What's coming at launch, soon after and beyond. Here's what you'll be playing on your Wii U.
The Wii U is launching in Australia on November 30th, that’s simple enough to get but what games are you going to be able to buy on day one? What games are coming out within this ‘launch window’ that Nintendo talks about?
This guide hopes to help sort all this out, at least over time.
You see at the moment there are about 40 games due between launch and March 2013 which is the launch window. That’s a lot of games, but only a few of them are coming at launch and that list is being added to at this point on a daily basis.
So if you’re looking at buying a Wii U and want a big list of games to pick from here’s the best place to check them all out in one go.
We’ll be updating the list from time to time, adding in more details, images and trailers as times goes on and the launch gets closer. If you have any questions, any problems with the list be sure to let us know in the comments and we’ll sort it out.
These are games confirmed to be coming out on November 30th in Australia by their publisher. Release dates are of course subject to change. We’ve listed them in alphabetical order.
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What they say: Six Classic Bond Films, One Incredible Game – 007 Legends features an innovative storyline that finds the world’s top Mi6 agent, James Bond, in a critical situation, flashing back to his most intense encounters from five popular Bond films, as well as this year’s upcoming Daniel Craig film – SKYFALL – which will be available post launch as free downloadable content.
Be the spy, Live the Adventure – Using sharp investigative and surveillance skills and equipped with unparalleled quick wits, physical abilities, and state-of-the-art gadgets and weaponry, players will take on stealth-based mechanics and dynamic free-form melees in a wide range of secret agent objectives, including assault, espionage, elimination and defence operations like a real covert operative.
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What they say: 18th Century North America. After more than 20 years of conflict, the 13 American colonies and the British Crown are on the brink of all out war.
Battle lines are drawn. Bloodshed is inevitable.
Out of the embers of his burning village, a new assassin will rise. Born of Mohawk and British blood, his fight for freedom and justice will be forged in the – flames of revolution.
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What they say: Developed by WB Games Montreal, Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition is the enhanced version of the award-winning blockbuster videogame created by Rocksteady Studios. The Wii U version delivers the same impactful story and gameplay as the original title, this time with enhanced gameplay mechanics and features made possible with the Wii U and the new controller.
Wii U Features
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What they say: Ben 10 Omniverse: The Video Game delivers everything fans love about the hit Ben 10 franchise – action and aliens! Play as both Teen Ben and Young Ben and work with your new partner Rook to solve crime, fix both the past and present, and defeat the evil plans of Malware, intent on destroying the world!
Wii U Features
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What they say: Pushing the boundaries of what fans have come to expect from the record-setting entertainment franchise, Call of Duty: Black Ops II propels players into a near future, 21st Century Cold War, where technology and weapons have converged to create a new generation of warfare.
Wii U Features
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What they say: Awakened by the End of Days, Death, the most feared of the legendary Four Horsemen, embarks on a quest to undo Armageddon.
Along the way, Death discovers that there are far worse things than an earthly Apocalypse, and that an ancient grudge may threaten all of Creation.
Become the terrifying force which everything fears but nothing can escape. Death Lives, in Darksiders II.
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What they say: Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two returns Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Wasteland, an alternate world filled with 80 years of forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions.
But for the first time, Mickey and Oswald will join forces as true partners – Mickey with his magical paint brush that wields paint and thinner, and Oswald with his powerful remote control that allows him to command electricity.
This new co-op play combined with enhanced in-game physics will further enhance the idea that “PlayStyle Matters” – a unique approach to gameplay pioneered by Warren Spector where players dynamically tackle different challenges in order to explore all possibilities and storylines, but with consequences for their chosen actions.
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What they say: Competitors will navigate through multiple locations in “Family Party Land”, a remote island divided by uniquely themed environments and obstacles to take on some of the wackiest challenges yet.
Obstacle Arcade delivers hours of family entertainment where players can choose from over a dozen family-friendly characters and challenge each other in up to four-player multiplayer in 30 diverse games.
These over-the-top games include dodging barrels while on a horse, racing across obstacles floating on water, setting off and detonating fireworks, skydiving from above while avoiding a huge artillery of rockets being shot by other players and many more.
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What they say: Winner of the E3 Game Critics award for “Best Sports Game”, FIFA 13 captures the unpredictability of real-world soccer. No two matches are ever the same.
The game features breakthrough gameplay innovations that create a true battle for possession across the entire pitch and deliver freedom and creativity in attack, as well as engaging online features and live services.
Wii U Features;
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What they say: Slap on your straw hat and grubbiest coveralls and take hold of your Wii U GamePad – it’s time to get your hands dirty! Devote yourself to your own slice of lush countryside and take up the challenge of creating a beautiful farmland full of animals, crops, trees and more… then develop it into the craziest, most offbeat farm imaginable, overflowing with the whackiest contraptions and goofiest gizmos you and your animals have ever seen! This is not your ordinary farm… It’s your farm – and it’s like no farm you’ve seen before!
Wii U Features;
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What they say: The latest iteration of the hugely successful Game Party franchise, the game offers players new ways to compete in arcade, sports and party games.
“Developed specifically for Wii U, Game Party Champions has a fun, pick up-and-play style that experienced and novice gamers will equally enjoy,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “Players tilt, turn and swipe the Wii U’s revolutionary touch screen controller to play in entirely new ways.”
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What they say: The latest edition of the record-breaking franchise takes the party to a whole new level of fun, with over 40 all-new hits, the coolest dances and brand new features.
Just Dance 4 is the perfect catalyst for the best parties, no matter what the occasion, thanks to innovative modes like the all-new Battle mode, an upgraded Just Sweat mode, and even more fun, alternative dances.
Everything players know and love about Just Dance gets even better with Just Dance 4—hot new tracks, fun irreverent dances, and more.
Wii U Features
The Wii U version introduces up to 5-player gameplay with an exclusive Puppet Master Mode. The Puppet Master Mode allows the player operating the new Wii U GamePad to switch dance routines that are being performed by the four other players in real time.
In this mode, the operator has the power to create choreographies and choose playlists for the other players to follow. In addition, the operator also has the ability to write on-screen live dedications and take pictures and videos of the best dance moments to share online!
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What they say: With Physics You Can Feel, Madden NFL 13 delivers next generation gameplay today. The all-new Infinity Engine delivers real-time physics, ensuring no two plays will ever LOOK or FEEL the same.
Madden NFL 13 revolutionizes the way sports video game career modes are played with Connected Careers—a completely new and fully connected universe defined by deep gameplay, unique storylines and social integration.
Wii U Features
Use the Wii U GamePad to make faster play calls, substitute players, create custom hot routes.
The Wii U version of the game will not feature the Madden Ultimate Team feature.
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What they say: The ultimate super hero brawler, Marvel Avengers Battle For Earth features 20 different characters including the Avengers Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, and Thor, as well as other fan favorite super heroes and villains from the Marvel Universe.
Players will use motion gameplay to execute explosive super attacks, unleash devastating special moves, and battle their friends in a wide variety of game modes.
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What they say: Mass Effect 3 plunges you into an all-out galactic war to take Earth back from a nearly unstoppable foe – and how you fight that war is entirely up to you. Groundbreaking interactive storytelling drives the heart-pounding action in which each decision you make could have devastating and deadly consequences. You are Commander Shepard, the only one who can save Earth from annihilation.
But you are not alone. At your side is a team of elite, battle-hardened soldiers ready for your command. Flank enemies with your squad or take them down lone wolf. Use cover or go in guns blazing. Unleash tactical assaults from a distance or go toe-to-toe with enemies using devastating melee assaults and the deadly omniblade.
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What they say: With more than 5 million copies sold worldwide and more than 25 Sports Game of the Year awards won, NBA 2K12 was another monster release for the biggest NBA video game simulation franchise in the world. This year, 2K Sports has joined forces with the legendary JAY Z as Executive Producer to transcend sports video games and take virtual hardwood to the next level.
Featuring an enhanced MyCAREER mode and all-new gameplay features, NBA 2K13 will let gamers pit the best players in NBA history against the new dynasty of talent, including the much-debated matchup between the 2012 U.S. Men’s National Team and the 1992 “Dream Team.
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What they say: New Super Mario Bros. U is a new, side-scrolling adventure featuring Mario, Luigi, Toad … and your Mii character! Now’s your chance to step inside the Mushroom Kingdom and explore new worlds, new power-ups and new ways to play.
Swoop through levels and cling to walls when Mario transforms into Flying Squirrel Mario, or gently float through the air while hanging onto Tiny Balloon Yoshi.
The Wii U GamePad controller offers a new way to play multiplayer in this game. An extra player can jump into the action using the new Boost mode, creating platforms out of thin air to help others navigate tricky stages or access hidden or hard-to-reach items.
Wii U Features;
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What they say: Nintendo Land is a fun and lively theme park filled with 12 different attractions, each with its own take on a Nintendo franchise. Each attraction features unique and innovative game-play experiences made possible by the Wii U GamePad controller. Depending on the attraction, players can compete solo or against other players, or even team up to play cooperatively. Up to five players can participate in dynamic multiplayer modes in select attractions. The experiences change every time, depending on whether players are using the GamePad, holding a Wii Remote or just watching others play on the TV screen.
Mini Games Included;
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What they say: Rabbids decide to take over our beloved amusement park and they plan to make the most of their day out by invading all the attractions! They don’t intend to queue like everyone else or stay seated during the whole journey!
As Rabbids will always be Rabbids, you’ll see them misusing the rides, going bwaaah at a souvenir shop before stopping in an overpriced themed restaurant. So whether it’s a sunny or rainy day, just grab your Wii U tablet and roll the dice to join them!
Wii U Features;
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What they say: Scribblenauts, the best-selling, award-winning puzzle game franchise that challenged players to imagine anything and bring it to life, is back with Scribblenauts Unlimited for the Wii U, featuring more expansive gameplay and setting no limits on how the player uses his or her imagination within the game.
Created and developed by 5TH Cell, Scribblenauts Unlimited features a huge side-scrolling open world with new, high-definition hand-drawn scenery and objects where players can help the game’s hero, Maxwell, solve robust puzzles and challenges by summoning any object they can imagine.
Players now have the ability to create their own original objects, assign unique properties, and share them with other players online – to be used in game or further modified as they like! And for the first time, learn the backstory about Maxwell’s parents, his twin sister Lily, and how he got his magical notepad.
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What they say: Skylanders Giants introduces sixteen new characters to build on the magic of Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, including super-sized Giants with powers to match, as well as the new LightCore Skylanders that light-up in the game and in the real-world as players’ transport them to Skylands using the Portal of Power that builds on the magic of the toys. Additionally, the game features new Hero Challenges, more Battle Mode gameplay, and advanced integration across console, handheld, mobile and Skylanders Universe.
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What they say: Sonic and the All-Stars cast line up on the starting grid once again to battle for supremacy in the ultimate race. Compete across land, water and air in incredible transforming vehicles that change from cars to boats to planes mid-race. Master your driving skills as you drift, barrel role and boost to overtake your rivals, or use your weapons tactically and unleash your All-Star move to gain the winning advantage.
It’s not just your fellow racers you need to watch out for, as the road falls away beneath you, or the river runs dry, new routes emerge and your vehicle transforms to take advantage of the terrain. Discover alternative routes and short cuts as you perfect the course in this adrenaline fuelled dash to the finish line – racing will never be the same again. This is not just racing, it’s racing transformed!
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What they say: First multi-sports title for Wii U featuring the most popular sports worldwide; in a genre known for selling exceptionally well during the launch of a new console.
Sports Connection is a fun new way to connect with family and friends and play the most popular sports from a new perspective. Sports Connection is being developed specifically for Nintendo’s Wii™ U™ system to take full advantage of Nintendo’s New Controller. Play solo, team up in co-op to experience new gameplay possibilities, or compete in multiplayer to take full advantage of Nintendo’s New Controller.
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What they say: TANK! TANK! TANK! is an over-the-top battle party game where players will feel the thrill of driving and shooting with tanks.
With support for up to 4 players, family and friends can battle giant monsters or compete in Free- for-All and Team Versus modes. An exciting story mission mode allows you to level up your tanks while battling a variety of giant enemies.
Wii U specific features make TANK! TANK! TANK! the best battle party game for the whole family!
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What they say: Never underestimate the heart of a champion.
The original tag team fighter that started it all is back. Tekken tag tournament 2 delivers new and returning characters in the largest roster ever.
Experience the most advanced attack mechanics, ultimate combo move sets and new battle modes. With innovative features to broaden tekken consumer accessibility, unlimited fighter combinations & multiple ways to challenge your friends – get ready for the next battle!
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What They Say: Based on the smash hit, award-winning animated television show produced by Hasbro Studios on The Hub Network, TRANSFORMERS PRIME lets fans play as their favorite AUTOBOT characters and embark on an action-packed adventure to save the earth from the evil MEGATRON and his new secret weapon. In the single player campaign, players will step into the roles of OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE, ARCEE, AUTOBOT RATCHET and BULKHEAD as they explore unique vistas all around the world with brawler-style combat and diverse driving sequences. Along the way, gamers cultivate friendships with Jack, Miko and Raf – the human characters from the show – as TEAM PRIME sets out to protect mankind and eliminate the DECEPTICONS once and for all. The game also features intense multiplayer modes that allow fans to choose from 11 different TRANSFORMERS characters from both factions.
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What they say: London is falling! Are YOU prepared? It is 2012 and the Last Blight is upon us…It was foretold.
For the second time in history, a great plague has enveloped London in a fog of death. Big Ben tolls as hundreds upon thousands of the unprepared die or are infected by a sickness worse than death…
You are still breathing, for now. But how long will you survive in the labyrinth of London streets and underground – abandoned by the outside world, surrounded by the Infected. The horrifying remains of humanity ravaged by the foul disease shuffle through the streets, waiting to prey on your living flesh at every turn!
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What they say: Years after the battle against Orochi, the Serpent King, the heroes of the Three Kingdoms and the Warring States struggle to seize control of the new universe they were thrown into when a new threat arises! A terrible and colossal monster, resembling a serpent with eight heads, casts its shadow across the land and defeats most of the brave warriors.
The ones that survived, assisted by the mysterious Kaguya, travel back through time to save fallen heroes and forge new alliances, collect powerful weapons and build an army so they can have a chance to defeat the terrible Hydra.
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What they say: Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2013 is a leading-edge fitness product that will help you set and achieve your goals in an engaging and motivating fashion. Connect online with friends to compete and collaborate your way to fitness.
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Developer: Shin’en Multimedia
Genre: Twin Stick Shooter
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Developer: Gaijin Games
Genre: Runner
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Developer: Two Tribes
Genre: Puzzle
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Developer: Frozenbyte
Genre: Platform/puzzle
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Below are games that are considered to be ‘launch window’ games. This is any date from when the Wii U is released until the end of March 2013. As there still much speculation as to what is coming for launch and not.
These games will remain here until we get a firm date on them. We will move games up above to the ‘Launch Games’ when their dates get locked down.
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What they say: Aliens: Colonial Marines begins with an ostensibly abandoned ship, the U.S.S. Sulaco, recovered in orbit around LV-426. Players lead a group of highly trained United States Colonial Marines as they board the deserted craft to uncover the fate of the crew. They will have to fight to survive unspeakable horrors and their own anxieties as they chase down the truth behind a galaxy-spanning deception that places humanity at the mercy of the most murderous and deadly species in the universe.
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What they say: Wario and his Diamond City friends are back in action. Game & Wario features a collection of games that use only the Wii U GamePad controller. The games retain the original flair and character of the micro-games from the WarioWare series.
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What they say: For the first time, the fan-favorite LEGO City vehicles and play sets come to life in LEGO City: Undercover, exclusively for the new Wii U console.
Players assume the identity of Chase McCain, an undercover detective armed with clever disguises. The mission is to put a stop to the fiendish Rex Fury and end his crime wave in LEGO City. As players run, drive and even fly through the city, they’ll use the Wii U GamePad controller as a new police gadget.
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What they say: The solitary Ninja, Ryu Hayabusa, must find a way to lift the deadly curse on his right arm before it destroys him… NINJA GAIDEN 3 has been reworked to bring to Wii U the truly intense, high-speed challenge and action NINJA GAIDEN fans demand. With more weapon and Ninpo types, a new character progression system, a redesigned battle system and the return of dismemberment, NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor’s Edge improves upon the original NINJA GAIDEN 3 in every way and offers Wii U exclusive features and functionalities.
Wii U Features;
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What they say: Rayman, named platformer of the year and winner of multiple artistic and musical achievements, is coming to the Wii U with a brand new adventure. Michel Ancel, celebrated creator of Rayman, Beyond Good & Evil and the Raving Rabbids is bringing his innovative creativity to this new and exciting platform.
Rayman Legends makes full use of the power of the Wii U. With the new Wii U controller, discover new ways to platform with its touch-based gameplay, gyroscope technology, and even the ability to extend your playing experience when the TV is off. Additionally, the power of the machine has helped pave the way for new, more detailed graphics and lighting.
Wii U Features;
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What they say: Get the party started with SiNG Party, a new, interactive musical performance game that will get you and your guests singing and dancing well into the night. With dozens of popular songs to choose from, everyone from novice singers to experienced entertainers will be able to join in the fun. While one person steps up as the main performer, others can dance, sing and clap along with the prompts on the TV screen, making sure everyone at the party is rocking out together.
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What they say: Earth is under attack from an invasion of enormous aliens, and the only thing that can protect the planet is a group of unlikely, yet mighty, heroes with special abilities. Unfortunately, the aliens are too powerful for the heroes to fight individually.
They must join forces and work together to defeat their common enemy. These uniquely different heroes can morph into powerful weapons to crush the invaders or turn into objects like a giant fist or bridge to interact with and traverse the environments.
Wii U Features:
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What they say: Discover fun, new ways to get up and get moving as the Wii Fit series comes to the Wii U home console.
The game features favorite exercises from Wii Fit Plus as well as new exercises that incorporate the Wii U GamePad controller in select activities. The game also comes packaged with a small peripheral device called the Fit Meter, which is designed to track your daily activity.
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Makes sense to us.
It's Black, Back Again.
If these aren't the coolest graphics...
