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
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Forestrike is a fun and rewarding fighting game where the foresight mechanic makes each encounter feel unique. Its blend of strategy, timing, and experimentation with moves and cards keeps gameplay challenging and varied. Fans of martial arts or anyone looking for something different on the Switch will find it worth trying.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Descenders ended up being a really fun, challenging game. Even if you’re not great at sports games, or you have young children that might not understand the goal, this is one that the whole family can enjoy.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Mainframes leaves me with an overall impression of muddledness, albeit executed with a sincere passion. It throws in ideas about platforming, collecting, and environmental manipulation. But maybe some of the excess should’ve been left on the cutting room floor so the rest could be more polished and its potential better realized. While I admit a measure of satisfaction in getting past the trickiest parts, there is nearly equal amounts of relief, which is not a good ratio. The difficulty spikes (even with accessibility options) never feel “cozy.”
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Kunai does so much with so little. From the minimalist art style to the polished grappling mechanic, it’s hard not to recommend this entry to fans of the metroidvania genre, or anyone looking for a fresh offering on the Nintendo Switch.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate brings a new way of playing to fans of the green, teen heroes. The story, visuals, and gameplay are all great, though a few bugs hamper the experience. The simple roguelike elements won’t be too jarring for fans of the typical side-scrolling style of gameplay.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the loop of hunting monsters and collecting their parts to craft better weapons and armor. That being said, its performance issues in the open-world hub and the inability to earn any substantial amount of platinum through regularly playing the game inhibits me from giving further praise. However, with some improvements, this game could be a sleeper hit within the library of free-to-play Nintendo Switch games.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Wildfire is a unique stealth game that’s fun to play with a friend. With short levels, you can pick up and play this title anywhere.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Colonists is a solid game with a less-than-solid feeling port. However, it still is good fun on Switch.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    While lacking in certain areas, THOTH remains a really fun game at a very affordable price. Pick it up.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The new version of Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water comes with improved graphics and some new content, but it would be a game worth playing even without them. Although it’s occasionally more frustrating than scary, the clever gameplay and its dedication to tone and story make it one of the best survival horror games available for the Switch.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re a fan of side-scrolling beat ’em ups then look no further than The Takeover.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are fine enough remakes for reliving some memories and sharing them with the next generation. But beneath the glow of nostalgia, there’s a carelessness about their build that makes them fall short of expectations.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Cinders breathes new life into a tired fairytale in a way that is smart, dark and funny.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The puzzles in Iris.Fall can sometimes be momentum killers, and they will likely cause some players to leave the game unfinished despite its short duration. However, those who stick with it will be rewarded with an experience that never ceases to visually delight (and reward) the player.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    John Wick Hex was a great experience. Players looking for a straightforward third-person shooter should probably steer clear of the game. But it was so much more than I expected for a game based on a movie since they decided to add the strategic element rather than a straightforward third-person shooter. The strategic component of it is where the game shines.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Remember when Fire Emblem games focused more on story and combat than on fishing, construction, and class studies? So do the developers of Dark Deity, an SRPG that survives some annoying bugs and UI issues to provide a satisfying, briskly-paced adventure.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cute, quirky and playful, Togges is a light-hearted romp around a fun and colorful universe that encourages you to think differently.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse remaster is a constantly creepy, often infuriating survival horror game that has the misfortune of following the superior Maiden of Black Water on the Switch. Fans of the series and Japanese horror in general should be glad they finally get to play it, but those with low patience thresholds will do better to not step foot on Rogetsu Isle.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    While technical issues can hinder the experience, they don’t eclipse the overall brilliance of the turn-based RPG, Virgo Versus the Zodiac. With some patches to address glitches and the addition of an auto-save feature, this game could reach even greater heights.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    If you’re a fan of puzzle/exploration, or sci-fi games and you don’t have the money to afford a spaceship, I highly recommend checking out Deliver Us The Moon. While the game lacks typical sci-fi stuff like alien creatures and other-worldly monsters, it’s a fun adventure filled with surprises, that will make you want to keep playing.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S is a colorful combination of two popular puzzle games with plenty to keep you busy. A robust story mode and chaotic multiplayer matches are very entertaining. If this was a new gane, it would receive higher marks. I’m glad it’s on the Switch 2, but it’s a shame there’s no upgrade option for owners of the original Switch version.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is a fun game fans of the 3D platforming genre should check out. It’s easily one of the best licensed games to come out in a number of years. Visually, the game looks like an episode of the TV show, with super vibrant colors and worlds that are full of life. There’s also the great humor found within the game, reminiscent of the early seasons of SpongeBob when the jokes felt clever. That said, it’s not without its faults. Ultimately, the puzzles and combat—two major areas of gameplay throughout Cosmic Shake—aren’t great. The puzzles are incredibly simplistic and never change as the game goes on, and the combat just feels off throughout the entire game. Neither thing is a game breaking element, but they do take away from a fun experience. In the end, if you’re a fan of 3D platformers or fan of SpongeBob SquarePants, there’s enough fun to be had in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake that you should check out.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Altogether, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 innovates upon the original titles, creating the first fully-rounded Ultimate Alliance title. The depth provided is welcomed, even if it did leave less time to polish synergy attacks and the camera controls. Whether you are looking for a Marvel game or just want a fully-fledged RPG, there is fun to be had with Ultimate Alliance 3.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Considering the limitations of the Switch’s small screen and physical setup, Colors Live offers a pretty good range of tools and functionality for a low-cost painting game. It doesn’t have the capabilities serious artists will want, but its accessibility and daily challenges provide a fun way to get some drawing practice in and stay creative.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With better aesthetics, all DLC included, and new puzzles, this 3DS port has a lot going for it. LAYTON’S MYSTERY JOURNEY: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy – Deluxe Edition is a great series debut on the Nintendo Switch, and it should excite fans of LEVEL-5’s long-running series. It’d even be a good starting point for first-time Layton players.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overwatch is an awesome looking game and a pretty good addition to the Nintendo Switch’s library and with more than enough content to keep any player busy for a long time. While versions on other platforms feel more precise, this Legendary Edition is worth the $39.99 cost if you’re a fan of the genre looking to play both at home or on the go.
    • 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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    SNK GALS’ FIGHTERS will find success on the Nintendo Switch by appealing to nostalgia. Those who can appreciate what this 2D fighter did back in the day should still appreciate it now, shallowness and all. Especially at only $7.99, considering an original cart could find you spending hundreds.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While the gameplay gets repetitive after a while, Monster Prom XXL has unique characters, a fun art style, and interesting twists for the dating sim genre.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you want your fix of Sherlock and don’t feel like whipping a book open, this game is a safe bet to whet your appetite. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments has a ton of charm, uniqueness, and freedom, and with the right gamer, this will be a dream.

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