Nintendo Life's Scores

  • Games
For 5,880 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 Shantae: Risky's Revenge
Lowest review score: 10 Hockey Allstar Shootout
Score distribution:
5888 game reviews
    • 56 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Long load times, ugly cinematics, and finicky touch controls aside, the fun mission structure and engaging gameplay makes this one worth picking up for anyone seeking big fun in small bursts.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Easy to learn but challenging enough to keep you invested, Banana Bliss is a fun puzzler that just about keeps on the right side of simplistic. A lack of visual polish and a dire need for some variation between worlds holds it back from being a real hidden gem, but the fantastic price tag makes this one a solid recommendation.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    It seems like those who would be most willing to keep up with the dragging tasks of Life with Horses 3D are the big-time equine fans. However, these same fans would also be most disappointed in how lifeless the world can be and how impersonal treatment of and interaction with the horses can feel.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The experience may be geared at a younger audience, but puzzle fans will be delighted to solve each object and watch Orion's Odyssey unfold.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Its stripped-down simplicity and lack of goals make it appear suited toward a young audience looking for virtual dolls’ heads to mess around with, and there may be some fun for them in that for a while.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Jump Trials Supreme may not be much to look at, but don't let its generic aesthetic put you off - this is a fun and challenging eShop release that distills platforming down to its essence and serves it up in ten-second shots, with some commendable online extras on the side.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate is a game that is brimming with great ideas that are, sadly, poorly executed.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It would be simple to write off NES Remix as something only die-hard retro gamers would enjoy, but developer indies zero is really on to something here — the 200+ challenges are short enough to be interesting and fun to replay, but not long enough to outstay their welcome.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    RUSH is a more than welcome addition to the Wii U eShop, as it delivers straight-out puzzle challenges with few needless embellishments, all at a budget price.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Hooked on Bass Fishing has a certain charm to it, and it can be exciting to battle with and land a giant fish when it happens. But those flashes can ultimately carry a game so far when it doesn’t have much sense of an overarching goal, progress, or player direction.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Taking one of the most technically advanced coin-ops of its period and transferring it to Nintendo's handheld console — at 60 fps and in 3D, no less — is an achievement which warrants massive praise.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    A stale, shameless cash-in with no variety and frustrating gameplay throughout, hardcore fans of Ben 10 may find a slightly better experience on the 3DS version. All others, though, are advised to stay away from Ben 10 Omniverse 2.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is highly recommended for fans and those looking for an enjoyable slice of retro Sega platforming, nevertheless.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    M2 has done a typically peerless job of porting Altered Beast from the Mega Drive, and proves once again that it is the master of retro emulation. However, one has to question the wisdom of wasting so much time and effort on converting such a dismal game; Altered Beast fails to entertain during its criminally short length and really should have been relegated to the mists of time by now.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Those new to Heathcliff will likely find little here to draw them in and would probably better be served by a spot-the-difference game with wider-ranging images and themes.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    The horrid visuals, wonky controls and extraordinarily dull gameplay all ensure that it's as lacking in entertainment value as seems possible; stay off this one's track.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a fun way to unwind, relax, and have a laugh alone or with some friends, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is exactly the game to fulfill that need. It’s pure family-friendly fun that squeezes in just enough variety to ensure that players of all ages will find something to enjoy. A heroic feat, indeed.
    • 42 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Namco Bandai has published a number of surprisingly solid titles tied to their Shōnen Jump properties in recent years, but they've indisputably missed the boat on making One Piece Romance Dawn anywhere close to worth playing.
    • 40 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW! is not a complete failure, but it's also not the game that Adventure Time fans deserve or should expect from a developer like WayForward.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's a short ride, sure, but one that's worth jumping into again and again.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    While Deer Drive Legends looks and works well enough, it's an entirely forgettable light gun shooter that does nothing to set itself apart from the rest.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Any 3DS owner with even a fleeting interest in role-playing games and a desire to get lost in an incredible, engaging adventure would be doing themselves a huge favour by picking up Bravely Default without delay.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Even the staunchest of Sega fans will admit that Space Harrier has never been the deepest of experiences, and this 3DS iteration does little to change that.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you're the kind of gamer who enjoys trial-and-error play and doesn't get easily frustrated by the "error" aspect, you could do a lot worse than giving Ohno Odyssey a spin.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It's a more than competent coaster builder, but Wii U owners who also possess an iOS device — a platform on which Coaster Crazy Deluxe is arguably more comfortable — would be crazy to purchase the game in this format.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Mysterious Cities of Gold: Secret Paths does not offer a great deal in terms of challenge or variety, but what it does provide comes in a beautiful package that is easy and intuitive to work with. It’s a viable, appealing option for younger and less experience players, and a practical no-brainer for long-time fans of the classic TV show. Those looking for something deeper may feel like they're heading down the wrong path with this title, but it's still worth investigating.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Hands On! Tangrams isn't very original or exciting, but the puzzles are fun to solve — if a little easy — and could easily give younger gamers a bit of a challenge
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Senran Kagura certainly has its issues - an inconsistent framerate, repetitive missions, and a sketchy, ecchi aesthetic that's likely to turn off as many players as it turns on - but it delivers an intoxicating blend of quick, combo-heavy combat that's an absolute blast to play.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Ben 10 Omniverse 2 is a disappointing experience that is not worth playing unless you're a hardcore fan of the Cartoon Network franchise.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 10 Critic Score
    Christmas Wonderland 3 does offer a 3D effect — even if it isn't really put to any use — and an easier difficulty mode that its two predecessors did not, so if you absolutely must have a Christmas Wonderland game, this would be the one to buy. However that's as close to a recommendation as we would dare give this game.

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