2012 Nintendo Lifeline Awards: Winners

Despite a lot of rough spots, 2011 was a great year in the world of Nintendo. The Nintendo 3DS system may have had an uneasy launch, but by the end of the year, it became a great little gaming system with a growing library of instant classics like Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7. And dare I forget to mention that 2011 was the 25th anniversary of gaming's best-known adventure series, The Legend of Zelda? Fans enjoyed game releases, epic music, and more in celebration of this industry-shaping series.

And, as I promised, the Nintendo Lifeline wants to take a look at some of the best things Nintendo games had going for them during the year. Drumroll, please. These are our winners!

Best Overall Game
Nominees: Super Mario 3D Land, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Mario Kart 7, Wii Play Motion, Star Fox 64 3D, Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition, and Lost In Shadow

Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Stunning graphics, compelling motion controls, polished gameplay, breathtaking design...Skyward Sword had everything going for it. Nintendo has this game making business down, don't they?

Best Overall Graphics
Nominees: Super Mario 3D Land, Star Fox 64 3D, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Steel Diver, and Lost In Shadow

Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

It was hard for me to play games with any kind of graphics other than colorful or whimsical ones after playing Skyward Sword. Nintendo has the best graphics out there purely because they work with limitations in ingenious ways.

Best Get-up
Nominees: Tanooki Mario, Ghirahim, Metal Mario, and Kirby Hat

Winner: Tanooki Mario

Why? It's functional and fashionable! And nostalgic. And it works well in the game. You know.

Best Method of Travel
Nominees: Loftwing, Tanooki Tail, Cannon, Propeller Block, By Shadow, Submarine, Arwing, Horse, Hang Glider, and Customizable Kart

Winner: Customizable Kart

I really enjoyed coming up with the nominees in this category. I did not enjoy choosing just one. But I chose the customizable kart from Mario Kart 7 for a couple of good reasons: first, driving in your customized kart makes up the bulk of the game. Second, collecting coins on the tracks in order to unlock new parts is pretty compelling. And third, it's a fun challenge to customize just right for optimal kart performance that plays on your strengths and that looks good too. Oh yeah!

Best Use of Stereoscopic 3D
Nominees: Super Mario 3D Land, Steel Diver, Nintendogs+cats, and Pilotwings Resort

Winner: Super Mario 3D Land

You know, when I think about it, the odd-sounding title of this game makes a lot of sense. It really is a land of 3D. Er...a 3D land. Anyway, the 3D does become an important aspect in this game.