Pure Nintendo's Scores

  • Games
For 2,169 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:
2169 game reviews
    • 54 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Despite the strong story and its interesting characters, the gameplay is very clearly of a game out of time, and so feels out of place on the Switch. It’s difficult to recommend, especially to newcomers, but fans of the franchise may find good reasons to visit, even if for nostalgia alone.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Those who are familiar with or already participate in Zumba classes are going to love the familiarity of Zumba: Burn it Up and the distraction-free access to the routines. Those who aren’t, however, will have to get past an initial period of ineptitude while you figure out the moves. I’d personally rather do that at home than at an actual Zumba class, but with nothing here beyond the energetic exercises to keep you motivated, actual classes will serve you better if you’re in it for the long haul.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With the eShop seemingly overrun with roguelike titles, Black Future ‘88 doesn’t overuse the idea. It does a good job of giving options for exploration to the player.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Strategically, the game certainly feels like a unique addition to the tower defense genre. However, the game isn’t strategically priced. Anthill lacks some of the basic components you’d expect from a game on the Nintendo Switch, such as the ability to play multiplayer and play in both docked and handheld mode. Fortunately, though, you can listen to the brand new, divine original soundtrack.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    I can’t say Incredible Mandy is a bad game per se, but it is underwhelming and less than the sum of its parts. On sale, this might be an okay title for those who can embrace its mechanics and pacing. But I didn’t enjoy most of its puzzles, and puzzles are its main offering.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Rabi-Ribi is fun in a lot of ways, it just focuses on being too “cute” and it disconnects the player from any actual storyline. Unless you’re a fan of anime and bunny rabbits I’d probably wait for this one to go on sale.
    • 46 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Sadly lacking all the options seen in previous entries, Stay Cool Kobayashi-san! may entertain longtime Kunio-kun fans but others will find it bare bones and forgettable.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Little Briar Rose is a decent puzzle game with a strong point toward graphics. However, the gameplay felt more like trial and error and less like puzzles.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The mature content and somber approach of The Witcher III: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition may put off some gamers, but it’s a can’t-miss game for those seeking an RPG with more bite and consequence (not to mention playable characters above the age of 15) than we normally get on Nintendo systems.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ritual: Crown of Horns offers fast-paced action that fans of difficulty will adore. People looking for a casual experience or those who want a story and controls that make sense will probably be left looking for more.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Delta Squad not only suffers from lack of originality but also overall lackluster gameplay. The repetition in objectives and stage design made me feel like a zombie myself.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you really like the open-world, GTA-style games and haven’t grown tired of really old graphics technology, there is some fun to be had with Shakedown: Hawaii. Otherwise, you might want to look for a more robust game to squeeze some more life out of your Nintendo 3DS.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The Park is a tale of tragedy that takes you on a literal and metaphorical roller coaster. Although the game lacks in the graphics department and sticks to the bare minimum in terms of gameplay mechanics, it is one that story seekers will probably want to check out. Get your box of tissues ready.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Is Just Dance 2020 “the ultimate dance game”? Probably not; while an improvement over last year, there are better entries in the series. But it still offers fun exercise and enjoyable family entertainment. Just be sure to be subscribed to Just Dance Unlimited as that’s what will keep you dancing beyond the first month. Happy anniversary, Just Dance.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mars Power Industries offers a quick and easy puzzle title for those looking to scratch an itch. Although it doesn’t have a tough difficulty and is lacking in staying power, for the price it is one I can easily recommend for all puzzle aficionados.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    In 2019, I thought I’d seen everything that top-down action-rpgs could dish out. Sparklite is nothing short of a happy surprise, offering new spins on a time-honored genre. From its beautiful graphics to its addictive gameplay, giving this fresh entry anything less than a perfect score would be criminal.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Overall, there are things I like about Just Ignore Them and things I don’t like. Once I knew how to play, it was much more enjoyable. I feel like a lot of players will give up after 20 or 30 minutes though. Should you pay attention to this game instead of walking away? At only $4.99, Just Ignore Them is a budget point-and-click game. The effects are creepy and it does use the touch screen, which is a nice bonus. Much like a B-grade horror movie, it might scratch an itch for genre enthusiasts. Those looking for something a little more polished should definitely just ignore this one.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 35 Critic Score
    I give kudos to Ryan. He’s a cute kid, a millionaire before he’s reached double digits, and I wish him the best. But while this title might work as fan service, as a game it’s just poor. With only six tracks and numerous other problems, why spend $39.99 when Team Sonic Racing is the same price (or less) on Nintendo Switch? Kids deserve higher-quality than what’s presented here.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    HAUNTED: Halloween ‘86 is a follow-up to a technically revolutionary concept made real, and unlike many daunting modern titles, it actually pays off in what it’s trying to accomplish. Considering that it’s made within the technical confines of the NES while retaining modern gaming sensibilities, it’s hard not to recommend this charming beat ’em up. I can even overlook the dismal concept of candy corn restoring health.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The RPG element has been overblown, but it provides just enough incentive for you to get up and move. More importantly, it’s engaging enough to keep you on top of it well after you’d’ve lost interest in other exercise apps. The Ring-Con itself is a quality accessory that’s easy to use, and the whole package provides mostly accurate readings and feedback.
    • 47 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Thief of Thieves: Season One offers a good crime thriller with superb writing, but is bogged down by janky AI and a serious lack of polish in its gameplay sections. For those fans of the comic or those looking for just the story aspects you might have something worth looking at here, but stealth fans should look elsewhere.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It will keep you busy for hours trying to craft better gear and foraging throughout the map for that much-needed material. Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout is a cutesy, time-consuming monster for the Switch, and it’s worth getting.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    If Community Inc, sounds like work, it’s because it is. It felt like I was going from real-life work back to virtual work. I was initially very excited to be reviewing and playing Community Inc. Unfortunately, it falls victim to micromanagement with only a few feelings of surprise and accomplishment thrown in.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sea Salt isn’t an especially complicated game, but at less than $15 it has plenty to make it worth the low price.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Deep Space Rush is a rough example of something lots of other titles do much better. Monotonous runs and a gameplay loop seriously lacking in fun-factor make the dearth of depth and variety even more apparent.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With tight controls and a good amount of entertaining content for completionists, New Super Lucky’s Tale justifies its $39.99 launch price for genre enthusiasts. But uneven level design holds this adventure back from true greatness. Check out the demo to get a feel for it.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you’re an avid fan of the Monkey Ball series you may find some entertainment here. Otherwise, I’d say you should pass, or wait until it’s on sale as Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD is not the grand return of the series it could have been.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you like heavy metal or not, Valfaris presents a package that’s worth your attention. From start to finish Valfaris doesn’t stop to take a breath, and the game’s quick load times keep you coming back for more after every death.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Digimon Cyber Sleuth comprises of two nearly perfect Digimon game experiences, but unfortunately, they’re smack dab in the middle of an experiment in the franchise that feels much more like a chore than a game. When you’re finding, raising, and battling Digimon, you’ll be in heaven. But the insane amount of unskip-able dialogue and shallow “mystery-solving” gameplay is enough to turn off even the most dedicated fan.
    • 49 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ice Age Scrat’s Nutty Adventure has definite room for improvement and polish, but I still suspect it’ll find an audience. It has just enough challenge for kids, while older players might not mind an easier adventure if they’re franchise fans or just looking for a competent 3D platformer. Definitely wait for a sale though, as the amount and quality of the content here doesn’t match its launch price.

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