30 Best Nintendo Wii U Games Of All Time
The Nintendo Wii U, despite its commercial struggles, boasts a diverse and rich library of games that continue to captivate gamers. Here are the 30 best Nintendo Wii U games, highlighting their unique features and why they stand out.
Top Tier: The Legend of Zelda Series
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
This open-world masterpiece revolutionized the Zelda series, offering an unprecedented level of freedom and exploration. With its vast landscape, dynamic weather, and innovative gameplay mechanics, it remains one of the greatest games of all time. The game's ability to break free from traditional Zelda formulas and introduce new ways of interacting with the environment makes it a must-play.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD
A classic Zelda game that has been beautifully remastered for the Wii U. It retains the quintessential "Hyruleness" that fans love, with an engaging storyline and memorable characters like Midna. The HD treatment enhances the visuals, making it a compelling reason to revisit or experience this game for the first time.
3. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
Another HD remaster that brings a beloved GameCube classic to the Wii U. Known for its vibrant visuals and charming storyline, The Wind Waker HD offers a delightful gaming experience with improved graphics and controls.
First-Party Nintendo Titles
4. Super Mario 3D World
This 3D platformer showcases Nintendo's mastery of the genre. With its colorful levels, innovative gameplay mechanics, and local co-op features, it's a joy to play. The game's design ensures that each level is packed with hidden secrets and challenges, making it a standout title.
5. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
A fighting game that combines chaos with fun, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is a must-have for any Nintendo fan. Its balanced gameplay, technical depth, and vast character roster make it perfect for both casual and competitive players.
6. Mario Kart 8
A high-speed racing game that features stunning graphics and smooth gameplay. With its extensive track list, diverse character selection, and local multiplayer options, Mario Kart 8 is a great addition to any Wii U library.
7. Super Mario Maker
This game lets players create and share their own Mario levels, offering endless possibilities for creativity and fun. With its intuitive level editor and vast community of creators, Super Mario Maker is a game that keeps on giving.
Third-Party Gems
8. Bayonetta 2
An action-packed hack-and-slash game known for its fast-paced combat and stylish visuals. Bayonetta 2 is a sequel that improves upon the original in every way, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
9. Rayman Legends
A platformer that combines whimsy with challenge, Rayman Legends features beautiful hand-drawn graphics and levels packed with hidden secrets. Its music stages, where every action is timed to the beat of a song, are particularly memorable.
10. Shovel Knight
A side-scrolling action game that pays homage to the 8-bit era while offering modern gameplay mechanics. Shovel Knight is praised for its challenging levels, charming visuals, and tight controls.
Other Noteworthy Titles
11. Xenoblade Chronicles X
An expansive RPG that offers a massive open world to explore, complex combat mechanics, and a rich storyline. Xenoblade Chronicles X is a game that will keep you engaged for dozens of hours.
12. Pikmin 3
A strategy game that focuses on exploration and resource management. Pikmin 3 features beautiful graphics, engaging gameplay, and a charming storyline, making it a great choice for fans of the series.
13. Splatoon
A third-person shooter that combines paint-based gameplay with competitive multiplayer. Splatoon is known for its unique mechanics, colorful visuals, and regular updates with new content.
14. Axiom Verge
A metroidvania game that offers a blend of exploration, platforming, and combat. Axiom Verge features a rich storyline, challenging levels, and a variety of power-ups to discover.
15. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
A roguelike shooter that combines random level generation with intense action. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth offers a high level of replayability and challenging gameplay, making it a favorite among indie game fans.
Additional Highlights
16. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
A metroidvania game that features beautiful graphics, engaging gameplay, and a charming storyline. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is a great choice for fans of the genre.
17. Guacamelee Super Turbo Championship Edition
A beat-em-up game that combines metroidvania elements with humor and style. Guacamelee offers a fun and challenging experience with a unique art style.
18. Batman: Arkham City – Armored Edition
An action-adventure game that brings the Batman series to the Wii U. With its engaging storyline, challenging combat, and extensive open world, Batman: Arkham City is a must-play for fans of the series.
19. SteamWorld Heist
A turn-based strategy game that features a unique blend of exploration and combat. SteamWorld Heist offers a challenging and engaging experience with a rich storyline.
20. Mass Effect 3: Special Edition
A sci-fi RPG that brings the Mass Effect series to the Wii U. With its engaging storyline, extensive character customization, and challenging combat, Mass Effect 3 is a great addition to any Wii U library.
More Hidden Gems
21. Minecraft: Wii U Edition
A sandbox game that offers endless possibilities for creativity and exploration. Minecraft is a great choice for players of all ages, with its blocky visuals and vast open world.
22. Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
A platformer that combines action and adventure elements with a charming storyline. Shantae: Half-Genie Hero features beautiful graphics and challenging levels.
23. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE
A JRPG that combines elements from both the Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei series. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE offers a unique blend of combat and exploration with a rich storyline.
24. New Super Mario Bros. U
A side-scrolling platformer that features classic Mario gameplay with modern twists. New Super Mario Bros. U is a great choice for fans of the series, with its local co-op features and challenging levels.
25. Child of Light
A turn-based RPG that features beautiful graphics and a charming storyline. Child of Light offers a unique blend of exploration and combat, making it a standout title in the Wii U library.
26. Affordable Space Adventures
A puzzle-adventure game that utilizes the Wii U GamePad in innovative ways. Affordable Space Adventures offers a unique gaming experience with challenging levels and a rich storyline.
27. Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water
A survival horror game that uses the GamePad to enhance the horror experience. Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water features a chilling storyline and intense gameplay.
28. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
A puzzle-adventure game that features charming visuals and challenging levels. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a great choice for players looking for a fun and light-hearted experience.
29. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
A platformer that features beautiful graphics and challenging levels. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a great addition to any Wii U library, with its local co-op features and engaging gameplay.
30. The Wonderful 101
A unique action game that combines strategy and combat elements. The Wonderful 101 features a rich storyline, challenging levels, and innovative gameplay mechanics.