Shovel Knight
Shovel Knight is essentially a knight who moves like Mario through Castlevania-inspired levels, fighting off enemies with a shovel. The midair, downward shovel attack is similar to one of Link's attacks in "Zelda II." Your shovel can also be used to dig up treasure. You'll be able to purchase secondary items called relics from the salesman as well as other items in towns.
You'll move around the world map in "Shovel Knight" the same way you do in "Mario 3." If you couldn't tell already, this game gets a lot of inspiration from other games. "Shovel Knight" does a great job of using modern features within an old school framework, especially when it comes to leaving behind lives and relying on checkpoints.
Verdict: The best cram-everything-good-in-it game on Wii U.
Affordable Space Adventures
I'm going to start off with the verdict because it needs to be said: KnapNok out-Nintendo’d Nintendo. "Affordable Space Adventures" involves ingenious use of the Wii U GamePad. You’re a pilot exploring a planet in a straight line puzzle game where you use your GamePad for everything a pilot would need to cross all the obstacles.
The graphics are both dark and adorable. The gameplay is addictive and demands you think outside the box. You are constantly thrown into trial and error situations, which require that you get creative. You'll experience all this while trying not to be distracted by its beautiful design.
Verdict: The most underrated Nintendo Wii U game.
