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
    • 43 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Excave is a game that doesn't take its presentation and narrative terribly seriously, unlike some other RPGs, but this doesn't take much away from the experience. The game's strengths lie in its simple combat which manages to stave off repetition, the array of weapon types, and the diversity of ways players can tackle each dungeon.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The fans and faithful of the Jewel Quest series who don't mind wildly cramming gems into a corner for several minutes might very much enjoy the newer takes and elements of The Sapphire Dragon.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    If this game goes on sale in future, or reduces its price to a few bucks, only consider it if you're absolutely desperate for this type of experience. Right now though, Flap Flap can flap off.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Strained braincells and hand cramps aside, this is a unique and beautifully crafted puzzler which is as admirable for its artistic approach as it is for its fresh mechanics.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's not as complete of a package as many were hoping, namely with the absence of a sharing program within the application, but the core mechanics remain spot-on.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Even if you've been searching desperately for an air hockey simulator on 3DS, we can't possibly recommend this bare-bones, repetitious attempt, at least not at its current price.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Some of the games are perfectly playable, but most of these are variations on Solitaire that can be found for less eShop funds in Best of Solitaire alongside dozens more, so you're better off with those alternatives.
    • 39 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    There are plenty of fun multiplayer games for the Wii U, and Rock 'N Racing Off Road just has too little going for it to earn a recommendation.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Charming the game may be, Rainbow Curse is a few strokes from greatness: overly repetitive mechanics, underused ideas, and a failure to integrate its clay theme into gameplay in any meaningful way keep it from reaching the lofty heights to which it potentially could. Well crafted, but not a masterpiece.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    In trying to enhance such an archaic video game experience, Bigben Interactive has merely formed a glossy patina on what is essentially an outdated video game experience, and despite its decent visuals and modern additions, this does little to break the mould; it finds itself lost in an ever-growing sea of Breakout clones.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Players willing to overlook the rough-and-ready packaging will find plenty of genuinely fun primate puzzling here.
    • 44 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    At its launch price this is one of the better mobile-esque values on Wii U - just know that this one's not in it for the long haul.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Depending too heavily on its Game Boy-influenced presentation, Tri-Strip doesn't take the time to acknowledge that a couple of modern touches could've injected much-needed value into its limited package.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In summary, though, fans of arcade shooters should pick this up without a second thought - it's a welcome and long overdue return of a true classic.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy+ is a minor and slightly cheeky update - despite Nintendo planes and amiibo support it's certainly not worth a double dip for those with the original.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, however, the experience is still fairly solid, so we recommend giving the free content a shake and then deciding whether or not you want more of it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Fans of the WiiWare release might be pleased to see this one landing on a new platform, but be warned that it hasn't carried over well.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A true portable blockbuster.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Citizens of Earth is a rare breed of sprawling RPG that doesn't take itself too seriously, and blends solid mechanics with parody and imagination very well indeed. The style is there, but when it comes to overall experience, a long list of glitches rains on this Vice President's parade somewhat.
    • 30 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    This is the same recycled thing we've seen over and over in the two years since Dong Nguyen had a surprise hit, and it's high time this vapid avian adventure took a permanent vacation.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    A magnificent remastering of one of the finest Legend of Zelda games to date. The visual overhaul, the streamlined features and other improvements make this version an even more enjoyable and accessible experience than the original N64 release.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Citizens of Earth runs for about 15 hours if you tackle a decent amount of side-quests and level up your team, which is pretty short by RPG standards.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Quell: Memento shines with elegance and substance, successfully building upon the foundation of its predecessor without sacrificing the relaxing mood and tempo at which it operates.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Simple and small but full of fun, Breezeblox combines immensely satisfying spatial puzzles with a pleasant presentation, smooth control and clever level design.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you want to play solo or with a friend, this game is a must-have for anyone looking for a bit of mindless fun while bashing brainless hordes.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Still, players looking for an atmospheric puzzler with some inventive gimmicks should find plenty to enjoy with most of this title, regardless of these hiccups.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Monster Combine TD is an interesting take on the tower defence genre, building off of the gameplay of Plants vs. Zombies, but the inherent flaws in some of its gameplay aspects will quickly come to light and put a damper on the experience.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    We recommend it as a must buy for fans of action platformers, especially those that enjoy retro nods and winks with their modern day experiences - this one's a straight shooter.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Those expecting the original game designed for multiple people may be disappointed by its distinctly solo environment, but otherwise it's an excellent little budget title for some Eastern solo fun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Fans of the ScaryGirl character may like being able to import pre-made characters, but other than that we suggest sticking with software that's more robust.

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