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
    • 70 Critic Score
    Make no mistake, Brunch Panic is more whipped-cream waffle than hearty Full English. This is a mobile-inspired tap-and-swipe game with simple, repetitive gameplay and graphics, and it's not going to fill anyone up until dinner.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Wonderfully witty as ever, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies is another excellent entry into the Ace Attorney series.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Mighty Switch Force! series is on the cusp of true platforming greatness and we can't wait to see what those talented folks at WayForward will bring to the table next time around.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Many of the mini-games on offer really push the unique features of the system to create novel yet highly entertaining experiences that can't be found elsewhere.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Escape from Zombie City needs something to help it stand out from the brain-dead horde of eShop shooters, and depending on what you're looking for, it just might have it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Like cotton candy, this sweet-natured treat is ultimately fluff. Kids may eat it up, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for them — or particularly enjoyable once something with a little more substance is introduced.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Snow Moto Racing 3D doesn't crash and burn, but it's no smooth ride, either.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Just Dance 2014 doesn't rock the boat too much, nor does it really need to — turns out that dancing is still pretty fun in and of itself, and the robust, aggressively contemporary set list, oodles of choreography and video sharing put this year's dance party among the better ones.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Whether you come for the adventure, the romance, or simply the turnips, Rune Factory 4's inviting world will draw you in and give you plenty of reasons to stick around for many, many seasons to come.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Skylanders: Swap Force is the rare type of game that takes all of the elements from previous series entries and improves on them at every turn. Veterans are bound to love this new title, but it also serves as a perfect place to start for those new to the series.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    In trying to incorporate 3D environments and ideas from the Wii U title, Dimps has rather tied Sonic's red boots together, causing him to often stumble and fall.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If dealing with frustration to reach high points is an acceptable sacrifice of your gaming time then this is worth strong consideration, but be under no illusions — this isn't the definitive Sonic experience we may have desired.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Most importantly, it’s dreadfully repetitive and just isn’t much fun to play. While it may be an improvement over its predecessor, that isn't saying much, and you should probably just let it sink into the darkest corner of the 3DS eShop.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    If there is one thing that’s been honestly advertised, it’s that The Ugly Duckling sure is ugly.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Steadfast fans of classic arcade titles might find some enjoyment in the traditional action, but the rest of the package is nothing but a disappointment.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Happy Circus does some things rather well, with care and attention clearly paid to its presentation and careful management of the learning curve at work. What it lacks is a fun hook, something to reward or encourage learning beyond its strong audio-visual delivery. This isn't a bad option for young gamers learning basic skills, by any means, but it's not everything it could have been.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you can spot the appeal in hidden-object spotting and like a bit of mystery in your looking glass, The Sleeping Palace is worth keeping an eye on.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Put simply, it’s Picross — and that’s tough to complain about.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Playing Phineas and Ferb: Quest for Cool Stuff is a great way to introduce young gamers to the decidedly difficult Metroidvania sub-genre of platformers, but anyone looking for a challenging or fulfilling experience will be sorely disappointed.
    • 23 Metascore
    • 10 Critic Score
    If there's just one thing at which this particular version of Myst succeeds, it's serving as a prime example of what not to do when porting a classic game to a modern system.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Once again, Game Freak hits the nail squarely on the head, making Pokémon X and Y an excellent new addition to the series' expansive library.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Once again, Game Freak hits the nail squarely on the head, making Pokémon X and Y an excellent new addition to the series' expansive library.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you're a true table tennis fan looking for a digital fix, this is a solid service of arcade-style gameplay; but if you're just looking to get in a few volleys and don't mind a slightly larger playing field, Family Tennis 3D unquestionably serves up the better game.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While AiRace Speed is a bigger dish than its DSiWare equivalent, the limited scope still feels like that of a side course than a main meal.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Once again, we will say that nothing is wholly broken, but at times things are close. A few functioning activities may provide your children with some entertainment, though the overall package is of poor quality. Spending two dollars is hardly “taking a risk”, but at this point, we can’t even hint that you should drop any money on these inferior fables and fairytales.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    If you’re desperate for word-based puzzles, then this one might provide a quick fix, but don’t expect to see anything new or exciting.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rage of the Gladiator remains one of WiiWare's undisputed highlights, and we've been pleasantly surprised to discover that the game is even more alluring in portable form. The pick-up-and-play mentality of the title is better suited to the 3DS, and while it's a shame that the immersive motion controls understandably had to be sacrificed in this port, after an hour or so you won't miss them at all.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl is not only a great example of how to remake a classic, it's also a fantastic game in its own right.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    We hate to complain too much about a game with such an affordable price, which has the intention of wholesomely entertaining and educating young children, but there are so many other far better options on the market at comparable prices. Tales to Enjoy! Little Red Riding Hood is innocent software, and it’s not exactly broken, but it ultimately isn't of a high enough quality to merit a purchase.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Behind a laundry list of complaints is an exceptional game of pinball and a loving tribute to the star-spanning story of good vs. evil, but compared to the Wii U version it’s a downgrade in almost every way.

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