Let’s take a trip down memory lane and go back to 2012, when the gaming industry was on the rise. PlayStation and Xbox had been the leaders in the console market until Nintendo introduced the Wii U on November 18, 2012, as the successor of Wii. The Wii U improved aspects of its predecessor, overcoming its limitations and drawbacks. Buckle up, and let’s explore the past!
What is Wii U?
The Wii U was the first eighth-generation gaming console that gave relatively tough competition to the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Initially, users were confused about the Wii U – was it a tablet, a miniature TV, or an evolved version of the Wii? This confusion stemmed from the fact that the world was used to larger consoles like the Xbox and PlayStation.
The Wii U was a pretty cool console because it came with this gamepad that had a touch screen, directional buttons, analog sticks, and action buttons all built in. It was definitely unique compared to other gaming consoles out there.
Despite the confusion and competition in the market, the Wii U experienced significant growth. It achieved over 10 million in sales within three years.
Hey, did you know that the Wii U was actually the first Nintendo console to support HD graphics? I found that to be pretty interesting. Looking back, it felt unreal to experience HD graphics, and today is the day when we scream on minor FPS drops. Things change!
Everything About the Wii U GamePad
Thanks to the Wii U’s powerful processor, even complex games can run smoothly. However, it was the GamePad that genuinely revolutionized the controls. It features a wide, rounded design and a 6.2-inch (15.7-centimeter) display with 854 by 480 pixels. In addition, it boasts two analog sticks, left and right triggers and shoulder buttons, A-B-X-Y shoulder buttons, and a directional pad.
The console also features the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons from the Wii Remote, a Home button for the Wii OS, a power button, and a TV button. Wait, there is more; the console was way ahead of its time. It was equipped with three three-axis motion sensors an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer. This is used to detect movement, orientation, and positioning.
Other notable features were it has speakers, a microphone, a headphone jack, a front-facing camera, a rumble, and an infrared blaster for controlling devices like your TV.
How Good is the Wii U Game Library?
I love the Wii U’s game collection! It has a great collection of games, from classic Nintendo titles like New Super Mario Bros. U and Nintendo Land to popular games like Assassin’s Creed 3, Batman: Arkham City, and Call of Duty: Black Ops II. There’s something for everyone! Enough to lure a gamer.
That’s not the end, the Nintendo eShop has a wide variety of games available for download. Furthermore, the Wii U can play both Wii game discs and previously purchased Wii Virtual Console titles. This is a really cool feature!
Well, do you know what time it is? Time to dive into the list of the best Wii U games that you can’t afford to miss. So, let’s go! 🏃🏼♀️
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
I believe it’s safe to say that the Assassin’s Creed series provided us with some of the most memorable games of our time. The franchise still offers a great deal of action, adventure, a captivating storyline, a beautiful environment, and a blend of historical and mythological elements. Set in 1715, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag depicts a time when pirates established a lawless republic in the Caribbean and controlled both land and sea.
These outlaws caused a lot of damage by attacking navies, disrupting trade, and stealing riches. They went against the power structures of Europe and inspired many people who were oppressed by the European regime. Even today, their influence is still felt in various corners of the world.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (Nintendo Wii U) | $18.90 | Buy on Amazon |
In the game, the protagonist fighting against the outlaws is a young and bold captain named Edward Kenway. He has gained recognition from notorious figures such as Blackbeard due to his pursuit of glory. However, he finds himself entangled in the longstanding conflict between Assassins and Templars, a battle that poses a threat to the existence of the pirate society.
Now that is the historic taste I love in the Assassin’s Creed series.
Developers: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: October 29, 2013
Batman Arkham City: Armored Edition
I’m sure many of us have, at some point, daydreamed about being as cool as Batman. Although let’s face it, not all of us can be superheroes. But lucky for us, there are video games that let you step into the shoes of Batman and live out your superhero fantasies.
Batman Arkham City: Armored Edition is an enhanced version of the highly popular and loved video game developed by Rocksteady Studios. The Wii U version of the game offers the same action-packed storyline and gameplay as the original game but with significantly changed gameplay mechanics.
Other than Batman, you can also play as Catwoman, Robin, and Nightwing. Additionally, players can experience the original game’s DLC packs, which include the Catwoman story, the Robin and Nightwing Challenge Pack, the Costume Cack, and the Harley Quinn’s Revenge campaign, all included on the disc.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Batman Arkham City: Armored Edition | 494 Reviews |
$37.60 |
Buy on Amazon |
Get ready to put yourself into the shoes of Batman and witness all the adventures with advanced and captivating gameplay. Encounter epic supervillains and gain unexpected insights into Batman’s complex psyche. It’s your chance to become the Dark Knight.
Developers: Rocksteady Studios
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Release Date: November 18, 2012
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
As a gamer, Call of Duty is more than just a game to me. It’s an experience that evokes a range of emotions. With its action-packed storyline, intense battle sequences, and cinematic environment, the game has everything a player could want. The Black Ops series is one of the most successful parts of the CoD franchise, and now Wii U users can experience the all-guns-blazing action of Call of Duty: Black Ops II and immerse themselves in the amazing storyline.
Black Ops II is the sequel to the original Black Ops game, but it takes place in a more futuristic world and has advanced weapons and gear. The game introduces a new villain, Raul Menendez, who takes control of the US military’s defense system to pursue his own evil intentions. Players will have access to cutting-edge technology and advanced robotics to save the world from destruction.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Call of Duty: Black Ops II - Nintendo Wii U | $19.85 | Buy on Amazon |
I personally recommend you to play Black Ops before trying the second part, as there are several references in the sequel that can be better enjoyed with a prior understanding of the past events in the series.
Developers: Treyarch
Publisher: Activision
Release Date: November 18, 2012
Darksiders II
Darksiders II is a great game for the breed of gamers who love fast and intense action-packed gameplay. The game offers you an experience to use magical and mythological weapons and hacking and slashing villains. This game is an action role-playing, hack-and-slash action-adventure video game that was developed by Vigil Games and published by THQ. The game offers exciting gameplay and an immersive storyline and also matches the expectations to provide gamers with an unforgettable gaming experience.
Darksiders II chronicles the adventures of Death, one of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, as he embarks on a thrilling journey that runs alongside the events of the first Darksiders game. For those of us who have played the first game, we know that the protagonist of the first game, War, has been accused of starting the Apocalypse prematurely, thereby ruining the balance between Heaven and Hell. In the second game, you take control of Death, who attempts to clear his brother’s name and find out the reason behind this accusation and possible conspiracy.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Darksiders II - Nintendo Wii U | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Death is the most feared of the legendary Four Horsemen. He has the power to destroy entire worlds and battle forces beyond Heaven and Hell. As you take control of this legendary character, you realize that there’s more to the story than what meets the eye. If you’re up for the challenge, you can wield his iconic scythe and bring chaos to the villains.
Developers: Vigil Games
Publisher: THQ
Release Date: August 14, 2012
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
I am a big fan of stealth-based games that require strategic decision-making, as these decisions can greatly impact the story of the game. If you share this interest, then you will definitely enjoy playing Deus Ex: Human Revolution. This action role-playing game offers a first-person shooter and stealth mechanics and puts players in the shoes of Adam Jensen, a character outfitted with mechanical cybernetic enhancements known as augmentations.
This game is a perfect blend of close-quarters combat and intense shooting. You have a wide range of character augmentations and weapon upgrades in your inventory. By unlocking new abilities and improving your stealth, social, hacking, or combat skills, you can play the game in any style you desire.
It allows you to determine how you want your character to evolve based on your preferred approach to the game. So how will you play the game? Like John Wick or Agent 47? The decision is up to you.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Deus Ex Human Revolution: Director's Cut - Nintendo Wii U | $34.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Keep one thing in mind: every decision you make in the game will have an impact on how the story progresses. Each choice you make carries a consequence. This also results in plenty of replayability.
Developers: Eidos-Montréal
Publisher: Square Enix Europe
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Mario Kart 8
If you are a speed freak like me and are looking for an exciting and thrilling racing experience on Wii U, then Mario Kart 8 is the perfect choice. The game is easy to learn but hard to master. In addition to the classic Mario characters, such as Mario and Luigi, the game includes 34 other characters to choose from. The most exciting feature of this game is that each character has a unique ability.
Playing this game with your friends is enjoyable, especially when you get to destroy their cars and overall racing progress. I’d like to say from my personal experience that winning isn’t always guaranteed, but the game remains exciting till the end.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Mario Kart 8 - Wii U | 3,852 Reviews |
$55.90 |
Buy on Amazon |
Even if you’re leading, you can quickly fall behind, which adds to the game’s challenge and appeal. It’s definitely worth giving it a shot. My tip to win races is to start slow and, in the final laps, shoot down your opponents and get the lead.
Developers: Nintendo EAPD
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: May 30, 2014
Mass Effect 3
Electronic Arts released Mass Effect 3 all the way back in 2012. It’s a game that takes place in a universe where Earth and civilization are on the brink of extinction by the Reapers, a destructive extraterrestrial species. As the protagonist, Commander Shepard, you will lead the fight against this threat. The game’s engaging and suspenseful storyline will keep you on the edge of your seat.
In the futuristic setting of Mass Effect 3, players can experience a world of cutting-edge weapons and abilities. While you can customize Commander Shepard aplenty, it’s the relationships between the in-game characters that really take the forefront of this game.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Mass Effect 3 - Nintendo Wii U | 397 Reviews | $16.01 | Buy on Amazon |
Players use a revolutionary dialogue wheel to converse with the other characters in the game. How they converse, and the emotions resulting from such conversations will also branch the storyline accordingly. While the game doesn’t have too many endings, there are plenty of relationship and character dynamics to be explored.
Developers: BioWare
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Resident Evil: Revelations
There’s no need to introduce the Resident Evil franchise and its games. The creators of RE have nailed it, whether it’s the old version or the remastered. Resident Evil: Revelations is available on Wii U, and it offers an intense tale of isolation and survival set between the events of Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5. Meanwhile, Raid Mode provides action-packed, run-and-gun gameplay that’s packed with content to enjoy long after the campaign is over.
In this game, Chris Redfield disappears while on a mission, prompting the BSAA to send Jill Valentine on a search-and-rescue mission. She arrives at the location to discover an abundant cruise ship floating in the middle of the sea.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Resident Evil: Revelations - Nintendo Wii U | $21.81 | Buy on Amazon |
Jill navigates through twisting passageways filled with dangerous traps and terrifying creatures (AKA zombies), only to realize that she has barely touched the surface of a mysterious conspiracy.
Developers: TOSE
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: January 26, 2012
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an action-packed adventure game set in the open world of Hyrule and has been developed by Nintendo EPD. The story is set at the tail end of the Zelda timeline, and players take on the role of Link, who has lost his memory. Link’s mission is to rescue Princess Zelda and ruin Calamity Ganon’s plans of destroying Hyrule.
As Link, you get to move across the vast open world of Hyrule. On the way to completing the main story missions, players can also engage in interesting side quests, completing puzzles and engaging objectives that form a refreshing change of pace. One of the game’s biggest draws is its unstructured open world. This allows the players to experiment with the game’s story and the world itself, creating a truly nonlinear experience for every player. Basically, you could spend up to 25 hours completing side missions and leveling up without completing even 2% of the main storyline!
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Wii U | 3,761 Reviews |
$45.32 |
Buy on Amazon |
Numerous critics have labeled this game as one of the best video games of all time. The best part about the game is its priority on experimentation, physics-based sandbox, and independent gameplay as a landmark in open-world design.
Developers: Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: March 3, 2017
Conclusion
What a nostalgic roller-coaster ride it has been! With this note, we have reached the end of the article. I hope you are feeling as nostalgic as I am, and I’m sure you’d like to try some of the games mentioned above, so I won’t keep you waiting. Go ahead and give them a shot!
If the Nintendo Wii U isn’t your console, and you’ve moved on to the Nintendo Switch, try out these Switch RPGs!
