Earlier this week we tuned in to Microsoft Studios' Minecraft Monday to see if it was worth hosting on Nintendo Life; in other words, to see if Minecraft: Wii U Edition was being shown off. Unfortunately it wasn't, but the regular viewers over on Twitch were hugely excited; that's because update 1.8.8 - which is a notable one despite its non-descript number - was being shown off.
In essence this update brings the console version far closer to the PC iteration, meaning that those on a PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One are no longer lagging behind. The changelog for the update is particularly long, with a lot of new items, environments and numerous other adjustments made.
It's now been rolled out on these systems, but it's worth noting that the Wii U Edition, launched on 17th December, isn't updated; Nintendo's system will have to wait until "some time next year".
It does seem rather typical of the Wii U version that it's rolled out on an older version just one day before a big update landed; we are talking about a port lacking inventory management on the GamePad, a feature that fans had practically assumed would be included.
In any case, it's still pleasing to have the game on Wii U, albeit an iteration that's now lagging behind in a number of features. We'll have our review with you relatively soon to let you know what we think of it.
[source mojang.com]
Comments 35
It's Mass Effect Trilogy all over again
"...some time next year."
Oh boy, I can't wait for 1.8.8 to release in December!
@shaneoh nope can't get mass effect trilogy on wiiu. Will get update for free even if it is latter. Apples and oranges my freind.
Wondering if they'll ever throw in Wii U features...wouldn't mind using the touch screen to aim...or as a map.
I seem to recall when the ps3 version first came out it was behind the "new updates" for a little until the platform specific bugs was patched out and then it got caught up. The gap between this version and the others will close up. More so if sales are good
There is ALWAYS weird stuff going in with every iteration of Minecraft. Just a few days ago my kid was wondering aloud what was taking so long w/ the PC update. Apparently 1.9 is a long time coming when you are used to the constant stream of Snapshot updates.
This does seem overly egregious though. Why not just wait until today and make sure Wii U was 1.8.8 at launch? Why release exactly 1 day before the others update? That;s just plain stupid. Even more insulting as the Wii U only gets the $29.99 bundle, not the $19.99 option. So it now costs $10 more than PS3 or Xbox360 but it's a version behind. Fabulous.
@rjejr At least you'll be able to play the Wii U version on Christmas Day (chances are) unlike the other console versions.
@Grumblevolcano Well we would, if it weren't $29.99. We'll be playing Skylanders Superchargers mostly. (My wife ixnayed Lego Dimensions) Though I'm hopeing to get in some XCX time at some point. May not be until the kids go to bed though. Maybe I'll sleep all day and play all night, Christmas on a Friday is nice.
Poor Wii U.
@shaneoh : What? Hardly. Matt Effect 3 was ported late to the Wii U, sold at full price, and EA expected it to sell, because that's how stupid EA are. They expected a late port of a sequel to a game that was never available on any prior Nintendo system in any shape or form to sell at full price while the full trilogy was released for the same price as the third game alone on Wii U. If anything, Wii U needed the trilogy the most.
The Wii U version was also deprived of DLC that was released on the other consoles.
Yes, the Minecraft situation is one of a lack of parity (which is why I won't be supporting it, at least until a retail version is released) but it's not quite like the level of stupidity demonstrated by third parties during the Wii U's infancy.
What is it with developers doing poor on Wii U ports?
@rjejr What I was getting at was it looks like Xbox Live is being attacked again (remember last Christmas).
Same thing just happened with Terraria 3DS, we get old version, everyone else gets an update!
Oh dear. Only scored 70 on Nintendo Enthusiast..
I downloaded it and my kids freaked out this morning.
Worth every Penny
Even without any more support or patches, this game was worth it. Already put in 6+ hours yesterday, and still interested.
I'll wait for either the new update or a sale. Whichever comes first.
For now I'm having fun with Terraria 3DS.
A major third party title for a Nintendo console. Hmmmm, Let's see.
<sarcasm alert!> Sounds like everything is on track for Minecraft to be a typical third party release for a Nintendo platform. Honestly, I was scared they were gonna get it right when they announced the game for Wii U but I'm happy to see they matched the "high standards" set by third party's before them.<sarcasm alert!>
@TreonsRealm it made it to the top of the best sellers list in January in under 24 hrs. I've never seen a non Nintendo game do that. It will sell fine.
@faint I was referring to it selling to expectations on the Wii U. I am well aware how much of a sales juggernaut the franchise is and I'm sure it will sell ok on Wii U but it will likely be one of the lowest selling versions. That still doesn't change the fact that the game has managed to make all of the same mistakes as other major third party titles on Wii U which is what I was poking fun at. As a longtime Nintendo owner, I have become quite numb to third party's and how they treat Nintendo fans, something dating all the way back to the N64/GameCube era.
While I can handle waiting a bit for the update, I'm pretty disappointed that the Classic Controller wasn't made compatible with the game. I'm not buying another two Pro Controllers just for to get 4-player in this game specifically.
@Mario_maniac try to contact someone from 4j like 4j Steve.
I want classic support too 😯
@TreonsRealm As I and many others have pointed out umpteen times on other articles,this version with the extra skins and textures is priced exactly the same as it is on Xbox One and PS4.In fact,in the UK the Wii U has the cheapest version.
Finally, PS4 got the stuff PC Minecraft had for a long time. My cousin, whom I usually play Minecraft with, always kept asking me when they're gonna release the bunny update - and now it's here! Also, Raw Rabbit and Cooked Rabbit look gross. Like I can't even bear their sight-gross.
@Grumblevolcano Oh I knew exactly what you were getting at, sorry I didn't make that clear, it seemed so obvious. Guess that's a good thing about playing on a Nintendo console, Anonymous isn't out to get us.
Updated my PS3 version to see what was new, it was a decent sized list. Also noticed the plastic texture pack was free, as we're 2 skin packs, so I downloaded all 3 of those. My kid may even tear himself away from DragonBall Xenoverse for a bit. Poor Wiig U. I did play some Yoshida after I had decided to quit earlier in the week. I remembered mellow mode and the yarn Yoshi amiibo. Between the 2 of those I should be able to at least see world 5. Poochy for 500 is great too.
@shaneoh It clearly isn't
@whiffy5 It is a straight 360 port. The Wii U edition even runs 720p60 which is fine. Now the Wii U version is able to spawn 3x the amount of NPC's as the PS4 version so it has the odd bonus!
Regardless it looks like inventory management will be added in the next patch.
@NiBar oh dear? only 70%? It is a perfect 360 port. That is the reason because it adds little extra.
The Wii U version loads faster, runs 720p60, off screen play support and you can spawn 4x the amount of NPC's as the 360 version which has been ignored.
It is fantastic to see that 4J HAVE MANAGED to release a perfect 360 port in such a short space of time. It is widely acknowledged that the Wii U is a completely different platform to other systems, most AAA developers have provided poor ports, and bare bones if any patches.
All versions of Minecraft are well supported and if Wii U owners have to wait just abit longer for the new update and inventory management. All signs are good.
@OorWullie Sorry but I was referring to US pricing. While I can see that the pricing is based on the forced inclusion of the DLC packs, it doesn't change the fact that the Wii U version is still priced $10 more than every other version (including PS4/XB1 versions which are priced at $20 for a physical copy). The game already features additional DLC options on Wii U like the other versions so why force Wii U players to buy $10 of DLC they may not want? My original point still stands, the Wii U version is being treated as more of an afterthought like just about every other third party title on the system and it's especially crummy considering Wii U owners have had to wait over a year since the last game console port (the PS Vita version which came out in October 2014!).
The PS Vita version even came out a month AFTER the sale of Minecraft to Microsoft so their ownership of the IP can't even be used as an excuse. While I'm happy that Wii U owners have gotten the game, it doesn't change the fact that Nintendo owners are once again given tablescraps and are expected to be appreciative of it.
@TreonsRealm You are completely wrong. The Wii U edition is an excellent 360 port with promised future support.
Currently Wii U edition has 720p60, faster loading, off tv play support, 4x npc's can be spawned. Heavy hints for an inventory management gamepad update on the way, newest update confirmed for next year. It is promising.
Nintendo are also to blame for the late port, with Miyamoto's complete distain for Minecraft. Mojang have always stated that they wanted a Wii U edition. MS have said for more than two years now that they would love to work with Nintendo. The port is only happening because Miyo has been pushed out to look after theme park design.
People like you are the reason for the Wii U's demise.
@liveswired Wow...just wow! your argument is a "perfect" 360 port. You are aware that the 360 version came out in May 2012, 6 months BEFORE the Wii U even came out! The excuse that the Wii U hardware is more difficult also doesn't hold water when you consider how different the PS3 hardware is from other systems and even that managed to get a version in 2013. The "720p60, faster loading, 4x npc's can be spawned" had better be there considering the Wii U is more powerful than both the 360/PS3 and has WAY more RAM than either of those machines. The future updates had better be more than "promising" when you consider how many times third party's have claimed to support Wii U DLC/patches only to cancel it later (Batman: Arkham Origins immediately springs to mind).
I also have no idea where you got the idea that Miyamoto has complete disdain for Minecraft? He has said in interviews that he wasn't very familiar with it but still felt it would be a perfect fit for the Wii U and even mentioned the inventory management on the Wii U GamePad (something 4J Studios "forgot" to add). Blaming Nintendo seems to be the knee jerk reaction from fanboys and haters for everything negative even though they aren't to blame in a lot of the situations. More often, it boils down to lazy developers who are more accustomed to the "release now, patch later" culture of current game development.
"People like you are the reason for the Wii U's demise" - that's a pretty bold claim when the Wii U is my primary console since early 2013 (I don't even own a PS4 or XB1 and don't plan to for a variety of reasons). I have over 35 physical games and over 30 digital titles (mainly indie) meaning that I fall into the group who fully supports the console as opposed to being a reason for its "demise".
That Cube Life Island Survival banner on this site having a dig at Minecraft.
"Inventory management via gamepad"
I guess they'll never patch the local multiplayer mode. A mode that doesn't even support gamepad+tv splitscreen AND you need TWO pro controller or more to play in local multiplayer as the gamepad is not accepted in that mode. Classic controller,wiimote etc. isn't accepted either :T
@smokingspoon you can use the gamepad and pro controller, you just have to hit the button on the pad to switch it from showing the screen on the pad.
@TRON Phew awesome.. Thanks for the info. I'm already apprehensive to get a single pro controller, let alone two! (so pricey)
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