With the Wii U turning four years old in North America just recently, and with the system soon to be supplanted by the Nintendo Switch, we've been reflecting on the console's qualities and failings. One thing we've consistently argued, however, is that there's a core of excellent games on the system, many of them exclusives, that are well worth experiencing. With that in mind we decided to bring together a list of the best of these - some are standout entries in popular franchises, some are new IPs, and others are just marvellous gaming experiences. We're focusing on retail games here, with a separate list planned for the eShop.
In any case, with exceptions such as the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and a few games that narrowly missed out - this writer fought and lost over the inclusion of Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut - we think this list identifies games that, for one reason or another, are must-play titles. It was originally going to be a list of 20 but, well, some just couldn't be ignored. It should also be noted that the order is alphabetical; we're not opening the can of worms that involves rating them, not yet anyway.
Please also note that there are Amazon affiliate links underneath each entry; purchasing via these buttons will bring a small percentage of the sale to Nintendo Life.
So, let's get to list of essential Wii U games.
Bayonetta 2
When this was announced as a Wii U exclusive plenty of fans of the original took to the internet to complain loudly. Yet the fact is that without Nintendo's investment and publishing commitment this game would not have happened, and that would have been truly regrettable. A fantastic action title that demands sharp reflexes, it's also a visual delight on the system. There's nothing else quite like it on the Wii U - apart from the original Bayonetta, of course - and it shows PlatinumGames on top form.
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Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
There was understandably a little bit of concern when Nintendo confirmed it was spinning off a side-level design from Super Mario 3D World for an entire game. Toad and Toadette, unable to jump and tasked with working through diorama-like stages that act as giant puzzles, also had the task of carrying a game on their own for the first time. The end result is an absolute delight, however, packed with charm and clever designs that make smart use of the console. This one is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon, and it's impossible not to smile when playing it.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Truth be told, when this game was announced (early in the Wii U lifespan) we were a tad disappointed, as we'd hoped to see Retro Studios produce a HD Metroid Prime. Nevertheless, that shouldn't detract from the quality of this platformer - visually outstanding, and with David Wise back on soundtrack duties, it delivers a tangible evolution on its brilliant Wii predecessor. Also it has waggle-free controls, which is nice.
Hyrule Warriors
Though The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo's most treasured IPs, the company isn't afraid to experiment with the brand. Teaming up with Koei Tecmo / Omega Force for a Warriors crossover was hot news at the time, and the end result delivers just what you'd expect. It's button-tapping hack-and-slash with elements of strategy thrown in, all within a timeline-busting (and bonkers) plot. Updates have helped smooth out some performance issues, and this is a game complemented by huge amounts of DLC.
LEGO City: Undercover
A Wii U exclusive from TT Games, this was at the heart of a lot of early messaging around the system as a major third-party release. It offers a large open world to explore along with some clever touches to make use of the GamePad. Despite some choppy performance on occasions, this is arguably still the standout LEGO experience on Wii U, with a whole lot of humour to amuse older players as younger gamers enjoy the physical comedy.
Mario Kart 8
If Mario Kart 8 had a good Battle Mode, it'd arguably be the undisputed King of the series. It doesn't, but what it does have is a lot of fantastic tracks, gorgeous visuals and deliciously smooth 60fps racing. Online racing runs well, and Nintendo's DLC offerings should be continually held up as standard bearers, offering both quality and quantity. Throw in some free extras and cool amiibo outfits, and this is one of the true top-tier Wii U games.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted U
This one pushed out Deus Ex after a bit of a debate in the team, but regardless of that this port by Criterion Games deserves a place in the list. Given little hope on the market (probably due to EA's decisions as publisher), it's nevertheless arguably the best version of one of the strongest Need For Speed games of recent times. Racing game enthusiasts in our team enjoy this one, and it throws in some neat GamePad ideas along with excellent gameplay.
New Super Mario Bros. U
A launch title on the Wii U, the timing for this one was poor as a result of some 2D Mario apathy brought on by New Super Mario Bros. 2 on 3DS. Nevertheless, it can be argued as the best of the 'New' 2D Mario games, utilising the system's capabilities for handsome visuals and including some lovely stage designs. Multiplayer and some alternative modes add a little more to the experience, and New Super Luigi U is a fun DLC add-on likely to make our eShop list.
Nintendo Land
The Premium system bundled game at launch, it failed to cause the same fervour and excitement as Wii Sports the generation before, but it's still a standout multiplayer (and single player, to an extent) game for showcasing the potential of dual screen and asynchronous play with the GamePad. Some of the included minigames are still regularly played in this writer's household, and those that didn't get this bundled with the system can find it cheap nowadays.
Paper Mario: Color Splash
A recent arrival on the system, and aside from Breath of the Wild quite probably the last major release on the Wii U. It adopts some ideas from the divisive Paper Mario: Sticker Star, but it does make a number of key improvements. It's also undoubtedly charming, with visuals that show just what Nintendo can achieve on its HD system; it has some delightfully crazy items to use, too.
Pikmin 3
A title that had been long in the making, previously rumoured for Wii and then (briefly) 3DS. A project clearly dear to Shigeru Miyamoto's heart, it depicts the small Pikmin and their perspective on the world in beautiful detail, and also throws in some DLC for good measure. With varied control options, including some neat GamePad usage, it's a thoroughly enjoyable experience on the system.
Pokkén Tournament
Originally released in arcades in Japan, with some units making their way to the West, fan demand was fulfilled with the Bandai Namco-developed fighter heading to Nintendo's home console. It not only provides a relatively fun brawler for Pokémon fans, but it also has a presence in the competitive scene; it's not up to the Super Smash Bros. level yet in eSports, but it has its place.
The list continues on page two.
Comments (116)
I was content with the list until Color Splash sprouted up.
Lego City Undercover and The Wonderful 101 should get ported to the Switch. Both didn't get the attention they deserved thanks to poor marketing and the Wii U.
I wouldn't put Zombi U and NFS Most Wanted on that list and instead have Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed and Sonic Lost World but still a solid 25 list.
Fantastic list.
This perfectly embodies the Wii U legacy. These games are the heart and soul of Wii U, although I'd have included a few more like Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Deus Ex Human Revolution, Sonic Racing Transformed and Splinter Cell Blacklist.
@UK-Nintendo Where did you get that Mario figure?
Personally, I'd replace ZombiU with Sonic Lost World, but greasy list otherwise! Long live the Wii U!
Did the Wii U fail because it didn't have the sort of games you could play on the XB1/PS4, or did it fail because the sort of people who bought a Wii U didn't want the sort of games you could buy on the XB1/PS4?
As a Nintendo console for Nintendo fans it ticks all the boxes.
....Where's Monster Hunter 3U?
I know it's old and we already have 4U/Gen, but it's still awesome to have since it's the last home console game.
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy eBay.
I definitely am happy you included Most Wanted U. Easily one of my favorite games on the system and unfortunately quite overlooked.
Bayonetta 2 and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U were the reasons I even bought the system. Maybe my two favourite games of all time. Highly recommended.
The list needs a little bit more Monster Hunter in it. Other than that, it's a good list
Shame there weren't more third party games listed. Don't both CoD games, Black Ops II and Ghosts have local multiplayer without splitting the screen because of the gamepad? Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag is a great game too. Then there's the oft forgotten Sonic and Sega Allstars Racing Transformed.
You'd be hard pressed to tell me any of these games are worse than a lot of what's up there. Looking real hard at Star Fox Zero especially.
I agree with the list but honourable mention must go to Batman Arkham City for it's brilliant use of the Gamepad. I also think Tekken Tag Tournament 2 and Darksiders 2 were strong launch titles.
I would have Shovel Knight on it in
They should have put that on the DKCTF box art. "Now Waggle Free!!"
Thanks for this wonderful list!
I think the list is true to most Wii u owners I have 20 out of the 25 on the list. It's also true as they are not on the rival system
My favorite has been Deus Ex. Assassin's Creed 4 is also great.
Way too many "meh" games on the list. Bayonetta, Smash and Tropical Freeze are the only must haves
Really? Paper Mario is on here, but not Super Mario Maker or Yoshi's Woolly World? Or ZombiU?
.... Really?!
Wow. Okay.
Edit: Seems I'm a derpface and missed there was a second page in my rush, and that those games are indeed on there. My apologies!
After looking over this list a little more carefully this time, I can definitely say this is a good list after all, and I can say I'm the proud owner of almost all the games on this list. The Wii U might not have been Nintendo's best console, but it's still a mighty fine console in my eyes and I've gotten quite a bit of enjoyment out of it.
I only have 13 of these titles! Truly for my Wii U library of 41 titles a few of these games are awful on your list and should have been replaced! Wii party U is a fantastic game that should be on here, at least one Batman Arkham game should be on here, Game and Wario, Injustice, a justdance game, and quite a few others!
Pokken, color splash, yarn yoshi, Tokyo mirage, and Rayman shouldn't be on this list before some of the titles I described! They really shouldnt
@Yosher Err, no. Paper Mario is on here AS WELL AS Super Mario Maker, Yoshi's Wooly World and ZombiU. You might want to try looking at page 2, whose existence can be deduced by counting the number of entries on page 1 and realising they don't add up to 25.
Or by just looking at the bottom of the article where it says "the list continues on page 2".
Anyway, yeah. Check page 2.
From that list I still need to get
Nintendo Land
New Super Mario Bros U
Mario Kart 8
Captain Toad
Yoshi Wooly World
The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker
maybe smash and some 3 oth r games that are not on the list before they get discontinued
@Yosher they're both there..
AC3 and 4 were both better on Wii U than PS360, Human Revolution was fantastic, and Darksiders 2 was infinitely more enjoyable with Gamepad integration.
Most Wanted U was terrible without analog triggers, Hyrule Warriors is one of the worst Warriors games ever made and XBX is a overly censored, bloated, ugly chore.
Tekken Tag 2 was Pokken with better characters, a bigger roster, and deeper gameplay.
It's sad that Nintendo pushes 3D platformers like Mario and Zelda and still can't fix their camera's to work better in corners. Wind Waker, in particular, has alot of platforming, a facet that is frustrating when the camera pulls close to Link, greatly obscuring the character's positioning. When using the grappling hook during timed segments, or leaping across watery passages with a flaming torch, the camera quickly becomes insufferable.
In both Zelda remasters, offering a tweak to the camera controls would have helped immensely.
Most of the rest (not previously addressed) are fantastic, but Star Fox is still atrocious, and 'core' fans will NEVER stop complaining about Color Splash. Then again, most commenters missed the Page 2 button (or can't read) so their tastes are clearly based on expectation and perception. Which probably explains Pokemon's success.
Which is why everyone can have an opinion, but not everyone can be a gaming journalist.
I might offend some, but I've been reviewing games since 2004, so I'll continue speaking my mind until I'm banned from every such site, or am embraced by the gaming community. Or make it rich and finance new Sega hardware.
Captain Toad is brilliant!
3D World and Mario Kart 8 are amazing.
I must be the only one too that really loves Mario Party 10!
@Yosher There's always one...
I have 21 of those on this list, though admittedly several of them are as yet unplayed, and most others are unfinished. Well, they're pretty much all unfinished and I hope to revisit Wind Waker some day.
Of the four I've not, I'm desperate for one of them, would like another one, and the other two I'd be happy to own. But I have become addicted to buying games in the last year, so I guess that doesn't count for much
The writer uses the word 'arguably' too much on this article. Stop sitting on the fence and say it, Mario Kart 8 is the best game ever!
I have all but 3 on this list.
Zombi U totally deserves a spot on this list. I know it's there, I was just surprised to see more a handful of people say it should be replaced with something, but I disagree.
Hyrule Warriors before the 3DS version would of been worth it, but now the 3DS version surpassed it since it get more content. All the Wii U version get is just new character that has no access to new skin or weapons that you get on the 3DS version since the adventure maps are only for the 3DS version.
Oh? Is Kirby not that good then?
I've played 20 of the 25, not into FPS, space shooting or racing.
Good list, bad Nintendo management.
Probably should have had 24 games on the list to leave a spot for Zelda U.
@NodesforNoids Xenoblade Chronicles X was overly censored? The rest of it can be your opinion and I respect that, but how was it "overly censored"?
What, they changed a few costumes and ages? Way too much censoring, am I right?
Zombie U, Nintendo Land, and Star Fox. Replace them with Tekken Tag 2, Black Ops 2, and Minecraft, the list would be that bit better.
Decent list. I'd remove Pokken Tournament and Star Fox Zero.
Guys you've made a massive blunder. Yes, it started on the eShop but it has a retail version too. Where's Shovel Knight?
And Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate?
There's a few others if you could stretch the list to 30. Batman: Arkham City, Darksiders II, Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water.
Edit: There is 1 more title and I've not included it in the list or mentioned it very often and nobody talks about it. And that title is Art Academy: Atelier.
This very site gave it a 9/10.
https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/art_academy_atelier
I own it but have never broken the seal on it as I am beyond useless at art but that doesn't mean it doesn't deserve a place on the list. Is it a game though?
I'm glad to say I own every game of the 25 bar Pokken Tournament. But that's because I have absolutely no time for Pokemon in any shape or form.
@gcunit @NodesforNoids @Maxz Oh, uhm. Well now I feel like a dingdong. I actually just quickly skimmed over the page as I needed to go do chores and completely missed there was a second page and didn't think of counting either since I was in a bit of a rush. Eheh, my apologies. >_>;
I tend to agree with only putting a single game from a series on the list, so I would remove Twilight Princess HD. I would also take New Super Mario Wii U (since there is Super Mario Maker) from the list. In their place I would put Deus Ex and Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate onto the list.
Awesome list and probably the best games on the system but Deus Ex, Batman Arkham City AE, Darksiders 2, Mass Effect 3 and Splinter Cell Blacklist are all fantastic games which use's the gamepad brilliantly.
Honestly, when you look at a list like this, you realize that the Wii U had a strong library of games. It might not be a big library, but it's a good one.
No Assassin's Creed IV or Batman: Arkham City? Although I guess those are just ports of multiplatform games rather than true "Wii U" games, so maybe they aren't counting them.
This reminds me of all the games I still need to complete before the Switch comes around! XCX, TMS! Ahhhhhhh!
Really need to get around to playing LEGO City Undercover! Xenoblade too but it seems such a huge time investment!
Didn't care for Need for Speed on other consoles nor the ZombiU demo, though I like what both were trying to do.
Star Fox should be replaced with the Fast Racing Neo or SteamWorld retail editions. Did Shovel Knight get a WiiU retail? I know it did on playstation, if so that should be there too! Either way Star Fox Zero is a terrible example of a Nintendo game, a Platinum game, a Star Fox game and how to use the pad. It's just embarrassing.
Batman: Arkham City deserves a spot on this list too. Darksiders 2 as well.
Color Splash, you blood shills? Trying to drive up sales of that unmitigated disaster so that you can get that 8/10 rating into a reasonable margin of error?
@Phin68 I might complain about the Switch getting a lot of ports, but I would buy The Wonderful 101again for it just to support that game!
I have Mario Kart 8, Super Mario 3D World, Nintendoland, LEGO CITY UNDERCOVER and Paper Mario Color Splash so far. Well, very hard for me to find decent titles. Well, Wii Party U and Mario & Sonic at Sochi Winter Olympic 2014 will be next for me. The 8th title I still looking for best choice.
Color Splash and Star Fox Zero on the list just screams 'This console does not have 25 great games'
Out of all those games the only one I wouldn't play is ZombiU, so yeah I would replace it for Sonic Lost World since I don't like the racing game.
...no
Great News! Nintendoland has finally returned to the eShop and can be digitally purchased again! For a while there it had disappeared and those who had it pre-installed and deleted it couldn't even re-download it. http://nintendoland.nintendo.com/
KatRC?
The thing that makes me sad inside is that this isn't the top 25 retail games to play; it's the only 23 games worth buying for the system
@Grumblevolcano Nintendolife is Bias against sonic games.
I wouldn't say all of these are essential to own... more like essential to consider... I've got a lot of them, but I can understand why others would like the ones I don't have... they're just not for me though.
A wonderful list, one that I feel brings home a point I've always been vocal about: The Wii U isn't without flaws, but its wonderful library of games is nothing to sniff at.
I'm glad Color Splash is on here, it was quite good and I enjoyed it.
@ThomasBW84
Star Fox Zeroreplaced by Art Academy: Atelier?https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/art_academy_atelier
It got a 9/10.
Only then can we say:
"The last title is in situ... the galaxy is at peace.".
@nodesfornoids you've been reviewing games since 2004.
Lol.
Glad to hear you'll be helping Sega with their next console. I'm sure their share price has tripled since you graced this page with your wisdom.
@Phin68 I loved Wonderful 101, but not sure if it should be ported because there won't be a touch screen. The touch screen was way better for controlling, but Platinum botched it a little by not having a staff that knew how to properly do image recognition and by having menu options on the touch screen so it made it hard to use the touch controls without looking at the screen.
Injustice: Gods Among Us - An excellent fighting game and quality 3rd party port, only a couple of missing DLC characters keep it from being just as good as the other versions.
Sonic All-Star Racing Transformed - While Sega's characters aren't as celebrated or recognizable as Nintendo's, this is otherwise just as good as "Mario Kart 8." Arguably, it's even better due to its true flight sections and quality battle mode.
@YellowFighter Why do people keep complaining that "Star Fox Zero" has no multiplayer? It does indeed have it. It's just that it's playing the campaign in coop rather than a competitive battle mode.
I've pretty much only played Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon on my WiiU which is fine they are excellent games.
3DS however - Pokemon, Fire Emblem, Dragon Quest, Yokai Watch, Animal Crossing, Out Run...
Just looking at my Game Log, I've played over 2000 hours on my 3DS so far.
damn straight bayonetta should be the first one mentioned.
This is a great list. The only obvious exclusion to me is Monster Hunter. Time to pick up a few more Wii U titles!
@BulbasaurusRex Even if I really like All Star Racing Transformed, i think that the controlls, music and tracks are not as good as Mario Kart.
I wish a Sonic game made the list (Transformed, Lost World), but other than that, I say it's a pretty good list. Splatoon, MK8, M&S Rio, and XCX are my favorite Wii U games, so I'm glad all but one made the list!
I'm amazed it even had 25. Of course, it's easy to achieve that when you include substandard filler like Mayonetta and yet another legacy-tarnishing Paper Mario but still.
@Solid_Stannis How is an amazing game like, eh, ''Mayonetta'' a substandar filler?. I think it's just as good as your classic paper mario games, and i'm not the only one.
Mario Maker should have been a launch title smh but only people who had the wii u will know it's true power, yes it didn't have third party support but still had games leagues ahead of xbox one and ps4 as far as exclusives
Pretty good list.....the hate for Color Splash is amusing
Woh woh woh....... put in Mario Splash Paper Jim Jam?! But not SONIC BOOM!!????
Cmon Nintendo! It's a CLASSIC!!!
I don't think Star Fox Zero, Color Splash, Need for Speed or Zombiu should be on the list.
@YellowFighter Then say there's no COMPETITIVE multiplayer. That's completely different than saying there's no multiplayer at all. In fact, the coop mode is probably the best way to play the game, since you no longer have to deal with the awkward mechanic of looking back and forth between the two screens at times while in the middle of combat.
@MrGawain That's the whole reason why it failed. It's a Nintendo box that ONLY appeals to hardcore Nintendo fans. Judging by the sales figures of the wii u, there aren't that many of them. Consoles are designed as products to make money. If no one buys them, then it becomes a huge loss for the company and the company eventually stops caring about that product, which means less support and in turn less games. I want a Nintendo console that appeals to more people not just because I want Nintendo to be successful, but because I want more games from them.
We have 19 out of these 25 games. I'm still thinking about getting XBC and Bayonetta 2, but some titles like Pokken Tournament and Mario Maker are a hard sale. The reasons: my son who is the one on fighting games has decided to play solely on his PS4 and as soon as I heard that Mario Maker is coming to the 3DS -my main playing console-, I decided to wait. the other two missing are Star Fox and Color Splash, which I'm getting as soon as they hit the bargain bin.
Also, I must echo the sentiment of others regarding Sonic All Star Racing Transformed (did I get it right?) as well as the Batman titles: they are a must for anyone looking for something different on the Wii U.
@Dakt Man, I'm still playing Xenoblade X (for two reasons especially though: since I'm in school I have had practically no time for it; and my Wii U broke so it went in for repairs and all my data was lost but I have no problem starting it over because I like it that much)!
-ZombiU, +Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut
@SLIGEACH_EIRE That's a good shout with Art Academy - I'm glad someone's fighting its corner. Including it probably would have been controversial, because as you've said yourself; "is it really a game though?".
However, it'd be a perfect candidate for an 'honourable mentions' list - if there was one.
I gave it a go, and it was a very well constructed piece of kit, both in terms of the actual drawing software and the excellent tutorials. Certainly a solid addition to the Wii U's library, game or otherwise.
Great list but there should be 30 games to include Sega All Star Racing, Deus Ex, Splinter Cell Blacklist, Batman Arkham Asylum (all these titles use the gamepad brilliantly) and take your pick from Tekken Tag or Fast Racing Neo and for some lucky places like the UK and Australia we got Project Zero Limited Edition!
Hell, even Mass Effect 3 was better with the gamepad.
I own them all and 38 more, just got Pokken Tournament and Terraria last weekend.
I've got a great backlog to get through and I'm looking forward to every one of them!
@eltomo i enjoyed it. It was a blast, but pretty short. Felt like a 3DS game and it was priced there too.
Essentially garbage. There are more bad games than good games on that list.
You just know NL is just having a laugh at you. When Star Fox Zero is on a list of "essential" Wii U games, that tells you two things: 1) a list like this has no value, 2) the Wii U game library is utterly abysmal.
No Sonic Lost World?Really?
Fast Racing NEO should have been on the list.
I have enjoyed Game&Wario as much as Nintendo Land (playing mostly single player). Get it if you like gamepad mini games and can find it at a decent price.
A list like this just shows how few decent exclusives the Wii U actually has. Also, ridiculous biased list as usual.
Sonic Lost World should have made it to the list...it introduced some nintendo levels in it (Legend Of Zelda and Yoshi)...other than that, there wasn't much else to go on, and it seemed like the list just showcased most of the exclusives that were made for the system...Hopefully, some of these make it to the Switch to give them another go around, especially Lego City Undercover, Super Mario 3D World, Pikmin 3 and a few other notables...especially since they didn't seem to get the love they deserved and I think nintendo wouldn't mind making more money off of them...as long as they don't slap another price tag of $60 on them. Would also love to replay Yoshi's Wooly World again...not on 3DS, but on the Switch!
As a Nintendo fan there are 25 worthwhile games there.
As a gamer in general there is 11, at best. Another major flaw in the Wii U legacy.... comparably low back catalogue, the sheer low number of software available is enough to put any potential toe dippers off. The fact the machine still costs over £200 is also another joke. This should have dropped to £150 a year ago, there just isn't the long term investment in terms of software to make it worthwhile spending the entry price on the hardware.
Shame for the Wii U as it's the best hardware released in 20 years
@BensonUii I thought about Monster Hunter, but the issue is there have been two full entries since on 3DS (4 Ultimate and Generations), so 3 Ultimate on Wii U is a bit out of date in terms of online hunts and so on. That said, I appreciate not everyone will agree with that, just a hazard of the job!
I'm with Thomas on Deus Ex, definitely deserved to be on this list as it is confidently one of the 5 best experiences I have had on Wii U. Need to pick up Tropical Freeze, seemed like it was divisive at launch but now people seem much more positive. May yet dip into Lego City and Captain Toad as well.
@Mega_Yarn_Poochy
Well BOOBSLIDER was removed in west. The very important feature that affects gameplay SO MUCH.
I agree with many that Sonic Racers (or whaterver) should have been included. I own majority, missing some games than are not my thing: Mario Maker, Pokken, Star Fox and Colour Splash.
Not owning 101 or Mirage Sessions but probably will buy some point.
If this is a list of 25 retail games for those who, like me, doesn't own another home console than the Wii U, there are more multiplatforms that deserves to be on this list. AC IV Black Flag and Splinter Cell Blacklist are two games I would instantly put on this list. Maybe Mass Effect 3 as well... but what to take off the list?! Star Fox and New Super Mario Bros U at least!
Yoshi is a top 3 for me. Magical in cooperative. Perfect for coop with your not videogame fan partner!!!!!!!!
All my favourites are on the list (although Sonic All-Stars Transformed isn´t there, that game is better than any Mario Kart to date) and some I haven´t played, so I´m fine with the list.
Great list but still no love for Tank! Tank ! Tank!, lol. Maybe if there was a top 40 list...
Bayonetta 1 was an incredible experience, making my Day #1 purchase of B2+B1 the best money I spent on the Wii U outside of MK8 and Splatoon.
I guess the point that needs to be stressed is that these are not the only 25 Wii U games worth owning....
Great list, even though I don't understand the love for Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.
Where the heck is Deus Ex Human Revolution DC?
Alright it's a port but it's one the best darn uses of the Gamepad I've seen and it's an awesome game to boot.
If EA Still had Most Wanted U on the eshop I'd buy it.
A very solid list. I have several of them. Only one out of the ones I have that I did not finish is Xenoblade. Mainly because I got both that and Fallout 4 at the same time.
So that's basically all the Wii U games...
@JaxonH I hear you. I own almost all of the games in this list, except Tokyo Mirage and Paper Mario (which I'll add soon to my collection). But I also have Deus Ex and Splinter Cell, among many others, and they definitely should've been added to the list.
This should've been a "30 Games" list, not only 25. 😉
@Captain_Gonru Got a little confused reading that, as I didn't think I mentioned that game or term, though I knew which 1 you were talking about. Well 1 of the 2 words we all misuse.
Off topic but since I'm here - you see in the rumour article about Cloud and Bayonetta at the SSB Switch launch? It's what I've been saying all along - Nintendo making Wii U owners suffer while we wait for Switch. My wife told me just last night while I was playing Bayonetta 2 that she wants Cloud to put on her desk at work, but it won't be a birthday gift.
I've got most of theses games, but the ones I don't have i'm scared to buy because I reckon they'll get switch ports.
I love that you included Nintendo Land, Rayman Legends and Wonderful 101.
I think Sonic and All Stars Racing Transformed is right up there with Mario Kart 8 and anyone like enjoyed Mario Kart should try it.
Some people are a tad touchy,
This is a great list, some will disagree, we all have taste and those tastes don't align with everyone, Like what you like and share what you like, (heck, convince us all why you think we should be playing it), but we're all gonna play what we enjoy, and that's the most important.
Heh. There's always been a debate about why so many third-party games fail to sell on Nintendo machines. Is it because they genuinely aren't as good as Nintendo games or is it an innate bias on the part of Nintendo fans that assumes Nintendo games are better no matter what they put out?
This list is interesting from that point of view. It includes New Super Mario U and Mario Maker, not one but two Zelda remakes, lightweight filler like Captain Toad and Paper Mario and utter garbage like Starfox. It doesn't include Sonic Racing Transformed, Deus Ex, Batman Arkham City, Tekken Tag 2, Lego Marvel Super Heroes, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate or even the likes of Fast Racing Neo and Steam World Collection.
It's not a fan list from an internet vote either, it's a review site coming out with this list. Interesting....
What a surprise that this list is made up of 1st party games on this website. As stated in the article, deus ex as well as a few others are far better and more essential than half of what's on this list. A big reason I believe why wiiu flopped was that certain people rejected 3rd party support as well in beliefs that mario or other nintendo games were far superior. Some of the games on here really offer nothing new or different or even innovative with their own gamepad which was the main gimmick of wiiu.
@Captain_Gonru Maybe Corin will work with the iOS game and release with that? I know not all phones would work with amiibo but Apple likes to give people reason to upgrade. A Fire Emblem game with amiibo support could be a reason. Maybe they'll finally enable scanning in iPhone 8?
http://nfc.today/nfc-enabled-phones
Or maybe not.
http://www.macrumors.com/2016/08/10/apple-australian-banks-iphone-nfc-access/
Super Mario Run only works on iPod Touch 6th Gen, the last one, so I bet they're thinking some owners of the older models will upgrade, which is 1 reason they paid for the timed exclusive.
http://fireemblem.wikia.com/wiki/Fire_Emblem_(Mobile_App)
Awesome list. I'm glad to see Lego City getting some love, I still go back to it every month or so. Also NintendoLand is in my opinion a much better pack in than Wii Sports. I really wish the Wii U had sold better because then we would have gotten more games with asynchronous multiplayer. Every time I hear someone sing the praises of multiplayer experiences on PS VR I think to myself NintendoLand did something very similar 4 years ago.
No Monster Hunter.
Has ZombiU.
Otherwise, list is fine. I mean are there even 100 retail WiiU games? This might seriously be 25% of the entire retail library.
I'm missing three; NSMB, Paper Mario, and NFS. I love this console though. I've got 65 retail games with another 25-30 on my want list. Nintendo may be done but I'm not.
@UK-Nintendo where did you get that builder Mario figure? and if its online can you put the link for the figure please?
@LuigiMan123 eBay. Just search builder Mario figure. It's about 20-25 pounds
@Captain_Gonru Happy Thanksgiving. coma time
I spent about $120 at 7AM shopping on my PC at Target, Games top and Amazon, no crowds for me, 15 people in my house was enough of that.
My sisters kids, 10, 12, 14, all each bought themselves a 6th Gen iPod Touch this summer, apparently it's big there. I had a Gen 4 about 4 years ago. The Gen 6 is 2 years old, Apple doesn't promote it much, so I don't blame you for not thinking about it, it's a kids toy for parents who don't want their kids to have phones. A $200 toy kids can easily lose or break, but that's what it is. I think the important thing is Apple phones come with big MO they bills for 2 years, and iPad ate too expensive. So it's a niche.
My wife's cousin and her husband are looking to buy a Wii U when their living room is done being remodeled. Apparently none of their kids friends ever come to their house more than once b/c they don't have a system to play. I told them to wait for Switch but they didn't know what that was. I don't know what they'll do.
@Oscarzxn Well, I just picked up "Sonic & All-Star Racing Transformed" for $12 via the Cyber Sale. Now that I've had a chance to play more than just the demo, I definitely have to agree with you that the racers control better in Mario Kart. (I also don't really like either of the GamePad control schemes.)
However, like I said it still has the advantages of a true flight mode and a good Battle Mode. It also has more content with its World Tour mode and the ability to customize local multiplayer races. It's also an extremely rare example of a multi-platform game where the Wii U version is not gimped or missing content in any way (considering each version has an exclusive character a la "Soul Calibur 2"). In fact, you can argue it's the superior version due to the added motion controls and the ability to play local multiplayer with 5 players. The Wii U actually having the best version is something I believe only "Rayman Legends" can also claim.
Anyway, I guess each kart racer has its own advantages and disadvantages. You can't go wrong with either one.
@Captain_Gonru 2 problems with a Wii U purchase now. One, its $300 while PS4 and X1S are $250 all weekend, and most people will still need an external HDD or thumbdrive, so it's just way too expensive for what you get. Two, no new games, ever again. So you are pay I g $300 for a dead retro console. Better off getting a used Gamecube for $20, about the same amount of multiplayer games. And buying multiple controllers will be cheaper, Wiimotes, nunchucks and Pros aren't cheap either, so they are looking at least $350 for 2 player, $400 for 3. A Wii Mini for $100 is better if they could find one.
So yes, Wii U has some good games, but it's dead, no new games, shouldn't be $300.
@Captain_Gonru Well it would take longer to play all the old PS2 games, but I wouldn't recommend one of those for $300 either. I just can't think of a Wiig U as a $30 new console knowing next Christmas it will get just Dance 2018 and that's it. Wii will also get Just Dance but that isn't worth $300 either.
They have a 11 year old son and 15 year old daughter, I should probably tell them to get a 360 Kinect bundle for $200.
BTW, in Paper Mario I got myself stuck - used a card I needed - and need to replay an entire sucky area over, so I may be done, more time for LCU. 4 weeks until PS4 and lots of $10 games that are new for me.
ZombiU is brilliant. So sad that people are too blind so see what a great game it is. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed needs to be on this list. Star Fox Zero was terrible.
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