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Last week, I focused on the no kidding, must have, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 system sellers. Today, I’d like to shift gears and take a look the Wii U from Nintendo.
As many of you know, Nintendo has had a pretty rough time gathering third party support, going back to the GameCube era. Whether it is because of Nintendo’s strict policy regarding third party support back in the Super Nintendo Entertainment System era, or whether it is because Nintendo’s hardware is not on the same development cycle as Sony and Microsoft, there is no denying that without first party support, Nintendo would surely fail.
That’s why making this list of must have Nintendo exclusives is a slightly easier task than with Microsoft or Sony, because most of the available Nintendo games are already exclusives. Despite that, not all of them warrant a purchase based solely on their existence. Here’s a list of no kidding, got to have, Nintendo exclusives. This list in no particular order:
MARIO KART 8
I’ve played many other kart racing games, and none of them are on the same caliber as this title. The crazy thing is Nintendo hasn’t done much to make their games different over the years, as the same basic formula, dating back to Super Mario Kart on the SNES in 1992, remains in Mario Kart 8. But the slight differences now include a vertical anti-gravity element, new weapons, and some polish on tried and true tracks. Yet, these differences work. Limited YouTube support shows Nintendo’s interest to broadcasting gameplay, and online play has finally gotten rid of the kinks from when I last reviewed it back in May. I recently got to throw down with three other friends in a four player free-for-all, and had a complete blast doing so. This title cannot be missed.
THE WONDERFUL 101
This is one of those rare titles that is a Nintendo exclusive that is not made by Nintendo. Platinum Games (who is also working on Bayonetta for the Wii U) has really gone above and beyond with this title. The somewhat serious, somewhat quirky title leaves you to command a horde of super heroes who battle against enemies. The Wii U GamePad plays a significant role in combat as well, requiring players to draw various weapon types (a gun, for example) which will transform said horde. The results are humorous, but always spot on, as combat remains fresh and challenging throughout the twenty or so hour adventure. The GamePad also doubles as a second screen during interior-only puzzle elements, forcing players to utilize the second screen for more than a scratch pad to make weapons. This experience hasn’t been emulated or replicated that I’m aware of, making this an absolute must have title.
SUPER MARIO 3D WORLD
I know a lot of you are probably groaning over yet another Mario game, but Super Mario 3D World takes the wildly popular concept from the 3DS version and adds just enough “umph” to it to make it a new, viable entry into the home console market. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and overall level of polish are what you’d expect from a Nintendo title, so the single player experience will be met well. New power ups, including cat suit and cherries that clone your character will add some much needed variety to the standard Mario power-up catalog. Where the game really shines is in its multiplayer, which can be as friendly or as competitive as players allow it to be. Frantically running through levels to obtain the high score is a challenge enough, but doing so while three other players try to throw you off of cliffs, sabotage platforms and lifts, and hoard power-up items for themselves is quite another. This is one of those rare titles where griefing can actually be a lot of fun. Don’t let this title pass you by.
This game doesn't need to hide in the shadows any longer. It's far too much fun to play with others.
GAMES THAT DIDN’T MAKE THE CUT:
ZOMBIU
This game received a lot of flak, but I took the plunge and bought it anyway. While I was not disappointed as most critics, I can soundly state this game is not an absolute must-have. If you can overlook the odd story and numerous plot inconsistencies, and solely treat this game as a survival horror title, I think you might be pleasantly surprised as I was. What makes this game interesting is the inclusion of the GamePad to loot enemies as well as scan surroundings. The game actually handles as if your digital avatar would be holding a GamePad out in front of them, so utilizing it in the real world the same way as you would in the digital world makes logical sense. Some unfortunate combat controls and overall fighting mechanics drop this game down a few pegs, and the graphics in many places are downright muddy, uninspired, and ugly. This is a great rental, sure to provide you a fair share of scares, but ultimately this title needed some serious polish before going live.
Uninspiring combat and muddy textures make this exclusive game fall short on all accounts.
WII U PARTY
I’m a huge fan of the Mario Party series, as well as the Wii Party entry, but this game just misses the fun factor on too many levels. I partially blame the amazing control that one (as in, not the other three!) players will have utilizing the GamePad. Frankly, it is titles like this which make me wonder why the GamePad couldn’t be sold seperately to other players, because when you’re not “it” with the GamePad, you’re stuck using the old Wiimote and gameplay ultimately suffers. Challenges are unique, but don’t feel unique enough. If you want a definitive party game, Mario Party still fits the bill.
It's actually a lot of fun. But a system seller it is not.
It’s actually a lot of fun. But a system seller it is not.
CONCLUSION
Nintendo has a strong line-up of independent, must have games. While Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze didn’t make the list, it is a great title in the series and would have made the list if there had been more depth of gameplay. Shovel Knight would have too, except that it isn’t exclusive. As I dive deeper into the Nintendo eShop, I may come across other titles that may make the cut. Did I miss any? Or there are any you disagree with? Let me know in the comments below!
As many of you know, Nintendo has had a pretty rough time gathering third party support, going back to the GameCube era. Whether it is because of Nintendo’s strict policy regarding third party support back in the Super Nintendo Entertainment System era, or whether it is because Nintendo’s hardware is not on the same development cycle as Sony and Microsoft, there is no denying that without first party support, Nintendo would surely fail.
That’s why making this list of must have Nintendo exclusives is a slightly easier task than with Microsoft or Sony, because most of the available Nintendo games are already exclusives. Despite that, not all of them warrant a purchase based solely on their existence. Here’s a list of no kidding, got to have, Nintendo exclusives. This list in no particular order:
MARIO KART 8
I’ve played many other kart racing games, and none of them are on the same caliber as this title. The crazy thing is Nintendo hasn’t done much to make their games different over the years, as the same basic formula, dating back to Super Mario Kart on the SNES in 1992, remains in Mario Kart 8. But the slight differences now include a vertical anti-gravity element, new weapons, and some polish on tried and true tracks. Yet, these differences work. Limited YouTube support shows Nintendo’s interest to broadcasting gameplay, and online play has finally gotten rid of the kinks from when I last reviewed it back in May. I recently got to throw down with three other friends in a four player free-for-all, and had a complete blast doing so. This title cannot be missed.
THE WONDERFUL 101
This is one of those rare titles that is a Nintendo exclusive that is not made by Nintendo. Platinum Games (who is also working on Bayonetta for the Wii U) has really gone above and beyond with this title. The somewhat serious, somewhat quirky title leaves you to command a horde of super heroes who battle against enemies. The Wii U GamePad plays a significant role in combat as well, requiring players to draw various weapon types (a gun, for example) which will transform said horde. The results are humorous, but always spot on, as combat remains fresh and challenging throughout the twenty or so hour adventure. The GamePad also doubles as a second screen during interior-only puzzle elements, forcing players to utilize the second screen for more than a scratch pad to make weapons. This experience hasn’t been emulated or replicated that I’m aware of, making this an absolute must have title.
SUPER MARIO 3D WORLD
I know a lot of you are probably groaning over yet another Mario game, but Super Mario 3D World takes the wildly popular concept from the 3DS version and adds just enough “umph” to it to make it a new, viable entry into the home console market. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and overall level of polish are what you’d expect from a Nintendo title, so the single player experience will be met well. New power ups, including cat suit and cherries that clone your character will add some much needed variety to the standard Mario power-up catalog. Where the game really shines is in its multiplayer, which can be as friendly or as competitive as players allow it to be. Frantically running through levels to obtain the high score is a challenge enough, but doing so while three other players try to throw you off of cliffs, sabotage platforms and lifts, and hoard power-up items for themselves is quite another. This is one of those rare titles where griefing can actually be a lot of fun. Don’t let this title pass you by.
This game doesn't need to hide in the shadows any longer. It's far too much fun to play with others.
GAMES THAT DIDN’T MAKE THE CUT:
ZOMBIU
This game received a lot of flak, but I took the plunge and bought it anyway. While I was not disappointed as most critics, I can soundly state this game is not an absolute must-have. If you can overlook the odd story and numerous plot inconsistencies, and solely treat this game as a survival horror title, I think you might be pleasantly surprised as I was. What makes this game interesting is the inclusion of the GamePad to loot enemies as well as scan surroundings. The game actually handles as if your digital avatar would be holding a GamePad out in front of them, so utilizing it in the real world the same way as you would in the digital world makes logical sense. Some unfortunate combat controls and overall fighting mechanics drop this game down a few pegs, and the graphics in many places are downright muddy, uninspired, and ugly. This is a great rental, sure to provide you a fair share of scares, but ultimately this title needed some serious polish before going live.
Uninspiring combat and muddy textures make this exclusive game fall short on all accounts.
WII U PARTY
I’m a huge fan of the Mario Party series, as well as the Wii Party entry, but this game just misses the fun factor on too many levels. I partially blame the amazing control that one (as in, not the other three!) players will have utilizing the GamePad. Frankly, it is titles like this which make me wonder why the GamePad couldn’t be sold seperately to other players, because when you’re not “it” with the GamePad, you’re stuck using the old Wiimote and gameplay ultimately suffers. Challenges are unique, but don’t feel unique enough. If you want a definitive party game, Mario Party still fits the bill.
It's actually a lot of fun. But a system seller it is not.
It’s actually a lot of fun. But a system seller it is not.
CONCLUSION
Nintendo has a strong line-up of independent, must have games. While Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze didn’t make the list, it is a great title in the series and would have made the list if there had been more depth of gameplay. Shovel Knight would have too, except that it isn’t exclusive. As I dive deeper into the Nintendo eShop, I may come across other titles that may make the cut. Did I miss any? Or there are any you disagree with? Let me know in the comments below!