The Wii U First Birthday Vote Thread

3. Super Mario 3D World
(73 points, 8 voters, 4 first places)

(Super Mario 3D World additionally wins the Best Wii U Mario Platform Game Award)



Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLOKVABf78rzw

Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUFhJ1V50gs

Metacritic: http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/super-mario-3d-world

Axis1500 said: A lot of people weren't keen on this when it was revealed at E3. What a difference six months make! Never doubt EAD.

Buskalilly said: Sure, this has only been out for four days but in that time I've had more fun playing this than I would have on a PS4 or an Xbox One in a whole lifetime. I don't think this'll replace the Galaxy games at the top of my own personal Mario list, but it very nearly matches them in terms of constant, brilliant fun. I'm still playing it now and I genuinely hope it never ends. Every level does something different and every one of them is pure, unadulterated joy. My only complaint would be that Mario doesn't quite control as tightly and perfectly as he did on the Wii, but he still moves better than anyone in any other game ever. The link between me and the little red plumber is almost telepathic. Sex on a disc.

The Cappuccino Kid said: Stunning to look at and excellent fun. A true testament to the Wii U’s power and Nintendo EAD’s consistent brilliance.

Dusty Knackers said:

masofdas said: Still in the process of playing just done world 3 reason I’m putting in so high and sending votes so soon. Is I’ve just spent £500+ on a PS4 & games but when I come home from work what do I want to play. I want to play this which is a testament how good it is.

Jolly Smurf said: Incredibly fun and creative, full of ideas you'd only see in a Mario platformer with some brilliant nods to the franchise's history as well and a fun multiplayer mode.

I say: At the time of writing I'm at the final level of World 3. It's a stunner. You almost miss how gorgeous it is, so engrossing is the gameplay; forever running off to the next spot of interest like a hyperactive toddler. That's because there's so much of interest: the stars, the stamps, the walk-over-here-to-be-showered-with-coins bits... Also, for the first time in ages for me, Nintendo have really nailed a new power-up in the Cat Suit. It brings far more to the table than any Mega Mushroom or (sorry) Squirrel Suit. So good is SM3DW that I only have two complaints: a), it occasionally feels like an upscaled Super Mario 3D Land (inevitable, I suppose) and b) the random character selector seems to lump me with Toad more often than it should. With only those going against it in my eyes, a worthy bronze medallist.

Note: I was determined to put the comments of everyone who voted a game as their #1... but Dusty didn't add any!

2. Rayman Legends
(74 points, 9 voters, 3 first places)

(Rayman Legends scoops the Most Delayed 2D Platformer Developed In France Award)



Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UzRNKTXOjc

Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12tF1q90_tw

Metacritic: http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/rayman-legends

Thing I Discovered Which I Have To Share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7pVjF8fLvA (may not be completely safe for work)

Stu_the_great said: Not just the best game on Wii U, or even just the definitive version of the game, but possibly one of the best games ever. This is one of those rare sequels to a game (which itself came out of nowhere) that got it right first time, which ludicrously managed to exceed both its predecessor and my expectations. The art style is drop-dead beautiful, the sense of humour is universal, the music fits the tone perfectly, and the platforming is as rewarding as it is perfect. A staggering piece of work, sullied only by pitiful sales. This generation's Beyond Good and Evil, you mark my words.

andyman949 said: My top 3 could switch as often as my swords in Monster Hunter but this is what I've settled on for now. This is the greatest 2D platformer of all time without question. Packed with fantastic new levels as well as many of my favourite Origins levels this was a fantastic experience. The only disappointment was the lack of a decent final reward for saving all the Teensies. The fact that I've now bought a second copy of this game on the Vita shows that this is truly deserving of top marks!

The_Jaster said: This is easily the most fun I've had on the wii U, I simply couldn't put it down until I finished it 100% & it has some really smart uses of the gamepad.

Balladeer said: I hated Origins.  Horrible horrible horrible.  I picked this up begrudgingly, and got on with it straight away.  The platforming is great, speedy and full of variety, and the Teensies are much better collectables than the all-over-the-place high-score-encouraging Lums.  The music is great, and the music levels are a real reward for reaching the end of each world.  Murfy is a bit of a weak point in single-player, but that's the only downside.  Other than the release date debacle, that is...

Jolly Smurf said: Probably the best 2D platformer for around 15 years or so, so much charm and clever design, a great graphical style and real time waster in the form of the daily/weekly challenges.

Jimbob said: I don't know if I'm sold on the controls (a 2D platformer with the running on the shoulder button? F***ing French) , but everything's got so much personality (except for Rayman himself  ), it's very hard not to love. If I was going to add another moan, I'd say that the game relies on you knowing too much about the Rayman universe (which is also true for the development team themselves during interviews, it turns out). But I just ran through a cake level while avoiding Luchadors. What do you want?

I say: We'll never know what sort of Rayman Legends we would have got had it been released in February (or on launch day, even). The Rayman Legends we did get, though, is a spectacular delight. That it took Origins - itself a stellar game - and improved on it so thoroughly is jaw-dropping. The Origins retreads in the game feel clunky, slow and empty compared to the zippy, smile-filled extravaganzas of the native Legends levels. I found it so addictive that I couldn't stop myself from finishing it all too soon. Still, there are more unlockables than the banking district of London, so I should be able to find something to do. Final point: in Japan they know it as Rayman Densetsu. I love that.