Nintendo Life's Scores

  • Games
For 5,853 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:
5861 game reviews
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Not only is Rotohex extremely well executed, but it has this certain addictive quality that makes it a lot of fun to play in quick bursts.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Baddest of the Bands sticks with the same formula seen in the previous two episodes and it's still as entertaining as it ever was. Sadly, this episode doesn’t offer any improvements and if you didn’t like any of the other titles then it's not likely to make the entire 'Strong Bad' concept suddenly appeal to you. On the other hand, if you giggled your way through the other two episodes and had a whale of a time, then you simply cannot go wrong here.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Playing against friends is incredible fun and for this we can recommend the game wholeheartedly, but if you're not able to round up anyone you might think twice before a purchase.
    • 27 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    There's no two ways about it - this is an embarrassing WiiWare release that lacks any of the fundamental elements of enjoyable, rewarding gameplay.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Not only is World of Goo easily the best WiiWare release to date, it's also proof that you don't need a large development team or millions of dollars to create an outstanding video game. In an era of video gaming where style is often emphasized over substance, it's refreshing to see a title like World of Goo that somehow manages to feature an abundance of both.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite its basic presentation and superficially simplistic gameplay, Cubello is the kind of game that delivers an engrossing experience every time you pick it up.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's encouraging to see despite the depressing flood of casual 'me too' titles the DS is afflicted with some developers can still use the machine to create a suitably hardcore experience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you are a hardcore puzzle player, you will no doubt want to get acquainted with Madstone because of its unique twist on the genre, whereas casual puzzle players will appreciate its eye-catching graphics and quick to pick up and learn game play and tutorials.
    • 37 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    The Wiiware service has certainly had its share of disappointments but Midnight Bowling may top that list. The party mode saves this game from being a complete disaster, and the presentation in terms of graphics and music is as good as you would expect, but a game has to be playable to be fun.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    The addictive gameplay of past titles is still there, but Tree of Tranquility simply repeats too many past mistakes, with little advantage taken of the Wii’s capabilities other than a few motion controls and minigames.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bomberman Blast captures mostly everything Bomberman Live has, and adds some excellent new content into the mix. It’s been a long time since we got some classic Bomberman action on a Nintendo console, but it’s back now, and possibly better than ever.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Putting our incessant nitpickings aside for a moment (and to be fair they are really observations as opposed to complaints) this game rocks. Many WiiWare games lack depth, but Orbient nips that stereotypical quality in the bud. The game may be conquerable within a matter of hours but after a few levels the genius of the gameplay really starts to shine through.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With all the small issues asides, Kirby Super Star Ultra is still a magnificent title.
    • 52 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Plättchen: Twist 'n Paint is the videogame equivalent of trying to pat your head and rub your stomach at the same time; there are too many elements to consider in tandem for this to be considered to be much fun.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sure the game isn't much to look at and it's still odd to hear the NES-like music blaring through a Dolby Surround Sound system, but when you get right down to it, there's just something incredibly satisfying and unique about playing a completely original 8-bit Mega Man title almost 15 years since the last NES release.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The game doesn’t substantially improve on the first so we can’t give it a higher rating, but if you enjoyed Homestar Ruiner then it’s safe to say that you will probably like this one just as much, if not slightly more.
    • 50 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    The game trundles along at far too slow a pace and lacks any real sense of challenge. Puzzle titles need a ‘killer hook’ in order to stand out from the crowd and as much as it pains us to say this, Potpourri is sadly lacking in this regard.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It is safe to say that if you are a fan of puzzlers such as Lumines or Columns you will get a kick out of this. For the admission price of 800 Wii points it is pretty good value for money.
    • 46 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    My Aquarium is not a game, so we're not reviewing it as such. If you are happy that in downloading this you’ll be getting a virtual aquarium, then you really can't go wrong here.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A refreshing entry into the rhythm action genre and, without a doubt, one of the more worthwhile additions to WiiWare.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For everyone from casual gamers who want something to fire up and play that won’t run away from you when real life intervenes, and for serious pool sharks who want to play pool even when they’re not playing pool, this game should satisfy. And for the price of about four games of real pool at your local pub, this game is a steal (not to mention a lot longer lasting than your 800 Wii Points would normally buy you on WiiWare).
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Unfortunately, the first episode doesn’t definitively establish itself as a proper videogame as much as it is a charming adaptation of the Flash cartoon. As well as Telltale Games did at offering a tremendous service to fans of Homestar Runner, they are only occasionally able to prove that playing a cartoon is better than watching one.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Gameloft has crafted an addictive and attractive game with enough gameplay to keep you coming back for short blasts every once in a while, but there's not really enough meat on the bones to hold your attention for prolonged play sessions.
    • 18 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    At least Pong Toss is aptly named. After a few minutes of this game you'll definitely want to "toss" something.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A very challenging RPG that'll appeal to all fans of the genre: the graphics are superb, the soundtrack is great, and the gameplay is top-notch. When everything is said and done, this is a must-have RPG.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you're looking for a single player game, you will come away severely disappointed. It's just not long enough to warrant the high price tag of 1000 Wii Points, it’s too repetitive, short lived and there is no reason to go back to it. If you're looking for a multiplayer game, then the battle mode is actually relatively decent.
    • 45 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Due to the repetitive nature of the gameplay the long-term value of this game is questionable, but make no mistake - this game is certainly better than you might have assumed at first glance.
    • 18 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    There will inevitably be some racing game fans that will find enough good in this title to warrant a purchase, but the broken gameplay, cheap AI, and dismal visuals will likely be more than enough to scare everyone else off.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Offers one of the finest puzzle experiences currently available on WiiWare. Having said that, the lack of online and controller issues make it difficult to recommend.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you do some soul-searching and decide that you''re not Steve Tyler's biggest admirer, then you will probably end up disappointed with the game when you finally get to play it.

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