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
    Those looking for straight-up, no-frills Texas Hold ‘Em can find it in Governor of Poker. Those looking for engaging goals and atmosphere, however, likely will not; the constant tug-of-war on the tables to build the funds to buy the next non-interactive building feels more like a chore than a real accomplishment.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate – Deluxe Edition is as problematic as its title is long
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    My Exotic Farm is a functional, cute farm management sim; at an affordable $4.99 price point it's also decent value. But beneath the kid-friendly exterior, it's nothing more than an empty test of your micromanagement and grinding skills.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Pure Chess on the 3DS is a thoroughly competent piece of software, which in some respects stands out on the system's eShop.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For all its charm, there's no escaping the fact that Nintendo Pocket Football Club will be compared to rival titles in this genre, and in that regard it falls short.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re beginning to get burnt out on Animal Crossing and you’re seeking something similar that also manages to feel fresh, Magical World is the perfect way to start a new life once again.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Big aviation fans, and/or those who want a demanding challenge and have the patience to endure starting from square one, may find blue skies here and should definitely try the demo.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    At the very least, Rusty's Real Deal Baseball is worth downloading. You can decide for yourself how much money you want to spend on it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 10 Critic Score
    Young Justice: Legacy is downright offensive.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    To put it bluntly, I am in the Movie is almost entirely useless software.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Skater Cat's concept of speeding up by grabbing cats which you reward with treats is quite a nice idea, but unfortunately the overall package is fairly dull.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Also, what is likely the strongest selling point of the game, the Sanrio license itself, doesn’t feel put to use as widely as it could have. Characters are fully mute and do almost nothing to convey their personalities. Fans wanting to know more about the characters will also find nothing here.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Aptly named and well worth the wait, Yumi's Odd Odyssey is an absolute joy.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Once again, Lola has showed up to offer a solid learning tool for children just getting familiarized with the alphabet. Sporting colourful and friendly visuals, great voice talent and accessible learning exercises, Lola's ABC Party is a pretty happening place to be for kids ages 3-7.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It’s a shame, because Pure Chess is otherwise a well-made title with a lot of visual sheen behind it, and one in which it is fun to learn or practice chess. If your interest only extends to the latter, then Pure Chess is potentially a worthwhile investment, although you may be able to achieve the same goals with cheaper alternatives elsewhere.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The fact that Cypronia took the opportunity to create a 100% AR-based game is laudable in itself, and it works well enough that those who are heavily into the technology or big into building and sharing levels might want to consider laying down $4.99 to fish in this pond. Unfortunately, a few of the choices made in the game modes take some of the fun out of the overall experience and leaves it rather flat in some areas.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With a straightforward and entertaining tutorial, a varied single-player quest and a wealth of on- and offline multiplayer modes, however, Cube Tactics is well worth its small asking price.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An utterly charming, enjoyable experience to satisfy fans of both franchises; it's a crossover that, when experienced, seems entirely natural.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If the phrase "soccer RPG" has you the least bit intrigued, lace up your cleats and grab your stylus — Inazuma Eleven's masterful mix of lighthearted storytelling and over-the-top soccer is fun, fresh, and surprisingly deep.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    The biggest problem with Yoshi’s New Island is that it feels stripped of the style, substance, and ingenuity that once made the series such treasured property.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Like so many puzzle titles, repetition does become an issue over prolonged periods of time, but the portable nature of the host platform makes this ideal short-burst entertainment.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    When it comes to traditional hidden object play, Vacation Adventures: Park Ranger does a good job of keeping things manageable and uncomplicated, offering wonderful scenes that might even make you feel a bit bad to see them so cluttered.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With lots of short stages, it’s a great pick-up-and-play title, making it a positive purchase for 3DS owners who take their system with them on the go.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for something new, this is the perfect time to pick up your hammer, start a fire, and get crafting.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mysterious Cities of Gold: Secret Paths does nothing special, but it's — for the most part — a well constructed and enjoyable adventure.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A unique and genuinely fun puzzle game with some decidedly rough edges, BLOK DROP U is a brief but engaging experience that will appeal to indie-lovers and puzzle fans in spite of its flaws — and it's easier to forgive those flaws when it costs less than a latte.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While a few extra puzzle elements could have been employed, as well as a bit of customization with music and some multiplayer options, Tappingo’s price tag makes it easy to recommend to anyone who thinks they’d enjoy its brand of pixel puzzling.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Fans of the The LEGO Movie and previous LEGO games are sure to enjoy this one as well, but don't seek it out expecting anything that you haven't already seen.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The fact that Quell Reflect takes the “ice” mechanic and creates an experience of it that doesn't make you want to shatter your 3DS against the wall is a testament to the care creator Fallen Tree Games took in the level design and ambience.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether or not you're willing to pay for some extra features, Steel Diver: Sub Wars features a highly enjoyable online multiplayer mode; that's something, perhaps, that the 3DS has missed so far. Since it's free, you have no excuse not to check it out — perhaps you'll even like it so much that you'll spend some money.

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