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
    • 42 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Overall, this probably isn't the brawler you're looking for.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fans of classic-style dungeon crawls who appreciate some thought with their questing should add an -er to the end of this title.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For fans of the genre that are happy to master the controls and live with compromises this still represents an attractive option, nevertheless.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Remarkable production values combined with a staggering amount of content and fan service make Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS an entertaining, rewarding and downright addictive title that’s immensely hard to put down.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Don't be fooled — while Hideaways is functional, it's simply not fun to play.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    While it's not inherently broken (save for the ridiculous Play Coin feature), Top Model 3D is just not strong enough to earn any kind of recommendation. Games aimed at this audience need to be better than this.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    This isn't a title you'll likely still be playing years from now, but it's a surprisingly meaty experience, and if you're a music game addict or a huge fan of early '00s mainstream hard rock music, you'll love kicking these beats.
    • 38 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Consider Darts Up as a game you’d play with some friends not too keen on taking anything too seriously – much like the pub sport it emulates.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Still, taken totally at face value, this isn't a great game — and regardless of what kind of comment the developer is trying to make, that is surely all that truly matters at the end of the day.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    There are plenty of other "simulation" games on the 3DS — stay far, far away from this one.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bayonetta has attitude, and while you may occasionally cringe at this one's mixed messages in empowering its heroine, it serves up a great deal of frenetic action — your controller of choice won't know what's hit it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    As of now it’s just broken.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For those that come in expecting a classic Legend of Zelda adventure this could potentially be an underwhelming experience; yet as a fun action game with plenty of content is delivers well. Once the problem of perception — courtesy of the iconic characters at play — is resolved, this is an entertaining addition for action fans.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Providing quality gameplay in both its life sim and action RPG aspects, served up with all of the colourful wit and charm anyone could ask for, it serves as a jewel in the crown of memory of a games studio that helped create some of the most memorable role-playing video games that ever graced the medium.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Poor camera controls and some repetitive design dampen the experience, and will be harder to swallow for non-fans, but even players who can’t tell a Straw Hat from a straw hat can enjoy the the bright, high-energy action and colourful characters.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Azure Striker Gunvolt isn't just a great game; it's something of a revelation, finding an entirely new — and rich — approach to the hardcore-platforming genre.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Teslagrad is everything we love about download gaming on Wii U.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call is far more than a lazy expansion to the original release. The volume of extra content is truly impressive, but it also shakes up the formula with new modes to give the experience a fresh feel.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Gothic Masquerade is just about as shallow as any other hidden object game, but this one has the courtesy of being over with in just around an hour.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Series fans will love getting to experience classic copy abilities to the fullest in a new setting, and fighting types will appreciate the variety and depth of the fast-paced Kirby combat — if you find yourself in either camp, Fighters Deluxe deserves a privileged place on your 3DS menu.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Fall is probably not your best choice, but if you're looking for a more cerebral change of pace you should check this one out.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s a pure no-brainer for those who loved the first game, while newcomers should make a line for this version first.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Players who enjoyed Drum Dash’s Triple Deluxe debut will absolutely love it, and anyone looking for a fresh take on musical platforming will have a blast. Dededelightful.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Players with a fondness for the genre — and patience for poor translation — will get some enjoyment out of wading into the world and fielding the diverse set of characters, but for most this box is best kept on the shelf.
    • 21 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    There are plenty of other — more talented and deserving — fish in the sea.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Thorium Wars: Attack of the Skyfighter is a solidly crafted game that does a lot right in offering a classic, arcade-leaning space shooter experience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Players looking for something a little different should enjoy Amida's Path.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With tight controls, a lush Western soundtrack, and beautifully animated sprites, SteamWorld Dig is one of this year's best games on the Wii U eShop, joining Ittle Dew in the "gorgeous Swedish indie adventures" category.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Save the DSiWare Points and skip over this Samurai — you’ll have far more fun splurging on a puzzle book and a pair of geta instead.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The old saying goes “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” but we’re definitely getting tired of the lack of variety.

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