Friday, December 14, 2012

10 Wii U games I'd like to play in 2013

One thing to keep in mind while reading through the following list: It's possible I won't even buy a Wii U system until late next year, so expecting me to buy and play all of the Wii U games mentioned below between now and the dawn of 2014 may be a bit much.

Still, I consider myself to be a pretty positive person--when it comes to gaming, at least--so I'm hopeful that I'll get to play at least a handful of these 10 titles before 2013 is over.

1. Bayonetta 2--Although I've thus far avoided experiencing the first Bayonetta, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't at least a little excited about its Wii U-based sequel. Don't worry, I'm planning to check out the Xbox 360 version of the original before the much-ballyhooed follow-up winds up on North American store shelves.


2. Dragon Quest X--Of all the Wii U games included in this post, this is the only one that has yet to earn an official North American release announcement. Interestingly, should the Wii U version of Dragon Quest X arrive on our shores before next Christmas (which is when I'm expecting it to be released--if at all), it may prompt me to pick up Nintendo's latest console earlier than I had planned. That's how much I want to play it.


3. New Super Mario Bros. U--Strange, but true: Apparently I'm only interested in the New Super Mario Bros. titles that are made for Nintendo's consoles. After all, I was bored to tears by the DS-based original, and I've yet to even try its just-released-for-the-3DS sequel. New Super Mario Bros. U, though, earned a spot on my "to buy" list the minute I laid eyes on it. In fact, I expect it to be the first Wii U game I pick up (unless, of course, I buy the "Deluxe Set").


4. Nintendo Land--As I believe I've said before, I'm going to get Nintendo Land simply because of "Balloon Trip Breeze." I'm also pretty interested in "Animal Crossing: Sweet Day" and "Luigi's Ghost Mansion" and "Metroid Blast," though, so it's not like I'll be blowing my hard-earned dough on a single, bite-sized mini-game.


5. Pikmin 3--This game would be on my Wii U wish list even if I hadn't seen screenshots and videos of it before now. Is it going to be the earth-shattering, made-for-the-Wii-U-from-the-ground-up sequel that some die-hard fans had hoped it would be? Probably not, but that doesn't mean it isn't going to be a ton of fun.


6. Scribblenauts Unlimited--Although I'm including this Wii U launch title here, I'm still on the fence as to whether I'll buy it alongside the system. Don't get me wrong, it looks great, and I love that it features a more open and explorable world than its predecessors, but that may not be enough for me to add it to my shopping cart when it comes down to it. In the meantime, consider me a curious on-looker.


7. Tank! Tank! Tank!--This arcade conversion wasn't even on my radar until I saw this hilarious promo video. Now, I'm giving serious thought to having a copy sent my way shortly after I buy a Wii U--assuming I can find one that's been discounted a bit. ($49.99 for such a game seems a bit steep, if you ask me.)


8. Wii Fit U--I'm probably the only North American looking forward to this piece of Wii U software. What can I say? I thought Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus were great, and this update looks to be even better. The key selling point for yours truly: I'll finally be able to benefit from Wii Fit's workouts while watching my favorite TV shows.


9. The Wonderful 101--I was pretty sure I'd like this one when I saw footage of it following E3 2012. Then I played it at the Wii U Experience event held in Seattle a few months ago. Now I know I'll love it and I can't wait to get my grubby hands on the finished product.


10. ZombiU--I have to admit that I was not impressed with this Ubisoft release when this was first announced. The name, the graphics, the developer--none of it interested me. Over time, though, I've had a bit of a change of heart when it comes to this seemingly fresh addition to the zombie-focused FPS  genre. Granted, it's possible I'll give it a pass once I finally get around to purchasing a Wii U, but at the moment it's as likely a pick-up as any on this list.

See also: '10 North American 3DS games I'm looking forward to playing in 2013'

28 comments:

  1. You definitely need to check out the first Bayonetta... I didn't even know there's gonna be a second one... is it WiiU exclusive or for all the HD consoles? I still need to play the first one as well, tried it a little at my brother's and it's overwhelmingly awesome and just kicks ass. Literally. 8) I'm not gonna get a WiiU until 2014 or later, probably... I waited til 2 years ago with the Wii and the WiiU does not impress me too much either for now.. it's like a Wii with HD graphics and a handheld controller.. that's basically what's happening with the Vita & PS3 as well now (as it was planned from the beginning but poorly executed so far..) and I'll stick with that for now. (I have to, since all these Christmas buying rages have made me incredibly poor, haha)

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  2. Hey there, miruki! Oh, I'll definitely check out Bayonetta sometime next year. I've held off so far because I'm generally not interested in such games (I like watching other people playing them, but I don't usually like playing them myself), but I've heard such good things about it that I feel I have to try it for myself. Thankfully it can be bought pretty cheaply these days.


    Bayonetta 2 will most likely be a Wii U exclusive, by the way, as Nintendo is said to be responsible for its revitalization--oh, and it's publishing it.


    I can understanding waiting on the Wii U. I'm doing that myself! In a perfect world, of course, I'd have one now, and I'm certainly itching to play a few of its games, but I'm not all that bothered about waiting 6 months to a year for it--especially if doing so means the price may be a bit cheaper, more games will be out for it and a lot of the 'kinks' will be worked out of the system.

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  3. Simon Lethbridge9:25 AM

    Some of those do look pretty awesome I have to say! I saw a Wii U in real life for the first time a couple of days ago but I still know bugger all about it (except that some buffoons think it's just "an iPad for the Wii") :(

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  4. Yeah, it's a pretty interesting system, Simon -- or at least it is to me!


    As for some folks thinking it's just an iPad for the Wii -- well, that's always going to happen with such thing. Also, you can't blame all of them, as Nintendo hasn't exactly been great so far about getting people to understand how the Wii U and its GamePad differ from the Wii, etc.

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  5. Since I won't be able to get one till next year anyway, definitely NSMB-U.

    If by some strange miracle Dragon Quest X comes out here, that.



    Scribblenauts Unlimited, and also Zombi-U seem like real fun.

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  6. Well since DQX is not coming for Wii in America, I will have to buy Wii U.

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  7. I'm waiting, too, Donald. In fact, I may wait until fall--unless Dragon Quest X or something else comes out before then and forces me to pick one up :)

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  8. Yeah, there's definitely no way the Wii version of DQX is coming here, Alan. I have high hopes for the Wii U version, though--hopefully Square Enix doesn't let us down!

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  9. Well I already have NSMBU and it's not bad. One of the cool features is seeing people's comments taken from Miiverse appearing on the world map (which you can toggle).

    Nintendo Land - yea this is pretty good! I would say its better than Wii Sports. I recently finished the Pikmin adventure, which then unlocks around 5 new levels at advanced difficulty (introducing elements into the game play). Working my through Zelda quest and that is quite hard too! The solo games aren't bad either and the group ones are a lot of fun!

    Bayonetta 2 - Will certainly grab this! Played first one on PS3. I had to set to easy difficulty tho haha but I did have fun with it and really like the art style of it (and overall style and sass of Bayonetta herself). I find it a tad amusing at the supposed outrage over the excusivity of Bayonnetta 2 for Wii U. Nintendo is publishing and really, if Nintendo didn't step in, Sega would not have, especially considering their current financial situation.



    Wonderful 101 - I may get this, but am unsure. Hopefully there's a demo.


    Pikmin 3 - very likely to pick this up. The videos I've seen show an amazing looking game!


    ZombiU - skipping as I don't have any interest in zombie games


    Wii Fit U - yeah no LOL got Wii Fit when it came out, used it for couple weeks, shelved it not longer after that LOL think I gave it away to my mum or sister


    DQX, Tank Tank Tank - no interest


    Scribblenauts - this game is pretty cool. I may get it one day, perhaps when its real cheap or 2nd hand cheap

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  10. Oh I was so disappointed of Bayonetta. I was so excited when I saw the trailers and the principle but when I bought it it just looked soooo bad! The graphics are really low in my opinion, even in the cutscenes. That's why I'm not interested in the sequel. But whan I'm interested in are: Pikmin 3, The Wonderful 101, New Super Mario Bros U, Monster Hunder 4 and of course Nintendo Land which is included in my Wii U Deluxe Set ( which waits for christmas in daddys closet).

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  11. I like how you went down the entire list, Igor! Also, thanks for sharing your thoughts on Nintendo Land and NSMBU. I can't remember: Are you usually a fan of 2D Mario games? And were you a fan of NSMBW?


    Thanks, too, for your thoughts on Bayonetta. I really do have to get the original (360 version) soon, as I've yet to hear a bad thing about it. Of course that means I'll probably dislike it :P

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  12. Ha! I *just* finished typing (in the comment above) that I've yet to hear a bad thing about Bayonetta, Lizzi, and here you are with a bad thing to say about it! I like that, actually, as I was getting worried that I would be the first one to dislike it :)


    I have to say, though, that I wasn't expecting you to say you disliked how it looked. I thought you'd say the gameplay was boring or something. Hmmmm...


    I completely forgot that you've got a Wii U waiting for you for Christmas day, by the way. Are you looking forward to playing it finally? I'll tell you what, I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it!

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  13. I had NSMBWii back when it first came out. I can't really remember now, but the game just irritated me with something, so I gave it to my cousin for her kid to play (who thoroughly enjoyed it and finished it ha!).

    The last 2D Mario game I enjoyed and finished was Super Mario World on SNES! LOL
    The recent Mario games, while I've completed the "main" game I found either too hard or irritating (not to mention hearing the cacophony of people saying how easy they find it, when I find it overly difficult etc).
    NSMB for DS really irrirated me, I vaguely remember something about needing to be tiny to unlock a path way to next area or something, and I was just dying every time I attempted to get through the level.
    NSMB2 - I found the whole coin thing pointless and I don't really consider the game that great. If I were to compare NSMB2 with 3DLand, 3DLand is the better game.

    NSMBU - it gives me strong vibs of MB3 and Super Mario World and I really like the new world map. It also feels quite different from NSMB2 - the level design is different. I do agree with others when it comes to the music tho - the music is kinda bland and doesn't seem to add much to the game, its just there, which is a pity as some of the previous Mario games have had outstanding music that adds that extra element to overall experience (like Galaxy).

    On the Bayonetta front - http://youtu.be/ZGTKftZnqAM
    How can you not like the sassiness of her? hahaha I just love her attitiude and her hair! haha (a lot of the major magical abilities she has involves her hair and she appears almost naked, especially during her major summons to finish off a boss). With regards to Lizzi's comments about graphics- I'd have to respectfully disagree. True the PS3 port is not the best (it has some issues) but for me it did not detract or distract from the overall gameplay experience.

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  14. Thanks for sharing further thoughts, Igor!


    I always find it interesting to hear peoples' opinions of the Mario series--especially the 2D games. Me, I really liked NSMBW, but I hated NMSB DS and have had little interest in picking up NSMB2. I'm curious about NSMBU, though, so I'll likely pick it up.


    That said, I really wish Nintendo would try something new the next time around. A new art style, for starters, but also some new gameplay element, storyline ... something!


    It saddens me, actually, that they did a really good job of trying new things when going from SMB to SMB2 (USA) to SMB3 to SMW, but ever since ... they seem stuck in a rut.


    I mean, why does every NSMB game have to be a nod to SMB, or SMB3 or SMW? Why can't they, you know, try something new? Sigh.


    That's why I tend to prefer the 3D Mario games. Mario 64 was amazing, IMO, and so was Galaxy. I've been a bit lukewarm about 3D Land so far, but I have high hopes for whatever they eventually reveal for their Wii U 3D Mario game. Hopefully they won't disappoint.


    As for Bayonetta: Oh, yes, I like her sassiness. That's never been the problem for me. I just tend to not like this sort of gameplay. Still, I'm going to give it a try, as it's pretty cheap these days. I won't be too surprised if I don't love it as much as everyone else does, though ;)

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  15. To be honest: I never played Bayonetta long enough to fully experience the gameplay because I hated how it looked.

    And I'm really looking forward to play with my Wii U! Especially because the set includes Nintendo Land. But I guess the first thing I'll buy with my first fee this month will be Pikmin 3. :)

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  16. Wow! I'm surprised you gave up on it so quickly, Lizzi. I guess you *really* didn't like how it looked, eh?

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  17. I'm having a hard time waiting for New Super Mario Bros. U since it seems more like a NSMB sequel than NSMB2.

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  18. Yeah, it definitely seems more in line with NSMBW than NSMB2--which is a very good thing, IMO.


    Really liked what I experienced of it at Seattle's Wii U Experience event, by the way, so I'm also looking forward to getting my hands on it--and teaching my husband how to play a Mario game :)

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  19. If there ever was a version of NSMB to train someone on, that would probably be it. Especially with the nice things you can do with the pad.

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  20. I agree, Donald! I think he'd appreciate that. I also want to get him to play Nintendo Land, of course :)

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  21. Yea it feels like they are sticking to one formula to make the games quickly. Tho I'm sure they'll release Galaxy 3 on Wii U haha
    Tho with NSMBU it does feel different to NSMB2, they do some new stuff and new look for some levels (like the Van Gogh inspired level). Hopefully they'll take their time for the next one as I think there've been too many Mario games released. On the point of story - I doubt it! Miyamoto himself has stated he doesn't like story in such a game. Heck he even said less story for Paper Mario :(
    I find that slightly annoying, in that I find a gameplay only game boring. You're just doing the gameplay elements and that's it. It's also probably why I tend to get bored with Mario platform games. For me, story helps to drive me to play the game.

    Back to Bayonetta - I know how you feel about the gameplay aspect. It's kinda like Devil May Cry (was actually developed by the guy who made first one). For me, I didn't really care much getting perfect combos and all that, I just wanted to see the story of the game. So yea if you get a copy, try at Normal difficulty but if you're finding it difficult like I did, switch to Easy. It still has challenging moments (and I'll warn you it does have some annoying "quick time" events).

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  22. Yeah, I don't understand Miyamoto's obsession with making 2D Mario games as story-free as possible. Sure, they shouldn't have Final Fantasy-esqe stories, but something between what we get today and Final Fantasy would be nice--at least once in a while. I also wish they'd do something other than 'save Peach' again, a la SMB2/USA. Why not have the whole gang do something together again? Sigh.


    As for Bayonetta: I'll give it a try. I promise. I do wish it were a different kind of game, though--like an RPG, or even an ARPG. Oh, well!

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  23. michaelstearns11:08 PM

    I'll chime in and be your other "negative" Bayonetta player! The main thing was that it just didn't suck me in. The combat really is excellent but I think I found the sheer amount of stuff daunting, I never got to a point where I felt I could reliably do specific moves, cool stuff just came out no matter what and I felt disconnected as a result. What ended up pushing me away from it was (spoilers, eh!) the "iron horse" torture attack, which I found sort of tasteless. We all have our "there's nothing funny about.." buttons and I guess mine's genital mutilation! It's not as if it was particularly graphic but it just turned me right off. I actually sold the game, something I almost never do. I do think it's a good game though and I'll probably try the sequel.

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  24. Hello again, Michael! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Bayonetta, too--especially since they aren't of the typical "I love Bayonetta!!" nature :)


    Your reasons for not loving the game seem sound enough to me. That said, I'm kind of surprised to hear you say you'll probably try the sequel!


    Are you hoping the developers will change/improve upon the aspects you didn't appreciate about the first one, or are you hoping you'll just like those aspects more the second time around?

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  25. michaelstearns8:41 AM

    Heheh, well..... it's less that I expect the game to be better, and more that one of my close friends absolutely loved the first game and I know he'll pick it up, so I'll have ample opportunity to try it out before I decide to buy it or not. :)


    I still like the idea of the game a lot and at its core there are some really fun mechanics in it (and the zany setting is really cool), I'd like to give it a second chance even if I found the first one a little iffy.

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  26. OK, that makes sense. I don't often give games/series a second chance myself, but sometimes it's a very good/smart thing to do, as that second experience can help you see and/or appreciate things about the game/series that you may have overlooked the first time around.

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  27. Matt Stratton5:10 PM

    whats ur WiiU Gamertag?

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  28. Sorry, Matt, I don't yet have a Wii U. Believe me, though, you'll know when I finally get my hands on one :)

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