It’s a bonafide party game staple and easily captures the spirit of the original Nintendo World Championships from back in the day. It’s best played with others, but even alone there’s enough to keep you entertained for a while. Once the initial enjoyment starts to wear off, however, it remains a joy to head into Survival Mode and go for the top ranking. Here’s hoping Nintendo is secretly at work on an SNES followup. In the meanwhile, I strongly recommend adding NWC to your collection.

n-Space has been meticulous in its efforts to keep the Call of Duty franchise interesting on DS. Rather than trying to revolutionize the genre with every release, it has slowly been adding features and honing the gameplay to make each entry noticeably better.

The visual references, music, and dialogue not only highlight the developer’s taste in movies, but they also give the game an extra layer of humor and charm. The silly, over-the-top violence is also a part of this, and while this might turn some off to the game, I think most gamers will get a kick out of the discrepancy between the cutesy visuals and the ridiculous brutality.

This game really caters to fast paced sessions with your friends. Playing with four is extremely fun, but it will be impossible to beat someone who is really good.

Grounded on Switch is what it needs to be, a stellar survival sandbox with a uniquely crafted world and visual style. Added features like quests help to guide players new to the genre and those who have played these types of games before, but want a more quest focused experience, closer to an Obsidian-style game. What Grounded really seems to nail the most is it’s uniqueness in a space that is filled with similarly functioning games. Obsidian has found a way to take a tried and true formula and make it work in a new way that fits within the story and world that they have created. It also fits nicely on Switch, despite the fact that the long loading screens make it a drag at times, but this can be avoided by sticking to the respawn system instead of loading saves.

As a party game, Puyo Puyo Tetris provides an excellent use for Switch’s detachable controllers. Propping a Switch up with its stand and passing a Joy-Con to a buddy is fun, and with so many modes to choose from you’ll likely be playing for a long time. The HD Rumble also felt very satisfying (though nothing about the game is impacted by it — it’s just some solid feedback). Switch’s library is growing very slowly, but perhaps if the software on offer continues to put quality over quantity it won’t be such a bad thing. I loved Puyo Puyo Tetris and I genuinely wonder how either franchise will be able to carry on without the other. It’s so much fun to have both on a single cartridge that I hope we’re able to experience another installment of Puyo Puyo Tetris one day. In the meantime, be sure to get hold of a copy of this wonderful game for your Switch. Especially if you’re fortunate enough to snag a copy that comes with keychains like I did!

Cosmophony will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but those willing to brave its tunnels of torture will be greatly rewarded.

The gameplay is a tad one-dimensional, with each challenge amounting to little more than summoning a specific object, but there are plenty of humorous moments to keep you engaged in the experience, especially if you have someone around to share them with.

Overall, Sumo Digital has served up a pretty solid, if unspectacular, F1 racer.

Thus, like the game’s story, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed falls into a nice medium between both trilogies critically. It delivers a solid, but not spectacular, experience.

Those small issues aside, Maiden of Black Water is a premium title on Wii U that left me very impressed. The use of the GamePad here is a rare example of what Wii U’s controller can bring to a game that other consoles can’t.

Fun in spite of its musical problems, and in fact provides no small measure of enjoyment– as long as you play it on its terms, not taking yourself too seriously.

Those completely unfamiliar with Dragon Ball may or may not be able to look past the faults to find a pretty decent game, but, to even a casual fan such as myself, Xenoverse 2 represents an incredibly fun game that succeeds both as an adaptation of the franchise, as well as a clever new addition to it.

The graphics are excellent and the bulk of the combat is faithful to what fans have come to expect, but a middling story, so-so custcenes, and sometimes frustrating level design keep Blackgate from reaching the heights it’s capable of. Regardless, there’s plenty to love about Blackgate and it deserves a shot from Arkham and non-Arkham fans alike.

An enticing action-RPG adventure that will take you on an eye-popping romp through classic Disney locales and have you swinging your keyblade to no end in its fantastic battling system. But for all it does right, it will still manage to leave a sour taste in your mouth at times.

A short but sweet single player (around 10 hours), an endlessly re-playable multiplayer.

Sega 3D Classics Collection is decent collection of games made better by an earnest attempt to do something fun and unique with older games.

It's a nice taste of a budget, licensed title that's actually much more decent than anyone might expect.

Sonic CD alone would be a good reason to own this collection. If Mega Collection has left you hungry for more Sonic, Gems Collection has got everything else between it and Sonic Adventure DX. Sonic Gems Collection completes the continuum of Sonic history available for GC.

Great visuals and over-the-top hack-n-slash awesomeness.

The visuals are something we haven't seen in a while and THQ should definitely take the opportunity to expand upon that.

An original work that is a very solid good game on a whole and defintely worth playing for all of the Punch-Out!! fans out there and fans of the genre.

The loading issues may plague the experience somewhat, but Raving Rabbids Travel in Time stands out on Wii in a crowded mini-game compilation field. The game works best as a family experience, aiming toward a younger demographic, but boasts some impressive online integration that even the most hardcore gamer will enjoy.

You can treat Little Inferno like a bedtime story or a three-hour movie, but remember that at its heart, Little Inferno is a game about games. It will make you think about what you do in games, the purpose of games, and the future of games, so sit tight, think hard, and keep burning those toys.

Overall, I found that Loretta is a captivating and thought-provoking experience that explores the darker aspects of human nature. Whether you’re a fan of narrative-driven games or simply enjoy a good mystery, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression and have you constantly thinking about it. I believe it’s a must-play title for fans of interactive storytelling and psychological thrillers. I am eager to give it another playthrough to see what ending I’ll get next!

Overall, this is a perfect budget friendly cozy game if you’re looking for something simple and stress free.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection represents the culmination of years of work remastering the entire Ace Attorney series for modern consoles. The love and care can be felt throughout this compilation. While it isn’t perfect, whether it’s the reworked localization and its spelling errors, or some of the quirks of gameplay, these remain two incredibly strong adventure games nonetheless. They’re expertly designed, with gorgeous graphics, catchy music, and fun, engaging gameplay. The stories will keep most players guessing until the end, and those with knowledge of the Ace Attorney series will get the most from them. Definitely consider adding Investigations Collection to your Switch library.

It’s depressing from my standpoint and given EA’s efforts with the past three games, it’s hard to see if this series is going anywhere.

The presentation could have been a little cleaner, especially with the colored box units that are present throughout entire battles, and the forced combination of touch screen and button control could be a stumbling block for some players.

The graphics are technically inferior to the original, the level design and difficulty are very inconsistent, and the attempts to add replay value are downright laughable. Still, the impressive aural elements, delightful personality, and generally fun gameplay make DKC an entertaining video game.

Corpse Party is a great, different game, one that a system as far along in its life cycle as 3DS greatly needs to keep things fresh. If you’ve been looking for something off the beaten path, I highly recommend picking this one up. So long as you’re willing to forego traditional battles and aren’t irritated by cliched anime tropes, Corpse Party has an engaging story and unique style of play that should keep you glued to your 3DS for quite a while. Play it in the dark for extra anxiety!

It’s a social experience more than a true game, but like Tomodachi Life, Miitomo is aware that it’s a niche game and wears its quirkiness proudly on its sleeve. There’s plenty of incentive to check in daily to earn Platinum Points for those looking to snag rewards from My Nintendo, but I highly recommend people give this one a download simply to try something different. There are plenty of endless runners and match-three puzzlers on the iOS and Android marketplaces; Miitomo is unique, which I’d expect no less from Nintendo.

Outside of some obnoxious boss battles, this is a great game from a continuously creative developer.

The Origami King might suffer from the same Achilles heel that Paper Mario: Color Splash and Sticker Star did of eschewing conventional leveling systems, but the combat here is infinitely more intuitive and less contemptible. It might not be the best Paper Mario game, but The Origami King is absolutely a true return to form and a wonderful adventure any Switch owner should consider playing.

While Crazy Chicken: Pirates 3D's single level might seem incredibly repetitive, it is only $1.99– and its presentation, quirks and all, is just endearing enough to justify those two bucks.

The game’s more straightforward design and focus on puzzle solving makes it stand out a little from more recent Lego games while still featuring the easy to pick-up gameplay and humor every entry is known for. Of course, that simplicity will dissuade some while attracting others, especially those looking for something younger family members can enjoy together. Having two whole games worth of content can also be seen as a double-edged sword depending on how you feel about repetition and collectibles. In short, it’s another solid Lego game with all the good and bad that come with the franchise.

Tappingo’s gameplay doesn’t disappoint and offers hours of content, making it an excellent addition to the 3DS eShop library.

While there might be some relative shortcomings in its single player mode, Dragon Marked for Death more than makes up for them with its exciting and creative co-op multiplayer design. Players can hop in instantaneously and help the Dragonblood Clan level up and take on its enemies. There are multiple different versions of the game to get, but ultimately fans are best off buying either the physical edition or both digital bundles in order to get the full, proper experience. It’s tough playing solo, but the multiplayer is so well done that it compensates for this one area of weakness. Definitely keep Dragon Marked for Death on your radar if you’d like a game to play with friends that’s outside the norm.

It’s definitely a solid platformer with a lot of replay value, and at a cost that is very compelling. It’s also hard and it takes more time to figure the ins and outs than it really should. For players who love platformers and don’t want a game to hold their hands, look no further. For those who want a simple, kid-friendly experience, this probably won’t do it.

Pokémon Conquest is one of those games that looks awful on paper, but is brilliant in its delivery.

The story mode has no where near the complexities and storyline that the Game Boy games have had, and the Colosseum mode is no where near as customizable as the Stadium titles were for the N64. However, both play modes are enjoyable.

It's a decent game for a system's twilight, but not terribly unique.

Anyone searching for the ultimate co-op experience on the Wii should look no further than LEGO Batman.

For some, the gameplay might prove too simple and the comparatively low fidelity visuals might pull people out of the experience and distract them from what the game does well. While part of me would definitely love to see Lifeless Planet re-imagined with a more modern engine and an extra layer or two to the gameplay, I can’t deny I found the game plenty compelling as it is. So, for those interested in a no-frills, story driven sci-fi adventure that doesn’t overstay its welcome, Lifeless Planet is well worth a closer look.

Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 is still a good game, but the rehashed feel keeps the title from hitting its goal of greatness.

While Kiwami 2 has its faults, it’s still a fun action-RPG with all of the wonderful weirdness of the Yakuza series, all of the entertaining substories and bizarre NPCs, and the engaging main story that never lacks twists and turns. Graphically, the game looks great and played just as smoothly, so from a technical standpoint I had no issues. But while I said in my Yakuza 0 review that I’d recommend playing the games in chronological order, it’s worth noting that having a game of the caliber of Yakuza 0 as a series’ first story can result in this sort of drawback. Regardless, play it for more Yakuza while you’re waiting for the launch of Kiwami 3 next year.

Thirty-five levels will take plenty of time to shoot through, though it'd be nice to have a "free play" option, without time limits. And with plenty of achievements, treasure, and medal to earn, the game's good for any shooting gallery fan or gamer on a budget.

Splatoon has arrived and very nearly delivered on every bit of the potential it showed at E3 2014.

The controls in the game take some getting used to, as they try and follow the basic platform layout, but at the same time try and do something a bit more Zelda-esque.

Assuming that limited playtime isn’t enough to dissuade you, ICEY is a good game that balances its ambitions and its gameplay very well so it manages to stand out in an increasingly crowded eShop.

Call of Duty: Black Ops on Wii features an amazing amount of high-octane action and content.

In many ways it feels like your average JRPG strategy game, and in some places it even stumbles over itself with attempts at being cute or sexy. However, there are also enough strong points that really shine through and make the game stand out from the crowd, even if its best features are reminiscent of ideas from more noteworthy titles.

It’s difficult to recommend this title wholeheartedly, but Dementium does just enough to warrant it.

For a new intellectual property, it surprisingly falls back on the basics and brings nothing new to the table.

Monster Lab is a surprisingly deep game in regards to the creation aspects and battling system.

Rather than being an average game with its share of reasons not to like it, Rocky is a game whose shortcomings are why it isn't a "great" game in its own right.

Asphalt Urban GT doesn't participate in much of the innovation that makes the DS special, but oddly enough, it's still a fun racer that offers some very cool multiplayer features.

The graphical engine, the imaginative VFX powers, and the style of the game are all positive. The issues with combat and the hassle of switching between input methods on the fly are not.

All in all, the game handles pretty well. There are a few bumps in the road as combat is shallow, the challenge level is low, and the amusing cut scenes fail to make the DS version.

Without a doubt, a prized old-school shooter that stacks up against "Gradius" and others with great fortitude. Though simple, the game is some of the most fun $20.00 can net you.

It's one of those games you just buy on the name alone -- unfortunately, it's also one of those games that hold the potential to make a killing, but leave the impact of a mosquito on a windshield. It's not horrendous or even bad; just extremely disappointing in execution.

The only downside for fans is the spoilers. If you haven’t seen this yet, you may want to step aside and wait. There are story elements in this game that you may want to wait for until you actually sit down in the auditorium.

The overall gameplay is quite enjoyable. The humor and fun mini-games reel you in, and the added bonuses of unlockable treats such as trailers and costumes keep you playing more.

This game suffers from the fact that its console counterpart is so amazing and that it seems to distance itself from that greatness.

Overall, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 is better than the first outing.

The bright, cheerful characters are cute and quirky and the overall setting is pleasant. Unfortunately, the game gets tiresome after just a couple hours of playtime and sits on the shelf in favor of other more action-packed games.

Definitely pick this game up for your younger brother or sister but not for yourself because you will get rather bored of this game much quicker than your sibling.

A great looking game with some intense and satisfying action. Despite some serious shortcomings with audio and gameplay, this game is an enjoyable title that any action fan can enjoy.

If you are a big fan of mini-games, you're planning on buying a bunch of games this month along with your DS, and would like to pretend that you actually have a girlfriend... then I suggest you go pick up a copy of Feel the Magic: XY/XX.

For SM2 veterans, the story mode is just too short for a full recommendation.

Strangely addictive and fun for the amount of time it takes to play through it.

In the wake of Resident Evil 4's Game of the Year honors, it's nice to see where the series got its roots, but it also reminds us just how far the series has come.

Much of the gameplay is stale, the story is simple, and the presentation is devoid of character.

Gyrostarr is a good deal for 700 Wii Points on WiiWare. The graphics and multiplayer aspects really shine and the new twist of collecting energy is fun.

An average golf game featuring some new stuff as well as your typical golfing action. However, the character design and sense of humor showcased in this one sets it apart from the rest.

The game may not be on as grand a scale as the PS or Xbox version, but the GBA version offers a solid package for a portable title.

While it may not have the depth and grandeur some would look for, it has enough character to stand out from the other licensed titles.

In the end, Garfield's Funfest is appealing to the same demographic as the direct-to-DVD movie itself: youngsters.

While the single-player campaign can turn out to be fairly boring and uninspiring, the real value this game offers is in multiplayer.

A fun and fast-paced racer with plenty of customization options. For racing fans, this is an excellent buy; just don't expect the single player portion to last very long.

It is definitely not the longest, or the greatest, Game Boy Advance title available. The production values here are well put together, but considering the extremely small length, we can only recommend it to rabid Star Wars fans.

Nevertheless, the sequel is a superior experience to its predecessor and the amount of content that can be found in-game across the decently-sized single player campaign is impressive-- hours upon hours can be poured into just excavating or just battling.

The story line actually holds your attention and with three different difficulty settings, the gameplay will suit anyone's needs.

I have to say that I was surprised how good the game actually was and how badly the game gets trashed nowadays. Sure, it may be the worst in the series of Zelda titles, but it's by no means a bad game.

The graphics aren't the best and the audio does leave a lot to be desired. For the Duel Master fans, I'd say it's a well done game, they'd find the most joy out of it.

With mentally deficient in-game opponents and groan-inducing fetch-quests galore, the real draw of SNK Vs. Capcom Card Fighters DS is the collection aspect.

The puzzles are well-crafted and mostly intuitive, while the story seems lackluster and fails to provide motivation at some points. Since story is often the major driving force behind an adventure game, it falls to the individual player to decide how well the game fares.

One of the most entertaining games I have played in a long time.

A solid port of the original PSX game, but that's part of the problem: It is a port with no enhancements and a hefty price tag to boot.

Line Rider 2: Unbound is a fairly decent port of an interesting Flash game, but there are some problems keeping the Wii experience from fully living up to its potential.

There is a bit of replay value, but you'll be less inclined to play it through more than twice.

Its technical shortcomings are easy to ignore and once you grasp the unique gameplay, it turns out to be quite a lot of fun. Definitely recommended for fans, they're sure to have a ball.

The lack of depth is rather disconcerting when there are so many bigger games out there carrying the same price tag.

Although it fails to visually inspire any sense of awe, Hudson’s creation astounds the player by taking Nintendo’s advice and creating something fresh with a formula that’s existed since the eighties. Well done!

If you're looking for an on-rails slasher that is good for 7-10 hours, you will probably enjoy this title. If you’re looking for a full-fledged RPG experience, however, you’re better off looking elsewhere.

Despite Ontamarama's relatively short story mode, options to increase difficulty, the pursuit of high scores and the Shop will keep players coming back for more. Ontamarama is perfect for younger players as a friendly, approachable gateway into the music/rhythm genre.

A great compilation of (mostly) classic games, but you have to wonder how many times they can package the same game.

This game is a solid experience, especially for younger players who can’t play the more gory, blood fests found today.