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
    • 50 Critic Score
    Run Run and Die may look deceptively cute, but with a title like that we suppose we've only got ourselves to blame for underestimating its difficulty.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Digger Dan DX is well worth its price tag, and recommended for puzzle gamers especially.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Kick & Fennick has an appealing concept to getting around that is backed up with terrific physics. At its best, the game is quite fun in a way that must be felt to believe. Bouts of repetitive level design and a lack of motivating plot can bog it down at times, but fans of Portal-style gameplay can still find a good deal to enjoy.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you choose to play it on the go or from the comfort of your home, you'll still be getting the same retro-style experience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Those who enjoy Sudoku at home or wherever their Wii U is plugged in should give this one a shot.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    We give this game a recommendation - 16-bit RPGs don't get much better than this and it's one that RPG fans won't want to miss out on.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Super Strike Beach Volleyball does well to bring together engaging gameplay and charming visuals to provide a family-friendly experience on the digital beaches of the 3DS.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Having been ported from mobile devices, Dan McFox: Head Hunter is understandably simple, straightforward, and best suited to shorter play sessions, but there's fun to be had just as long as you like the core concept.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Those looking for a low-key multiplayer adventure might dig it, but 8Bit Heroes could really stand to flesh itself out more to live up to its potential.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Ultimately, 6-Hand Video Poker is a poor attempt at bringing the video poker experience to the home.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    There's a lot of Kirby for your money here, and the pink fluffball is at the top of his game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's a fun if not premium experience, with some rather uninspired level designs mixed in with moments of greater quality - for amiibo fans it's well worth a look.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Although Color Symphony 2 introduces an original idea, it needs to work on some aspects in order to draw the player in. The story needs to be fleshed out more, and extra variation in graphics and audio would work wonders to stop the game feeling repetitive. Those who enjoy puzzle platformers will enjoy the premise (at least for a little while), but this could do much more to reel in a wider audience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Even with its bright eyes and squishy smile, we can't recommend this to anyone until it's recalled and patched.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's another means by which you can teach your child the alphabet, and it's presented in a way that seems to be quite understandable.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Approach this one with caution.
    • 46 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Lost Reavers is bitterly frustrating. Not awful, not unplayable, but frustrating.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Though there are a few flaws and the difficulty level makes it a game for those with fast thumbs, Tachyon Project is well worth consideration on Wii U. For fast-paced twin-stick shooting action there aren't many better options on the eShop.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The Deer God is beautiful. Sadly, that beauty is only skin deep. Poor design choices take away from fantastic visuals that really have to be seen. With the right level of polish, this could have been one of our favourite indie games on Wii U. Instead, clumsy quest design, repetitive environments and poor performance ensure The Deer God will be remembered as little more than eye candy.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Anyone who played the original Midnight should know exactly what they're getting into. It might have been fun to throw an extra idea into play somewhere, but the sequel still provides the same fun-if-not-perfect gameplay of the original. If you enjoyed your first round and ached for more stages, this is a no-brainer. Others who might be interested can freely dive in with either game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Blockara is a fun concept, but it's dragged down by its presentation. Unlikable characters, poor voice acting and music and art that don't do it any favours are all negative points, but aren't enough to completely obfuscate the fun that can be had here. Blockara won't be fondly remembered, but if you have a friend that's good at puzzle games and you can put up with the rest of it, there's some enjoyment to be found.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you like match-3 puzzles the Queen's Garden is a good addition to your Wii U library; there is a lot of gameplay to be had for the price. However, if you are looking for the customization and social side of a gardening simulation game this will disappoint, as the 'garden' element leaves a lot to be desired.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Wii U port for Super Meat Boy may not necessarily bring anything new to the table, but it's still an enjoyable experience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pixel Maker is a no frills app. Everything works as it should, and we would recommend it to those who enjoy making pixel art as all the tools are there for you to flex your creative muscle.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pocket Card Jockey is absolutely worth consideration and will hook many gamers with its irreverent and addictive gameplay, but beneath its charming veneer is a cruel world of lost bets and unfair odds.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    For the low price of entry it's worth having on your 3DS just to relive the nostalgia of the Nokia version, but we would not expect Sssnakes to be one you rave to your friends about. It does not have the originality of other classic action puzzle games, and unfortunately the graphics and music do little to reel you in.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Epic Dumpster Bear is the epic adventure of a dumpster-diving bear as he attempts to battle against the evil corporation, and proof that you should never judge a book by its cover.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you enjoyed the first or were slightly on the fence, then this one improves upon the original formula in many ways, adding more events and fixing plenty of issues by allowing for backtracking, but hasn't innovated enough to garner a wider appeal.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    It just feels that the creative force behind Dodge Club Party had something more special in the Dot Arcade collection. The spark is still around, too; just take a look at the joyful writing and art in the electronic manual. It's disappointing that it couldn't better be portrayed this time around in the actual game, either with aesthetics or added variety.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Pinball Arcade is an excellent representation of classic pinball machines from over the years.

Top Trailers