The high-octane racer Need for Speed: Most Wanted is heading for Wii U in North America and Europe on 19th and 21st March respectively.
As we already know, the upcoming release will be the definitive version of the game, with assets taken from the superior PC iteration, rather than the other home console versions.
In an interview with Destructoid, vice president at Criterion Games Alex Ward said his studio — which hasn't developed a game on a Nintendo system since Burnout 2 on the GameCube — came back due to seeing the potential of the Wii U. Clearly he's a big fan of the new system, saying:
I love it. It really got me back into Nintendo software.
Ward believes the online capability of Wii U will progress further in the coming months, and says it was imperative for the developer to release the game with online features - albeit with six-player support instead of the eight players allowed on other platforms. There is of course Miiverse support and you may find the odd Mii plastered on billboards scattered around the environment.
The GamePad's microphone won't be left redundant either, as voice chat will be fully supported while you're playing online.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted has been available on other platforms for a while now, but Ward wanted to make sure the Wii U edition was at its best before shipping it. However, now the team has got to grips with the new hardware, future Need for Speed titles will release on the same day as other consoles — so long as they're being developed by Criterion.
Are you happy to hear you'll no longer have to wait a few months to get hold of the latest Need for Speed on the Wii U? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
[source destructoid.com]
Comments 21
Good news! Now they just need to be good games again!
Super. Hopefully it will be quality.
Great, I wish other developers thought the same way.
Good news...maybe they'll add a couple extra bonuses as well
I usually stay away from arcade racers other than kart racers, but this kind of has me interested, mainly because Criterion is showing real interest in the Wii U.
Criterion really surprises me in a positive way. I hope they will show us a bunch of times what Wii U can do in terms of unique gameplay and graphic capabilities. Good job Criterion and show us finally new Burnout :]
Sounds good to me. Can't wait for most wanted. It would be cool if you could steer with the gamepad ( motion) and then the screen lights up like a dashboard. Controls for lights ( x) and turn signals ( y, a buttons) so the cops wont bust you.For manual shifting maybe use the right analog stick, left trigger ( ZL) clutch, ( ZR ) gas. Things like that could really make it fun. It may already do that don't know.
I really like criterion as a developer. This just makes em even better. Really excited to play this.
Out of curiosity, did they mention why the online only has six-player support instead of right? Not a huge deal but would be interested to know why...
I have said it before but I want to repeat it. Criterion is a developer that actually cares about their games. After developing the Vita version of need for speed in house and making it almost identical to the PS3 version they will actually try to make the Wii U version the definite version of the game using all the recourses they have.
What's great is that they don't intend to stop supporting the Wii U and this is great. I was a huge fan of Burnout 2 and was really sad the 3rd iteration never hit the Wii.
good to see some support, and from a decent developer no less.
can't wait for most wanted U
Great news, I have held back on getting this game for my 360 so I can get it for the Wii U and with all the positive statements Criterion are making it just vindicates my decision! I want to buy games from people who love the console!
Great! i'll picking this up then
They know they need to show love to the system to gain the attention of fans. So far it's working.
Presumably just so long as sales figures are OK.
6 players? We're doing this again? Look at Blops. Sort it.
Why not 8?
the 6 player online thing might have to do with the nintendo network / wifi connection data rate, i think its called Nifi, i read about it reading looking for ds port tunneling on xlink kai.
I wonder how the acceleration will be handled since the game pad has digital triggers and not analog.
definitely getting this as soon as i can... it will be available for download, right?
I'm going to have to keep an eye on this game. It sounds like it is shaping up to be very interesting.
Not a fan of the need for speed games but I will be getting this for sure.
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