WII U TRADE GUIDE: The launch line-up

There are dozens of title heading to Wii?U at launch, not just on November 30th but in the weeks and months that follow. James Batchelor offers a round-up of some of the biggest titles on the way

NINTENDOLAND
Publisher: Nintendo
Distributor: Open
Contact: 01753 483700

A collection of 12 mini-games based on hit franchises such as Mario, Zelda, Metroid and Donkey Kong. Each one shows off different features of the new GamePad. NintendoLand will be bundled with the Premium model of Wii U.

Craig McNicol, Koch Media
NintendoLand is going to bring fun for the family this Christmas. This is going to have the flavour of Wii Sports but with all the added mayhem that legendary Nintendo mascots can bring.”

NEW SUPER MARIO BROS U
Publisher: Nintendo
Distributor: Open
Contact: 01753 483700

In the first new Mario launch title since Super Mario 64, four players can traverse colourful levels with a fifth lending a hand via the GamePad. They can also share tips via Miiverse.

FIFA 13
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Distributor: CentreSoft
Contact: 0121 625 3388

This fresh SKU of EA’s record-breaking game gives fans greater control over the ball, using the GamePad to aim and shoot. They will even be able to use the touch-screen to message online friends.

CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II
Publisher: Activision
Distributor: CentreSoft
Contact: 0121 625 3388

The biggest game of the year will be on Wii U at launch. Black Ops 2 will run at a smooth 60fps, even when playing online, and a second player can play co-operatively with the GamePad.

BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY
Publisher: Warner Bros
Distributor: CentreSoft
Contact: 0121 625 3388

The critically-acclaimed superhero blockbuster swoops onto Wii U, complete with new features for the GamePad and all of the DLC released for the 360, PS3 and PC versions.

MASS EFFECT 3: SPECIAL EDITION
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Distributor: CentreSoft
Contact: 0121 625 3388

Bringing the much-lauded EA BioWare sci-fi epic to Nintendo fans for the first time, Mass Effect 3: Special Edition includes the From Ashes DLC and Extended Cut ending.

DISNEY EPIC MICKEY 2: THE POWER OF TWO
Publisher: Disney
Distributor: CentreSoft
Contact: 0121 625 3388

The sequel to 2010’s acclaimed Wii exclusive sees Mickey and his predecessor Oswald The Lucky Rabbit explore a world of forgotten Disney characters and theme park rides.

DARKSIDERS II
Publisher: THQ
Distributor: Gem
Contact: 01279 822800

THQ’s summer hit returns, now using the GamePad to manage items and quests. It will also feature the Argul’s Tomb DLC, plus weapons and armour that were given away with pre-orders.

TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT 2
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Distributor: Advantage
Contact: 0121 506 9585

The best-selling beat ‘em up series arrives on a Nintendo console for the first time. This SKU adds combo shortcuts via the GamePad and Mario and Zelda-themed costumes.

ZOMBIU
Publisher: Ubisoft
Distributor: Gem
Contact: 01279 822800

Set during a zombie apocalypse in London, this title uses the GamePad to access inventory, unlock doors and aim weapons. Online multiplayer sees gamers race other survivors for supplies.

Christopher Rogers, Dixons
ZombiU stole the show at E3 and looks genuinely scary with the nice replayability that you have to kill your former character if you die.”

GAME PARTY CHAMPIONS
Publisher: Warner Bros
Distributor: CentreSoft
Contact: 0121 625 3388

In the latest Game Party, players tilt, turn and touch their way through eight mini-games with the GamePad – while other players try to put them off with Wii Remotes.

TANK! TANK! TANK
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Distributor: Advantage
Contact: 0121 506 9585

Based on the arcade game, this puts up to four players in the driving seats of – you guessed it – tanks. Together they must battle giant spiders, evil robots and massive dragons. As you do.

BEN 10: OMNIVERSE
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Distributor: Advantage
Contact: 0121 506 9585

The world’s biggest boys franchise is back with a new action-packed adventure that sees Young Ben and Teen Ben fighting alongside each other for the first time.

WARRIORS OROCHI 3: HYPER
Publisher: Tecmo Koei
Distributor: Open
Contact: 01462 476130

Tecmo Koei’s biggest franchises clash in a new hack ‘n’ slash title that brings together the heroes of Samurai Warriors, Dynasty Warriors, Dead or Alive, Ninja Gaiden and more.

TRANSFORMERS PRIME
Publisher: Activision
Distributor: CentreSoft
Contact: 0121 625 3388

Based on the popular TV series, Transformers Prime lets players use the Wii U to steer their chosen robot and upgrade their attacks via the touch screen.

COMING SOON

These are the some of the biggest games due during Wii U’s ‘launch window’, which runs from December to March 2013

ASSASSIN’S CREED III
Publisher: Ubisoft
Distributor: Gem
Contact: 01279 822800

Ubisoft’s blockbuster franchise makes its Nintendo console debut with the hotly anticipated Assassin’s Creed III.

JUST DANCE 4
Publisher: Ubisoft
Distributor: Gem
Contact: 01279 822800

Wii’s most successful third-party franchise struts onto Wii U. Players can create routines using the GamePad.

LEGO CITY UNDERCOVER
Publisher: Nintendo
Distributor: Open
Contact: 01753 483700

An exclusive adventure from Traveller’s Tales that lets players loose in an open-world crime-ridden city.

PIKMIN 3
Publisher: Nintendo
Distributor: Open
Contact: 01753 483700

The popular GameCube strategy series returns with HD?graphics, handy map display and touch-screen controls.

RAYMAN LEGENDS
Publisher: Ubisoft
Distributor: Gem
Contact: 01279 822800

A beautiful platformer from Ubisoft, where a second player controls the environment with the GamePad.

SKYLANDERS: GIANTS
Publisher: Activision
Distributor: CentreSoft
Contact: 0121 625 3388

The sequel to Activision’s kids hit adds new monsters, new levels and, of course, new toys for retailers to stock.

AND THAT’S JUST THE BEGINNING

Also on the way is 007 Legends (Activision), Aliens: Colonial Marines (Sega), Game & Wario (Nintendo), Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth (Ubisoft), Monster Hunter 3: Ultimate (Capcom), NBA 2K13 (2K Games), Ninja Gaiden 3 (Tecmo Koei), Pikmin 3 (Nintendo), Rise of the Guardians?(Namco Bandai), Rabbids Land (Ubisoft), Scribblenauts Unlimited?(Warner Bros), Sing Party (Nintendo), Sonic &?All-Stars Racing Transformed (Sega), Sports Connection (Ubisoft), The Wonderful 101 (Nintendo), and Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013 (Ubisoft).

Launch window eShop games include BIT.TRIP Runner 2, Nano Assault Neo, Trine 2, and Toki Tori 2.