Mass_Pincup
Banned
The WiiU has an incredible list of fantastic games that's true but I don't think it's underrated, everyone knows that.
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The Wii U is criminally underrated - it's one of the best consoles ever made
- Thread starter QuantumZebra
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……forgetit
Member
Late on my response but the PS2 wasn't a mid-tier graveyard, I never even owned one but I remember walking into a store as a kid and seeing the volume of games that were on it. It had a vast library from all budget categories. Also it came out over a year before it's competition but was still comparable graphically to the Xbox and GameCube. Also the multimedia capabilities mattered in one major area, sales.
Refreshment.01
Member
If we go the reductionist way as you are doing here, we could say that the Thumbstick introduced as a standard with the N64 is a convenience and not necessary for gameplay. You could play FPS games or navigate the character in a 3D space with a digital directional keys if the game is build up around that.
The point is an improved form of interaction was offered for certain applications. The pin point control of the touch screen did increase precision in Splatoon to make some difference at high level play. Not a "most have" integral feature but so isn't a mouse for FPS games when most people play this things with Thumbsticks.
Indeed, 3D World is not a good example. Nintendo could have done a more clever use. However, there's the "Boost Block" mode in NSMBU as an example, it did a very creative use of the touch interface.
So the argument here is: "There aren't any games that use the Gamepad outside of the games that do make good use of the Gamepad." That's non sensical. i provided a list of games that used the Gamepad but for some reason you chose to ignore as you didn't quoted it. And yes, in the list there are good examples of Assymetrical Local Gameplay. If you wish to discuss them let me know.
You should give points for the trackpad emulation because it does indeed open up control posibilities for the games that use the extra precision. The TV could be mapped 1:1 to the trackpad. Hell, look what Valve did with their clever trackpad implementation in the Steam controller, it's the reason why is so good to bring PC games to the couch.
Like i said, i think the problem with Wii U is mostly about the execution. Think about a more compact and slick control pad with a screen and it has potential.
DISCLAIMER: WII U is at the bottom of the barrel trading blows with the GC as a prefered Nintendo console from my perspective. im just pointing out uses of it's interface and games.
PdotMichael
Banned
Supermanisdead
Member
Oh lol, I forgot it came out in 2012! It's even worse, it was basically a full 4.5 years before Switch came out and what an pitiful selection of games in that time. It's crazy that people will make these lists of like 15 or so games that they loved, but that was FOUR AND A HALF YEARS.
Honestly, it's one of the worst consoles ever.
Honestly, it's one of the worst consoles ever.
PdotMichael
Banned
It's also the same kind of games every Nintendo console has.
old manatee
Banned
It had a solid library of Nintendo developed exclusives which is getting less interesting every day as improved versions of those games show up on Switch. It was criminally rated accurately.
Gotdatmoney
Member
Mario Maker and Splatoon were pretty nee and different imo. Otherwise I agree.
-shadow-
Member
I'm very grateful for the fact that Splatoon and Bayonetta 2 happened, but yeah the WiiU didn't really do much special outside of a handful of gems.
……forgetit
Member
That is very debatable. The Gamecube has a much better library imo, and the Wii has a pretty great one too despite the mountain of low quality shovelwear.
dickroach
Member
nope
MrSaturn99
Member
Amazing software and clever use of a social network held back by a controller no one had any idea what to do with. Such a bizarre system.
I think it juuuuuuust misses it but it definitely has the most consistent quality of games since that era.
I think it juuuuuuust misses it but it definitely has the most consistent quality of games since that era.
Calamari41
41 > 38
The Wii U ended up with an amazing library, and it certainly is one of my favorite systems, but the release schedule was crippling and tortuous.
Nine months from launch for the first notable release (Pikmin 3), and a full year from launch for the first actual commercially major release (3D World)
Nine months from launch for the first notable release (Pikmin 3), and a full year from launch for the first actual commercially major release (3D World)
Wii U pad is a regular gaming controller with enhanced abilities to control thanks to second screen, touch and gyro. Everyone who says otherwise is plain stupid or acting like that.
It's not a bizarre system, more like it's bizarre players.
Take this for what you will: my number 1 feature request for Splatoon 2 is being able to use the Wii U gamepad. The X map is simply crippling, and so much harder to track yourself with.
There are plenty of normal ass games for those that want them as well, but the system is defined by what the switch lost. Thankfully the joycons being so unique allows for some unique experiences of its own, so its not a net loss, but I'd love a Star Fox Guard sequel, for example.
There are plenty of normal ass games for those that want them as well, but the system is defined by what the switch lost. Thankfully the joycons being so unique allows for some unique experiences of its own, so its not a net loss, but I'd love a Star Fox Guard sequel, for example.
……forgetit
Member
Didn't Nintendo say they learned their lesson about droughts before the Wii U came out? Atleast the finally seem to have realized how to provide a steady stream of software with the switch.
Kai Dracon
Writing a dinosaur space opera symphony
The Wii benefited from being as large a success as Nintendo's portable systems, and so Nintendo felt safe investing in developing a lot of games for it. Plus it is true their quality was remarkably consistent, solving a problem the Gamecube and N64 suffered from.
For all the Wii U is a weird-ass console graced by some extremely good games, at this point I can't help but see it as a Wii Deluxe or Pachter's fabled Wii HD. Got my entire Wii library and all accessories folded into it. In that sense, it represents a strange swan song for the Wii era to me rather than a failed console of its own.
Taken as a whole, Nintendo's Wii age, from 2006 - 2016, resulted in a fairly vast catalog of software. When I flip through our large binder of Wii and Wii U discs, it is a reminder of just how many good games are there.
Since the Gameboy took off, Nintendo has been pulled in two directions trying to support twin streams of development. I think it's pretty clear that it hurt them more and more as the years went on.
If they really do consolidate all their resources into a single piece of hardware - even if a "Switch Mini" is released later - there should be no excuse for droughts ever again.
For all the Wii U is a weird-ass console graced by some extremely good games, at this point I can't help but see it as a Wii Deluxe or Pachter's fabled Wii HD. Got my entire Wii library and all accessories folded into it. In that sense, it represents a strange swan song for the Wii era to me rather than a failed console of its own.
Taken as a whole, Nintendo's Wii age, from 2006 - 2016, resulted in a fairly vast catalog of software. When I flip through our large binder of Wii and Wii U discs, it is a reminder of just how many good games are there.
Since the Gameboy took off, Nintendo has been pulled in two directions trying to support twin streams of development. I think it's pretty clear that it hurt them more and more as the years went on.
If they really do consolidate all their resources into a single piece of hardware - even if a "Switch Mini" is released later - there should be no excuse for droughts ever again.
Calamari41
41 > 38
Yeah they made a big deal of it back then, but thankfully it seems that they actually have this time around. I don't even have enough time to play all of the game I want to on Switch, and we're only just past the Wii U releases of Lego City/Monster Hunter 3U on the comparative timeline.
MindCollizion
Member
Shit, people want a virtual console but the Wii U is already that. I boot it up just for that.
Same here. I'm a life long Nintendo fanboy, but the shortcomings of the WiiU were too much for me to overlook.
MrSaturn99
Member
And yet post-Nintendo Land, Nintendo couldn't think of any substantial ideas for it until two and a half years after launch. I also can't think of any notable third-party usage of it.
I love the system and still play it regularly, but the GamePad concept was just too nebulous for anyone to really work with; at best, it felt like a complement to the games you were playing via maps and inventory screens as opposed to, say, Wii's motion controls. Whoever said it was a half-realized of Switch was right on the money.
Not even close. Every previous Nintendo system had a far better and more exciting library. Comparing the best Nintendo system to the absolute worst one is complete nonsense.
……forgetit
Member
Having experience in HD development has helped I think, that and enhanced ports that never got the time to shine on Wii U. Honestly I'm excited to see what next year will bring to the console.
TheDinoman
Member
Until 2016 it was the only 8th generation console I owned and I had a great time playing 3D World, Pikmin 3, Smash, Mario Kart 8, Mario Maker, Splatoon and Tropical Freeze. So I certainly got a lot out of it.
But, yeah. Objectively speaking, it was a bad console right to the core. There just wasn't anything appealing about its gimmick to the masses, so it became a console only for the hardcore Nintendo diehards who buy Ninty products regardless.
If there's anything that both the Wii U and Switch have taught me, it's that it isn't simply just about the games. You need the hardware itself to be appealing to consumers as well. The Switch may not be a powerful beast of a console, but it has an interesting and appealing gimmick that's easy to understand.
But, yeah. Objectively speaking, it was a bad console right to the core. There just wasn't anything appealing about its gimmick to the masses, so it became a console only for the hardcore Nintendo diehards who buy Ninty products regardless.
If there's anything that both the Wii U and Switch have taught me, it's that it isn't simply just about the games. You need the hardware itself to be appealing to consumers as well. The Switch may not be a powerful beast of a console, but it has an interesting and appealing gimmick that's easy to understand.
GreatestHits
Member
ITT Gaf tries it's best to hate on the Wii U. I think it's pretty obvious that popular reception plays a heavy role on a lot of gaffers perception. If you sat down with the console with it's full library of games, also understanding that it has a damn Wii built into the system, you realize it's a GOAT console. It even plays gamecube games. A lot of you are judging the execution, the reputation etc. etc. but none of that matters in 2017. What you have with Wii U is what you get now, and it is an amazingly fun system. IMHO
TheDinoman
Member
Like I said, I had a lot of fun with the system. I liked it. I definitely don't regret owning it.
But objectively, it was a complete and utter mistake, and a bad idea that should of never materialized. The sales speak for themselves.
GreatestHits
Member
I don't even know what objectively speaking means in this sense. You liked it, you had fun, it sucked. Spare me. It was not a market success and everyone knows that. But your post basically reinforces the underrated aspect.
My point is you guys are dogpiling a good console that never knew how to market itself. If you are factoring in market success, which is a property that is found in console fanboyism, then the Wii U sucked. But without all that superficial value attached to the experience itself, the Wii U provides a great experience. This is why I think the Wii U is the next Dreamcast. Because people love to hate it for failing, when it really provided a lot of great unique experiences, a ton of great games. And a lot that utilized the vision of the system pretty well
Laurel_McFang
Member
I actually just sold mine and find that I kind of agree. I was much more interested in the wonderful 10-, pikmin 3, etc than most games on my ps4.
Soapbox Killer
Grand Nagus
Top 5 Console all time with no irony.
……forgetit
Member
I have one, I bought one at launch, it's really not the GOAT system, it's okay and it has some fun games, but Nintendo made some huge mistakes with the console. Critique isn't automatically hate. I can like something and understand it's flaws. My Wii U gave me hours, days or even weeks of fun but it's also easily the weakest system I've ever owned.
GreatestHits
Member
Again you say you had fun (you don't go into detail), you imply weaknesses in marketing and sales (no detail here either but we all know about it's commercial failure), then call it weak (absolutely no detail here, why was it so weak?). This is why people call it underrated. It is a great console that wasn't well-received
I get you. The system was game-pad centric and was quasi-mobile. A little confusing as to what the gamepad's goal was at times. (Am I having a mobile experience or a console one?) The games turned out great but a lot of them resorted to just mirroring the experience on the gamepad or just using it for maps and such. The idea was never 'realized' and stayed as a novelty somewhat. For me, I appreciated the two different windows into the game-world, however simplistic it was
I bought a used WiiU to play BotW and a few other games.. kind of regretting it. Mario Kart 8 is okay, but feels like it's missing some stuff. I've been looking and can barely find any games I actually want.
I may want to beat BoTW and sell it. I even bought two Pro controllers for it and now they collect dust most of the time.
I may want to beat BoTW and sell it. I even bought two Pro controllers for it and now they collect dust most of the time.
Alright. But not through legal means.
I've been very critical, but I still love the system and its games. Off-TV play was fantastic.
papercan55
Member
Had some great first party titles but it was really missing a new zelda(came too late) a actual 'new' 2d mario or a proper 3d mario title.
The So called 'new' 2d mario was painfully similar to the previous games with a boring artstyle and very little actual new or inspired content. Mario 3dworld was ok but coming after both galaxy titles it was not what most people wanted, whilst great for multiplayer the levels were painfully dull in single player due to the time limit and wide levels made for multiple characters.
Zelda being delayed so often just made things worse, the day nintendo smarts up and start starts to re-use zelda engines and assets like majors mask will be a joyous day for everyone.
They should have taken the skyward sword engine and assets and made a quick sequel instead, skyward sword looks great in hd so it would have looked fine.
They could have done this whilst another team was working on breath of the wild.
The So called 'new' 2d mario was painfully similar to the previous games with a boring artstyle and very little actual new or inspired content. Mario 3dworld was ok but coming after both galaxy titles it was not what most people wanted, whilst great for multiplayer the levels were painfully dull in single player due to the time limit and wide levels made for multiple characters.
Zelda being delayed so often just made things worse, the day nintendo smarts up and start starts to re-use zelda engines and assets like majors mask will be a joyous day for everyone.
They should have taken the skyward sword engine and assets and made a quick sequel instead, skyward sword looks great in hd so it would have looked fine.
They could have done this whilst another team was working on breath of the wild.
I liked the WiiU, I don't regret buying one, but it's really not deserving of the thread title. It had a few quirky, fun, interesting games but it always felt like it never got going. People will point to Mario Kart and the most recent Zelda, fine if you like them, I'm not going to play them down. Splatoon was good, Mario was good, not as good as the Galaxy games though, and Bayonetta 2 was good.
There's other games I liked, but nothing classic. I'd argue that, bar the original Xbox, every console going back to the Dreamcast has a better library of games, and that's without getting to the flaws with the console itself
There's other games I liked, but nothing classic. I'd argue that, bar the original Xbox, every console going back to the Dreamcast has a better library of games, and that's without getting to the flaws with the console itself
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