Nintendo Life's Scores

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For 5,854 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:
  1. Positive: 2,259 out of 5854
  2. Mixed: 2,820 out of 5854
  3. Negative: 775 out of 5854
5862 game reviews
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    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sonic Mania
    Sonic Mania is a true return to form for the mascot, in his 2D 'Classic' guise at least. It celebrates the glory days of the original games while also enhancing their qualities and taking on new ideas. From new areas, imaginative second acts and some delightful boss encounters, the development team has poured a lot of passion and talent into the project. The occasional bug and a couple of brief and cheap areas deprive it of Sonic-style perfection, but it's pretty darn close. Is it the best Sonic game ever? It's in the conversation, though the classics it's honouring may stake a claim for slightly greater 'flow' in the campaigns. Frankly, it's better just to call it a dead heat and skip the argument - Sonic Mania belongs in the company of the games to which it pays tribute - the Blue Blur is back.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Slime-san
    Slime-san is a brilliantly snappy, charismatic and challenging title that manages to deliver a satisfying core game with tonnes of bonus extras to play around with besides. The controls are spot-on, the environments are varied and engaging, and while other platformers may have tread similar ground before, Slime-san weaves together so many different elements into a finely-crafted experience that it deserves a place among the best in the genre.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    ACA NeoGeo: The King of Fighters '99
    The King of Fighters '99 doesn't reach the heights of its immediate predecessor, but by changing things up there's still fun to be had from the different way of playing offered by the introduction of Strikers. There's a good variety of characters to play as and the game offers the expected enjoyable multiplayer with friends. However, just as earlier games in the series were "good, but not as good as the one after", KOF '99 would be improved upon by its follow-up. Those interested in story will want to see the beginnings of the NESTS storyline, but from a purely gameplay perspective KOF 2000 is a better option.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Infinite Minigolf
    Infinite Minigolf is another solid arrival on the Switch eShop, and most importantly adds to the steadily growing variety of genres and themes on the store. It does a very nice job of delivering over-the-top, entertaining minigolf, with plenty of official and user-created content to keep players busy. The downsides are slightly baffling systems and a crowded user interface, and the fact that some less experienced gamers may find the required precision for shots a little too demanding. Overall, however, this one is definitely under par - in a good way.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ironcast
    Ironcast is one of the most in-depth and engaging match three puzzlers that we’ve seen. The game’s pitch is a bit of a tough sell — it’s clearly trying to juggle a lot of different genre elements — but Ironcast somehow manages to pull it all off in a way that is uniquely innovative and frustratingly addicting. The various elements being fused here make for a game that is endlessly replayable, but not at the cost of becoming repetitive or boring. We would strongly recommend that you pick up Ironcast if you’re looking for a game that can be a good time sink, but can also be comfortably played in short bursts. Do yourself a favour and try this one out.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Ultra Hyperball
    Ultra Hyperball presents itself as the sport of the future, but in reality it’s about as enthralling as a simple game of catch or kick the can. Springloaded pushed the boundaries of what you can do with hitting a ball really high, but that’s not saying a whole lot in the grand scheme of things. After a few matches you’ve a lot of what it has to offer and, even with the presence of multiplayer, it just isn’t engaging enough to keep anyone’s interest for very long. While there’s a place for simple pick-up-and-play games on the Switch, Ultra Hyperball is one that perhaps belongs on the sidelines.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overcooked!: Special Edition
    All in all, Overcooked is an absolute must-buy for anybody looking for a fantastic party game to play with friends. The wacky visuals and chaotic gameplay make it an ideal game for local co-op, and there’s plenty of content to work through. Although there are some disappointing launch issues with the framerate (reflected in our scoring), we still give this one a strong recommendation overall; it's a title that perfectly nails what makes local multiplayer games so fun.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Namco Museum
    Namco Museum does a great job of highlighting the illustrious lineage of one of video gaming's most famous arcade companies; not only is it packed with addictive games that will keep you glued to your Switch for many weeks to come, but it boasts excellent emulation, a host of options, online leaderboards, a special challenge mode for each game and a new version of Pac-Man VS. which is sure to become the go-to party title for many Switch players. While there are a couple of titles that we'd have swapped out for other, more worthy offerings from Namco's past, you're still getting an excellent selection of games for a reasonable price here.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kid Tripp
    Kid Tripp is a wonderful platforming experience that will have you moving around on your chair with excitement as you get closer and closer to completing its fiendish levels. The action is tight, with every control behaving just as you would expect and a control scheme that feels at home on a 3DS console. Most players should get some enjoyment from playing through the four worlds, but Kid Tripp is ideally suited to those who like to squeeze every last drop out of a game. If your only goal is to complete the levels and move on, expect to be done here rather quickly, but if you want to truly master the game you can expect a lengthy, enjoyable ride.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Eba & Egg: A Hatch Trip
    Eba & Egg: The Hatch Trip has decent ideas in terms of mechanical design and aesthetics, but it lacks a lot of polish and refinement that could have made this a more memorable experience. Perhaps you can find some redeeming qualities to it, but otherwise this is an egg best left in the carton.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Miitopia
    Miitopia is a special game, marrying the quirky style and interactions of Tomodachi Life with fun, addictive RPG-style gameplay and progression. It’s a fitting celebration of the Mii concept, perfect for short bursts of play, and an absolute riot with the right group of Miis — if you’ve ever wanted to take your friends on a grand adventure, complete with silly cosplay and relationship drama, this is a perfect way to do it. Its streamlined take on the genre won’t be for everyone, but for players willing to relinquish some control and trust in their Miis, Miitopia is a wonderful ride.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Hey! Pikmin
    Despite its strong points, though, it has that feel of a 'second-tier' Nintendo release, not helped by the limitations that 2D play places on the core concept. It's solid but a tad uninspiring, fun but unsurprising, accessible but lacking in witty design.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Shephy
    A strange yet endearing tale of sheep traveling through parallel universes is an unexpected treat. Whilst the theme doesn’t dominate play, its inclusion brings enough gravitas to make every move count. Though the absence of multiplayer and optional touch controls is questionable, the price paid is nothing to squawk at due to a well-thought out single player experience that is potentially endless. Shephy is delightfully addictive, with a dark undertone that shares some realism with society’s treatment of sheep. Above all Shephy teaches you that “if you leave one wolf alive, the sheep are never safe…”
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Levels+ : Addictive Puzzle Game
    While Threes! in and of itself was a phenomenon, Levels+: Addictive Puzzle Game not only iterates on the formula in its own unique way but makes it feel like a perfect fit for the Switch. While it is missing some pertinent bells and whistles, like being able to compete against others on any type of leaderboard beyond water cooler talk, what is presented is rock solid and worth your time.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star
    A real treat for anime-action fans, Fate/EXTELLA is a lovably frantic hack-and-slash with a feeling all its own. Appealing characters and an irresistible sense of style draw you into its world, and addictive, satisfying gameplay and excellent writing keep things exciting throughout. It suffers from some common ails of the musou genre, like minimal enemy variety and subpar AI, and it’s far from a technical showcase for the system, but if you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced slash-‘em-up on Switch — or to seriously complicate your relationship with one of Rome’s most infamous sons — Fate is a perfect choice.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Kirby's Blowout Blast
    Kirby’s Blowout Blast leans back upon the series’ roots for its gameplay, which could be seen as both a positive and a hindrance. The game has solid controls, is beautiful and easy to pick up, play, and replay. It's also just a bit too simple in its construction, and could have benefited from some surprises within the main stages to spice things up. There is still plenty of Kirby love for collectors not to regret the digital purchase and younger players will likely have a blast, but others not fully into the score-chasing element might find the experience slightly deflated by the IP's high standards.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Splatoon 2
    Splatoon 2 is just about everything you could ask for from a sequel. It builds on everything the original set up and then some; almost every single major issue people had with the first game has been resolved, showing that Nintendo is genuinely listening and wants to deliver the absolute best experience possible. It maintains the freshness you’d expect and throws in countless big and small changes and additions, every one of them for the better. Anyone who says Nintendo can’t do online should be eating their words right now; Splatoon 2 is simply inkredible and continues Nintendo's trailblazing first year of Switch stunners.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Implosion - Never Lose Hope
    Implosion is a satisfying mobile game that ultimately feels worthy of its console release, but it is a little inconsistent in its execution. Weak writing and ho-hum presentation are balanced by the depth of replayability and mindless but fun hack ‘n’ slash gameplay. We give Implosion a moderate recommendation; though it certainly doesn’t hold a candle to big-name alternatives, Implosion does a good job of creating an engaging and entertaining gameplay experience that’ll give you many hours of fun.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Cursed Castilla EX
    Cursed Castilla EX is a punishing but ultimately rewarding love letter to the classic action platformers of the coin-op industry's golden years, and while its brutal nature may prove off-putting for some players, those who appreciate the '80s and '90s era of gaming will find plenty to enjoy here. The original game was strong enough to be sold on its own merits but this 3DS port is augmented with some tasteful autostereoscopic 3D effects, and the fact that it takes the quest on the road makes it even more appealing. If you've yet to sample Locomalito's excellent title on other formats then this is arguably the best way to do it; should you already consider yourself to be a fan then it's still worth a look, purely for those lush visuals and the tantalising prospect of portability.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I and Me
    With a clever gameplay hook, enjoyably uncluttered level design, and a beautiful storybook presentation, I and Me is a delightful package. It’s an admittedly brief experience, and players looking for a stern challenge won’t find their puzzle-solving skills seriously tested here, but if you’re after a perfectly pleasant way to pass a few evenings on the Switch, I and Me are both a great choice.
    • 44 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Vaccine
    The randomised environments at the heart of Vaccine are a clever idea but, like in the Wii U original, serve up a flawed overall experience.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    De Mambo
    The gameplay does eventually get repetitive, although great strides have been taken to ensure this doesn’t happen too quickly and there is definitely much fun to be had here.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Death Squared
    While we’ve seen plenty of games that have similar themes and mechanics, the way they’re presented in Death Squared makes for a rare experience. Having a game that is cooperative at its core but imminently playable as a solo experience is a boon, but it must be said its wily charms are exponentially more effective when sitting next to a friend or loved one whilst you giggle at each other’s faux pas. If you want your puzzlers to be thought-provoking with a dash of dry humour, you can’t go wrong with Death Squared.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Flip Wars
    Flip Wars has a great premise for multiplayer fun, especially for local battles. Joining your mates huddled around a Switch the concept works nicely, but in an age where online gaming is bigger than ever you'd think a game like this would nail online play at release. Instead there are missing game modes and spotty online connections will put some people off this very enjoyable title. Due to its early access-like feel it might be worth saving your pennies for a few weeks before splashing out on Flip Wars, to see if the promised future updates will actually deliver the modes that aren't available right now and iron out the kinks in servers.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Disney/Pixar Cars 3: Driven to Win
    Cars 3: Driven to Win falls for some of the pitfalls that are expected of a game released to coincide with a movie's arrival in theatres. Rather rushed, rough around the edges and with minor but persistent annoyances, older players will certainly recognise the symptoms. That said, it hits top gear in some respects. Its gameplay mechanics are rather fun once grasped, there are a variety of modes and tracks to master, and despite its sidenote of a narrative it goes big on the film series' charms.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bulb Boy
    Bulb Boy won’t stay in your memories forever; it is a relatively small game that shouldn’t take too long to complete, but whilst it lasts it offers nicely designed puzzles and an underlying humour that offers a different experience. It is clearly lovingly put-together and refreshingly manages to make horror cute and fun, rather than taking itself seriously. Bulb Boy didn’t take our breath away and isn’t revolutionary, but its appeal comes in the form of its characters, craziness and toilet humour – a deadly combination that deserves to be played.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    RPG Maker Fes
    RPG Maker Fes is quite an achievement; it’s a powerful, relatively easy to use set of tools that can turn your story ideas into full blown games, playable by anyone with a 3DS and an internet connection.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    ACA NeoGeo: Magical Drop II
    Magical Drop II is a fantastic, fast-paced puzzle game that feels right at home on the Switch, and an easy recommendation for any puzzle game fan. Its unique combo system emphasizes speed and reflexes as much as pre-planning, meaning even those among us who struggle to think through a three-chain in Puyo Puyo can experience the thrill of combo-building in Magical Drop — as long as your thumbs can keep up. The inclusion of the original Japanese version — with its extra mode and voice acting — is icing on the cake; this is a must-play puzzle package.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    GoNNER
    An addictive, beautifully presented experience that will bring you hours of joy/frustration, GoNNER seems a perfect match for the Nintendo Switch console – offering a gameplay style suited to both quick bursts of play and longer, dedicated sessions. Possibly too tricky for some players, this game requires a lot of determination, offering little respite - expect to be thrown back to the start countless times as you try to progress. If you’re the type who enjoys a serious challenge we recommend giving this title a go; it is one that will reward those who stick with it the most.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    ACA NeoGeo: Galaxy Fight - Universal Warriors
    Galaxy Fight looks fine and is enjoyable for a short period, but the dull cast, limited fighting mechanics and lack of genuine surprises make it a hard game to recommend, even to seasoned fighting fans. Sunsoft would do much better with Waku Waku 7, so if you like the look of Galaxy Fight you'd perhaps be better off picking that instead. If not, then there are already many other better one-on-one fighters available on the Switch, so there's no real need to check this out - unless of course you're a massive Neo Geo fan and simply have to own all of the range.
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