Everything about MK8 is excellence in execution. This has been evident since the reveal of it and SM3DW last e3. People were dissapointed in 3DW, but surprised and excited by MK8. I think think the biggest takeaway is that if you do it right, people will buy it. Some additional MK8 success:
-The name. MK8 is simple but good. SM3DW and DK:TF are weak, uninspired names.
-The theme. Like SMG, MK8 mixes up the gameplay with anti-gravity. It's fun and fresh.
-The presentation. The graphics in MK8 are high-end and beautiful. As you said, more than just Wii in HD. The music is also great, the menus slick, the online matchmaking globe cool and high-tech looking. Nintendo's best effort so far.
-The online. It's 2014, we do expect this.
MK8 is an outstanding title. It's exactly what people want. If Nintendo does this with all of its games, it will sell a lot of products.
