Nintendo Life's Scores

  • Games
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:
5862 game reviews
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A remarkably well put together game; it's very clear that the developers spent a lot of time ensuring that its various elements were carefully tuned. The difficulty curve is almost perfectly judged, the controls are tight, the graphics are simple and effective, and the map is enjoyable to explore.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's the most fun we've had with a LEGO game in quite some time, as a matter of fact - smart design, some gameplay variety and a surprisingly impressive amount of content all weigh heavily in its favour. It strikes us as a game that had one of the more experienced and imaginative TT Games teams at the helm, and it charmed and entertained us over a number of hours.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's a game worth playing even if you don't have a Wii U to dabble on, as this action title is as crazy and fun as it is unique.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A gem of a game that's chock full of charm in its presentation. From its music to the reveals in puzzle solutions, the game is an audio and visual delight. As a puzzle game, it's wonderfully challenging with options to tone down the difficulty and tailor the experience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    What hurts Rorrim the most is the lack of imagination and design ideas on the developer's behalf. A game such as this has a lot of potential, but simply creating level after level isn't always enough. It still feels like an unfinished game due to the basic presentation, and has no allure as a result. Functional - but incomplete.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    While the four mini-games in Games for Toddlers are barebones, they are functional, and for $4 you could technically do worse. However, these uninspired, sloppy, boring games won't entertain young children any more than they would an adult. Your kids deserve better than this — there are plenty of kid-friendly games on the eShop that would be far better choices when the time comes for your child to pick up a controller. Save yourself ten minutes of boredom and pass on this one.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There's nothing terribly wrong with this game, as short-lived as it may be, but the full experience doesn't quite reach its potential - it's worth consideration, nevertheless.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    TOUCH SELECTIONS is another bare-bones double-pack that will keep players engaged for very little time. Both of these games could be played while watching television, or when multi-tasking in general. Like past releases, what you see here is what you get; there is no depth to either PEG SOLITAIRE or AVOIDER, nor is there any sense of progression. They are a basic and very plain pair of games, and there are many superior options available on the Wii U eShop that provide better value at their asking price.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Noitu Love: Devolution certainly appears to be a labour of love. It's the type of game that straddles the line between being an homage to a throwback era and reinventing the wheel with its unique pointer driven control scheme. Although originally meant for a PC audience, the transition to Wii U feels natural. The touchscreen method, while interesting, isn't as ideal as an old fashioned Wii Remote pointer. Regardless, Noitu Love: Devolution is definitely worth your time, although your time may be limited to the comfort of the control scheme you choose.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest VII is a JRPG masterpiece. If you played the PlayStation version back in the day, this is as perfect a remake as you could ask for, with beautiful 3D graphics, a smartly streamlined opening, and lots of welcome quality-of-life updates. And if this is your first time in Estard, you're in for a wonderful surprise — great writing, a fun class system, lovely animations and a stellar soundtrack make for a fully engrossing adventure throughout. It's a massive game, but don't let that scare you off; with short story-style pacing and a huge variety of settings, speech patterns, and scenarios, it feels less like an epic tome and more like a shelfful of storybooks stuffed into a 3DS cart. This is an absolute pleasure, and a must-play for RPG fans.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    140
    As a game, first and foremost, 140 isn't quite on par with some leading titles within this genre. Despite how well the audiovisual presentation is tied to the gameplay, the ruthless nature of this one does detract from the overall enjoyment on offer.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    An absolute hot mess of a video game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    TAP TAP ARCADE 2 does not seem like a package that offers enough for its grand title. Both SKEASY and VOLCANO are incredibly minimalistic in design and are likely to entertain players a for a few minutes each. There are plenty of vastly superior alternatives to these games available elsewhere.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Jotun: Valhalla Edition is a fantastic game from cover to cover. From the Icelandic voice over that plays as you read the plight of Thora to the painterly vistas of Norse hell and the trials, tribulations and boss battle in between, it is an artful title that marries slick and simple game play with poignant storytelling in a way few games can.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Phoenix Wright's latest adventure is every bit as brilliant as his earlier escapades, with phenomenal writing, satisfying gameplay, and tons of irresistibly clever courtroom drama.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    There's nothing about it that is exciting. There's no encouragement to keep playing. There's no real skill involved. Some annoying music and dodging brick cars? That's all there is to it, and it's just not worth a block of time.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Super Stickman Athletics definitely isn't a contender against other full-priced Olympic themed games, but we shouldn't expect it to be for its low asking price. Gamers who enjoy having something to play in short bursts now and then might enjoy this title as a budget cost, but those who want a little more longevity and incentive to play may be left underwhelmed.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Unholy Heights is a blend of tower defense and management sim that doesn't over-complicate either element. Although some might wish the gameplay was deeper in certain places, there is a good seasoning of inner complexity that should keep many engaged. Add to that a charming, not-so-evil evil motif and some goofy (if not always the most grammatically correct) flavoured text, and it can be easy to get hooked - if you don't get frustrated by the spiking difficulty curve.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tallowmere is an excellent roguelike. Its value comes from its customization options — you can make the game easier or harder in a variety of ways, run special challenges, and play with buddies. It's all wrapped up with plenty of weapons and gear, a good variety of enemies, cool music, and an addictive gameplay hook that's immediately accessible for newbies of the genre yet deep enough for veterans.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Axiom Verge is an excellent Metroidvania, one that Wii U owners should absolutely not miss out on. Creative gameplay, beautiful visuals, and a compelling story all blend to create a fantastic game that does a great job of paying tribute to classics while doing something wholly new with the established formula. It's made all the more impressive, too, by the fact that the entire thing is the product of one man's dedication.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    With such a concise playtime, it's hard to recommend PANDA LOVE to any hardened veteran; at best, this is a simple starter game for young children.
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shadow Archer is a fantastic arcade game that deserves a download from any fan of simple, classic games. The great difficulty balancing, accessible gameplay, crisp aesthetics and pretty solid control make this an addictive experience. Whether you're looking to perfect a high score run or just need something to play in short bursts to blow off some steam, Shadow Archer gives a lot to love for the price.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A perfectly passable, prototypical roguelike RPG, Adventure Labyrinth Story is a decently diverting game that's happy to entertain without leaving a lasting impression.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Letter Quest is filled to the brim with content including a stack of levels, a long list of quests and achievements, and many unlocks to enjoy. By the time you complete Grimm's journey, you'll be a qualified wordsmith.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Addictive gameplay, along with great humour and charming character make The Legend of Kusakari a very pleasant experience, and when the only downside is a want for more story and more chapters to play through, you know you're onto a winner.

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