Topic: Multiplayer vs Multi online player games

I bought my son a Wii u for Christmas. Just bought Xenoblade X because Wii's website said it was multiplayer. Come to find out, multiplayer these days must mean online. Before wasting more money on games we can't play together, how can I tell before I buy the game if it is multiplayer "in-person"?

For retail, it'll say offline 1-2(4) players on the back of the box. I didn't see it on the Nintendo website, but you can also search for the backcover of the game or check out Gamefaqs or some other website that shows backcovers:
http://www.gamefaqs.com/wii-u/701151-xenoblade-chronicles-x/i...

@crimtide24: My advice would be, if you're going to drop the big bucks on full price games, read a few reviews from some of the more established sites, plus check the details on the back of the box.

It also doesn't hurt to ask a store associate, they're paid to help you out.

The back of the packaging specifies how many players can play simultaneously "offline" (locally, on the same system) and online.

You shouldn't just rely on the back of the box though, as it can be a bit misleading, particularly with Wii U games.

E.g. (not actually a 'Wii U' game but the point stands) Super Mario Galaxy: the back of the box indicates it has 2-player co-op, but in reality the second player isn't really doing much. This is often referred to as 'Asymmetric play' and isn't uncommon. Only really by reading some critic reviews, or following the game's development, can you really learn about how the local multiplayer works.

Unless you're at Gamestop then they will just tell you what you want to hear to make a sale.

Best advice is to read some reviews on said game or ask on a site like Nintendolife before you buy the game and I am sure that someone will help you out. As for what multiplayer means it can mean either offline, online, both, or mixed. If it's played by two or more people regardless of offline or online it's a multiplayer game.

Thank you to everyone's direction and advice...much appreciated!!

@Silly_G these guys crazy just read the back of the box been that way for years on game boxes

@Tasuki if I worked at game stop I would not tell you
obvious also you spending your money read