WHAT A DIFFERENCE a year makes. When the PS4 and Xbox One was released, many were unsure how the Wii U would cope despite the headstart it received. Its collection of games on the system that time were decent but not enough to tip the balance in its favour
Now fast forward twelve months and things are looking more optimistic for Nintendo thanks to a number of great first- and third-party titles being released (and more to come).
For those who missed them, we covered the best games for the Playstation 4 and Xbox One earlier this week.
Mario Kart 8
Where else can you get it: N/A
One of the most accessible racers out there (and responsible for one of the best videogame memes out there), the joy of Mario Kart 8 is that new players can enjoy it as much as experienced racers.
Being in the lead is a tense affair, especially when you know the difference between victory and defeat is a blue shell. Definitely one of the best party games you can get on the system.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Where else can you get it:
Anyone who remembers Donkey Kong Country on the SNES will know just how hard the series can be. Yet it rarely feels unfair, and there’s a great deal of satisfaction whenever you complete a tricky section or defeat a tough boss.
The 2.5D visuals gives it a charm of its own and the different characters allow you to approach each level in somewhat different ways, but the core of the game is just as solid as ever.
Bayonetta 2
Where else can you get it: N/A
A Wii U exclusive, the world of Bayonetta 2 is as over the top as its predecessor. Fast moving action, a new collection of weapons and abilities and extravagant set-pieces makes it a blast from start to finish, although the over-sexualised presentation of its main character will bother some.
Super Mario 3D World
Where else can you get it: N/A
Another great Mario game with fantastic levels and buckets of charm. While it may look familiar, the real joy comes from multiplayer as each player tries to get as many points as possible while working with each other to complete each level. It’s fantastically balanced and is incredibly enjoyable.
Super Smash Bros
Where else can you get it:
Getting into a brawl with iconic characters like Link and Kirby rarely gets old and the Wii U edition refines the formula that made previous entries so successful. Similar to Mario Kart, anyone can get involved and the inclusion of eight-player mode – which are local-only unfortunately – adds an extra layer of insanity to proceedings.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
Where else can you get it: N/A
When it was released on the Gamecube, Wind Waker was unfairly disregarded as a kids game thanks to its cell-shaded graphics, but those who played it found one of the best games on the system.
Now updated for the Wii U, the few problems the Gamecube version had, like sailing speeds, has been fixed, and the HD graphics makes the bright and bold graphics better than ever. It helps that it’s a brilliant game that both new players and veterans can appreciate.
Pikmin 3
Where else can you get it: N/A
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it and while the core of Pikmin is still a delight thanks to its approach to exploration and strategy, there are still new elements that keep things fresh. Sending your army of Pikmin to gather food or fight enemies is always enjoyable and you do end up feeling guilty whenever you send some of them to your doom.
The only issue is that you reach the end all too soon, but the inclusion of multiplayer will keep things going.
Shovel Knight
Where else can you get it: PC, Mac, Linux, 3DS
While Shovel Knight harks back to the era of NES games like Mega Man, it introduces its own features which keeps things fresh.
For one, your weapon is a shovel and while that doesn’t sound great in theory, the varied levels, fantastic soundtrack, silly characters and powerups and boss fights makes it a fantastic game.
The Wonderful 101
Where else can you get it: N/A
Being a superhero isn’t an original premise for a game, but The Wonderful 101 is surprisingly inventive and colourful take on it. You are thrown into the deep end when you begin, but for those who persevere will find a clever and charming game that you can’t help but like.
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