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
    • 72 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Sloppy level design and sluggish run speed and teleportation turn the speed-based Aeon Drive into a bit of a slog.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Ground Divers is a decent mining game, with cute characters and fun dialogue punctuating an engaging, if brief, series of missions exploring the subterranean levels of an interesting alien planet.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The tactical RPG Demonschool was certainly worth the wait after numerous delays on the Nintendo Switch. The game’s puzzle-based combat and comedic tones distinguish it from the retro influences it honors with a loving wink, and it never wears out its welcome.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    In its own right, Nintendo Switch Sports is fantastic, doing everything you hoped it would. Super-responsive controls, family-friendly fun, and a solid online and offline co-op system. However, when you look at what we could have got, and when you compare this to Wii Sports, has the game built on that foundation enough in the last 16 years? I don’t think it does. Again, it’s a great game and one that I will sink many hours into because it’s essentially Wii Sports on the Switch – but when you look at the bigger picture, there is endless potential on what Nintendo could, and probably should, have done. Golf has been confirmed, and I hope that there is more on Spocco Square’s horizon, as, with a few more sports and features, Nintendo Switch Sports could become THE must-own game on the system.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Gato Roboto accomplishes so much with so little. Even those it looks like a game that would be on the Atari 2600 or the big brick Gameboy, every aspect of Kiki’s world glows as bright as one of the best of the Metroidvania genre. Plus, it’s a cat in a mech suit, does a game get any more charming than that?
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    At its core, Hyperforma is a very creative game, with some interesting mechanics and fantastic audio. It’s easy enough to play although the concept starts to wear a little thin over time. There’s also a bit of a learning curve at first – and indeed throughout – as a lot of elements aren’t well explained. Still, this is a fun ride while it lasts and should be one to consider if you like something a little different – and you’re spatially aware.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    As someone unlikely to play most of these courses in real-life, I relish the chance to visit them in video-game form. From driving off the tee, reading the green, and everything in between, this title offers a lot in spite of itself. If you’re someone who enjoys golf sims, please don’t let some careless glitches prevent you from checking out PGA Tour 2K21 on the Nintendo Switch. With practice, even a real-life duffer like myself can rack up his share of eagles.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you love Nickelodeon shows, will make use of the online multiplayer, and find it on sale, I’d say check out Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix. But without any character clips, I feel like this game wasn’t for me. It drove me crazy.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Every day, more and more rogulikes are released, often making it difficult to figure out which ones will stand out. All of them are vying for attention, attempting to do something unique and interesting. Fortunately Rhythm Fighter feels like a fresh take on the genre, even if it doesn’t quite stick the landing.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Battle of Polytopia is a fun game about expanding your own empire. The cute graphics and varied options provide an entertaining and welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch library.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Strayed Lights is a beautiful game that tells an abstract yet meaningful story. However, its unique battle system grew repetitive, and some performance issues took some of the fun away.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The arcade games that comprise Taito Milestones 2 may not be well-known, but that doesn’t mean there’s no fun to be found here. The collection focuses heavily on shoot ’em ups and platformers, and the best titles come from those genres. The brawlers, unfortunately, are best left forgotten.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Yurukill: The Calumniation Games combines puzzle solving with bullet hell action to create a unique gaming experience. Its dark premise is handled with humor and an engrossing mystery that’ll push you quickly to a rewarding end, and various difficulty settings will make sure fans of both genres can get there.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The strength of Silt is in the atmosphere it creates. The art and the sound provide a horror-like vibe to this adventure puzzle game. And both of those aspects will pull you into the weird and mysterious world that Silt creates. The game doesn’t hold your hand in any of the puzzles. And while most times this isn’t an issue, as the puzzles are reasonably short and contained, it’s the lengthier ones where this can cause some frustration. Overall, Silt provides a unique experience, just not a perfect one.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Arkanoid Eternal Battle is an approachable game that delivers some timeless fun. But much like Bubble Bobble 4 Friends, it’s another Taito arcade classic that’s taken one step forward, two steps back. It brings less content to the table while asking for more money from the players. With online being something of a ghost town, I suggest waiting for a price reduction.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath offers one of the coolest reload mechanics in gaming history when it has you rustle up your own ammo. Lack of interesting puzzles make this feel more like an FPS with a good story when compared to previous entries in the series.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Knight Witch is an engaging shoot ’em up/Metroidvania that features a fun and unique world.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is as solid a shooter as the Nintendo Switch has gotten in some time. Even though its age comes through in its graphics and linear level design, this title offers an interesting western for you to play through with some seriously satisfying gunplay.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    If you tend to play games for the story, you’ll find plenty to like about The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince. If you’re more about the puzzles and the platforming action, however, it’d be best to leave this particular storybook on the shelf.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Dex
    Dex lacks in some areas, but I think the overall experience was pretty enjoyable. Being able to make your own choices and have different outcomes adds a lot of replay value. (Not a game for kids)
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    As the checkered flag comes down on RISE: Race the Future, it has finished strong. The graphics, the driving mechanics, the tracks, the vehicles, and the play-time are all very good. The game is fun to play and challenging enough to keep you coming back for more. Even if you normally don’t get into racing games, RISE is definitely worth having in your Switch collection. Unfortunately, the lack of multiplayer is a significant omission that we can’t ignore.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cotton 100% is a fantastically fun game. The stages are way too short, though, and that’s a drag given the $14.99 price tag. But is its price a show stopper? That’s up to you, the consumer. Still, Cotton 100% is silly, entertaining, and gives a decent challenge to beat.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With the lack of true musical and aesthetic variety, and either too easy or too challenging difficulty modes, LOUD feels like how my dad describes my music taste – just noise, with no substance. At the heart of LOUD is a fun arcade-like rhythm game that falls short in comparison to many other releases of the same genre. Big props for the Soccer Mommy shoutout, though.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection offers three intense, challenging, and mostly thrilling Ryu Hayabusa games for the price of one. Three may be one too many, but this is still a good deal for those seeking visceral, violent, video-game action.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite the small target-audience and poor camera controls in docked mode, Construction Simulator 2 exceeded my expectations. The game offers high replay incentive, no performance issues, and a lot of depth, especially for the price. It is also a newbie-friendly game if you aren’t too experienced in simulation titles. Even if construction isn’t your forte, it’s hard not to recommend picking this title up if you like the genre.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is an imaginative reinvention of the iconic Pokemon adventure, with a heart wrenching story and a real sense of soul, which is let down by sloppy mechanics, half-fulfilled ideas and disappointingly common cut corners.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With its unique visuals, clever environmental puzzles, and non-violent gameplay, El Hijo is a welcome entry in the somewhat overlooked stealth/puzzle genre. If you don’t buy into the gameplay before the repetition sets in, however, it can become an adventure that’s easily abandoned.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Phoenotopia: Awakening has a highly inviting look, but the gameplay can’t match the tone. Some ill-fitting decisions work against it, and the emphasis isn’t always where it should be. It’s still an ambitious, impressive indie adventure that demonstrates real passion, but one reflecting growing pains.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 is a fantastic game that even 16 years later remains one of the most entertaining simulation titles ever made. Playing the game without a mouse and keyboard leaves much to be desired, and even after getting over the learning curve, it’s still a murky prospect indeed. But if you simply must have a portable Roller Coaster Tycoon 3, there’s plenty of thrills to be had.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bear and Breakfast stands out as one of my favorite games of the year. Its visual style is instantly appealing and its gameplay feels nearly flawless. It’s a chill game that wants you to feel relaxed while micromanaging your own bed and breakfast locations. The game has a wonderful reward system and there’s a ton of things to unlock to keep you playing for hours on end. The game on Nintendo Switch is extremely well done, despite a control scheme that requires a bit of practice to get used to. Bear and Breakfast feels right at home on the platform sitting next to the likes of Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley. Bear and Breakfast managed to be so wonderful that it jumped to the top of my game-of-the-year contender list. Do yourself a favor, go and buy this game. It’s an absolutely wonderful title that must be played for a bear-y good time (I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist).

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