By: Stephen Duetzmann, editor in chief
The WiiU has struggled to move consoles recently because of a lack of games. It doesn’t have a strong enough general lineup to excite “core” gamers and get them to buy the machine. Families, on the other hand, have plenty of games to choose from. The list below includes the best options available to parents this year when they are shopping for games. However, one of the strengths of the system is the catalog of classic titles on the WiiU eShop. Don’t underestimate the cool factor of giving your kids an eShop card and letting them choose their own classic titles to play.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD – E 10+
This is a high definition remake of one of the best games in the Zelda franchise. It may have met resistance from fans when it was originally released on the GameCube all those years ago, but the cartoon graphics have aged very well and look stunning and vibrant in HD. If you remember trying to rescue Zelda when you were a kid and long for the chance to introduce your own kids to the series this is an amazing start.
Many of us hold fond memories in our hearts for our first trip through the mushroom kingdom on the NES. Super Mario Brothers U shows respect to those fond memories and catapults the entire experience into HD. I won’t lie. I was skeptical at first. I didn’t see the value in the upgraded graphics, but the subtle touches to the look (and sound) of the game will make this a favorite in your house.
Read above. Super Luigi U is all of that, but it also adds in some tweaks to add additional challenge. This is a budget priced game that can stand alone, but, like Luigi, it is best appreciated when paired with its older brother.
Super Mario 3D World – (Rating pending, but presumably E or E 10+)
Super Mario 3D world launches on 11/22/2013 and, by all accounts, looks like it might be the strongest game on the console so far. Super Mario 64 is one of the most beloved games of all time, and this appears to take all of the magic that made it special and injects it with multiplayer fun.
Lego City: Undercover – E10+
LEGO City Undercover takes a lot of the open world variety available in the Grand Theft Auto Series and gives it a kid friendly veneer. If you have kids who have been begging you to buy them Grand Theft Auto, have them give this game a try. Its age appropriate, funny, and a great warm-up for when they are old enough to play,
Rayman Legends – E10+
Rayman is a game mascot that was left forgotten by gamers for years until he was resurrected by Ubisoft with the surprise hit Rayman Origins.
Rayman Legends improves on virtually every aspect of its predecessor. The hand drawn art and animations are a joy to look at and the use of licensed music makes this game a treat.
It is on the challenging side, so you should make sure you know your child’s skill level before you buy it. But, this is an excellent gift.for children who love platforming games.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes – E10+
LEGO branded games have been the surprise hit of this console generation and LEGO Marvel Super Heroes looks like it is one of the best. It is lower priced than other games on the market ($50) and is loaded with super heroes. Your child favorite is all but guaranteed to be playable. This is an excellent gift for the Marvel fan on your list!
Game & Wario – E
Game & Wario is less of a traditional “game” than it is a collection of interesting ways to use the WiiU’s gamepad. You’ll be asked to do all sorts of things like block suction cup arrows and blow up aliens and all of it will be done to crazy beat.
If your family likes rhythm games and is looking for a multiplayer experience that will make you laugh out loud, then this is the game for you.
The Wonderful 101 is rated T, so it is meant for older kids. But, this is a humorous take on Japanese “sentai” shows like Power Rangers. The characters are over the top and the story is just crazy enough to be followed.
If your child loves Power Rangers and is looking for something new to play, this is a good choice.
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