Wii U Impressions

            So I got a Wii U recently, complete with New Super Mario Bros. U and Wind Waker HD.

            Both games are a good start to the console, but the biggest reason I got it was to prepare for future games like Smash Bros., Bayonetta 2, and Xenoblade Chronicles X. The console as a whole feels like a big upgrade from the Wii, and the Gamepad is a neat concept. I like being able to play Wind Waker on the big screen in HD and having a map in my hands. Off screen play is also awesome, and I can see the potential it has.

            As for the games, the Wii U’s starting to look up. Hyrule Warriors, Mario Kart 8, Bayonetta 2, Smash Bros., Xenoblade Chronicles X… the list goes on and on. The two games (technically 3) that I have are a blast to play. New Super Mario Bros. U is the best and most challenging entry in the New series thus far. The game looks good, it plays well, and I can certainly see the comparisons to both Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World. From what I’ve played, it certainly holds up to the legacy of those titles. My only real problem is the recycled music, which is a major missed opportunity.

            As for Wind Waker HD, I stated earlier that I like playing the game and having a map in my hands. As for the visuals, the game looks AMAZING. Despite being developed in only 6 months, the developers did an awesome job bringing the GameCube classic to the Wii U. The Swift Sail that was added to the game makes sailing a lot better to me, and other minor improvements streamlined the game to make it more enjoyable. I’ll go into more detail about both Wind Waker HD and New Super Mario Bros. U when it comes time to write the reviews for these games, but for now, I can definitely say that these games are worth getting to start a Wii U collection. As for New Super Luigi U, I haven’t played much of it, but it’s certainly much more challenging.

            Overall, I’d say the Wii U was worth getting. Nintendo’s finally starting to pick up steam with their game releases. It’s not perfect, lacking the power and storage that the PS4 and Xbox One have, but it’s got a lot more appealing games for me than those two consoles. For comparison, I’m looking forward to getting over 7 titles for the Wii U. As for the PS4 or Xbox One? The only titles I’m anticipating there are Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts III. I look forward to a successful future for the console and Nintendo as a whole. With Smash Bros. and Xenoblade Chronicles X on the horizon, my Wii U’s got a lot of life in the coming years.