2015 is on track to be the Wii U's best year so far.
Wii U
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
NA Release Date: Feb. 20, 2015
Preview: Kirby and the Rainbow Curse Hands-on Impressions
Video: Kirby and the Rainbow Curse Gameplay Footage
Editorial: Breaking the Curse: Readying to Clay Kirby's Next Adorable Adventure
Video: Kirby and the Rainbow Curse Full Game Playthough (Japanese Version)
Did you like Kirby’s Canvas Curse? It was one of the first DS games to show off the potential of having a touch screen. Players guided Kirby, as a ball, through a stage by drawing lines for him to roll on. Absorbing powers and collecting medals spiced up the experience, alongside unlockable characters like Dedede and Meta Knight. The game is highly regarded by those who’ve played it. Kirby and the Rainbow Curse is a sequel (finally) for the Wii U, and it’s another aesthetic departure for the series. This time the art direction is in the style of claymation, though the gameplay is fundamentally similar. If you want to spoil yourself, our own Jared Rosenberg just live-streamed the whole game. And of course, there will also be Amiibo support. This is one title I’m definitely looking forward to.
Mario Party 10
NA Release Date: March 20, 2015
Preview: Mario Party 10 Hands-on Impressions
Video: Mario Party 10 Gameplay Footage
Mario Party 10 is another entry in the multiplayer board game series. The new gameplay element here has to deal with Bowser, as he’ll be the star of his own mode where players using the GamePad will take control of the Mario villain as he tries to bring trouble to other players who play various mini games. Beyond the usual fare, we also have Amiibo integration in a new Amiibo Party mode that takes advantage of the new figures.
Splatoon
NA Release Date: May 2015
Preview: Splatoon Hands-on Impressions
Video: Splatoon Gameplay Footage
Splatoon is a third-person team based shooter with some twists. The game pits squid children against each other with super-soakers filled with colorful ink in an attempt to try and spread as much of your team’s color onto the playing field as possible in a given match. Splatoon will feature character customization, various multiplayer modes, various weapons and power-ups, and even a full-fledged single player campaign. It’s one Wii U game you don’t want to take off your radar.
Yoshi's Woolly World
Preview: Yoshi's Woolly World Hands-on Impressions
Video: Yoshi's Woolly World Gameplay Footage
While Nintendo’s latest home console may already have more than enough platformers, the artistic beauty of Yoshi’s Wooly World is reason alone to be excited for yet another game in the same genre. Good Feel, the team that crafted the super charming Kirby’s Epic Yarn, has been slaving away on this yarn-themed game, so if you’ve got a soft spot for cuteness and Yoshi, this one should definitely be on your radar.
Mario Maker
Preview: Mario Maker Hands-on Impressions
Video: Mario Maker Gameplay Footage
Many of us have dreamed of designing Super Mario Bros. levels since we were kids. Now that dream is about to come true with Mario Maker. By the end of the year we will be able to make and play custom Mario stages using physics and themes from Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros. Is there a better way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the series?
Project Giant Robot
Preview: Project Giant Robot Hands-on Impressions
Project Giant Robot was shown off at E3 2014 as one of Miyamoto’s unique Wii U experiences. The goal of the game is to fight as a giant robot against another (obviously much more evil) giant robot. During gameplay the GamePad is held close to the player’s chest so that leaning forward, back, left, and right are all transferred to the on screen robot.
In contrast to Project Guard, Project Giant Robot definitely looks like it could exist independently as its own game. That being said, we’ll have to wait and see whether Miyamoto decides to make Project Giant Robot its own game or add it as a gameplay mechanic in a larger project.