We store cookies, you can get more info from our privacy policy.

Wii U Launch Guide

Assassin's Creed III, ESPN Sports Connection, and Just Dance 4

by Alex Culafi - November 12, 2012, 1:31 pm EST

Here's part two of the massive Ubisoft lineup.

As with any console launch, Ubisoft has a fairly significant number of games for the new platform (six, to be exact). Among those are ports and original titles; for the sake of this feature, we'll look at some of the ports coming our way later this month.

Assassin's Creed III

Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
Players: TBD
Off-TV Play:  Yes
What is it?: Assassin's Creed III is the latest iteration in the Assassin's Creed series. The game follows a man, Desmond, who takes on the role of his ancestors through a machine called the Animus. The goal of the game is to carry out assassinations, and in this game, the assassin is a half-British and half-Native American man named Connor who lived during and becomes involved in the American Revolution.
GamePad Use: Uses the GamePad as a map and inventory management system. In addition, the entire HUD can be assigned to the touch screen.
Staff Approval Rating: 65% (4th)



ESPN Sports Connection

Developer: Ubisoft
Players: 1-5
Off-TV Play: No
What is it?: ESPN Sports Connection is a sports compilation that includes karting, soccer, football, golf, tennis, and baseball. The game uses both the Wii Motion Plus and GamePad to carry out various actions in each sport. 
GamePad Use: Varies depending on the game. For example, football can take advantage of the new controller by allowing to plan a means of attack via the touch screen, and a second participant in golf can use the touch screen to plan an effective shot and act as a caddy.
Staff Approval Rating: 8% (18th (tie))



Just Dance 4

Developer: Ubisoft
Players: TBD
Off-TV Play: Yes
What is it?: Just Dance 4 is the fourth entry in the insanely popular Just Dance series. The general game tasks players with dancing to the rhythm of songs by moving the Wii Remote and Nunchuck to pull off one of many dance moves. 
Wii U Differences: A bunch. Playlists can be managed from the GamePad, the entire game can be played from the GamePad screen, and there is a new "Puppet Master" mode that allows a secondary player to dictate the dance moves of the player actually dancing.
Staff Approval Rating: 8% (18th (tie))

Talkback

CericNovember 12, 2012

Ninja Gaiden 3 I might actually try eventually.  Though I'm wary about the M rating.

geoNovember 12, 2012

I wonder if nintendo network ID works like an xbox live ID or like a battlenet ID.  If it's like xbox live, whoever gets a launch system will get the best chance to get the best names.

MrPhishfoodNovember 12, 2012

I have dibs on MyBodyIsReady

thedefalcosNovember 12, 2012

Zach: I thought it was confirmed that Black Ops 2 will have 4 player split screen. The back of the game box has a Wii- mote with the # 4 on it. That usually means "up to four wii motes can be used."  What's going on there?

thedefalcosNovember 12, 2012

Not sure what happened to my last reply, but I'll try it again.

Zack: I thought it was confirmed black ops 2 was 4 player. I saw the back of one of the boxes and it showed a wii-mote with a "4" on it. Usually means it's four player split-screen.  What say you?

That could mean it actually has 5 player split screen, as it's been confirmed you can play splitscreen with one of the screens being the GamePad. 

CalibanNovember 12, 2012

There's an awful lot of noes for the "off-tv play" feature. Huh, thought it was supposed to be a feature obligatory to all games even if it was just when playing by ourselves.

EasyCureNovember 12, 2012

gahhhhhh I need to stop reading about games I can't afford!

thedefalcosNovember 13, 2012

Caliban:  Don't do that to me.  5 player split screen would be so awesome. It would be worth getting the console for that option on that game alone. I think Sonic Racers has 5 player split and I know for sure Sports Connection does.


Maybe that's why BLOPS 2 supports the classic controller as well as the pro.


I really wish somebody would confirm this!

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorNovember 13, 2012

Can we get confirmation on ACIII having 3D?  I looked all over the box today and there's nothing on it.  If it really is, it's a Day-One purchase for me, as it'd be the only Wii U game in 3D for me to check out my new TV.  If it's not, I likely won't ever get it...

TJ SpykeNovember 13, 2012

Quote from: Caliban

There's an awful lot of noes for the "off-tv play" feature. Huh, thought it was supposed to be a feature obligatory to all games even if it was just when playing by ourselves.

It's not required at all, and I am glad it's not since it might scare off developers. Games have to use the GamePad, but that could be as simple as having a map displayed or something like that.

Quote from: Caliban

There's an awful lot of noes for the "off-tv play" feature. Huh, thought it was supposed to be a feature obligatory to all games even if it was just when playing by ourselves.

Well, some games make significant use of both screens, like ZombiU, so they'd be losing some of their functionality being played that way. It's still upsetting that some of the ports from 360/PS3 that were designed for single screen play don't have it, though.

CalibanNovember 13, 2012

Quote from: NWR_insanolord

Quote from: Caliban

There's an awful lot of noes for the "off-tv play" feature. Huh, thought it was supposed to be a feature obligatory to all games even if it was just when playing by ourselves.

Well, some games make significant use of both screens, like ZombiU, so they'd be losing some of their functionality being played that way. It's still upsetting that some of the ports from 360/PS3 that were designed for single screen play don't have it, though.

I can understand such choice with ZombiU, as it's part of the gameplay in that it's trying to put you into a stressful position. What you said about the ports is what I was trying to refer. I guess we're just going to have to wait until we can get the games on our hands just so it's confirmed.

TJ SpykeNovember 13, 2012

It's already been confirmed. It is up to each developer what they will do with the GamePad screen. Hell, I think the only first party game that even uses off-TV gameplay is New Super Mario Bros. U.

I think some of Nintendo Land can be played that way. There's really no reason the Donkey Kong game couldn't. I may be wrong though.

There are still a decent amount of games that can be played that way. Mario of course, Darksiders, the EA Sports games. It's a major selling point for me, and I'm glad to have a few games that do it, even though more maybe should.

PlugabugzNovember 14, 2012

I got excited for TVii right up to the moment that they forgot to announce anything for not-America.

BlkPaladinNovember 16, 2012

Well Nintendo said they were considering bringing it to the other markets. And the ND showed the TVii icon so it is probally a good bet its coming to all markets. (Which may be another reason for the delay.)

Got a news tip? Send it in!
Advertisement
Advertisement