The Wii U had arguably the best exclusive lineup in 2014 thanks to games like Bayonetta 2, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. Fortunately for Nintendo fans, the 2015 lineup looks just as good, if not better depending on your tastes, as last year’s. So which of the new releases should you consider buying this year? Take a look at our top five best Wii U exclusive games of 2015 below.
Before we start the countdown, we would like to acknowledge a few of the games that did not make the list but are still worth checking out. One of which was Devil’s Third, a new I.P. from Tomonobu Itagaki, the director behind one of the best action games ever created in Ninja Gaiden.
The other games to keep an eye on are Kirby and the Rainbow Curse as well as Yoshi’s Woolly World, both titles should offer some unique takes to the 2D platforming genre. Last but not least is Mario Party 10, which is always fun to play with friends. With that said, you can find our top five list directly below.
5. Mario Maker
Nintendo is finally providing an official way to create your own 2D Mario levels with Mario Maker. In the game, you can use the Wii U GamePad to place enemies, obstacles, power-ups and more. While the details are still a little sketchy, you should also be able to share your creations online. With plenty of creative levels already designed by the modding community using unofficial tools, Mario Maker should be drowning in plenty of great creations.
The game is arriving in the first half of 2015.
4. Splatoon
Splatoon is an unique new I.P. from Nintendo. It is primarily a multiplayer-focused third-person shooter where you can team up with three other players to take on the opponent. The most interesting element is the ink, which you can spray all around the environment. Doing so will give you advantages such as the ability to travel faster and reload. Of course, if you step onto your opponent’s ink, there are adverse effects like slower movement. Early previews have shown that Nintendo has created another great franchise with this new I.P.
So, if you are looking to try something new in 2015, then you should preorder Splatoon (which should arrive during the second quarter of the year, right now with this link on Amazon.
3. Star Fox Wii U
Nintendo made a surprise announced for Star Fox on Wii U at E3 2014. Although not much has been disclosed so far, we do know that gamers will be able to use the Wii U Gamepad as a cockpit. Aside from the Arwing and Landmaster vehicles, you can use a helicopter as well. Last but not least, the game is also going to implement some of the tech elements found in Project Guard and Project Giant Robot. With Shigeru Miyamoto leading the project, the next Star Fox videogame has all the makings of a must-buy exclusive for the system.
Star Fox Wii U should be released in 2015, sometime before the launch of The Legend of Zelda Wii U.
2. Xenoblade Chronicles X
Xenoblade is considered to be one of the best JRPG of all time. Unfortunately, the game only saw a limited release in the United States. Thankfully, the sequel should be more readily available. Xenoblade Chronicles X features the same open-world gameplay found in the original with several improvements made to the combat and navigational elements. You can also pilot giant robots in the massive environment as well, opening another level of gameplay possibility. So, even though, the original was already considered a masterpiece, the sequel has all the ingredients to be even better.
Xenoblade Chronicles X is currently targeting a 2015 release. You can preorder the Wii U JRPG exclusive from Amazon with this link.
1. The Legend of Zelda Wii U
While past Zelda games have been noteworthy, the Wii U iteration may be something special. Nintendo decided to add a true open-world setting to the franchise, which is more reminiscence of the original game in addition to The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. Early media has shown that the world will be massive to explore while riding on horseback has been streamlined. Based on the series reputation, The Legend of Zelda Wii U has all the ingredients to end up being the best Wii U exclusive of 2015.
If you haven’t already, you can preorder the latest Zelda game on Amazon here.
With a strong exclusive lineup, 2015 should be another great year for the Wii U even with the lack of major third-party support.