The game is exceptional all around. Even the instruction manual pays homage to the classics and is well worth a peek for the ardent fan. Contra fans should buy this game immediately, and action fans in general should seriously consider picking it up.

When a developer is able to marry the perfect controls of this game with content and gameplay that are equally polished, we'll really have something. And judging by Team Fusion's admirable first effort on Wii, they might just be the developers to do it.

A pretty likeable game. The presentation and gameplay are both simple and charming, and the budget price makes the shallow premise and minor faults completely forgivable.

A giant leap for the platforming genre. Freed from the shackles of traditional 3-D platforming, the game is much more than just "Mario 64" set in space. I never thought I’d describe a Mario game as “epic," but that’s exactly what it is.

Long-time fans of Mortal Kombat will want to pick up this game for its online multiplayer, but others may be turned off by its dated gameplay and presentation, and poor single-player experience. On the other hand, the DS hasn’t been graced by many fighters, making Ultimate Mortal Kombat potentially the best one available on the platform.

I imagine this is how an English teacher feels when he or she gets a paper that consists of one well-written sentence and nothing else. In conclusion, just watch the TV show.

More frustrating than fun.

While the stories presented in the episodes are actually quite enjoyable, the trial-and-error nature of fact-gathering coupled with the inability to skip conversations makes furthering the narrative a tedious and frustrating process.

Ontamarama is certainly no Elite Beat Agents, but its style of gameplay is definitely unique. Perhaps it should have been called Multitasking Training in Japan in order to gain better sales.

It is slightly fun for a while, but once the novelty of a Spanish-speaking DS wears off it starts to feel more like a class than a game. However, if you are learning Spanish or wish to learn Spanish, I can’t think of a better tool to have in your hip pocket.

Hmm. If you need to distract a rich kid for thirty seconds while you rummage through his backpack for money. If you're a nurse caring for an incontinent who is captivated by the color yellow. Maybe if you're stalking somebody on the development team. In those instances, perhaps a rental is justified. Otherwise, steer clear.

The game’s biggest strength is in how well it establishes the tone and feeling of the console CoD4 games. The fast pace, mission structure, and gameplay are all distinctly Call of Duty, and everything performs beautifully.

Build-A-Bear is a fantastic idea, but that idea best left in the real world. This virtual version of it is a wasted effort.

But my favorite comedian can’t save this rushed DS tie-in. I’ve heard good things about the movie, but I can’t recommend the game.

When you add camera issues to the mediocre graphics and unreliable controls, you end up with a final package that is somewhat disappointing.

It's so good, you won't care that you don't have two-channel sound. I don't, which I think is a testament to how amazing the Guitar Hero experience is.

The game certainly has some flaws (like the loose aiming and overly complex map), and I find it hard to forgive the "die and start over again" philosophy, but Dementium is definitely something different, and it's something I think people will generally enjoy.

A mediocre game with some interesting ideas. Crash Bandicoot fans should enjoy it, but gamers looking for a decent platformer on their DS should look elsewhere.

Everything from the visual presentation to the core fighting system has stayed stagnant since the original GameCube game.

One of the best single player experiences on Wii to this point. The basic gameplay is so strong that it easily overcomes a bland story and sometimes frustrating gestures. This game is just begging for a sequel, full of the same point-and-click animal changing fun.

Even with a few notable annoyances, ZX Advent is a fun and addictive action game with plenty of clever level designs and fun abilities.

While Capcom is known for milking its franchises, Trials and Tribulations is not a mindless sequel. You'll cheer. You'll boo. You might even yell, "Objection!" The first entry is still the best, at least in English, but the final Phoenix Wright game definitely surpasses the second.

Naruto DS overall is a decent RPG game that keeps true to its series. The graphics and overall presentation let it down, and the story is kind of dull, since it more or less borrows the whole script from the show.

For fans of the strategy genre, this is your definitive game on the DS; go and pick this game up without a second thought.

While none of the games are quite as deep and compulsive as Wii Sports, they’re entertaining enough on their own to keep players waggling through the short single-player mode.

The thing that really shakes me about Table Tennis, though, is that Rockstar did virtually nothing to spice up the sport. Like I said before, there are no actual players or Career-type mode. There are no power-ups, and no stat improvements. The closest thing to "technique" you’ll find is in putting spin on the ball and using your focus meter, which actually doesn’t help very much. In all, Table Tennis is a game that just screams "lack of effort."

This is a classic case of a good idea with lackluster execution, making My Word Coach the kind of game that I'd like to see followed up with an expanded and improved sequel.

There will come a point where you'll need to overcome some big challenges to unlock the last few stages, but by that point enough content will be available to where you'll have played more than your money's worth.

It will appeal to both the old-school THPS fans (like me) and the newer crowd who are more familiar with the post-THPS3 games. For skating fans who like gaming on the go, Proving Ground is a worthy choice.

But if gin rummy and Texas Hold ‘Em constitute the bulk of your card-game playing, you should shy away from this one.

Although it's not very original, the content found here is compelling and fun, and the sports twist proves to be inspiration for several addictive mini-games.

Aside from reading the cards (there are guides available online), importers shouldn't have too much trouble. The main menu is mostly spoken in English, so navigation is just a matter of listening closely, and the submenus aren't too difficult either. [JPN Import]

Bleach: The Shattered Blade will only appeal to fans of the show, and barely at that. It's mediocre as an extension of the anime, and even worse as a video game. Though the Wii motion controls work like they are supposed to, they simply don't fit with the fast pace and repetitiveness of this style of fighting game.

As an innovative first try, Duck Amuck is a success.

Wii Sports demonstrated just how much depth can be wrung out of the simplest of mechanics like swinging the Remote. FIFA 08’s approach is almost the opposite, offering a huge variety of gestures that only superficially interact with the game. FIFA is a solid game, but this Wii port makes it harder than it should be to enjoy the strengths of the core design.

FIFA 08 is a good rendition of a game design from a couple of generations ago that has been enhanced with a few modern tweaks, like online play and touchscreen controls. The gameplay might seem a little lacking in depth and strategy when compared to the 3D sports games most players are used to, but in terms of handheld gaming it provides a fun experience.

Unfortunately, if you're outside the targeted demographic, the game will most likely make you feel old, or at least bored, or probably both.

Unfortunately, fans of the genre are going to find nothing to enjoy here. The dumbed-down simulation gameplay, simple missions and tedious mini-games all bog the game down.

A strange beast full of half-baked ideas and poor controls, yet it contains deceptively clever level designs.

A satisfying platform brawler that should easily please younger gamers while providing enough action and humor to keep older gamers interested.

Seldom do you see so thorough an effort put forth by a third-party developer, and on the Nintendo DS at that. It isn't a perfect racing game, but its sheer variety of vehicles, tracks, and game modes, as well as the ability create custom tracks and cars for online use, make it a great gaming value.

Almost every aspect of Spider-Man: Friend or Foe falls flat on its face. As a fan of the sandbox style Spider-Man games, I must say I am deeply disappointed that Activision chose to go the easy route instead of giving fans another high quality game. Avoid this game at all costs; it's not even worth a rental.

Spider-Man: Friend or Foe's levels can be played cooperatively in multi-card mode, but with such boring gameplay I cannot recommend one, let alone two, purchases.

Spyro fans (I know you're out there) shouldn't hesitate to pick the game up. Additionally, the game would be good for younger action-gamers, as the easy mode is well thought out; enemies have less endurance and punch, and even fewer techniques.

It becomes difficult to fully enjoy Phantom Hourglass if you are a Zelda vet. The lack of even an option for D-pad control tells me that Nintendo did not have their Zelda fan base in mind when they were creating Phantom Hourglass. And that’s okay, I guess. It’s still a decent game, but it’s also a game apart from the rest of the series. It just feels different, and I think it demonstrates that Nintendo is reluctant to sail into the murky waters beyond Wind Waker.

Not only is Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party the first traditional DDR game to hit a Nintendo platform, it also may be the best version on any platform yet. It's incredibly refreshing to see a new incarnation of this game have such a great set of new modes to go along with the tried and true.

Despite the obviously low-budget development, there are some great ideas and a lot of classic gameplay here, and I would love to see a sequel with much better production values.

Those willing to put the time in to grasp the game’s frustrating controls (Monkey Ball maniacs perhaps) will most likely squeeze a lot of fun out of the game. The rest of us, however, are better off steering clear.

Most surprising of all? This magnificent game, cream of the DS crop, is only available at Wal-Mart. If not for this sad lack of faith, I would expect Chibi-Robo to become one of Nintendo's brightest new mascots, transitioning between genres and systems while retaining a core gameplay structure.

The main mode of the game is a little short, and some poor game structure choices dampen the playability a bit, but that doesn’t erase the fact that the game includes some of the best platforming experiences available.

This game is worth ten bucks at the most. If you pay any more than that, you're doing a disservice to developers striving to provide above-average experiences to gamers.

It's amazingly accessible for young players, features a proactive character for girls, and is a great way to introduce children to the adventure genre. And although long-time gamers will find the game to almost run on automatic, it also features a fast-paced crime story with surprise twists, and some smooth art.

This game may entertain your kid for about ten minutes, but the slow pace and lack of any real reward system means that Little Billy will put it down and be off chasing a butterfly before you know it.

The unique control scheme makes for an interesting change and a lot of fun, while the extra challenge modes provide incentive for much replay.

There are no sacrifices, no compromises, and no settling for second best here. Two Tribes has gone above and beyond the call of duty and have created an instant classic. This is truly the best Worms game ever made.

Seriously, EA, don't invite that "GET IN THE HOLE" guy back again.

This game is outstanding. I would even recommend it above some of the console versions of Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf, for the simple fact that it's tailored so perfectly for a handheld system.

A true gamer's game, a lovingly crafted science-fiction magnum opus, a showcase title not only for excellent motion controls but also stunning artwork that rivals anything in gaming.

Those hoping for an overhaul will have to wait for the inevitable Brain Age 3.

To have this style of game on a handheld like the DS is unexplored territory and is quite remarkable. However, those looking for an RPG are left out in the dark.

The problem is that they haven’t invested nearly as much time in the game that exists underneath the control scheme. The AI, the playbooks, and the presentation are still inexorably rooted in the PS2 design that might have been compelling four years ago but which is now really starting to show its age.

Assuming you've got the patience to work through these infrequent but recurring gameplay issues, Madden 08 DS is a tough deal to ignore.

Mega Man Star Force, despite all the changes they have made to the Battle Network formula, still feels, plays, and looks like its ancestor.

Mega Man Star Force, despite all the changes they have made to the Battle Network formula, still feels, plays, and looks like its ancestor.

Mega Man Star Force, despite all the changes they have made to the Battle Network formula, still feels, plays, and looks like its ancestor.

Boogie should be a lesson learned for EA's Casual Entertainment division. Simplifying the controls of a game for new players is a good idea, but the gameplay shouldn't be simplified with them.

A good little package. Competitive play just doesn't work as well as it does for some other puzzle games, but it can still be fun in short spurts.

The game never allows a dull moment, and it will keep players engaged with its fast-paced antics.

A surprisingly robust game. While it probably won’t interest hardcore DS owners who are awaiting more 1st party efforts, casual gamers and kid gamers can really get into it.

A hollow experience that can’t even deliver on its admittedly hokey premise with some mindless bug-bashing fun. The controls are awkward, methodical, and frustrating, while the visuals are a big step back, even by the standards of last generation’s hardware.

A thoroughly disappointing and discouraging game.

There are a few good ideas sent to die here, and the overall premise of the game is great, but it's all mired in technical problems and awful mission design.

Ratatouille is not really much different in gameplay than most other movie-licensed games; in fact, it may be a bit better since it mooches off an obscure and great source material, Chibi-Robo.

It manages to stick to the source material and present a decent amount of enjoyment, and it does so with a good amount of style.

Pokemon Battle Revolution would have been perfect as a $10-20 WiiWare game. $50 at retail just doesn't make any sense.

As you may have heard, this is the best Harry Potter videogame yet. But that's like saying "Bloodrayne" is the best Uwe Boll movie yet -- it might be true, but it doesn't mean much.

This game has so many features. It gives you over 30 vehicles to unlock, sub-missions, the Allspark Wars on Wi-Fi, and a solid multiplayer mode. However, the game is extremely short, seemingly rushed, not that nice to look at, and finding a glitch or five is not hard in the least.

I had a ton of fun playing through RE4 again, and I’d never go back to the GameCube version now that I’ve used the Wii remote and nunchuk. RE4 was already an exemplary game it was first released, and now it’s even better.

This game has so many features. It gives you over 30 vehicles to unlock, sub-missions, the Allspark Wars on Wi-Fi, and a solid multiplayer mode. However, the game is extremely short, seemingly rushed, not that nice to look at, and finding a glitch or five is not hard in the least.

A great concept that is very entertaining on the surface falls on its face extremely quickly due to lack of content.

The new touch-controls alone make Planet Puzzle League far superior to its predecessors. A wealth of single and multiplayer options simply push it over the top.

It's a cleverly designed game that could use a bit more polish.

The series is screaming for reinvention, and even the introduction of Wii control was not enough to invigorate it.

The problem with the game is that it doesn't have as much support to the one-on-one fighting that previous games in the series has had.

There is probably room for more features, but as a simple record of crossword history, the game works well. For crossword junkies it's a no brainer.

I really wish the missions were more meaningful, because the roots of a great 2D brawler are here – it just needs more time to mature.

Etrian Odyssey definitely isn't for everyone, but that's due to its genre rather than lack of quality. If you have a taste for brutal difficulty and don't mind a touch of level grinding now and then, you'll want to savor this game like a fine wine.

The only group I can recommend this game to would be extreme fans of the movie, and judging from the movie's reviews, there won’t be too many of those.

Kids who are fans of the movies will probably enjoy every minute of it, but parents may want to find a longer game to invest their money in.

It's truly a mess, and in many ways it is a step backwards from the excellent Spider-Man 2 game released a few years ago. However, I do think the web-swinging mechanic is big enough and fun enough to make this game worth renting.

Partially wasted license aside, Spider-Man 3 is a fluid, fun, refined handheld game that clearly benefits from being the developer's fourth Spidey game on the system in less than three years.

An extremely well conceived game. While some may complain that it is too much like past titles, it's hard not to get drawn into the charm and depth of the universe.

An extremely well conceived game. While some may complain that it is too much like past titles, it's hard not to get drawn into the charm and depth of the universe.

Based on a thirteen-year-old puzzle game, Bash lacks depth, has very little content, and presents a seriously flawed multiplayer mode.

An ill-conceived variation on a popular formula.

An experience not to be missed. Personality drips from the television screen - personality you do not want to miss.

Jill's outlook looks bright, however. I can say it was a pleasure to study here, even if it seems that her rote-memorized daily life seems shallow and simple.

The game design for each mini-game is very solid, and the card game is also strategic without the need for an encyclopedic knowledge of the rules.