Nintendo

Game Description: Metroid: Other M is a single player shooter for Wii that takes the beloved Metroid franchise into uncharted and exciting new territory. Set between the events of Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion, the game features unprecedented access to the backstory, thoughts and in-game interactions of the usually closed off heroine of the series, Samus Aran. Developed jointly by Nintendo and the celebrated Japanese development studio, Team Ninja, the game also features exciting play options, including the ability to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives, pointer and sideways Wii Remote controller orientation, stunning in-game cinematics and a classic blend of Metroid action and puzzle-solving gameplay.

Block like a Man

HIGH You gotta love the "click" that happens when dozens of minutes of frustration give way to a natural, logical conclusion.

LOW Please play me a different song on this next puzzle!

WTF My insurance provider doesn’t see Picross-related carpal tunnel syndrome as a viable reason for treatment.

A Masterclass in Mayhem

HIGH Finding yourself overwhelmed by giant bubbles in the underwater stage, then realizing you can turn them into missiles by hitting them with your sword to unleash all kinds of destruction.

LOW Playing the so-called "2 Player" mode with a friend for the first time expecting chaos of the highest order, only to discover that the second player really doesn't get to play at all.

WTF When a boss rips off a piece of itself, dribbles it like a basketball, and then throws it at you like you're its own personal bowling pin, you know you're playing a Treasure game.

It's What we've all Seen Before...or is it?

HIGH: Finally getting that stupid Rock Mario star in Melty Monster Galaxy.

LOW: The children's story aesthetic is sadly missing.

WTF: "Awww. The Princess is so thoughtful, even when she's kidnapped." When the hell isn't she kidnapped?

Game Description: Super Mario Galaxy 2 is an action platformer for Wii that continues the space-based fun begun by the 2007 runaway hit Super Mario Galaxy. Featuring out-of-this-world platforming across a wide array of unique planets and space environments, players can go it alone as Mario or team up with his old buddy Yoshi as they platform and puzzle-solve to their hearts content. Additional key features include new and returning power-ups, special power-up abilities when teamed with Yoshi and the new drill mechanic that allows Mario burrow into and through planets.

Virtue and Reward

HIGH The Lovecraftian transformations of Armon Ritter.

LOW The painfully sluggish sword fight against Hibaru Yaju.

WTF So, the hideous bird-lion boss is our new best friend?

Game Description: Sin & Punishment: Star Successor is rail shooter for Wii that challenges you, whether playing alone or with a friend, to survive an onslaught of attacks by enemies large and small. Players have their choice of a male or female playable character, each with defensive and specific offensive abilities, and the ability to battle huge bosses and other enemies from the ground or from the air using a variety of devices. Additional features include multiple controller options and online international leaderboards and more.

It's like Picross, but in 3D!

HIGH A fantastic sequel to a great puzzle game.

LOW The step-by-step progression to reach harder puzzles.

WTF That's supposed to be a horse!? Really!?

Game Description: Picross 3D is the single player sequel to the popular Picross DS puzzle game. The original game was a number-based grid puzzle that challenged players to reveal a hidden picture. Picross 3D ratchets up the challenge, moving the action into three dimensions. Blending the logical challenge of a sudoku puzzle with the excitement of discovering hidden images, Picross 3D is a must-have for any puzzle fan on the DS. Additional features include multiple categories of puzzle challenges and wireless functionality that allows puzzles to be shared both via the Internet and over a local Nintendo Wi-Fi connection.