Perhaps one of the best games released so far on the DSiWare service. The graphics are very pleasing, the dialogue is charming and the gameplay is simple enough to enjoy in short bursts and deep enough to keep you hooked for hours.

Mini Ninjas is obviously a game that was created with children in mind, and in the 'good, clean, wholesome fun' department, it truly excels. Of course adults used to more meat on the bone in their action titles might find it a bit lacking.

NEMREM has a great deal of replayability as completing certain puzzles under the assigned restrictions can be pretty challenging, especially in later puzzles.

Developers SKIP Tokyo have executed another simple puzzle concept flawlessly, with both main game modes proving highly addictive and enough to keep you coming back to beat your previous high score.

All around Minis March Again is a very competent, fun, and engaging package. It is easily one of the top games to be had on DSiWare at this time and in the foreseeable future.

Sudoku! 150 for Challengers is a solid puzzler for the DSi platform and is bound to keep the player amused for hours with its wealth of puzzles. It’s a no-frills game however, and the core Sudoku game has been left alone with no additions made, which for many people could quite possibly be a positive point.

Gameloft have set the bar for other developers to aspire to, with a huge amount of detailed gaming squeezed from the 800 points asking price with 28 licensed cars, 8 real-life cities and a decent-sized career mode.

It provides plenty of challenge and longevity to make it a worthy investment, barring any paper cuts.

Hudson have pulled it off again and created yet another quality FPS which was developed in Japan! If you played Onslaught and sorely missed more online multiplayer modes, then this should be an instant download.

While some of the new has obviously worn off the BIT.TRIP experience and the high level of difficulty will likely turn some gamers off right from the start, it's still difficult to fault BIT.TRIP CORE's unique and engaging gaming experience.

The game controls flawlessly, especially with the addition of manual movement, and is another worthy entry in the Monkey Island series.

One word sums up the gameplay in the latest Final Fantasy spin-off for WiiWare - deep. There’s absolutely no way you’ll be disappointed with the sheer number of things to consider throughout the game.

For people unfamiliar with the series, perhaps first-time DS owners, this game is an ideal download as it offers a nice introduction to the brain training series and indeed can perhaps be viewed as a cheaper alternative to the full title with the bonus of not having to carry around the game cartridge.

Although referred to by some as a spin-off, Miles Edgeworth still has practically the exact same gameplay as all previous games, just with added investigating. With five more intriguing cases of surprising length to solve, it's another welcome addition to the franchise. Now to wait for the next one!

Competitive Mech fans will be in heaven with this release. While the single-layer aspect of OverTurn is a little underwhelming and can be completed with relative ease, the impressive nature of the online multiplayer is practically worth the price of purchase alone.

Overall Sujin Taisen: Number Battles is perhaps one of the strongest titles on the DSiWare service yet.

Gradius ReBirth was a bit too short and easy compared to previous Gradius games (especially because previous games in the series already were pretty short), but with Contra ReBirth, Konami has struck the balance just right: there's only five levels, but they're all decently sized and quite challening to get through.

Its design is an exercise in perfect, effective simplicity, and with only a few tweaks it would have slotted perfectly into the Art Style series. It's clean, it's simple, and it's understated in the best kind of way.

If you can somehow curb your expectations of Dragon Quest Wars being a typical Dragon Quest-style RPG experience and accept it for the simple, yet enjoyable strategy title it is, then you're likely to find a very fulfilling and playable DSiWare title that will provide you with many hours of fun.

Whilst the failure to fully address issues from the original Wii Fit is a bit of a disappointment, Wii Fit Plus is still a good exercise program with a large array of fun activities that will appeal to a broad range of Wii owners.

This episode is easily the best yet in terms of humour though, Murray alone makes this absolutely hilarious and is guaranteed to satisfy any fan of the old Monkey Island games.

It's difficult to find much wrong with Pokémon Rumble: everything it does is done quite well, and one can really only take issue with the things the game doesn't do.

Not only is the game a virtual hodgepodge of platforming goodness that serves up influences from many of the other great 2D platformers that have come before it, it's also an extremely enjoyable video gaming experience to boot.

There's been nothing wrong with the gameplay in the series so far, and obviously nothing changes here. The puzzles aren't really too hard to figure out if you pay attention to what the characters say, meaning you should once again plow through the whole thing in about 2 to 3 hours.

Not only does the game look and sound amazing for a DSiWare release, but it's so simple to pick up and play that you'll find yourself diving in and having fun in almost no time.

Flowerworks is the kind of thing we like to see on WiiWare: it's a bit goofy, cute and colourful and a lot of fun. If you take the time to get the hang of things you too can find that fireworks and flowers go great together!

If you loved Toki Tori, you'll love this. If you loved Chu Chu Rocket!, you'll love this. At a mere 600 Nintendo Points with 60 puzzles, you're getting quite the bargain.

Q Games has increased their streak to three — Starship Patrol is yet another great addition to the DSiWare library and a game you should definitely consider picking up if you have the slightest bit of interest in the tower defense genre.

A long lasting and satisfying trivia experience for experienced players and an accessible entry point for those new to the genre awaits those willing to give this series a second chance.

There’s such a great sense of achievement here: from winning a bout without striking your opponent to defeating one of the upper-ranked Ozeki, you’ll want to always do your best. The fact alone that Eat! Fat! FIGHT! has been localised is amazing, and we applaud Temco’s efforts for making this title available.

Sure the game is a bit on the linear side and the toned down difficulty might prove a tad easy for seasoned RPG fans, but if you can appreciate a well designed RPG experience that doesn't try to do more than it's capable of, you'll likely find Sands of Destruction right up your alley. What it lacks in originality, it more than makes up for with its unique charm and engaging storyline.

Whilst we would have liked to see some kind of multiplayer option and the ability to replay missions at varying difficulty levels without replaying the entire game first, it's a lot of fun and a game we'll be playing for quite some time.

No matter how you load up the wagon, you'll be in for a fun ride.

Tomena Sanner is a simple concept treated with the kind of zany humour and attention to detail that exemplifies WiiWare at its best.

Not only does the game bring an interesting and unique gameplay mechanic to the table, it also manages to surround it with smooth controls and a lot of personality.

Although it doesn't really do anything other "drawing" games haven't already done before, Max & the Magic Marker is a very enjoyable and sizeable platforming romp, and one you'll definitely want to see through to the end. The collectibles will keep you coming back until you've got 100%, which can be pretty challenging, but it will be worth it.

Each cunningly crafted level is packed full of pixelated goodness, and the layouts gradually become trickier as you near the end.

Essentially, you’re getting a lot more game for your money with Endless Ocean 2; it’s less free-form and meandering than the original, with greater purpose and direction. Whether that’s what you want from a diving game is up to you, although truth be told there’s few other alternatives.

Graphically it looks good, the audio isn't bad either and it's hard to see where it puts a foot wrong. The removal of its big brother's multiplayer mode knocks it back, limiting this to a totally solo pursuit, but in DSiWare’s limited sporting library you'll struggle to find a more enjoyable game of golf.

A very enjoyable conclusion to the Tales of Monkey Island story, and it won't disappoint anyone who's played through the rest of it.

Tumblebugs 2 takes a very successful (and overcrowded) genre and adds some new power-ups and flashier graphics to the familiar formula. Other than those upgrades, there is nothing here that cannot be found in countless other similar games... on the PC.

Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing is, despite its flaws, a well-crafted racer that’s clearly had a lot of good design work put into it.

As with the Wii version, Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing may not do anything especially new in the character racing genre but it handles well, looks good and offers stacks of reasons to return.

Even with the online components removed, Fieldrunners is still very fun and addictive tower defence game and a welcome addition to the DSiWare library. There’s hours of fun to be had here, and even if you’re reaching the genre saturation point it's worth a look.

When Fragile Dreams is good, it’s excellent, with great cutscenes, a beautiful decaying world to explore and enough mystery to make Professor Layton hang up his hat. The combat is the only downside, though you soon learn to avoid where possible.

Real Football 2010 plays a great game of football and there’s stacks of content here for DSiWare footie first-timers. If you’ve already paid for last year’s entry there’s no point in shelling out for this one too, as there simply isn’t enough new content to justify the 800 Points, but footie newcomers should make this their next transfer target.

If you've enjoyed WarioWare D.I.Y. and are looking to further the experience, WarioWare D.I.Y. Showcase is the perfect compliment to the already outstanding DS title.

Military Madness: Nectaris is a nice update to a classic strategy game. Players who've been waiting to see if this is a worthy replacement for the game currently available on the Virtual Console can rest assured that this is the case and the enhanced multiplayer options should provide an incentive to purchase for those who have it already.

The developers have done a fantastic job of recreating the overlay visuals that were painted on the screens of the original LCD units and the LCD displays are spot-on perfect renditions of the original.

It’s hard to knock Photo Dojo: its versatility and use of the DSi’s functions are superb, and the potential to create fighters based on friends, figures and anything else you can photograph is enough to forgive its simplicity and lack of gameplay modes.

Featuring addictive gameplay illustrating the dangers facing endangered sea turtles, the only bad thing is that you're not actually helping to save real turtles by playing it.

Vermin remains one of the more simple yet addictive entries in the Game & Watch collection and yet another fine addition to the growing Game & Watch library on DSiWare.

It basically takes some of the better ideas of the series and packages them into a nice budget-sized title that should give fans of the series yet another Mr. Driller release to enjoy.

AiRace looks good, plays great and stands out from the other DSiWare racers (or DS, really) in more ways than just choice of vehicle.

This game provides a very fun, funny and engrossing experience featuring a cast of interesting and likeable characters. Its stylistic simplicity may deter some, but those who don't mind reading will find much to enjoy.

Donkey Kong Jr. is easily one of the more enjoyable of the Game & Watch releases and if you've never tried any of the Game & Watch titles, this one is a great place to start.

The game combines many of the play mechanics of marbles, billiards and miniature golf and somehow rolls them all into an addictive gameplay experience that should keep players coming back for more.

Despite occasionally getting lost and feeling overwhelmed by all the options and moves, Samurai Warriors 3 is a real treat and it's easy to see why Nintendo secured it exclusively for the Wii. Although there is a ton of content, the gameplay is structured in bite-sized pieces so players can make some serious accomplishments in a short span of time.

Don't be fooled by the racing appearance, as light trax is just as much a puzzle game able to hold its strategic own against any other entry in the Art Style series. It's full of unconventional and clever ideas executed through an attractive neon minimalist style that can satisfy fans of both genres, especially those who have grown weary of the typical fare each tends to offer.

This is a fun tower defence game with enough unique features and strategic elements to keep it interesting and a sense of humour to set it apart from its competitors.

For a meagre 200 points, it's a no-brainer for number fans.

Flametail succeeds in taking the very simple gameplay idea of Maboshi's Square puzzler and turning it into a very enjoyable stand-alone package.

Bejeweled 2 on WiiWare is undoubtedly great if you've never played the game before, but its biggest competition is ultimately itself: versions of the game are available on virtually every platform, some cheaper or even free to play, so a 1000 Point WiiWare download might not be the best option for you.

Gamers who tend to prefer a more "grown-up" strategy experience will likely find the cutesy bears and penguins a bit much, but for those who can appreciate the silly theme and intense gameplay mechanics, the game certainly has its charms and can be downright addictive.

While not quite as immersive as the tower-defence style gameplay of Chaotic Conflicts, the game's unique puzzle elements do offer up a nice change of pace from the other Tales of Bearsworth Manor release.

Bejeweled-style puzzle games are addictive, and Spin Six is a very good example of why. It offers a lot of clever, time-sucking modes that may surprise you with their complexity.

While not perfect by any means, Runaway: A Twist of Fate proves to pleasantly surprise with an engrossing storyline that will keep you playing to find out what twists await you.

Despite some nagging issues that we hope to see corrected for the next time around, it's well worth playing as there's nothing else quite like it on WiiWare.

For those who survive it, Pearl Harbor Trilogy: Red Sun Rising offers a thrilling experience that will encourage returning to replay it again and again until the next game in the trilogy is released.

A fascinating and unique WiiWare game that deserves to stand on its own merits.

Primrose is the kind of game that gives back what you put into it. You can mess around and have a fun enough time, and if you're willing to put the time in to penetrate its intricacies you'll find one of the most rewarding puzzle games currently available on DSiWare.

There are a few minor gameplay glitches along the way, but they do little to take away from what is an otherwise engaging and enjoyable underwater diving experience and one well worth the 1000 Wii Point asking price.

The game's lower level of difficulty and rather short main quest might turn off some gamers looking for a bit more meat on the bone, but for those who just want a fun platforming ride with plenty of action and some amazing boss fights, look no further than this rather entertaining DS adventure.

While Pang: Magical Michael may not be a looker, what it does deliver is an excellent continuation of the Pang series, one designed for both entry-level and experienced players alike.

The fans who clamoured for a "proper" Sonic adventure will be thrilled by Sonic 4: there's no dialogue, no cutscenes and no sidekicks. A dozen side-scrolling stages, seven torturous special stages and five classic bosses all adds up to a great Sonic game. It's a shame there just isn't more of it.

While the multiplayer has lost a considerable amount of its magic due to the much lower number of max players, everything else has been very well done: with over 150 tracks and the ability to create your own, achievements, and online multiplayer with up to five others, it captures the feeling of TrackMania perfectly, and will hopefully gain a completely new fan following.

With the right crowd and an open mind, Just Dance 2 easily sheds its unjust shovelware label with exuberant neon jazz hands and an unwavering smile.

It's fast, loud, bright and bold, and a recommended slice of high speed action.

Dark Dawn might not be the major upgrade many were hoping for, but it is yet another solid DS role-playing adventure and a golden opportunity to revisit yet another classic RPG series.

If you're the kind of person who likes to wear corduroy then Tiger Wood's PGA Tour 11 may just be the game for you.

It looks good, plays well and is an absolutely fun time to be had on the DSi.

It was a pretty simple game before, but tons of bits has turned chick chick BOOM into a very hectic and enjoyable download title.

The experiences are undoubtedly unique and worth paying a small amount for, if only to support the continued creation of medium-exploring software, as there is nothing else like it on the handheld.

The numerous modes and options may not be hot across the board, but the strong campaign and bountiful multiplayer options provide a memorable blast through the Cold War.

Small gripes aside, Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar is a strong showing for the farming franchise, with the addition of the eponymous market bringing a nice weekly structure to proceedings.

Tetris Party Live is yet another solid release in the series, but you can't help but wonder why no download or local multiplayer options were included in the package, especially considering the emphasis on competitive play. Of course, if you're one of those gamers that just can't seem to get enough of the falling block madness and enjoy the idea of competing with other players online, Tetris Party Live should do the job quite nicely.

In spite of marked control improvements, Super Scribblenauts doesn't provide a much varied experience from its predecessor.

It may not have the nostalgic name of the other new Bond game, but Blood Stone manages to outshine its sibling on DS through strong storytelling and stronger combat.

Story Mode is a bit on the short side and each round of Party Mode is similar at its core, so things will get a touch stale after extended play, but otherwise this is the perfect game for a get-together or a family night. Indeed, this is just the type of title for which the Wii was designed.

This new GoldenEye 007 certainly isn't perfect, but Eurocom hits enough high points to make a really enjoyable, modern Bond game while honouring the legacy of the N64 original.

While Mario Sports Mix may lack the depth of Mario Tennis and Golf, it's a great example of a more casual Mario title that multiple players can enjoy. Not all the disciplines on offer will be to everyone's taste, but there's enough good stuff here to last you a fair while and Square Enix have given it oodles of imagination.

Plants vs. Zombies is a fantastic tower defence-style game with some unique and engaging gameplay ideas and enough length to keep players coming back for more.

There will inevitably be some long-time fans disappointed by the game's far tamer level designs and lack of fan favourite Monkey Target mini-game, but those who can open their minds up to something a bit different might actually find the game a fun and engaging experience.

At its core the majority of the game is still just basically flying around the island, but there's enough variety between the various missions to keep things fresh and enough unlockable goodies to keep you coming back for more.

Nintendogs + Cats is most successful lovingly recreating the personalities of its animal stars, and even though isn't the quantum leap forward some will want, it'll likely be the pet simulator to beat over the 3DS's lifespan.

Nintendogs + Cats is most successful lovingly recreating the personalities of its animal stars, and even though isn't the quantum leap forward some will want, it'll likely be the pet simulator to beat over the 3DS's lifespan.

Nintendogs + Cats is most successful lovingly recreating the personalities of its animal stars, and even though isn't the quantum leap forward some will want, it'll likely be the pet simulator to beat over the 3DS's lifespan.

WWE All Stars executes fun, arcade-style action well, with accessible controls and exhilarating presentation. The lack of a career mode and online features will disappoint some, but it's a small dent in a very fun package.

A subtle refinement of an already solid offering.

A strong DSiWare debut from Kiloo Games, boasting delightful visuals, challenging puzzles and heaps of charm. The downsides are few in number, but occasionally the controls aren't quite precise enough and the adventure is on the short side.

Its wide array of modes offer different depths and lengths of play, although overall there's a slight sense that it lacks a truly meaty challenge for expert fighters. Still, it's an excellent first showing for the Dead or Alive series on Nintendo formats, and sufficiently different from Capcom's fighter to warrant purchase.

The combination of two genres doesn't always equal success in the world of video games, but the unique mix of shooter and puzzler elements in 99Bullets at least creates an experience that makes it stand out from the crowd.

Even with the lack of online multiplayer, the enormous amount of unlockable content will keep the brawls going long after the first punch is thrown. Blazblue has finally landed on a Nintendo console, and there's truly no better time to find out what all the fuss is about.

If you like Pokémon and you have a 3DS, chances are you've downloaded this already as it's free, but if not then now's the time to grab it.

With its twist on platformer gameplay and ridiculous amount of content, Antipole would make a great addition to anyone's DSiWare collection, especially fans of the genre looking for something new.

If you like the concept, have sharp reflexes and want a new challenge to occupy you for a good while to come, then this title comes highly recommended.

It's fun, addicting, and at only 200 Nintendo Points, worth every crazy penny.

It may not have the size or depth that other more comprehensive RPGs possess (including Level 5's very own Dragon Quest IX) but Inazuma Eleven is a refreshing take on the genre that proves compelling despite its little foibles.

The beauty of Star Fox 64 3D is that it provides a quick pick up and play experience that is guaranteed to provide an adrenaline rush.

If you are a fan of the Alien movies, relish Metroidvania exploratory gameplay and appreciate side-scrolling retro pixel art design, Aliens: Infestation delivers on all three counts.

If you already own or played the DS version, this may not be the reboot you were hoping for. For those coming to the title with a fresh face however, prepare to be impressed.

If you've played the previous entries, you'll probably already know you'd enjoy Rune Factory 3; it's a prime example of "if it's not broken, don't fix it" at work. The new features are bullet points rather than game changers, but it's the biggest entry in the series so far and a must for fans of farming and fighting.

999 is stunning. It sports a captivating plot driven by a fantastic cast of characters, a satisfying mix of puzzles and interesting mathematical, scientific and philosophical quandaries to ponder.

A near-perfect conceptual marriage of toys and video games. While wallets may shudder at the thought of throwing down potentially lots and lots of money for the complete experience, what you get out of the box is a well-crafted adventure and world that kids of all ages can be excited about.

A near-perfect conceptual marriage of toys and video games. While wallets may shudder at the thought of throwing down potentially lots and lots of money for the complete experience, what you get out of the box is a well-crafted adventure and world that kids of all ages can be excited about.

Treyarch's technical prowess gained from bringing Call of Duty games on the platform shines through and through for the best-looking one on Wii yet. It's not exactly on par with the HD versions concerning fidelity or features, but considering the difference in horsepower MW3 on Wii is undeniably impressive. MW3 may not make you rethink the Call of Duty series, but it'll certainly satisfy its army of fans.

Hidden exits, fun minigames and fantastic stage design all come together to make this an endlessly replayable experience, but the 3D Classics upgrade doesn't really bring much to the table in addition. In fact, aside from portability, there's really nothing to recommend it over the Virtual Console release, and that's a shame.

Zen Pinball 3D is an excellent representation of pinball, with the attractive stereoscopic visuals adding an extra sense of immersion.

Offers some tremendous potential for fun. The experience is hampered somewhat by its complexity, but that's nothing that can't be overcome with a little bit of practice.

The 3DS doesn't yet offer much choice for those who favour lengthy adventures over quick-fix pick-up-and-play games. However, if you are such a person, Tales of the Abyss should quench your thirst.

It's hard to believe that such a simple concept as flipping gravity can prove to be so enthralling, but given the game's incredibly diverse level designs, it's no wonder it's so difficult to put down.

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy brings a touch of the series' new gameplay elements along with a few of the old, establishing itself as the true Ace Combat début title for Nintendo consoles, making up for 2002's GBA misstep.

Kid Icarus was always a lot of fun, but for some reason it never really reached huge levels of popularity like its cousin Metroid. This 3D Classics version is almost identical, but small additions and tweaks like the new backgrounds, 3D effect, high score table and save files ensure that it's worth a look even for those who already played the original to death.

Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword may not be the prettiest game on the eShop but it sure is one of the most challenging, striking a good balance between difficulty and precision.

Rhythm Heaven Fever doesn't do much new with the series apart from a lacklustre multiplayer mode, or really capitalise much at all on now being on a home console, but the amount of whimsy and joy burned onto the disc still make for a remarkably fun game.

With gameplay that is both simplified and complex, solid controls, attractive presentation, online multiplayer and a touching, well-paced plot, this title can be considered as a definitive entry in its genre.

It's less predictable than its previous instalments, smartly ditching the dead wood in favour of a fresh approach that emphatically reminds us why the series has been going for 14 years.

With a downright addictive gameplay formula, a sprinkling of creative boss fights and a mountain of replay value, it's difficult to find much negative to say about Zuma's Revenge.

It's both punishingly difficult and endlessly satisfying, and it does an excellent job of keeping the action varied and the tensions high.

While it may appear to be fairly frivolous at first glance, at its heart it is a substantial experience, well balanced to be either dauntingly complex or an RPG-lite, depending on the player's wishes.

SpeedThru is quite similar to ThruSpace with a graphical makeover, and can be cleared quite quickly and easily if you're not particularly interested in getting good scores. If you are, however, the game can last you quite a while, and for those who quite enjoyed its predecessor, the new level types are worth checking out.

A title overflowing with charm and verve, with a style that can entertain children and adults alike. It has a couple of missteps, the biggest of which is the occasional use of gyroscope controls, while simple puzzles and missing object searches don't quite match the title's overall quality.

Bird Mania 3D is the most pleasant kind of surprise: simple, fun, addictive and inexpensive. Charmingly simple yet rewardingly versatile gameplay overcomes any concerns we might have had. For a fast and fun score attack game, you really can't do any better.

Even for WiiWare veterans, Art of Balance: Touch! is worth the double-dip for the extra puzzles, blocks and endurance mode, plus the ability to play on the go. Deceptively simple and gloriously satisfying, it's another strong addition to the eShop's puzzle line up.

Heroes of Ruin does have a few rough edges and areas where greater refinement would have been welcome, but they don't detract from an accomplished effort on 3DS. A short campaign is offset by four separate characters to develop, and the experience feels entirely suitable for a fully-tooled handheld action RPG. It's the online structure that truly raises the bar for the platform; crawling through dungeons is a lot more fun with others to share the glory, and the inclusion of voice chat in particular is a highlight.

As the first full-length retail title to come to be distributed through the eShop, Order Up!! could have gone either way. Fortunately though it has an excellent blend of the best of both worlds: the length of a retail game, and the addictiveness and replayability of a mobile one. Some minor issues do mar the experience a bit, but overall there's very little to complain about. It's frantic, fun, humorous and contains a massive amount of content. If this were a burger order, it'd be well done.

Pokemon Conquest is a game that no one asked for, but many will enjoy - fans of either series will be drawn in by the familiar and be taught to love what's new.

Zen Studios has gone from strength to strength with its digital tables, and some of the ones included in Marvel Pinball 3D are quite possibly the pinnacle of their work so far. These four tables are dense enough to continually find som

New Art Academy carries on the legacy of the DS titles and presents a polished, in-depth and high quality drawing tool.

peedX 3D is proof that quality games are quality games, no matter what their origin happens to be. Although the frame rate could be better, the impression of depth and speed is amazing, and the use of 3D incredibly effective. To top it all off, the inclusion of traditional pad control means that this version of SpeedX 3D is more intuitive and enjoyable than its mobile forerunners - in fact, it's quite possibly the best iteration of the game yet seen, and a highly recommended download for your 3DS.

If you're starving for some more Picross puzzles, then you can't really go wrong with Picross E. It gives you a reasonably large set of 150 new puzzles to sink your teeth into, and although they're not particularly challenging, they'll at least keep you busy for a while.

Fractured Soul might have taken a while to see a release, but it lives up to the hype by taking a smooth platforming experience and weaving a dual screen play mechanic into the mix that greatly increases the playability and charm of the game. The price is a bit high by eShop standards, but for a gaming experience as rich and polished as this, it's not the deal breaker you might imagine. Those who aren't sold on the genre may wish to look elsewhere, but fans of intelligent action platformers will consider this money well spent.

There will inevitably be Kirby fans who will complain that more Kirby games weren't included or that none of the titles got any type of visual makeover, but it's difficult to complain too much given how many amazing Kirby titles have been collected onto one Wii disc, not to mention the fun bonus items and mini games that are also included. No doubt most Nintendo fans will have already played these games many times over, but it's still nice to see Nintendo giving their fluffy protagonist a little fanfare for 20 years of charming gaming magic.

Perhaps you've never played Angry Birds before and are curious what all the fuss and t-shirts are about. Maybe you're a super fan and want a physical object of your desire. Or you might be a parent that just wants your device back from your child. Regardless, Angry Birds Trilogy makes a compelling case with its addictive gameplay and low barrier of entry, although cheap compulsion shenanigans ultimately prove more to be of a downer than presumably intended. While this may not be the best option to play one of gaming's most visible titles - we won't hold our breath for free updates any time, ever - it is still a very good way to experience Finland's biggest cultural export since the Moomins.

Style Savvy: Trendsetters is a beautiful game which offers an incredible variety of content, boasts addictive gameplay, and makes excellent use of the 3DS' features. Like its up-and-coming fashionista protagonist, Style Savvy is confident, fun and charming. If fashion games are your style, you'll be absolutely thrilled with everything on offer here, and even if it's not the sort of game you'd normally consider picking up, it's well worth a second look.

Often funny, thoroughly charming and a joy to play, but it is also just as often a touch too familiar, seemingly unwilling to really go out on a limb and do something crazy even if the potential to do so is immense.

Skylanders Giants is, at its core, a child-friendly dungeon crawler with simplistic smash-everything gameplay, but what elevates it is its understanding of its market. There's plenty of variety to keep kids entertained and loads of things to collect, all wrapped in an appealing package – and the toy aspect is still a stroke of genius, an undeniably cool idea that speaks directly to kids and big kids alike. If you or a younger member of your family is a fan of the series, this could be another expensive Christmas.

As a game that aims to let players experience the wonder of flight, Chasing Aurora succeeds brilliantly. Arcing through the air feels sublime thanks to the smooth controls and satisfying physics, and the atmosphere crafted by the sound and art style is positively dreamlike. Wonder aside, Aurora is perhaps not for everyone; while the multiplayer modes have universal appeal, the single-player experience is best enjoyed by players with an affinity for simplicity who will enjoy, rather than tolerate, replaying stages. But anyone with access to a few feathered friends for multiplayer and/or the score-chasing sensibilities needed to get the most out of the game's solo flights will have a wonderful time in the world of Chasing Aurora. A joyous game.

ZombiU isn't perfect, but it sets out to do a very specific thing and succeeds with style. It's atmospheric and horrifying and will provide plenty of sweaty palms and jump scares, proving that dark, mature games can thrive on Nintendo's newest console. Anyone looking for a challenging and highly immersive experience with some real heft behind it is definitely going to come away pleased, despite some relatively minor niggles relating to that ground-breaking GamePad.

Nano Assault Neo is a great game that is a little light on content, but it still packs enough of a punch to keep gamers occupied. There isn't a plot to be seen, but the focus here is definitely more on arcade-style high score seeking action, all while looking and sounding great. With highly addictive twin-stick shmup gameplay and difficulty levels that will have you trying over and over again, you'd be remiss to pass up on what could easily become an arcade classic.

It's easy to recommend Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition as it's the only fighting game out right now on Nintendo's new system, but Tekken is also franchise that's cemented itself as a quality participant in the genre; this instalment is also bursting with content. There's so much to do and so many characters to try that boredom will never be an issue. Add in the Wii U exclusive modes that will entertain series fans and newcomers alike, and you've got a title that any fighting game fan will need in their library.

Little Inferno is a surprising game. It's surprising both for the simplicity of its concept ("burn things"), and for the fact that such a coherent and lovingly crafted experience has been built around that idea. It's also surprisingly different from what we traditionally think of as a game, and because of that, it isn't for everyone. But players drawn to the flame will find a fun, funny, and even moving experience in Little Inferno. It's a lot like setting some of the game's more spectacularly flammable objects ablaze, actually; a fast burn, but beautiful while it lasts.

If you're a fan of previous entries in the Scribblenauts series, then you're going to love Scribblenauts Unlimited. If you've never played one before, then now is absolutely the time to start. The campaign could be considered to be on the short side, and the multiplayer gameplay leaves much to be desired, but, as always, Scribblenauts is about the pure joy of extending your imagination. This is the kind of game that looks great, controls well, and provides a whole heck of a lot of family-friendly fun.

For players that want to add some exercise to their gaming routine, or Wii Fit junkies looking for a next generation fitness fix, Your Shape Fitness is an excellent choice. It takes a different approach from Nintendo's efforts, focusing on a huge variety of traditional exercises rather than mini-games, and does what it sets out to do very well.

Darksiders II is very, very good. In paying homage to the Zelda series - while adding its own unique flavour - the team at Vigil has crafted a game that will appeal to those looking for a grittier take on the action-RPG dungeon crawler, while helping Nintendo fans scratch that Hyrulian itch for the time being.

Assassin's Creed III pushes the foundations of the series forward in many new directions, and while a degree of these go sideways the title still manages to pull off one of the most impressive and immersive game worlds we've seen in some time.

It's difficult to call Batman: Arkham City: Armored Edition the definitive version of the game, but it does well to stand on its own merits. Frame rate issues aside, the incorporation of GamePad controls makes this feel like a natural experience, almost as though the game was originally made with Wii U in mind.

Boasting classic twin-stick shooter gameplay with a variety of different power ups and multiplayer modes, this is definitely a worthy addition to any gamer's library, even if the difficulty curve might drive you a bit batty.

It's still one of the more original gaming experiences out there for those willing to try something a little different.

Skylanders Giants is a great adventure game for its target audience and the perfect excuse for the rest of us to collect the toys. It's hard to shake the feeling of déjà vu though, with Skylanders Giants looking, feeling and playing almost identical to the original. It's also a shame that the obvious potential of it RPG mechanics haven't been realised yet.

Fans of the genre will love Unchained Blades; for the uninitiated, it's a great introduction that has more than enough charm to keep rookies crawling through Titan after Titan.

Picross e2 is yet another fun Picross game, but for the most part it simply feels like an expansion pack for the previous title. Of course, there's nothing wrong with that, especially when the core gameplay is so entertaining.

Brain Age: Concentration Training takes Nintendo's cerebellum-enhancing series onto the 3DS in style. It boasts a wealth of content, smart presentation, and loads more charm than you'd expect from a brain-training game.

Don't let the small number of levels put you off: Splash or Crash is not a game to be played through once and put aside. It's an addictive, well-presented game that's all about honing your abilities with each of the unique objects to score the best times possible. Though we wish its leaderboards extended online as well, Splash or Crash comes well recommended.

Although the 2D perspective and Metroidvania-style features call to mind past classics, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate shouldn’t be directly compared to previous games in Konami’s long-running vampire-hunting series, because it tries to do things a little differently.

There are technical cracks in its brickwork, but in combining the familiar constructs of the LEGO video games with an original story, huge amounts of humour and a ridiculous number of things to collect or discover, LEGO City Undercover proves that LEGO titles can be blockbusters without a big licence.

It's an accomplished effort, though, and a must for fans of the franchise that can't access the new home console version, or those that simply want to always be able to slay an almighty monster when on the move.

HarmoKnight manages to combine attractive cartoon-like visuals with engaging, rhythm-based gameplay to create an experience which can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with genre classics like Vib Ribbon, Gitaroo Man and PaRappa the Rappa.

Gates to Infinity is a fun, charming roguelike with beautiful presentation, accessible mechanics, and the warm, fuzzy feeling that can only come from playing as Pokémon.

Super Little Acorns 3D is a lot of fun. Its tiny levels are perfect for on-the-go play, and it's got enough challenge for every kind of gamer. Some loose physics and repetitive soundtrack hold the game back somewhat, but not much. It's a great improved port of an addictive mobile game, and one we're glad to have on the eShop. If you pass on this one...you must be nuts.

Whether you’re pummelling your opponent through the core of the Earth as Doomsday or smashing a car over Aquaman’s head, it is very satisfying having so much power in your hands.

Harvest Moon: A New Beginning is a successful attempt to breathe new life into an ageing series.

Dementium may not be the greatest FPS experience there ever was, but, for what it is, it is quite an enjoyable romp.

If you do some soul-searching and decide that you''re not Steve Tyler's biggest admirer, then you will probably end up disappointed with the game when you finally get to play it.

It's a different style of gameplay with very different protagonists and antagonists than gamers are used to. This is really what we need to see more of on the Wii though, and despite the flaws it's definitely worth checking out if you want to try something new.

On one hand, these two levels are really outstanding and well executed, but on the other hand, there are only the two and they are basically the same every time you play them.

With thousands of puzzles, a range of difficulty levels and intuitive controls, Crossword Collection is a good choice for anyone wanting a budget range of wordy puzzles to last. It's not without its problems, but it's a good way to while away a quiet evening and doesn't try to throw any pseudo-educational elements on you.

It’s just a shame that this feels more like a continuation rather than a fully-fledged enhancement.

An easily accessible little oddity with nearly unlimited appeal. It serves as a classic example of old school game design enhanced by the Wiimote’s motion controls.

Dr. Mario looks great, sounds great and plays great, just like the original did 18 years ago, and the inclusion of online multiplayer adds value.

If you've only got a Wii, the game's worth a purchase, but if you're a multi-platform owner you can definitely do better in terms of FPS games.

It may have not utilised the Wiimote as much as it could have, but the control is pretty slick still. Give it some time and it might just grow on you.

If you're a shooter fan and you don't demand a lot of variety in your gaming experience, Gyrostarr is a game you are likely to enjoy.

Offers one of the finest puzzle experiences currently available on WiiWare. Having said that, the lack of online and controller issues make it difficult to recommend.

Gameloft has crafted an addictive and attractive game with enough gameplay to keep you coming back for short blasts every once in a while, but there's not really enough meat on the bones to hold your attention for prolonged play sessions.

Avalon Code is by no means a bad game, but due to some niggling issues, the game can’t be deemed as a must-have title.

Unfortunately, the first episode doesn’t definitively establish itself as a proper videogame as much as it is a charming adaptation of the Flash cartoon. As well as Telltale Games did at offering a tremendous service to fans of Homestar Runner, they are only occasionally able to prove that playing a cartoon is better than watching one.

It is safe to say that if you are a fan of puzzlers such as Lumines or Columns you will get a kick out of this. For the admission price of 800 Wii points it is pretty good value for money.

The game doesn’t substantially improve on the first so we can’t give it a higher rating, but if you enjoyed Homestar Ruiner then it’s safe to say that you will probably like this one just as much, if not slightly more.

If you are a hardcore puzzle player, you will no doubt want to get acquainted with Madstone because of its unique twist on the genre, whereas casual puzzle players will appreciate its eye-catching graphics and quick to pick up and learn game play and tutorials.

Baddest of the Bands sticks with the same formula seen in the previous two episodes and it's still as entertaining as it ever was. Sadly, this episode doesn’t offer any improvements and if you didn’t like any of the other titles then it's not likely to make the entire 'Strong Bad' concept suddenly appeal to you. On the other hand, if you giggled your way through the other two episodes and had a whale of a time, then you simply cannot go wrong here.

For die-hard fans of snooker, billiards and pool, Cue Sports does the job nicely and may even be preferred to Midnight Pool because of its more serious nature and the addition of full online multiplayer.

A solid racing title that’ll appeal to any type of gamer. The game supports the same four control schemes as Mario Kart Wii and will provide gamers with an enjoyable racing experience.

Tiki’s world of bamboo is an entertaining game with bags of personality. Some of the later levels will take you quite some time to solve so there is easily enough gameplay on offer here.

It would be easy to dismiss Jungle Speed simply because it is, at its core, basically a video game version of an entertaining card game, but if you do you'll be missing out on a wildly addictive game that you and your entire family can enjoy.

It’s short course list, lack of online play, and easy computer opponents mean that the game will have a short life span unless you bring some friends over to play it with you. Even so, with it’s amusing and easy to pick up and play mechanics, its multiple controller options, and easy on the eyes graphics this is a solid WiiWare release which is worth investigating.

Ultimate Shooting Collection presents three recent examples of arcade shooters and is firmly targeted at fans of the "bullet hell" subgenre or just shooting fans who might want to see what's been happening in Japanese arcades in the past ten years. Whilst none of the games on their own is particularly special, it should definitely have a space on the shelf of any shoot-em-up fan.

The inclusion of innovative features such as Visual Chat, the abundance of action, some witty dialogue and the presence of many traditional Phantasy Star elements help to secure this a decent score, and there is a lot to enjoy.

WayForward put a lot of time and work into LIT at it shows; it’s not perfect but if you’re in the mood for a puzzle game with a difference, break out your flashlight and watch out for what hides in the dark.

A good game with lots to unlock and good multiplayer support. But do please be warned: if it’s Lego you’re after, this title probably isn’t for you.

The games aren't terribly deep and it certainly would have been nice to have more of them, but they do offer up just enough of a fun factor to make you want to keep carrying around your Activity Meter in order to reach your daily goals.

EA’s conversion of the classic board game is entertaining and offers some great multiplayer action. The developer has intelligently implemented new, inventive game types, which bring with them fresh rules to a game we’ve been playing for years.

The biggest problem faced by Lux-Pain is the poor effort that appears to have been made to localize the game effectively and this lets down an otherwise very engaging title.

The MotionPlus controls, inconsistent and ultimately underwhelming as they are, provide a level of direct control not capable with Wii games of the past. There are some definite kinks to iron out but Grand Slam Tennis is an overall solid debut in a franchise with a lot of potential and is sure to satisfy those looking for a casual game of tennis.

Moto Racer is a must-have for fans of the genre, but for those unacquainted with racing titles and looking for a more light hearted approach to racing, perhaps Mario Kart is a safer bet.

If Nintendo had created a demo for their retail DS Brain Age titles, Brain Age Express: Math would have been it.

Equilibrio is one of those games that isn't overly flashy, but has it where it counts. The simple game play design and challenging level set will keep you busy for quite some time, and at a mere 500 Nintendo Points, it's actually a bargain.

Unlike its predecessor no add-on is required and overall performance has undoubtedly improved. While the software has its limitations it is a free download and well worth having on your DSi roster of software; there is absolutely no excuse not to get this application.