Launch & Beyond – A Look at EVERY Wii U game
by Andy W.
The Wii U launches later this month and features the most impressive launch line-up in the company’s history. Head inside to take a look at every game currently announced for the Wii U, and not just “Launch Window”….
Published or Developed by Nintendo
Bayonetta 2
Developer: Platinum Games
Launch Date: Q3 2013
Nintendo surprised the world on September 13th by revealing a sequel to Bayonetta was in development exclusively for the Wii U. Having severe financial troubles SEGA were forced to drop the title, but fortunately for Platinum Games, Nintendo stepped in to supply the funding. Despite causing uproar with immature gamers the world-over who sent Platinum Games numerous death threats, not much else is known about the game, but check out the teaser trailer before.
Game & Wario
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Launch Date: Q1 2013
Game & Wario is the latest entry in the Warioware series. Nintendo have yet to reveal much about the game but it’s safe to assume it will feature tons of micro games like previous entries. The challenge comes from having to complete consecutive micro games in quick succession without much explanation as to just what the hell is going on! It’s seriously mad fun!
Lego City Undercover
Developer: TT Fusion
Launch Date: Q4 2012
The easiest way to explain Lego City Undercover is Grand Theft Auto meets LEGO, obviously submitting the violence and innuendo with colour and humour. You play as Chase McCain, an undercover cop on the hunt for criminals. Chase can make use of numerous moves, undercover costumes and over one hundred different vehicles. The Wii U GamePad is used well throughout the game, acting as a PDA with map and mission briefing functionality as well as a scanner for looking out those crooks! The first copies of the game come with a limited edition Chase McCain mini-figure, so get your pre-order in now!
Monolith Soft Project
Developer: Monolith Soft
Launch Date: Unknown
Having only helped with the development of Project X Zone on the 3DS since releasing the Wii’s best game Xenoblade, Monolith have been busy beavering away on a top-secret Wii U project. So far they have only released some artwork as seen below, and posted numerous job openings including 3D Animator’s and Network Programmers. It would be safe to assume the game is going to be grand in scale and show the world just what the Wii U can do!
New Super Mario Bros U
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Launch Date: 18th November (USA), 30th November (EUR), December 8th (JAP)
Hot off the heels of New Super Mario Bros 2 comes the second Mario game in in as many months! In a huge turn around for the series Bowser has not run off with Peach! Instead he’s invaded Peach’s castle, and blasted Mario into a distant world, and must now find a way back to rescue Peach. The game features similar multi-player game-play to New Super Mario Bros Wii, but with the option of a fifth player thanks to the GamePad. Which ever player is holding the GamePad has a different take on the game, they can add platforms by tapping the screen. These can help or hinder the other players and cause some serious arguments! The game also features a series of challenge modes such as time trials, collect-a-thons and even completing a level without touching the ground!
Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge
Developer: Team Ninja
Launch Date: November 18th (USA), January 11th (EUR), December 8th (JAP)
Nintendo have assisted Team Ninja with this re-imagining of Ninja Gaiden 3 which recieved harsh criticism and poor sales upon its initial release. Dismemberment is back as are life-gauges for bosses, a stable frame-rate and improved loading speed have also been worked on. Several new playable characters including Ayane with her own missions as well as numerous new weapons and all of the DLC comes packed on the disc.
NintendoLand
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Launch Date: 18th November (USA), 30th November (EUR), December 8th (JAP)
Lets set the record straight, NintendoLand is NOT the Wii U’s Wii Sports. The only similarities are in the fact its a compilation of multiple game-play styles and your Mii’s also make an appearance. NintendoLand is the theme park of your dreams, featuring twelve attractions (not mini-games) and a plaza you can personalise using your winnings. The twelve attractions are based around Nintendo’s IPs…
- Animal Crossing: Sweet Day
- Balloon Trip Breeze
- Captain Falcon’s Twister Race
- Donkey Kong’s Crash Course
- Luigi’s Ghost Mansion
- Mario Chase
- Metroid Blast
- Octopus Dance
- Pikmin Adventure
- Takamaru’s Ninja Castle
- The Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest
- Yoshi’s Fruit Cart
Pikmin 3
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Launch Date: Q1 2013
This long in development title will finally see the light of day in just a few short months. Originally conceived as a Wii title, Miyamoto kept it under wraps for several years until finally confirming at E3 2010 development had switched to the Wii’s successor. This time Captain Olimar has gone missing, so upto four players control what seem generic captains in the search for Olimar using hundreds of Pikmin. So far Nintendo have revealed one new breed of Pikmin, the Rock Pikmin, who have the ability to break glass, which comes as gates or even protective shells on enemies. In the E3 2012 reveal trailer a flying pink Pikmin can also be seen. It has been confirmed that the game will not support online play.
Sing Party
Developer: FreeStyleGames
Launch Date: 18th November (USA), 18th January (EUR), Unknown (JAP)
Coming from the developers of DJ Hero, FreeStyleGames an Activision-subsidiary, this Karaoke game is featured heavily in the advertising campaign for the Wii U. The game comes packed with a microphone accessory the player must hold along with the GamePad which displays the lyrics to the song playing.
Super Smash Bros Wii U
Developer: Sora Ltd / Namco Bandai Games
Launch Date: Unknown
Originally, and prematurely announced at E3 2011, this new Smash Bros game will likely not be released for quite some time! Series creator Masahiro Sakurai returns with the added help of Namco Bandai’s Yoshito Higguchi (Tales), Masaya Kobayashi (Go Vacation) as well as the team behind Tekken to develop the title. It will also feature some form of cross-platform play with a 3DS version which is also in development.
