Nintendo-Demand+: Mario Kart 8 special Micky D's Circuit? + E3 Winners? Blah! + Many Yaddas

Mario Kart 8 x McDonalds

Nintendo served up some fun on July 12th in LA for kids as they celebrated... Mario Kart 8's themed Happy Meal program (which lasts nationwide until July 31st, 2014). Players were able to play the game in store on the 12th... and we think that option should remain through out the Happy Meal program (although play times may have to be timed to prevent conflict). That would've allowed more people to get a taste of what the game has to offer.

When we first saw the pics, we really thought Nintendo held a real life Mario Kart race... that would've been great (for the kids at least).

We aren't saying that anyone... Won E3 2014, but we enjoyed Nintendo's presentation the most.

There are pointless arguments about who won E3... by people disregarding the fact that preferences are a major factor. Which presentation did you enjoy the most(?), that's the question... and you hold the answer (for yourself). There are editors out there (I won't mention you guys by name)... that clearly loved the Nintendo presentation, said it was the best and not some.... but all said they'd buy a Wii U based on what was shown (if they had to choose).

One particular editor felt it was the best, but felt that it wasn't long enough and that's why it gets a grade equivalent to the others he felt were bad. No matter the presentation... no matter the games... and that's silly. We don't win anything from giving Nintendo props, but the length of the presentation didn't take away from what they delivered. It was long enough (in my opinion)... instead of it being drawn out for no reason. After that though... we were able to tune-in to E3 TreeHouse Live for more. Its funny though, because... the argument was the opposite for Sony and Microsoft. Yes, the word for today is... Oxymoron.

Overall... Nintendo didn't get 2 thumbs up because they were better than anyone else. They got two thumbs up for doing what they did in awesome fashion with great news that lacked pointless fillers in our opinion (that has nothing to do with anyone else). There were some fanboys looking for some fire, but as we said in our E3 2014 article... we feel that each one did good and a good chunk of the offerings should prove to be enjoyable. I am the winner of E3, because I will have access to more good games, how about you?

Good 2D games rock!

The title of this segment says it all, good 2D games not only take me (myself) back to the past... in some cases, but whether they go retro or another direction, the art is usually what ropes me in just as much as the gameplay (most of the time). Ubisoft's Rayman Origins & Legends... are some pretty games with enjoyable game play, and WayForward (maker of Mighty Switch Force) has finally released... (what we'd consider a 2D masterpiece), Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut for PC (Steam).

Some of the things you can expect in this version... are HD visuals, alternate costumes, and an unlockable mode (we know what it is... but we'll leave it to you to figure it out via game play if you don't dig up a spoiler). There will be Steam trading cards, achievements, and emoticons as well... so there will be more replay value via the achievements, some cool looking Steam Trading Cards, and emoticons.

Another good looking 2D game with an 8-Bit twist... is Shovel Knight (by Yacht Club Games, which is actually a team of ex-WayForward employees).

We haven't had the pleasure of playing Shovel Knight, but the system of choice to play it on... would likely be the 3DS... unless there were more content on other available platforms. There is different content, but we feel that the 3DS has the best... with the option of 3D.

The Wii U's version has Miiverse support via the Digger's Diary... which allows you to read & write in game messages. Steam has trading cards and achievements (which can increase replay value), while the 3DS version not only has 3D, but also a StreetPass Battle Arena, and the ability to use your PlayCoin's to trade for gold. So basically you are still interacting with the game when you aren't playing, which isn't this new thing (since that's a known option on the 3DS)... but when comparing features, these appear more appealing to us (especially myself). As far as the version that appeals to you... that's for you to decide, but hopefully this gives you an idea of things to consider if you plan to get your hands on the game.

The character art they've provided... really makes me want to see what type of 2D HD masterpieces they can deliver along with the nifty character art. Fluid 2D animation is something to truly appreciate when executed properly... because its not easy but its a beautiful thing

Nintendo's Miiverse would be a great place for achievement stats

Nintendo has Miiverse... it ties your systems to your Nintendo Network ID, and they really should consider introducing achievements available to be shown on Miiverse. Microsoft's achievement system allows for you to see your achievements gained from Xbox console games, Games for Windows titles, as well as Xbox Live Windows Phone games. Nothing in that system is segmented, if its part of the account and its a gained achievement, it adds to what you have... and Nintendo could easily do that with the Wii U & 3DS.

Since there are some of you that oppose an achievement system, the option to hide it in your Miiverse account could work... without the option being eliminated for the rest of us. Something that appeals to a good chunk of core gamers could increase interest beyond the great games... and Nintendo is aiming to get a firm grasp on core through partnerships and 1st party IPs, so its something that should be brought in soon.

Wii U owners... (Yeah you)... are you looking to get your ears on a gaming headset?

The black Turtle Beach Ear Force NLa gaming headsets are available for around $13! It's also compatible with the 3DS and other devices if you're looking to get a pretty good heatset. Gaming headsets don't appeal to everyone, but it definitely appeals to some... and if you have to keep the noise down but still want to enjoy what you're doing on the gamepad, etc. its something to consider. I can't recall if Monster Hunter 4 for the 3DS would have voice chat... but that would be a great reason to buy this (along with a Circle Pad Pro... which needs more support from developers!).

Features that increase the worthwhileness (yep... worthwhileness) of peripherals... allow them to be appreciated more often than collecting dust (but at least with the headset you can use it for audio playback when voice chat is not an option). I hope that the variety of upcoming games headed for Wii U and even some on the 3DS... increase these option (when it makes sense). Devil's Third should definitely have online chat options. Game on(!)... and if you want an alternate color, there is also a version available in white (that's still a decent price, just not as low).

Club Nintendo's Elite Status gifts are in... and Platinum statuses lucked up, Gold rewards could've been better!

Not expecting Nintendo to give away the best games, but there could've been a slightly better selection for people with Gold statuses (at least its something though). Jump on these rewards before August 15th (2014) or kiss them goodbye.