Nintendo Life's Scores

  • Games
For 5,879 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 Lawnmower Game: Racing
Score distribution:
5888 game reviews
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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 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 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 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
    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
    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
    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'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
    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
    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
    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 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 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 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
    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 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Aenigma Os operates as one would expect a tile-matching game to, but realistically does nothing to set itself apart from the pack. There are many other games available elsewhere that offer this type of experience, and are not half as generic. While there is plenty of content on offer, it should have been condensed into a couple of modes, considering most of them are essentially the same.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As an RPG sequel, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is just about perfect. It lets players revisit a familiar world from a new perspective, keeps what made the original so special, and adds in several small but significant mechanical improvements that make for a smoother, better game throughout. We recommend playing through SMTIV first if possible, both to get the most out of Apocalypse and to experience one of the 3DS' finest JRPGs, but however you arrive at it, this is a game that begs to be played. It's a delightfully dark adventure that's dripping with dystopian charm, and between the personable demons, deeply satisfying combat and killer aesthetic, we couldn't get enough — the end times have never been so good.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Free Balling's core gameplay is so thin and so poorly implemented that we can't imagine a target audience for it, especially at its launch price. Any fun that would be had watching balls shoot around the track and setting up neat courses is ruined by slow, uneven controls and wildly inconsistent physics. With no goals in sight and no polish to speak of, it's only a matter of minutes before you'll grow bored of this title. If you're hankering for a game of this type, we'd recommend you try a Google search and avoid Free Balling.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    We never thought we'd see the day, but Skunk Software has managed to make an arithmetic game worse than Donkey Kong Jr. Math, and with less content. The core game is far too slow to be enjoyable and the constant interruptions with repetitive addition problems don't make matters any better. The fact that this game sells for the same price as so many SNES masterpieces on the eShop is sad, and it should be avoided even if you have small children who are learning addition. There's nothing to love here from an entertainment or educational standpoint.

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