Nintendo's Club Nintendo loyalty program began offering free games in its catalog of reward options back in December of last year. For a mere 100 or 150 Coins, members can download several of Nintendo's top digitally distributed titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Super Mario Kart, and Kirby's Dream Land. So far the offerings have been solid titles and fans have been eagerly awaiting to see what the next selection of games will bring. Now that February is here, it looks like the program is taking the month off in spirit if not in practice. Here's what your hard-earned virtual currency can buy this month:
- Mario Party 2 (Wii; 150 Coins)
- Art Academy: First Semester (3DS, 150 Coins)
Well, that's... underwhelming. I can understand putting Mario Party 2 in the lineup this month in order to cross-promote the upcoming Mario Party 9 for the Wii, but I don't think anyone was clamoring for Art Academy. Moreover, why are there only two games from which to choose this month instead of the usual four? I feel bad for looking a gift horse in the mouth and all that, but this month's selection is pitiful. I wonder if perhaps people were redeeming more game vouchers than Nintendo expected and the company decided to cut back a bit. Here's hoping that February's titles are an anomaly and not the new standard.
