If you're into video games, you know that Nintendo has always had that magical touch that transports us to unreal universes. The Wii U took it a step further, offering hardware capable of leaving us graphically speechless and an innovative controller that opens up a range of amazing possibilities for any player, whether a veteran or someone just looking to pass the time at parties.
While some may think Nintendo only makes games for kids, this console proves it can appeal to all kinds of players. With its comfortable and lightweight design , the GamePad lets you play even if the TV is in use, which is a huge plus. Furthermore, the platforming game ecosystem on this system is simply phenomenal, blending modern titles with legendary adaptations.
The magic of Mario in various dimensions
To talk about platformers is to talk about Mario. New Super Mario Bros. U was one of the highlights of the launch, recapturing the essence of 2D gameplay with visual innovations. In this adventure, the plumber must rescue Peach from the evil Bowser Jr. in the Mushroom Kingdom, using classic items like the Fire Flower and new ones like the Propeller Mushroom for flying.
For those who prefer depth, Super Mario 3D World stands out for its cooperative approach and vibrant levels that challenge the player's skill. On the other hand, there's the creative Super Mario Maker , where users can design, share, and play their own levels, becoming the game's architects themselves.
We can't forget New Super Luigi U , which started as downloadable content but ended up being a standalone game. Here, the spotlight is on Luigi's brother, with 82 new levels that are more challenging and feature more clever designs than those of his brother Mario.
The Virtual Console also brought gems like Super Mario World and Super Mario Bros. 3 , allowing the classic style of the SNES and NES to shine once again. Furthermore, Super Mario 64 remains an absolute benchmark for being one of the first to implement a fully three-dimensional environment.
Donkey Kong and the Jungle Challenge
The Donkey Kong saga on Wii U is simply spectacular. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is an outstanding 2D title, with challenging gameplay and stunning graphics, also allowing for two-player multiplayer.
We also have Donkey Kong Returns , which cleverly uses the Wii Remote to explore eight worlds filled with barrels and enemies. And speaking of nostalgia, the re-release of Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest on the Virtual Console allows new players to enjoy this Rare classic.
Speed ​​and adventure with Sonic and friends
SEGA didn't lag behind and released Sonic Lost World , attempting to take the blue hedgehog's franchise in a fresh, new direction. On the other hand, Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric shifts away from pure speed to focus more on exploration and cooperative gameplay between characters.
In the realm of independent and other licensed games, we find Rayman Legends , which integrates seamlessly with the GamePad's touch controls and gyroscope. Likewise, Mickey and Oswald bring all the magic of Disney in a cooperative sequel filled with musical moments and fantastical worlds.
Indie gems and Metroidvania experiences
The Wii U was home to many experimental titles. Axiom Verge is a 2D Metroidvania where programming errors, or glitches, are used as a mechanic to access secret areas. Similarly, Shovel Knight presents us with a knight wielding a shovel who must free his kingdom from a curse in a 16-bit environment.
If you're looking for something more unusual, Stick it to the Man blends platforming with graphic adventure and the ability to read minds. Or perhaps you'd prefer Thomas Was Alone , a minimalist block-based game narrated by Danny Wallace that turned out to be one of the most surprising releases of its year.
Also noteworthy are Teslagrad , based on electromagnetic energy and steampunk style, and Nihilumbra , where you control a shadow that must master colors to evolve. For lovers of extreme difficulty, Electronic Super Joy and Wooden Sen'SeY offer challenges worthy of the old school.
Exploration, Action and Other Genres
The Metroid series is well represented on the Virtual Console with Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion , as well as a Metroid Prime compilation that combines the trilogy with enhanced graphics. Meanwhile, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse makes full use of the GamePad screen to draw paths and help our pink puffball.
Regarding health, Wii Fit U uses the Balance Board to measure weight and balance, integrating minigames such as dessert delivery and skateboarding downhill. It's a very comprehensive system that includes a pedometer called the Fit Meter to record daily activity.
Other notable titles include Yoshi's Woolly World with its woolly aesthetic, Child of Light with its turn-based combat, and the Skylanders series (Giants, Swap Force, Trap Team, and Imaginators) which integrates physical figures into the game. We also have adaptations like DuckTales and Spanish games like Funk of Titans , set in Greek mythology with a funky twist.
The Wii U library is a vast catalog that combines the power of Nintendo's major studios with the creativity of independent developers. From the precise jumps of Mario and Donkey Kong to the tactile experimentation of Kirby and the physical activity of Wii Fit U, this console offers a variety of experiences that make every game unique and memorable.