Last year we saw the WiiU introduced as the next Nintendo console, sporting a new controller with dedicated screen, that would allow gamers to game without their tv on and allow developers a new way to immerse gamers into their stories.
Last year there were only tech demos showcasing the WiiU features, however this year there was a slew of titles, both from Nintendo and third-party developers. I had a chance to sample a wide assortment of WiiU titles, some used the second screen in new and unique ways to enhance the game play and other games just pushed the new console to its graphical limits.
For starters Batman Arkham City: Armored Edition really made perfect use of the second display. The display on the control serves many functions in the game. You can very your map, use a new sonar map to see enemy locations but the most useful was the way you could access your gadgets. With a simple button press the WiiU controller screen will display all your available gadgets and allow you to quickly drag and drop the, into the 3 quick slots. No longer do you need to press the Dpad to flip through gadgets.
The controller screen can also list all you quest, and character info and allows you to upgrade your suit and abilities all the while staying in the game on you main tv screen. In-game, the controller screen plays a vital role during detective mode. When activated you hold up the controller and can move around in full 360 degrees scanning objects in the environment for clues.
While Arkham City isn’t a new title on the WiiU you’ll get a new experience.
The Nintendo Wii was graphically under powered and I’m sure turned off many older gamers who wanted nice graphics. The WiiU is amazingly better in the graphics department and seeing Assassin’s Creed 3 in action on the console really showcases the visual eye candy the system can pump out. Unfortunately its graphics power will be shortly out-shadowed once The next generation Xbox and Playstation launch. But for Nintendo fans you’ll be quite happy with the upgrades.
This is a good representation of WiiU Graphics In-Game
I was a bit skeptical about the WiiU but after spending a bit of time with it I’m a lot happier with Nintendo’s new console. The dual screen will give gamers an interesting new way to play games, as long as developers can create innovative ways to use it. The WiiU’s biggest downside is that it isn’t next-gen but rather current-gen, these days technology needs to be ahead of the current competition not comparable after 6+ years.
