Wii U Launch Center
By now, you've likely decided whether the Wii U, Nintendo's upcoming HD console, is right for you at launch when it releases November 18, 2012. As I have said before when it comes to any console launch, as a rule of thumb, I only purchase a console once there are around five games I want that are either exclusive or better played on the platform.
Whatever your own established rules are for adding (yet) another device to your ever expanding electronics center, the Wii U officially marks the coming of the next generation of consoles. And Game Revolution's got your back.
Basic Set vs. Deluxe Set
First off, let's hope that you have your Wii U of choice already pre-ordered. Either Nintendo truly didn't expect so many pre-orders or they intentionally limited the supply of Wii U consoles in order to say that it's "a hot product". Whatever the case may be, many retailers are completely sold out of Wii U pre-orders and only have waiting lists for those of you who are late to the launch party. You'll have to cross your fingers that Nintendo can close the gap on back-up orders.
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Nintendo is offering the Wii U in two distinguishable flavors: one white Basic Set for $299.99 and a black Deluxe Set for $349.99. Both versions come with the essential Wii U console, Wii U GamePad, Wii U GamePad Stylus, Sensor Bar, AC adapters for both the console and the GamePad, and an HDMI cable for your HD needs.
However, the Deluxe Set is clearly the better deal, if just for the sleek black look. For the extra $50.00, it comes with 32GB internal storage instead of just 8GB in the Basic Set as well as the Nintendo Land video game, a Wii U GamePad stand, Wii U GamePad Cradle, and Wii U Console Stand.
The Deluxe Set also comes packaged with the Deluxe Digital Promotion, which is essentially a "cash back" program that gives you 10% back in points for every downloadable purchase you make in the Nintendo eShop or dowlnoad codes sold at select retail stores. Every 500 points you earn gives you an additional $5 for redemption in either the 3DS or Wii U eShop. This promotion lasts until December 31, 2014, so you'll have two full years to bank on the deal.
Accessories
As far as final sale total is concerned, the Wii U will likely not puncture your wallet as heavily as prior console launches. This is because nearly every accessory that was compatible with the original works fine with the Wii U, including the Wii Remotes, Wii Remote Plus attachments, Nunchuk controllers, and the Wii Balance Board.
Also, Nintendo hasn't said much on the prospect of having games that work with more than one GamePad, so that the community isn't splintered and consumers aren't burdened with having to purchase another expensive controller. As Reggie Fils-Aime noted earlier, the console is also open to additional external hard drive storage with a simple connection, so that lowers the final cost of the Wii U significantly (that is, as long as you already have an external storage unit).
The only real accessory you should consider, if you're not getting the Wii U console stand and the Wii U GamePad stand already included in the Deluxe set, is the Wii U Pro Controller. As the name implies, it's meant for gamers less casual-oriented who will appreciate the tightly designed controller, which might as well be the Xbox 360 controller with the right analog stick and four-button pad swapped.
But be careful, though; unlike the GamePad, there is no headphone port on the Pro Controller, which might null the whole point of shelling out $49.99 for it in the first place. I suppose not hearing a bunch of whiny teenagers on Black Ops II is fine enough, but not being able to chat with your friends and clan could be deal-breaker. Let's hope that wireless headsets are in the midst of production.
Next: Games for Families and Kids
Wii U Games for Families and Kids
It's not entirely necessary to split the Wii U's numerous launch titles between casual and hardcore offerings, since there are plenty of parents who are on the lookout for both, but we figure that this separation is worth it. Not all of us are interested in the Wii U as a family center meant to distract children or participate with them, or as a next-gen powerhouse capable of becoming the focal point of our living room.
That said, the Wii U is no slouch when it comes to family-friendly titles which the Xbox 360 and the PS3 generally lack. Here is a list of our recommendations that will be available on launch day.
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
No. of Players: Up to 5 players
ESRB Rating: E10
If you aren't already getting Nintendo Land as a part of the Deluxe Set, then you should consider purchasing the title, if just for the fact that it's primarily meant to be Nintendo's hallmark demo highlighting the touted features of the Wii U. Like Wii Sports before it, Nintendo Land is essentially a tech demo in the guise of a theme park, but it does highlight the asynchronous multiplayer with the GamePad and four other players.
Each of the twelve attractions is based around a Nintendo franchise, like Metroid Blast and Pikmin Adventure, so it's an appetizer to what Nintendo might offer on the Wii U in the future. It's also a nice icebreaker into the console if you have friends over who are clueless about what this newfangled doohickey does. Otherwise, it's probably not going to see a lot of playtime once you're done experiencing all of the attractions.
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
No. of Players: Up to 5 Players
ESRB Rating: E
The next obvious choice for a family-friendly title is New Super Mario Bros. U, which isn't as irritating in multiplayer as its previous incarnation on the Wii. Here you can play the Nintendo mascots Mario, Luigi, Toad, and in neat twist, your Mii. Players can turn into Flying Squirrel mario and ride Balloon Baby Yoshi. The player using the GamePad can stun foes and help create platforms for the other four players to reach secret coins. Of course, I just use platforms to make people hit their head and send them into the endless pit, because I'm a prick who shouldn't be allowed near godlike power.
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Developer: 5th Cell
No. of Players: Up to 4 Players
ESRB Rating: E10
To be fair, Scribblenauts Unlimited could belong on either list of recommendations. It has charm, colorful graphics, and a knack for asking players to think outside of the box to solve puzzles with only their imagination. This time around, players can summon Nintendo characters and items as well, so that I can make a Goron ride a Yoshi on a battletank with Princess Peach inside. Hey, I can do whatever I want. There are no wrong answers!
Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two
Publisher: Disney Interactive
Developer: Junction Point
No. of Players: 2 Players, Cooperatively
ESRB Rating: E
As far as I'm concerned, Mickey is timeless. Who has the heart to hate him? In this sequel to the first Epic Mickey, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit joins Mickey as partners to control the powers of paint and electricity to explore a world full of practically forgotten Disney characters. The drop-in, drop-out 2-player cooperative play will help players revisit Disney's past and listen to Disney-inspired songs like a genuine movie. The GamePad does little more than function as a map, but it looks to be a great adventure for both kids and parents who have grown up with Disney.
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Paris Studios
No. of Players: TBD
ESRB Rating: RP
Crazy, demented rabbits take over an amusement park—that must have been the pitch. Ubisoft has no idea why the Rabbids decided to do this, but who cares? It's an excuse to play lots of mini-games and hear them respond with bwwwwaaaaa. Like Mario Party, it is designed after a board game with events where players get to use the Wii U in different ways and, on occasion, shouting at each other like crazy people. Just what a good party is all about… for kids, of course… for kids.
Next: Games for Hardcore Gamers
Wii U Games for Hardcore Gamers
It's difficult to imagine that hardcore gamers don't already have the following titles for the Xbox 360 and PS3. A few of the better offerings, however, are completely new IPs that hope to take advantage of the Wii U GamePad for an experience that's original enough to convince this audience to purchase a Wii U. That said, most of our recommendations are titles already out for other consoles, since they have received high scores from us over the past year.
Also, one special note for Mass Effect 3: Special Edition: As much as I love the Mass Effect series, it's the same reason I'm not recommending this for Wii U. Similar to Mass Effect 2 and 3 for PS3, you will essentially be going in blind into Mass Effect 3. Sure, you'll be able to make some of the more pivotal choices for your character at the beginning of this Wii U version, but the point is to experience the first two titles so that you actually what happens in the third. It's like of reading The Return of the King without reading the first two Lord of the Rings books. It's blasphemy. You're better off getting the Mass Effect Trilogy for another console instead.
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
No. of Players: TBD (Likely 1)
ESRB Rating: RP
Out of all the titles I sampled at Nintendo's public Wii U Experience event, ZombiU was the most impressive, if just for the fact that it's actually a new IP. It looks like Left 4 Dead, what with the pale color palette and the horde of zombies, but it's primarily a single-player experience. The GamePad is used to swap weapons and to occasionally scan the area for specific items. While we're still not sure if multiplayer is available (likely not), the twist is that if your character dies, the next character you play is another person. Hopefully, this will contribute to multiple endings.
Publisher: Activision Publishing, Inc.
Developer: Treyarch
No. of Players: TBD
ESRB Rating: M
The benefits of playing Call of Duty: Black Ops II has been detailed by Daniel Bischoff in his feature. The GamePad allows you to initiate killstreaks with a simple touch, play two-player "split-screen" using two screens, and it has pretty much everything that the other console versions will have. That includes HD graphics and online multiplayer. Again, be weary if you're getting the Pro controller since it doesn't have a headphone jack for in-game cheat.
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
No. of Players: TBD
ESRB Rating: M
Released just recently, Assassin's Creed III already received our highest 5 out of 5 marks, so we would be remiss if this wasn't in our recommendation list. The GamePad allows Conner to see more of the overhead map and thus where more of his enemies are hiding. You can also switch between more weapons with the simple tap. Otherwise, it's the same awesome adventure that has you slaying male elk, bunny rabbits, and redcoats on occasion.
Publisher: THQ
Developer: Vigil Games
No. of Players: 1
ESRB Rating: RP
The Wii U version of Darksiders II comes with a bunch of DLC not packaged with the other console versions. In addition to the Argul's Tomb, it includes the Death Rides pack, Angel of Death & Shadow of Death packs, Deadly Despair pack, and other legendary equipment meant for the beginning of the game. As usual, the GamePad catalogues all of Death's weapons for a quick switch-out. But the real reason is that it's a lengthy game with a very large world that THQ and Vigil Games should be applauded for.
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Developer: WB Games Montreal
No. of Players: TBD
ESRB Rating: T
Batman: Arkham City needs little introduction. As one of the contenders for Game of the Year last year, this Wii U version doesn't lose any of the game's luster. Sure, the GamePad (once again) becomes a quick-touch inventory system, but this time around Batman has access to nearly every weapon without having dig through a series of menus. He can also direct Batarangs by moving the GamePad and can detonate explosive gel charges in precise sequences. Finally, The Armored Edition enhances Batman's melee abilities for a short time via B.A.T. mode, which electrifies his punches and kicks for massive crowd control.
Next: Full Launch Lineup
I previously crafted a list of launch titles and launch window titles for Wii U back in late September, but the list has changed quite a bit. More than a few have switched lists, in particular Rayman Legends which has been delayed. Also, Ninja Gaiden III: Razor's Edge and Tekken Tag Tournament 2 have jumped up in the schedule to become launch titles.
All of the titles that are asterisked below have been confirmed by Nintendo off their official site. With less than three weeks until the official launch date (as of the time of this writing), this means that the launch titles will likely be the 22 below or be extremely close to that. Those that aren't asterisked were reportedly confirmed by Nintendo earlier but aren't on their site (so in my mind, they don't count… yet).
Launch Title (Nov. 18, 2012)
*Assassin's Creed III – Ubisoft, Ubisoft Quebec
*Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition – Warner Bros., WB Games Montreal
*Call of Duty: Black Ops II – Activision, Treyarch
*Darksiders II – THQ, Vigil Games
*Disney's Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two – Disney, Junction Point
*ESPN Sports Connection – Ubisoft
*FIFA Soccer 13 – Electronic Arts, EA Canada
*Game Party Champions – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
*Just Dance 4 – Ubisoft
*Madden NFL 13 – Electronic Arts, EA Tiburon
*New Super Mario Bros. U – Nintendo
*Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge – Nintendo, Team NINJA / Tecmo Koei
*Nintendo Land – Nintendo
*Rabbids Land – Ubisoft, Ubisoft Paris Studios
*Scribblenauts Unlimited – Warner Bros., 5th Cell
*Skylanders Giants – Activision, Vicarious Visions
*Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed – Sega, SUMO Digital
*Tekken Tag Tournament 2 – Namco Bandai
*Transformers Prime – Activision, NOW Production
*Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013 – Ubisoft, Blue Byte
*Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper – Tecmo Koei, Koei
*ZombiU – Ubisoft, Ubisoft Montpellier
Launch Window (between Nov. 18, 2012 and March 2013)
007 Legends – Activision
*Aliens: Colonial Marines – Sega, Gearbox
*Bayonetta 2 – Nintendo, PlatinumGames (TBD)
*Ben 10: Omniverse – D3Publisher of America
Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2013 – Activision
*Chasing Aurora – Broken Rules (eShop)
*Cloudberry Kingdom – Pwnee Studios (eShop)
*Family Party: 30 Great Games Obstacle Arcade – D3Publisher of America
Frozenbyte – Electronic Arts
Funky Barn – 505 Games
*Game & Wario – Nintendo
*Jeopardy! – THQ, Pipeworks Software
Jett Tailfin – Maximum Games
*LEGO City: Undercover – Nintendo
*Madden NFL 13 – Electronic Arts Inc., EA Tiburon
*Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth – Ubisoft, Ubisoft Quebec
*Mass Effect 3: Special Edition – Electronic Arts, Bioware
*Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition – WayForward Technologies, WayForward
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate – Capcom
*Nano Assault Neo – Shin'en Multimedia, Shin'en
*NBA 2K13 – 2K Sports, Visual Concepts
*Pikmin 3 – Nintendo
Rapala Pro Bass Fishing – Nintendo
*Rayman Legends – Ubisoft, Ubisoft Montpellier
*Rise of the Guardians: The Video Game – D3 Publisher of America
Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien – Gaijin Games
*SiNG Party – Nintendo
*Tank! Tank! Tank! – Namco Bandai (November)
*Toki Tori 2 – Two Tribes
Trine 2: Director's Cut – Electronic Arts
*Wheel of Fortune – THQ, Pipeworks Software
*Wii Fit U – Nintendo
*The Wonderful 101 – Nintendo, PlatinumGames Inc.
Zumba Fitness Core – Majesco
