The Wii U got off to a slow start when it launched in 2012. Fortunately, the exclusive releases for the platform began to pick up in 2013 and ramp up to another level in 2014. So what are the best Wii U exclusive videogames that have came out so far as of 2014? Find out in our rankings located below.
10. New Super Mario Bros. U
New Super Mario Bros. Wii ended up being one of the better exclusive videogames for the Wii. Nintendo did not wait long to develop a sequel as New Super Mario Bros. U came out at the same time as the Wii U launch. Along with the HD graphics, the new installment adds new power-ups, including special Yoshi abilities. If you like old school 2D Mario games, New Super Mario Bros. U should be right up your alley.
Buy New Super Mario Bros. U with this link on Amazon.
9. Hyrule Warriors
While many Zelda fans were initially skeptical with the premise of Hyrule Warriors, the Nintendo Wii U exclusive ended up being a surprising hit. For the uninformed, the spin-off Zelda game is based on the Dynasty Warriors formula where you take on waves upon waves of enemies. Aside from Link, you can also play as other characters (even villains like Ganondorf) from the series. So make sure to check it out if you haven’t already.
Purchase Hyrule Warriors here.
8. The Wonderful 101
The Wonderful 101 ended up being the most overlooked Wii U exclusive game so far even though it was directed by Hideki Kamiya, the same director behind some of the best action games with Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. For this new intellectual property, you get to control a group of superheroes, recruiting normal citizens and taking out bad guys in some pretty spectacular battles. For fans of action games, this is one title you can’t miss.
The Wonderful 101 can be ordered with this page.
7. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Nintendo took the creative Captain Toad levels from Super Mario 3D World to create an entire new game. If you aren’t familiar with the concept, you goal is to guide the captain through a series of mazes, which often forces you to change camera angle to get the best view. As you may expect, the game is filled with charm and a lot of creative stages. It also launched at a budget price, so it won’t cost you all that much when compared to other exclusives.
Order Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker via this link.
6. Pikmin 3
Nine years after the release of the second game, Nintendo finally released another installment in the Pikmin series in 2013. For Pikmin 3, the amount of playable characters have been expanded to three, which is quite helpful as you can multitask. There are also some new Pikmin monsters to add even more dept to the gameplay. Even if you are done with the campaign, the game also has a multiplayer mode for two players, giving you more than enough value.
You can buy Pikmin 3 here.
5. Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze
Donkey Kong Country Returns brought back the classic 2D series for modern day gamers. Its sequel, the Wii U exclusive Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze, ended up even better with improved level design and a great soundtrack to boot. Not to mention that Cranky and Dixie Kong is now part of the playable cast along with Diddy and Donkey. If you are itching for some old school 2D platformers that provide a challenge, make sure you pick up the latest Donkey Kong game.
You can purchase Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze via this page.
4. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
While the fourth Super Smash Bros. was also on the 3DS, it is a completely different experience on the Wii U due to the gorgeous graphics in addition to exclusive modes like the hectic eight-players smash battles. The development team also alleviate a few issues from Brawl such as removing random tripping and speeding up the gameplay. With a huge roster to boot, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is a fighting game that should appease all Nintendo fans.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U can be bought here.
3. Mario Kart 8
After the somewhat disappointing but still incredibly popular Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart 8 delivers with some great new courses as well as modifications of older tracks. Gamers can now race upside down and sideway thanks to the new anti-gravity sections, which adds another element to the chaotic races. Of course, the multiplayer is also excellent whether you are playing in the same room or with others online. With tight controls, this Wii U exclusive is easily the best racing game on the system.
Mario Kart 8 can be ordered with this link.
2. Bayonetta 2
While the first Bayonetta game was rated highly, the sequel almost never came out if it wasn’t for Nintendo fitting the bill. Bayonetta 2 features the same stylish and sublime gameplay of its prequel while adding new elements such as Umbran Climax to make combat even crazier. The pacing is also excellent as you are constantly being placed in one unpredictable scenario after another. For fans of the action genre, you won’t find a better game than Bayonetta 2.
The second Bayonetta game can be purchased with this page.
1. Super Mario 3D World
A lot of fans wanted Nintendo to develop Super Mario Galaxy 3. Instead, Nintendo decided to take a step back in terms of ambition with Super Mario 3D World, which ended up being a great decision. The platformer invoke the same charm as the 2D Mario games with its simple but ultimately challenging obstacle courses. It also has a ton of secrets to unlock even after you beat the game. Last but not least is the cooperative multiplayer, which is actually quite fun when you are playing different characters with slightly unique styles.
If you only have cash to buy one Wii U exclusive, Super Mario 3D World is your best bet to find an enjoyable experience. Buy the best exclusive for Nintendo’s current-gen console here.
If you haven’t purchase a Wii U yet, the above exclusive videogames should give you more than enough reasons to do so.