Wii U Discussion

RE: Wii U

Got mine today. Bought the 32GB, so I have NintendoLand and I also bought SMBU. NintendoLand is perfect for learning how to use the game pad, and it's extremely fun to boot. I've only played a few levels of SMBU but so far so amazing. Mario in HD! I'm going to rent the other games to see if they're worth buying, such as Batman: Arkham City, ZombiU (have a feeling this will be like the flop that was Red Steel for the Wii), ME3, NG3, COD2, and AC3.

I must say though, it took at least 2 hours to do the initial system upgrade and another 45min-hour to transfer my Wii data to the Wii U. Wasn't thrilled about that.
 
RE: Wii U

New Super Mario Bros. U

Opening:

'New Super Mario Bros. U' is in an interesting dilemma, as it is another title in the "New" Mario series which just received another entry this very year on the 3DS. This has given a few people bad impressions of the game from the beginning because really, what's new? Luckily for us, however, the game is much less of another entry in the series, and more like a new game.

Basics of NSMB:

The game still carries out like the other 'New Super Mario Bros.' games. Princess gets kidnapped, you have to save her, the usual. The controls are also very familiar, being derived completely from 'New Super Mario Bros. Wii' with the Wii Remote being held sideways, NES style (the 'shake' command can also be used by tapping the triggers if you are using the Gamepad, which may I add, can only control Mario in single player, otherwise it is just to use Boost Rush when playing multiplayer ). As a whole, everything feels the same in the control and story department, and this is probably for the better as the controls are quite smooth.

New Things

So what sets 'New Super Mario Bros. U' apart from DS, 2, and Wii? There's actually a reasonable enough number of changes to make the game feel fresh. The first, most obvious thing you will notice when starting the game is that this time it takes place in one intertwined map 'Super Mario World' style. This, while not actually a giant change, makes the world feel bigger. Secret exits which generally lead to a secret level, seem much more common because of this, with every world having at least one "extra" level found by utilizing them.

Returning to the game are the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, Ice Flower, Mini Mushroom, and Starman (as do the Propeller Suit and Penguin Suit, but only in the final world of the game), oh, and so does Yoshi! There is no Giant Mushroom in sight this time, which may be unfortunate to some. It also brings a new power-up to the table in the Squirrel Suit, which is very reminiscent of the Raccoon Suit from 'Super Mario Bros. 3' in a way (there is also a 'P' version of it which is like the P-Wing - also from the same game). On top of this, it also brings new "power-ups" to the table in the form of Baby Yoshis. You carry them much like you would a Koopa Shell, and shake the Wii Remote to active their special skills. There are three different types of Baby Yoshi:

Pink, which inflates like a balloon, allowing you to traverse levels where falling is death much safer.
Blue, which spits bubbles that capture enemies, turning them into bubble-trapped coins for you to collect (you can also jump on them if you so desire).
and Yellow, which emits light in dark areas such as caves. This lights them up so you can see in a much wider radius, and dazes enemies if used near enough.

You can find the former two on the overworld map, allowing you to bring them with you to most any stage (they sit back on the Castle stages). The yellow one however is only found in levels it would be practical to be used in. After passing any level with your overworld obtained Yoshi they will be following you again on the map to be used in another stage. If you lose them in the stage though you will lose them and must wait until you find another on the world map, or they respawn in their original place.

As well as the new Squirrel Suit, there is a new "mode" in the game titled 'Boost Mode.' Despite the term however, it is not actually a whole new mode, and is rather what the Gamepad player will use when playing multiplayer. When this mode is active (you activate it by tapping anywhere on the screen) you can place blocks into the game by tapping on-screen where you want to place them. Doing so will materialize a block wherever you tap. This can allow even faster coordinated speed runs, or simply let the player wreak havoc, as you may place them quite literally anywhere they can fit. Also added is,

Challenge Mode

Now on to arguably the biggest addition introduced in this game: Challenge Mode. Actually, it's nothing more than the name states, a myriad of trials. But don't let that fool you, it really is a huge addition once you start playing as it is challenging and as such, addicting! There are five different categories in this mode:

Time Attack, where you race to the finish line as fast as possible.

Coin Collection, where you collect as many coins as possible in a certain setup, though some have you do the complete opposite and you must avoid coins!

1-Up Rally, where you must rack up as many lives as possible in different settings. It may be a matter of wall jumping to combo a bunch of Dry Bones, or gliding with the Squirrel Suit to combo Koopas.

Special, which can range from dodging fireballs for as long as possible, to dodging everything in a stage be it Bullet Bill's, fire bars, or coins.

Last but not least, we have Boost Mode. These challenges depend on one user playing as Mario, and another placing platforms for him to jump on. Platforms are generally omitted from the challenges as to make Boost Platforms mandatory.

So what pulls all of these together? They all have a medal system. There is a Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal for most every challenge (some simply have Gold since it's either win or die), and every one has a different criteria to achieve. They are all quite simple; Time Attack requires you to reach the goal within a certain time to get Gold, Coin Collection requires you to collect a certain number in the stage set up, etc. However simple though, these are also what makes this mode challenging. If you want the Gold you will have to play near perfectly in many of the challenges, so in the end this mode adds many hours of content and replayability into the game.

Also falling under the Challenge Mode category are Boost Rush Packs. These are nothing more than stages put together in a pack much like 'New Super Mario Bros. 2's DLC packs. However, they are all set to auto-scroll like an athletic-type stage and the speed rises as more coins are picked up. The boost blocks in this mode also emit coins when stepped on within a certain time-frame as to get you to max speed even faster.

Stage Design and Visuals:

I do believe that this deserves its own section, as the stage design in this game is simply brilliant. You still have a few bad apples here and there, but for the most part the stages are always fun and have a nice, smooth flow to them. You will not play ten stages and be bored because they are too tedious or too much alike, as each one feels new compared to the last. This is a very welcome improvement over that of this year's 'New Super Mario Bros. 2.'

The visuals are amazing for Mario, as they are truly HD for the first time. However, there appears to be a shiny plastic coat over everything in this game. Mario almost looks like he's radiating light at times. But this is rather nitpicky. The backgrounds are nice and detailed for the most part, but do not vary from stage to stage. Most worlds carry two or three backgrounds and stick to those throughout the 6-8 levels in said world. All-in-all, I believe that the graphics are amazing, but do not hold a great "Wow Factor" after the first hour of the game.

Closing:

Well, that wraps up my review on 'New Super Mario Bros. U' for the Nintendo Wii U. The game is most certainly not perfect, but I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for new games for their new console. For that matter, I would recommend it to anyone with a Wii U as it really is a quality title that packs a good amount of content for the price. Until we meet again,

-Chris

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I figured that this thread could use some more activity, so take a review. If you disagree with anything or notice something that needs fixed feel free to PM me.

Where's all the people who were buying it here? I need to know if I should buy Nano Assault or not, so where are my fellow Wii U people to help me make the decision? D:
 
RE: Wii U

SotS said:
As well as the new Squirrel Suit, there is a new "mode" in the game titled 'Boost Rush.' Despite the term however, it is not actually a whole new mode, and is rather what the Gamepad player will use when playing multiplayer. When this mode is active (you activate it by tapping anywhere on the screen) you can place blocks into the game by tapping on-screen where you want to place them. Doing so will materialize a block wherever you tap. This can allow even faster coordinated speed runs, or simply let the player wreak havoc, as you may place them quite literally anywhere they can fit. Also added is,

I thought placing blocks was just... placing blocks. Isn't this

Also falling under the Challenge Mode category are Boost Rush Packs. These are nothing more than stages put together in a pack much like 'New Super Mario Bros. 2's DLC packs. However, they are all set to auto-scroll like an athletic-type stage and the speed rises as more coins are picked up. The boost blocks in this mode also emit coins when stepped on within a certain time-frame as to get you to max speed even faster.

Boost Rush Mode?


Where's all the people who were buying it here? I need to know if I should buy Nano Assault or not, so where are my fellow Wii U people to help me make the decision? D:

http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu-eshop/nano_assault_neo

I'd go for Neo if you really want prettiness, or EX on 3DS if you want more content.
 
RE: Wii U

Hmm.. I'll check that on Google. I looked last night, but I just visited one quick page hehe. I think you're right though, so I'll edit that. All these Boosts are getting mixed in my head since like, one of them is in multiplayer, one is in challenges, one IS a mode. I know that even just placing blocks is called Boost something though, because before you start placing them it gives a message like, "Tap anywhere to activate Boost-something." Thanks for pointing that out!

So EX is more content-packed than Neo? Man, I was hoping that Neo would be the definitive version so that I wouldn't have to choose between the two. I guess Neo would be better for us though since our 3DS's aren't exactly starved for games. Once we beat Mario U completely I don't know what to play until March, so maybe that can fill in the gap.
 
RE: Wii U

I have a question for those who have the Wii U. Is it worth it? If I buy it I will have to pay for it by myself because both of my brothers can't afford to help me with the purchase. Since I'm not the richest person in the world, but I do have a job. I will be in slight debt with my parents because of it. I don't want to purchace the console without being sure that I will play and enjoy it, even with just Nintendo Land for the time being. Also my parents are skeptical about me buying one, so hopefully this can help with their decision of allowing me to buy one.
 
RE: Wii U

I'm loving it so far but do understand people who want better games. Nintendo needs to do better telling people it is a new console and not an add on for Wii. TBH 3DS was weak at launch but after a few months got some good stuff. I really want Lego City Stories and Wonderful 101
 
RE: Wii U

Thank you for the help :) Sadly, I'm not going to be able to buy one for sure until April. Luckily that means more games will be available when I purchase it.
 
RE: Wii U

cinnaminbuns said:
Thank you for the help :) Sadly, I'm not going to be able to buy one for sure until April. Luckily that means more games will be available when I purchase it.

Plus E3 is about 2 months from April and that may make you want some games for the future. good way to plan spending and stuff. Also by April games should be used at Gamestop so you can get some stuff for cheaper which is always nice
 
YES!! Finally, somewhere to TAKE OUT MY ANGERRRRR

I have had the Wii U for two weeks now, and almost every aspect SUCKS. No internet service, the console gives me error messages that, according to the support website, don't exist, TONS of glitches. Skylanders Giants has frozen about two dozen times now, and says my Playtime for my Skylanders is over 590,000 hours. SO MANY GLITCHESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
 
I am cringing over the lack of gamecube controller support. They really need to make an adapter for it. The pro controller is not an adequate replacement.
 
Anyone know if the Wii U can play GameCube games?

I haven't had a chance to test it out on the one my parents got.
 
SoulWind said:
Anyone know if the Wii U can play GameCube games?

I haven't had a chance to test it out on the one my parents got.

It can't, there's no compatibility.
 
RotomRules64 said:
YES!! Finally, somewhere to TAKE OUT MY ANGERRRRR

I have had the Wii U for two weeks now, and almost every aspect SUCKS. No internet service, the console gives me error messages that, according to the support website, don't exist, TONS of glitches. Skylanders Giants has frozen about two dozen times now, and says my Playtime for my Skylanders is over 590,000 hours. SO MANY GLITCHESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

Gee ya think? When I found out that the Wii U was poised to be the next Sega Dreamcast I had to take a pass on it. Seems like Nintendo is better off banking on the handheld market at this rate especially with the 3DS and If Pokemon X & Y aren't backwards compatible with the B/W games then Nintendo most likely dug it's own grave.
 
I have it, but it's been sort of buggy. Not catastrophic like some console releases, but alas. I'm really disappointed about the lack of DLC support at the moment. I bought Warriors Orochi 3 for the extra content, but now I can't get my ridiculous costumes and extra maps. D= Sad.

I bought Skylanders Giants, but I haven't seen how buggy that game is, yet. I bought it as it's the only true HD version of Skylanders Giants (NO idea why, as the other systems CAN support it) but I'm hoping it makes me not want to punch babies. Skylander collecting makes me want to punch enough as it is, you know.
 
Those of you in America, Target has all their WiiU games buy 2 get 1 free if any of you guys interested.

I haven't played the WiiU my self yet, but it seems all right. If only there was a game I really wanted to play, I would of gotten one. Nintendo Power said that the new super Mario bros game was great and scriblenauts is out for it.... But that's not enough to pull me in just yet. I think Nintendo thought it would catch on just like the Wii did....
 
Nintendo just got lucky with the success of the Wii because it was very innovative at the time which Sony and Microsoft took advantage of with the PlayStation Move and the Kinect, Wii U on the other hand isn't very innovative at all when you compare it to how it stacked up at E3 last year especially when Sony and Microsoft kept a low profile on their new stuff at the event which was strange.

Not one mention of PS4 or the next new XBOX console either, sounds to me like video game developers may have hit a plateau as they don't know where to take video game technology next towards? seems like video games on smart phones or on Apple brands like the iPad seems like the next big step, I dunno. There's already games you can play for free Online that have the same quality as games on video game consoles especially apps you can get for your phones.
 
Card Slinger J said:
Nintendo just got lucky with the success of the Wii because it was very innovative at the time which Sony and Microsoft took advantage of with the PlayStation Move and the Kinect, Wii U on the other hand isn't very innovative at all when you compare it to how it stacked up at E3 last year especially when Sony and Microsoft kept a low profile on their new stuff at the event which was strange.

Not one mention of PS4 or the next new XBOX console either, sounds to me like video game developers may have hit a plateau as they don't know where to take video game technology next towards? seems like video games on smart phones or on Apple brands like the iPad seems like the next big step, I dunno. There's already games you can play for free Online that have the same quality as games on video game consoles especially apps you can get for your phones.

If they made the kinect less buggy then Microsoft would have the top console. I think the wii u didn't leap too far ahead but it's the first to have 5 controllers at the same time and the idea of having the 4 vs 1 idea is kind of cool and is fun.

I might get a wii u soon, mostly because Rayman looks AMAZING and Pikmin 3 <3. None of the games right now are that great but I'll stick with my 3ds right now till Rayman....then I'll be addicted
 
Card Slinger J said:
Not one mention of PS4 or the next new XBOX console either, sounds to me like video game developers may have hit a plateau as they don't know where to take video game technology next towards?

You're pretty much spot on. Better graphics is kind of difficult when they're already at such a high level this long into the generation's lifespan. I suppose they'll just have to copy the only innovation out there right now and they'll probably come out with tablet controllers. ;p Just like they did with motion control.

dmaster out.
 
dmaster said:
Card Slinger J said:
Not one mention of PS4 or the next new XBOX console either, sounds to me like video game developers may have hit a plateau as they don't know where to take video game technology next towards?

You're pretty much spot on. Better graphics is kind of difficult when they're already at such a high level this long into the generation's lifespan. I suppose they'll just have to copy the only innovation out there right now and they'll probably come out with tablet controllers. ;p Just like they did with motion control.

dmaster out.

I'll admit that Microsoft is pretty cool but I don't like Sony, they just improve the graphics and then send out the same system over and over. I mean the controller design from th ps1 controller to ps3 controller is almost identical and personally I'm never impressed by graphics at all, I'm impressed by the look of a game and the art and gameplay. They really started making beautiful and amazingly artistic games in the GameCube age (Loz wind waker, okami, Pikmin, melee, others) and the ps2 had its ones too (I let a friend borrow all my ps2 games so I can't think of them right now 0-0) and the Xbox had its ones too but not as stunning till the 360 (viva piñata, borderlands, halo) but it's all about makin it more "real" instead of unique :/.
 
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