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21.11.2012 
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Whilst the Wii U also plays existing Nintendo Wii games, the new console has been designed to play the latest high-definition titles designed with the new GamePad in mind. At launch there are 25 new Wii U games to pick up, from the popular shooting game Call of Duty: Black Ops II to family favourite Nintendo Land, cinematic adventure Assassin's Creed 3 to the sublime platforming of New Super Mario Bros. U.
In the second part of our buyer's guide, Cubed3's Jorge Ba-oh and Adam Riley take a look at the line-up and the games we recommend buying with the new Wii U or as the ideal present during the Christmas season.
We also run a daily price comparison check on these Wii U titles - for today's lowest online prices, be sure to visit the Cubed3 Nintendo Wii U Shop.
In the second part of our buyer's guide, Cubed3's Jorge Ba-oh and Adam Riley take a look at the line-up and the games we recommend buying with the new Wii U or as the ideal present during the Christmas season.
We also run a daily price comparison check on these Wii U titles - for today's lowest online prices, be sure to visit the Cubed3 Nintendo Wii U Shop.
Nintendo Favourites
Nintendo LandJoin Nintendo favourites like Mario, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Samus Aran and Link from the Legend of Zelda series in this menagerie of mini-game fun, choosing to play with asymmetric gameplay with up to five people using a mixture of the GamePad and Wii Remotes, or tackling some tough individual modes with the GamePad alone. Twist, turn, flick, dodge, and brace yourselves for a whole lot of hilarious enjoyment with all the family!
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New Super Mario Bros. UHe's legendary, he's fun, he's Mario. The world famous Nintendo mascot returns to once again save Princess Peach from harm, joined by up to four friends. Travel through bright, colourful worlds, defeating the evil Bowser's minions, using the GamePad to help players and as a second screen. Add in tough challenges, bonus content and pin-point perfect gameplay and you've got a recipe for a thoroughly enjoyable game in stunning high definition.
Adventure Games
Assassin's Creed 3 Ubisoft's highly regarded third-person adventure series makes its debut on a Nintendo console, revitalising the Assassin's Creed story with a new setting, protagonist and skills. Set during the Revolutionary War in Colonial America, players take on the role of Connor, using his stealth skills to outwit foes within populated cities and in the open wilderness. Use the GamePad as a handheld map, pick abilities, items and even pop the entire HUD from the TV to the GamePad itself for a more cinematic experience. Stunning visuals, a lengthy single player campaign and multiplayer fun make Assassin's Creed III an essential launch day candidate.
Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of TwoEveryone's favourite cartoon mouse, Mickey, returns to the living room in Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, as he sets out to help the residents of Wasteland -- a world filled with forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions. Explore a vibrant open world, with a cinematic, engaging story and support for up to two players. Use the GamePad to view an interactive map and activate sketches to use in the game itself. Disney Epic Mickey 2 is a charming adventure with plenty of fun and challenge for all ages.
Skylanders: GiantsThe follow-up to Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure brings a new line of toys to warp into a vibrant world of action and fantasy. Use the "Portal of Power" to lead the heroic Skylanders into all new adventures, solve puzzles and earn hidden treasures. The Wii U edition features multiplayer, GamePad controls, support for existing Skylanders toys and a compelling storyline for all ages.
Action Games
Batman: Arkham City - Armoured EditionEveryone's favourite Caped Crusader dons his batarang, utility belt and gadgets and once again takes to the streets to vanquish a deadly disease from Gotham City. As one of the highest-rated titles of 2011, the game has been enhanced for Wii U players, with the GamePad touch screen acting as a handy digital toolkit for items and upgrades, sonar radar and a new BAT mode for a more beefy Batman. A blend of familiar faces, a rich, and an engrossing storyline make Batman: Arkham City a must-have addition to the Wii U library.
Darksiders IIFancy adventuring of a darker variety this festive season? In Darksiders II the most featured of the legendary Four Horsemen, Death, kindly sets out do undo the end of the Earth. Explore a vast open world using Death's agile abilities and weapons to hack and slash through hordes of enemies, solve puzzles and even ride a horse through the depths of the void. Darksiders II is an interactive action game with a difference, with additional bonus content and unique GamePad features only on Wii U.
Marvel Avengers: Battle for EarthIt's a battle of superheroes and villains in Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth as the iconic faces from the world of Marvel unleash their superpowers to face evil and save the world from harm. From Iron Man to Hulk, Captain America to Thor, there are over 20 classic heroes to play as in various different modes. Even fight each other in a bid to become the ultimate hero. An action-filled, visually slick adventure for any superhero fan to unwrap.
Mass Effect 3: Special EditionIt's an all out war to take back planet Earth from a devious foe as Bioware's award winning series makes its mark on a Nintendo platform for the very first time. Through ground-breaking storytelling and a compelling adventure, explore a deep Sci-Fi world with a solid arsenal at your disposal. Mass Effect 3 has been enhanced on the Wii U with new weapons, unique GamePad features and bonus content on the disc. This is one story that simply can't be missed!
Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge (January 2013/EU)Tecmo Koei has tweaked Ninja Gaiden 3 to perfection with a helping hand from Nintendo for Razor's Edge, the ultimate edition of this intense and extremely bloody action adventure that is out now in the US, but is due elsewhere early next year. Using the GamePad makes for smoother use of the legendary weaponry at hand, with quick touch-screen actions making for a far more intuitive experience overall. It may be gruesome, it may be traumatic, but it is without a doubt one of the most thrilling Wii U games at the moment.
Tank! Tank! Tank!The manic arcade experience blasts onto Wii U with more of a bang than ever before. With enough firepower to flatten any cityscape (and, in this case, giant monster!), drive around like a lunatic and shoot, shoot, shoot! This battle party game may seem extremely shallow, but sometimes the greatest amount of fun can come from instant adrenaline delights. Join three other friends, all with their likeness capture by the Wii U camera, in Free-for-All or Team Versus, as well as facing off against an exhilarating campaign mode.
Transformers Prime: The GameThe robots in disguise return in this videogame tie-in based on the popular cartoon series. Help Optimus Prime and the Autobots in their effort to once more save Earth from the nefarious Megatron's dastardly plans. Players take control of Autobots like the adorable Bumblebee, as well as Bulkhead, in the battle for victory, and then continue on into multiplayer mode, with eleven playable characters to choose from.
Warriors Orochi 3 HyperTecmo Koei is back again, this time with a combination of heroes from the Samurai Warriors and Dynasty Warriors series, mixed with the likes of Dead or Alive, Ninja Gaiden, Trinity: Souls of Zill O'll, and Bladestorm, for the battle of the ages. A monstrous serpent with eight heads casts its evil shadow across the land and wipes out the majority of the fighting force. To defeat the horrendous Hydra, a mysterious ally is enlisted to help revive fallen warriors thanks to some mystifying time travel.
Family Games
Ben 10: OmniverseFans of the children's series Ben 10 will be at home with the immersive, action-packed adventure Ben: 10 Omniverse. Play one of 13 different alien heroes including Bloxx and Gravattack, punching and kicking to outwit enemies and save the day alone or with a friend. If the TV is in use, players can also play the entire game on the GamePad controller for harmony and action in the living room this festive season.
Family Party: 30 Great Games Obstacle ArcadeOpen up a world of fun, laughs and engaging games for players of all ages in Family Party. Choose from over 30 mini-games, including riding horses, dodging barrels, skydiving and kicking goals. Family Party takes place on a fun packed island, where more challenges are unlocked as players progress, using the Wii U GamePad in different ways to try and earn high scores, outwit friends and family, earning digital trophies for coming top.
Rabbids LandIf Nintendo Land is not your cup of tea, the Rabbids are back, causing more mayhem than ever before. After the successful Rabbids 3D, they are returning back to their usual mini-game shenanigans, overrunning an amusement park and throwing strange new party games at people left, right and centre. With no WarioWare game at launch to show off the extremes of the new control system on Wii U, Ubisoft's Rabbids are leading the way in the innovation stakes. God help us all!
Rise of the Guardians (2012)The animated movie spectacle of the year from Dreamworks lands majestically on Nintendo's Wii U in fine style. Childhood legends are at the disposal of players as they take control of North (Santa Claus), Tooth (the Tooth Fairy), Bunnymund (the Easter Bunny), Sandman, and even Jack Frost, possibly nipping at people's toes in an action-pack adventure for children and big children alike.
WipeOut 3: The Game (US only)Fans of the TV show will lap up this US-exclusive edition of the much-loved quiz challenge. This time round Activision has packed in more wacky characters, plenty of updated features, as well as what everyone signed up for -- epic wipeouts! There are twelve fresh winter and summer course themes littered throughout, as well as some split-screen four-player fun to be had either against each other or in teams.
Fighting Games
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Wii U EditionFighters get ready for the tournament of your life, with Tekken blasting onto Nintendo systems for the first time since Tekken Prime 3D on Nintendo 3DS. However, this is no mere port of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Tekken Tag Tournament 2, instead bringing new features such as Tekken Ball, special Nintendo character costumes that can be worn, and even a funky mushroom mode for all manner of craziness.
First Person Shooting Games
007 LegendsIt's only fitting that James Bond will be part of the launch line-up for the Wii U (in Europe, anyway), pitting the rather suave Daniel Craig into classic Bond adventures - from On Her Majesty's Secret Service to Licence to Kill, as well as Die Another Day to the 2012 blockbuster, Skyfall. Take on classic moments from each film, using a blend of stealth and pure action to outwit foes and stop each villain in their tracks. Add in multiplayer, online play and unique GamePad features and you've an adventure worthy of Q-Branch.
Call of Duty: Black Ops IICall of Duty: Black Ops II is the essential Wii U shooting game, bringing the renowned cinematic war experience to a Nintendo console for the first time in crisp high-definition. A gritty single player campaign, online, up to five players and downloadable content make Black Ops II a meaty purchase for the seasoned gamer. The GamePad offers essential tools to keep the action flowing -- multiplayer maps, dynamic load-outs and more. The entire storyline can even be played on the GamePad alone, freeing up the TV.
ZombiUGrowing tired of Capcom's recent Resident Evil games leaving the survival horror aspect behind in favour of standard third-person action? Eager for more frights during an adventure than sheer plodding along? Not afraid of being bitten every now-and-then by blood-thirsty zombies? Then ZombiU is for you! Sight-seeing in London will never look the same again as Ubisoft delivers a heart-stopping rollercoaster ride that really keeps players on their toes throughout.
Fitness Games
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013Whist waiting for next year's Wii Fit U, Ubisoft plans to take advantage and swoop in to grab those hoping to lose some weight this Christmas. With 125 different workouts and 215 moves included, as well as a Personal Trainer where individual programmes can be set up over a four week period, getting trim is almost a certainty. To keep people motivated, there are news feeds, online challenges, leader-boards, achievements, and even friend competitions. On top of all this, there is a 'Calorie-Fighter Community' group. Prepare to sweat!
Music Games
Just Dance 4Ubisoft's popular dancing series returns with the latest party hits and versatile dance routines on the Wii U. Work up a sweat to Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" or chart topper "Moves Like Jagger" from Maroon 5. There are new modes including Dance Battle, an upgraded sweat/workout feature and alternative choreographies to unlock. The Wii U GamePad can be used to write live messages on the screen, take pictures, create a playlist and even control what moves to do next. If the TV needs to be used, the GamePad can also be used as a small screen to keep the party going!
SiNG Party (Europe 2013)It's time to party like it's…2012 (or 2013 for Europe)? Yes, SiNG Party is ready to fill a gap in the Wii U market and prove to be a great accompaniment for Ubisoft's Just Dance 4. Grab a microphone to sing along, or watch the GamePad for lyrics and dance cues. Others can join in by playing instrumental parts using Wii Remote controllers, or even just go head-to-head in a vocal battle. Out in Europe in 2013.
Sports Games
FIFA 13The original Nintendo Wii reinvented the world of video game football, and the Wii U opens up new ways to play. FIFA 13 is the first football title on the Wii U, bringing crisp high definition graphics, over 500 licensed clubs, co-operative play for up to five players and online play. The GamePad is used to change tactics, manage teams all on the go. The controller can even be used as a new window for taking penalty shots or tapping on the screen to tackle opponents. FIFA 13 offers competitive, award-winning gameplay with unique features only on Wii U.
Sports ConnectionWii U wouldn't be a family friendly console without a new sports game to enjoy. Introducing Sports Collection - this generation's take on the classic Wii Sports, for Wii U. Sports Connection includes football (American and soccer), baseball, tennis, golf and karting designed specifically for the Nintendo Wii U GamePad and Wii Remote. Play in teams or alone, competing to gain rewards, new features and high scores. Swing the Wii Remote or drive using the GamePad in a series of fun, quick mini-games and modes.
Puzzle Games
Scribblenauts UnlimitedMaxwell returns in yet another creative adventure where the only obstacle to progression is a pure lack of imagination. Go absolutely crazy with ideas, conjuring up all sorts of weird and wonderful items to solve puzzles and help gather more vital Starites than ever before. Simple use of the stylus on the GamePad makes for a much more user-friendly approach in what is sure to be the superlative version of Scribblenauts. Europe and Australia can expect this in early 2013, whilst US readers can pick it up now.
Racing Games
Sonic & All-Stars Racing TransformedAnyone that loved Diddy Kong Racing with its array of vehicle types and engaging adventure mode that added to the standard racing fare should definitely jump on-board SEGA and SUMO Digital's second Sonic the Hedgehog-related speed-fest. The fast spiky blue one is not alone, though, with fellow racers from games such as Super Monkey Ball, Skies of Arcadia, Samba de Amigo and the regular crew from the Sonic the Hedgehog games. Regular rallying, airborne antics, or breakneck boating, Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed is a definite winner.
So there we have it, the Nintendo Wii U launch line-up - games you can buy from day one. From Super Mario Bros to Just Dance, Assassin's Creed to Scribblenauts, there's a wide range of experiences on offer for the new Wii U owner, families and friends this festive season.
Nintendo will also offer some of these titles as digital downloads on the Wii U eShop as well.
Which of these Nintendo Wii U launch titles have you bought or will buy with the new console?
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