If you own a Wii U console or are planning to buy one, you should keep yourself well-informed about some all time popular video games for this console as well as new releases for the platform. Techspirited furnishes you with a list of the best Wii U games belonging to multiple genres, thus making your choice easier.
Did You Know?
New Super Mario Bros. U has reached worldwide sales of around 4¼ million copies, making it the current best-selling game for the Wii U.
New Super Mario Bros. U has reached worldwide sales of around 4¼ million copies, making it the current best-selling game for the Wii U.
Wii U is a video game console by the gaming giant Nintendo. It is the successor to the Wii, and falls in the eighth generation video games category, making it a direct competitor to the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The Wii U package consists of the main console (with looks similar to the Wii), and the newly launched GamePad, which is a portable hand-held console by itself, or can be paired with the console to play games on a widescreen TV.
The console, in comparison to its competitors, had much fewer games previously, but in recent years has started gaining momentum due to some popular games which have been developed for it. These games span various genres, including strategy, shooting, arcade, adventure, racing, and sports. Take a look at the top 20 Wii U games (in no particular order) that are out, and a brief description of each, along with some of Nintendo’s popular and all-time-favorite Mario titles that have been included in this list.
List of Best Wii U Games
Super Mario 3D World
Release Year: 2013
Genre: Action
Publisher: Nintendo
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Why in the Top 20?
Another of Nintendo’s magnificent creations in the Mario series; Super Mario 3D World is addicting, colorful, has a storyline, supports multiplayer gaming, and by all means is a must and best buy for your Wii U.
Another of Nintendo’s magnificent creations in the Mario series; Super Mario 3D World is addicting, colorful, has a storyline, supports multiplayer gaming, and by all means is a must and best buy for your Wii U.
Assassin’s Creed III
Release Year: 2012
Genre: Action-adventure, Stealth
Publisher: Ubisoft
ESRB Rating: M (Mature – 17+)
Why in the Top 20?
The Assassin’s Creed series is unique because of its open-world concept, and the animus, a machine which can enable a person to live the life of his ancestors. The encounters of the protagonist Haytham, and the overall gameplay will impel you to play more and more of it.
The Assassin’s Creed series is unique because of its open-world concept, and the animus, a machine which can enable a person to live the life of his ancestors. The encounters of the protagonist Haytham, and the overall gameplay will impel you to play more and more of it.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted U
Release Year: 2013
Genre: Racing, Open-world
Publisher: Electronic Arts
ESRB Rating: E 10+
Why in the Top 20?
The Wii U version of the game features a co-op mode which requires two players, one being a driver and the other a co-driver. The driver drives using the Wii remote or the Wii U Pro Controller. The co-driver uses the GamePad to provide control and navigation assistance with the help of the game map. An essential game for your Wii U if racing is in your blood.
The Wii U version of the game features a co-op mode which requires two players, one being a driver and the other a co-driver. The driver drives using the Wii remote or the Wii U Pro Controller. The co-driver uses the GamePad to provide control and navigation assistance with the help of the game map. An essential game for your Wii U if racing is in your blood.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Release Year: 2014
Genre: Action (Platform)
Publisher: Nintendo
ESRB Rating: E
Why in the Top 20?
The game plot focuses on the Snowmads, a group of Viking-themed arctic animals such as walruses, owls, and penguins that invade Donkey Kong Island, compelling Donkey Kong to go against them with the help of his friends Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, and Cranky Kong.
The game plot focuses on the Snowmads, a group of Viking-themed arctic animals such as walruses, owls, and penguins that invade Donkey Kong Island, compelling Donkey Kong to go against them with the help of his friends Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, and Cranky Kong.
Batman: Arkham City – Armored Edition
Release Year: 2011
Genre: Action-adventure
Publisher: W.B. Interactive Entertainment
ESRB Rating: T (Teen – 13+)
Why in the Top 20?
The Wii U version adds a Sonar mode which highlights points of interest nearby, and the Battle Armored Tech Mode (BAT Mode) that allows Batman to accrue energy during combat, and when activated, inflict increased damage.
The Wii U version adds a Sonar mode which highlights points of interest nearby, and the Battle Armored Tech Mode (BAT Mode) that allows Batman to accrue energy during combat, and when activated, inflict increased damage.
Mass Effect 3: Special Edition
Release Year: 2012
Genre: Action, RPG, Third Person Shooter
Publisher: Electronic Arts
ESRB Rating: M
Why in the Top 20?
Mass Effect 3 describes the adventures of Systems Alliance Commander Shepard as he and the alliance try to defeat a human-survivalist paramilitary group called Cerberus and a synthetic-organic race of machines called Reapers.
Mass Effect 3 describes the adventures of Systems Alliance Commander Shepard as he and the alliance try to defeat a human-survivalist paramilitary group called Cerberus and a synthetic-organic race of machines called Reapers.
Rayman Legends
Release Year: 2013
Genre: Action (Platform)
Publisher: Ubisoft
ESRB Rating: E 10+
Why in the Top 20?
This is an action platformer in which players assume the role of Rayman and his ‘cartoony’ friends, as they rescue creatures from evil forces.
This is an action platformer in which players assume the role of Rayman and his ‘cartoony’ friends, as they rescue creatures from evil forces.
Pikmin 3
Release Year: 2013
Genre: Real-time Strategy
Publisher: Nintendo
ESRB Rating: E
Why in the Top 20?
The player leads a legion of up to 100 plant-like creatures called Pikmin, and uses their unique powers to explore the game world, unravel mysteries, and discover treasures within it.
The player leads a legion of up to 100 plant-like creatures called Pikmin, and uses their unique powers to explore the game world, unravel mysteries, and discover treasures within it.
Mario Kart 8
Release Year: 2014
Genre: Racing
Publisher: Nintendo
ESRB Rating: E
Why in the Top 20?
A fun racing game from the Mario game series, wherein characters from the Mario universe race against each other in go-karts, attempting to win against their opponents as they’re aided by various tools found in item boxes.
A fun racing game from the Mario game series, wherein characters from the Mario universe race against each other in go-karts, attempting to win against their opponents as they’re aided by various tools found in item boxes.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
Release Year: 2013
Genre: Action-adventure
Publisher: W.B. Interactive Entertainment
ESRB Rating: E 10+
Why in the Top 20?
Players are able to control approximately 150 characters from the Marvel Universe, each with their own unique abilities. For instance, Tony Stark can suit up to use his powers as Ironman, or simply be the genius Tony Stark; while the Hulk can throw large objects as well as shrink down into Bruce Banner to access computers.
Players are able to control approximately 150 characters from the Marvel Universe, each with their own unique abilities. For instance, Tony Stark can suit up to use his powers as Ironman, or simply be the genius Tony Stark; while the Hulk can throw large objects as well as shrink down into Bruce Banner to access computers.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
Release Year: 2013
Genre: Action-adventure
Publisher: Nintendo
ESRB Rating: E 10+
Why in the Top 20?
The Wind Waker HD is an improved version of the original, with updated 1080p graphics, an alternative lighting engine, as well as new gameplay features and modifications.
The Wind Waker HD is an improved version of the original, with updated 1080p graphics, an alternative lighting engine, as well as new gameplay features and modifications.
Just Dance 2014
Release Year: 2014
Genre: Rhythm
Publisher: Ubisoft
ESRB Rating: E 10+
Why in the Top 20?
The game features a World Dance Mode which works more like a massively multiplayer online game, wherein all players across the world dance to a common playlist and compete for rankings on a leaderboard. This mode is possible only with a working Wi-Fi connection and an Xbox Live subscription for Xbox users.
The game features a World Dance Mode which works more like a massively multiplayer online game, wherein all players across the world dance to a common playlist and compete for rankings on a leaderboard. This mode is possible only with a working Wi-Fi connection and an Xbox Live subscription for Xbox users.
Pushmo World
Release Year: 2014
Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: Nintendo
ESRB Rating: E
Why in the Top 20?
A blocks puzzle game which is great if you have kids at home. Choose from an array of 200+ puzzles or create some of your own.
A blocks puzzle game which is great if you have kids at home. Choose from an array of 200+ puzzles or create some of your own.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director’s Cut
Release Year: 2011
Genre: Action, First Person Shooter
Publisher: Square Enix
ESRB Rating: M
Why in the Top 20?
The developers refer to the Wii U version as the ‘ultimate edition of the game’. It includes improved boss battles, audio and graphics, as well as provides extra functionality to the Wii U GamePad.
The developers refer to the Wii U version as the ‘ultimate edition of the game’. It includes improved boss battles, audio and graphics, as well as provides extra functionality to the Wii U GamePad.
NES Remix Series
Release Year: 2013/2014
Genre: Multiple
Publisher: Nintendo and Indieszero
ESRB Rating: E
Why in the Top 20?
There are two parts in the series, each of which features a collection of some of the most popular games developed by Nintendo. The first part consists of games like Donkey Kong, Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., and other popular titles, whereas, the second part in the series consists of Super Mario Bros. 2 and 3, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Ice Hockey, and more, summing up to 12 titles.
There are two parts in the series, each of which features a collection of some of the most popular games developed by Nintendo. The first part consists of games like Donkey Kong, Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., and other popular titles, whereas, the second part in the series consists of Super Mario Bros. 2 and 3, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Ice Hockey, and more, summing up to 12 titles.
ZombiU
Release Year: 2012
Genre: First Person Shooter, Horror
Publisher: Ubisoft
ESRB Rating: M
Why in the Top 20?
ZombiU is a first person shooter survival game, wherein the player is a random survivor of the zombie apocalypse in Boston. The player collects several weapons required to fight zombies which are located in different areas on the game map. If the zombie bites the player, he dies and the game spawns another random survivor.
ZombiU is a first person shooter survival game, wherein the player is a random survivor of the zombie apocalypse in Boston. The player collects several weapons required to fight zombies which are located in different areas on the game map. If the zombie bites the player, he dies and the game spawns another random survivor.
Shovel Knight
Release Year: 2014
Genre: Action (Platform)
Publisher: Yacht Club Games
ESRB Rating: E
Why in the Top 20?
The player controls the ‘Shovel Knight’ character, who uses a shovel to attack enemies, destroy barriers, and dig up treasures. The shovel can also be used as a pogo stick to bounce off obstacles or the heads of enemies.
The player controls the ‘Shovel Knight’ character, who uses a shovel to attack enemies, destroy barriers, and dig up treasures. The shovel can also be used as a pogo stick to bounce off obstacles or the heads of enemies.
Tekken Tag Tournament 2
Release Year: 2012
Genre: Fighting
Publisher: Bandai Namco Games
ESRB Rating: T
Why in the Top 20?
This is a fighting game in which players engage in hand-to-hand combat as they use martial arts skills, punches, kicks, and throws to drain opponents’ health.
This is a fighting game in which players engage in hand-to-hand combat as they use martial arts skills, punches, kicks, and throws to drain opponents’ health.
New Super Mario Bros. U
Release Year: 2012
Genre: Action (Platform)
Publisher: Nintendo
ESRB Rating: E
Why in the Top 20?
This version of Mario has been exclusively created for Wii U and supports Off-TV play. It is very much like the traditional Super Mario, but with a new plot and antagonist. Nintendo seems to be maintaining high standards when it comes to its Mario segment, as many of the Mario titles have been a hit for most of Nintendo’s platforms, including Wii U.
This version of Mario has been exclusively created for Wii U and supports Off-TV play. It is very much like the traditional Super Mario, but with a new plot and antagonist. Nintendo seems to be maintaining high standards when it comes to its Mario segment, as many of the Mario titles have been a hit for most of Nintendo’s platforms, including Wii U.
Skylanders: Swap Force
Release Year: 2013
Genre: RPG, Action-adventure (Platform)
Publisher: Activision
ESRB Rating: E 10+
Why in the Top 20?
Like the previous version, players use a physical portal (looks like a backlit trampoline) to bring real-life action figures into the video game. The present version of the game allows the player to swap the tops and bottoms of any skylander, hence making them the Swap Force, who are destined to save the skylands.
Like the previous version, players use a physical portal (looks like a backlit trampoline) to bring real-life action figures into the video game. The present version of the game allows the player to swap the tops and bottoms of any skylander, hence making them the Swap Force, who are destined to save the skylands.