Wii U GamePad and games hands-on impressions
Posted 25 Jun 2012 at 08:19 by Ashley Jones
The week after E3 2012 took place Nintendo brought the console and many of the games on show to London. We got our hands on the 18 games on show, which included a range of first and third party titles. Our full impressions can be found below.
Please note that this will be continuously updated as we add impressions.
Nintendo is focusing heavily on the Wii U GamePad, with little attention behind paid to the console behind the controller. Gamers have always welcomed Nintendo's controllers, often providing comfortable and practical input.
The Wii U GamePad contains a 6 inch touch screen, a range of buttons and a whole host of features. In spite of all these options to hand the Wii U GamePad still remains comfortable and easy to use, and Nintendo must really be commended for their ergonomic approach to this important aspect in the enjoyability of the Wii U.
"I felt that the new GamePad was really natural to hold; its extended width due to the screen lets your arms rest in a more comfortable position than with a traditional controller...the placement of the right hand stick above the buttons, rather than its traditional position below, took about a minute to get used to, but after that required no thought at all."
Mario, Luigi and the Toads once again race across a number of worlds but this time they are joint by Miis and inflating Yoshis. The Wii U GamePad can be used by a fifth player to help or hinder their friends by placing blocks.
"Fans of the series are bound to enjoy this version and the introduction of the Wii U GamePad provides a fresh twist on the formula. I have no doubt that this will be a big seller upon release and as well it should be. It's fun, made for multiplayer and a good example of, to use Nintendo's favourite expression at the moment, asymmetric gameplay."
Nintendo's real-time strategy series returns on the Wii U later this year. With new breeds of Pikmin and many new challenges it looks set to be a popular title amongst fans when released.
"We still have a lot to learn about Pikmin 3 but from what we've seen and played so far it promises to be a fantastic game. Fans of the original have a lot to look forward to and anyone who hasn't played it before will soon pick it up."
Ubisoft's adult-orientated ZombiU has received a lot of attention since its unveiling at E3 2012. The London-based zombie survival title offers a unique twist on the genre, allowing you to only live once. If you're killed by a zombie you start as another character, even allowing to find your previous character and kill the zombie version and raid their inventory. ZombiU keeps the Wii U GamePad at its core, using it for all sorts of things. We're sure this title will be popular come release day.
"The interesting twist and unique selling point of ZombiU, is how easy it is to die. In the demo version we played, you have one syringe, which can kill a zombie if it reaches you, but if you are caught again, you’re history. You must then start again as another survivor, with a timer running to tell you how long you survive with each character."
Giving Mario a run for his money is Ubisoft's limbless Rayman. Following on from the critical success of Rayman Origins, this title once again allows you and three friends to play as Rayman and his. However, this time a fifth person can join and assist the others using the Wii U GamePad. While the mechanic is similar to New Super Mario Bros. U, the implementation is deeper. If you are holding the Wii U GamePad you can stun enemies, activate switches, solve puzzles and much more. Rayman Legends looks set to offer strong gameplay and an admirable art style.
"Ubisoft has managed to utilise the Wii U GamePad to provide a different, but connected, experience that really works to its advantage....I only played the two player mode but I'm curious as to how five players will be able to play together. At times I had to hold onto a hook while my assistant swiveled the landscape around. This worked fine when there was just me but how easy it will be with three others, all having to narrowly avoid destruction, remains to be seen. I imagine it may be more difficult but also more amusing and look forward to trying it out."
