Affordable Space Adventures
Image: Knapnok Games

For the month before the 3DS and Wii U eShops close for new purchases on 27th March, each day we're going to highlight a specific eShop game for one of those consoles and give a short pitch as to why we think it deserves your love and attention — before it's too late. The chance to add these to your library will be gone for good soon and, for one reason or another, these eShop-exclusives are close to our hearts.

Today, Gavin gives the Wii U's eShop's finest exclusive one last shoutout...

So, what's it called?

Affordable Space Adventures.

Who made it?

Nifflas and KnapNok (or NapNok, as it was renamed) Games.

What's the premise?

You take control of a rickety old ship as part of a package tour deal that lets you explore a planet that's seen better days. Using the GamePad, you'll have to manage your shipboard energy reserves and resources there while navigating the dark, cavernous spaces on your TV screen while solving environmental puzzles to progress.

However, you can also play in co-op with up to two pals who take control of a specific function of your modest vessel.

Why should I play it?

This is a game that takes the asymmetric gameplay concept of the Wii U GamePad and runs with it. Where other developers — including Nintendo itself, at times — seemed to struggle to know what to do with the touchscreen in Player One's hands beyond throwing a gimmicky map on it, Affordable Space Adventures showcases every aspect of the system to great effect — including the now-defunct Miiverse.

Everything about it, from the design of the mock instructional pamphlets and materials to the dank, claustrophobic environments you explore, is beautifully realised. It really is a showcase of the console's unrealised potential to rival the best of the platform holder's own output, and you're doing yourself a disservice if you own a Wii U and don't own this game.

How much is it?

$19.99USD / £16.99 / €18,99.

We'll be back soon with another 3DS or Wii U eShop recommendation as part of this 'Countdown' series. Let us know below if you've already got this in your collection and share your thoughts. Also, feel free to nominate other games — we just might highlight those in the coming days, too.