Closing Out 2012 –
Closing out 2012 of the Club Nintendo program, Nintendo is once again relying mostly on Virtual Console titles to kick off the 2013. June 30, 2013 was the last day to register qualifying games to earn either Gold or Platinum status. Going forward, all games and consoles registered will earn Coins for the 2013 Club Nintendo year. As a reminder, gamers that earn 300 Coins earn Gold status while gamers that register 600 Coins are labeled as Platinum members. This program always runs from July 1st to June 30th. For more information about Club Nintendo click HERE.
Here is July 2013’s summary of downloadable games:
Game #1 – Aura-Aura Climber (3DS, originally DSiWare)
Price – 100 Coins, originally $1.99
Availability – July 1, 2013 – Aug 4, 2013
Summary – Help Aura-Aura, the star, return to his rightful place in the universe in this arcade-style action game.
Opinion – I unfortunately have not played this title but reviews have been positive. Reminiscent of Bionic Commando, grappling from Point A to Point B seems to be a major gameplay element.
Worth Your Club Nintendo Coins? – For only 100 Coins, this could be a sleeper hit.
Game #2 – Donkey Kong, 1994 (3DS, originally GB)
Price – 100 Coins, originally $3.99
Availability – July 1, 2013 – Aug 4, 2013
Summary – Not to be confused with the original arcade game of the same name, this Gameboy title is a puzzle platformer.
Opinion – This title has been a part of the Club Nintendo program before so if you missed out you should not pass on this game. Donkey Kong ’94 is probably one of the best games on the original old school Gameboy.
Worth Your Club Nintendo Coins? Absolutely, especially for only 100 Coins.
Game #3 – Super Punch-Out!! (Wii, originally SNES)
Price – 150 Coins, originally 800 Wii Points ($8)
Availability – July 1, 2013 – Aug 4, 2013
Summary – A sequel to the legendary NES game that is much as a puzzle game than it is an action reflex title.
Opinion – Like Donkey Kong, Super Punch-Out!! has also been a part of the Club Nintendo program previously. Fans of the original that have not already downloaded this game should check this out.
Worth Your Club Nintendo Coins? – If you liked the original NES game, you will like this SNES version.
Game #4 – Star Fox 64 (Wii, originally N64)
Price – 200 Coins, originally 1000 Wii Points ($10)
Availability – July 1, 2013 – Aug 4, 2013
Summary – The sequel to the FX Chipped SNES title was also the first game to introduce force feedback to the gaming world. Ah, the Rumble Pak…
Opinion – Offering Star Fox 64 seems like an odd choice considering Nintendo remade this game for 3DS with upgraded graphics, 3D support, wireless multiplayer, and even gyro controls. However, Star Fox 64 is a great game and should be considered for your Club Nintendo Coins.
Worth Your Club Nintendo Coins? – If you do not own the 3DS re-make or missed out on Star Fox during the N64 era, then yes, it is definitely worthy of your 200 Coins.
Nintendo has currently placed a banner on their front page that simply states that the prizes for Gold and Platinum members are coming soon. These prizes were highlighted in our June 2013 article. Although there are no details yet, it might be safe to assume Nintendo will be reaching out to qualifying members through email with details regarding their prizes. In the meantime, it might be a good idea to log into your Club Nintendo account and make sure your contact information is correct.
No word yet on what 2013’s Gold and Platinum prizes will be. But let’s hope the Wii U starts to soon see some Club Nintendo Virtual Console love.