Really, it seems to be absolutely PACKED with awesome ideas.
I think one of the key factors is that Nintendo hasn't forgotten that they used to be a toy maker. A Mario title is not just a great game, it's a perfect toy. Makes you wanna just run around and prod stuff!
Miyamoto often explained that he doesn't start developing a game from a story or setting or character, but from a game mechanic that promises to feel good. He has his programmers build a small "garden" with stuff in it, and then he spends months just fooling around and fleshing it out.
Don't get me wrong, there are other great games, and some games need a different approach. But I think that this idea - "first and foremost, a great game has to be a great toy" is what makes Nintendo's games special.
Currently playing: NSMB (Wii)
