I think Yahtzee of Zero Punction mentioned in his review that a semi-transparent GUI would create the same effect of looking at the menu on the gamepad and having action on the main screen.
Well, ****, if one reviewer said it, I should rethink my entire opinion on the game.
But really, it would not be the same because looking at the GamePad simulated looking through a bag. A transparent screen is not the same affect because looking at the GamePad, and away from the TV, added tension. If you don't pay attention, you could die which greatly affects you in ZombiU. I've died again trying to get my **** back from my previous character.
We've discussed many ways the GamePad could be used intelligently and uniquely in other threads. Unfortunately, we're not developing Wii U games and it doesn't seem like a lot of other people are either. It's silly to think the ideas don't exist just because they haven't been implemented. I find most ideas complimentary. They enhance more than revolutionize. The GamePad can and has made games better. Not to the point where a game is garbage without it, but if that's what you're expecting, reevaluate your expectations.
I strongly prefer local multiplayer. A four-player death match where you can't cheat by looking at another player's screen changes that entire dynamic. I've never been in a four-player death match setting where that didn't come up. My hope is that Nintendo gets this working in a successor.
I would think Nintendo Land was supposed to be the game to showcase the Gamepad capabilities. It brought a lot of fun possibilities to the table. Granted, there has been no follow up to that title, but did everyone hate that game and thus it 'cannot' be counted as this generation's Wii Sports?
I would have brought up Nintendo Land, but I felt it goes without saying.
Also, Miiverse, while not a game, would suck without the GamePad. Miiverse is one of the few things on Wii U Nintendo did right.