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
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Angels with Scaly Wings has mostly good sci-fi writing, and the choices it presents are welcomed, leading to replay value. The shallow romantic subplots have me hoping that a prequel/sequel has a bit more thought, though.
    • 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.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Fashion Dreamer is an open-world fashion game in which you can dress up yourself, other players, and NPCs with the aim to grow your brand and following. If you like choosing outfits, creating your own clothes, or styling hair and makeup, this game delivers that. While it lacks a story and any real challenge, Fashion Dreamer holds up as a good fashion game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    WARRIORS: Abyss provides an interesting roguelite twist to the standard Musou gameplay of the Warriors series, but it’s only interesting for so long. Repetitive action and graphics eventually overwhelm the slick, quick combat.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    If you’re a family with younger kids, Explosive Dinosaurs isn’t a poor choice. It offers some fun, albeit shallow, minigames. But a few omissions prevent this from being a must-have title.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Graveyard Keeper’s limitations and shortcomings come real close to outweighing the fun that can be had from playing a new game. When I got the game and read the premise, it sounded quirky and fun. As I played, it seemed more awkward and vexing.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Worbital plays a bit like a Worms in space, minus the turn-based sequences. Even though blowing up planets in epic space wars is a plus, the lack of depth in battle structures and mechanics make this one better suited to short play sessions. The campaign mode, although a nice addition for single players, has dialogue segments that go longer than necessary.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    I really enjoyed my time with Neon Caves. It brought me back to memories of my first gaming experiences. Trying the publisher’s other games as suggested in the loading screen is something I myself plan to do.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Afterimage is a Metroidvania with attractive 2D visuals and crisp combat, and it really wants to make sure you’ve earned any victories you get. The action is tricky, especially with the numerous bosses that are smarter than what you may be used to. But if you’re up to the challenge, you’ll find the game’s rewards.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    A multiplayer game with no online is a tough sell in the era of the Coronavirus. But Unspottable is enjoyable enough that I give it a mild recommendation, so long as you have people in your house to play with. This release would benefit from a solo mode and more options, but it’s decent as the first title from a small indie studio.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Super Kiwi 64 is pretty decent overall and won’t hurt your wallet. That said, despite the many things working in its favor, it has a rough around the edges feel I didn’t expect. A patch may determine if this a game you go back to every so often or if it’s a one-and-done deal.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a good game. Although billed as a spiritual successor to the Suikoden games, you don’t need to have played them to enjoy this JRPG adventure. You do need some patience, however, as performance issues and its “traditional” ways continue to trip up the Switch version.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Ultra Foodmess is easy to play and enjoy. However, its limited features might mean that it’s only fun for a limited time.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound and Debriefed is a rudimentary port that certainly shows its age, but the stripping-based combat and crazy story/quests are unique enough to provide a refreshing experience for action gamers who are open to its mature content.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Truth be told, this is an extensive package of quality shmups that are sure to keep genre enthusiasts in a frenzy for hours. That said, there are a million shooters, and this package doesn’t offer anything that hasn’t been done already. Still, Psikyo Shooting Stars Alpha is a more affordable way to get all these games at a lower cost.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Woven is a sedate, easy to play, colorful, game that’s imaginative and pleasant to look at. However, it starts slowly and doesn’t get much faster, and it requires a healthy chill level on the player’s part.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    For $29.99, you get a fun collection with Turrican Flashback, but it’s one you may want to wishlist if you’re not an enthusiast. It takes a more straightforward approach when it comes to Nintendo Switch compilations, one that’s hard to overlook. I just wish it felt more complete.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Anodyne 2: Return to Dust is a unique 3D and 2D story with many gameplay mechanics. However, the controls may be finicky, and the game can get repetitive after a while.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Terror Squid is an addictive and fun take on the shooter genre, in which you create your own bullet hell by shooting bullets at yourself. The longevity is the only issue; a few more modes wouldn’t go astray.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    BBG’s remake of the Intellivison’s Shark! Shark! works better as a multiplayer game than a solo experience, but you have to be into its simple, chill vibe. Younger/newer players will stick with the game longer than those seeking more frenetic battles and challenges, but it’s priced accordingly.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The roguelite action game, Devil Jam, can be a bit of a grind to start, but it has potential with some interesting strategic elements, battle effects, and heavy metal approach to gameplay. It’s a respectable “not bad”, but it may need a little help.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    For the $9.99 price tag, Sword of the Vagrant gives you a lot of content, enough challenge, and a decent story to keep you wanting to get to the end. I just hope Vivian can eventually buy clothes in her travels, as running around in leather underwear seems drafty and embarrassing!
    • 57 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Sugardew Island offers a cozy farming experience for those new to the genre or who aren’t interested in the adventuring or romantic options available in similar games. Most genre fans, however, will quickly be looking for a rescue.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Together is a unique platformer, offering fun and laughs in co-op mode. The gimmick wears off if you’re not super into platformers or you don’t have a strong partner. The difficulty could put off casual players, but If you’re looking for something challenging that’s a little different, check it out.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Ikki Unite adds a Vampire Survivors spin to a 1985 game you’ve probably never even heard of. It works, but only if you’re able to take advantage of the online multiplayer. On your own, it’s just repetitive nonsense.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space is an OK release overall. This 20-or-so-hour adventure has an admirable quantity of content, but the quality amongst the individual episodes is inconsistent. I found only two of the five to be the sort I’d want to replay. Still, Sam & Max are great characters. Pick up their earlier adventure, Sam & Max Save the World, to get an idea if this one is for you.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Dagon: Complete Edition is intriguing in the way many visual novels are. While its brevity helps it avoid some issues common to the genre, it also lessens the impact it can have. Can the atmosphere conveyed through this presentation compete with your own imagination? The written word only translates so well in this medium. Still, the visuals complement it well (with a zoom option), the cast of narrators is varied and capable, and the HD rumble implementation is immersive.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    I found Headliner: NoviNews entertaining enough to play through multiple times. Yet I still have several concerns with it. Even if the length and repetitiveness isn’t a bother, the lack of choices in a key subplot (and lack of moderate choices in general) plus numerous glitches certainly are. I can’t recommend it at its $13.99 launch price, stimulating though it is. However, the very good foundation here means I’ll be watching for Unbound Creations’ next Nintendo Switch title with anticipation.

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