The Wii U, the newest video game console from Nintendo, has been on the market since last year, and not once has it enticed me into buying itÉ until now. I used to think buying the new Wii U system would be a waste of money because the only thing I would gain from it would be the Wii U Gamepad (a new fancy touchscreen controller). But there’s much more to the Wii U than I thought.
By using their Wii U Gamepad, players can continue playing their games when another household member is using the television. The game simply switches from the television screen onto the player’s touchscreen Wii U Gamepad controller.
The system also has a feature called the Wii U Menu, which allows gamers to surf the internet, access Nintendo TVii (to watch movies and TV shows on the Wii U Gamepad), download apps through the Nintendo eShop, access Wii U Chat, and explore Miiverse (a social network where gamers can connect with other gamers around the world).
Even though the Wii U console upgrades its online features and offers a touchscreen controller, is it enough to convince me to buy it? Did I mention that gamers can connect their Wii remotes and nunchuks and play their Wii games on the Wii U? Also, the Wii U is the first Nintendo console to support HD graphics. Yes, the Wii U is looking more appealing each passing day.
So what is on the horizon for Wii U games this summer? Here’s a look at a couple that are worth checking out.
Pikmin 3
In Pikmin 3, gamers play as three explorers that journey to an alien planet and collect as much food as possible before their home planet starves to death. As the explorers search for food they come across these little creatures called Pikmin. By employing these tiny, colorful creatures, players will be able to gather food, battle opposing enemies, and solve challenging puzzles. There are two new Pikmin types that have been introduced to this series: rock Pikmin and wing Pikmin. Also, players will have the ability to throw explorers and the option to choose from five different control schemes. This strategic adventure game was released on August 4.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist is an action-adventure game that continues where the last series, Splinter Cell: Conviction, left off, putting you in the shoes of former agent Sam Fisher. Fisher and his team must hunt down a terror ultimatum called the Blacklist, which was created by a group of rogue nations that wish for the United States civilization to crumble. This series introduces a new gameplay called Killing in Motion that allows gamers to take out multiple enemies in one swift motion. This game is set in a third-person perspective. The Wii U Gamepad touchscreen acts as an interface for the player, allowing them to access the character’s gadgets, weapons, and other features. The release date for the game is August 30.