Wii Uis one of the worst-selling systems of all time. Due to its low sales, Nintendo struggled all throughout the early years of the eighth generation of console, and the company had to launch the Nintendo Switch sooner than initially expected to recover from the loss generated by the underperformingWii U.
Despite low sales, Wii U was still home to a good selection of titles, some of which are Nintendo’s best offerings of recent years. Among the best games on the console, there are many great platformers that should be played by every fan of the genre, regardless of the system’s failure.
New Super Mario Bros. U, along with its expansionNew Super Luigi U, is the fourth game in theNew Super Mario Bros.subseries. This is yet another 2D platformer where Mario and his friends, namely Luigi and Toad(s), must save Princess Peach after she has been kidnapped by Bowser, along with the entirety of her castle. The game is nearly identical to its console predecessor, but this time up to five players can play together thanks to the Wii U Gamepad.
While the game is undoubtedly a good platformer,it’s not one of the best offerings in theMarioseries. This is mainly because this game is the fourth (and last) one in a subseries where each subsequent entry feels identical to the previous one. Therefore, while the game can surely provide some good platforming fun, it’s understandable that many players feel that it’s an unnecessary addition to the series, even ifit’s far from being one of the worst games in the franchise.
Initially conceived as a Wii U exclusive game,Rayman Legendswas delayed numerous times and then announced as a multi-platform game when it was more and more what a commercial failure Wii U was going to be. Despite this, some players still think that this is the must-go version of the game, as it still is the way the game was originally meant to be played. This is obvious when taking into consideration Murphy’s abilities, which were designed around the Wii U Gamepad.
But the reason whyRayman Legendsis a must-play on Wii U is simply because the game is one of the greatest 2D platformers of recent years. It improved its predecessor’s formula in every way, bringing in more level variety, more puzzles, and more platforming fun in general. The game is at its best when played in multiplayer, but even single-player fans will have a good time going through the adventure, which is for surethe best 2DRaymangame ever made.
Yoshi’s Woolly Worldis both a spiritual successor toKirby’s Epic Yarnand a new chapter in theYoshi’s Islandsubseries, and it’sone of the best games starring the green dinosaur. Players take control of Yoshi in a world made entirely out of wool, which is filled with secrets and collectibles around every corner. The game is a 2D platformer, and Yoshi plays just like he did inYoshi’s Island, only this time there are no babies to rescue.
While the game provides a fairly easy challenge when played through normally, going for 100% is a completely different matter. Not only must players find every well-hidden collectible in the game, but they must also face some tougher extra stages, which will test the abilities even of more seasoned players. The game is at its best when played in co-op mode with a friend, but it’s also a ton of fun when played in single-player.
While Wii U lacks a mainline 3DMariogame,Super Mario 3D Worldmakes up for this absence by providing one of the most fun platforming experiences players can find on the system. The game takes the structure of 2DMariogames in a 3D setting, just asSuper Mario 3D Landdid. This means that levels mostly consist of going from point A to point B while avoiding obstacles, defeating enemies, and picking up collectibles. The game isfairly easy throughout the adventure, but the difficulty ramps up towards the end.
While this structure may sound too simple on paper, it makes for an incredibly fun time while playing. The game sports some of the most inventive levels the series has seen in recent years, and it’s difficult to describe the simple amount of chaotic fun that the co-op multiplayer can provide.Super Mario 3D Worldmight not be among the best 3DMariogames, but this is still one of the greatest platformers of recent years andone of the best games on the system.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freezeis the fifth mainline game in theDonkey Kong Countryseries,and is easily the best one of the bunch. This is saying a lot, considering that earlier titles in the series are considered among the greatest platformers of all time. What makes the game stand out from other games of the period is the level design: this is 2D platforming level design at its absolute peak.
The game offers four playable Kongs, each one with their own unique abilities. Playing through the game normally is already a tough challenge, as levels become more and more difficult as the player progresses through the adventure. Going for 100% completion is something only platforming veterans will be able to achieve, and playing together with a friend will only partially make things easier.Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freezeis a must-have for every fan of the genre and for every Wii U owner.
