Those of you with social lives, grab this game, take it (and your GameCube, if necessary) to your next party. It'll be a hit and people will love you for it.

The Two Thrones aims to please fans of both previous episodes, and it does exactly that, without falling into the trap of being one big, compromised mess. Rather, it's a fun and satisfying adventure with the perfect balance of each style.

A fantastic golf offering. The implementation of The Masters into the game is flawless and brings more realism to the overall package. While the visuals are not some of the best that you will find on the Wii, the game more than makes up for it in other areas.

If you're looking for a portable-optimized intense high-score game centered around killing zombie-like enemies, this fits the bill. The Mercenaries 3D is worthy of a full retail release, and hopefully we'll see more like it in the future.

It's a splendid update of an already great game.

MotoHeroz is an extremely addictive title that is very hard to put down. Its stages are challenging, but they will never get you frustrated to turn off your Wii.

The conclusion left me wanting more and the experience was as smooth as silk. It was addictive, fun, and strikes the perfect balance between an arcade and puzzle game.

Despite minor faults, Four Swords Anniversary Collection is an amazing game. I'm shocked that Nintendo put any effort-much less this amount of effort-into a free downloadable title. But good for them.

If you're completely new to the series, get it. If you already own one or more of the titles, or the style of play isn't really your cup of tea, this set might have trouble winning you over.

You can't knock the quality of the game, as Vicarious Visions not only made an awesome 3D platformer, they made a great 3DS-exclusive title.

An extremely well-designed game that is perfect for kids. Unfortunately for parents, this game is wonderful and addictive, meaning that most kids who get their hands on this will crave more characters to collect them all.

A very fun, classic game that delights in its streamlined, simple appeal. The gameplay avoids most of the conventions associated with modern day platformers, especially Wii platformers, but the new additions and ideas are placed tastefully without getting in the way of the classic feel of the franchise.

Professor Layton's escapades are a known commodity by now. The Last Specter does nothing to dilute the brand, offering the same polished gameplay and presentation the series is known for. Throw in London Life, and it is the most robust game in the franchise, more or less containing two games in one.

Still, this is a solid title that must be experienced. If you don't mind a few disembodied handfuls of rage-inducing difficulty or the constant, sanity-warping slapstick, you'll have a blast, especially if you invite some friends to slap around.

VVVVVV is a spectacular game, and while the 3DS version is a little pricier compared to other available options, it's well worth it if you've never played the game before or want it on the go.

Zen Pinball 3D is a polished experience that will please pinball and video game fans alike. Despite its conservative take on pinball, as compared to games like Devil's Crush, it still offers an enjoyable experience that is worth any 3DS owner's time.

Mutant Mudds is a top-tier eShop title, and deserves to be played by any fan of 2D platformers. Outside of the 3D effects, it doesn't do anything too radical, but it doesn't have to. Renegade Kid's first 2D platformer is a sweet, sincere effort that will remind you of the great platformers of the early '90s.

Despite these few setbacks, however, Resident Evil: Revelations is an impressive game that's great fun. Though its contribution to the larger mythos is inconsequential, the game's story mode presents a good challenge and some genuinely hair-raising moments, and Raid Mode is fun, addictive, and rewarding.

Tales of the Abyss holds up surprisingly well on the 3DS, despite being a relatively conservative port of the original. And with the 3DS's small selection of RPGs, it's a must have, and a great entry point in the Tales series.

This is SwapNote for artists. I highly recommend this app, and I think it will develop a big following among the 3DS artists out there.

Overall, Art of Balance Touch! is a remarkable title, and one that would be hard not to recommend to any 3DS owner. It a polished experience, but also a great title to just pick up and play, and the added Endurance mode does a great job of extending the game's life well after all the worlds have been completed.

For those with an interest in either strategy games or RPGs, but not sold on the other, Conquest is the perfect introduction to both.

The size and pliability of the Final Fantasy music library ultimately allows for the game's extensive and difficulty spanning interpretations of each track, and fosters as fulfilling an experience as almost anything else on the 3DS.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance is both a great entry in the Kingdom Hearts series and a great 3DS game. The story flaws may distract some, but the remainder of the game is worthwhile.

All in all, Art Academy is a work of art in itself. It provides not only some of the soundest art lessons you can obtain, but the tools to apply what you learn as you learn it. It's better than learning from a book, cheaper than paying for a tutor, and a whole lot less messy than its real life alternative.

So if you've never played MSF, this is definitely the way to do so. For people who've already bought the game on 3DS, it's a judgment call. I certainly don't have buyer's remorse thanks to the new content, but you will basically have to play through that of the 3DS game again to get to it. But with those pretty new graphics, who's complaining?

While the missing features are disappointing, I think the GamePad functionality adds a lot to the game. As someone who has bought many versions of the series over the past few years on multiple platforms, I would argue that this is the best one I've played, because the GamePad use adds so much to the formula.

These kinds of games are not for everyone, and some people may not like ZombiU due to its high level of difficulty or clunky combat. However, if you appreciate the qualities of the older Resident Evil games, the challenge of a game like Dark Souls, and the exploration of a Metroid-style world, this game is absolutely for you. Enter the survival horror.

Scribblenauts Unlimited is a polished and fun launch. It is the purest realization of what makes the series so fun to date, and proves that, after so many portable iterations, Scribblenauts might actually be best suited for the TV and Nintendo's Wii U GamePad.

Little Inferno is terrific the way it is, and doesn't need to conform just to fit inside a box. In the end, it's enough to just snuggle up around the fire and keep it well fed.

Black Ops II on Wii U may amount to the same experience as on other systems, but it remains an impressive game. The aging multiplayer could use more of a twist, but the campaign is top-notch, and even Zombies mode manages a few new things. In the first of what will likely be many appearances on Nintendo's new system, the franchise delivers.

Trine 2 is best when digested and enjoyed slowly, but even if you choose to blast through the game, you will surely have fun with its multiplayer, visuals, and puzzle design. This early eShop title is certainly worth any adventurous player's purchase.

Despite these problems, Darksiders II is an excellent, lovingly crafted game I wholeheartedly recommend, especially if you liked the first. From a production value perspective, it's at the top of its class, and my problems with the game are largely personal preference quibbles. Just like the first, Darksiders II is the Zelda game we never got.

Crashmo's difficulty and more abstracted play style may turn off some Pushmo veterans who crave more structure in their block puzzles. However, with refined gameplay and a wealth of content, the new game in the young series is still one of the best games on the 3DS eShop.

With no way for Skylanders veterans to dive into the Wii U version without buying the Starter Kit, the best bet may be to stick with whatever system you've been using and wait until the next year's version to consider jumping to Wii U. Skylanders Giants is excellent, and the Wii U version is a fine port, but until the near-field communication technology on the GamePad is used in the game, this version is unfortunately hampered.

Minor issues aside, escapeVektor still packs a lot; in addition to the story and online leaderboards, the game features a variety of achievement-like badges, and every level has four high score medals.

HarmoKnight is a Game Freak product, through and through. While its nods to Pokémon are apparent in unlockable content and a Gengar-esque antagonist, the truth behind my assumption is actually buried a little deeper.

Etrian Odyssey IV’s sense of adventure is ever present as you explore its wide variety of environments. The game’s lackluster story and occasional difficulty may scare some away, but between the amazing dungeons, challenging battles, and great music, this is an accessible and worthwhile chapter in the series.

As everything Tri was and more, Ultimate in its portable form is a must-have, at least for Monster Hunter fans. Being able to bring the game’s immersive world with you where ever you go is a truly incredible experience.

Toki Tori 2 demands a lot from players, more than the vast majority of modern games do. We have come to rely on games holding our hands and pointing out what to pay attention to as soon as we come across a puzzle, before we've had the chance to work it out. Allow Toki Tori 2 to remind you just how satisfying it can be to solve a clever puzzle entirely by yourself. This opportunity is all too rare today.

Steeped in heavy strategy and gameplay complexities, this game is definitely not a leisurely pick-up-and-play experience, but if you’re looking for a rewarding challenge, then welcome to Amami City.

Fun is the simplest word to describe Feel the Magic. You will not find a more zany, unique, and varied game available. The story, graphical style, and games blend together to create a truly one of a kind experience.

Mixes elements of classic Mario games and sidescrolling shooters with touch screen controls for an experience like you’ve never played before.

While other games in the Wario Ware series have been packed full of micro-games and unlockables, SaWaRu falls slightly short of the lofty goals set by its predecessors. The overall number of games is smaller, and the fact that some of them are very similar serves to make the list appear even slimmer.

A highly original action game that takes quite a while to master, and it has tons of modes, multiplayer features, and unlockables to keep you playing until you do reach a level of mastery.

With top-notch graphics and sound that believably invoke the Metroid series, not to mention some really cool pinball innovations that incorporate many trademark features of the series, this game really does feel like a seamless, if unlikely, merging between classic arcade pinball and the creepy-cool Metroid Prime series.

The polygonal, disembodied head of Ryuta Kawashima acts as your personal coach, and his quips are actually pretty amusing. Challenges are stripped down to just include what's necessary, and there's not much to fault, in that sense.

The tank battles are unexpectedly fun and should be a blast with friends in multiplayer.

The mandatory touch screen controls for Command actually work very well.

If you enjoyed Custom Robo, which I did, and are ready for more options, parts, robos, and online play, then dive in. You won’t regret it.

Yoshi’s Island DS may not be perfect, but it is still a great game, even by Mario standards, and should leave a grin on your face as big as Yoshi’s.

Variety is king in WarioWare, and while the game does not contain an absurd amount of pointless unlockables, or a true high-score mode for individual games, it is still a ton of fun.

While the game design has its issues and the localization bloopers are regretful, I still found myself glued to the DS—on my second play through.

What Nintendogs does, it does very well. It’s a brilliant design that’s instantly appealing, and it truly can’t be done on any platform but the Nintendo DS.

Instead of porting it over without much thought, they took the time to get something working that took advantage of the Wii's strengths.

Although the original Trauma Center is a fantastic game, I wouldn't say it's for everyone, due to the extreme difficulty. Second Opinion fixes that issue while providing options to make the game even harder for veteran players.

The combination of online classic Bomberman play and unique mini-games make Touch! Bomberman Land a highly recommended purchase. [JPN Import]

There will come a point where you'll need to overcome some big challenges to unlock the last few stages, but by that point enough content will be available to where you'll have played more than your money's worth.

Not only is Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party the first traditional DDR game to hit a Nintendo platform, it also may be the best version on any platform yet. It's incredibly refreshing to see a new incarnation of this game have such a great set of new modes to go along with the tried and true.

Etrian Odyssey definitely isn't for everyone, but that's due to its genre rather than lack of quality. If you have a taste for brutal difficulty and don't mind a touch of level grinding now and then, you'll want to savor this game like a fine wine.

The main mode of the game is a little short, and some poor game structure choices dampen the playability a bit, but that doesn’t erase the fact that the game includes some of the best platforming experiences available.

The game never allows a dull moment, and it will keep players engaged with its fast-paced antics.

Draglade is a brilliant marriage of music and fighting.

New Blood is a wonderful game that combines a compelling story, challenging gameplay with fully adjustable difficulty, and plenty of variety and longevity. It’s perfect for fans of Second Opinion, while the cooperative mode and optional tutorials make it easier for new players to learn.

When a developer is able to marry the perfect controls of this game with content and gameplay that are equally polished, we'll really have something. And judging by Team Fusion's admirable first effort on Wii, they might just be the developers to do it.

Speed Racer The Videogame is surprisingly good. Very good. It blends fun gameplay with superb graphics. Its biggest problem is that there isn't more to play; the single player can be conquered in a fairly short period of time, and the lack of a story means there isn't a whole lot of pay-off for doing so.

For fans of the strategy genre, this is your definitive game on the DS; go and pick this game up without a second thought.

Mario Kart Wii is ultimately much the same game as Mario Kart DS, but this is forgivable due to its drastically improved online functionality along with some welcome gameplay additions and tweaks.

It’s a no-brainer for open-minded gamers looking to diversify their collection. Dive in.

Wii Fit is a great supplement to your existing exercise routine, but I don’t think it will ever replace a gym membership and proper eating. However, it does provide at least one very unique experience: the improvement and awareness of your center of balance.

Pinball Hall of Fame is unapologetically faithful to its source material, and doesn't offer any olive branches to those who have never found pinball compelling. Nevertheless, FarSight Studios has crafted a wonderfully authentic pinball experience.

Ultimately, Etrian Odyssey II lives up to its predecessor while including several incremental improvements that make the gameplay smoother.

Regardless of length, the game provides for a satisfying experience while it lasts, with puzzles neither seeming too hard or too easy. Fans of puzzle games in general, and particularly those in the vein of Capcom's Zack & Wiki, won't regret picking this one up.

Its disappointing single-player component seems hastily-designed with its cookie-cutter plot, limited range of enemies, and myriad elements copied wholesale from popular recent first-person shooters. On the other hand, its multiplayer component is great, matching online shooters on other platforms feature-for-feature and providing a no-hassle experience that's among the best on Wii.

Dragon Quest V is a fantastic RPG. While this conservative update is still mired by old-fashioned game mechanics, the fifth entry in the fabled series is carried by its unique story structure and the once-innovative and still engaging monster collection. It is highly recommended to all RPG fans, but newcomers to the genre should cut their teeth elsewhere.

Fair warning: the game is challenging, and at times you will want to throw your DS against the wall. Regardless, you will likely become addicted to the game's unique traits and simple-yet-fun gameplay.

Groovin' Blocks is one of those games that can be hard to explain, but it is easy to pick up and understand once you play it. It's special among WiiWare games for being such a well-rounded, complete package and for avoiding common gimmicks like misplaced motion control and garish Mii integration.

While not revolutionary by today's standards, it is easy to understand why the original was groundbreaking in its day.

With its additional shot possibilities (and the ability to control your movement), Wii Sports Tennis looks downright primitive by comparison.

Warts and all, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 is a revolution in the way golf games control. The new Wii MotionPlus controls are very good, but not amazing yet. If you can power through the early throes of career mode so your player is halfway decent, or are a huge fan of Disc Golf, then by all means pick up this game immediately. Just don't expect it to actually improve your golf swing.

It is easily one of the most original games in the series, thanks to its globetrotting, mystery-solving theme along with gameplay that recalls classic game conventions while successfully putting a MySims theme on it. This is one mission players will not regret taking on.

Those willing to look past its cuteness will find one of the most inventive uses for the Wii Remote yet, along with great rhythmic challenge, bonus content and additional game modes. Music gaming just doesn't get better than this.

You can't find any other game like this one on Wii. For a WiiWare title, the production value is over the top.

Mini Ninjas may not blow down any doors, but it is unique and very well executed. It's also fun, with appealing visuals and interesting environments designed for exploration. In some places, the game may fall a little bit short, but don't let that fool you. In the end, it's all Ninja, and not to be underestimated.

Those that loved No More Heroes will really enjoy Desperate Struggle. The winning gameplay has been retained and polished for an even more enjoyable experience, and the changes made to the overall gameplay makes things a lot more accessible, quicker, and more fun overall.

The game is still a first-rate effort, despite its middling problems. Anyone who enjoyed Southpeak's previous effort, Moon, will also dig this game. Just follow those PROTIPS that I've scattered throughout the review, and your first playthrough will be as enjoyable as my second one.

A damn fine game when all is said and done. It's a focused, linear experience that never really slows down.

Ace Attorney Investigations is a fantastic game for fans of the series. It expands the mythos, features a novel take on familiar gameplay, and stars a fan-favorite character.

The campaign is tired and played out for returning players, but for those who love Wii controls, the multiplayer is just as addicting.

Link 'n' Launch may not be the most innovative new title from Intelligent Systems, but it's still a blast to play.

Everything you could ever need to create the best microgame on the planet is in Wario Ware D.I.Y. Even if the learning curve is steep, you will be amazed at how much freedom the game offers when it comes to creativity.

A great game, and the best entry in the franchise. The storyline never fails to impress: it dives very deep into the darkest pits of the human mind while still having a sense of humor about it.

BIT.TRIP RUNNER is a feast for the eyes and ears, and its gameplay is very inspired. However, the lack of checkpoints makes things more frustrating than they should be, but if you loved the earlier BIT.TRIP games, then RUNNER shouldn't be missed.

Puzzle Quest 2 doesn't have the fresh, "gotta-try-it" feeling of the original title, but for those who enjoyed the ideas behind Puzzle Quest but weren't thrilled with the execution, this sequel is a no-brainer purchase. It feels like a breath of fresh air…relentlessly addictive fresh air.

Red Sun Rising is one of the better WiiWare games released yet, assuming you can adjust to the game's awkward style of controls.

Despite its relative obscurity, this game feels almost tailor-made for anyone eager to reconnect with the kind of fighting experience that's been in short supply on Nintendo consoles since the end of the 16-bit era. The outrageously fun but equally well-conceived fighting won't disappoint, and if you have friends you've just been longing to beat up with a giant transforming golden cigarette lighter robot, then Tatsunoko vs. Capcom carries the highest of recommendations. [JPN Import]

If you're satisfied with a short and sweet puzzle platformer for under $10, then Divergent Shift is right in your wheelhouse.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold oozes personality, bringing a lot of the cartoon show's wit and humor to the portable system.

Frankly, I haven't seen a more impressive Wii shooter. Old and new fans alike will find much to love, and I encourage everyone here to give it a shot.

Ghost Mania is a fun, challenging, and well-developed puzzle game.

Plants vs. Zombies is a fantastic handheld game, and well suited to the Nintendo DS. Unfortunately, superior versions of the game are available for much cheaper on almost every other platform, making the DS version a hard sell.

The core game remains enjoyable.

The improvements made in de Blob 2 make it a much stronger game than the first, but likely won't be enough to convince players who were jaded after the first game.

Bit.Trip Flux is greater than the sum of its parts, though. It might be very similar to Gaijin Games' first title, but it shows growth - both in the character arc of Commander Video and the evolution of the series.

With a noble history on the Famicom, Super Famicom, and now the GBA, Fire Emblem holds up the tradition of excellent gameplay, interesting scenarios, and an engaging storyline. The only real complaint I have as a Fire Emblem fan is that the game is very easy.

Ruby & Sapphire are thoroughly upgraded versions with great graphics & sound and tons of new features, even if it's almost the same old game under all of that.

While the game of tennis may seem simple from a glance, Sega really nailed the core intricacies in terms of giving the player the most amount of control possible without hampering any other aspect of the gameplay.

Tony Hawk on the Game Boy is just as good as Tony Hawk on the GameCube (and other consoles).

The conspiracy plotline is great, and the game has a good mix of serious and light-hearted moments. It can be quite engaging at times, and it’s easy to find yourself playing just to find out what happens next.

The chain-rod, (though not perfect) as well as the other new features add just enough to keep the formula from getting stale. The fast and exciting gameplay will keep you on your toes and immersed in the game.

Certainly one of the top RPGs on Game Boy Advance. It shines most in its subtleties, but unfortunately those are all too easy for many players to miss.

A damn good shooter. The film noir story is excellent and knows how to poke fun of itself very well. The only real problem is the length. Sadly, the game is quite short, even if it is a roller coaster ride from start to finish.

The addition of multiple mini-games and more hidden secrets throughout the levels certainly makes up for it not being an exact port.

Like its predecessors, it's an action-platforming player's dream come true. The action is fast and intense, and it doesn't often let up. Those who have played and enjoyed the first two games in the series will find this third installment just as much fun, although just a hair less difficult.

You can do all that fancy car customization in the GBA version too, and the racing action is quite good too, just like it is on the GameCube.

By bringing back some of the complexity from the Super Famicom titles that the GBA games have lacked, and by catering to new players by compensating the difficulty level, Intelligent Systems have crafted a fine addition to the Fire Emblem name. [JPN Import]

It more than meets expectations, with its addictive gameplay, scorekeeping, and level-selecting all well-suited for GBA gaming on the go.

The definitive version of an already great game, and in the shadow of other Final Fantasy releases, should not be missed.

I was positively crestfallen when I exited the menu to find that my car design didn't stay put.

As a Resident Evil fanatic, this is probably the best game in the series. Personally, it’s battling "RE2" to become my favourite RE game of all time.

When it comes down to playing the game, it is just fun; sucking up ghosts is somehow addicting.

Pikmin's main strength is its sense of freedom and discovery. There is a strong balance between this sense of freedom and having set goals.

It's a peculiar addiction when you spend most of your days looking for a toilet to put in your basement and writing letters to the hippo next door.

The ultimate refinement of the Mario Kart concept; if you love that concept, you'll love the things Double Dash adds and enhances. If you were tired of the formula or never liked it to begin with, this game is not going to convert you.

A highly addictive SRPG that appeals to veterans with its complex battle system and skills tree, while allowing one to customize and micromanage to their heart's content. The amount of things to do in the game is absolutely astounding.

Easily one of the most pleasant surprises I’ve witnessed in terms of gaming... One of the most complex, yet user friendly sports games I’ve ever played.

It's a game that does a few things extremely well and a lot of things competently, but the fact that everything is so well integrated is probably the most impressive...It's fun and brilliantly produced, with plenty to do and see.

It’s jam-packed with clever little touches, and only really disappoints in that it has to end.

Even the moments of relative calm are intense.

If you have the people and equipment to play it, Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles is a great adventure that has no trouble standing out from the crowd of GameCube RPGs.

The game is brutally, unrelentlessly difficult, and it very much expects you to play through the same levels and same situations over and over again until you get it right. [Import]

There are a couple slight disappointments, particularly the lack of more Nintendo themes, but unless you're already burnt out on music games, Donkey Konga is a blast to play and is easily worth importing. [Import]

It is one of the few games that practically requires friends. Without friends to play with, the game is little more than a port of the GBA version, "Wario Ware Inc.: Mega Microgame$." [JPN Import]

With a wonderful Create-a-Superstar mode, a good Story Mode, solid gameplay, and most of the other features found in recent wrestling games, WWE Day of Reckoning should be judged favorably with all other WWE games.

Gripes aside, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat is a fantastic platforming game with plenty of new ideas and a great style to call its own. The game also features beautiful graphics which are reminiscent of the technical qualities of Rare's "Star Fox Adventures."

In fact, it feels fresher and more compelling with each new level.

A pretty fun game, although it does feel a bit dragged out and repetitive once in a while. There isn't an auto-save either, so you'll need to remember to save frequently, which can be done from the pause menu.

Having a perfect version of MMX3 is reason alone to spring for this package, so if you're a fan of 2D action, you really can't go wrong with it.

The incremental improvements continue, with an overhauled graphics engine and new gameplay features, but the title still falls ever so short from living up to the pedigree established by AKI and games like "No Mercy" on the Nintendo 64.

A great game. With a great story and polished cinemas and voice-work, it has a lot for fans, and it gives players considerable freedom to approach the game however they like, either as a single-player or multiplayer experience.

The mini-game drills are fun and a nice change of pace.

This is the perfect date game on two-player mode, and if you have a soft spot for the wonders of domestic tranquility, you'll have a great time playing this game.

The game is very challenging, and trying to collect all of the mini-games is rewarding. I will be playing this one even on my Revolution next year.

Overall, the faults of Lego Star Wars can be forgiven just to play as a Lego General Grievious swinging four lightsabers, or as Yoda bouncing around, or as Chewbacca.

Long on style and short on substance, but it does have enough going for it to be considered a very good racing game.

a great launch game that offers fun gameplay and an awesome use of 3D.

A few frustrating moments and some jittery split screen action aside, Lego Star Wars III has sold me on the Lego series of games.

Antipole is a very fun, imaginative platformer with lots of content and a great premise. DSi and 3DS owners would be silly to pass it up.

While I have my issues with the controls, Kirby Mass Attack is still a joy from start to finish. It might be frustrating, but it's worth the minor control annoyances to work through one of the last great games on the DS.

Perhaps the greatest offering in the series as of yet. The only blemish on the overall game completeness is its lack of an online leaderboard and the removal of the Famicom's multiplayer mode.

It was fun then, it's still fun now, and if this is a taste of what's to come in future 3D Classics titles then I'm greatly looking forward to them.

Mario Kart 7 isn't a huge leap forward for the series. Instead, it's another damn fine iteration in a proven series.

It's charming, especially when you combine that with the bizarre babble voices. I can't get enough of this game, and I doubt you'll be able to either. It's definitely worth the trip to the eShop.

Nano Assault has enough issues, whether it's the roughness of the on-rails sections or the face button directional shooting, that it might turn off some players, but if you want some fast-paced and focused shooter action that looks damn fine and can get addictive, Shin'en's latest is well worth your time.

The game manages to keep the hectic and wild spirit Mario Party is known for while eliminating superfluous gimmicks and features that slowed the pace down instead of making it equally interesting for everybody.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 is a fine, quality Mario title that deserves a mention in the same breath as Nintendo's finest 2D platformers. It doesn't hit their highest highs, but comes much closer than the other games in the New Super Mario Bros. series.

Fractured Soul is a superb and fairly extensive collection of clever, interesting, and devious platforming ideas; most of it is good, much of it is fantastic.

Yes, it's as excellent as ever, but it doesn't strive to eclipse its predecessor. The poorly paced plot and lack of freshness leads me to believe the original may be better. Black 2 is fully worth a purchase, but beating the game only left me wanting more, and not in a good way.

Yes, it's as excellent as ever, but it doesn't strive to eclipse its predecessor. The poorly paced plot and lack of freshness leads me to believe the original may be better. Black 2 is fully worth a purchase, but beating the game only left me wanting more, and not in a good way.

As I sing the praises of how much of an improvement this application is, I can't help but shake the fact that the price of admission is very steep. Currently priced higher than any other eShop-exclusive game, there is no shame in thinking that 3D Pro is just too expensive. However, if you are a big fan of the series and can appreciate the app's specific content, Pokédex 3D Pro may be worth it.

A few technical bugs aside, Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition is a great port of one of last year's great games.

Still, Nano Assault Neo is fun, plays well, and looks great whether you are looking at the TV or playing solely on the GamePad's screen. The ease of getting in and out of a game means that any unsuccessful attempt at improving your scores will likely compel you to try again.

Single-player attractions may have some flaws, but for now, Nintendo Land is the quintessential multiplayer game that everyone should at least check out.

Tekken Tag 2 was a great game before it hit Wii U, and on the system, it's a little bit better, even if the improvements are largely on the periphery. The game might not be ideal for newcomers, but it is likely the best Tekken game available, so if you've ever been curious about the series, Tekken Tag 2 is a good place to start.

As a complete package, WWE 13 may be the best wrestling game on the market in years. Although the storyline mode caters to a bygone era, there are still plenty of modern wrestlers to choose from, and match types aimed at current WWE fans. Though the Wii version lacks the downloadable content and online play of its HD counterparts, it still feels like a solid update.

Thankfully, despite having systems upon systems upon systems, the game really isn't as complex as the string of tutorials at the beginning would have you believe. I was overwhelmed at first but, after some practice and going over the in-game tips, the battles become second nature.

While Unlimited's focus may have moved toward usability, it's still a great game. It doesn't bring wild and crazy innovation, but progress the series nonetheless. By streamlining its process, Unlimited gives players even better ways to lose themselves in a playground of their own creation.

Mirror of Fate is a confident interpretation of well-trod mechanics and themes, and the Castlevania name is stronger for it.

Gorgeous visuals coupled with a stunning use of stereoscopic depth make for one of the most graphically stunning packages on the Nintendo 3DS. Luckily, it’s a lot of fun to play, too.

However, like the first Rolling Western game, it demands a lot of your attention, and since the sequel is just that much bigger, one has to wonder whether The Last Ranger's relentless pace is just a little too much game to handle.

There’s a lot of content here, and I can’t recommend Injustice highly enough for both fighting fans and DC enthusiasts.

Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move is a fresh take on a series that seemed routed in a certain style of design.

Retro Studios’ foray into 2D platformers is great, but this isn’t the definitive version and, honestly, you might be better off tracking down the Wii version.

Players who enjoy earning vehicles and the funds necessary to pimp them out should especially enjoy it. It will take you quite some time to complete everything, and it really does feel like a full-fledged console racer that you can take with you on the road.

Only someone who hates comedy could dislike this game. Seriously. If you delight in the absurd and can take a good sassing from the sassiest game to ever sass a sassee, then buy it.

Its simple presentation may deter players who like a bit more pizzazz and graphical flare, but an entertaining game with lastability awaits those who decide to pick it up. [JPN Import]

It goes beyond the "gimmicky" nature of touch screen controls and provides a unique and fun experience.

I'm going to be frank: Bomberman DS is the best multiplayer Bomberman game ever. With so many different game modes, options, items, and arenas, there's enough variety that the game never gets old.

A wonderfully unique game that does an excellent job of sucking the player in through both the tense operations and intricate story segments.

There is enough micro-management (keeping your hotel clean, your guests happy, and your sanity intact) that when you get things accomplished you feel good about it, but the game never overwhelms you.

My opinion of Partners in Time is smeared by the battle system's flaws, which become more of an issue towards the end of the game. However, this is by far the best RPG currently available for the DS, and its use of the dual screens opens up gameplay possibilities that just aren't available on any other system.

Super Princess Peach is cute, delightfully absurd, and a true-blue Mario game, but still a bit easy. It's probably worth fifty clams to a hardcore Mario fan, but maybe a bit iffy for someone looking for a challenge. [JPN Import]

Even with the control and dialog problems, and the item-toting frustrations, Resident Evil: Deadly Silence is still as good as the original was, and more so because of the addition of Rebirth mode and the touch screen mechanics.

Overall, it's a great game for anybody who's a fan of puzzle games or logic problems.

Not much about the game has a real Pokémon feel, as even the art and music are quite different from the standard Pokémon fare. However, thanks to the Pokédex, one of the core aspects of Pokémon, “gotta catch ‘em all," is still present and provides some replay incentive.

Hunters is really two games; one is fantastic, the other is not. One is easily worth buying if you have good access to wireless Internet, while the other feels slapped together to dupe hardcore Metroid fans and to put "Action-Packed Single-Player Mode!" on the back of the box.

A solid GBA game trapped in a DS card. It’s got an issue or two, but it’s a pretty epic undertaking and still has a lot to recommend it. If you need a solid handheld title or don’t have enough consoles to be exceptionally busy this holiday, give it a shot.

Is this the game Mana fans have been waiting for? Probably not. However, Children of Mana is an excellent game in its own right, bringing dungeon crawling to a new level on Nintendo DS.

The unique control scheme makes for an interesting change and a lot of fun, while the extra challenge modes provide incentive for much replay.

There's a lot more dialogue than some adventure players may be used to, but the characters have wonderfully distinct personalities. (Who doesn't love an old woman with an eyepatch drinking at the bar?)

Mario Hoops is an innovative adaptation of the sport, and the multiplayer is worth trying, even with just two players.

This is Nintendo's best console racer since "F-Zero GX," although it will appeal to a somewhat different crowd than that hardcore series.

There's a good balance between the action and RPG elements, and the subtle depth of the battle system is aided by quick weapon selection. Plus, the final dungeon shows that the new dual-character system has some potential for cooperative play in the future.

All in all, Mega Man ZX is a worthy successor to the Mega Man Zero line. The combination of Zero's gameplay with X's power-collecting is a nice mesh of the two series.

Aside from reading the cards (there are guides available online), importers shouldn't have too much trouble. The main menu is mostly spoken in English, so navigation is just a matter of listening closely, and the submenus aren't too difficult either. [JPN Import]

An example of what a good classics collection should be. It has a wide selection of games, all kinds of extra content for each, loads of customization options, and some really innovative uses of the DS's wireless capabilities.

It's one of the first Wii games to go beyond a gimmick and show players what the system is truly capable of.

Don’t look at the license and figure it’s some kid game – there’s a whole lot of meat to this package.

Partially wasted license aside, Spider-Man 3 is a fluid, fun, refined handheld game that clearly benefits from being the developer's fourth Spidey game on the system in less than three years.

A good little package. Competitive play just doesn't work as well as it does for some other puzzle games, but it can still be fun in short spurts.

One of the best single player experiences on Wii to this point. The basic gameplay is so strong that it easily overcomes a bland story and sometimes frustrating gestures. This game is just begging for a sequel, full of the same point-and-click animal changing fun.

Overall, Professor Layton and the Curious Village is a very interesting game but it definitely caters to a niche audience. If you don't like brain-teasers, it's probably not for you.

Seldom do you see so thorough an effort put forth by a third-party developer, and on the Nintendo DS at that. It isn't a perfect racing game, but its sheer variety of vehicles, tracks, and game modes, as well as the ability create custom tracks and cars for online use, make it a great gaming value.

Geometry Wars: Galaxies will appeal to fans of arcade-style gameplay. It keeps its action simple, but intense.

A good game that features fun gameplay, an entertaining story, an interesting gameplay environment, and plenty of places to explore. You’ll enjoy it if you like exploring a world that feels alive. Its greatest flaw is its sub-par graphics.

Seriously, EA, don't invite that "GET IN THE HOLE" guy back again.