Wii U’s 25 Greatest Games

The Wii U, while not as commercially successful as its predecessor, the Wii, boasts a library of truly fantastic games. Before the arrival of the Nintendo Switch, this console offered unique experiences and served as a home to titles that have since become beloved classics. From the birth of innovative franchises like Splatoon to fresh takes on established series, the Wii U showcased both first-party and third-party developers experimenting with gyro motion controls and innovative gameplay.

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Here’s a look at some of the best games the Wii U had to offer:

Lego City: Undercover

Developer: TT Fusion
Released: 2013

Imagine a Lego-themed Grand Theft Auto, and you’ve got the essence of Lego City: Undercover. This action-adventure game provides a vast, open-world city to explore, brimming with the charm and humour characteristic of Lego games. Players take on the role of Chase McCain, an undercover cop, and can transform into eight different disguises to tackle various missions. While it lacks a co-op mode, the sheer amount of content and engaging gameplay makes up for it.

The Wonderful 101

Developer: PlatinumGames
Released: 2013

From the creators of Bayonetta, The Wonderful 101 is a unique action game where you control a superhero and a multitude of followers. Players can combine their followers to create giant weapons by drawing shapes on the Wii U GamePad’s touchscreen. While the control scheme can be challenging at times, the game’s charm, humour, and unique gameplay make it a memorable experience.

ZombiU

Developer: Ubisoft
Released: 2012

ZombiU delivers a truly terrifying zombie survival experience set in London. The game features permadeath, meaning that when your character dies, you start anew as a different survivor. The Wii U GamePad is cleverly used for inventory management and looting, adding to the tension and making every action a risk.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director’s Cut

Developer: Eidos Montreal
Released: 2013

This Director’s Cut of Deus Ex: Human Revolution enhances the original game with improved graphics, lighting, and AI. It also integrates the Wii U GamePad for more intuitive controls. The game features a compelling transhumanist narrative and tight gameplay, making it a standout title in the Deus Ex series.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Developer: Retro Studios
Released: 2014

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze offers a challenging yet rewarding platforming experience. The game features vibrant visuals, a great soundtrack, and diverse gameplay mechanics. Players can team up with Diddy, Dixie, or Cranky Kong, each with unique abilities that add variety to the gameplay.

Axiom Verge

Developer: Thomas Happ Games
Released: 2016

Axiom Verge is a Metroidvania-style game that features a vast, explorable world and challenging gameplay. The Wii U version includes a leaderboard for speedrunners and allows players to view the map on the GamePad, making exploration more seamless.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE

Developer: Atlus
Released: 2015

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is a JRPG that combines elements from Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem with a J-pop storyline. The game is known for its bright and cheerful atmosphere, fun gameplay, and unique concept.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

Developer: Capcom
Released: 2011

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is a challenging action RPG where players hunt monsters, collect loot, and craft new gear. The Wii U version features enhanced visuals, controls, and online play.

New Super Mario Bros. U

Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2012

New Super Mario Bros. U is a classic 2D Mario platformer with new enemies, clever level design, and fresh approaches to boss battles. The game offers plenty of replay value with engaging mini-games and secret-filled levels.

NES Remix Pack

Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2013

The NES Remix Pack features a collection of classic NES games with unique challenges and remixes. The games include Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and more.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD

Developer: Tantalus Media / Nintendo
Released: 2016

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is a remastered version of the GameCube title. The game features improved visuals, streamlined gameplay, and GamePad functionality for inventory management and map viewing.

Affordable Space Adventures

Developer: NapNok Games
Released: 2015

Affordable Space Adventures makes creative use of the Wii U GamePad, allowing players to control their spaceship’s various components. Players must manage their ship’s noise, heat, and electric levels to survive the hostile environments.

Splatoon

Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2015

Splatoon is a unique and colourful competitive shooter where players battle it out by splattering ink. The game is known for its fun gameplay, adorable characters, and emphasis on teamwork.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2014

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a puzzle game where players explore diorama-like levels as Captain Toad and Toadette. The game features clever level design and charming visuals.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
Released: 2014

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is a fighting game that brings together characters from various Nintendo franchises. The game features chaotic and entertaining battles that are fun for both casual and competitive players.

Rayman Legends

Developer: Ubisoft
Released: 2013

Rayman Legends is a platformer that combines whimsy and challenge. The game features gorgeous hand-drawn visuals, creative level design, and catchy music.

Nintendo Land

Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2012

Nintendo Land is a collection of mini-games inspired by various Nintendo franchises. The game is designed to showcase the Wii U’s capabilities and is a great party game for up to five players.

Shovel Knight

Developer: Yacht Club Games
Released: 2014

Shovel Knight is a retro-style action platformer that harkens back to classic NES games. The game features challenging gameplay, colourful visuals, and memorable characters.

Super Mario Maker

Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2013

Super Mario Maker allows players to create and share their own Super Mario levels. The game features a vast array of tools and assets, allowing players to create everything from classic levels to challenging and bizarre creations.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2013

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is a remastered version of the GameCube title. The game features improved visuals, streamlined gameplay, and enhanced pacing.

Mario Kart 8

Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2014

Mario Kart 8 brings new tracks, anti-gravity sections, and gameplay enhancements to the beloved racing series. The game features stunning visuals and smooth online play.

Bayonetta 2

Developer: PlatinumGames
Released: 2014

Bayonetta 2 is a stylish action game known for its fast-paced combat and over-the-top presentation. The game is a unique and exciting addition to the Wii U library.

Pikmin 3

Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2013

Pikmin 3 is a strategy game where players control a crew of explorers and command Pikmin to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. The game makes great use of the Wii U GamePad for multitasking and offers impressive gameplay.

Super Mario 3D World

Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2013

Super Mario 3D World is a platformer that combines elements from 2D and 3D Mario games. The game features fantastic gameplay, creative level design, and enjoyable multiplayer.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Developer: Nintendo
Released: 2017

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an open-world adventure game that reinvents the Zelda series. The game features a vast and explorable world, engaging gameplay, and a compelling story. It served as a fitting swan song for the Wii U, showing what the console was truly capable of.