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
    • 79 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    In Astrologaster you play as an unlicensed doctor who helps his patients by seeking guidance from the stars. This visual novel is full of fun choices, characters, and songs, as well as cool spiritual aspects that will keep you somewhat entertained.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    A Musical Story is a short rhythm game that stands out with genuinely good original music, a touching story, and amazing visuals. If you’re a fan of music, art, or all things creative, this game is certainly right up your alley.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    GRID Autosport is almost in a class of its own on the Nintendo Switch. The game is one of the best looking Switch games and is the best racing simulator experience available on the console. While games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Crash Team Racing lead the system’s kart racing options–GRID Autosport has shot to the top of the list if you want to race in real-world environments. The level of care that Feral has put into the Switch version is apparent with even more options to come. If you’re in the market for a racing sim to take on-the-go, you can’t do any better than GRID Autosport.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    However you decide to play Agent A: A Puzzle in Disguise, do it. The game is clever, it’s funny, it’s well-designed, and it’s involving. It’s a great game to share with others, but it’s fun to play on your own, too. Even at twice the cost of the mobile version, the game is well-worth the price on the Switch. The only bad thing about it is the suspicion that we’ll have to wait another four years for the completion of a sequel.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Roundguard is a unique twist on the RPG and puzzle genres. With smooth controls and fun gameplay, Roundguard has some great potential.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    It took me a while to realize I wasn’t having quite as much fun with Sonic X Shadow Generations as I expected, given the high praise of the 2011 console original. Such elevation likely reflects the quality of Sonic games declining over the past 20 years, as even the better new titles can’t reach the peak of the ‘90s classics. Combine that with no upgrade for existing owners, and Sega has made it challenging to recommend this one on Switch 2. Many players would be better off with Sonic Mania or Origins. But if you’re a diehard fan who hasn’t played this yet, wishlist it and wait for a discount—you’ll be safe knowing that, even though it’s showing its age more than most would care to admit, you’re sure to find some entertainment.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is an enjoyable mash-up of every single Marvel character you can think of in a unique LEGO environment. It’s not my favorite LEGO game, however the sheer amount of Marvel characters makes it fun for any fan. Keep in mind this is an eight-year-old game, so maybe watch for a sale on this one.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES is a wonderfully effective mashup of puzzle-based gaming styles held together by fun characters and a chaotic story. A knowledge of the series is useful, but this entry served as my introduction, and I still had a blast.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Get Mechstermation Force, get a partner if you can, and get ready to save the world. You’re going to frequently die trying, but the process will be a blast.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, the gameplay in DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos got repetitive, and the lack of multiplayer in the story mode was a bummer. However, this title is a solid beat-’em-up with amazing voice acting and comical script writing.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    SteamWorld Heist II has so many outstanding core elements that, even chasing new horizons at the expense of some balance, it’s still a recommended sequel. While quirks might make it run out of steam at points, don’t be surprised when it keeps you coming back for more. With a presentation polished as a pearl and some fun twists, this lengthy sequel should find a place in the Switch collections of those up for the challenge.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Music fans should dig Avicii Invector, especially those inclined to appreciate the deep lyrics in these tracks. For non-enthusiasts, an easy difficulty setting makes the game inviting, even for those with limited experience in rhythm games. While the gameplay can certainly get repetitious after time, it’s a fun game to watch even if you pass the controller to a friend. Avicii is on my radar now, thanks to Avicii Invector.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Although some of the new Camera Obscura features exacerbate an already unwieldy control system, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake does more than enough to please fans of this outstanding and highly distinctive series. Play it with the lights off.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    While newcomers may find some shortcomings in the whole package, hardcore fans will still find it a delight. Sure, it feels rather dated, but this port of a Neo Geo Pocket Color classic still hits the mark where it counts.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Cotton Fantasy: Superlative Night Dreams is a bit pricey for the time it takes to get to the end. However, it’s a shoot-em-up. It’s not about getting through a story, it’s about shooting baddies and getting a high score. Fans of shmups (and of the recently revitalized Cotton in particular) will have some fun with this one.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    River City Girls 2 almost ticks all the boxes: fun gameplay mixed with anime-style aesthetics and a humorous story. The jarring loading screens between each playable area annoyingly slow the pacing. It’s enjoyable, it’s just not as smooth as it should be.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mortal Kombat 11 offers an extreme amount of customization and replayability all while maintaining its pure enjoyment when fighting.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is an epic game in some ways. It starts excitingly and rarely lets up. If you stink at dungeons and shrines and won’t miss exploring, you’ll find a world that’s still impressive and characters that have proven to endure in the minds of series fans. In the end, it remains predominantly Koei-Tecomo’s Warrior gameplay with Nintendo’s Zelda dressing, so probably not GOTY material. Still, it’s an entertaining way to tide yourself over until the true sequel arrives.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Ibb & obb plays like a smooth, simple platformer with no rough edges to be seen. The characters are cute and the puzzles are difficult enough have kept my husband and I engaged. I recommend this game for a fun, collaborative time.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Neversong is a highly effective release in so many ways. The standout framework and subsequent story building leave room for interpretation, and the apt aesthetics go well beyond mere window dressing. You don’t see one-man studio releases of this high quality very often. Nearly everything falls into place in the best way imaginable.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I really can’t recommend Boomerang Fu enough. At $14.99, it packs a lot of replay value and is one of the stand-out multiplayer games on the Switch. I’d put it up there with other great indie multiplayer co-op games like the Overcooked series and Moving Out (Check out our Overcooked review). If you’re looking for a great, local multiplayer title to play with some friends/family, definitely check out Boomerang Fu.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    BIT.TRIP RUNNER holds up pretty well for an indie game from 2010. True, its sequels have spoiled us with checkpoints and leaderboards. But this more modest entry comes at the more modest price of $4.99, making it a worthwhile purchase for fans asking for a challenge.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    DARQ Complete Edition is a dark puzzle platformer in which you must help a boy named Lloyd navigate a seemingly endless loop of nightmares. Its lack of story and solid scares may disappoint some players, but it’s a solid pick-up for those seeking a quick, creepy gaming experience.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Unbound: Worlds Apart blends gorgeous design and animation with puzzle platformer challenges that incorporate a number of unique mechanics to create an extensive and exciting adventure.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hatch Tales: A Heroic Hookshot Adventure had a rough road to release, and the final product reflects that in some respects with a few odd choices. Still, it’s a very good platformer, much more often than not, challenging and content-rich. Releasing late in the life of the Switch exposes it to some of the same risks the original game faced later in the life of 3DS. I hope Hatch Tales secures success and recommend it for a fun time.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Much like its spin-off, Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland, is a great escape from reality, and an even greater entry in the Atelier franchise. Despite its localization issues, it is a great game all RPG fans must experience. With its enjoyable long-lasting content as a result of the new Alchemyriddle system, rewarding gameplay, and visually impressive art style, it is hard not to recommend this title.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Please, Touch the Artwork 2 is delightful. Its beautiful paintings, quirky characters, and lovely music combine to create a playful outing that provides a true form of escape. This short but sweet outing will stick with you after the credits roll.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you have not played the first Windjammers game and are interested in the franchise, with all of the new additions to Windjammers 2, you can’t go wrong with this one. However, if you’ve played the first Windjammers and are still having a great time with it, I would suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing this entry.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Retro Goal is a solid game that does simple soccer well. It’s got a simple control scheme (thanks to its simple gameplay) and offers a surprisingly in-depth management element. Its simplicity is the only negative I can bring out, as you experience everything the game offense incredibly quickly. Your long-lasting enjoyment of this game will likely depend on your love of soccer. If you’re like me and aren’t a big soccer fan there are a few hours of fun to be found in Retro Goal.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Murder By Numbers puts you into the heart of a detective drama with fun characters to hook you into the story and puzzles that give your brain a decent workout.

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