The very definition of bitter-sweet, giving with one hand and then taking away with the other. By default it's the best side-scrolling platformer on the 3DS and yes, it's even better than the original New Super Mario Bros. But that came out six years ago now, and in that time we'd really expected the series to have progressed a little further than just a 3D effect and Coin Rush mode.

A great title that both pays tribute to the series and takes it somewhere new.

Anniversary is the best game in the series by far. [Christmas 2007, p.72]

A massively entertaining racer that grabs and runs with the power of the WiiU. It's tough, but we're Nintendo gamers. We eat tough for breakfast. [Apr 2013, p.80]

This has to be some of the most impressive enemies you'll ever see on the DS. [Feb 2007, p.70]

It was going to be hard to do the original justice, but this remake does and then some. [Christmas 2010, p.68]

A love letter to Dead Or Alive fans and a dizzying companion piece to SSFIV3D.

This is a highly accomplished party game that stands head and shoulders above the mess of shovelware garbage out there, even if it does lack the depth of its slightly more meaty handheld brother. [Nov 2009, p.65]

Black Ops on Wii is a fantastic shooter packed with all the features of its HD brothers, with the only exception being split-screen multiplayer.

Whether it's teamplay you want or epic solo adventuring, DQIX handles both with class. [Aug 2010, p.83]

A sensational racer, it's far more polished than most full-price racers on Wii. [Aug 2011, p.102]

Wright benefits slightly more from the fresh coat of paint, but Layton more than holds his own in this hugely enjoyable slice of comic mystery.

A great choice to lead the Wii MotionPlus charge, combining summertime fun with great gameplay.

This gem is worth picking up again, even if it's just to gawk at the HD revamp. [Issue#116, p.90]

It's nothing short of an ingenious set-up and, while there's the odd glitch, in general matches are fast-paced and exciting.

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.

Mixes trademark difficulty and accessibility with surprising finesse. Not just a brilliant entry in the series, but a benchmark for other games of its type.

If you're after a good racing simulation on the DS then GRID is one of the best out there. [July 2008, p.97]

This has overtaken "Wii Sports" as our favourite tennis experience on the Wii. It's great fun even if you're not a Sega fan, but the lack of online is an insult to Wii gamers. [Apr 2008, p.70]

While not without its faults, this is a fitting follow-up and a hugely satisfying experience. [Mar 2011, p.92]

The Wii's answer to Dark Souls or Spelunky. Harder than your average Metroid-a-like, but with a greater sense of accomplishment. Dauntingly good.

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

This is the perfect example of what we expect from multi-format Wii U games, with everything seen in other versions and more Nintendo-only stuff on top.

Its core is as exciting as ever and the new features justify trading in last year's edition.

In an industry embarrassed by brains, this is a shining beacon of measured character work, deep-rooted ideas and whip-smart dialogue.

Offers almost everything we want from a BM game. Multiplayer japes don't get better than this. [Dec 2008, p.84]

Its style and sense of humour turn a simple slash 'em up into something genuinely enjoyable. [Mar 2008, p.64]

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