Wii U - 11/18 @ $300/350

[fanatic]

So tempted re-pick up (yes, I'm one of those people) a Wii U for Super Mario 3D World. I did love my first experience with the console - great off-TV play, fun interface, etc...

I have a couple of questions for those of you who own it.

Is Super Mario 3D World a fairly large/lengthy experience? I've heard things about 8 hours of single-player, but with extra modes, that could be much longer. Anyone have insight into this? I loved how the Galaxy games were about 20-25 hours.

About Zelda WW HD: I never played the original. Visually, it looks right up my alley. However, I'm wondering how the gameplay holds up? My concern is that after the initial charm wears off, that I'll be bored of the combat and forcing myself to make it through the lengthy story. Perhaps I'm not giving enough credit to the Zelda designers - I'm sure it's a classic for a reason. Just wondering what you all thought..

Thanks!

[sportdan30]

I too had previously purchased the Wii U at launch, and I genuinely enjoyed it at the time, but eventually returned it because of the lack of quality games at the time. There wasn't a whole lot of titles on the horizon at the time. Such is the problem with being an early adopter of a new console. There are quite a few games I can't wait to play that's either out or coming out in the near future.

My enthusiasm for the Wii U one year later is just as high, and pretty much on the same level of excitement as the PS4. I feel I'm enjoying the best of what gaming has to offer. One is more serious and hardcore (PS4), and one is pure fun and light hearted games I find excited to play alone and with family members (Wii U). I would never have the Wii as a primary console, but it's a wonderful secondary console that blends perfectly with a gaming PC or Sony/MS console.

Regarding Super Mario 3D World, it's 8 levels, with 4 bonus levels. From what I understand, the 4 bonus levels are extremely challenging. Which might not bode well for me as it took me several tries to pass a couple levels in World 4. However, it's quite rewarding when you do. There's just something so many things I love about this game. The brilliance of the level design, the catchy music, the boss battles, finding those 3 secret stars on each level, etc. You certainly won't complete this game in one sitting or for that matter, a few days. I'll play 45 minutes and take a break, and maybe play Fifa 14 on the PS4 or a half hour's worth of Zen Pinball.

I can't comment on Wind Waker, but from what I've played of the demo, I'm very much looking forward to putting in some quality time with the game. It really impressed me and loved the visuals.

[fanatic]

I too had previously purchased the Wii U at launch, and I genuinely enjoyed it at the time, but eventually returned it because of the lack of quality games at the time. There wasn't a whole lot of titles on the horizon at the time. Such is the problem with being an early adopter of a new console. There are quite a few games I can't wait to play that's either out or coming out in the near future.

My enthusiasm for the Wii U one year later is just as high, and pretty much on the same level of excitement as the PS4. I feel I'm enjoying the best of what gaming has to offer. One is more serious and hardcore (PS4), and one is pure fun and light hearted games I find excited to play alone and with family members (Wii U). I would never have the Wii as a primary console, but it's a wonderful secondary console that blends perfectly with a gaming PC or Sony/MS console.

Regarding Super Mario 3D World, it's 8 levels, with 4 bonus levels. From what I understand, the 4 bonus levels are extremely challenging. Which might not bode well for me as it took me several tries to pass a couple levels in World 4. However, it's quite rewarding when you do. There's just something so many things I love about this game. The brilliance of the level design, the catchy music, the boss battles, finding those 3 secret stars on each level, etc. You certainly won't complete this game in one sitting or for that matter, a few days. I'll play 45 minutes and take a break, and maybe play Fifa 14 on the PS4 or a half hour's worth of Zen Pinball.

I can't comment on Wind Waker, but from what I've played of the demo, I'm very much looking forward to putting in some quality time with the game. It really impressed me and loved the visuals.

Thanks for the impressions. I am sure that however long Super Mario 3D World is, it will be a instant classic for me - it looks like a lot of care went into this one.

One cool thing I read recently (can't remember where), was that Nintendo has a Mario specific team of developers, that are constantly developing ideas/content for Mario in general, rather than for a specific title. Can't wait to try the cat suit!

I liked Zombie U when I first tried it at launch - might have to pick that one back up (looks like it goes for $10-$15 now which is great)

I'm also intrigued by the new version of Deus Ex for the Wii U.

[sportdan30]

The cat suit is a great addition, even though I'm not a fan of cats!

If you do purchase the Wii U, I'd strongly suggest picking up a Pro Controller. 80 hours of battery life on one charge and it really feels natural playing Super Mario 3D and will be great with Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze, Mario Kart 8, SSB, etc. Best Buy has all Wii controllers 20 percent off from Jan. 5th thru Jan. 11th .

[fanatic]

The cat suit is a great addition, even though I'm not a fan of cats!

If you do purchase the Wii U, I'd strongly suggest picking up a Pro Controller. 80 hours of battery life on one charge and it really feels natural playing Super Mario 3D and will be great with Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze, Mario Kart 8, SSB, etc. Best Buy has all Wii controllers 20 percent off from Jan. 5th thru Jan. 11th .

Cool, thanks.

I think I will arrive home with the Wind Waker bundle, Mario World 3D and perhaps Pikmin 3.

[pigpen81]

The dungeons of Zelda WW with the super creativity of its mini bosses, bosses and puzzles is what makes it great for me.

Solving them, hearing the jingle, then having my boys sing to me, "Real Dad of Genius" (from real man of genius beer commercials) is awesome

The world is full of charm and makes me feel like a kid in a huge world of enchantment.

Their is a hardcore mode where hearts are sparse if the difficulty is to easy.

[sportdan30]

Picked up Wind Waker this evening before the impending snow storm. Can't wait to play later tonight and tomorrow.

[Spooky]

Do any of you Wii U owners have Splinter Cell: BL? I just ordered it from Amazon for $30. I traded it in when I sold back my 360 but loved the online MP and miss it. Once I realized it was on the Wii U I ordered it immediately. I have a feeling that the online presence is probably very thin for this title on the Wii U so finding decent MP sessions might be difficult. Maybe we can get a crew from here to have some fun!

On another note - anyone try out Sonic All Star Racing? got good reviews and looks like a fun diversion until MK8 gets here.

[Bakes]

My family had a lot of fun with Sonic All Star Racing. Definitely a good game to tide you over until Mario Kart arrives. There is enough to do in the career mode to keep you busy for a while and the online racing is decent (although if I remember it was cumbersome to set up). Most of the races have a mix of driving, flying and boating which is fun. You can also play on the game pad off tv which is nice.

I think it is only $20-$25 on Amazon.

[fanatic]

Re: Sonic All Star Racing Transformed:

I can't recommend this game enough on the Wii U. I bought it at launch and played it about 10 times more than the New Super Mario Bros. that released alongside it. The courses are great - a lot of variety, a ton of charm, etc... Controls are great and online play worked very smooth. I must have put 20 hours into it!

Re: My latest Wii U purchase, including Mario World and Wind Waker (and yet to unwrap Pikmin)

Not much needs to be added about Mario...definitely game of the year stuff.

What really took me by surprise was just how beautiful and magical Wind Waker HD is. I'm all for next-gen super realism, but art style and vibrancy of Wind Waker is a great accomplishment.

Glad to be back in the Nintendo universe.

[sportdan30]

I'm on World 6 with Super Mario 3D World.

I've put in about 45 minutes of Wind Waker thus far. I'm at the point where I'm sailing off on my adventure. I know I'm only scratching the surface of this game, and so far it hasn't disappointed. Mind you, this is my first Zelda game ever.

[Spooky]

Thanks guys. Sonic Racing ordered for $25 off Amazon.

Now we need to get some more of you with Splinter Cell!!!

[Spooky]

Granted it's probably due to the "new car smell" of the Wii U, but man, my Xbox One has gotten zero love since getting this thing. I am really loving this console!

[sportdan30]

Granted it's probably due to the "new car smell" of the Wii U, but man, my Xbox One has gotten zero love since getting this thing. I am really loving this console!

Agree! For me, I genuinely love the different style of games that can be enjoyed as opposed to the same ol same ol FPS, racers, etc.

The UI is put together very well, and it's easy to navigate.

I also find the Wii U community feels more alive if that makes any sense (online users posting comments, pictures, etc.)

Happy to hear you're enjoying it so far. By the way, what's your Nintendo ID?

[dbdynsty25]

Granted it's probably due to the "new car smell" of the Wii U, but man, my Xbox One has gotten zero love since getting this thing. I am really loving this console!

You also switched from the Galaxy Note to an iPhone. Clearly you need a psych eval. LOL. Or a PS4.

[Spooky]

Granted it's probably due to the "new car smell" of the Wii U, but man, my Xbox One has gotten zero love since getting this thing. I am really loving this console!

Agree! For me, I genuinely love the different style of games that can be enjoyed as opposed to the same ol same ol FPS, racers, etc.

The UI is put together very well, and it's easy to navigate.

I also find the Wii U community feels more alive if that makes any sense (online users posting comments, pictures, etc.)

Happy to hear you're enjoying it so far. By the way, what's your Nintendo ID?

Yeah - agree with you on the community front. Last night I was having trouble in a NES Remix challenge (great game BTW) and posted a message right from the challenge and within 30 seconds someone responded with some tips. I was shocked.

My ID is: Spooky73

[Spooky]

Granted it's probably due to the "new car smell" of the Wii U, but man, my Xbox One has gotten zero love since getting this thing. I am really loving this console!

You also switched from the Galaxy Note to an iPhone. Clearly you need a psych eval. LOL. Or a PS4.

Hater's gonna hate.

Seriously though - a couple things the Wii U has going for it for my gaming style: A great selection of extremely well made Nintendo style quick, pick up and play games where I can play a level or two and feel fulfilled. And the Gamepad for "off TV" gaming. A surprisingly comfortable and responsive controller with a surprisingly nice screen.

I was always intrigued by the Wii U concept and am certainly a Nintendo fan but was really wary of a purchase for this first year because I was shocked at the lack of top notch first party titles. Mario 3D World put me over the edge. And now with DK Country, MK8 and a new Smash Bros coming in the next few months I'll be very satisfied. It truly is the perfect complimentary console to one of the big guns.

[fanatic]

Granted it's probably due to the "new car smell" of the Wii U, but man, my Xbox One has gotten zero love since getting this thing. I am really loving this console!

You also switched from the Galaxy Note to an iPhone. Clearly you need a psych eval. LOL. Or a PS4.

Hater's gonna hate.

Seriously though - a couple things the Wii U has going for it for my gaming style: A great selection of extremely well made Nintendo style quick, pick up and play games where I can play a level or two and feel fulfilled. And the Gamepad for "off TV" gaming. A surprisingly comfortable and responsive controller with a surprisingly nice screen.

I was always intrigued by the Wii U concept and am certainly a Nintendo fan but was really wary of a purchase for this first year because I was shocked at the lack of top notch first party titles. Mario 3D World put me over the edge. And now with DK Country, MK8 and a new Smash Bros coming in the next few months I'll be very satisfied. It truly is the perfect complimentary console to one of the big guns.

Agreed - great complimentary system or even a main, if Nintendo stuff is your big passion and you don't require 25 titles a year to be happy.

I really like the whole feel of the Wii U experience - feels not just like a gaming console or a piece of tech, but rather like a toy that you can pick up and play with. Some may look at this as a negative, but for me, it's got a bit of that childhood/retro/nostalgia aspect, which is really nice to have as a balance to the seriousness of everyday life.

[pigpen81]

Agreed - great complimentary system or even a main, if Nintendo stuff is your big passion and you don't require 25 titles a year to be happy.

I really like the whole feel of the Wii U experience - feels not just like a gaming console or a piece of tech, but rather like a toy that you can pick up and play with. Some may look at this as a negative, but for me, it's got a bit of that childhood/retro/nostalgia aspect, which is really nice to have as a balance to the seriousness of everyday life.

Nail hits head

I will add that it is a system I feel 100% comfortable for my 5 and 7 year old to play.

[Rodster]

Add me to the U camp. Walmart had the Skylander Bundle w/Nintendo Land for $239.

[sportdan30]

Add me to the U camp. Walmart had the Skylander Bundle w/Nintendo Land for $239.

That's a heck of a price. You basically got the system for around $200, which IMO seems to be the right price for the console. Did you get any other games for it? There's
quite a few demos so be sure to check them out.

The Virtual Console is littered with some great games from the past. I'm still deciding what to buy......got my eye on Double Dragon, which I loved as a kid.

As soon as I'm done with 3D World, I'll probably pick up NES Remix. Trying to pace myself with how many games I can play at a time.

My daughter and I played 45 minutes of 3D World last night, and while she's not very adept at video games in general, she helped me a little bit. More importantly,
she had a great time.

She and I also played around with Youtube app last night on the Wii U, and using the gamepad to navigate was a breeze for her. We watched quite a few music videos.

[pigpen81]

Add me to the U camp. Walmart had the Skylander Bundle w/Nintendo Land for $239.

My boys love Skylanders Swap Force. (They are playing it at this moment on the gamepad

Check out Donkey Kong Crash Course on Nintendoland. It is my favorite (I made it to the 3rd level) and the control is sublime.

[Rodster]

That's a heck of a price. You basically got the system for around $200, which IMO seems to be the right price for the console. Did you get any other games for it?

Nah, no games other than the bundle games and i'm waiting for Walmart to ship it so I can pick it up at their store. I wished they would announce Animal Crossing. Those games are crazy fun.

Eventually i'll get Mario 3D, Pikmin 3, Wind Waker.

[Rodster]

I received the Skylander Bundle from a third party seller fulfilled by Amazon. The Nintendo Land box was damaged so I contacted Amazon and asked if this was a new system. They said the sellers inventory changes and they could either do a partial or full refund. I chose partial. Amazon credited me $100 for the trouble. Gotta love Amazon. So the Bundle only cost me $149.99

Nice system btw. I ordered from Amazon Wind Waker HD, The Wonderful 101 (mix between Viewtiful Joe and Pikmin) on sale for $29.96 @ Amazon today. And I purchased Super Mario Bros U from a 3rd party seller on Amazon.

[Spooky]

Can't recommend The Wonderful 101 enough! Great, great game so far. It can be a difficult game so I am playing on an easier setting. Also - I have read many people say that using the 'R' stick to create the weapon shapes is much better and faster than drawing them on the gamepad (once you get the hang of it).