3DS Virtual Console Round-up - the top 5 games of June

Let's be honest - the 3DS's eShop has got off to a bit of a rocky start.

There's a lack of new content, the payment system needs some work, and the conversions across regions are seriously out of whack.

One thing feature that has shown some promise, though, is the Virtual Console.

A mere eight Game Boy and Game Boy Color games may have made their way onto the service so far, but the level of quality is pleasingly high.

To help you sort the wheat from the virtual chaff we've selected what we consider to be the best five games on the 3DS's Virtual Console so far.

So sit back, relax, and revel in the retro revival the 3DS has started.

Super Mario Land - £3.60

Yes, Super Mario Land is just a little bit odd.

Exploding koopas, off-centre piranha plants (take a closer look), and rampaging moai heads are just a few of the weird goings on here - and as a result the game can end up feeling like a dodgy Taiwanese knock-off of a genuine Mario game.

Dig a little deeper and the same Nintendo magic is there though. Hidden bonus rooms, tight controls, recognisable power-ups and a satisfying level of challenge all make this an unconventional but nevertheless golden Mario escapade.

Let's not forget the shooter sections, either. Despite being as unusual a sidestep as you'll find in a 2D Mario title, they do actually work rather well - in their own frantic and bizarre way.

Super Mario Land is definitely worth a play if you've never experienced it before - it may be one of the black sheep of the Mario series, but what a brilliant black sheep it is.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening - £5.40

The most expensive of all the VC titles currently available, Link's Awakening contains enough greatness to be well worth its high price.

Originally a black and white title, Link's Awakening is elevated by the addition of colour to such a degree it almost feels like a brand new game – and despite the GBC’s lack of power Koholint Island is an incredibly vast, vibrant, and exciting world that simply begs to be explored.

This gets as close as it's possible to get to matching up to home console Zeldas, but adds a large number of new ideas into the mix as well. Taking a pet Bow-Wow for a walk is one of the strangest but most interesting things you may ever do in a Zelda title.

Yes, the plot ‘twist’ may be more than a little obvious, but it still won’t stop you from relishing every last dungeon, side quest, and battle the game has to offer.

Just don’t steal from the in-game store – you’ll end up regretting it.

Donkey Kong - £3.60

The deserved recipient of a Pocket Gamer Silver Award last week, Donkey Kong is a puzzle-platformer par excellence.

Starting off as a near identikit copy of the 1981 arcade game of the same name, Donkey Kong then shifts into another gear altogether - throwing a huge number of puzzle-based levels your way.

In each self-contained stage there's a key to collect, enemies to avoid, hazards to get past, and an exit door to unlock.

Perhaps this sounds a tad formulaic, but the game is so confidently presented and structured that any issues of originality can be gleefully tossed aside.

Donkey Kong is a must if you enjoyed any of the Mario Vs Donkey Kong series on GBA and DS.

Double Dragon - £2.70

Do you enjoy seeing a game over screen repeatedly? Then you'll love Double Dragon.

Continuing the Double Dragon tradition of being as hard as titanium nails, the portable version of developer Tecnos's side scrolling fighter quite literally pulls no punches.

Faceless women (really - they creepily have no facial features), men with what look like pancakes for faces, and oil drum-toting dudes are just some of the thugs you'll have to beat to death on these mean streets.

If you can get past the difficulty, there's a lot to love. Yes, it inevitably feels like a throwback, but it's a throwback with retro appeal.

Lovably arcade-esque flashing thumbs that beckon you to the next section of a stage, an enjoyably large range of weapons, and suitably weighty combat mean Double Dragon is an accomplished fight-fest that's definitely worth your pennies.

Kirby's Dream Land - £3.60

It’s good to see that some things never change. Kirby’s Dream Land, the game in which the pink one made his debut, follows the rule that nearly every Kirby title has followed since - a chronic lack of difficulty.

You can literally float your way through the four main levels, with the only even slight hint of a challenge arising from the end of stage bosses. Even then, they can be dealt without too much trouble.

Even worse is that Kirby hadn’t quite involved into the character we know today. His unique ability to absorb enemies’ powers by sucking them is notably absent.

As a result, the game really does struggle to fully justify its £3.60 price tag, despite its excellent presentation and adorably hyperactive soundtrack.

Sadly, this can only really be recommended to Kirby historians – unless it gets a much-needed price cut.

Have we missed your favourite? Can you not believe we allowed Radar Mission to drop off our, er, radar? Is there no way we should have missed out Alleyway? Let us know in the comments below.