Nintendo Wii U Launch Game Review Round-up: The Best & The Rest

Nintendo Wii U is here, ready for early adopters and holiday shoppers eager to get their hands on Nintendo's latest. As a game console, the system is just what we expected, a new Nintendo device with HD visuals and innovative controls and charming features. Here's our in-depth Wii U review in case you'd like to know more. If you already know and just want to see which launch games turned out better, read on! This game review round-up should make things easier for you. (Note: We've only included the retail titles in this list, 31 of them, but there are some great downloadable ones you should check out too!)

New Super Mario Bros. U  

This is Super Mario in HD! The new visuals, the original backgrounds and textures, the new powers such as the squirrel suit and the floating mini-Yoshis, they all bring a fresh new experience to life, even if it's more of the same. If you love the series, you'll agree that New Super Mario Bros. U is simply outstanding!

Batman: Arkham City - Armored Core Edition  

If you haven't played Batman: Arkham City yet, this is your chance to play the enhanced edition with GamePad features such as the wrist-mounted Batcomputer, plus upgraded gadgets, an upgraded armored suit for Batman and Catwoman, and all the previous DLC. Good stuff...

Call of Duty: Black Ops II  

Call of Duty, in HD, on a Nintendo console. That's right, it's here! It's the same Black Ops II from the other consoles, but on the Wii U version another player can join in the fun and play on the GamePad screen, or you can swap your gameplay to the GamePad to avoid that potty break, view the multiplayer maps on it, choose weapons, call score streaks... Only downside is less people online, but there are enough you'll get your dose of fun all the same. Multiple controller options are a plus.

Mass Effect 3: Special Edition  

Looks awesome on Wii U! High-def visuals, most of the previous DLC already on disc, Genesis II interactive comic to help you catch up with the Mass Effect story and shape up your Mass Effect 3 shepard... there's plenty to like here. Plus the GamePad screen features are super useful, including full gameplay right on it when the TV is not available.

Assassin's Creed III  

The same experience as on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, some of the glitches included, but you can't skip such an adventure! Assassin's Creed III is a AAA title, and on Wii U, the GamePad is used to see the map or equip different weapons. Great thing is, Ubisoft plans to release DLC for AC3 on Wii U too, not just limit their support to the other consoles. Third-party support at its best... Yeah!

(Continued on the Next Page...)