Christmas Adventure of Rocket Penguin is just average.

As we come to the end of the year, I figured there’d be an Atlus-published strategy RPG on my game of the year list; I just never imagined there’d be two. But Stella Glow made beautiful music with my heart, and you definitely need to pick it up and get that soundtrack CD.

Outside of its smaller missteps, Retroid Interactive has created a multiplayer game that feels made for the Wii U. There is a good variety of words on offer, but the key to keep players is adding your own categories and tailor it constantly to new players.

I loved Octodad’s premise right when I heard about it, and I’m glad to finally have the chance to play it. The Wii U version doesn’t run at 100%, but It’s already sold me on any projects Young Horses works on in the future. I just hope it comes to a Nintendo platform sooner.

This game is expensive and only features nine minigames to choose from. All of them are either action or traditional puzzle games, which all have better versions somewhere out there.

There’s moments of fun to be found here, but I think I’d be better suited trying my luck on the consoles – at least there, I can expect a solid framerate and finer camera control. But the search for a quality 3DS character action game will have to continue for now.

If you’ve never experienced Toki Tori before, this 3DS remake is worth checking out.

It is entertaining for a little bit, but after that, the game offers nothing to compel the people who foolishly purchased it

Yo-kai Watch is a surprising hit that builds on itself the more you play, demanding more thought and focus than its cheery exterior suggests.

DBZ: Extreme Butoden has good intentions, and overall is a polished fighting game. I just wish the execution was a bit better.

This is a fantastic start to a new era of Guitar Hero games.

The Rivers of Alice has some deep themes that I didn’t really get, but I definitely felt the emotions associated with them. The beautiful graphics and unforgettable soundtrack make me want to stay longer in this world, but the short run time and lack of replayability make that difficult.

By default, I feel as if this is the best Adventure Time video game so far. It’s not perfect, and it’s a little on the easy side, but as an Adventure Time fan, it made me smile.

Paladin Studios made a decent game and I can be frank about that, but that doesn't mean that you are exactly getting your money's worth.

Despite these nitpicks, this game is a triumphant revival of a series that has remained dormant in North America for several console generations, and for those who did get to play the Wii iterations there is much new spooky fun to be had.

It’s not a revolutionary title by any means, but in terms of nostalgia value it accomplishes what it set out to do.

The Legend of Legacy is an enjoyable RPG with a variety of unique concepts, but without a story to back it up, it frustrates just as much as it delights.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a game of massive highs and crushing lows. Thankfully, M2 and Sega have made those lows much less frustrating in this 3D version, making this the definitive way to play this imperfect, but essential, classic.

It’s got some frustrating moments (stage select, vehicles) but the highs outweigh the lows, and I like the Amiibo functionality.

It's ludicrous, but it works, and I hope Juicy Beast has more of these concepts because I'm down for whatever they've got.

When it all boils down, Freedom Planet is the best Sonic the Hedgehog game I’ve played in years.

Despite that, and my problems with the iconography, NOVA-111 is a surprisingly fun sci-fi romp that I think most of you would get a kick out of.

Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer has its moments, but overall it can’t escape the feeling of being a superficial game.

Extreme Exorcism is a fun game bolstered by an extraordinarily unique concept.

The Skylanders series is now into year five and as long as they keep being this entertaining, varied, and lively, then each one should still be worth playing, whether you’re 7 or 27 years old.

If you already have Shovel Knight, you can play this for free today. For people who haven’t already bought Shovel Knight on whatever platform you own, what’s wrong with you? It’s one of the best games I’ve ever played, and this massive content pack doubles its scope.

This game masterfully balances simplicity and challenge, engaging the Wii U in a way that will make it rewarding even if you’ve already played on another device.

If you can get past its brutal challenge, you’ll find a rewarding experience, even if it can be an exhausting one.

Camera and targeting issues aside, Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson is a very fun game, especially for fans of the franchise. Both in terms of story and gameplay, it finds a middle ground between Burst and Shinovi Versus.

It’s unfortunate that the Wii U version’s load times are so poor, because when you can actually play the game, it is a whole lot of fun.

Q.U.B.E. is a must play for puzzle enthusiasts, and for anyone who is looking for a fun challenge.

If you have any interest in battling, robots, or battling robots, LBX is worth a look, but it's not really hooking me in the way Pokémon does and Yo-Kai Watch later this year has the potential to.

It’s pretty decent, and acts as an overall solid choice for any rhythm game player. Unfortunately, while perfectly serviceable, it’s not nearly as good as the other Western-released series games in any way – other than minor non-rhythm game side content.

I think this HD Collection is worth the double dip—if for nothing else, then for Chieftain Bob’s ending in the first game.

It's also worth noting that this is the second piece of software that's exclusive to the New 3DS, so if you're itching to get some use out of the thing, Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is your only other option after Xenoblade.

Super Mario Maker is a supreme early leap into the world of game-making software for Nintendo, and I want to see them make more fascinating games like this, even if I can’t place a Charging Chuck on screen.

With just five hours on the counter, barely anything gets time to truly sink in. Add to this the technical issues and the inconsistencies of the presentation and you have a game that could have benefited from a bit more playtesting.

Minor hiccups aside, Runbow is a blast whether you crave a party game or a platformer.

Gunstar Heroes is an absolute classic of the 16-bit era. I didn’t think it was possible to make the game better, but somehow M2 pulled it off.

The Bridge is different than most puzzlers on the Wii U eShop, but that, along with its emphasis on gameplay, is what makes it stand out the most.

Fans of the original title should absolutely experience this version and as well as all fans of 3D platformers.

The Quiet Collection is a good set of games that mixes a relaxing playing style with a good amount of humor and cleverness. There’s no real replay value in any of the individual games, but I found it a fun game to play with others as well, and watch them try to figure it out in a different way than you may have.

From boring menus, buggy code, and music that sounds like it came from keygen programs from the early 2000s, I cannot recommend it.

Xeodrifter (Wii U) is otherwise the same game you loved on 3DS, including all pros and cons.

Canvaleon is a disappointing game. While it gives you some sense of freedom and good controls, the title's unforgiving nature makes this journey a very bitter one.

Etrian Odyssey Untold 2, the latest in the dungeon-crawling series from Atlus, sank its hooks into me deep and quickly climbed to the top tier of my 3DS Activity Log.

There's a really good game here, just know your frustration point and be ready to jump out when it gets there.

At only eight hours, Ninja Usagimaru is a fun little diversion during the annual summer drought. It did leave me wanting more, though.

The impeccable port combined with the additional features and cool 3D effect make this the definitive version of one of the pinnacles of the genre.

Dragon Fantasy is a fun game while it lasts. It feels like a title that’s starting to get really fun right as the game ends.

Overall this is a solid addition to the Lego franchise and does the Jurassic series justice.

It is certainly blocking something and that thing is called fun.

Swords and Darkness is a functional game, and that’s the best thing that I can say about it.

Despite these flaws, Quadcopter Pilot Challenge is a decently filled out package with a silly but fun premise. Fans of arcade flight games looking for a laugh will be pleased with the game. Just be sure to have access to some music of your own.

Ultimately, Samurai Warriors Chronicles 3 is just okay. While the gameplay and controls are good enough, the story mode itself isn't anything to shout at.

With a glut of superior platformers out there, this is a Wii U eShop game worth passing over.

Despite the game’s AI issues, Never Alone is definitely worth playing—maybe with another person. It’s a very short game and can be finished in two or three sessions. But it’s the educational aspect that I appreciated most, and I imagine you will, too.

Shiftlings is a solid yet unspectacular first effort from a rookie developer, though I do hope it's not the last we see from Sierra. If you can put aside the obsession with finding everything in a level, there's a pretty fun game here – just be ready to fiddle with the sound options.

My Horse 3D - Best Friends is a decent choice for equestrian enthusiasts on the eShop. The variety of content here is a good value for those who are truly horse crazy. However, many aspects of the game lack the freshly brushed polish to be an attractive option to most 3DS owners .

Yoshi's Woolly World is the best Yoshi game I have ever played. The controls feel extremely solid and the gameplay quirks just keep coming that makes it a unique experience.

Art Academy: Atelier is a great entry in the franchise. With 30 new lessons and some pretty powerful tools, painters of all skill levels will have a good time.

The world of Don’t Starve is an intriguing one. The haunting graphics and music create a grim, Burton-esque atmosphere that wraps around the whole package rather nicely.

What you do get is a rough but loveable action RPG and a reminder: For the love of Trixie, SAVE OFTEN.

It’s not this year’s Shovel Knight, but it comes from the same place of love. It’s definitely worth your time.

If you’ve been ignoring Thunder Blade for the past quarter-century, it’s time to take notice. 3D Thunder Blade is not just a great arcade port- it’s one of the best pick-up-and-play action games on the 3DS.

Overall, Splatoon makes for an amazing online game, likely the most engaging online experience Nintendo has ever made.

But for a game that wishes to fill the need of those who want the Minecraft experience on the 3DS, this is probably one of the best to succeed in that regard.

There could have been so much more to the game, but in the end all that’s left is a title that’s fun to play for a few hours, but not really anything beyond that.

While part of me still prefers the focused, no-nonsense challenge of Crashmo, Stretchmo is fantastic, arguably the strongest Pushmo game yet.

Shapes of Gray is a decent first effort from the developer Secret Tunnel, but the unreliable combat and lack of aesthetic personality ultimately hold it back. As such, it’s hard to recommend a one-trick game when it doesn’t do that one trick very well.

In the end, Puzzle & Dragons Z + Super Mario Bros. Edition is, in itself, a bit of a puzzle. It’s definitely interesting and a great shake-up of the Puzzle Quest formula, but you’ll spend as much or more time not playing a match-three puzzle as you will playing it, if that makes sense—especially if you’re playing Puzzle & Dragons Z.

Swords & Soldiers II is a follow-up that is exciting for lovers of the original.

The Wii U version of Nihilumbra isn’t the game’s first picnic on a console, but it never really got the publicity it deserved. If you’ve passed it up previously, don’t sleep on this game now that it’s on the Wii U, just have some kittens handy to provide a dose of happiness afterward.

Ultratron is a perfectly fine twin stick shooter and it is certainly worth playing. Sadly, it is too flashy for its own good and this creates problems that are uniquely its own.

While it needed the help of others to get there, Bloo Kid 2 is worthy of its place in the upper echelon of eShop platformers.

This second DLC pack is great—better than the first—and I highly recommend it.

My initial expectation was that it would be similar to Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment for the PlayStation Vita – a mediocre-to-decent game based on an anime franchise that sells a boatload at $40 and is only available digitally. What I got is something that you should have no business playing, and I look forward to reclaiming over 12,000 blocks of 3DS memory very soon.

Karous -The Beast of Re:Eden- is quite a disappointing package.

Because it was a 2012 DS game, the first release of Devil Survivor 2 flew under the radar of a lot of strategy RPG players. If you’re one of those, or want something that can take up a lot of time, then Record Breaker should be on your radar.

Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures is another fun retro-inspired title that’s definitely worth a look if you’re looking for a challenging platformer on the eShop.

If you like your word searching puzzles nice and clean, Word Search by POWGI is quite a solid choice.

Psyscrolr is a poorly-designed game that you should not play.

If the concepts were expanded upon and the whole game was a bit less quick-fire focused, Heart Beaten could have been a winner in my book.

Beyond those initial laughs, there is no real reason to buy this game in the first place. It is interesting to see something different on the system, but you know, not like this.

At the end of the day, Adventure Bar Story can be seen as filler before the next big thing hits on the Nintendo 3DS and I am totally okay with that.

Players wanting a simple but entertaining light RPG experience will scratch that itch well with Fossil Fighters: Frontier.

There is no shortage of appeal to this game for those who can appreciate a classic dungeon crawler. Unfortunately for non-fans, there isn’t much else on the table.

Affordable Space Adventures is a brilliant ride from beginning to end. however, the game can understandably be overwhelming for the solo player and it can cause a lot of stress while playing through the game.

Boxboy is another 3DS eShop gem that, if we’re lucky, will be the start of a new downloadable series in the same vein as Pushmo.

Marvelous hasn’t lost their spark for creating a farming game worth picking up, and for that, we’re grateful.

Super Destronaut is a very fun Space Invaders clone for the Wii U eShop.

Trine: Enchanted Edition is a good game, well made and competent, but not necessarily for me. I can appreciate what it has accomplished, but its slow, methodical brand of puzzle platforming and the “meh” combat leave me wanting.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3D might not be the best version of this modern-day classic, but it’s a satisfactory way to play one of the boldest, biggest games in recent memory.

Zombie Incident is a fun little game, though there are some annoyances to be found.

This is a tremendous game that, if you have any affinity for aspects of Zelda II and Metroid games, is something you should be getting as soon as possible.

Inazuma Eleven GO Chrono Stones: Wildfire and Thunderflash are really great games, but they aren't for newcomers in the slightest. The game expects you to have played the previous entries and that you know what happened to the various characters.

Inazuma Eleven GO Chrono Stones: Wildfire and Thunderflash are really great games, but they aren't for newcomers in the slightest. The game expects you to have played the previous entries and that you know what happened to the various characters.

The mini-games in this entry aren’t marginally better or worse than recent games, though there is a good balance of motion-controlled and traditional-controlled mini-games present in the title.