By: Max Cannon
Unless a delay hits us, it looks like the Nintendo Switch will be releasing in March of 2017. With that console well on its way it looks like the Wii U is in its final days, especially following the rumors that the Wii U is ceasing production. Though it may not have the most impressive library of games there are definitely some winners hidden in there. So take a look at our 3 favorite Wii U games.
The Wii U gamepad was what set the Wii U apart.Courtesy of Nintendo
1. Super Mario Maker
While the 3DS version definitely disappointed me, the Wii U version of Super Mario Maker changed the 2D gaming space for Mario games. The game features one of the best collection of Mario levels that Nintendo has ever designed, but on top of that they gave players the access to the same creation suite for making themselves Mario worlds. Oh my, is it robust. While some of the means of sharing levels are a little archaic, by using long codes and poor searches, the fact that it works in some capacity shows a strong step forward for Nintendo.
The community surrounding the game has also shown some insane creativity. Competitions, cash prizes, and community have kept the game afloat since its launch. And seeing a designer destroy an impossible level after days and days of trying really ramps up the excitement. Taking from Little Big Planets motto of "Play, Create, Share," Super Mario Maker has limitless playability. If you could only get one game for the Wii U, I couldn't recommend this one hard enough.
While the 3DS version stumbled, the Wii U version of Super Mario Maker stood out.Courtesy of Nintendo
2. Nintendo Land
Yeah, this game isn't exactly the best game I've ever played. It's not brimming with content like the other Nintendo games on this list, but it's full of so much charm and is a great game to enjoy for some couch coop - even with non-gamers. A launch game that wasn't bundled in like Wii Sports, this game highlighted the potential gameplay tactics that would've set the Wii U apart - but they weren't often taken advantage of. A much touted feature of the Wii U was "asymmetric gameplay." This meant that 2 people would play the same game, at the same time, but in different ways. So while one player would use the Wii U gamepad and the other would take hold of the Wii remote.
Nintendo Land drops your Mii into a Nintendo theme park where you can play mini games based on different franchises. One level is a run through Zelda's Hyurle, either swinging swords and firing arrows. Another has you flying a miniature version of Samus's ship while blasting through enemies. The games are simple, full of variety, and a ton of fun to play and pass the gamepad. It's a shame that the ideas started in this game weren't expanded onto future games on the Wii U.
Nintendo Land brings the whole family together to take full advantage of the Wii U.Courtesy of Nintendo
3. Super Mario 3D World
2D Mario games are often criticized for sticking too closely to the formula, while 3D games have added some consistent changes and gameplay evolution. While 3D is in the title, this game takes design philosophies from both 2D and 3D Mario games to shake things up. IIt's an awesome game that's full of variety, fun coop, and gorgeous graphics and art direction.
Made as a sequel of sorts to the 3DS's Super Mario 3D Land, this is the only real 3D Mario game to come to the Wii U. Adding new powerups like the Cat Suit, tight controls, and a mixing of Mario worlds made for an incredibly fresh entry into the series. Sure, I'm clamoring for a traditional 3D Mario game with a focus on exploration, but that doesn't mean I take any issue with the linear levels that I loved on the Mario of yesterday but with a third dimension thrown into the mix.
Super Mario 3D World definitely struck a cord with Nintendo gamers.Courtesy of Nintendo
Honorable Mentions:
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