Metacritic (82)
OpenCritic (82)
Polygon (recommended):
Eurogamer (recommended):
Mashable (no score):
Console Creatures (no score):
GoNintendo (video review)
Player 2 (A):
EGM (5/5):
STACK (5/5):
USgamer (4.5/5):
Nintendo Enthusiast (9/10):
Digitally Downloaded (4.5/5):
Stevivor (9/10):
Nintendo Insider (9/10):
Areajugones (9/10, review in Spanish):
Eurogamer Italy (9/10, review in Italian):
VentureBeat (89/100):
Video Chums (8.7/10):
COGconnected (86/100):
Destructoid (8.5/10):
The Games Machine (8.5/10, review in Italian):
XGN (8.5/10, review in Dutch):
Vandal (8.5/10, review in Spanish):
Nintendo World Report (8.5/10):
PCMag (4/5):
Cubed3 (8/10):
VGC (8/10, video):
Vooks (4/5):
Nintendo Life (8/10, video):
My Nintendo News (8/10):
TheSixthAxis (8/10, video):
Gamereactor (8/10):
GamingBoulevard (8/10):
PowerUp! (8/10):
VG247 (4/5):
Impulsegamer (4/5):
IGN Italy (8/10, review in Italian):
Nintenderos (8/10, review in Spanish):
Multiplayer.it (8/10, review in Italian):
Gameblog.fr (8/10, review in French):
DASHGAMER.com (8/10):
Metro GameCentral (8/10):
Everyeye.it (7.7/10, review in Italian):
Press Start Australia (7.5/10):
Hobby Consolas (72/100, review in Spanish):
God is a Geek (7/10, video):
Critical Hit (7/10):
GAMINGbible (7/10):
SECTOR.sk (7/10, review in Slovak):
SpazioGames (6.2/10, review in Italian):
Comic Book (3/5):
OpenCritic (82)
Polygon (recommended):
This is a simple package, with an unassuming title and cover, is already one of my favorite releases of the year. Nintendo may have released the perfect game at the perfect time with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and it looks like the company may be able to repeat the same trick when Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics is released on June 5.
Eurogamer (recommended):
Every now and then I get a reminder that video games are magic. And weirdly, this collection of things that pre-date video games has reminded me just how magical video games are. This is a history of the world, in part. It's also a TARDIS of fun. It's wonderful.
Mashable (no score):
Despite some minor annoyances, Clubhouse Games is a welcome $40 distraction from the crumbling world outside. This isn't some branded cash grab like that lovably crummy old Mario game I told you about earlier. It's confidently modest new packaging for games that are older than any of us and will surely outlive us, too. Clubhouse Games knows exactly what it needs to be and doesn't aspire to much else. We could probably all learn from that.
Console Creatures (no score):
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Games doubles down on delivering a variety of classic games. With no pieces to worry about losing and the convenience of 51 games (and the piano!) in one place, there's no other game like it. Nintendo delivers a quality product with a pristine presentation, and while the tutorials are super cheesy, they do a great job of explaining the rules of each game. Sure, some might be boring or lack the ability to speed up the gameplay, but these games are meant to be played with others. The level of accessibility and how easy it is to pick up any of the games available should be enticing for those who want bite-sized gaming sessions.
GoNintendo (video review)
Player 2 (A):
There's something that draws you to a good game, be it board, card or pencil and paper. 51 Worldwide Games presents high quality, faithful renditions of both classics and lesser known games, providing challenge and enjoyment in equal measure.
EGM (5/5):
No matter if you want something to help pass the time, are looking for new ways to connect with family and friends, or simply wish you could finally learn how to play those classic card and board games you've yet to try, Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics is a stellar collection that provides an extensive selection of games without ever feeling overwhelming.
STACK (5/5):
While many will suspect an ethos of quantity over quality here, it really isn't the case. Sure, none of the individual games are A-list titles on their own, but all of them are eminently playable and slickly presented. As is the way with such things, everybody will have their favourites.
USgamer (4.5/5):
If you're ready to slow down a bit on Animal Crossing: New Horizons, but you want to keep that good, warm feeling going for a while longer, Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics is worth your time and money. Its clean, charming interface guides you through a wide selection, including classic card games, complex board games based in deep traditions, and simple pastimes that let you fiddle with toys. Don't know how to play something? No problem: 51 Worldwide Classics will happily teach you. It's a great choice for single players and families alike.
Nintendo Enthusiast (9/10):
Granted, many of the included games in Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics can be found as standalone apps on mobile devices (and even on Switch). However, none come to mind that have the same level of polish that this has. Clubhouse Games uses the Switch hardware in creative and technical ways, and Nintendo's signature quirky charm oozes all around here and makes for a fun collection that provides basically endless amounts of entertainment.
Digitally Downloaded (4.5/5):
Nintendo first released a Clubhouse Games way back on the Nintendo DS, about 15 years ago now. It was a brilliant example of the company's ability to appeal to a broad audience then and now, a decade and a half later, the company has backed it up resoundingly. Putting aside the presence of Ludo - which will forever be the worst board game ever made - 51 Worldwide Games is a pristine package of some of the most valuable cultural properties we have, and it is truly masterful at explaining even the most complex of them to a completely new audience. This is a rare opportunity to learn something about artefacts as wide-ranging as Chess, Mahjong, Hanafuda, and Mancala. That's not something you should miss out on.
Stevivor (9/10):
If you enjoy board games, card games or dice games and own a Nintendo Switch, this one's really a no-brainer. Priced at $60 AUD, you'll certainly get more than your money's worth from this collection.
Nintendo Insider (9/10):
51 Worldwide Games is a brilliant collection of some of the best (and in some cases oldest) games out there. From cards to dominoes and boards to balls, you'll find a varied mix both familiar and fresh all wrapped in a wonderfully clean and polished package. Much like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, 51 Worldwide Games is another one of those releases that can be enjoyed by anyone be they a gamer or not. It may not have the earth-shaking excitement of a new Mario or Metroid backing it, but it certainly delivers on the fun. Do not pass on this delightful gem.
Areajugones (9/10, review in Spanish):
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics doesn't simply offer classic board games and some sports. It offers a magnificent representation of them on Nintendo Switch. This title achieves that players of all ages, fans or not of video games, take a Joy-Con and enjoy up to 51 very varied and fun games. An essential game to play at parties with friends or family.
Eurogamer Italy (9/10, review in Italian):
An unmissable compilation of good-old (and some exotic) games that will keep you entertained for a very long time.
VentureBeat (89/100):
Clubhouse Games is the kind of game that actually makes a platform for me. The Switch wouldn't be the Switch without Zelda and Mario, but this is the kind of release that fills out a library. Clubhouse Games is something that you will look back on years from now, and get to say, "oh, yeah — I love that game!"
If roadtrips ever come back, I'm going to give this to my kids to play in the backseat to keep them entertained for hours at a time. And it's something I will break out regularly for us to enjoy as a family. We're already doing that with yacht dice. And I'll probably even jump online for chess, shogi, and more.
Video Chums (8.7/10):
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics is sure to provide hours of entertainment whether you prefer playing solo, online, or with local chums. Seeing as it's bursting with tons of enjoyable games, this is one must-have collection.
COGconnected (86/100):
I expected Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics to be packed with content, and of course with 51 games it certainly is. But what I didn't expect was how well done the overall package would be. This is a game collection that is both accessible and easy to pick up and play, yet surprisingly chock-full of enriching content like How to Play guides that will make you want to dive deeper into each of the games and learn about them as you do. Sure, realistically, you are not going to like all of the games, but if even half of these offerings tickles your fancy this is still a must-have. And, let's be clear: there isn't quite the charm or polish of some Nintendo titles like Mario or Zelda, but the interface and menus are slick and this is a quality product. At the current price of $39.99 Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics really is a world of games you can take with you wherever you go.
Destructoid (8.5/10):
It's a testament to Nintendo's design chops that a 51-game collection with roots in ancient history (as well as its own 130-year-old corporate history) can feel so fresh, approachable, and cohesive.
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics might sound generic at first blush, but it's secretly one of the best Nintendo Switch games of 2020. It's the right game at the right time with the right temperament.
The Games Machine (8.5/10, review in Italian):
51 Worldwide Games is an excellent collection that lives up to its name, which includes fifty-one games from all over the world: although most of them come from Europe or Asia, some of them are typical of Africa and South America. The latest Nintendo game proves to be an excellent pastime both for those who want to tackle each game alone, and for those who love to have fun in the company of friends and family.
XGN (8.5/10, review in Dutch):
The games are diverse and the package offers both well-known games and surprises. The design and accessibility are fine as well. With this package it is no longer necessary to drag the whole game box with you on Holiday. Instead, bring your Switch.
Vandal (8.5/10, review in Spanish):
51 Worldwide Games is not a game that is likely to make the list of the best games of the year; It does not innovate in gameplay nor is it a particularly risky or groundbreaking bet, but it should be one of the essentials to enjoy with friends or family in any situation, a great fit for a console that can be taken anywhere and that can be enjoyed alone or with friends.
Nintendo World Report (8.5/10):
51 Worldwide Games really came as a surprise. With 51 games to choose from, I wasn't lacking in choice. More than half of the games I kept playing almost every day, with others being picked up ever so often. Naturally, there could've been more 3- or 4-player offerings for you to play, but that doesn't diminish the fun we had. What helps is that the games are well represented, offer small tweaks and offer crucial information for newcomers. In a multiplayer setting, be it locally or far away, this game is one of the better offerings on Nintendo Switch to date. This is where many will get the most mileage out of this new Clubhouse entry.
PCMag (4/5):
The Nintendo Switch is a convenient video game console that lets you play on the TV screen at home and in your hands on the go. With Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics, the console's convenience grows with the addition of more than 50 proven gems in a single package—even if those games are by no means exclusive to this collection. Still, the compilation's polished execution makes it a safe recommendation. You can always find someone willing to play checkers. Can you say the same about Zelda?
Cubed3 (8/10):
Previous compilation titles from Nintendo have often bundled in controllers to these types of packages to help them sell, such as including a Wii-mote in Wii Play and Wii Party U, essentially making the game great value for money. 51 Worldwide Games, doesn't do this. Instead, this can stand tall knowing that it compiles a number of brilliantly addictive games that can be fun to play alone or with friends. Almost all can be played in a quick pick-up and play fashion, which can be handy for those looking to play in short bursts, whether on a short commute, or a party scenario. Online match-making should perhaps be refined so that people match players, first and select games after, but this aside 51 Worldwide Games is a fantastic budget title that all Nintendo Switch owners should buy!
VGC (8/10, video):
That's the beauty of the games night compilation; if a particular activity isn't to your taste, then there's still 50 others from which you'll surely find a favourite. At a time when family time has never been more abundant, 51 Worldwide Games could turn out to be a classic.
Vooks (4/5):
51 Worldwide Games does no more or no less than you would expect from it. It's a tidy little package with a lot of value but doesn't go out of its way to wow you, aside from its grandiose presentation. The annoying and weird restrictions on three and four-player games are silly but won't take away from the fun you can have. These games have stood the test of time, and they're even more fun all together in this package.
Nintendo Life (8/10, video):
Compilation games like Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics always have a variety of hits and misses depending on your own personal taste, but there's a wide enough variety of board, card and action games here that you're sure to find a number that will appeal to you. Everything's presented with charm and warmth (terribly-written cutscenes aside) and there's an enormous amount of content on offer, whether you plan on playing solo or with others. The perfect game for lockdown? Quite possibly.
My Nintendo News (8/10):
We could go into detail about each game, like how reeling the fish in with your Joy-Con is more enjoyable than doing so in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, or how satisfying it is to land a series of punches in Toy Boxing, but there's so much to cover. Rest assured, though, as what we have here is a polished, well-presented package which celebrates diversity and highlights the fondness of playing together while not breaking the bank.
TheSixthAxis (8/10, video):
51 Worldwide Games showcases Nintendo doing what Nintendo do best. They've taken a simple idea, and put it together in an utterly charming way. There's so much here to enjoy, cramming in a host of games and experiences that could keep you, your family, and your friends playing together for many years to come. Best of all, you can't lose any of the pieces!
Gamereactor (8/10):
In the long run, I'd like to see more tempting competitive additions implemented to multiply its lasting appeal, but so far 51 Worldwide Games actually makes many tabletop oldies more attractive to learn and enjoyable to play. Playing Ludo this way isn't a game-changer, but this may help you learn Backgammon at last. It is beautiful, clear and captivating, and perhaps the very best classic board and card games collection there is.
GamingBoulevard (8/10):
51 Worldwide Games is a great addition to the Nintendo Switch as it offers hours of fun for a smaller price. The games are well-curated and offer something for everyone to enjoy. It's entertaining to play on your own but the game truly shines in multiplayer. If you're looking for a more traditional form of entertainment, this is one you simply need to own.
PowerUp! (8/10):
There's a reason why the games included in this collection have been around as long as they have. In some cases, centuries. They're fun and easy to learn. They also don't tend to take too long so you're always ready to play another round or choose another. It's a really quick and easy way to pass some time.
VG247 (4/5):
By offering such a wide variety of experiences to please both handheld and docked players alike, 51 Worldwide Classics ends up a worthy follow-up to the DS Clubhouse Games in spite of its flaws. It quietly becomes another must-own Nintendo Switch title. It's not a big-budget, mind-expanding adventure – but it's a fun, generally solidly-constructed collection of eminently playable classics. It's video game comfort food, and has been a delight to meander through in the present day's isolation.
Impulsegamer (4/5):
Despite the aforementioned quibbles I have with the shared-screen multiplayer experience and the lack of incentive for repeated solo play, I still think 51 Worldwide Games is an excellent package. You know why? Because Chess is really fun. As is Connect 4 and Hanafuda (another new experience for me). Combine the vast selection of games available with the ease of use of playing with the touch screen or Joy Con controls, plus the terrific teaching tools on offer, and 51 Worldwide Games is an impressive value proposition.
IGN Italy (8/10, review in Italian):
A wide selection of classic boardgames and clubhouse games framed in a very nice package.
Nintenderos (8/10, review in Spanish):
51 Worldwide Games achieves what it aims to be: an experience that is simple, fun and accessible to all types of players. Perhaps some games are not at the same level in terms of fun or entertainment, but what is certain is that its great replayability makes this collection a very interesting title.
Multiplayer.it (8/10, review in Italian):
Thanks to the detachable Joy-Cons and the capacitive touch screen, this time 51 Worldwide Games is truly easy to share, making its biggest strength not the (limited) progression of the single game but its use as great tools to have fun in a group. Given the budget price, it's a nice package that is not ambitious but does its job well, especially with the summer in sight.
Gameblog.fr (8/10, review in French):
Like previous Clubhouse Games, the title of 51 Worldwide Games says a lot. Its sobriety hides true gems, transposed in virtual form with so much care that they would almost supplant reality. A tremendous homage to the games' roots and diversity, which everybody around the world can enjoy anywhere, anytime, whether solo, with friends or online partners, depending on the moment's aspirations. While this collection ups the ante on action, odds still favor classics, and Nintendo even draws few ambitious experiences gathered in this chest full of treasures, decidedly made to last, and play.
DASHGAMER.com (8/10):
51 Worldwide Games is an amazing assortment of incredible inspiration. Its innovative gameplay, and lax presentation makes for an exemplary experience for everyone. Its charm in delivering a unified understanding acquaints players with cognitive and knowledgeable demonstrations, while achieving a learning curve for those who are unfamiliar with some of its uncommon motley of mixed mini-games. It certainly delivers on the old adage "fun for the whole family", and does its best to engage with its diverse beneficence. On a broad scale, its a small piece of nonsensical amusement that will have everyone flying through a multitude of emotions similar to playing the authentic experience. I cannot recommend it enough for Wii Bowling faithful who have been waiting for its glorious return.
Metro GameCentral (8/10):
Rather than the future of video games this offers an insight into their analogue ancestry and proves that a game's age is no impediment to its ability to entertain and enthral. What at first seems to be cheap filler for Nintendo's undernourished release schedules is actually a fascinating journey through the world of pre-video game entertainment.
Everyeye.it (7.7/10, review in Italian):
51 Worldwide Classic is the kind of game that is very easy to guess what to expect, even before turning on the console. A magical game box enclosed in a digital frame, a big collection of more or less classic titles that draws on the past (and present) of an atavistic but timeless way of playing, made of decks of cards, board games and toys of all kinds. A project that, despite aiming at an audience with somewhat varied habits, will be more appealing those who know they can always rely on some friend or relative who won't hold back in an old-school match.
Press Start Australia (7.5/10):
51 Worldwide Games is a solid mini game collection that will definitely be a fun time among family and friends. There's some inconsistency (as well as some glaring omissions) in the mini games collection as well as some of the confusing control schemes.
Hobby Consolas (72/100, review in Spanish):
An impressive classic game compilation, fun and easy to play (either in TV mode with a Pro controller, touch screen or with joy-con motion controllers) that lacks depth, but still can be great in multiplayer.
God is a Geek (7/10, video):
51 Worldwide Games feels like a really solid collection with plenty of variation, even if it does lack depth. Whether you're looking for a way to play various games either solo or with friends, this is simple and straightforward, and will scratch a really familiar itch. There's plenty of different experiences to sink your teeth into, and have a laugh with friends. It's unlikely you'll be wowed by any game individually, but you'll likely learn a few new ones as you play through the whole collection. It's not as grand as say Mario Party, or even as quirky as Wii Sports, but with 51 to choose from, there really is a game for everyone, and plenty of simple fun to be had.
Critical Hit (7/10):
It's a simple digital collection of old standards, card games, mechanical toys and pub classics - though not all of them transfer well to the medium. Those that do are a delight to play. It doesn't have the usual charm you'd find in Nintendo games, but the presentation makes up for it with familiarity, fun tutorials and interesting bits of trivia.
GAMINGbible (7/10):
For what it is, and as a successor to the DS's Clubhouse Games of 2005 (bloomin' heck, how time flies), 51 Worldwide Games is perfect, really. Does that make it a perfect video game? Clearly, no. It's a very recommended collection for super-convenient family-time play, with a handful of attractions that will become regular favourites - like I said, its bowling is dangerously close to becoming an obsession. But it's not something that can be scored alongside a Breath of the Wild, a Persona 5 or a Witcher 3. So while the number below might not immediately scream buy this, if you're hankering for a fine-indeed mini-game collection for your Switch, they don't come much finer than this one.
SECTOR.sk (7/10, review in Slovak):
It isn't as good as playing these games in real life but there is a lot of content and a lot of ways to play it.
SpazioGames (6.2/10, review in Italian):
51 Worldwide Games has all the pros and cons of compilations games, but the price tag drags this game down even further.
Comic Book (3/5):
Nintendo describes Clubhouse Games as "eclectic" in their official description of the game on their website, and honestly, that's the best description of the game that I could come up with. Clubhouse Games looks good but lacks any real substance beyond its large catalog of games, many of which offer little more than the most basic of strategies. It's as if Nintendo decided to collect free games put out for Windows 98 and then give them an HD render, offering some idle amusement. Once Clubhouse Games gets discounted (and I'm sure that it won't be long), it might be worth the price tag, but I wouldn't invest in a full-price version right out of the gate.
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