A Look Back At Every Game Nintendo Life Scored 10/10 Over 20 Years
Nintendo Life has been reviewing games for over two decades, and in that time, they've awarded 10/10 scores to 69 games. This article takes a look back at these games, exploring the criteria for a 10/10 score and the evolution of gaming.
The 10/10 Score: A Benchmark for Excellence
In 2026, Nintendo Life's 10/10 score is a benchmark for excellence, representing the highest possible score for a game. It requires a game to raise the genre bar, pushing at the limits and expanding the possibility space. A 10/10 game must be an ambitious design that breaks new ground, rather than simply refining what came before.
The Criteria for a 10/10 Score
The 10/10 score is awarded to games that raise the bar in virtually all critical categories, including presentation and gameplay. These games are the pinnacle of a given genre at the time of release, and they break boundaries and push the industry forward in a meaningful manner.
The Evolution of Gaming
Gaming has evolved significantly over the past 20 years, and the criteria for a 10/10 score has evolved with it. Games that were once considered perfect may no longer meet the standards today, as the medium continues to move forward.
The Games That Earned a 10/10 Score
The article lists the 69 games that have earned a 10/10 score from Nintendo Life over the past 20 years, including classics like Mega Man 2, Super Mario Bros. 3, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
The Impact of Re-releases and Ports
The article also discusses the impact of re-releases and ports on the 10/10 score, noting that some games may not have earned the same high score in a modern context.
The Future of Gaming
The article concludes by looking forward to the future of gaming, noting that the criteria for a 10/10 score will continue to evolve as the medium continues to move forward.
