The action is solid, and there are plenty of maps and options (including Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection play), but there's little that series fans haven't seen before. [Feb 2008, p.88]

The game is relatively short, so outside of playing for hours on end, it isn’t likely that players will be turned off by the fun of catching ghosts. It’s imperfect, but Luigi’s Mansion on 3DS remains a wonderful game. The core gameplay has lost none of its luster, and the improvements and additions implemented by Grezzo make the game more entertaining than ever.

Princess Peach: Showtime! had the potential to be much more than it is. It’s upsetting that it’s so simple and easy, and feels like a waste of the sheer amount of creativity that went into the concept of the theater, plays, and costumes. It’s that creativity that’s preventing me from giving this game a lower score. But on the merits of its gameplay alone (and the fact that it’s not a very long game — I completed it in about 15 hours), this isn’t Nintendo’s strongest showing.

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.

While it would have been nice to have a few more stages to clear before the final confrontation, it's hard to fault the game for not wanting it to end, especially when what is here is already so enjoyable. Anyone with a penchant for reflex-based gameplay (and a few digital bucks to spend) need look no further for their next eShop purchase.

I found this game too tough to really get into it. Racing fans who don't mind a stiff challenge should get a real kick out of it.

Primary weaknesses of the title, beyond the learning curve, are blander-than-expected course designs, pyrotechnics and character personalities, in addition to the use of many minimally refreshed, recycled courses from older SSX titles. However, thanks to those new controls, SSX Blur is a fresh start for the franchise and sets a foundation for bigger and greater sequels, just as the series had in the last console generation.

You won't find a better first-person shooter on the Nintendo GameCube. In fact, it's the best first-person shooter in a World War II setting this generation. Is this surprising? With the use of the original Call of Duty's play mechanics and amazing production values across the board, it shouldn't be.

Marvel Pinball 3D contains a couple bumps, but other than that it acts as a fantastic pinball fix for on-the-go gaming. A few minutes of play quickly becomes an hour with this eShop title, fully highlighting the "I can beat that score if I play one more game" hook.

While Fortnite is deservedly garnering a ton of attention, don’t let Paladins slip past you. It has fun characters, a fair progression system, wildly addictive combat, and a vibrant look that makes each battle a real rush.

Fans new to the series will get the most from Sonic Origins, but even diehards will find plenty to love if they can get past the shortcomings. Here’s hoping SEGA eventually returns to Sonic Origins and makes it the proper celebration of the Blue Blur that it should have been.

For fans of the show, Reigns: Game of Thrones is an entertaining experience. The presentation is great and the writing is stellar. Unfortunately, the game often feels repetitive and the lack of direction makes the game a bit frustrating. If the show’s ending left you wanting, this game might satisfy that craving, but newcomers or those that just started the series should definitely steer clear.

It may not be worth it to veterans of the series, but Smash Hits is a worthy investment for those who only started rocking after the series hit the Wii.

Despite its origins as a PSP port, Medal of Honor Heroes 2 really feels like a ground-up offering.

The end result is still a fun, generally good-looking game that doesn’t just feel like an unnecessary retread of past ideas, and as such it’s definitely worth at least a consideration for anyone interested in a stealthy experience.

Criticism that a game is too short is also praise in its own way. It means that it is so good that it leaves you wanting more. I don’t think being short is necessarily bad. I prefer short and sweet over long and tedious. As I have gotten older and found free time becoming increasingly scarce, I’ve looked less for long epics and more for bite size experiences I know I’ll complete. Therefore, for those looking for something quick and easy to pick up, lovers of fairy tales, avid puzzle game players, and people of all ranges in experience with video games, I highly recommend Storyteller.

Like most women in the single scene these days, it looks good from afar but it's far from good. The hype of voice acting, stylish soundtrack, and unique comic book presentation may draw you in but the weak gameplay experience will have you running for cover.

Lots of variety, interesting bonuses, substantial replay value, GameCube connectivity, and various multiplayer modes make this title a must-have for Bond fans, and your average Game Boy owner looking for a classic, heartwarming action game.

The downside of the game is simply that it is not up to par with "SSX3," which is what happens when you go head to head with someone who has had two previous tries in one console generation to get it right.

Luminous Arc 2 is fun to play, but it doesn't provide a strong, compelling reason to do so beyond its character dialogue and battles.

At the very least it’s very easy to share a level, and being able to do so extends the replay value of the game by quite a bit. It’s possible to go on and snag new creations from fellow fans as well as Atooi itself. That’s a great bonus, especially for someone like me who’s much more prone to play a game than make one. Overall Chicken Wiggle is a wonderful inaugural release for the folks at Atooi. Sales have been low on this one, but with millions of 3DS and 2DS handhelds on the market there’s no excuse for that; go support the game and give it a download!

It’s the kind of game that lingers with you, and it’s one I imagine will remain with me for some time. It’s experimental in a way I’ve rarely seen before, truly offering some clever uses for the Switch platform. Some will decry the game for its encouraged voyeurism, but developer Accidental Queens truly seems to be making an attempt at doing something different while addressing a topic rarely seen in video games, or on Nintendo systems at all, for that matter. Personally, I think that’s admirable, and I certainly hope A Normal Lost Phone encourages similar titles to appear on the eShop in the future. It won’t be for everyone, but it’s one of the most unique games currently available on Switch.

Although it could have been a lot more with an extensive single player mode, the current build is brilliantly done for a high-score-setter.

Overall, Max: The Curse of Brotherhood is a great game that feels like it’s really found a home on Switch. I’m glad that Press Play was able to bring the title to Nintendo’s latest console, as the form factor of Switch really meshes well with it. Whether at home or on the go, I found myself transfixed to The Curse of Brotherhood for long stretches, tackling each new puzzle and always thinking, I’ll just do one more… but always instead ending up doing several, if not dozens, more.

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.

This is a game full of gambles, and most don't pay off the way you might expect. There are as many triumphs as there are failures, and it's almost like it's cursed by its own design. It certainly won't be to everyone's tastes– you'll either love it or you'll hate it– but if you can look past its flaws, there's still plenty of enjoyment to be found underneath.

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.

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.

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

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse is a beautiful, creative, and fun-loving game that absolutely deserves your time and attention.

I encourage everyone to give this title a download, though, as it’s an absolute blast to play, despite its shortcomings.

Gung Ho has done a truly admirable job introducing Puzzle & Dragons to non-mobile players. I actually went and downloaded the original after playing these two games just to get an even broader understanding of the series, and I can honestly say that Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition perfectly replicate and evolve the core concept into something bigger and better.

Painfully inconsistent. It has great control, and myriad single-player and multiplayer modes. Unfortunately, it also has abysmal music and a spotty graphics engine that cannot achieve the sense of speed the Driver games need.

A very ambitious game and would have been a SPECTACULAR title if it was on a larger cartridge and more time was put into tweaking it. What Body Harvest does well however is setting the mood. At its best, the game makes the movie Aliens look tame.

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.

The DS version is a markedly better effort than its Wii counterpart. Rather than being confined to the Wii version’s claustrophobic combat arenas, players can traverse larger environments and thus gather more of a sense of actually being on an adventure.

Nintendo hit one out of the ballpark here. All DS owners should also own Polarium. My question: why was it not included with the system?

It sacrifices glamour and elaborate play mechanics to be what it is supposed to be: Fun.

Anyone who’s looking for a game where you can run around shooting everything in sight, look somewhere else. But if you enjoy war games, you should definitely check this game out.

Kirby Star Allies isn’t the greatest game in the series, nor is it the most original. Yet, with its fun gameplay, ample content and modes, and gorgeous presentation, it remains an irresistible title for Switch owners. While I hope that Hal continues to experiment with Kirby as it did in games like Planet Robobot, Star Allies remains a good, yet predictable, title that platformer fans in particular should have fun with.

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.

As things stand, for all its excesses, The Escapists 2 is nonetheless a can’t-miss game on Switch. With a delightful pixel-style that fills the screen with details, it’ll be hard to take your eyes off the screen as you make your way through all the different prisons on offer. Most of us might never have the, uh… joy… of breaking out of prison, but The Escapists 2 does a swell job of showing us just how entertaining it can be!

It’s worth a play, but this is a rare Zelda game that will leave most fans underwhelmed.

Animal Crossing: City Folk is a difficult game to evaluate. It is undeniably a well-made and highly polished game that offers all the interesting activities and character the series is known for. On the other hand, it’s almost identical to past titles in the series, with almost nothing in the way of new features.

The slick production values jazz up the game, and the Metroidvania exploration works on a basic level. Spidey fails to sling off the ground because of repetitive combat and a lack of variety. The world feels a bit lifeless.

Most people will tell you to buy the DS version over the GBA version. I beg to differ. The GBA version is, in my opinion, fully equal to the DS version if not superior because you can play it on the big screen with the Game Boy Player, it has co-op multiplayer, it is cheaper, and, besides the space combat, it works the same as the DS version.

While BloodRayne suffers from a lack of originality and has some definite camera issues, the game play makes up for it by busting out with some dynamic game play elements, weapons, and controls.

N64 is a great FPS. Its not ground-breaking, or cutting edge, just good, solid shoot’em up fun.

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.

The pinpoint controls and well-integrated HUD allow for a great action-RPG experience, with excellent pacing on leveling up your character.

Late Shift is the latest example of just how far the FMV genre has come since the days of the Sega CD: the production values are insanely impressive, the narrative is interesting and the acting is strong. There are also incentives to revisit the game, making it a deeper experience than other options on the eShop. Players looking for a more hands-on experience will likely want to steer clear, but fans of the FMV genre will find that Late Shift sets a new standard.

Very fun, if not repetitive, and should hold your interest even if you aren’t a fan of the popular anime series.

A far cry from the Sonic of the early 90’s.

Overall, the game is just an exceptionally pleasant experience. Nothing it does is truly groundbreaking but almost everything just gels together into a very cohesive experience both aesthetically and in terms of gameplay. It’s an exploration game that has both a world you’ll want to see coupled with a means of traversing the world that’s just plain fun. What more can you ask for in such a game?

As a whole, Ultimate Alliance 3 is an immensely enjoyable game that really reminded me how much I love Marvel’s wealth of characters. The roster is huge, the combat is gratifying, and it all looks slick running on Switch either docked or in handheld mode. There are some blemishes in terms of player progression, a bland soundtrack, and the unwieldy camera, but it’s nothing that should stop anyone from going out and giving Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order a download.

Glitches aside, the graphics are quite good for a third-party title, but they could definitely do with a bit of sharpening.

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith borders on the brink of being an unnecessary edition to the franchise. Yes, there are enhancements that move the series forward, especially in regards to difficulty balance, but the smaller track list, repetitive song styles and resemblance to Legends of Rock leave something to be desired.

The Wii controller is decidedly a bit unwieldy for traditional Contra-esque play.

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

To be completely honest, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Mobilized is not a substitute for Modern Warfare 2 on console or PC, the DS just can’t handle such complicated action and intense multiplayer. Instead, Mobilized is just a solid shooter on a console that does not begin to get the FPS action it deserves, and that is what makes it so appealing.

Gals’ Fighters might fly under many people’s radars, but it shouldn’t. This is fighting game that deserves to hit a wider audience now than it did in 2000 by being on Switch. If you’re looking for something different but with the quality and pedigree that SNK is known for, Gals’ Fighters is worth a download.

Monster Hunter XXL is tailored specifically for those who want a bawdy Choose Your Own Adventure with light RPG elements and lots of replay value. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here, and at a pretty good price point considering the quantity of content. It’s not a game for kids, though.

Ultimately, Mighty Switch Force 2 succeeds in creating new and interesting gameplay, but fails to realize the massive potential behind its inventive mechanics.

As a fan of brawlers and Star Wars, I loved this game. The space combat offers a bit of variety to keep the casual gamer interested. The brawling portions are top notch, so fans of Golden Axe, the Turtles series, and the X-Men arcade game will be very pleased with the action in this title, especially if you’re a Star Wars fan.

Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party is a solid entry in the series and a great place for the uninitiated to jump in.

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

The presentation of the menu and in-game action is top-notch. Maybe it's only because it's a handheld and nothing like this has been seen on mobile devices yet, but it feels like a perfect experience, at least at first.

The best monster game since "Rampage."

It's worth a look if you're wanting a good game; it's a must buy if you're a fan of the genre or series.

Overall, Scribblenauts Unlimited improves upon its predecessors in many ways, yet it still lacks what it takes to make a truly great game out of its awesome idea.

A perverse sense of humor and singular style ensure that Contact offers a refreshing dose of originality that is certainly not lacking on the DS, but might be lacking in the RPG genre.

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

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.

Despite its simplistic origins, dull multiplayer, and audio failings, Ms. Pac-Man can be really fun. It is indeed, Maze Madness.

If you’re looking for a puzzle game that is equal parts relaxing and challenging, Worm Jazz is a great choice. It doesn’t bend over backwards to reinvent the wheel, instead opting to be a straightforward, fun puzzler with no fluff. What it lacks in extra modes, Worm Jazz more than compensates for with well-designed, brain-teasing levels. Some solutions might be unintentionally too obscure in their solutions, but it’s a rare distraction. For the vast majority of the time it is a joy going from maze to maze and aiming for the top score. It’s an oddball name and concept, but Worm Jazz is the sort of idea that only works in the world of video games and makes the industry all the better for being here.

A lightening fast and frantic thrill ride from beginning to end, and well worth a purchase.

I really enjoyed the gameplay mechanics that Armillo has to offer, but they’re held back by issues that could have been fixed with more development time. This should be one of the best platformers on Wii U, but it unfortunately remains as a flawed gem in its current state.

Had developers put the extra effort into interface and fuller options for the core treasures rather than including all the throwaway titles this could have been a stellar collection. As it is, Midway Arcade Treasures holds a tenuous spot at strictly average, teetering on below average.

It’s such a pleasantly mellow time that hours can just vanish as you constantly think about doing just one more thing before calling it quits for the day. Something a little more ambitious might have been more interesting in the long run, but for what it is there’s still some fun to be had.

This is definitely one of the best racers available for the Game Boy Advance, and includes enough unlockable content to challenge some console games.

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.

Order Up!! delivers an eye-catching take on the cooking genre. But the title ultimately serves as more of a fun distraction than an enthralling experience.

Overall, Regalia is a deep game with a lot to do, but it’s also a game that is hard, especially as players learn the ropes early on. It’s also a game with some design issues that lessen the experience, and between those and the long, frequent load times, it’s a game that can wear out its welcome. Those are things to keep in mind before foraging into this adventure.

The three major knocks that I have against this game are the lack of multiplayer, relatively short game experience and a weirdo camera. Having stated that, this is still a premiere title for the 64 and there's enough here to outshine the faults.

Return to PopoloCrois is the sort of RPG that I wish there were more of; it’s fun, it’s accessible, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

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

There is just nothing that really makes this game pop. It's not memorable. It does not stand out in my mind. And that is the most unfortunate event of them all.

Namco Museum is a testament to just how far along handheld games have come since the days of overpriced Game Boy Color ports. With challenge modes, online leaderboards, a unique use of the Switch hardware and the most accessible versions of Splatterhouse and Pac-Man Vs. ever, Namco Museum is a surprisingly strong package. It might not offer enough incentive for fans that have revisited these games ad nauseam, and some offerings holdup a lot better than others, but the compilation offers perhaps the best way for passionate fans to revisit a handful of classics.

If you’re into adrenaline-pumping thrills and any game slower than F-Zero,, don’t expect to get much, if anything, out of this game. If, however, you enjoy paced simulations and the thought of collecting stuff, you may want to put Endless Ocean on your sonar, at least for a rental.

Bursting at the seams with all the great elements that make this franchise so remarkable. This is by far my top pick for greatest Game Boy Advance title of this holiday season.

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.

The Fall is still a great, unique title on the eShop, but you need to know what you’re getting into before you play it. In terms of gameplay, The Fall struggles to deliver anything special. But if you’re looking for a game with a genuinely dark sci-fi setting and an intriguing story, then you’ll definitely enjoy exploring as ARID.

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

Mighty Gunvolt is a more deliberate homage to Capcom’s NES Mega Man games than its parent title, and it’s a very good one, at that.

Boing! Docomodake combines puzzles and platforming in a unique, refreshing way, though its use of DS features might have been more novel had it arrived earlier on in the DS's lifespan.

Snake Pass won’t be for everyone. Getting a strong handle on the controls takes some time, and frustration can mount as Noodle plunges over-and-over again to his demise. Players who stick with it, however, will find a rewarding game with beautiful visuals and a soundtrack composed by one of the industry’s greatest. Early into the system’s life, Snake Pass is one of the finest games currently available on the Switch’s eShop.

Remaining faithful to the franchise by displaying it in the manner intended by Dreamworks and PDI, I am delighted to recommend this game to any of you out there who are particularly enamored by the guy in green we know of as Shrek.