Simultaneously brilliant yet deeply flawed, Heroes of Mana brings novelty to DS strategy gaming. If only the path-finding was up to the standard of the rest of the game, this would be essential.

While it's slickly presented, End Night HD lacks the same level of sophistication when it comes to its gameplay, with its unmoderated hack-fest becoming tired within minutes.

Gloomy Hollow manages to live up to its name, but not in a good way.

This footie sim's quirks and grind will ensure it remains a downloadable curio, but the presentation and humour is something to see.

Graphically gorgeous and showcasing remarkable depth, Ferrari Challenge is truly a thinking man's racing game. It's regrettable that online play wasn't incorporated, but then there's always the sequel.

Pretty but uncommonly difficult and trickier still to master, Rocket Racing will reward your dedication with an excellent example of momentum-based fun.

Customisable controls prevent this reloaded version of N.O.V.A. HD from shooting blanks but it could have been so much more.

A shallow and uninspiring multiplayer title, Angry Birds Friends doesn't have the spark that made the series so important in the first place.

A faithful conversion from page to screen in almost every way. While the journey is troubled at times by a brutally unforgiving role playing philosophy, it's still one you'll want to take time and time again.

A fun, addictive concept ultimately bogged down by intrusive IAPs and a cumbersome interface.

A well put together, thematically intriguing digital boardgame, but it's not for anyone with a fear of chits.

Children of Mana brings intelligence and charm into the realm of dungeon-based button bashing.

Though dressed in full Lord of the Rings regalia, Middle-earth defense is an entry-level tower defence game that hits the basics, but doesn't reach any new heights.

Briefly entertaining, Daddy Was A Thief doesn't have enough going for it to be a great.

Shamefully enjoyable, and somewhat broken, Dynasty Warriors 8 doesn't disappoint.

We're positive you'll want to avoid MGS Portable Ops Plus: a lacklustre single-player mode, unfriendly interface, and minimal new content make it comprehensively inferior to its predecessor.

The Cave is a really disappointing adventure. It's not very funny, not very clever, and those finicky touchscreen controls are a regular source of frustration.

Spellfall is a pretty looking match-3 puzzler that's not without its charm, but its free to play elements get in the way much of the time.

The fundamentals of arrow-throwing are executed well enough, but the spirit of the sport in a larger sense isn't, making for a totally acceptable, but soulless game of darts.

Kind of like XCOM but with zombies instead of aliens, War of the Zombie is deep, rewarding, and massively challenging.

Sorcery Saga: Curse of the Great Curry God is equal parts fun and frustrating. The bright characters and fun world of Sorcery Saga make the remorseless autosaving of this hardcore dungeon-crawler easier to swallow.

While there's some fun to be had with No Gravity: The Plague of Mind, as space combat games go, it becomes repetitive and rather weightless.

Despite appearing to be a story-driven detective game, Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir is a simple puzzler that isn't interesting enough to hold anyone's attention.

Poor controls and inconsistent level design badly hamper MaXplosion in its attempt to replicate the 'Splosion Man formula on iPhone.

A considerable improvement on the first DS iteration, but still not the definitive Harvest Moon.

Another welcome addition to the eShop's already stellar line-up, The Rolling Western's unique spin on tower defence is as noteworthy as its flaws.

Built on a foundation of hack-n-slash action, Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce brings new depth to the series thanks in the main to its multiplayer modes.

Violent and tough, Beatdown! won't be to everyone's tastes, but if you're a veteran of the 16bit era, it'll be right up your street.