Pure Nintendo's Scores

  • Games
For 2,170 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 48% higher than the average critic
  • 21% same as the average critic
  • 31% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 4.1 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 71
Score distribution:
2170 game reviews
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf is a story driven puzzle platformer that focuses on atmosphere and character connection. The puzzles are varied but generally easy, keeping the experience smooth and well-paced. While it’s polished and engaging, its short length and light challenge may leave some players wanting more.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Spica Adventure pulls off the unique trick of making you feel nostalgic for a game you’ve likely never played before. Kinetic, frenetic, perhaps even system syncretic, it’s a fun call-back to the heyday of chipper action platformers.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Overall, Back to the Dawn is fantastic. There’s so much to do that you’ll be kept busy for many, many hours. I found myself thinking about my in-game plans before real-life bed – it just gets in your head. The retro graphics, fun characters, and seemingly endless quests all add towards a game that’s well worth your time.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream thrives on chaos, creativity, and offbeat humor, offering a constantly evolving experience that improves on the original. It isn’t deeply structured, but that unpredictability is where the fun comes from. While future updates and larger DLC would help reduce repetition, its charm still holds strong. It’s a unique and worthwhile pick for anyone wanting something fresh and different.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a natural fit for the Nintendo Switch 2 in both presentation and gameplay. It could (and should) have done a bit more to introduce newcomers to the elements of this world, but it offers a charming, occasionally dark adventure that will fully engage players once they settle in.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    SHINONOME ABYSS The Maiden Exorcist is a roguelite action/puzzle game that changes up the approach to each. It presents a fun environment that challenges players to be inventive with limited resources, creating a rewarding experience for those who aren’t put off by the game’s deliberate pacing.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Overall, the Switch 2 edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a lovely update that provides plenty to do. While some fans will lament the lack of much content for solo players, remember this is basically DLC. I, too, want a new Mario outing; for now, this is a pretty fun addition to a wonderful game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon Spira will keep you busy with plenty to do in this JRPG, including a solid storyline and fun gameplay mechanics.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As expected from Flynn’s Arcade, Living Dead House is another retro action game that perfectly captures the look and feel of an ’80s arcade machine. The gameplay may start to wear thin after a bit, but like the era it emulates, it offers tremendous fun a few rounds at a time.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dispatch is a generally well-crafted game with a fun storyline, interesting characters, and clever decision-making mechanics. The dispatch minigame at its core is also genuinely fun, but the game overall would benefit from the possibility of failure to give it higher stakes and make your effort feel truly impactful.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Woolhaven is a solid addition to the base game, adding so much that it feels like a sequel. The development team has done a fantastic job expanding the lore and keeping fans invested in this cute-yet-deadly world.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Etrange Overlord is one of the more unique action RPGs I’ve played in quite some time; hard to not be when the game is basically a musical set in hell. Its unique gameplay elements, cast of characters, and sense of humor carry it through when the action and setting start to wear thin.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Snoopy & The Great Mystery Club has its issues. That said, the Peanuts fan in me could often overlook them. The charm and feeling of childhood innocence that this game offers carries much weight. The formula is a winner and is only a few changes away from being outstanding. I hope to see it return in an expanded sequel, perhaps with difficulty options, and definitely a bit more polish. Don’t let this game fall victim to the Kite-Eating Tree.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Pokémon Pokopia is cuteness overload with low-stakes, but still an intriguing story. You’ll never run out of anything to do and put hours of fun into this game.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Perfect Pencil mixes a really cool hand-drawn style with a dark, symbolic story about inner struggles. The gameplay follows a familiar Metroidvania formula, but creative enemy designs and the analysis mechanic keep it engaging. Frustrating save points hold it back a bit, but it’s still a solid and slightly unsettling experience.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Capcom delivers an aesthetically pleasing world that’s fun to explore in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Whether riding your monster, scaling cliffs, swimming, or digging, the game offers variety that keeps you busily exploring. The plot and some gameplay systems can feel slower-paced at times. But a likable cast and entertaining side quests bring balance.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    As a fan of the Ridge Racer series, I’m happy to add Rave Racer to my collection. It’s a challenging game that should keep me returning as I aim to shave seconds off my best time. I recommend it to fellow fans, while those less invested in the series should probably wishlist it for a future sale.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Switch 2 port of Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is nearly perfect. It looks beautiful, plays wonderfully, and will keep tactical stealth gamers engaged for playthrough after playthrough. We need more games like this.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Modest though it may be, Poker Night at the Inventory proves to be as fun as ever. And while it’s easy to wish for more, the game is only $9.99. To quote Strong Bad, that’s “Chump change, I say. Chump change!” The game’s charming personality guarantees you’ll be busting it out for a tournament or two every now and again.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Resident Evil Village: Gold Edition, offers a tense, action-packed thrill-ride through some wonderfully styled sub-genres of horror. With so much to explore, collect, and fall prey to, it’ll keep fans engaged for quite a while, and rekindle fandom for those who lost it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Prison City is a high-quality game in the NES mold, and its difficulty reflects that. But there are more than enough options, so most gamers will find some genuine enjoyment. And if you were an NES kid, you’ll enjoy this Retroware release even more! Newly updated and now with a physical edition, don’t overlook this game if you initially did. Whether you’re a collector springing for a physical copy or someone looking for a good value digital game, Prison City is great fun for fans of challenging retro-style action platformers.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Scott Pilgrim EX offers plenty of lighthearted fun, fast-paced fighting, character variety, and replay value. Any negatives are very minimal, and usually revolve around varying personal preferences. This is a worthy addition to your adventure/brawler library.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    While there’s no excuse for this collection taking nine years to arrive on Nintendo hardware, it’s undeniable that this package represents five years of classic 8-bit (and now 16-bit) games that hold up in sheer fun. For an NES kid like me, this is a 10 out of 10 package for the pair of DuckTales games alone, never mind the underrated TaleSpin and the original Rescue Rangers in co-op. I recognize that those without nostalgia might lean closer to the 8 range. After all, the challenge is higher (especially without an NES controller), the bonus content is on the lighter side, and there aren’t any Game Boy versions. So, I’ll reluctantly split the difference and, with my gaming acumen engaged, award The Disney Afternoon Collection a 9 out of 10.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Overall, Resident Evil 7 biohazard Gold Edition is a fantastic return to form for the series. Sure, it’s a few years old now. But if you want the true Resident Evil experience ahead of playing Resident Evil 9 this is a great entry that’s well worth your time. Just keep the lights on if you’re playing at night. What was that sound…?
    • tbd Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Pinball M – Bethesda Pinball is a unique collection of tables that impressively incorporate design and RPG elements of the video games that inspired them. Pinball aficionados may take issue with various elements, but should enjoy the unique challenges each table presents.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While other compilations are more robust, Super Bomberman Collection is still a blast with its seven games on offer. The solo gamer in you will have fun in smaller sessions, and grab some friends for a local battle or couch co-op (no online play), and you’ll have an even better time.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Overall. Mario Tennis Fever is a terrific entry in this long-running series. It adds a new gimmick that doesn’t distract from the game yet balances the playing field. Plus, you can turn it off if it’s not for you. With plenty of multiplayer modes and a decent solo adventure, this is a title that will satisfy even the most disgruntled of Mario Sports fans.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Dark Auction is a graphic novel with point-and-click adventure elements. You play as Noah, a man who enters an auction to avenge his father. Throughout the game, you’ll explore, chat, and complete orders, all while solving puzzles to uncover the mystery behind your father’s life and death.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    There are only small segments of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition that feel like a Lara Croft adventure, but the game is still quite fun once you accept this reboot of the iconic character. It’s definitely a trip worth taking, even if the Switch 2 version doesn’t offer everything it could have.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    It’s the compelling interplay of thrilling story, memorable characters, enjoyable puzzles, and stunning presentation that ensures Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged will become a top choice for a new generation of players. Let’s hope the sequel (and the rest of the series) finds a home on Nintendo hardware. It’s 2024, and my game of the year is a graphic adventure first released in 1996. Go figure.

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