Top Ten Wii U Platformers

Last week SuperPhillip Central delved into the best 2D platformers on the Nintendo 3DS. After a positive review of Yoshi's Woolly World, it seems like a great time to talk about the best platformers, whether 2D or 3D, that the Wii U possesses. The system has no shortage of platformers to talk about-- retail, digital, AAA publisher, indie-- so this list was a little challenging to come up with. However, I managed to persevere and come up with the top ten platformers on the Wii U game console.

10) Adventures of Pip

The first game on SuperPhillip Central's countdown of the best Wii U platformers comes from a smaller indie studio, Tic Toc Games. This title is also available on the PS4, Xbox One, Steam, and iOS. It's Adventures of Pip, and it's quite unlike any 2D platformer you've played before. The central gimmick has Pip as a pixel, but through defeating certain enemies and touching specific objects, he evolves in 8-bit and even 16-bit forms. Each form offers different abilities to Pip, so the challenge is being the right form to progress through the game and even find the myriad hidden areas Adventures of Pip contains. The game is well designed through and through, and it simply amazed me just how much I enjoyed it, making it one of my favorite games of 2015. Big praise from a little blog!

9) DuckTales Remastered

Bless me bagpipes! DuckTales Remastered is an exceptional remake of the NES classic, offering intricate 2D sprites set against 3D backgrounds for quite the lovely design aesthetic. Everything you loved about the NES original is present in DuckTales Remastered... and then some. An added, more in-depth story helps players understand the reasoning for boss battles and Scrooge McDuck's adventures in places like the Himalayas and the Amazon, while a bonus final level adds to the game's longevity. Throw in unlockable goodies like behind-the-scenes sketches and Jake "Virt" Kaufman's excellent interpretation of the original DuckTales game score, and you have one worthy remake that any DuckTales fan or lover of the NES classic should play.

8) Rayman Legends

What I consider the definitive version of Rayman Legends, the Wii U GamePad just brings so much to the table with this game. You can opt to play multiplayer with a friend or three, using the GamePad to move obstacles and interact with the environment to help out your fellow players, or you could play solo and use the GamePad the same way, only with a quite capable AI player instead. While Rayman Legends is indeed a highly competent and enjoyable 2D platformer, most of its content is recycled from its predecessor, Rayman Origins, and some might not care for the Murfy levels I talked about. Still, it's a strong entry in the Rayman series and one of the best uses of the Wii U GamePad around.

7) Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition

What do you get when you combine luchador wrestling with Metroid? You get Guacamelee! What do you get when you combine Guacamelee! with a more complete version? Why, you get Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition. This game is an exceptional Metroid-style 2D platformer, offering deep combat, tremendous 2D art, and a world that is mighty fun to explore, looking for every hidden nook and cranny the game has to offer. Gaining new moves like dive kicks, charges, and more not only add to the combat possibilities our protagonist Juan has, but they allow him to use these moves to explore new areas of the world map. What it all boils down to is a humorous, self-deprecating, action-packed game full of video game references that anyone who needs some Metroid-structured gameplay will enjoy.

6) New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U

I'm including both the base game, New Super Mario Bros. U and its DLC, New Super Luigi U, for number six of our countdown. The base game features some of the greatest designed levels in Super Mario Bros. series history, and it's a shame that it's held back by the less than amazing art style and music. New Super Luigi U brought with it Luigi in the starring role, more difficult levels to complete-- especially if you wanted to collect all three star coins in a level-- and shorter levels. The games alone are some of the Mario series's best, but together, they really make a case that Nintendo has definitely not its way when it comes to 2D Mario.

5) Yoshi's Woolly World

For 20 years now, Yoshi's Island fans have waited for a suitable successor to the SNES original's crown. Nintendo had attempted to create sequels, but these were lesser experiences to fans, not really being anywhere near the same exceptional quality of the SNES classic. This year, however, Nintendo, and more specifically developer Good Feel, have finally created an entry in the Yoshi series that not only is more than an excellent successor, but it many ways, it outshines the original Yoshi's Island. That game is Yoshi's Woolly World, and with its exceptional level design, always introducing new, fresh concepts into levels, a terrific art style with basically everything being made out of yarn or fabric, and a tremendous soundtrack, Nintendo and Good Feel have a game that is absolutely sensational and worthy of the Yoshi name.

4) Shovel Knight

The only title that appears on both this and the top ten Nintendo 3DS platformers list, Shovel Knight is an exemplary title that borrows ideas from many NES classics and retro titles like Mega Man and DuckTales, while remaining a completely fresh entity of its own. Yacht Club Games' maiden game launched rightfully to high praise, and it's so popular that a Shovel Knight amiibo is being made. Shovel Knight will be receiving a retail version across most platforms at the beginning of next month, so it's yet another excuse to relive this action-intense 2D platformer. From digging up treasure to making precarious, death-defying leaps, Shovel Knight brings plenty of challenge, entertainment, and tight controls to the Wii U, making it SuperPhillip Central's number four pick as a top Wii U platformer.

3) Super Mario Maker

Not only is Super Mario Maker an ingenious, intuitive, and easy to use level creator, but it obviously has the Mario series's intricate platforming as the base for the game. The level creator itself brings forth an easy means of creating levels with tons of options to create classic Mario levels, Kaizo Mario monster creations, and great experiments to the formula. Want to make a totem of Hammer Brothers? Have at it. Want to chain a Chain Chomp to a moving platform? Go for it! Super Mario Maker is an expansive level creator that allows players to share their crafted levels with the world, granting players the ability to star favorite levels and creators. While the level search system is not up to perfect standards, Super Mario Maker still remains an incredible value for any Wii U owner. Just imagine if this game released at the Wii U 's launch. I think the Wii U's fortunes would have been different, as Super Mario Maker is an exceptional game that uses the GamePad really well.

2) Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

When it was announced that Retro Studios' next game was actually a sequel to Donkey Kong Country Returns instead of a new IP or Metroid game, many fans were quite disappointed. Well, actually, since they were Nintendo fans, they went absolutely crazy with overreactions. Regardless, the actual final product turned out to be immensely incredible, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. Featuring dynamic, well crafted levels, interesting boss battles, a steady difficulty curve, and a fully Dave Wise-composed soundtrack, Tropical Freeze delivered gameplay thrills and platforming perfection to players. Not only would I consider Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze an amazing game, but I would consider it one of the best 2D platformers of all time. Yes, even besting my former favorite DKC game, Diddy's Kong Quest. THAT'S saying something.

1) Super Mario 3D World

SuperPhillip Central's top Wii U platformer is none other than Super Mario 3D World. Many expressed disappointment when it was revealed that this 3D Mario was more like the Nintendo 3DS game Super Mario 3D Land rather than a more blockbuster game like Super Mario Galaxy. It didn't help that the original E3 trailer didn't do much to excite. However, subsequent trailers soon changed the tune of many skeptics, myself included. Finally playing the game, and many fell in love with the ingenious level design, the constant introductions of new gameplay and level concepts, the brilliant art style and direction, and the ultra catchy, big band-inspired soundtrack. Super Mario 3D World succeeds as not just a solo experience, but especially as a multiplayer one, delivering an amazingly fun experience with up to four players. Super Mario 3D World may not have been the Super Mario Galaxy-caliber game fans wanted, but you'd be hard pressed to find many who would say it was anything but extraordinary.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Indie-genous People's Day Edition

It's Columbus Day in the United States, but rather than celebrate a total scumbag of a human being that the U.S. celebrates for no other reason than tradition, we'll be celebrating Indigenous People's Day here at SuperPhillip Central. In fact, we'll be celebrating indies this edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs.

Such indie games being celebrated this week include the great Shovel Knight, the co-op fun of Castle Crashers, the Sega-like Freedom Planet, the first-person fun of Lovely Planet, and finally, the Metroid-like Guacamelee! If you want to check out past VGM volumes, look no further than the VGM Database. That said, let's get on to the music from games from indie/independent developers!

v981. Shovel Knight (Multi) - In the Halls of the Usurper (Pridemoor Keep)

The theme for King Knight's stage, one of the first players encounter within the critically acclaimed (including by SuperPhillip Central) Shovel Knight, this catchy theme by Jake "Virt" Kaufman and Mega Man composer Manami Matsumae gets you in the mood to run and dig through a golden castle.

v982. Castle Crashers (Multi) - Forest Entrance

Speaking of catchy music, there are none more catchier than Castle Crashers' Forest Entrance theme. Do battle with up to three other friends as you beat foes into oblivion. Castle Crashers is available on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Hopefully one day Nintendo systems will get this game, but maybe that's wishful thinking.

v983. Freedom Planet (Wii U eShop, PC) - Relic Maze 2

Freedom Planet is one of Bean and my favorite digital games of the year. It released this month on the Wii U eShop after many months (maybe years?) of waiting. Relic Maze 2 is another memorable ditty from the soundtrack, and it hearkens back to old school platformers, the kind that Freedom Planet is happily and merrily based on.

v984. Lovely Planet (Wii U eShop, PC) - World 1 (Lovely City)

From one planet to another, Lovely Planet is an upcoming Wii U eShop game that has you in first-person mode shooting and dodging targets. The soundtrack is all composed by Calum Bowen, and you can download the soundtrack from his Bandcamp profile. Support the composer!

v985. Guacamelee! (Multi) - Boss Theme

Clap your hands! Wait, you don't have the time to do that when your hands should be pressed against a controller, taking on a big bad boss! Well, at least you can bob your head in time to the music, right? Guacamelee! is a Metroid-styled 2D platformer that has great combat that incorporates the abilities you learn into battle.

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Bookended by Final Fantasy Edition

Hello everyone! It's your blogger friend Phil here with five more themes from the world of video games! It's of course time for SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, dishing out even more superb sounds for all to enjoy.

This week I have selected tracks from five more games. We will start off with an awesomely orchestrated classic theme from Final Fantasy VIII, and then we'll move on to some Spanish flavor with music from the indie hit Guacamelee! Moving on from there, we dive into two unique platformers, Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg and Puppeteer. Finally, we wrap up this edition of the old VGMs like we started, with a track from a Final Fantasy game, this time Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles!

If you're just joining the site or want to listen to past songs selected by yours truly, check out the SuperPhillip Central Favorite VGM Database for all the great video game tracks I love and cherish!

v856. Final Fantasy VIII (PS1) - The Man With the Machine Gun (Orchestrated)

We start this edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs with one of my favorite orchestrated pieces in Final Fantasy history, The Man With the Machine Gun. This peppy and empowered piece goes from techno and electronic to bold and daring with its big brass and sensational strings. It makes for a cherished orchestral version of a classic Final Fantasy VIII tune.

v857. Guacamelee! (Multi) - Temple of War ~ Rain

Guacamelee! is a Metroidvania game, and that genre of 2D platformer is no stranger to the indie scene. However, this game is one of my favorites in the genre with its great level design, awesome use of moves in not just to reach new areas but also to defeat foes in combat, and luchador styling. Temple of War ~ Rain gives listeners a Spanish flavor with its guitar while also delivering a nice mix of electronica into the fold as well.

v858. Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg (GCN) - Volcanic Orchestra

Tomoya Ohtani was the main composer behind Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg, and his name should be quite familiar to those who have listened to more modern Sonic the Hedgehog games, such as Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colors, and Sonic: Lost World. Ohtani and his merry band of composers including Mariko Namba did a great job creating a colorful soundtrack to accompany the colorful world of Billy Hatcher.

v859. Puppeteer (PS3) - Danger

Patrick Doyle composed the music for Sony's Puppeteer, a cute and quaint 2.5D platformer that stunned in its presentation and did rather well in its gameplay as well. Perhaps my greatest complaint with the game is its constant interruption of the gameplay with its presentation and storytelling. A little story goes a long way in a platformer, kids!

v860. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles (GCN) - When the Northern Sky Is Clear

The theme of Rebena Te Ra, one of the final areas in Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles on the Nintendo GameCube, When the Northern Sky Is Clear is accentuated by backing vocals and a xylophone ostinato. The level itself is a confusing maze filled with powerful monsters that only the brave and bold can conquer.

Top Ten Third Party Wii U Games

If you know anything about Nintendo, you know its third party relations regarding its home consoles are... well, I don't want to say "total garbage", so I won't be that cruel. I also won't say "complete bullocks", "absolutely embarrassing", "insanely incompetent", or "beyond selfish" either, so don't think you'll see those phrases on this site. I think the nicest word to use would be "anemic."

Regardless, there are indeed plenty of third party games that are available on the Wii U that are worth playing. Of course, while most of them are available on other platforms, these Wii U versions are special for a number of reasons, as you'll see with this top ten list for tonight. These games are the ones that I deem the best of the Wii U third party bunch. Let's get started, shall we?

10) ZombiU

I kick off this top ten list with a title that I stated had the best use of the Wii U GamePad yet. I still find this true. Just don't come into Ubisoft's Wii U launch title ZombiU with the idea that it's a traditional shooter. Like many foolish professional review sites who will remain nameless but have a spot for games, you will find yourself disappointed by your own untrue expectations. ZombiU is a survival horror with an emphasis on both surviving and horror. You utilize the GamePad as your Bug-Out Bag, where all of your ammo and helpful items are stored. However, using this bag does not pause the game. This means that a zombie can attack you at any point. All it takes is one bite. For a truly scary game that is great to play in the dark (if you like to squeal like a girl when you're scared like I do), there is no better choice on Wii U than ZombiU, one of the freshest ideas in the genre in a long time.

9) Armillo

Something that tends to be overlooked when referring to third parties on the Wii U is the Nintendo eShop. There an abundance of clever yet nowhere near as triumphed games are released on a steady basis, though the storefront does not get as much action as the PlayStation's, truth be told. Fuzzy Wuzzy Games launched Armillo on the Nintendo eShop last summer, and it really does hearken back to the era of Nintendo 64 3D platformers. However, don't think it is a relic of the past and doesn't add its own spin to the genre. You control the titular character through spherical planets with hazardous aplenty to reunite Armillo with someone special to him. The level design alone shows the creativity that sparked in the developers, offering some clever platforming challenges and interesting mechanics to keep Armillo feeling fresh from beginning to end.

8) Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2

Speaking of overlooked games, you might laugh at Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2 being on this list. You might say, "Wow. The Wii U really is struggling with third parties if you had to put a game based on a cartoon on it." Nevertheless, Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2 is a really well made 3D platformer that has a lot of ingenious ideas in its level design and design in general. The game is a huge step up from what the original Ghostly Adventures offered, and while it doesn't innovate in any special way, this sequel is highly competent, a blast to play, and has really tight platforming action. For overlooked games, definitely check out Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2.

7) Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

Released at launch for the Wii U, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed saw Sonic and his Sega cohorts speed onto destructible tracks that dynamically altered themselves throughout each race. The ability to shift between car, boat, and plane at specific points in each race opened up the possibilities of the track design immensely. Nonetheless, the track design being spectacular is just one great bullet point for this arcade racing game featuring familiar Sega mascots. The actual racing feels supremely tight, offering a terrific amount of speed and control. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed on Wii U has special features such as off TV play and exclusive mini-games. It is a fantastic racer that gives Mario Kart a run... er, race-- for its money!

6) Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones

Currently a timed exclusive for the Wii U eShop, Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones brings with it 2D puzzle platforming goodness and a level of challenge that makes each completed test chamber a serious accomplishment. With lots of content in the way you can beat the target times on each test chamber, collect special costume pieces for your robot, and build your own levels, sharing them with the Wii U Stealth Inc. 2 community if you deem your level appropriate, this is a downloadable game that will last players a long while.

5) Batman: Arkham City - Armored Edition

To get this out of the way, while it's not exactly the same content, it is very much the same game. Sorry, Reggie Fils-Amie! Anyway, I very much enjoyed the original Arkham City on the PlayStation 3, and this updated Wii U version, utilizing the Wii U GamePad in some very clever ways (i.e. gadget management, encrypting The Riddler's locked doors, and more), was a perfect excuse to return to the desolate and crime-ridden city streets. Batman: Arkham City - Armored Edition is very much a phenomenal port (albeit late) of the seventh generation original, and if you have never played any version of the game or want another excuse to do so like I did, Armored Edition is a fabulous game to sit down and be the bat with.

4) Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut

Another game that makes stellar use of the Wii U GamePad, Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut uses the GamePad as a radar, a means to loot enemies, accessing the player's inventory, a special window view for sniping, and a lot more. This action/stealth thriller was a splendid addition to the Wii U library, and it definitely needs more love from Wii U owners. Whether you're a casual player or someone more seasoned at shooters and stealth games, there is something for you in Human Revolution.

3) Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition

"Metroidvania" is a term that describes games that are similar in design and formula to the Metroid and later 2D Castlevania games. Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition is such a title, but it uses the many luchadore moves at our hero's disposal to not only fight off enemies in the game's combat rooms, but also to break through special doors, access new areas, and explore throughout the game world. Guacamelee is a game that doesn't take itself overly seriously, and it brings players a wide variety of nods to games both retro and modern. The added fun of co-op only sweetens the deal, offering the ability for two players to suplex and piledrive opponents simultaneously. Simply put, Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition is a must play for any fan of and anyone looking for an atypical type of Metroid.

2) Rayman Legends

If you followed Rayman Legends' rocky release, you know that the game was delayed to make ports for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. What was an exclusive for Wii U owners was held back for these reasons, understandably making many Nintendo fans irked, myself included. Regardless, the game finally released to critical acclaim but low sales unfortunately. Even with the other versions of Rayman Legends, the Wii U edition is what I consider the definitive version. The levels where you perform swipes, taps, holds, and touches to manipulate and maneuver platforms for a human or AI partner felt the greatest and most satisfying on the Wii U version. The other levels were platforming nirvana, too, especially those well done musical levels. While New Super Mario Bros. U is the king of 2D platformers level design wise, creativity-wise Rayman Legends has got the portly plumber's game handily beat.

1) Shovel Knight

Combining the gameplay of such NES classics as Mega Man, DuckTales, and more, Shovel Knight is a modern retro classic. Its design emanates high quality and even higher standards. Levels are intricately designed, offer plenty of well placed obstacles, and the entire game itself feels like such a cohesive and enjoyable package. The team at Yacht Club Games really know their stuff, and it is fully evident in every inch and pixel within this amazing 2D run-and-dig action platformer. I am absolutely thrilled that Sony platform owners will get the chance to try out this excellent game. The more players that get to experience Shovel Knight, the better!

===

There are other third party games worth mentioning that didn't make it on this list: Trine 2: Director's Cut, Mighty Switch Force, Toki Tori 2+, Ittle Dew, DuckTales Remastered, Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, and my controversial pick, Sonic: Lost World. The Wii U may indeed be any abyss for third party content, but it isn't a wholly horrible place for publishers other than Nintendo.