The bottom line is, if you enjoyed Nintendogs on your DS, there's still plenty to love about its 3D debut. And even if you're new to Nintendo's pet sim series, you could do much worse for a 3DS launch title. There isn't an awful lot of new content, but what's here works as well as it ever has. And if you're like me, you'll have a much better shot at getting your apartment's deposit back if you opt for one of these polygonal pups.

Regardless, these games all provide a certain kind of mindless fun you can't get in overproduced big-budget action titles, and that includes Chronicles. And the fact that you can level-up your weapons to prepare for the next big fight adds at least some purpose to the whole affair. It's not easy to explain why a non-fan should give these games a try; you just have to try them somehow and see if that mindless fun strikes a nerve. Otherwise, being loosely tied to the last Samurai Warriors should make Chronicles a fine choice for the series fan who bought a 3DS.

It's not at all surprising to play a franchise launch game that lacks polish and precision, but The Sims 3 comes off as careless -- especially for a series with such strong cultural and consumer cachet. Even the much cheaper iPhone version offers a richer portable take on the series, and that came out in 2009!

When I start complaining about a lack of stat-tracking in a Total War game, however, it's a sure sign that its hooks have sunk pretty deep. The campaign is repetitious, but that's partly because I'm playing a lot of it. I want more multiplayer features because it's good enough to be taken seriously. All these complaints stem from one central fact: while Shogun 2: Total War could be a better game, it is nonetheless a great one.

Reverie only lasts a couple of hours, and the motion comic cutscenes are a little disappointing. Still, Castlevania fans won't want to miss it -- even in spite of its quasi-cliffhanger ending.

So, no, Moon Diver isn't the second coming of Strider. Instead, it's carved out its own niche as a serviceable and party-game-flavored action title. Grab three friends, mash some buttons, and you can't go wrong. Just don't expect it to be Shakespeare.

While some features make Ridge Racer 3D feel like it was produced on auto-pilot, they don't stop the game from being one of the marquee titles of the 3DS' launch-up. Its refined use of the 3D effect makes it worth showcasing to friends who have been on the fence in purchasing the handheld. And it has more than enough content to satisfy the Ridge Racer devout, even it will take a while to feel truly tested against the A.I.

It's one of my favorite puzzle games at the moment, and it might be one of the best original puzzle game ideas on the App Store.

One of the worst games I've ever had the displeasure of reviewing.

Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars 3DS is a lot of fun. It doesn't make great use of the 3D, but it doesn't mess it up, either.

Would you settle for Ozzie Canseco when you could get Jose Canseco for an extra dollar? Me neither. And because Arcade Essentials isn't able to pull off its lofty goal of modernizing five classic titles, this is one arcade you should walk right on by.

If you're not so keen on the more sim-like nature of Forza or GT, it's a great buy. And if you like either or both those games, but want to experience raw and exciting racing, Shift 2 certainly delivers enough frenetic action to make it a great additional purchase. In that respect, it's a winning formula.

Combine that with the problematic 3D, and it's apparent that Super Monkey Ball 3D is below average even as launch titles go. Its one saving grace is that the core gameplay remains intact and is entertaining as ever. But when those core mechanics contradict the foundation of the 3DS, I have to wonder whether Sega should have bothered.

I'm still in awe of the graphics, and the game's strategic depth eventually grew on me, but unless you're the kind of person who can afford to buy every launch title the 3DS has to offer, I don't think Steel Diver should be your first pick.

I've generally been pretty fond of the "Mr." games, and this is by far the best one yet. Ponos knocked it out of the park with this simple game, and the extra modes round off the package and elevate it from a merely good game to a great collection of addictive, quickie minigames.

To be sure, it's not a must-buy if you own last year's edition. (Well, unless you're a hardcore Masters fanboy. Do such things exist?) But it's another step in the right direction for the series, and an easy recommendation if you've missed a year or two.

For $60, wrestling game fans expect deep rosters and a variety of match types, while fighting fans hope for an assortment of modes with great replay value. Unfortunately, WWE All Stars isn't able to provide enough of either to propel the enjoyable combat to the top rung of championship-caliber fighting games.

If you've bought a 3DS and are dying for a game to play, Pilotwings Resort is a pretty good option -- but keep in mind that it might just look like that in comparison to a pretty weak launch line-up.

All in all, this is one birthday party you shouldn't regret skipping.

There are other, just as capable ways to get your Bust-A-Move fix on the go, especially if own an iOS device, where you can get two different Bust-A-Move games for much cheaper. Or, y'know, the thousands of clones that are also available. But in any case, why not go with the real deal?

No multiplayer; extremely shallow feature set; 3D is mostly pointless.

This baddie-slapping App Store entry packs a fun concept and a charming visual style, but its oversimple execution leaves much to be desired.

What's really been most surprising to me is that the gaming experience as a whole is so fully developed for a startup MMO.

Square Enix's iOS iteration of a role-playing classic is a slick upgrade on its predecessors, but this remastered port does show its age.

This self-described "meandering, mytho-poetic adventure" is a gorgeous, if sometimes aimless, step forward for independent games on the iOS platform.

Sure, it's not a real Angry Birds sequel, but it's more of a good thing for only $0.99.

A retro game that combines classic Pac Man game mechanics with shooting... in a truly authentic old-school style.

It's just that missing level of polish that's more like an entire coat of paint they left off that holds this game back. 2K Sports knows how to make quality sports games, so I can't figure out why MLB 2K can't get its act together. But at this point it's going to take a concerted effort to put out a complete product before the series even approaches relevancy.

All things considered, though, Yakuza 4 is an excellent title that proves why this series, underappreciated as it is, is one of the crown jewels in Sega's current game lineup.

If you're a Monster Hunter fan, Gods Eater offers more of the same, but with enough trimmings to still be fresh beyond the futuristic setting. If those appeal to you, it's definitely worth playing. Alternately, if Monster Hunter attracted you in the past but maybe let you down, I'd still say to give Gods Eater a try.

Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy is going to be a delicious, never-ending pit of treats for anyone who owns Advent Children, listens to the Black Mages on their iPods, or knows what Materia is. For anyone else, all I can recommend is giving the game a try if you're simply curious about seeing some awesome graphics and a unique battle system.

The Sims Medieval is a beautiful game with fun and interesting ideas, but it doesn't live up to my fantasy of the Middle Ages and it doesn't completely satisfy the Sims fan in me.

As a simple diversion for kids twelve-and-under PlayStation Move Heroes is fine. The younger crowd will enjoy the challenges, motion controls, and maybe even the horrific, over-the-top announcer. But if you're a fan of the platforming/action-adventure roots of any of the game's heroes, you'll likely be disappointed.

After playing Crysis 2 for 20+ hours in the span of just two days, I'm still not sick of the game. Crysis 2 is a riveting first-person shooter I highly recommend to fans of the genre, as well as those looking for something to showcase the might of their 3DTV. It ain't perfect, but Crysis 2 has plenty to offer both fans of multiplayer and gamers who prefer a well-crafted solo campaign.

When you buy Lilt Line you're essentially getting a full electronica album and a solid game for the price of a bottled drink and pack of candy. It's easily worth your $2.99, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, overlooked indie iPhone title.

Much like Chibiterasu, Okamiden faithfully does the job of its predecessor, although it lacks much of the grace and poise that we saw last time from Amaterasu's adventure. Still, the feel of the franchise is intact, and that's what really matters here. With extra post-game content and plenty of quests to complete before and after the final battle, Okamiden is a solid closing entry in the original DS's history.

You may have a modicum of fun with Slam Bolt, but with its short length and unbalanced mechanics, you're mostly in for a bland experience.

A puzzle game that's unique, entertaining, and will keep you on your toes, Liight is just a flat-out blast to play. Don't let this inexpensive, fun WiiWare title slip through your fingers.

This tactical FPS impresses with its slick shooting mechanics and presentation, but suffers from cluttered touch-screen controls.

Given its low price it's not really surprising that Test Yourself: Psychology is just a small piece of what's going to be a bigger puzzle. But if this incomplete diagnosis of a game is a taste of the treatment to come, this is one doctor's visit you might want to consider rescheduling.

Beneath Land-a Panda's adorable exterior is a surprisingly solid physics-based puzzler that's an absolute steal at it's bottom-shelf price of $0.99.

This tribal take on shoot-em-ups seems like it would be pretty refreshing, but some basic flaws keep this from being a prime time-waster.

If you've been looking for something to fill the void that 1 vs. 100 left behind and you're into Texas Hold 'Em, even on a casual level, Full House Poker is a must buy. Fun card-playing action, plenty of game modes, customizable features, and a chance to give your lonely Xbox Avatar someone to play with make it hard to pass up.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Liqua Pop to parents who want an app to keep their kids busy while on the road, but most experienced puzzle players will find the game to be charming, but ultimately unexciting.

It's hardly a masterpiece of gameplay or character development, but it was quite successful in keeping me intrigued and entertained on a few different levels.

This fast-paced action game has a slick retro aesthetic, and is sure to keep players coming back with its varied and challenging gameplay.

Homefront does a whole lot right, delivering powerful imagery and actions on the single-player side, as well as interesting multiplayer alterations, but neither end feels fully realized. But I won't hesitate to recommend Homefront on the overall strength of its stilted campaign, which consistently delivers strong set pieces and alluring atmospheric moments amidst the chaotic combat.

It's a solid platformer with fresh mechanics and fantastic presentation, and it really shouldn't be missed, especially by those with fond memories of the Lemmings series.

Phantom Brave is definitely a great game, but this low-effort regurgitation just doesn't impress like it should.

3bot is a fairly unique 3D puzzle game with a great aesthetic and gameplay that's legitimately challenging, and at its rock-bottom price point it's an easy recommendation, especially if fast-pace puzzlers are your thing.

This outlandish side-scroller charms with its slick presentation and risque sense of humor, but suffers from some wonky -- and limited -- controls.

Black Arms is a mixed bag. It has some nice features and offers a bit of old school charm, but it just doesn't go far enough. For gamers who love mindless gunplay and have a weak spot for on-rail shooters, Heavy Fire: Black Arms isn't a bad way to spend $5. But for everyone else, that coin would be better served by saving it for the next Black Ops or Halo: Reach map pack.

Sure! Collision Effect's core puzzle mode isn't really worth putting time into, but it's one of the more interesting action-puzzlers on the App Store, and is easily worth the price tag.

This charming physics-based puzzler boasts a delightful style and sense of humor, and is a must-download for iDevice owners looking for an addictive alternative to the Angry Birds craze.

$2.99 for a portable version of a free web game doesn't sound too bad, but that better games exist on the iOS leaderboard shooter market (Geometry Wars or Alive 4 Ever if you're looking for a zombie fix) makes Zombie Wars a tough sell.

The scroll-fighting action is pretty solid, the redone graphics and music are excellent, and the numerous unlockables and modes will keep you coming back -- but it all involves getting past that initial control barrier first.

Having never played Torchlight on the PC before, I was floored by everything the game had to offer. The looting, the character progression, and the addictive combat -- all wrapped up in an attractive bow with a low price point -- make for one fun game that you shouldn't pass up.

But as a game, its streamlined mechanics and more action-oriented combat should appeal to console players, but hardcore fans of PC RPGs may feel slighted.

Because of its genuine old-school vibe and high difficulty level, gamers new to the Bit.Trip series may be immune to Flux's charms. But if you're up to the challenge and are looking for a downloadable title with a true retro feel with some stellar, rave-inspiring music, you will have a blast with Bit.Trip Flux.

The feel of the controls takes some getting used to and there are several levels that will try your patience, but the excellent atmosphere and clever challenges make 6th Planet a space trip worth embarking on.

It's a quick and challenging puzzler that delivers gameplay we haven't seen before on the App Store, and I'd call it one of the best original puzzlers I've played on my iPod Touch.

It's a smaller world than HeartGold and SoulSilver's Kanto and Johto, but it's a new world that should be explored by any Pokemon fan, young or old.

It's a smaller world than HeartGold and SoulSilver's Kanto and Johto, but it's a new world that should be explored by any Pokemon fan, young or old.

MLB 11: The Show is so full of the heart and soul of baseball that even jaded baseball video gamers have to admit how close it is to the real thing.

I did enjoy Severed -- in fact I'm thrilled that Visceral is actually creating single-player DLC, since so few companies ever bother to do so. So, is it worth playing? Sure. But can Visceral do better? Absolutely.

It isn't incredibly deep, but this innovative action game impresses with its slick, Tron-esque aesthetic and simplistic, but challenging, gameplay.

Might be the best version of the classic sports game to come out in recent years, but that's mostly because nobody has yet made a fantastic port of it (don't touch that hideous XBLA remake).

With its PixelJunk Shooter series, Q-Games has created some fascinating, beautiful worlds that are fun to explore and play in. And to its credit, PixelJunk Shooter 2 manages to successfully do what every sequel hopes to accomplish -- improve on the original in almost every way.

And you know what? It's still fun despite the terrible story and stupid enemy A.I. I respect a game that gives me so much to do, so many areas to explore, so many customization options, and so many quests. I had a lot of fun with Two Worlds II, and while the story annoys me in its second act, I do see myself giving it another go at a later date.

Fight Drunk is sort of joke app, and although it should probably be free, I'm glad to have paid $0.99 for it. Kudos to GravitySensation for making me laugh.

Kairosoft's follow-up to the ultra-addictive Game Dev Story retains its predecessor's innovative gameplay and sees the introduction of some nifty new flourishes.

As much as I've come to re-love Beyond Good & Evil, the niggling issues stand out as possible evidence that Ubisoft might not be willing to invest more time in Jade than is strictly necessary. It's a shame, and I hope that's not really the case, because this is a yesteryear project that deserves the trilogy it never got.

I wish that the game had a slightly more consistent frame rate, and its learning curve is somewhat steep, but those awesome online features make up for the few niggling flaws.

There's no shortage of levels to play through, but I almost wish Backflip Studious would integrate some sort of playground mode that I can goof off in. Either way, this game is a lot of fun.

I started to get bored with everything but the game's music after a while, but a good number of crazy power-ups kept things moving later into the game.

Queen's Crown is a fun and soundly constructed adventure, even if it does little to push the genre forward. Still, its enjoyable combat and responsive controls make it one of the App Store's better action-RPG picks.

The second installment in Infinite Interactive's popular series of puzzle/RPG hybrids has finally hit iOS devices, and while it shines on the iPad's plentiful screen acreage, it struggles on smaller Apple devices.

Battles never manage to become tedious, and while I most likely won't be doing a second playthrough, I'm glad I dropped the two dollars on PrincessFury -- the experience was well worth it.

But the bottom line is that buying Retribution is just paying for a new faction and not much else. It's a great faction, to be sure, but beyond that, it's a damn shame that Relic squanders their energy on frippery like the silly campaign when important issues like the AI remain unresolved.

I mostly enjoyed Knights Contract's blistering combat, absorbing story, and dark fantasy setting, which makes it all the more difficult to see it sullied so significantly by a single bad idea. But honestly, the buzz-killing boss battles made reaching the game's conclusion more frustrating than fun.

If you like cleverly designed puzzle games with a decent amount of strategic depth, this is absolutely worth it.

The premise of Guns'n'Glory is ridiculous and I'm fairly confident that there are many people out there who'll find the game to be offensive and tasteless, but it's still a ton of fun.

An undervalued and overlooked title, TNT Racers has a lot to offer. If you're a kart-racing fan you won't regret your purchase -- just don't expect much action with other players online.

A fair loot distribution system rewards everyone in a party equally, and deaths result in a simple respawn at the entrance of a level, so I never got frustrated during my time with the game -- it's just good, simple fun.

Frog collecting isn't something that sounded appealing to me before playing this game, but NimbleBit has made it surprisingly addictive.

This impressive "one-button" App Store entry is simple by design, but deep and engaging enough to make it more than worth its $0.99 price point.

Although I was disappointed by Poker with Bob, it is priced at $0.99, so you can see for yourself if the game is worth it at very little cost.

Developers have been consistently improving upon touch-based platformer controls on the iPhone and Pizza Boy offers a wonderful continuation of that trend with a large, yet unobtrusive control panel forming the bottom of the screen.

A scoring system that completely alters the visual style of the game adds to the unique flavor of Pix'n Love Rush, and the fast gameplay makes it a perfect "pick-up-and-play" sort of game.

Controls are simple, yet effective -- touching on the right hand side of the screen activates the right flipper, and vice-versa. There are no gimmicky tilt controls, and the only other time you'll need to touch the screen is when you drag a finger on the plunger thingy to launch a ball.

For a paltry ten clams, gamers will certainly get their money's worth with Bejeweled Blitz Live. Its fast-paced style, carefree and easy multiplayer options, and unique gameplay modes make for a lot of fun.

Things get frantic quickly, so it'll be challenging to last for more than a few minutes for most players.

A totally passable platformer that's fun to pull out and play if you only have a few minutes on your hands.

We Rule plays like a combination of Sim City and Farmville. Aside from a large variety of crops (which can take up to a day in real time to grow) that can be cultivated on a limited number of farm spaces, money can be made.

WackyLand's is a beat-em-up that comes wrapped in an excellent package. The graphics are crisp and clear, the customization options are vast, and a few minigames included alongside the campaign add variety. My only issue with the game is the actual combat, which consists of pretty much nothing but randomly tapping and swiping as fast as you can.

Despite its storied history and retro charms, Ys I and II is easily the weakest of XSEED's three PSP Ys releases.

For one thing, it's 20% cheaper at $20 in comparison to the PC version's $25 price tag. When you factor in the Trophies that encourage you to tackle some of the game's puzzles and conversations in different ways, I offer the same level of recommendation for this iteration.

Minor niggles aside, Champion stands alone as the most polished and playable boxing simulation ever released, with the new adjustments and additions easily prolonging Fight Night's relatively uncontested reign over the genre.