I've been playing bits and pieces of the classics in NES Remix for the Wii U. Here are some thoughts on the game.

Nintendo surprised all of us with this game, which was first announced during their Nintendo Direct presentation in mid-December. Afterward it became available, and with plenty of eShop money I made the plunge, despite its $15 price tag that made me skeptical. I can safely say it's definitely worth the price.

It's basically Wario Ware-style mini-games but with NES classics like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Ice Climber, Excite Bike, Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., and many more games. The 200-plus timed challenges are quick to get into and play. Collecting coins as fast as possible in SMB, or finding hidden entrances in Zelda are just a couple of the very creative challenges available. It's an addicting game and hard to put down.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

The launch mayhem is (kind of) over. Sony and Microsoft both released their newest consoles, the PS4 and Xbox One, respectively, in November, just in time for the holiday season. Both witnessed constant sellouts, which bodes well for the console industry. Gamers were starving for new consoles, and Sony and Microsoft delivered. Both systems have sold over 2 million units, with early reports indicating PS4 having a slight lead over Xbox One.

But hardware launches should be sellouts. The real hardcore gamers are the ones lining up to be the first ones to play them no matter what games are out there. Even the very struggling Wii U had partial sellouts during its launch a little over a year ago. But afterward, it fell flat on its face ... very hard, due to a severe lack of software.

I don't see the PS4 and Xbox One falling flat like Nintendo's new console, but Sony and Microsoft need to keep the momentum going with a steady flow of software. The Xbox One has the PS4 beat so far in games thanks to exclusives like Dead Rising 3 and Killer Instinct. Honestly, I think PS4's best game is Resogun, a free downloadable title for PS Plus subscribers ... and that's kind of sad.

It's typical for consoles to have droughts after launches, and PS4 and Xbox One are no different. But there are games coming out for both systems that should keep current owners happy while at the same time keep consoles flying off shelves. Those who missed out on Tomb Raider last gen can buy the Definitive Edition for both systems on Jan. 28. Much later down the line in September sees the release of Bungie's much-hyped Destiny.

As for exclusives, the PS4 has some interesting games in the works. Driveclub was delayed for early this year, and Infamous: Second Son is scheduled for March 21. Jonathan Blow's puzzler The Witness looks very intriguing and is scheduled for early this year. For the Xbox One, Titanfall is the biggest release for March 11, and before that is Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare on Feb. 18.

Hopefully 2014 will be good to both Sony and Microsoft. Competition is a great thing for the industry and gamers everywhere.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.