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
    • 30 Critic Score
    Although it's bundled as the funky wonders of science, there's nothing quite wondrous about it and will leave you in a funk.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Don't waste your hard earned money on this budget title when there are better games out there. Brave Tank Hero for the Wii U makes the 3DS version look like a decent game. Unfortunately, it's a disappointing port of a mediocre game.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's hugely clever, chaotic and funny, though there are downsides in the implementation of randomly generated stages and in some technical glitches and flaws. Despite some issues the premise, presentation, music and gameplay all work well together, making this a steal on the Wii U - just not the great heist it could have been.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An array of different weapons to play with, zombies to fight off and locations to survive in will satisfy both the casual gamer wanting some fun and the high-score hunters who won't stop until they have total domination.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It distills the most complex elements of sim-style racers down into a simple, enjoyable formula that works on every level.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As a complete package, Project Mirai DX puts on a virtuoso performance that easily stands alongside Curtain Call, HarmoKnight, and Rhythm Thief as one of the 3DS' greatest hits.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Forgettable music, poor animation and a lack of replay value combine to make this one of the worst games available on Wii U. Stay away. Far away.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you can look past this cube's jagged edges, then its well worth a look for the sheer variety of gameplay alone.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    The user interface, the creativity of the tools that feed the player's imagination and the overall polish are a testament to the development team's efforts. Whether creating, exploring or just playing, Super Mario Maker provides an exceptional experience.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    All in all, Gunman Clive HD Collection is an absolute no-brainer. For $4, you are getting HD versions of not one, but two of the most impeccably-crafted action platformers of the last decade.
    • 43 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Devil's Third is tricky to recommend, ultimately. There's undoubted fun to be had online, but at the same time this is an action game that sells Wii U gamers short. It's packed with good intentions and ambition, but Valhalla Game Studios was unable to execute its vision well enough. The devil is in the detail, and that's the problem.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is one of the most addictive roguelikes we've ever played. It's the kind of game that might appear a bit rudimentary at first, but it becomes more and more compelling with each subsequent session.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    A game that features tanks should be an entertaining experience, especially if the game was developed by a team who has delivered series like BlazBlue and Guilty Gear, but ultimately Brave Tank Hero is a blemish in Arc System Works' library.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    SENRAN KAGURA 2: Deep Crimson is a reasonably solid fighting game with some decent presentation and consistent performance in 2D, but is hampered by repetitive enemies and uninspired combat mechanics for the most part.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    If you're absolutely starved for something to do on your Wii U, Pixel Slime U offers a few minutes of diversion, but it's unfortunately too bare bones to garner a full recommendation.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    G.G Series VECTOR is unfortunately just another "me too" block puzzler that you'll likely grow bored with after a few extended plays. The basic gameplay is sabotaged by being a little bit too complex and the presentation is nothing more than passable.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, G.G Series ENERGY CHAIN is a fun time-sink for those looking for a cheap puzzle game to play.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Overall, there's very little fun to be had and Mortar Melon feels like an unrewarding, fruitless exercise.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It's an excellent party game with a solid single player campaign and more unlockables than the colours of the rainbow; you won't regret paying the admission for this gem on the Wii U.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    We'd recommend you pick this one up; while there's not anything here you haven't seen before, you'll still probably come away glad that you took the plunge.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The 3DS version may be a better fit for on-the-go players, but Dave feels more at home on the big screen where others can share in the insanity.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    We'd recommend you pick this one up; while it does have its flaws, you'll likely get more than your money's worth and find yourself coming back to play one more round.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The experience lacks the qualities of the Nintendo original, and doesn't provide any noteworthy additions to the tried and tested formula.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    This may be worth a punt for some, but do remember that it's not nearly as fun as it sounds.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Gunstar Heroes is a genuine genre tour-de-force that's simply not to be missed and is yet another triumph for Sega's 3D Classics range.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Despite some issues with pokey movement and the nasty effects of staring at green screens for hours, it's a solid puzzle game with a great visual theme.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Solid mechanics and puzzles that are tweaked to a level of difficulty that is just right — along with an excellent accompanying soundtrack — fill this monotone world with colour.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you enjoy twitch reflex games, then WUK 2 is for you. While the game lacks depth, what's there is done well.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The storyline is immersive and genuinely well-delivered and will give gamers of all ages plenty to enjoy. The omission of online multiplayer is a huge downer though, and it stops this game from being something truly exceptional. There's a lot to love, but it'll be a largely solo eXperience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Looking past the unbalanced difficulty for the player controlling Charla, poor graphics and extremely limited amount of content, there are some fun ideas that work well as a party game. Unfortunately that won't be enough for most and the launch price seems way too steep for a game that doesn't have any real replay value.

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