COG’s Editors Choice Top 5 Wii U Games this Holiday Season
Over the past few days Editor in Chief, Kirby Y, and I have been involved in some heated debates over the games that should make this list. I wanted Black Ops 2 for the Wii U to make the cut and he wanted Assassins Creed III. Both are fantastic games but they didn’t make the cut. In the end we both feel the games identified below are rock solid, targeted towards games of all ages and if you pick up any of those titles listed below you really cannot go wrong. Now if you haven’t picked up your Wii U by now I wish you all the luck. It seems that in Western Canada there has been a massive shortage and many of you who want a Wii U console have not been able to get your hands on one. Yet if you do manage to snatch one up you should really consider the next five games. Please note this list is not ranked by review score. They are all strong games and in the end it will be up to you to decide which ones you want to purchase.
Darksiders II
https://cogconnected.com/review/darksiders-ii-wii-u-review/
If you picked up a shiny new Wii U and have not played Darksiders II on any other console you really can’t go wrong picking this up as it makes for a solid launch title. From its production values to the size and scope of the adventure you embark on, the game will really engross you. That being said, if you have previously played the game on a different console then I really can’t recommend it as nothing has changed and the GamePad features don’t add anything mind blowing to the overall experience.
COG Review Score: 90
Scribblenauts Unlimited
https://cogconnected.com/review/scribblenauts-unlimited-wii-u-review/
It is odd, Scribblenauts Unlimited is finally on a home console but it never feels like it since you never really have to look at the TV that much if any. If you are a creative person and want a game that promotes imagination, or simply looking to have a relaxing time in short spurts creating unheard of objects, Scribblenauts Unlimited is a great choice to play on your new Wii U console. That being said, do not be surprised if you are a little too creative for the game.
COG Review Score: 79
New Super Mario Bros. U
https://cogconnected.com/review/new-super-mario-bros-u-wii-u-review/
All in all I did not find a whole lot of fault in the newest entry to the world of Mario. It is classic 2D Mario done right. I think they played it safe for the most part but it is hard to argue with tried and true success. Considering the side scrolling 2D platformer has been around for the better part of 30 years I will forgive the design team for not really providing me with a ‘Hey that’s entirely new and amazing!’ moment. In the end it’s a great game with some new challenges and it is a bright light for what we have in store as Nintendo’s newest console begins its life cycle.
COG Review Score: 88
Batman: Arkham City – Armored Edition
https://cogconnected.com/review/batman-arkham-city-armored-edition-wii-u-review/
If you have yet to experience Batman: Arkham City on the Xbox 360 and PS3, then Batman: Arkham City – Armored Edition is a no brainer purchase; yet, if you have already ventured a few rounds with the cape crusader through this adventure on a previous console than I have a hard time recommending the $50 plunge. Don’t get me wrong Armored Edition is a fantastic game and even 13-months after its original release Arkham City has made a successful transition to Nintendo’s newest HD console; however, the new Wii U elements only add a smidge of new to a game that is already over a year old.
COG Review Score: 84
Nintendo Land
https://cogconnected.com/review/nintendo-land-wii-u-review/
Well some may complain that Nintendo Land is not a full online experience, the game is supposed to showcase the possibilities of new ways to interface with a console, and it does that. At the same time, it also manages to bring together friends and family in a way that I find not possible with online gaming. If this review hasn’t spelled it out for you already, there is a lot of content and potential included in this package to make it more than worth your while and keep you coming back for more as Nintendo Land is a pretty darn good game. No “fast-passes” required this theme park either.
COG Review Score: 85
Honorable Mention:
Zombi U
https://cogconnected.com/review/zombie-u-wii-u-review/
Overall, Zombi U is a game that successfully utilizes the Wii U’s GamePad features, provides a spooky atmosphere, and has some innovative elements that make it a worthy purchase for many. Unfortunately, the combat is not as refined as it could be and I found the gameplay somewhat tedious. Not to mention Zombi U is not as visually polished as it could be. This being said, I did find the game had many redeeming qualities and for the most part I enjoyed my time with it. I suspect however that is we see a sequel, and I would bet that it will be much better, at least I hope it will.
COG Review Score: 72
