This week on the 3DS eShop: Professor Layton, Heavy Fire, and Liberation Maiden

If you go down to the Nintendo 3DS eShop today, you're sure of a big surprise... that's right, a whole boatload of games and DLC have been added to the store's shelves.

As per usual, the European and US eShops have been sent different cargo, presumably in an attempt to confuse us and throw us off the scent.

But, fear not.

We have kept our noses to the ground, and can now bring you a rundown of what's worth grabbing for your 3DS this week, both in the US and the UK.

Heavy Fire: Special Operations 3D is out this week for £4.49 / €4.99. It's a sort of arcade-style shooter set in the Middle East, and it's pretty average.

A title that is definitely not average, however, is Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, which is now available to download for a whopping £39.99 / €44.99.

The latest in the Hershel puzzling series is one of the best so far, and an absolutely essential purchase. So, yes, you should definitely grab this, though we'd suggest your visiting your local games store first to see if it's any cheaper in there.

This week's new Virtual Console title is Mighty Bomb Jack (from Tecmo Koei Games). In it, you rush through enemy-infested rooms and grab treasure aplenty. £4.49 / €4.99 for this piece of history.

What else...? Oh, yes! There's some DLC for New Art Academy, which received a Silver Award from us earlier this year. The DLC packs include new ways to mix up your artwork, and will set you back £1.79 / €1.99 apiece.

Finally, if you're into your short movies, Breakthru Films has added a bunch of videos - with names like 'Fat Hamster' and 'Little Postman' - to the eShop for 89p / 99c each. They definitely sound like something for the kids.

What can US-based 3DS gamers expect today, then?

Well, first off, there's something that sounds exciting but isn't. Liberation Maiden from Level-5 and legendary creator Suda 51 is a full-scale 3D shooter, in which the hero attempts to protect New Japan from invading forces. It'll set you back $7.99, if you are so inclined. We say: don't bother.

The wonderful NightSky (from Cave Story dev Nicalis) is also out now in the US, and will provide hours of ball-rolling fun. It really is pretty and lovely and all nice things, and costs $9.99. Well worth it.

On top of getting Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, US punters will be able to download a free update for Mutant Mudds (which adds 20 extra levels), and a demo for Marvel Pinball 3D.

Hang on - we're not quite finished yet.

How about two new Coin Rush challenges for New Super Mario Bros 2? Or two classics, Ghosts'n Goblins and Castlevania: The Adventure, on the Virtual Console? Or even strategy-puzzle game 18th Gate for 3DS and DSiWare?

You lucky Americans... so much to choose from, so little time.