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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    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ectoplaza
    EctoPlaza is a simple and wonderfully crafted couch multiplayer game. All of our complaints ultimately boil down to the fact that we just wish there was more of it; much of this game is ripe for expansion and feels a bit unfulfilled as a result. That being said, what is here is a joy to play, and we would recommend it to anyone who has a group of friends that still like to get together from time to time for a game night. Ectoplaza does a great job of offering a competitive and easy to pick up multiplayer experience, and it's one that no social Wii U owners will want to miss out on.
    • 36 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Twisted Fusion
    Twisted Fusion misses its potential. The skeleton of a solid game is here, but it falls short in various regards and is plagued with issues. What fun you might have from searching for secrets and gaining new abilities is completely marred by tedious combat, a shaky camera and movement, a lack of navigational help, and overall boring gameplay. The variety of technical issues suggest that perhaps this game could have used some more time in development.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Fire: Ungh's Quest
    Fire: Ungh's Quest is functional, and has classic cartoon graphics and quality audio, but is ultimately an insipid offering. Right down to the name, it makes little effort to stand out from the crowd. This is definitely a title for a younger audience - although it may even struggle to hold their attention.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fairune 2
    True to its price tag, Fairune 2 offers far more content than its predecessor, feasibly taking more than twice the amount of time to beat. While we'd love to label this game as being outright superior, the fact getting stuck is so easy can be a serious damper to one's enjoyment - wandering around aimlessly for hours is not our idea of fun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Just Dance 2017
    If you are new to the series or are a diehard fan, willing to splash out for the extra features, then Just Dance 2017 is definitely the way to go. If you're happy with older versions of the game however, there is no need to rush into another purchase just yet.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Pixel Hunter
    Pixel Hunter is a great concept that unfortunately falls flat and fails to deliver. Bland level design, average gameplay, an unmemorable soundtrack and a lack of any interesting narrative or purpose combine to make a game that's likely to be a pass for most 3DS players. If you would like to play an engaging sidescrolling shooter, we highly recommend you check out the great options on the Virtual Console instead.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mr. Pumpkin Adventure
    Mr. Pumpkin Adventure is a well-crafted point and click game. If you don't enjoy logic-based problem solving, point and click puzzle games or clue hunting for hours on end, this probably isn't a game for you. If you do, however, like all of this, and have played games such as Professor Layton previously, this may be one to consider.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Defend your Crypt
    Although we're certainly in the company of undead kings, Defend Your Crypt doesn't have grand ambitions. Instead it aims to deliver a solid puzzle title with a unique twist on the tried and tested 'tower-defense' formula.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Corpse Party
    It should be tempting to anybody who's interested in reading a great horror story in a more hands-on, interactive fashion. It doesn't get much better than Corpse Party in that respect - this is a well-crafted, creepy tale you won't want to miss.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ambition of the Slimes
    All in all, Ambition of the Slimes is a lovable little game. It takes a classic concept — the grid-based strategy-RPG — and infuses it with a fun new conceit, by placing characters in the role of the lowly Slimes that would be experience-point fodder in any other RPG. Even better, it runs with that idea to deliver fun twists on the gameplay — like the 'Claim' command that lets you take over your enemies — that make the most of the theme. Add in a fun old-school presentation and a heap of personality, and Slimes is an easy recommendation for SRPG fans looking for quick, quirky fun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Ninja Pizza Girl
    Like yesterday's pizza that just doesn't taste the same when heated up in the microwave, Ninja Pizza Girl is a decent game that doesn't excel in any area.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pirate Pop Plus
    It's not often that you encounter a game that manages to emulate the simple pleasure of old arcade games so effectively, but Pirate Pop Plus makes it look easy; this is everything you could want out of an arcade game. The gameplay is simple and addictive, it positively oozes charm through its presentation, and if the score chasing doesn't hook you, the coin collecting and achievement hunting surely will.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Gurumin 3D: A Monstrous Adventure
    Gurumin 3D may be short on epic story and have a few technical blemishes around the edges of its gameplay, but its fun style and a surprising depth in collectibles and replayability make it well worthy of consideration for action-RPG fans. Did we mention there's a pretty sweet drill?
    • 59 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Chase: Cold Case Investigations - Distant Memories
    Although its branching narrative system could have more depth, Chase: Cold Case Investigations has an undeniable sense of charm and keeps players' attention through its characters, anime art style and subdued jazz-noir soundtrack. If the series is allowed to continue and introduce a deeper approach to multiple choice and interrogation, then we could see something truly special.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Disney Magical World 2
    An impressive amount of content, a great cast, and a significant number of hours that are undoubtedly about to be expended by its players make up a solid new title, likely to help ensure the 3DS's legacy stays strong as it ages gracefully.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Azure Striker Gunvolt 2
    Those looking for something fresh, an interesting story, or an action game to play in bite-sized pieces on the go may want to think twice.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Rhythm Heaven Megamix
    Rhythm Heaven Megamix's stylish assortment of songs and supremely accessible, pick-up-and-play nature make this a great introduction to the series for the uninitiated. But for returning players, whether this compilation nature is appealing or not might depend on your perspective.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Yo-kai Watch 2: Fleshy Souls
    Instead of evolving, Yo-kai Watch 2 plays it safe by fusing new content – some good, some trivial, and some bad – onto a recycled frame, and the result is what we refer to as a sophomore slump.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Yo-kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits
    Instead of evolving, Yo-kai Watch 2 plays it safe by fusing new content – some good, some trivial, and some bad – onto a recycled frame, and the result is what we refer to as a sophomore slump.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Paper Mario: Color Splash
    Even when we were left unsatisfied by enemy encounters, Prism Island was always a joy to explore, with diverse environments and an endless amount of catchy tunes to keep you engaged from start to finish. It's a game of memorable moments that we would love to share but wouldn't dream of spoiling on you. Take Color Splash for what it is, and you might just find it to be a messy work of art.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mario Party: Star Rush
    Mario Party: Star Rush may not excel in many ways, but it addresses some complaints from past entries and delivers some harmless entertainment. We're not sure you should rush out to buy it, but it still shows that Mario and company can be stars of a party.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    SteamWorld Heist
    SteamWorld Heist on Wii U is exactly what we expected - a high quality Wii U iteration of a game that was already fantastic on 3DS.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    River City: Tokyo Rumble
    River City: Tokyo Rumble is the epitome of a 'safe' game. While the core mechanics of the gameplay are solid and the graphics are unintrusive, there's little here that stands out as being particularly exceptional.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Severed
    Drinkbox Studios has another masterpiece to add to its portfolio. With a fantastic atmosphere, a unique combat system that never gets tedious and a perfect difficulty curve, SEVERED is a must-play for Wii U owners.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Wind-up Knight 2
    Wind-up Knight 2 is a noble effort with a lovely, whimsical look and tight, reactive gameplay. While it can sink into feelings of repetitiveness at times, there are other moments when stages really click and a grand romp can be had. Fans of runners who don't mind the occasional "gotcha" trap or difficulty spike may very well enjoy this one - most likely in short bursts. Remember: New 3DS only, but if you don't own one the Wii U option is always there.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Quest of Dungeons
    As predictable as Quest for Dungeons may be, it is easily one of the superior ones now available on the Wii U eShop. Its quality design makes it easy to pick up and play, and can entertain players for minutes or hours at a time thanks to the unique simultaneous turn-based combat and procedurally generated dungeons.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Gear Gauntlet
    The fast-paced nature of the title and rapid decision making that comes with each movement or action is satisfying when you finally nail a run, though it's certainly challenging. If you enjoy fun but punishing games that can be enjoyed in short bursts, this may be one to take a look at.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Gotta Protectors
    We'd absolutely recommend you go and download this game, it's infuriatingly addictive and you're sure to have a good time.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice
    A solid effort and worth consideration on 3DS. The core campaign blends a variety of styles, with the main stages employing an enjoyable mix of exploration and puzzle solving with moments of satisfying momentum and speed. There are some slightly disappointing downsides, and it's a game that occasionally feels constrained rather than supported by its source material. Overall, however, it deserves credit for what it does well, and should certainly be tempting to fans of the show and also broader Sonic enthusiasts willing to accept its limitations.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Polara
    Easily recommended. The game doesn't do anything particularly innovative to attract those who aren't fans of the genre, but anyone willing to give it a try will find a fun core mechanic, accessible gameplay thanks to the controls and checkpoints, and a good bit of replayability. Some minor frustrations and muddy graphics don't detract much from the overall package here.
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