren’t willing to look past its limitations, Night Trap’s repetitive nature is likely to confuse and irritate you. Come at it with an open mind and an enthusiasm to discover (or relive) the brief period when we all foolishly thought FMV was the future, and you’ll find a charmingly silly game accompanied by a host of wonderful features that elevate it to more than just a remaster, but a digital museum piece commemorating a unique time in gaming history.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For those who enjoy the Karate Kid movies and Cobra Kai TV series, there’s fun to be had with this. It’s simple but fairly effective, looks really nice, and has a few minigames to break up the action. Its combat can be an enjoyable economy of building gauges and pounding out super attacks amidst tap combos - but it tends to simmer rather than cook. The boss battles (with mostly Johnny Lawrence) are a little too placid for our liking, although the set-ups are pretty cool, especially when you find yourself in familiar movie territory. On the whole, it's nice to rumble with hordes of high school bullies, but once it’s finished there’s not a great deal to encourage repeat plays except the local multiplayer. Wax on, wax off, it’s up to you.

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