Wii U launch games you should play

Nintendo’s Wii U hits South African store-shelves on 30 November, and if you were worrying about the potential in launch games, you can rest easy.

There will be some pretty big names carrying the Wii U-tag, but what should be the game you pick up alongside your treasured new console?

Black Ops 2

Black Ops 2 is an obvious choice when you get your Wii U. We’ve already put Treyarch’s sequel to the test, and it’s safe to say that it’s one of the strongest COD games to date – definitely in the single-player department.

The Wii U will add a host of features to Activision’s man-shooter, as you can use the second screen on the GamePad to view your inventory and map in multiplayer, as well as a second player being able to join in on the action by playing off the tablet-like controller’s screen.

Read more about Black Ops II, and MyGaming’s Black Ops II review

ZombiU

ZombiU stands as a definitive example that the Wii U is not for kids.

This zombie survival title introduces some new elements into the genre, by bringing a greater emphasis on survival, scavenging and melee combat.

The most interesting aspect of ZombiU is the implementation of Wii U’s GamePad, which basically turns the touch-screen into your virtual backpack. This feature has been dubbed BOB (Bug-Out Bag). The screen will house all your maps, tools, weapons and inventory, as well as being used to unlock doors, searching for supplies, sniping and a bunch of other applications.

There is also an adversarial multiplayer mode, Survivors vs Zombies, where one player takes on the role of “Zombie Master”, and uses the Wii U GamePad to spawn zombies from a top-down view, while the other player uses the main television or screen to try survive the madness of the zombie hordes.

New Super Mario Bros U

Despite the over-used name, the latest instalment into the Super Mario Bros series, New Super Mario Bros U, is the flagship Wii U-exclusive that’s looking to add a bunch of new features to mix up the traditional turtle-stomping formula.

The moustachioed hero’s new adventure is what you’d expect, with a few added features. It all looks familiar, as you’ll leap from platform to platform on a variety of the traditionally themed Mario levels, but thanks to HD visuals and the Wii U GamePad, it feels fittingly fresh.

The game can now support up to 5 players – so that’s four characters on screen (using Wii-motes), and one being a sort-of puppet-master for the rest of the crew. The player using the GamePad doesn’t have any physical presence on the screen, but can drop platforms and blocks into the game by using the touch screen, which can either assist or hamper the other players.

Read more about New Super Mario Bros U.

Assassin’s Creed III

The Wii U version of Assassin’s Creed III is essentially the exact same game that you’ll find on 360 or PS3, but given that its one of the year’s biggest releases and the first time an AC game is arriving on a Nintendo console, it’s a must.

The Wii U exclusive features aren’t much, but they’re a nice touch. You can switch to the Wii U GamePad at any moment, or you can use the second screen on your controller as a map.

Read more about Assassin’s Creed III, and MyGaming’s Assassin’s Creed 3 review.

Mass Effect 3: Special Edition

Much like Assassin’s Creed III, Mass Effect 3 is largely indistinguishable from the 360 and PS3 version.

That said, it’s also the first time Bioware’s space epic makes its way to a Nintendo console, and using the GamePad for many of your interface options is a nice touch.

You can open up an interactive map, or even operate your team’s skill wheel with the touch of your finger, giving a much more hands-on experience throughout the game.

While you may not be able to carry over your save files as PS3 and Xbox 360 gamers can, pure Wii U owners will be glad enough to have such a colossal release to enjoy on launch.

Read more about Mass Effect 3, and MyGaming’s Mass Effect 3 review.