Nintendo Life's Scores

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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:
  1. Positive: 2,259 out of 5854
  2. Mixed: 2,820 out of 5854
  3. Negative: 775 out of 5854
5862 game reviews
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    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Etrian Odyssey Nexus
    Given that the Etrian Odyssey series depends so heavily on the dual-screen design of Nintendo’s departing family of handhelds, it’s not entirely clear what form (if any) the series will take going forward. Even so, if Etrian Odyssey Nexus is to be the final entry in this much-beloved series, we can’t think of a better way for it to go out. Staggering amounts of character customization, a beautifully arranged soundtrack, dozens of hours of content, and excellent usage of stereoscopic 3D all combine to make this the definitive Etrian Odyssey experience. We’d recommend Etrian Odyssey Nexus to both longtime fans and newcomers looking to see what all the fuss is about; this is one of the deepest and most involved RPGs you’re likely to find on the 3DS, and it stands as a compelling reason to dust off Nintendo’s handheld once more.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    DreamWorks Dragons Dawn of New Riders
    Despite being a licensed tie-in, Dragons: Dawn of New Riders is anything but a broken, half-baked money-grab. It’s not particularly remarkable in its features – and it really misses a trick by not adding more things to do while riding your dragon between dungeons – but for recovering Skylanders fans and those a little too young to go loot crazy in Diablo, this is still a family-friendly adventure that’s well worth your time on Nintendo Switch.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Thea: The Awakening
    Thea: The Awakening wants to be many things. It wants to be a proper 4X game; it wants to be a through-and-through survival experience; it wants to be an RPG, a CCG and many other genres all at once. It succeeds at some, but often at the expense of others. There are some really great ideas here – the almost Pratchett-esque silliness to some of its scenarios and the focus on Slavic myths serves as a striking source of inspiration – but the focus on micro-management busywork simply gets in the way of the empire-building fun Thea should really be embracing.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Tangledeep
    While its difficulty spikes can be a little tough at times (and the sheer amount of information presented quite overwhelming, especially to genre newcomers), it’s impossible to not appreciate just how much has been crammed into Tangledeep’s roguelike crevices. From taming monsters and turning them into pets to the ever-changing layout of its dungeons, this is a roguelike RPG for players who yearn for a return to SNES games of old. It’s smart, deep and rewarding, but be warned: this is an adventure designed almost exclusively for seasoned players.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Unruly Heroes
    The ever-expanding Switch eShop has no shortage of excellent platformers under its belt, and while Unruly Heroes may not be the absolute best of the best, this is still one of the finest platformers we’ve played in a long time. Stunningly beautiful art direction coupled with diverse level design and well-paced gameplay makes this one an easy recommendation for both longtime platformer fans and for new players looking for an easier game to get into. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but Unruly Heroes hits all the notes that it needs to, and it’s more than deserving of a spot in your games library.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Dragon Marked For Death
    Given the high standard of gameplay that Inti Creates has shown in many other titles it’s released over the last several years, it’s hard not to be disappointed by Dragon: Marked for Death. Although the art direction is a definite plus, this is merely an inoffensive and unimaginative co-op side-scrolling RPG at best. But looking at the bigger picture, particularly the archaic design elements and baffling exclusion of split-screen play, makes this a release that’s admittedly hard to recommend to anyone that’s not a die-hard fan of the company. If you liked the Mega Man Zero series, this is a passable attempt at recreating that series’ gameplay style and it might resonate with some of you, but we’d otherwise recommend you take a pass on this one.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Downwell
    This is an excellent port of a game that feels like it’s found a natural home on Switch thanks to a plethora of control options and the console’s natural facility with vertical orientation. Short of popping your 4K TV on its side, Switch offers the very best way to play Downwell. Its roguelike structure and twitch platforming might not be for everyone, but you should really give it a chance. For our money, it’s a modern classic that should be in everyone’s collection.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Wargroove
    As far as strategy games are concerned on the Switch, Wargroove is one of the best titles you can find on the eShop. Extremely deep and diverse strategy gameplay, ridiculous amounts of replayability, and charming presentation all combine to make this one an easy recommendation to anybody looking for a deep and cerebral experience for their Switch. Advance Wars may only exist nowadays in our memories, but Wargroove stands as a worthy successor to the franchise; if Intelligent Systems does ever decide to revive its cult classic series, it’s going to have some stiff competition to contend with thanks to Chucklefish's efforts.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    New Star Manager
    It's not at its absolute best on Switch, but New Star Manager still provides the deeply tactile Yang to Football Manager 2019 Touch's stat-heavy Ying. It plays a more intuitive and portable game of tactical footy than its illustrious rival, and it also packs a lot more depth than its basic presentation might suggest.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Swords & Soldiers
    As surprise release games go, Swords & Soldiers’ age – and the sheer number of platforms it’s appeared on – might lead you to sleep on it. But despite having appeared on plenty of Nintendo consoles already, Two Tribes’ comical mix of resource management and real-time strategy is just as fun, silly and rewarding as it was back in 2009. Its looks are a little blurry in places, but the simplicity of its concept (and the short nature of its matches) make it a perfect fit for handheld play.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Mages of Mystralia
    Mages of Mystralia's spellcrafting system is a distinctive, signature mechanic. The appeal of the game lies in keeping things just interesting enough to compel the player forward in a colourful setting – finding new runes to unlock new spell possibilities, dropping new story beats to bread-crumb the fantasy plot along. Rewarding puzzles and memorable bosses round out an enjoyable adventure that, even at a leisurely pace, can be explored in under 10 hours, but Mages of Mystralia really could have used some tweaking in its travel and combat, and ends up feeling merely good, rather than great.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy
    While its platforming mechanics are still a tad unpredictable at times – and the huge gaps between save points still rankle – Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy’s quality nonetheless shines through. Weaving melee combat, environmental puzzles and plenty of platforms with a fun and interesting take on Egyptian mythology, it’s an action-platformer that really holds up well, despite the years on its clock. Its camera might still be a bit rubbish, but with a new lick of HD paint, this is a hidden gem that deserves a little time in the limelight.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    When Ski Lifts Go Wrong
    Despite the logo giving the impression of a garish knock-off or mobile port, When Ski Lifts Go Wrong delivers some captivating simulation puzzling, with a light dusting of Excitebike helping to set it apart from the crowd. The UI and controls work very well on Switch and, although not being able to share or sample others’ creations online is disappointing, the base game works beautifully to provide a very enjoyable package if you’re after some rock solid, physics-based fun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    SMITE
    Smite was a great and fresh take on the MOBA formula back in 2014, and it’s only gotten better thanks to a consistent amount of new gods, themed events and eSports support. So Switch players are getting this game in its most evolved form, with a roster that's pushing three figures and a vast number of modes to unlock and enjoy. It does have a higher difficulty curve than the likes of Arena of Valor, and there’s a slow grind to earn skins via the Season Pass, but the game itself is one of the best entries in the genre and it’s right here on Switch – a cause for celebration and no mistake. However, until the game goes to free-to-play for all users, that paywall is going to hamper its chances of online success.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    LEGRAND LEGACY: Tale of the Fatebounds
    Legrand Legacy: Tale of the Fatebounds spends a little too much time reminiscing over the past than looking forwards and carving out its own journey, and as a result, it doesn’t really bring anything new to the table at which its inspirations sit. Still, while its random QTEs do make battles more of a game of chance than they need to be, there’s enough heft to the story, the characters, and the beauty of its setting to help save it from disappearing into obscurity. With a build that runs well on Nintendo Switch, this is still a worthy adventure for ’90s JRPG fans.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics
    While Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics doesn’t quite capture the intensity of the tabletop game it’s based on, it still does an admirable job of doing something a little bit different with the tactics genre. By focusing more on story and the horror aspect of its lore, you get to experience intense close-quarters battles and ranged skirmishes while building on an unknown threat that could appear at any time, and in any form. Pacing problems and a lack of environmental variety can affect how well this all comes together, but if you’re looking for a more focused tactical/strategy title on Switch, this Lovecraftian odyssey awaits.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cursed Castilla
    While mostly similar to the version that appeared on 3DS in 2017, the Nintendo Switch iteration of Cursed Castilla EX is still well worth a play. Perfectly designed for bite-sized runs on the go, its careful balance of skilful challenge and easy-to-learn controls means almost anyone can pick it up and start throwing swords in vigor. Whether you’re a retro fan looking for a love letter to classics such as Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts or a newbie looking to see what the fuss is all about, this is a great little adventure.
    • 36 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Fight of Gods
    Somebody, somewhere, thought we needed an answer to the question of ‘Could Santa take Jesus in a fight?’. We didn’t, and we still don’t. With such a wealth of fighting games on Nintendo Switch – and with a port of Mortal Kombat 11 on the horizon – a cheap and poorly executed example such as this simply doesn't make the cut. Even without its questionable choice of characters, you’re much better off spending your money on one of the many other 2D fighters available on Switch.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Lightseekers
    Despite a limiting always-online requirement and a current lack of support for docked/tabletop play, Lightseekers rescues itself from by disaster thanks largely to the robust nature of its card system, the support for scanning in physical cards and the sheer depth of tactics available to different skill levels. Thankfully, it's also free-to-play and the the ability to earn digital cards at a steady pace via in-game challenges will keep players coming back for more each day. It’s great to finally have a proper CCG on Switch – even if it's not properly optimised for Nintendo’s hybrid console quite yet.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pikuniku
    We struggle to recall a dystopia quite as cheerful as the one found in Pikuniku. It’s a short game, but one packed with heart and imagination, with a great single-player component and excellent couch co-op that can genuinely be enjoyed by anyone. It makes us remember the fun we had cutting pieces from our friends in Snipperclips, but where we occasionally hit a brick wall with that game, Pikuniku sidesteps frustration in favour of a breezy and charming adventure; a perfect salve if you need a break from the backlog, but don’t dive in expecting endless hours of gameplay.
    • 43 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Dying: Reborn
    DYING: Reborn - Nintendo Switch Edition really can’t decide if it wants to be a puzzle-solving escape room title or an unsettling descent into the nightmare of survival horror. In the end, the former takes over and the latter occasionally pops its head up for a half-hearted ‘boo’. With a couple of hours of content per playthrough, its sub-£10/$10 price tag doesn’t quite sting as much as it could, but unless you’re really desperate for a point-and-click distraction and you’ve played everything else on the eShop, this is a room that’s better avoided than escaped.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Caveblazers
    Caveblazers doesn’t do enough wrong to be disappointing, but it doesn’t do enough right to be exceptional, meaning that it occupies that awkward space in the middle. The utterly unremarkable visual style and simplistic combat is offset by a surprisingly deep well of unlockables and well-paced progression systems; this is a roguelike that checks all the right boxes, but never becomes more than the sum of its parts. If you enjoyed Risk of Rain or Dead Cells, Caveblazers is a decent recommendation, but also understand that there are far more memorable titles to be found on the eShop.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Elli
    A fixed-camera 3D platformer that's charming enough in its own modest way, but limited ambition and a series of glitches keep Elli well short of the genre's greats. If you have any work left to do in Super Mario Odyssey or Yooka-Laylee, you probably don't need this.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    YIIK: A Postmodern RPG
    YIIK: A Postmodern RPG is a dazzling explosion of stylistic presentation and compelling strangeness. This might go down as “EarthBound for a new generation,” and much like EarthBound, the quality is difficult to score, since it is based less on the precision of design and more on an intangible, heartfelt payoff. While some gamers may not see anything special going on here, YIIK will likely really resonate with some players. If a Weird Stuff RPG appeals to you, strap in and prepare for a wild ride. Surreal themes aside, if you’re simply looking for an RPG experience on the Switch with far-out visuals, YIIK should satisfy your turn-based desires.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes
    Billed as a side dish, Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes has been prepared with enough love and affection to become a filling meal on its own, packed with the spice and spirit you’d expect from Travis Touchdown. It’s a fun, indie-inflected blast of hack-and-slash which doesn’t change the world mechanically (and don’t go in expecting No More Heroes 3), but its sincerity and energy are charming. It’s an adult game – a gamer’s game – foul-mouthed and dripping with style. If you’re sitting on the fence, we’d recommend diving in, if only to support its infectious, celebratory spirit; Suda51 seems to have a real affection for Nintendo hardware and this makes you feel lucky to have him working on Switch.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Onimusha: Warlords
    Almost two decades on, Onimusha: Warlords lives again thanks to a handful of truly impactful changes. Those tank controls are lighter to the touch and the improvements to the visuals help take the edge off those clunky PS2-era looks. The updated soundtrack might be a little inferior, but even it brings an extra layer of authenticity to a game that draws from Japan’s rich history of warfare. Hopefully, the rest of the series will get the same treatment because this classic swashbuckling adventure (with the occasional moment of horror) has just re-sharpened its blade, and we're happy to have it back.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Octahedron: Transfixed Edition
    With the purity of its twitch platforming mechanics and the clever way developer Demimonde exploits user-generated platforms, Octahedron: Transfixed Edition certainly lives up to its new subtitle. The soundtrack alone is worth the price of admission – especially if you’re partial to some big EDM beats – and if you’ve ever enjoyed the likes of Downwell, Crypt of the NecroDancer or Celeste, this TRON-loving indie is likely to entrance you.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Everything
    Everything really does deliver on its abstract concept, but only if you’re willing to boot it up with an open mind. There’s no action, or even a cohesive plot. There are no XP bars to fill or loot to collect – just a universe and you, and a desire to determine just who ‘you’ really are. The basic textures and colours (and the hilarious way creatures just roll about like possessed statues) might stifle some, but Everything’s worth is more than skin deep. It’s a risky game – some will love it and some just won’t get it at all – but it’s an experience well worth undertaking, regardless of where you end up.
    • 44 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Nippon Marathon
    Nippon Marathon isn’t not going to be everyone’s tastes – those eye-wateringly janky visuals (whether by design or not) and the nature of physics-driven racing are an acquired taste that most people are going to tire of, fast. However, look past the surface and there’s a multiplayer experience here that will appeal to fans of Gang Beasts and the like, who just want a silly party game that cares not for seriousness in any form.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sega Ages: OutRun
    If you originally missed out on the 3DS port, this is about as essential a retro release as you can get. Out Run has always been an infinitely playable game, and the new unlockables and online rankings only increase its longevity further. Those with the 3DS version will have to decide whether it’s worth buying what’s more or less the same game again in order to play it on their TV, but for everyone else with an interest in retro gaming, it’s a must-have.
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