We're Still Playing These Games — Are You?
Nintendo Wii U aimed to bring some technological innovations to gaming with its GamePad controller at the heart of the console system. Nintendo fused the motion control from the original Wii and the 3DS touch interface on the hand-held while creating a memorable and unique device.
It allowed players to play games without the need for a TV and while it did not set the world on fire, it did leave behind an important legacy in the gaming world. If you still have a Wii U and want to collect and play some of the best games the console had to offer, here's our list of the best Wii U games.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Let’s just get it out of the way. With "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" we got everything we've been dreaming of since the Zelda journey started. The fantastic graphics, story, free world exploration, modern systems and improvisations combined with the quests, puzzles and characters we've held close to our hearts for so long result in game we can't stop thanking Nintendo for creating.
So let me say it again. Thank you, Nintendo.
Verdict: The best game you will ever play on Wii U.
Nintendo Land
Nintendo’s somewhat shallow way of promoting its new Wii U console system ended up being fantastic, just like you could have predicted. The main mission of "Nintendo Land" was to teach you how to wield your new and innovative device, but it served as a fantastic center for all the mini-games you never thought you needed to play.
Consisting of six single-player games, three exclusively multiplayer and three that have both modes, "Nintendo Land" is a perfect game hub.
Verdict: The most varied use of the Wii U.
Super Mario Maker
It took Nintendo 30 years to hand over the keys to their prized possession, the reason why they are who they are: the Mario levels. Playing "Super Mario Maker" feels odd at first, as if you are not supposed to be doing what you are doing, but Nintendo did a fantastic job making it an actual game.
Just draw out your custom course on the GamePad, drag and drop the blocks and bricks, and then try your hand at beating your own level. If you realize you’re bad at design, go ahead and try what other people have made.
Verdict: The most outside-of-the-box game on Wii U.
Rayman Legends
With a beautiful hand-drawn aesthetic, cartoonish visuals and awesome characters, "Rayman Legends" is a franchise that keeps on giving. It is exactly what you want of a 2D platform — constant excitement, never-ending surprises, deadly traps, deadlier bosses and inventive movement that lets you do all the things you can’t do with Mario.
The 3D boss battles, the musical level and sheer fun you can have playing with friends make this one game you absolutely must try.
Verdict: The best cartoon game on Wii U.
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Bayonetta 2
This game is unlike anything you ever saw on Wii U or any Nintendo platform for that matter. For a company that prides itself on clean-cut, family-friendly fun, this game checks none of those boxes. It’s a fast-paced combat game, contains strong language and has a Japanese anime graphic design.
It is totally awesome to see something as spicy as "Bayonetta 2" on Wii U, and it comes with the original included.
Verdict: The coolest game on the Wii U.
Pikmin 3
Shigeru Miyamoto, the man who invented Mario and Zelda, was gardening one day and came up with an idea for another game. Well, at least that’s the legend. The "Pikman" games always receive positive reviews, showing just how awesome the concept, the idea and the mechanics of the game are.
"Pikman 3" was released in 2013 and was no different in terms of critical reception. Playing it only makes you want more, causing you to dream and wonder about the potential of Pikman. It's a fantastic game that must be a part of a long, wonderful story spread across even more games.
Verdict: The Wii U game with the most untapped potential.
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.
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Splatoon
Nintendo has a model for players that has always worked: sit down, play a game, play a lot of it, play even more, take no breaks because the game is just addictive, remember it forever.
"Splatoon" is no exception, being a shooter that never leaves you unhappier than before sitting down. It involves a brilliantly executed, simple concept, and the best part is it never lets you get frustrated. You move around the environment of the game by shooting ink as a humanoid and then transforming into a squid so you can swim through the ink.
You play against an enemy team in a variety of game types, the default mode being Turf Wars. In this mode you must ink as much territory as you can within a time limit.
Verdict: Simple to get into but very difficult to master.
Mario Kart 8
The overdue high-resolution edition that Nintendo owed us for so long came equipped with many game changes that added a retro feel to the shiny new look. "Mario Kart 8" was the welcome mat into Nintendo’s HD era.
Aside from the graphics, this game allows players to upload their racing highlights to YouTube, contains gimmicks like anti-gravity sections and no longer ends friendships as Blue Shells can finally be countered.
Verdict: The best multiplayer Wii U game.
Honorable Mentions
"Super Mario 3D World" and "Super Smash Bros for Wii U" — the titles speak for themselves and are simply always a must-play, as it’s highly unlikely that Nintendo ever drops the ball on its flagship titles.