Will Wii-U Continue the Mini-Game Trend?

With the interactive controllers and add-ons like the Wii Fit board, the original Nintendo Wii became the console of choice for hundreds of mini-games. Using the interactive movements in anyway imaginable, the Wii may have lost some of its credibility for true gamers and become a short-term simplified game station.

The Wii-U looks to add more standard video game play, but with more novelties and interactions, there is no doubt that the mini-game trend will continue, affecting Wii-U owners from getting some big title releases or in-depth games.

Mini-Game Popularity

The launch of Wii Sports as a packaged game with the console is what help set off the mini-game craze. Along with Wii Sports, Wii Play sold millions of copies for owners getting that packaged remote.

Other popular Wii games include the Game Party series, Wii Party and a large collection of game shows. On the Wii-U, there is no doubt that the game show trend will continue and only expand. Now with individual screens, players can select answers in secret, play games like Jeopardy, poker and Pictionary right on the controller in front of them.

Video Game Releases

The family-friendly mini-game atmosphere of the Wii led it to lose some big game releases or content available on other systems. Early releases of Call of Duty were missing content and online play found on other consoles.

Sports games were limited with features and did not allow players to use a Classic or Gamecube controller scheme. The interactive functions of the game took away from the regular game play and were almost a downgrade from previous systems.

Hopefully the Wii-U features graphic and game play capabilities to get releases that the Wii has not. This includes the Batman: Arkham series and possibly a Grand Theft Auto game.

The Wii did have success with Nintendo branded games like Zelda and Mario, but they were often overshadowed with mini-game releases. A mix of full games and mini-games on the Wii-U will give the new console a respectable release and could convert XBox and PS3 players to the new console.

Launch Titles

As of October 2011, only a handful of titles have been announced for the Wii-U but the list looks promising. Among the highlights is the new title Batman: Arkham Asylum, Tekken, Super Smash Brothers and LEGO City Stories.

This is a turn in the right direction to help Nintendo’s reputation and even out the player’s field.


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