Hugely detailed, simply set out and even educational, this is the perfect art app.

A tie-in that will only disappoint anyone hoping to play as a "real" MiB character. [Aug 2012, p.104]

Scrolling levels are better as you need to concentrate and rely on reactions, but this isn't one we'd recommend seeing through to the end. [Aug 2012, p.103]

You'll reach the top of the high score table easily, leaving little incentive to carry on playing. [Aug 2012, p.102]

This is a game that everyone - young and old - can enjoy, even if it lacks the extra pizzazz of Pullblox. [Aug 2012, p.102]

Vibrant combat and lush Disney worlds atone for the dud dual-character idea. [Aug 2012, p.97]

Lego Batman 2 is a basic game underneath the blocky cowl, but there's so much Bat-flavoured goodness here that fans will have a blast.

An addictive, lovingly created rhythm game and a treat for Final Fantasy fans, though it can get a bit repetitive at times.

A very accomplished platformer, but one that will only appeal to hardcore gamers who relish retro difficulty levels.

Brown trousers all round, if you don't mind the unwieldy control method. [July 2012, p.102]

There's no reason for you to be playing this on 3DS, because the entire game is played on the bottom screen. [July 2012, p.99]

Not terrible, but uninspired and lacking in any original ideas. [July 2012, p.98]

You couldn't call this a game, but it's brilliant for budding artists. [July 2012, p.97]

Bright, happy and endlessly amusing, Beat the Beat is toe-tappingly terrific. [July 2012, p.87]

Some slightly dodgy mechanics aside, this is a truly excellent dungeon crawler.

The 3DS version of Origins has the soul of an outstanding platformer, but the body's been lost in translation. If you really want to enjoy Rayman Origins, if you've any love for the 2D platforming genre at all, respectfully sidestep it on 3DS and invest in the Wii version.

The effort has been put in here - it's very easy to make your own Tetris clone by selecting different blocks and a background with the stylus before sharing it with friends via StreetPass or QR codes.

Yes, VVVVVV is challenging and some rooms can have you squirming in frustration as you die over and over again but with nicely positioned checkpoints ensuring you go back in for more, it's hugely addictive.

You're getting plenty of puzzles for your 4.50, but it's presented badly and it seems unfairly difficult from an early stage. [June 2012, p.109]

What it lacks in charm it (almost) makes up for in tension as you only have three lives. [June 2012, p.109]

A brilliant idea that works well, but it's far too short to offer value for money. [June 2012, p.106]

This is no-frills Mario Tennis then, as undiluted and distilled as the series has been perhaps since the Virtual Boy. [June 2012, p.97]

Some great games let down by a clunky port. Worth it for fans of the films, mind.

This is a wonderful piece of software for creative types.

On DSi it looks really poor, while the music sounds like the sort of thing you'd hear when put on hold. [May 2012, p.104]

Cuter than a puppy knitting a little scarf, but very frustrating in some key areas. [May 2012, p.98]

This is an average-to-good hack and slash that is unfortunately hobbled by some off-the-shelf RPG elements and a well-meaning - if ultimately tiresome - girlfriend management system.

Not as intuitive as Pullblox or Tetris, but Speedthru: Potzols Puzzle is challenging and addictive. Every bit as fun as it is stressful.

A brilliant adventure whose shortness is its only drawback. Well worth a look.

A very basic point-and-click crippled by non-interaction and a rather weak script. [Apr 2012, p.103]

This is the perfect way to enjoy five fantastic Bit.Trip games (and Bit.Trip Core) in one place. [Apr 2012, p.102]

A decent game, but samey and too like the first title to be a real must-buy. [Apr 2012, p.98]

Never gets boring in single-player mode, but it's even more fun in multiplayer mode. [Apr 2012, p.95]

Shows promise, but the combat hasn't been fine-tuned carefully enough. [Apr 2012, p.94]

It feels far bigger than the console upon which it appears, it's deeper than most home console titles and more content-packed than any other 3DS game yet released.

More of the same, which is no bad thing at all. If you loved the first, you'll feel the same about the second.

More of the same, which is no bad thing at all. If you loved the first, you'll feel the same about the second.

With 3D visuals that are reminiscent of Pilotwings Resort, Fun Fun Minigolf Touch looks lovely and it does live up to its name at first, even if you probably won't want to play it for more than a few hours.

A generally fantastic series of games let down by some very shoddy ports.

Technical niggles aside, a fascinating and unique jungle adventure. Superb.

Dillon's Rolling Western is expensive but this tower defence game is also one of the best 3D games available in the eShop.

It's very pleasant, but you feel like you're passing the time, rather than having fun. [March 2012, p.107]

A wonderfully refreshing revamp. [March 2012, p.102]

A brash, engaging tale of swords, sorcery and every sort of hair dye. [March 2012, p.93]

A perfect, smooth version of a great fighting game, and not much else.

A better attempt at capturing Olympic spirit than the Wii version, but still not meaty enough.

A soulless title with poor mini-games, this is a party that needs no pooping.

There's a very good game in there, but it's smothered by dull, arbitrary exploring.

The story mode won't last long, but there is a random castle mode and a level editor to keep you busy in what is no more than an okay download.

If you are prepared to put up with the so-so presentation, Bobby Carrot Forever is a decent puzzler with 60 tricky levels.

Its challenge is too variable. [Feb 2012, p.105]

The same old Cooking Mama. [Feb 2012, p.104]

The best football game currently on 3DS. [Feb 2012, p.104]

The only real issue are the loading times. [Feb 2012, p.100]

Very basic. [Feb 2012, p.100]

Dark, terrifying and brilliantly exciting, Revelations is a triumph on 3DS. [Feb 2012, p.89]

CRUSH3D is packed with great ideas, but sadly they aren't executed that well.

If you're already played it in the Wii version, exploring it on 3DS is both familiar and different. [Jan 2012, p.91]

Curiously addictive. [Jan 2012, p.87]

Frustrating. [Jan 2012, p.83]

As good as the series has ever been. [Jan 2012, p.82]

After Shantae: Risky's Revenge, Aliens Infestation and Mighty Flip Champs, this is another excellent game from WayForward. Packed with original ideas but there just aren't enough stages.

An interesting little title that certainly won't appeal to everyone, but will please fans of traditional board games. It adds enough changes to the standard Monopoly formula to make it feel unique and the Easy Rules option means family members of all ages can get involved. An interesting addition to the Wii library.

There are so many nooks and crannies for your ball to explore and you get awards for hitting certain areas and fulfilling tasks.

Half-baked rubbish. [Dec 2011, p.98]

It's all far too familiar. [Dec 2011, p.98]

The boring combat and daft plot mean you're unlikely to keep playing. [Christmas 2011, p.103]

It's more or less identical to that of the Wii version. [Christmas 2011, p.103]

The best football game on the Wii, but flaws and dated features remain. [Christmas 2011, p.89]

A vast improvement and by far the closest recreation of the PC version on handheld. [Christmas 2011, p.79]

Virtual Console classics aside, Pullblox is the first essential 3DS eShop game. Download it now if you haven't done so already.

If you've already got this from the Wii Virtual Console, the 3D doesn't justify the price, but for everyone else this is another ace Kirby game.

Undemanding fun in short bursts but very shallow and repetitive.

Frenetic and well tailored to the handheld, but lacks story and features.

Enjoyable Japanese RPG that, despite the graphical overhaul, is showing its age.

The best Mario Kart game yet with an online platform that'll keep you racing for years.

It goes without saying that WWE 12 is mainly for diehards who want an update on last year's title. While the gameplay hasn't changed enough for casual fans to update there are enough customisation options to keep fans of the squared circle busy until next year.

A high quality game that makes a strong start then descends into repetition, sadly.

It may not have much replay value once all the puzzles are done, but it's a fun story with some real head-scratchers.

An impressive attempt to cram the full F1 season into a Nintendo 3DS.

Despite the main game's brief length, Sonic Generations is fantastic fun. As long as you don't mind replaying the same levels to try to better your own records, which is a challenge in itself, this is an essential purchase for Sonic fans.

Kirby goes back to his roots. No strings, no plurality, just ace co-op adventuring.

The result is another mesmerising entry to the series. There's little incentive to replay it after you've finished, but it's one of the most enjoyable narrative rides in gaming today, and it burns bright and strong while it lasts.

Rayman games may usually prompt little more than a shrug of indifference, but don't dismiss Origins. It's a top quality platformer from start to finish, a dazzling showcase for Ubisoft Montpellier's artistic talents, and one of the best Wii games of this (or any other) year.

Great fun, but too short and challenge mode is too generic to make up for it.

Super Mario 3D Land is superb. The care and attention put into every aspect of it is beyond words and the only real problem point - the difficulty - is blown away by its remarkable post-credits reveal. This is the first truly essential, completely new title for the 3DS.

Mario & Sonic At The London 2012 Olympic Games is a step sideways for the series. It'll no doubt sell bucketloads, but be warned that if you're getting it you'll need friends handy, since playing it on your own is a pretty underwhelming experience.

The Run is really good when the racing is kept simple, but unfortunately it rarely is. Unfortunately, the overall feeling you take away is frustration.

If the Wii version of Modern Warfare 3 is your only available option, what you get here is a bombastic, if braindead, accomplished shooter with online multiplayer options that stand above those of most other Wii titles. Modern Warfare 3 Wii is an undeniable guilty pleasure both online and off.

Your furball is far too floaty and controlling him becomes an exercise in anger management as he bumps into one obstacle after another, some of which are difficult to spot.

The greatest character and planet creation kit ever. If the exploration had been better this would be gold but then you'd probably be paying £30 for it.

Mildly disappointing port of an exceptional game that retains its charm.

Shinobi won't be to everyone's tastes since we're now in an age where games are expected to be easy enough for everyone. But if you like the idea of a game repeatedly handing your backside to you until you learn the ins and outs, Shinobi will give you many hours of fun.

This was an iPhone game and the controls can be fiddly. You might put up with that in multiplayer but not during a bombardment...

The only annoyance is that it takes so long to restart a level, especially when it's so easy to fail. So forget the 3D - this is everything a good puzzle game should be. Simple to play, addictive, challenging and a little bit frustrating.

Awful.

Not without its flaws but an impressive shooter given the limitations of the hardware.

Like many NES games, TwinBee is very difficult and there are no continues - but it never seems unfair so even if you're getting pummeled, you'll feel like going back in for more punishment.