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Feature

The Top 10 Games On Wii U

by Brian Shea on Apr 27, 2017 at 04:21 PM

Beginning with its debut in 2012, the Nintendo Wii U saw both rough seas and smooth sailing. From the third-party developer exodus that occurred shortly after the system hit the market to the outstanding releases that only Nintendo can deliver, the waters of the Wii U can be tricky to navigate.

Whether you’re just now grabbing a Wii U or you’re just looking to expand your existing library, this list represents the games you should play on your Wii U.

Here are Game Informer’s picks for the Top 10 games on Wii U.

10. Axiom Verge
"I heartily applaud Tom Happ’s first solo effort. It’s incredible that he was able to nail every component of game creation in one package. I’ll wait as long as it takes for him to build a follow-up. When everything works this well, why let someone else get in there and screw it up?" – Joe Juba

To read the full review and learn more, click here.

9. Splatoon
“Splatoon has all the trappings of something fans have wanted from Nintendo for a long time: a unique IP that shows Nintendo can still dream up new experiences. As entertaining as it is fast-paced, Splatoon is a strong addition to the Wii U lineup.” – Brian Shea

To read the full review and learn more, click here (though the game has gotten significantly better with updates).

8. Bayonetta 2
“Creating a sequel to an already-polished game is a challenge, but Platinum Games’ approach ultimately succeeds. Bayonetta 2 is rooted in its past while taking steps (but not strides) toward the future. Though I was disappointed by some of the familiarity, I was usually having too much fun to care.” – Joe Juba

To read the full review and learn more, click here.

7. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
“Every change Nintendo has made to this game is smart and serves a purpose, and I envy anyone that gets to experience The Wind Waker for the first time via this remake. It takes everything that made the original a classic and greatly improves on its visuals and quality of play. If you’re a fan of classic remakes, you can’t ask for much more.” – Dan Ryckert

To read the full review and learn more, click here.

6. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
“Even though there are fewer total levels this time around, the individual stages are longer than an average level from the previous game. In the end, I’d rather have a slightly smaller collection of Retro Studios’ best levels than one bloated up with lesser-quality stages in order to hit an arbitrary number. That finely cultivated assortment is exactly what you get with Tropical Freeze.” – Bryan Vore

To read the full review and learn more, click here.

On the next page: Our top 5 games for Wii U. 

5. Super Mario 3D World
“Any Mario game runs the risk of the final encounter being too traditional or featuring a frustrating gimmick, but this one brought a smile to everyone’s faces on my co-op team from beginning to end.” – Bryan Vore

To read the full review and learn more, click here.

4. Mario Kart 8
"Mario Kart 8 should certainly be added to the list of top-tier entries, and none of the previous titles can boast the rock-solid total package that this one offers. Say what you will about Nintendo sticking with the tried and true, but I have no problem with that as long as it stays this fun.” – Dan Ryckert

To read the full review and learn more, click here.

3. Super Mario Maker
“Super Mario Maker is simple without being shallow and dense without being overwhelming. Its capabilities are limited compared to other creation games (you can only make platformer levels) but I never felt like I hit a wall in terms of creativity, and was consistently surprised by the work of others.” – Kyle Hilliard 

To read the full review and learn more, click here.

2. Super Smash Bros
“Even if you aren’t able to regularly round up an eight-player posse, there’s more than enough great stuff here to keep you busy – both solo or in traditional four-way matches. I’ve had a great time rekindling old Smash Bros. rivalries from the GameCube era and introducing it to a new generation of players. Its mix of accessibility and deep strategy is remarkable, and it’s an instant lock in my party-game rotation.” – Jeff Cork

To read the full review and learn more, click here.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
 "Despite the massive scope of the game, Breath of the Wild retains Nintendo’s knack for polish without any major technical hiccups to disrupt the experience. I was entranced by this version of Hyrule, and it surprised me at nearly every turn, from its wealth of discoveries to the way it shuns the established tropes of previous Zelda games. It represents a profound new direction for one of gaming’s best franchises and a new high point for open-world interactive experiences." – Kyle Hilliard

To read the full review and learn more, click here.

For more of the Top 10 games for each console, check out our lists for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Products In This Article

Axiom Vergecover

Axiom Verge

Platform:
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Wii U, PlayStation Vita, PC
Release Date:
March 31, 2015 (PlayStation 4), 
May 14, 2015 (PC), 
April 19, 2016 (PlayStation Vita), 
September 1, 2016 (Wii U), 
September 30, 2016 (Xbox One), 
October 5, 2017 (Switch)
Splatooncover

Splatoon

Platform:
Wii U
Release Date:
Bayonetta 2cover

Bayonetta 2

Platform:
Switch, Wii U
Release Date:
October 24, 2014 (Wii U), 
February 16, 2018 (Switch)
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HDcover

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD

Platform:
Wii U
Release Date:
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freezecover

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Platform:
Switch, Wii U
Release Date:
Super Mario 3D Worldcover

Super Mario 3D World

Platform:
Wii U
Release Date:
Mario Kart 8cover

Mario Kart 8

Platform:
Wii U
Release Date:
Super Mario Makercover

Super Mario Maker

Platform:
Wii U
Release Date:
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DScover

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS

Platform:
Wii U, 3DS
Release Date:
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildcover

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Platform:
Switch, Wii U
Release Date: