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
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The action adventure game Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising manages to carve out its own identity while serving as an introduction to the lore of the forthcoming Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes JRPG. Basic combat, tedious fetch-quests and linear town-building may put off those seeking a solid challenge, but the game’s sprightly action, jovial spirit, and spunky characters will carry casual platformer fans through its relatively short play time.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dread Delusion is a first-person action RPG that conflicts with the genre at nearly every turn. The visuals, pacing, and gameplay create a wholly unique experience that won’t be for everyone. Those who connect with its general vibe, however, will get a game they’ll want to discuss repeatedly with anyone who’s played it.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Kao the Kangaroo is a fun reboot that should get your attention. The save-system bug aside, Kao the Kangaroo is a simple and fun 3D platformer that anyone can enjoy. Yes, it doesn’t provide much of a challenge and once you’ve played through you will have seen everything on offer. You’re not getting the next Mario Odyssey-like game in terms of quality; it’s clearly a developer trying to punch higher than it can really go. That said, the game itself is a lot of fun and a refreshingly easy take on the genre. If you’re looking for your next easygoing platformer or just something that anyone in the family can enjoy, you should check out Kao the Kangaroo.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Distraint: Deluxe Edition is short and sweet. Unlike the story, which is gruesome and a bit psychotic. I liked the whole experience, but I would have loved a longer playthrough and some different outcomes for the ending.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ib
    Ib is a surprising experience people should check out if they want a pixel-art title with an extremely creepy atmosphere. Ib makes you feel uncomfortable around every corner and builds tension whenever you go near any painting. The puzzles, the main “meat and potatoes” of Ib are also quite clever, even if a few of them lose the cleverness for a trial-and-error approach. That said, Ib is an extremely short game that feels like it was made for a specific audience. If you hear pixel-art, horror-like titles and are excited by the sound of Ib, you may enjoy Ib. If those words don’t immediately get you intrigued, then you might be best to look somewhere else for your next game.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you can get by the minor annoyances and want to hop on a game for a quick session before doing something like mowing your real lawn, Lawn Mowing Simulator is perfect for you. Its wide variety of implements, contracts, landscapes, and gameplay modes will keep business sim fans engaged well past the mowing season.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    That Terraria continues to receive ports to new systems is a testament to the game’s playability. It continues to attract new fans while prompting long-time players to double- and even triple-dip. I don’t think you need the Switch version if you’re already set up on your other gaming system(s) of preference (especially at the current price). If the Switch is your only option, however, it’s good enough for us to offer a recommendation. Let’s just hope the developers manage to dig up and build couch co-op before night falls again.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The graphics, the driving mechanics, the tracks, the vehicles, and the play time in Asphalt 9: Legends are all very good. The game is fun to play and challenging enough to keep the player engaged. However, the micro-transactions and some frame-rate issues do interfere with the overall experience.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I think this game offers quite a bit of nostalgia. And even with all of its faults, I found ways to cheese the system or use the Force in fun ways to get through the missions. However, as fun as it was, I don’t know that it’s an accessible title for gamers who aren’t fully versed on how games in 2003 played or are expecting a current-gen SW gaming experience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Composer World is a no-frills approach to crafting songs. Despite the simple aesthetics, there’s a robust creation tool on offer here. It has its faults, such as the inability to change keys and the lack of a tutorial. However if you enjoy composing, this should satisfy anyone looking for a way to unleash their music into the world.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    All in all, For the King is a seamless port to the Switch and fun experience! You are going to die and you will probably grumble about it. But then you will spend your well-earned lore points on a new event, encounter, item or class and hit that new game button one more time to start a new adventure all over again. I encourage anyone who enjoys RPG’s or rogue-likes to get a copy and see just how far you can get! Until next time, good gaming.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While a great game at heart, The Eyes of Ara has too many third-act issues for me to give a broad recommendation. Nonetheless, this is still a good release, skillfully crafted with attention to detail. For genre enthusiasts, I might even say The Eyes of Ara is a great release. Just be prepared for a daunting challenge as you near the end, likely with a walkthrough on hand.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The controls are the biggest let down in terms of the right analogue 8-directional aim. Fix that, and this is a game worthy of some solid playtime and fun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dawn of Survivors doesn’t have the most original or complicated premise, but is a legitimately solid zombie survival game.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, Run The Fan is an interesting approach to puzzle solving, but isn’t completely rounded out with its’ features. That said, it is definitely worth a look if you are in the market for another inexpensive puzzle-game.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s been so long since a Madden game has been playable on a Nintendo device that pretty much anything would’ve satisfied NFL fans. Thankfully, Madden NFL 26 happens to be a good game that offers a massive playbook of depth and content. Just be prepared to spend time on the practice squad while you get up to speed.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Kinduo is a cute, simple puzzle platformer with an enjoyable focus on teamwork and collaboration that blends into the sea of cute, simple puzzle platformers available on the Switch.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Don’t let its children’s book aesthetic and promise of being “jump scare free” fool you. Clea is an effectively creepy survival horror game that requires plenty of patience and courage when you’d rather just run.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Headland is a simple but cute and well-made action adventure game, populated with cute characters, colourful settings and a surprisingly heart-warming message.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Reverie Knights Tactics is a fun tactical RPG with an interesting storyline and many mechanics to play around with. While the controls might take some getting used to, the overall gameplay is solid.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Wordsweeper by POWGI blends two popular games together in a way that offers puzzle fans something interesting and a bit different.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Jet Set Knights is a fun game to pick up and play once in a while. It’s a good challenge, but you’ll need some local friends to truly have a good time with the game.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I credit Falcom for continually tweaking the action JRPG elements of the Ys series, this time introducing naval battles and restricting melee combat to just two characters. Not everything works in Ys X: Nordics, but the open exploration and streamlined combat compensate for the elements that frustrate.
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As far as arcade puzzle games go, Quadroids will likely be a bit too much for most single players to wrap their brain around. If you’re not worried about leaderboards, however, there’s plenty of fun to be had when taking on the mind-bending action with others.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Overall, Catch a Duck was a fun experience. Outwitting the larger predators by getting them caught in traps, or forcing the hunters to shoot each other, was enjoyable. The puzzles were challenging but not overly difficult, which is appreciated. Catch a Duck isn’t anything too groundbreaking, but it’s a fun title that is priced right and worth your time.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There are certainly elements of Tamarak Trail that it would be nice to see given more of an opportunity to shine. However, the aspects that have been a core focus are very polished, resulting in an addictive game that checks all the boxes for its genre at a reasonable price for the gameplay you get.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Adventure of Samsara is a true metroidvania in every sense of the word. Sprawling maps, tricky combat, collectibles, upgrades; it’s got it all. Things may start slowly, but there’s a worthy adventure lying beneath the surface.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Beat-em-ups are a dime a dozen, but 9 Monkeys of Shaolin is at the very least different from many of the other offerings on the Switch. From the complexity of the combat system which offers plenty of potential for variety in gameplay, to the inspired visual presentation, it’s easy to recommend to any fan of the beat-em-up genre.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I do wish the time-honored gameplay was offset a bit more by balanced, polished, and tighter design at times. But if you’re “ready for a blast of funky nostalgia” the sense of déja vu that comes from familiar fun won’t be a negative.

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