Three years have passed since the Wii U launched on the market, and during this time a solid library of games for this console has accumulated. Nintendo projects are distinguished by the fact that the main thing in them is not sophisticated graphics, but polished gameplay and design.

No matter how many games about Mario are released, each of them is very different from all the others. And it’s not just Mario, because there is also Link and Zelda, there is the beautiful Samus Aran, and for some time now a scattering of new heroes, now also firmly associated with Nintendo consoles.

And to help you sort through all these projects, we bring to your attention the ten best games for Wii U that have already been released.

10. Hyrule Warriors

Series Dynasty Warriors and its branches are famous for their unsurpassed dynamism: there are dozens, if not hundreds of enemies on the screen at the same time, which the heroes throw around with spectacular super moves.

Hyrule Warriors combines the series' frantic gameplay with the world and characters from the series The Legend of Zelda. You can explore colorful locations and crush crowds of enemies from the perspective of any of the more than two dozen characters from a variety of Zelda releases, which will delight all connoisseurs of the series.

9. Yoshi's Woolly World

The green dinosaur Yoshi from the Mario games has long been the hero of his own series of platformers. And he has never looked so cute as in this game. IN Yoshi's Woolly World both the hero, and the enemies, and the environment - everything, without exception, is made of woolen threads, and this feature captivates from the first seconds.

Yoshi's Woolly World is an excellent 2D platformer that is fun to play alone or with a partner. And if you are looking for a game that you can play with your child, be sure to pay attention to it.

8. Super Mario Maker

Have you ever dreamed of creating your own level and showcasing your talent to the world? Or, for example, give your friends a test - can they pass a clever series of obstacles that you have developed?

Super Mario Maker will allow you to do this with great convenience: the interface here is very simple and intuitive. Moreover, Super Mario Maker is not just a construction kit, but also a library of a potentially infinite number of stages created by other players. And the folk art here is often no less impressive than the work of the masters from Nintendo itself.

7. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

During the SNES trilogy Donkey Kong Country claimed the laurels of the best line of two-dimensional platformers. Three generations of consoles were gone until Retro Studios resurrected the series on the Wii in brilliant Donkey Kong Country Returns, after which she began developing a sequel for Wii U. Tropical Freeze is a complex and incredibly beautiful platformer for true connoisseurs of the genre.

6. Super Mario 3D World

Unlike the already mentioned platformers Super Mario 3D World- three-dimensional game. This allowed the developers to create even more bizarre stages and introduce the most interesting mechanics into the game. How do you like, for example, a level where the flag symbolizing the finish constantly runs away from the heroes?

Or the stage where you see only shadows, silhouettes of your characters?

For extra fun, Super Mario 3D World is worth playing with four players - like a real party game.

5. Mario Kart 8 One of the most exciting and colorful arcade races that can surprise you with its unusual track design. The local cars don’t give a damn about gravity and drive around in Mobius loops while the racers throw bananas, bombs and shells they picked up along the way at each other. A large selection of characters and tracks and impeccable multiplayer - both offline and online - make Mario Kart 8

An excellent choice for those who do not expect realism from racing games, but just want to have fun.

4. Xenoblade Chronicles X Not many big Japanese role-playing games have been coming out lately, and Xenoblade Chronicles X

is not just an exception to this rule, but a real record holder in terms of scale. In it you have to explore the entire planet - on foot or on horseback on a robot - fight with representatives of bizarre fauna and complete hundreds of various tasks.

Xenoblade Chronicles X is incredibly rich in content and can captivate you for more than a hundred hours. But it is remembered primarily for its unusual and very beautiful world. 3. Splatoon surprised everyone. Two teams of octopuses try to paint as much of the arena as possible with their colors. Roller skates, water pistols and almost sniper rifles are used; the key to success is often competent tactics and well-coordinated teamwork, and the intensity of passions in matches is no less than in some Call of Duty. No wonder Splatoon has already started collecting awards for the best multiplayer of the year and became the best shooter of the year according to The Game Awards!

2. Bayonetta 2

A continuation of the incredibly dynamic slasher film from the masters of the genre from Platinum Games. The elegant-looking witch deals with angels and demons, skillfully weaving melee and ranged attacks into spectacular combinations, slowing down time and dealing with opponents with the help of absolutely incredible super moves. Combat system in Bayonetta

at the same time deep and intuitive, and the madness happening on the screen does not stop for a second, throwing the heroine either into heaven or into the depths of hell.

Whatever one may say, action games from Platinum Games can only be compared to other action games from Platinum Games. And Bayonetta 2 is the best choice for a fan of the genre. However, unlike the multi-platform first part, the second was released exclusively for Wii U.

1. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Super Smash Bros

. - one of the most popular and atypical series of fighting games. In it, to defeat an enemy, you do not need to reset his health bar, but throw him out of the arena - the damage received only increases the chances of elimination. Up to eight fighters take part in a match, there is always something going on in the arenas, and with all sorts of items and hero-assistants at play, it becomes difficult to keep track of everything.

But that's the beauty of Smash Bros. - here every match is unpredictable and unique. Learning to play it couldn’t be easier: you don’t need to memorize the tricks, everything is very simple and clear. But at the same time, there is enough depth in the game to make it a real e-sports discipline: Nintendo regularly holds Super Smash Bros. championships in Moscow. for Wii U.

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This part of the series, by the way, boasts a record number of characters from a variety of Nintendo games and not only: Mario and Pikachu here can enter the same arena against Sonic the Hedgehog and Ryu from Street Fighter.

Games for Wii U can be purchased in the official Nintendo World store, and digital versions of games can be purchased in the Yandex.Money service, where prices are lower, and through the eShop built into the console itself.

Greetings to all Nintendo fans! As true die-hard fans, you've of course already got yourself a Wii U. The console has been on the market for a couple of years now, and there are more decent games available for it now than ever. There are enough good games to recommend buying the Wii U.

Below is a list of the best games that make the Wii U shine.

Splatoon

Esports for the younger generation, the competitive shooter is not much like the others. It's more "Nintendo-esque", so to speak. You play as squid-like characters who shoot ink at each other and can transform into nimble cephalopods. Splatoon enjoys being different from the rest and spices up the fun gameplay with a vibrant style and an energetic riot of color.

• Best for: Competition enthusiasts, squid lovers, and gamers with a little (or a lot) of personality.
• Who won't suit it: Those who want a more traditional shooter or more familiar controls.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

Take the most beautiful Legend of Zelda game. Remake graphics for high resolution, improve and modernize the gameplay. What you end up with is a game that redefines its position in Nintendo's action-RPG hierarchy.

• Best for: People who hated sailing in the original Wind Waker. The HD version now includes the Swift Sail tool, which increases the speed of the boat and eliminates the need to change the wind direction on long voyages.
• Who is not suitable for: Those who were hoping for a shortening of that very drawn-out final part. The quest before the decisive battle still kills the pace of the game with its length.

Strike a striking pose. Bright lights, loud music and a sexy mistress in latex, giving the crowds of monsters a blast: Bayonetta got a worthy sequel. The game retains everything good that was in the first part, plus new types of weapons and abilities. If you've ever wanted to whip a huge, unruly angel with your hair, then this is the game for you.

• Suitable for: Fans of fast-paced action games, like Devil May Cry, or, well, the first Bayonetta.
• Who it's not for: People who want relaxed gameplay and those who like a more subtle, understated aesthetic.

The preeminent studio EAD Tokyo, responsible for Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2, and Super Mario 3D Land, debuted on Wii U with Super Mario 3D World, a game that's just as fun as all of the above. I will say this, all the Mario games on Wii U are not as fun and you will not get the same pleasure that you got from the very first parts of the franchise. While they may not be the best games on the Wii U, they still deserve to be in your collection.

3D World, like 3D Land, is a nice hybrid of classic linear Mario side-scrollers and 3D free-roam games like Super Mario 64. In EAD Tokyo's new game, you can wander around the world, but you won't be allowed to go very far. Unlike 3D Land, you can play as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach or Toad, or get together with friends and play as all four at once.

Some things about 3D World may look familiar, but it's not one of those games. Yes, here you often need to hit goombas and throw fireballs. Much will be new. 3D World is simply a cornucopia of different innovations to the standard Mario gameplay: sometimes improvements (transparent pipes filled with coins), sometimes borrowings (controlling a crowd of cloned Marios), sometimes something completely new (a cat costume as a power-up).

• Suitable for: People who are tired of regular Mario and want something more experimental. Also recommended for those who are partial to graphics - this is by far the most colorful Mario game.
• Who it's not for: People hungry for games that take advantage of the Wii U's full potential. Nothing too fancy. This is not ZombieU.

The best third-party games take a commonplace scenario and add a not-so-banal setting to it. The invasion of the undead in ZombiU takes place in London, and this somewhat refreshes the genre, but the main advantages of the game are the single-player campaign with a chain of rebirths and asymmetric multiplayer. There's something inexplicably appropriate about searching and searching a body that was recently yours - so you can continue walking around in your best gear after death - in a single-player game. And in confrontations between real players, playing for the bad side is more interesting than being a hero once again.

• Suitable for: Fans of the survival horror genre. ZombiU has an atmosphere of darkness and despair, and every bullet counts. Raising the controller to scan doesn't just demonstrate its capabilities. This is a key mechanic that helps reveal the location of zombies, items, and weapons. And if you get stuck somewhere, a hint from another player can help you. Or it could be a bait leading you to another death.
• Who it's not for: Those who like to form strong connections with characters. In addition to shouting “Zombies! Damn it! Do not die!" your avatars from ZombiU's single-player campaign don't offer much in the way of story or motivation.

Have you ever wondered who would win in a fight: Peach or Luigi? What if Luigi and... a Wii Fit trainer fight? Okay, how about a fight between Peach, Luigi, the Wii Fit trainer and the dog from Duck Hunt? Thanks to Super Smash Bros. now you can find out. These fanfiction-style battles are the very essence of the latest installment in Nintendo's legendary fighting game series, although in this case it's far from just a fighting game. The game contains an almost endless variety of bonus modes, alternative gameplay variations and hidden secrets. However, if you forget about looking for all sorts of weird and funny things, the most interesting thing about Super Smash Bros. takes place in the ring, where you and your friends can choose your favorite characters and fight until only one remains.

• Best for: Those who like to play with friends and neighbors, and anyone who wants to watch the Duck Hunt dog get punched in the face by Little Mack over and over again.
• Who's it not for: People who rarely play with guests, those who don't have spare controllers, and anyone who craves a deep story.

An interactive fireplace in which you need to burn different things. With an emotional story. Well? Just trust us! A game from the creators of World of Goo and... it’s better to get to know it without knowing anything else.

• Suitable for: Those who don't want something normal. There have never been games about an interactive fireplace with an emotional plot before. And perhaps it won't happen again. You play and, as a bonus, you increase your level of trust in indies.
• Who it won't suit: People who want a casual game. You need to love strange things and not worry about the fact that this is not a shooter, not a platformer, not a fighting game, not a racing game, or a sport. You also need to not take criticism of modern gaming to heart, since Little Inferno may actually be a game about exactly that.

It's a dozen games in one, and most of them are good. Nintendo Land is sort of like Wii Sports for Wii U, only the games are more meaningful and... don't have the same simple, downright delightfulness as bowling and tennis from the famous first game for Wii. Half of the Nintendo Land games are single-player, three are multiplayer only, and the other three can be played alone or with friends. All 12 demonstrate different and interesting ways to use the GamePad. The main stars of the set: the surprisingly deep co-op adventure Zelda, the shockingly graphic Pikmin missions, the wonderful Balloon Trip and the party-friendly Mario Chase and Luigi’s Ghost Mansion.

• Best for: Nintendo fans, as the game is presented as a theme park and rewards players with all sorts of unlockable Nintendo decorations. Nintendo Land also serves as an excellent guide to the Wii U's features.
• Who's not for: People who want a game that's focused on one thing, or a game that's ideal for any age or type of player, like Wii Sports' tennis (Nintendo Land's most similar would be Mario Chase).

The Pikmin games were probably invented when Mario and Donkey Kong creator Shigeru Miyamoto was thinking about gardening. In them, players control an army of up to 100 small, colorful creatures that look like a cross between ants and plants. The overview is provided more or less broadly. The playing field is a very close approximation of the earth's surface, where flowers seem like trees to our heroes. The player controls one of three tiny explorers—Alf, Brittany, or Charlie—who can lift Pikmin out of the ground, lead them into battle against insect-like enemies, and retrieve house-sized pieces of fruit. The better you do this, the faster you will assemble a large army of Pikmin, capable of fighting powerful enemies and overcoming tricky obstacles. This Wii U sequel adds great co-op and competitive modes to complement the fairly short 9-hour campaign.

• Who's it for: Strategy fans who enjoy StarCraft or Command & Conquer and are looking for a game that requires quick thinking and reflexes to think through and implement plans for an army of different units.
• Who's not for it: Those who've already played Pikmin on GameCube or Wii and are looking for something that feels like a proper sequel rather than a watered-down version of something they've already seen.

Do you love Mario? Well, of course. Well, thanks to Super Mario Maker, you can endlessly binge on Mario and eat mushrooms until your eyes pop. Mario Maker is all about creating your own levels, but it's just as fun to be a player and play through Nintendo's designs, seeing if you can survive the weirdest, funniest, and most challenging levels you've seen in Mario.

• Suitable for: Mario fans and people who have always wanted to try their hand at level design, but didn't have the right tools.
• Who is not suitable for: Those who hate Mario and those who prefer a simple passage of the game.

Ah, blue shell. What better metaphor for the fleeting nature of success? One moment you're floating alone, on top of the world, and then... BAM, you're hitting rock bottom. Just when it seems to you that you have caught luck by the tail, life pulls out a blue shell from its sleeve.

Of course, Mario Kart 8 is not such a philosophical thing. It's still the same tried-and-true Mario Kart formula, polished to an absurd degree, so it's easily one of the most fun games to play together and one of the best games on the Wii U.

• Best for: People who want to move really fast and people who want to see a really rough Luigi.
• Who won't like it: Those who liked Battle Mode in other games in the series. For some inexplicable reason, this mode in MK8 takes place on regular tracks, which significantly reduces its appeal.

Being a superhero in itself is great - being a hundred superheroes at once is absolutely amazing. Represented by the “Magnificent Hundred” from the title (another one is YOU), you have to save the Earth from marauding aliens. To do this, you can turn your caped companions into huge pistols, swords and boomerangs, and everything around will turn into pleasant, action-inducing chaos. Combining frantic action with the spectacle of battles on the surface of giant robots and in the midst of incredible landscapes, we get one of the most original games on Wii U.

• Suitable for: Those who love fast action games in which you need to be able to work quickly with both your fingers and your head. This game takes some getting used to, but in return it will reward you just what you deserve.
• Who is not suitable for: Those who want to quickly understand the game and immediately have fun. There's something to learn here.

These are just a few of the noteworthy Wii U exclusive games. You may also be interested in: Gunman Clive HD Collection, Runbow, Yoshi's Woolly World, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water, Swords & Soldiers II and Art Academy : Home Studio.

It is rapidly gaining popularity this year, while the Wii U has already completely disappeared from the horizon. The often discussed console from Nintendo, released in 2012 on the wave of the success of the Wii, lasted on the market for only 5 years, after which Nintendo decided to replace it with the more attractive Switch. The fact is that the Wii U was a failure in every way except the most important one: it's about quality of games.

Even with low sales and an extremely awkward joystick, Nintendo's Wii U console is home to some pretty solid games from big-name developers and publishers. Games that did not fit into the generally accepted framework and stood out from the general background (like Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE and Bayonetta 2), new franchises like Splatoon and, perhaps, the best parts of Super Mario. Not every one of them managed to adapt to a unique joystick, but those that used unusual controls wisely were etched in the memory of players for a long time. So, a new era has begun for Nintendo, and therefore it’s time to remember the 25 best games for the Wii U console.

Every time another Lego game was released, thousands of jokes in the style of “it’s time to release Lego Grand Theft Auto!” appeared online. But no one expected this to actually happen? However, Traveller's Tales suddenly released an excellent game based on sarcastic comments. Lego City: Undercover presents us with a huge city, open for exploration and has the same charm that has become the hallmark of all Lego games. At the same time, the game's children's rating suggests that you don't have to expect violence, which none of the open-world crime games can do without. Before us is a fun adventure in a world built from construction kit parts, where we ourselves have to build various buildings and objects and save people.

Exploring the world as Chase McCain is a blast, and the ability to choose from eight costumes to take on a new profession adds variety to the gameplay. The astronaut suit will allow you to fly around the city using a jetpack (after all, no astronaut, as you know, can do without a jetpack), and the firefighter uniform will give you the opportunity to put out fires that arise from time to time in the city. Of course, you may get bored with the multiplayer, which for some reason they decided to cut out of Lego City, but there is a high probability that you will get bored only after several dozen hours, since the game has enough exciting content.

Don't think that The Wonderful 101 is a Pikmin-style puzzle game; Before us is a full-fledged action game, made in the style of the Viewtiful Joe series. We control a superhero in a wonderfully detailed world, full of humor and funny oddities (which makes sense, considering that The Wonderful 101 was developed by Platinum Games, the studio behind Bayonetta). With dozens of followers at our disposal, we have to save the world.

The main character can command his followers, turning them into giant weapons - whips, swords, etc., for which you need to draw the shape of the desired weapon on the touchscreen of the gamepad. In theory, this sounds like a creative use of the Wii U's unique controller, but in practice, it can be quite difficult to quickly draw the desired item while dodging enemy attacks. Nevertheless, The Wonderful 101 attracts with its charm and excellent humor, and although the gameplay is sometimes difficult, the adventure itself leaves positive emotions.

The surprise from Ubisoft looks as solid as it did on the day of its release in 2012. London has fallen victim to a zombie virus, and we have to get into the role of a hero who, by some miracle, managed not to turn into a bloodthirsty monster. Undoubtedly, thousands of games have already been released in this genre, but ZombiU confidently stays afloat, competently creating tension. Take, for example, death from one blow. If your character dies on the streets of London, you will have to start the game over again with a completely new hero. All that remains of the old character is a rotting corpse, which joins the army of the dead and attacks you. And if you want to pick up all your things from the previous playthrough, then you will have to defeat him.

ZombiU is a violent game that doesn't shy away from showing unpleasant things. It is extremely difficult to survive here, since weapons and ammunition are a real rarity, and mortal danger lurks around every corner. While you are rummaging through the backpacks of the dead, the game is not paused, and therefore you can be attacked by a zombie wandering nearby at any moment. Searching backpacks and shooting from a sniper rifle are entirely adapted for the gamepad, and it is clear that this is not a clumsy port, but a full-fledged game for the console. And officially for Wii U.

22. Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut

Deus Ex: Human Revolution belongs to a rare type of game: a reboot that turned out to be many times more successful than the source material. It retains the layering of the PC original, cuts out unnecessary elements, improves the combat system, and brings the open world design to a modern level. The result is a game that pays tribute to the past, but uses all the modern technology to tell a compelling story that raises serious existential questions and contains unexpected twists, clearly inspired by various conspiracy theories.

The Director's Cut appeared on Wii U a few years after its release, and it fixed boss battles (we are no longer forced to kill everyone), improved graphics, lighting, AI and much more, and added integration with a second screen on the gamepad, which provides more intuitive operation. Of course, the game lost its exclusive status when it appeared on the Wii U platform, but it is still an excellent version of the legendary project.

If you've ever played the Donkey Kong Country series on the Super Nintendo, you're familiar with the extreme difficulty of these games. But despite the fact that deaths here follow one after another, defeats here seem fair, because they do not violate pre-agreed rules, and even the most difficult section of the game can be overcome with the proper skill. All this can be said about the game Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, a direct sequel to the reboot of the series from Retro Studios, made in 2.5D.

In addition to the familiar platforming elements, Tropical Freeze is able to please with its excellent presentation and level of elaboration of the world. Many interesting details, lively graphics and a wonderful soundtrack make the passage unforgettable. In addition, we are allowed to choose from three companions who make the hero's journey more eventful (Diddy, Daisy and Cranky). Each of them has unique abilities that allow them to overcome various obstacles. Of course, Tropical Freeze is quite complex, but that doesn't make it any worse - every Wii U console owner simply has to add it to their collection.

It came out on the Wii U a year after its official release, but this means that Nintendo received the best version of this amazing game in the classic Metroidvania spirit, free of bugs and shortcomings. In the version for Wii U, a leaderboard appeared, added specifically for speedrunners (on other consoles you had to record your records using other improvised methods), and a convenient version of the map appeared on the console’s gamepad. For a game whose essence is to explore the virtual world, this is a revolutionary innovation. There are practically no hints in Axiom Verge, the game does not guide the gamer with arrows, so having a map on the second screen of the Wii U is a very convenient touch.

This may anger classic fans, but it's worth saying that Axiom Verge is many times better than the games it was inspired by, and if you want to immerse yourself in this world, we recommend choosing the most complete version for Wii U.

Imagine a team of your favorite JRPG characters, all decked out in the strangest nightclub on the planet, to get the idea of ​​Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE. It's such an absurd project that it can be a turnoff for many when first introduced to it - it combines elements from niche games like Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem with a plot inspired by teen J-Pop groups. But this is what makes the game special.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is a fun and incredibly player-friendly game that doesn't take itself seriously: yes, there are some pretty dark things happening in the story, but they are presented with a fair amount of humor. If you're looking for a game where dungeon crawling can suddenly turn into a dance routine to a cartoonish anime song, look no further than this. The game fascinates with its grotesqueness and is proud of it, so it is almost impossible to resist this original JRPG.

You either fall in love with Monster Hunter at first sight, or you walk past it with a shrug. In the second case, Monster Hunter 3 can seem like a jumbled mess of several mechanics. But if you get into the game and master the basic systems, you will get in return hundreds of exciting hours dedicated to killing monsters, finding spare parts and crafting new equipment (and so on in a circle). The Ultimate version for Wii U, as the name suggests, incorporates all the best: impressive graphics, excellent controls and the ability to play online, which can last for many weeks.

And even if you don't appreciate the game from the first seconds, you should still give the Ultimate version a chance to show itself. The game, designed primarily for single play, contains all the cream of the MMO genre, in addition, it is possible to purchase the 3DS version and transfer your character data to it to play anywhere.

The Wii U's launch lineup was one of the most impressive in history, thanks in no small part to a new Mario game, something that hasn't happened since 1996. This time, Nintendo decided to release a fresh part of everyone's favorite retro franchise, New Super Mario Bros. And I can confidently say that this is the best 2D Mario game since the SNES.

Attractive to new audiences but not exactly easy to complete, New Super Mario Bros. U brought us interesting new enemies, inventive level design, and a fresh take on the series' classic boss battles. NSMBU also had amazing replayability due to the many mini-games and secrets scattered throughout the levels. If you can only afford one Wii U game, then the choice is clear.

We hope no one doubts that the NES era was the peak of gaming culture? Mario impressed almost every gamer in its time, and the depth of the original open world became a real revelation. Unfortunately, that time has long passed, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the classics anymore. All you need to do is purchase the NES Remix bundle.

Moreover, everyone’s favorite classic in this collection is served with a slightly different sauce. Some of the game's levels have been completely redesigned, adding fun modes like hyper-speed mode and auto-run mode, giving us the opportunity to take a fresh look at games we've played dozens of times. I would like to believe that this set will become a classic for the current generation.

The Wii U console, like all other Nintendo consoles, has become home to several games from The Legend of Zelda series - we are talking about re-releases of two highly rated projects at the time. Twilight Princess HD was released in the last years of the Wii U's life, but did not go unnoticed, because it got rid of the shortcomings that fans complained about and acquired a lot of improvements.

Twilight Princess HD is superior to the GameCube version in all respects: improved graphics, binding three items to the controller buttons (in the original there were only two), reducing the number of twilight seeds that must be collected in levels in which we play as Link in the form of a wolf, and using all the capabilities of the gamepad, thanks to which interacting with inventory and viewing the map has become much easier. This version is the best way to get acquainted with the gothic view of the Zelda universe. It is also worth noting that perhaps the most interesting gadgets in the entire series appear in this game.

The Wii U gamepad was one of the console's main problems - the developers simply didn't know what to do with it, so they simply used it as a screen to display the map. And then came the game Affordable Space Adventures from the previously unknown studio KnapNok Games, which managed to integrate the gamepad into the gameplay so masterfully that Nintendo itself might envy it.

As part of a mission to unknown planets sponsored by travel agency UExplore, you'll travel through alien worlds, dodging obstacles and attempting to land your ship in rather hostile conditions. To do this, you need to use the gamepad screen, which turns into a virtual control panel. Turn on the boosters at full power if you need to fly through a certain area as quickly as possible, adjust the gravity level if you want to land as softly as possible, but be careful, since all these settings affect the condition of the ship. If you set each of them to maximum, then within a few seconds the ship will turn into a burning pile of rubble on the surface of an uncharted planet. This is a brilliant game that has been undeservedly deprived of attention, and definitely one of the best projects for the Wii U console.

Splatoon is one of those games that just looks impressive. Whether it's bright colorful balls or nice-looking lines, every detail in the game is a real feast for the eyes. It's rare to find a competitive shooter that's as satisfying to win as it is to lose. The fun here comes from simply splashing paint, not just from heroic victories or headshots without aiming.

How often have you encountered shooters that started to annoy you halfway through? This won't happen here. In a way, it's a distillation of everything we love about Nintendo - a simple concept executed at the highest level and leaving only positive emotions in its wake. Add in mountains of collectibles, ingenious movement mechanics, and easy-to-learn gameplay, and you get an unforgettable game that could very well be the start of an immortal franchise.

The inventive Captain Toad levels in Super Mario 3D World were so good that Nintendo decided to make a separate game for them. The end result is Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, a cute puzzle game full of creative and memorable riddles.

As Captain Toad, who goes on an adventure with his faithful battle friend Toadette, you will have to go through many levels, maneuvering between obstacles and enemies, collecting crystals along the way. You only have a few moves at your disposal (Toad, unlike Mario, cannot jump), but Treasure Tracker actually benefits from this. This is one of the most pleasant surprises on the Wii U - not every game manages to be so charming and addictive.

In a separate article dedicated to the Smash Bros. series. I've already said this, but I just have to repeat it: It doesn’t matter whether you lose or win – the desire to continue playing never goes away. As befits a game from Nintendo, only the best features of a fighting game are presented here, devoid of grind and literally impassable fights. Even after hundreds of matches, you will not lose the excitement before the next battle, and this also applies to the version for Wii U.

There is sometimes real chaos on the screen, which may seem unnecessary for fans of fighting games, but this is the secret to the success of the project. In the Wii U version, the creators improve upon familiar gameplay without reinventing it, and focus on balance and depth of gameplay. A worthy update to an already vibrant and memorable game.

It's rare to find a game that balances complexity and humor as well as Rayman Legends, a fun platformer that will not only test your skills but also lift your spirits. The game captivates from the very first seconds with its hand-drawn style. And the main characters (Rayman, his friend Globox and the magician Tinzis) attract with their funny motion animation and deeply developed characters.

Of course, all of this would go unnoticed if the game didn't have great gameplay, and Legends does that well - it's one of the best platformers ever. Each level is filled with secrets and many obstacles - from deep pits to dangerous opponents that will not let you relax. In addition, each of the worlds ends with an amazing musical level, in which all the action takes place accompanied by a rhythmic song. Definitely recommended to read.

Like the Wii Sports project, Nintendo Land was created primarily as a demonstration of all the capabilities of Nintendo's experimental console. But that's where the comparison ends, as Nintendo Land has proven equally appealing to both casual gamers and millions of Nintendo fans around the world. While the 12 main mini-games vary in quality, for the most part Nintendo Land manages to create an unforgettable gaming experience for up to five people.

This is a virtual entertainment experience from Nintendo, in which each mini-game is an attraction inspired by one of the many franchises released under the wing of Nintendo. Particularly notable against this background are crossovers like Animal Crossing: Sweet Day and Luigi's Ghost Mansion, as well as co-op adventures like Metroid Blast and Pikmin Adventure. Most of these games are multi-player, making Nintendo Land a great way to introduce friends to their new console and have a fun evening.

Shovel Knight is an indie project that pays homage to the retro stylings of the Mega Man and Duck Tales series, and as such, its only console appearance was on the Wii U. The game carefully recreates what we loved about the classic NES games – exciting battles, jumping on platforms and colorful opponents.

The levels in Shovel Knight are based on different elements like fire, ice and poison, and each new stage is completely different from the previous one. You'll have to fight your way through tricky puzzles and fight knights at the end of each level, each of whom has a very interesting character. If fighting knights calling fire or attacking with staffs doesn't excite you, then what about multiple types of armor and weapons, additional bosses and bonus levels? This is a retro platformer that will be of interest to players of all ages.

Nintendo gives us free rein to every item seen in Mario's 30-year history, and it's almost as if Alfred is handing us the keys to the Batcave. It’s hard to get rid of the thought “Is it even possible for me to be here?” But once you realize the full scale of what is permitted, it is difficult to resist crazy experiments. The game also has a number of innovations, so here you can create the levels that you have always dreamed of playing the next part of the Mario series.

It's surprisingly easy to get used to here. Levels can be drawn directly on the gamepad screen by dragging blocks and combining them. Like LittleBigPlanet, half the fun is playing through levels created by fellow enthusiasts. You will find both surreal levels that break all the usual rules, and incredibly difficult side-scrollers in the style of Super Meat Boy.

The gaming industry has come a long way since 2003, but the Zelda series still hasn't been able to surpass the success of the incredible Wind Waker. Amazing in terms of design and style, the game looks great by today's standards, as does the dynamic gameplay along with the mysterious caves. Wind Waker takes all the hallmarks of the Zelda franchise from a new angle, with a story that respects its inner mythology and will surprise both casual gamers and die-hard fans alike.

When Nintendo decided to release an HD remake, the developers exceeded all expectations, improving not only the graphics component. Wind Waker HD fixes most of the problems that plagued the original, such as the uneven pacing of the story near the end of the game and not always convenient stealth. One of the best Zelda games just got even better - why not try it out on your Wii U console?

Another game from the Mario Kart series? You've probably already played something like this on almost every Nintendo console, right? But don't be too quick to judge it, because Mario Kart 8 brings a lot of significant changes to the series, and the most important of them is in the graphics. Here we have one of the most beautiful projects in Nintendo history, marking the company's slightly belated transition into the HD era.

But the MK8 impresses not only with its appearance. The game also pleases with gameplay changes: a variety of types of races, the addition of anti-gravity sections on the tracks that significantly refresh retro racing, and, of course, an item that can reflect the blue shell. The online mode has also improved - now players can upload recordings of their races directly to YouTube. Mario Kart 8 is not inferior to its contemporaries, combining dynamic action and extensive multiplayer capabilities. And the DLC called Animal Crossing, which includes many new tracks, is worth every penny spent on it.

Nintendo has built an image for itself as a family-friendly gamer, so it's surprising to see Bayonetta 2 released on the Wii U. Still, it's more than a pleasant surprise. This project represents the edge that a platform that many associate exclusively with Mario games desperately needed. In addition, the adventures of a young lady in a deliberately sexy costume are a great way to take a break from games aimed at children.

Needless to say, the gameplay is relentless, fast-paced and stylish and exemplifies how action games should be made? Bayonetta 2 forces us to immerse ourselves in non-stop action, and even quite difficult boss fights do not cause frustration, but motivate us to play until victory. The first part has also been added as a bonus, and therefore this is an excellent reason to replay the half-forgotten original before starting the sequel.

The best exclusive for Wii U, oddly enough, did not turn out to be a game about Mario. Yes, I'm surprised too. Pikmin 3 is the number one reason to own a Wii U console. Pikmin has always been Nintendo's most inventive franchise that prioritizes strategy over platforming, and this is especially true in this game. Exploring the vast and beautiful world is mesmerizing, and even such routine activities as collecting fruit and fighting alien fauna can amaze the player.

Moreover, the game takes full advantage of the second screen, allowing you to multitask, which would simply not be possible on any other platform. The already exciting gameplay becomes even better, because we can simultaneously control three characters at once. It combines everything you expect from a next-gen game: excellent graphics, inventive design and... fun. Yes, you really can’t tear yourself away from it.

Super Mario 3D World isn't exactly the next Mario Galaxy. In this game, Nintendo uses time-tested tactics, trying to please long-time fans of the series, while attracting casual players. But at the same time, the game turned out to be very entertaining; and although it is not as ambitious as Mario's space adventures, it is as close in spirit as possible to the legendary Mario 64.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the most significant games released by Nintendo in recent years. In it, it was finally decided to return to the spirit of free exploration of the world, which we observed in the very first part of the series, but this time the adventures are accompanied by dozens of interconnected systems that make each passage unique and inimitable. Improvisation is at the forefront here, as in Far Cry 2 or Metal Gear Solid 5, but at the same time, Nintendo's signature is evident in everything - from characters and quests to riddles and puzzles. Breath of the Wild is a bold turn for The Legend of Zelda series, and the direction it sets will continue for years to come.

The swan song of the Wii U has simultaneously become the main hit of the Switch console, and it doesn’t matter which of them you decide to launch this masterpiece on, since The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in any case will give you a colorful epic adventure that will be remembered for a long time. If you're not willing to shell out $300 for a handheld console experience, or want to give your Wii U a grand send-off, then you definitely want the Wii U version, which is almost every bit as good as the Switch version.

Every December, our beloved video game industry goes into hibernation, and the flow of multi-platform releases dries up as all publishers either release projects in late fall or hold them back until next year. And this makes it doubly pleasant that Nintendo is again doing everything in a special way and has reserved interesting releases for both of its consoles for December. In the coming days and weeks, you will be treated to a number of reviews of various exciting new products. We will not ignore the Japanese role-playing game Xenoblade Chronicles X, an exclusive interview with the author of which will also soon be published on the site.

For many fans of the genre, Xenoblade Chronicles X has become the final reason to purchase the Wii U. Final, but, of course, not the only one, because no other modern home gaming platform has so many wonderful exclusives. Many games for Wii U have become some of the best in their genres, or even new standards. And in our thematic material we want to tell you how diverse the exclusives of this console are, and what sets them apart from all other games.

Bayonetta 2

The very fact of its existence, the sequel to the super-fast action game about a sexy and deadly witch, owes its existence to the fact that Nintendo was in dire need of a Wii U exclusive that would be as different as possible from the publisher’s traditional projects. At the same time, at the level of philosophy, Bayonetta 2 is very close to the spirit of Nintendo, because in this game everything is subordinated to the gameplay, and every mechanic is brought to perfection. And, at the same time, this is an exemplary, furious slasher film, which has not been released for several years even on other platforms. And gutting angels, shooting from pistols mounted on heels and the dashing appearance of the heroine give Bayonetta 2 a completely unique charm.

Lego City Undercover

The LEGO games of the Travelers Tales studio are probably already known to every gamer, if only because they are released several times a year, allowing you to immerse yourself in a variety of fictional universes: from Star Wars to Harry Potter and Batman. But Lego City Undercover (by the way, entirely translated into Russian) stands apart from its relatives. This time, gamers are invited to get comfortable in the world created by Travelers Tales itself: plunge into adventure in a real Lego city, like you did as a child. Fire stations, police stations, motor boats and trucks - there was a place for everything. The script is independent, it is dedicated to a policeman catching criminals, but Lego City Undercover is filled with many references to a variety of genre films and games, including such famous ones as Lethal Weapon. This is a real Lego holiday for those who grew up in the 90s, but everyone else will also be pleased with the game because the developers were able to adapt the mechanics to their own story even better than to other people’s worlds.

Mario Kart 8

Perhaps this is the most sociable game of the generation. Step on the gas and drift around the corners to come first - the rules are simple and understandable to everyone. The ability to play with four players in front of one screen, pick up bonuses on the track and use them to mischief your opponents makes the process extremely fun, and the exclamations of the players as bright and sincere as possible. Tactics are very important to win in Mario Kart 8, as is the ability to instantly navigate the situation, not to mention a thorough knowledge of the tracks. All this makes MK8 an excellent and very popular tournament discipline. At the same time, bonuses randomly given to mostly lagging players allow them not to get bored or despair and, in general, make each race unique. And this is perhaps the most beautiful racing game of our time, which will take your breath away both during the races and when watching high-quality replays.

Pikmin 3

In a time when everyone has forgotten that real-time strategy games can be successful on consoles, the Pikmin series remains a mainstay of the genre. However, this is a game from Nintendo (and even from Shigeru Miyamoto himself), so everything here is done in a special way. It's an RTS, but with indirect control, which makes it reminiscent of, for example, Lemmings and Dungeon Keeper. This is a fascinatingly contemplative adventure and observation of tiny creatures swarming in the foliage and guided by the player. This is a puzzle, like (to some extent) any strategy, but here the puzzles are sometimes quite intimate. And this is even a horror movie, because by the time night falls, all the wards need to be hidden from cruel predators, and time flies inexorably and heartlessly. Pikmin 3 is unusual even by Nintendo standards, and it would be difficult to find another game like it.

Splatoon

Many gamers still can't believe that Splatoon was named "shooter of the year." And Nintendo itself hardly expected such success, because the last time the company performed in this genre was many years ago and only with the help of third-party developers. But as it turns out, specific experience is not so important if you have talented employees and an excellent idea around which all the main game mechanics are built. Play as squid men, Inklings who can flood levels with colorful ink and quickly move through friendly-colored territory. Charge your weapon with the same ink spilled on the surfaces of the arena and experiment with a wide variety of bombs and equipment. Despite the uniqueness of the idea, the developers managed to connect every action, every moment of the gameplay with it. If the reviews of Splatoon were still criticized for the small range of weapons and arenas, then since then so many free updates have been released that the criticism has ceased to be relevant. Splatoon is an excellent and innovative shooter, the most amazing thing to happen to the genre in years.

Super Mario 3D World

Yes, this 3D platformer was not able to revolutionize the entire genre, as Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy previously did, but it is still one of the best in history. And an additional advantage of SM 3D World is the co-op mode, full of tomfoolery, mutual assistance and fun, in which up to four gamers can take part. This game contains probably all the best ideas that have appeared in 2D Super Mario releases over the past thirty years, but it's all implemented from an isometric perspective and flavored with elements from 3D platformers. As a result, not only the picture, but also the gameplay acquired additional depth. Everything in SM 3D World is subordinated to the desire to please the gamer, but what captivates most is the impeccable development of the mechanics. Friendly to beginners, this platformer is capable of giving a brutal beating to any player who intends to open the secret, most surprising and interesting levels.

Super Smash Bros.

Mario, Link, Samus, Pikachu, Kirby, Bowser, Rosalina, Sonic, Mega Man and dozens of other Nintendo and friendly characters are ready to go head to head in this unique fighting game, or brawler to be more specific to the subgenre. The goal is to throw opponents off the edge of the arena, and successful attacks increase the chance of this outcome, while the fighters have no direct health reserve at all. Perhaps, in no other game in the world is it possible to find such a diverse set of amazing heroes, each of whom is carefully crafted. Despite the fact that all attacks are performed using combinations of a couple of buttons, to master even one fighter it makes sense to look at the manual - it is so difficult to achieve real mastery in Super Smash Bros.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD

It’s not my rule to include a re-release in the list of the console’s main exclusives, but for players from our part of the world Wind Waker HD is still like a new product, because almost no one played the original for the GameCube (what’s up, only readers have heard about the console.” Countries of Games"). Drawn in cel-shaded style, the colorful game about traveling across an endless ocean with periodic visits to dungeons full of secrets is as different in appearance from previous The Legend of Zelda as its gameplay is from other projects in the action-adventure genre. Wind Waker HD is a very long adventure, during which the player will have to both fight and solve exciting puzzles. This is a big, complex game that not only straddles genres, but serves as an excellent embodiment of them.

The Wonderful 101

In this insanely bright game that can lead to an epileptic seizure, gamers will have to control a team of colorful heroes protecting the Earth from aliens. The large cast of characters, the isometric perspective, and some degree of strategic planning bring to mind Pikmin. But in fact, The Wonderful 101 is almost more like a slasher film in the spirit of Bayonetta and Devil May Cry, multiplied by Power Rangers and Sailor Moon, and also seasoned with air battles, personal tragedies and God knows what else. It seems that the authors of The Wonderful 101 did not limit the flight of their imagination in any way when it came to game mechanics, characters and the appearance of the game. It is all the more surprising that the result turned out to be very successful, and even the rather weak script hardly spoils it. Perhaps, even compared to other Wii U exclusives, the vibrant action game The Wonderful stands out for its originality. It's hard to forget this game.

Of course, in one article it is impossible to talk about all the wonderful games already released and in development for Wii U. Therefore, be sure to visit our website in the future - we will always keep you up to date with the latest news about games for Nintendo consoles, and also, of course , Sony and Microsoft platforms and personal computers.