A wonderfully refreshing revamp. [March 2012, p.102]

More of the same, which is no bad thing at all. If you loved the first, you'll feel the same about the second.

More of the same, which is no bad thing at all. If you loved the first, you'll feel the same about the second.

This is the perfect way to enjoy five fantastic Bit.Trip games (and Bit.Trip Core) in one place. [Apr 2012, p.102]

You couldn't call this a game, but it's brilliant for budding artists. [July 2012, p.97]

Struggles to capture the creative spark of its NES/SNES ancestors, but this is rock solid platforming elevated through a renewed focus on skilled play.

Look past the tilting troubles and Spin Cycle purifies Curve's original idea with its condensed puzzling. Plenty of plop for your buck, too.

There's not so much replay value but the controls give it a new lease on life. [Christmas 2006, p.92]

Hugely enjoyable, if a touch short, but with enough replay value and atmosphere to make it work really well. [Oct 2007, p.88]

Once the training is out of the way, you'll lose yourself for hours on end. [Aug 2007, p.80]

Get two people together and it's damn good fun! [June 2007, p.90]

Familiar gameplay, but the finely crafted stories make this the best game in the series. [Nov 2008, p.86]

It really makes you think and that, surely, is the point of a puzzle game. [Oct 2007, p.96]

Beautiful, action-packed and crazy as hell to boot. [May 2008, p.75]

Gets the nod for its accessible controls and online gameplay. It's definitely more about multiplayer though. [Aug 2008, p.91]

We loved it, but we understand a lot of people might not. A niche experience then, but a great one. [Sept 2008, p.88]

It's not perfect but it's greatly improved, and with tons of game modes and tournaments in here, you'll get a solid round of golf out of this. Finally. [Nov 2008, p.102]

While it's essentially the same as it ever was, the added bells and whistles make this the best SimCity game on the DS.

Great fun in short bursts, MadWorld is a quality title with buckets of gore, style and humour.

Staggering depth. [Apr 2010, p.80]

All you need to know is that if clever and cheap puzzle titles are your thing, you need to be downloading this one. [Nov 2008, p.103]

Repetition is just about kept at bay by delicious artiness and deeply involving combat. [Dec 2009, p.80]

MySims Kingdom is all about the experience and it takes you on a charming journey where you get to meet and greet some brilliant characters. Yet, as an adventure, MySims is now in the company of the best that Wii has to offer and it just can't live with the likes of Galaxy and Twilight Princess. Still, provided you have some heart, this Kingdom packs more than enough personality to make it well worth a visit.

A clever puzzler. [Christmas 2008, p.99]

It's brilliant. [Dec 2008, p.96]

Despite being scaled down to fit on the handheld, this is another fine addition to the DS's huge RPG roster.

A charming, addictive and original addition to the growing DSiWare library. [Jan 2010, p.83]

A cracking download that exemplifies everything great about WiiWare. [Sept 2009, p.94]

A fun second chapter, though not quite up to the standard of the first.

Get the hang of it and this will take over your life in ways that should probably be illegal. [Dec 2009, p.97]

If this had been a real NES game back in the day, it'd have been one of the best. [May 2010, p.88]

A great expansion for the DS game. [June 2010, p.94]

At times, it's one of the best-looking games on Wii - it swims in its own painterly style, and the Disney-grade animation lends every motion some real punch. If you look past its shortcomings as an admittedly un-epic platformer, you'll see that Epic Mickey is a deep game with explicit replay value and immense character.

If not a return to form for Sonic on DS, then it maintains the series' high handheld form.

DQIX is tighter, but this is still an epic 40-plus hours of classic RPG gaming.

A brilliant and bloody rampage through recent Resi lore. High score chasers only. [July 2011, p.82]

Pac-Man Tilt is almost good enough to recommend alone. An ace collection. [Sept 2011, p.88]

Mildly disappointing port of an exceptional game that retains its charm.

Despite the main game's brief length, Sonic Generations is fantastic fun. As long as you don't mind replaying the same levels to try to better your own records, which is a challenge in itself, this is an essential purchase for Sonic fans.

It's not the smartest Layton ever, but it's a huge improvement on Spectre's Call.

An amazing amount of thought has gone into this; in an industry dominated by scattershot excess, this is a perfect exercise in honing a single strength.

The fourth Micro Machines game does the franchise proud with a host of cars, some very inventive tracks and multiplayer gameplay more addictive than chocolate milk. [Nov 2006, p.80]

It's action-packed, has an involving story and loads of customisation options. [June 2007, p.80]

Okay, so Excite Truck skips a few beats in the way of options and multiplayer modes. But at its core it's a fantastic racer with stunning speed and awesome gameplay. [Feb 2007, p.58]

It's the kind of unique game that the Wii was made for. [Aug 2007, p.94]

Loads to do, tons of moves, great action and numerous characters to play with. This is a vast game that has plenty of Dragon Ball Z characters and plots for the fans. [Mar 2007, p.82]

A deep, engrossing tactical-strategy RPG weighing in with several weeks of play. [Nov 2007, p.93]

There's no fighting game quite like Dragon Ball Z, and BT3 plays brilliantly. [Feb 2008, p.78]

Konami's willingness to put the Wii's controls to good use without making a gimmick-laden game pays off once again - Dewy is great fun, if slightly infuriating for all the right reason. [Dec 2007, p.78]

As freeform a game as you're likely to get, offering depth beyond measure. [Jan 2008, p.80]

Original, polished and heaps of fun, this is one of the finest shooters available on the DS.

Classy RPG gaming for a younger crowd. Buy it for your kid brother, then borrow it when no-one's looking. [Nov 2008, p.88]

Bar some tiny niggles, it's easily the best wrestling game since the N64 glory days.

A cute exterior masks a hardcore heart - it might be brutally hard but it'll have you coming back for more. [Nov 2008, p.94]

It's not quite as well-rounded as "Mario & Sonic" but still offers some great gameplay. [July 2008, p.96]

If you're after a nostalgia trip this is perfect. [Apr 2009, p.80]

A handful of niggles, but not enough to stop this from being more accessible and enjoyable than its predecessor.

Sure, its very nature dictates it's a dumbed down take on a sophisticated shooter but it's a classy, atmospheric and very exciting action title nonetheless, pipping Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles and House Of The Dead to the Wii's best blaster crown.

With great controls and an involving plot, this is one title that's well worth conquering. [July 2009, p.90]

Weapons are more numerous and better balanced this time. [May 2010, p.82]

The arcadey approach is an interesting diversion for the series and one that just about pays off. [Nov 2009, p.80]

It's fairly easy but still makes for a pretty, touching story. [July 2009, p.74]

The kick up the backside the series needed. It's a little low on laughs but great fun nonetheless.

A great update to an already addictive game, at an affordable price. [Nov 2009, p.103]

A really taxing, enjoyable romp that's only let down by some irritating combat.

Charming, clever and compelling all at once, this game does everything right.

Picross 3D doesn't quite have the personality of its 2D predecessor but it's still a compelling puzzler. [Mar 2010, p.85]

A good value Punch-Out! clone. [June 2010, p.95]

Lacklustre cats and familiar pooches, but still an engaging and adorable pet sim. [Apr 2011, p.102]

Lacklustre cats and familiar pooches, but still an engaging and adorable pet sim. [Apr 2011, p.102]

Lacklustre cats and familiar pooches, but still an engaging and adorable pet sim. [Apr 2011, p.102]

One of the better Final Fantasy games, FFV improves upon the Job system but doesn't match the storyline "FFIV" or "FFVI". It's still one hell of a handheld adventure though. [Apr 2007, p.90]

Conduit 2 is a huge improvement over the original game. It's still not without its problems, such as its awkward controls and the B-movie production values but it's still well worth a look if you're a fan of first-person shooters.

As long as you aren't interested in motion controls, it's the best tennis game on Wii. [June 2011, p.100]

Like many NES games, TwinBee is very difficult and there are no continues - but it never seems unfair so even if you're getting pummeled, you'll feel like going back in for more punishment.

A generally fantastic series of games let down by some very shoddy ports.

An addictive, lovingly created rhythm game and a treat for Final Fantasy fans, though it can get a bit repetitive at times.

Vibrant combat and lush Disney worlds atone for the dud dual-character idea. [Aug 2012, p.97]

Probably the best superhero game ever made. If you're willing to fight innovations to see the game at its best, this is a huge slab of muscular adventuring.

A fantastically well put-together game hamstrung only by the inherent limitations of the sport itself. No other Wii U title offers such great value for money.

It's great for Hawk's newbies but its stripped down nature won't please veterans who'll want more open worlds to explore. [Christmas 2006, p.86]

The story is nothing new and the spaceship parts are a bit rubbish, but Lunar Knights is an action-packed quest with plenty of depth and non-stop battling. [Apr 2007, p.86]

It's certainly not the most subtle game in the world but if you're old enough to play it Scarface is a joy. It's a shame it looks like it was made five years ago, though. [Aug 2007, p.84]

A classic reworked to its former glory. This works well on othe DS and is great fun, but the silly amount of depth makes it excessively complicated too. [May 2007, p.76]

This surpasses expectations. It looks great, has fantastic online features and the course editor is brilliant. If only the cars felt a little more like cars. [Oct 2007, p.90]

Better than being in the arcades and with more extras than an all-you-can-eat buffet, Ghost Squad gets a high five from us. Future shooters take note: the bar has been set high. [Feb 2008, p.68]

If you like your fighting retro then Ultimate Mortal Kombat is the game for you, and the addition of "Puzzle Kombat" and Wi-Fi combat makes it a great package. [Feb 2008, p.70]

It might make the hardcore gamer in us cringe at its mainstream appeal, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. [Feb 2008, p.85]

An extremely rewarding tour of duty for the DS. [Jan 2008, p.76]

Fast paced, challenging and totally mental, this is a pumping update of the ancient shooter. [Aug 2008, p.87]

A joyous little platformer that show how WiiWare should be done, but it's all over too soon. [July 2008, p.80]

It's currently the best racing simulation on the Wii by default but it's a good racer in its own right too. [Nov 2008, p.80]

Compulsive to play...Just a shame it's a little short. [July 2009, p.94]

It's an absolute hoot but if you're after a meaty challenge, you definitely won't find it here.

If there were a little more variety to the gameplay, this would be damn nigh essential. As it is, it's a high-end, polished game that'll crease your chops into an appreciative grin.

The best wrestling game on a Nintendo console since the N64 glory days. Impressive.

This is one spin-off that actually tries to mix things up a bit. One for pop music fans.

It's Smash Bros. with a shorter lifespan and less interesting characters, but still fun nonetheless. [Nov 2009, p.72]

It's not a great port and we'd have liked more content, but the quality gameplay shines through.

It's not very easy to get to grips with but once it clicks it's very difficult to put down. [Sept 2010, p.91]

Not the most original gameplay style but its looks and humour more than compensate.

Lots to recommend about this update of the '08 game. Shame there's not more of it though.

The nuts and bolts of the game remain exactly the same, but the branching storyline adds a whole new layer of depth. Splinter Cell fans will love this without being hugely surprised by it. [Dec 2006, p.84]

If you've already got this from the Wii Virtual Console, the 3D doesn't justify the price, but for everyone else this is another ace Kirby game.

The best football game currently on 3DS. [Feb 2012, p.104]

Not as intuitive as Pullblox or Tetris, but Speedthru: Potzols Puzzle is challenging and addictive. Every bit as fun as it is stressful.

This is a game that everyone - young and old - can enjoy, even if it lacks the extra pizzazz of Pullblox. [Aug 2012, p.102]

Like a pack of footy stickers, you'll find bits you want and bits you don't. Perhaps not the shiny Nintendo gem we'd hoped for, but a fun return to form.

A fun little game that will keep you busy for a while. Just don't expect it to throw you any wild surprises, other than the main control system itself. [Christmas 2007, p.85]

A fun Mario sports title and the best looking game on the DS. [Dec 2006, p.80]

The relaxed pace is good for your blood pressure but it's not much of a challenge. [Mar 2007, p.78]

The woeful AI and a few clumsy sections detract from what's otherwise a really enjoyable arcade-style experience. But it looks and sounds great and there are enough unlockables to warrant a second and third playthrough.

The sort of unique, simple and fun game the Wii needs and does so well. But frustrating hitches and sub-standard graphics tarnish what could have been a classic. [Apr 2007, p.72]

It's not motion-sensing genius but Metal Slug doesn't have to be. It's the craziest, most action-packed shooter ever and there's room for games like this outside the Virtual Console. [Apr 2007, p.87]

It's as close to the Potter world as you're likely to get in a videogame an dis fun to play too. [Aug 2007, p.74]

A must-buy for any newcomers. [Christmas 2007, p.78]

If you're after a 'serious' football game on the Wii you could do a heck of a lot worse than FIFA 08. If you had concerns about the controls, don't worry - it works. [Dec 2007, p.82]

The DS once again proves the perfect platform for the real time strategy genre. [Sept 2007, p.88]

While it's not a huge step up from last time, the added modes make it a more complete experience. [Mar 2008, p.72]

With a bit more to it we'd have no issues giving this a Gold Award. As it is, it's great fun but far too short. [Oct 2008, p.84]

Link up with other DS owners and this is essential. [Jan 2008, p.88]

As great as it is, we can't believe we've waited two years for this. [June 2008, p.80]

A flawed but very impressive romp that really puts the DS through its paces. [July 2008, p.78]

It could do with a little bit more depth but it's simple, it's great fun and it's good value for money. [July 2008, p.93]

It doesn't change the LEGO forumla but with great movie moments and loads of genuine-if-simple fun, it's still a good little game. [July 2008, p.74]

A brilliantly tongue in cheek take on the first three movies. [Aug 2008, p.100]

A great puzzler and the sort of title we'd like to see more of on WiiWare. [July 2008, p.83]

A great setting and lots of top shocks - Cursed Mountain is chilling in every sense. [Oct 2009, p.78]

Like seeing a fantastic movie that only lasts 75 minutes. It's great but over all too quickly.

A decent remake and one worth the attention of puzzle fans everywhere. [Nov 2008, p.104]

For those who fancy some non-serious gridiron action it's worth a look. [Nov 2009, p.98]

A brilliant premise which offers hours of fun, but ultimately falls foul of its own ambition. [Nov 2009, p.92]

A smart, addictive strategy offering that's among DSiWare's very finest games. [Christmas 2009, p.102]

The third chapter is just as entertaining as the first two, even if it's a little short. [Dec 2009, p.97]

Insanely hard retro magic. [Apr 2010, p.90]

It's not much to look at but Reflect Missile is one of the finest DSi games available. [Jan 2010, p.83]

Hugely addictive, but that price is nothing short of scandalous. [Apr 2010, p.92]

An essential purchase at a great price. As long as you don't own Drill Spirits, this is superb. [June 2010, p.94]

The perfect example of a WiiWare game: simple to play yet hard to put down. [Aug 2010, p.94]

One of the better-looking WiiWare games, with gameplay to match. Gets difficult though.

Solo players will miss out on a lot. Grab some mates and it's the Wii's best multiplayer game.

Ideal if you want to have the whole family crowded around the telly this Christmas. [Christmas 2010, p.73]

A classic puzzler, but it's a shame it lacks the features of other versions of the game. [Christmas 2010, p.92]

Proof that fun games can come out of very simple ideas. [Mar 2011, p.103]

With a few tweaks it could've been a classic. [Jan 2011, p.82]

FIFA 07 sets a new standard for the official football game franchise. It's smooth, satisfying and has plenty to keep you busy for ages, both on the pitch and off it. At last a decent FIFA. [Nov 2006, p.88]

It's a tad repetitive, but easily one of the best Alien releases on a Nintendo system.

Picross DS is still the best version of the game, but for those new to Picross this is a brilliant introduction.

While the single-player experience can be shallow, this game really shines in multiplayer. [Christmas 2006, p.82]

By no means perfect, but it's still a fantastic game that finally gives the blue blazer the sort of fast-paced, slick action he deserves. It's tricky to master but once you do it really shines. [Mar 2007, p.62]

It's fun to play and has a fantastic script but the annoyances are too blatant to ignore. [Sept 2007, p.78]

Other than the new controls this is the same as the PS2 and PSP Meltdowns, but when rolling a blob of mercury is as addictive and challenging as this it really doesn't matter. [Apr 2007, p.88]

Joker is a massive jump forwards from the first GBC game of '98. In terms of depth, storyline and sense of real adventure and progression, it's an enjoyable and compulsive game. [Feb 2008, p.76]

Boogie is certainly not without its flaws but as a karaoke/rhythm-action game designed to keep a crowd of people genuinely entertained it does the job perfectly. [Sept 2007, p.66]

You'll be amazed at what the developers are squeezing out of the DS. [July 2007, p.78]

It's the most realistic tennis game on the Wii and great fun to play. If you have even a passing interest in tennis this is worth a look. [July 2008, p.73]

If you plan on getting more Zapper games though, it's worth the plunge. [Jan 2008, p.72]

The definitive horse game out there, not that that's a hard claim considering the competition. Still, those with a love of equine action will be more than happy with what it offers. [Feb 2008, p.86]

A very pleasant surprise and one of the finest mature games on the Wii. Confront your fears and pick this one up.

A sweet little game that offers a nice change of pace from usual RPGs. It's VERY cute though. [May 2009, p.77]

There aren't many DS RPG's that play and look this good. The only problem is that it may be too basic for the hardened RPG fans it's aimed at. [May 2009, p.88]

Another shining example of how the simplest concept can be the most addictive. [Nov 2008, p.84]

For just 600 Points, you can't go wrong here. [Jan 2009, p.101]

If you can ignore the casual wrapping, there's a pretty good puzzle game to be found here, even if it's not quite as good as Puzzle Quest. [Feb 2009, p.87]

It does what it offers as well as you could hope, and it's ideal for anyone who reads in the dark. [Feb 2009, p.84]

If only the putting was more consistent. If it were, this would be as essential as "Grand Slam." [July 2009, p.80]

It offers nothing new but it's a Guitar Hero game with nearly 50 of the best songs in the series' history, so that's not a bad thing.

Traditional RPG fans might be put off but everyone else will find lots to enjoy. [Feb 2010, p.76]

A pleasant update to an NES classic, and one that's well worth a download.

One of the better Pokemon spin-offs out there, this is also one of the longer-lasting WiiWare games around.

Not quite as epic as Rondo of Blood but still a great new/old addition to the series. [May 2010, p.88]

Flawed, but this is a unique, rewarding experience. [Apr 2010, p.85]

It won't take you long to get through it, but it's a fun, sturdy platformer while it lasts. [Sept 2010, p.90]

While this looks and feels amazing, there just isn't quite enough of it. [Apr 2011, p.80]

A fitting way to end a sensational bunch of games. [Apr 2011, p.91]

Disappointingly short but it's still one of the most refreshing experiences of 2011. [May 2011, p.90]

Spirited, full of life and packed with ideas, this is one-of-a-kind.

A compelling and addictive farm-sim with a new weekly market-based twist. [Sept 2011, p.94]

An impressive attempt to cram the full F1 season into a Nintendo 3DS.

The best football game on the Wii, but flaws and dated features remain. [Christmas 2011, p.89]

A perfect, smooth version of a great fighting game, and not much else.

It's only got two game modes but thankfully they'll last you a while. Great, but there's still room for improvement.

Undoubtedly the best-playing Mass Effect game so far, but you can't possibly get the full feel of the Mass Effect universe from it. One to weigh up carefully.

One of the better pinball games of late. [July 2007, p.88]

Pokemon Ranger isn't as deep and involving as the main Pokemon adventures, but as far as spin-offs go this is one of the best. A simple but fun adventure. [Apr 2007, p.85]

This could have been as good as "Mario Kart DS" but ditching some fun ideas to make room for the new DS-specific content actually drags the whole thing down. [May 2007, p.72]

The Godfather is the perfect example of how Wii controls can make an average game better. It's a shame it doesn't look better, but this is still highly recommended for action fans. [Apr 2007, p.89]

When it comes to party games or something the whole family can enjoy you could do worse than Kororinpa, but experienced gamers may feel annoyed at the lack of real challenge. [Mar 2007, p.70]

It's immensely satisfying gunning down hordes of enemies. [June 2007, p.86]

There are times when it's pretty much impossible to see in front of you. [Jan 2008, p.86]

In the grand scheme of things, Table Tennis won't set the world alight. However, taken as the hugely-playable and addictive arcade sports game it is, it's good stuff. [Christmas 2007, p.82]

Jam Sessions offers a toy for wannabe guitarists who don't have time to learn. [Oct 2007, p.87]

Bakushow is the very definition of a cheap and cheerful game - perfect for those whose wit is as sharp as their stylus. [Sept 2008, p.96]

A great little puzzle game. [Oct 2008, p.97]

A fun quiz game that does exactly what it says on the tin and is good value for the money. [July 2008, p.87]

Road Trip is surprising. On paper it reads like a cheapened, cut-down version of its PS3 and 360 cousin but Ubisoft has really done the Wii justice with this one. Everything from the cartoony, charismatic art style to the well put-together motion control system just fits the console perfectly.

Enjoyable, old school platforming with a modern twist. You'll need patience though.

Great fun while it lasts...it's just a shame that this isn't very long. If you don't mind easy games, go for it. [Dec 2008, p.68]

LEGO Batman is great fun, but it's too easy and too familiar to get really excited about. [Nov 2008, p.92]

A fresh take on cooking games, Order Up isn't just another mini-game compilation. [Nov 2008, p.78]

If only it had online high-score tables and a few more stages, we might have given it a Gold Award. [Oct 2008, p.96]

Bold, original and bizarre, it's better than we anticipated but ultimately too half-baked to fully endorse. [Dec 2008, p.62]

Guitar Rock Tour is a great effort. It's a Guitar Hero beater (just about) but with more songs it would have been pretty special.

It's only very good as opposed to essential. [Mar 2009, p.87]

A great arcade blaster let down by the limits of the DS's controls, but it's still good fun. [Feb 2009, p.83]

Once you get used to the fact that the blob's practically brain-dead, this is a fun puzzler. [Dec 2009, p.74]

An enjoyable, idiosyncratic experience. Plus you don't have to ask about their holidays. [Sept 2009, p.92]

Simple, solid gameplay. [Aug 2009, p.90]