As any Call of Duty fan will tell you, the game is split into two distinct parts: single player and multiplayer. For the single player, developer Treyarch has crafted a seven to ten hour narrative that spans past, present and the distant future. In addition to the explosions, betrayals and tension the Call of Duty series is known for, Black Ops 2 introduces a new element to the series: a story that changes based on your actions. Depending on what you do or don’t do, the story branches. Villains can change, locales will alter and, at the end of the game, your story isn’t the same as a player who made different changes. It’s for this reason that Black Ops 2 is the first Call of Duty game that can claim replayability in the single player department beyond just replaying the same game on a higher difficulty. The Wii U does not include any censorship, as well.

The multiplayer portion of the game is identical to other systems as well, featuring all the modes, maps and weapons fans have come to expect. Standard deathmatch modes are available as well as the always popular Zombies mode, which has seen significant changes since the last release. Black Ops 2 on the Wii U is the multiplayer shooter to beat and one you will most likely be playing for a long time to come.

Graphically speaking, the Wii U version is identical to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC versions of the game. However, there are some minor issues of showdown when there is a lot on-screen, such as a large firefight or massive explosion, that does not occur on other versions of the game. While it’s nothing that will largely detract from the experience, it’s something to be aware of going in. The sound effects and music are what you would expect from Call of Duty: every bullet and every tension filled bass drop sounds crystal clear.

The Wii U version of Black Ops 2 is missing two features from other versions: Call of Duty Elite, which is a statistic tracking service, and the ability to stream your game live over the Internet. In its place comes Wii U specific features thanks to the Gamepad. The Gamepad’s screen doubles as a secondary screen; not only does the screen show you the map, but it is interactive as well, allowing you to change your class and use Scorestreaks in multiplayer.

Most systems have to wait a long for months or even years before receiving a great first person shooter, but the Wii U was lucky enough to launch with one. If you’re a fan of first person shooters, whether single or multiplayer, you owe it to yourself to pick up Black Ops 2 now.

Click to enlarge.

Upon booting the game, gamers will first notice the new high-definition graphics. This is the first time the series has been presented in HD and the results are stunning. While Super Mario Bros. series has always been colorful, New Super Mario Bros. feels like you’ve stepped into the Mushroom Kingdom for the first time: colors are vibrant and bright, character models feel like they’ve jumped straight out of a cartoon and in later levels, the power of the Wii U provides visuals unmatched in any previous game. The sound is what you’d expect: familiar Mario tunes remixed with the same sound effects you’ve heard since the 80s. It’s a shame Nintendo has yet to push the envelope when it comes to the series’ music, but you can’t blame them for sticking with what works. As always, Charles Martinet returns to provide the classic voices for Mario and Luigi.

However, before you even start a level proper, you’ll notice the new and improved world map. While past New Super Mario Bros. games contained a world map, it was mostly a means to an end, a method of getting from one level to the next. New Super Mario Bros U evokes feelings of Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World; while secret levels exist, there are also roaming enemies to contend with and alternate paths that aren’t just alternate ways to exit a level.

The single-player mode while in a level is what you’d expect from the series: traverse from left to right while stomping on enemies and collecting coins until you reach the end of the level. The gameplay is familiar and has stood the test of time, this game included. While the game starts off easy, it gradually increases in difficulty and, while the main portion of the game is never hard, there are some tricky levels mixed in here. However, if those gamers looking for a challenge, collecting all of the Star Coins and the game’s Challenge Mode will provide what you’re looking for.

New Super Mario Bros. U features the same multiplayer as past New Super Mario Bros. games: up to four players play at once as everyone tries to make it to the end. Players can help or hinder each other, whether it’s helping another player reach a high ledge or throwing a shell in a player’s face for no reason. Multiplayer is chaotic and good for a few laughs but not something to take seriously.

Outside of the improved graphics, New Super Mario Bros. U doesn’t take advantage of the Wii U’s features outside of utilizing the features the system offers, such as the Miiverse and displaying gameplay elements on the Gamepad’s screen. If you’ve played any DS version of New Super Mario Bros. then you’ll know what to expect here in terms of the Gamepad display.

New Super Mario Bros. U is Nintendo’s best launch game since Super Mario World. Just like peanut butter and jelly, you can’t have a Nintendo console without Mario, making New Super Mario Bros. U a must-buy.

Click to enlarge.

Mass Effect 3 delivers the same experience on the Wii U that it did on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC: all single player content is present and accounted for, the graphics look as sharp as ever and online multiplayer is intact. The Wii U version looks identical to other versions; gamers would not be able to tell the Wii U version of the game from its counterparts in a side-by-side viewing. However, while the general game and the graphics are the same, the Wii U version does differ from previous releases thanks to Wii U specific enhancements.

One of the appeals of the Mass Effect series is importing your character data from game to game, a feature which is not possible on the Wii U due to the absence of the first two games. In its place is an interactive comic book at the start of the game that covers the plot of the first two games. Within that comic, you will make choices that impact the plot and events of Mass Effect 3. While this doesn’t have the same emotional impact as playing through the first two games has, it’s still a great way to get players caught up. However, keep in mind there is still the possibility of gamers being a little lost or confused jumping right into Mass Effect 3 even with the comic.

While not much can be said about the story without spoiling it, it’s safe to say the ending of Mass Effect 3 was a sore spot for many gamers. The Wii U version of Mass Effect 3 contains the reworked ending that other consoles got as downloadable content, making the Wii U version the most “complete” version of the game on disc. No other downloadable content is included, however.

There are no differences controlling the game with the Gamepad: the Wii U version features the same tight controls as previous versions. However, the Wii U Gamepad provides some new gameplay elements thanks to the built-in screen. The screen doubles not only as a map, pinpointing both your and the enemy’s location, but it also enables you to quickly select your teammate’s special abilities. The Wii U Gamepad additions are well thought out and enhance an already great game.

Multiplayer in the game is the same as previous versions as well: you and a group of friends must survive waves of enemies on a multiplayer map. The multiplayer is balanced, fun and gives the game a good dose of replayability after you’ve wrapped up the 30 to 40 hour single player campaign.

Mass Effect 3 on the Wii U is a tough recommendation: while the game is enhanced to take advantage of the Wii U, it’s not enough to warrant a second purchase if you’ve completed it on a previous system. Likewise, jumping in at the third entry in a trilogy may leave newcomers confused in regards to the story. However, for gamers looking for a fun multiplayer experience or those who will take the time to read about the previous two games before diving into the third, Mass Effect 3 is a solid buy.

Assassin’s Creed III places you in the role of Connor, an American-Indian as he travels from New York to Boston fighting both the Templars and the British army. Not a lot can be said about the story without spoiling it, but fans of the game can be assured that this entry is one of the best yet when it comes to both characters and story. Even though this game is the fifth in the series, thanks to the change of characters and location new players will be able to hop right in without feeling lost.

Outside of the story and its usual missions, which mostly revolve around assassinating a target, Assassin’s Creed III offers a large amount of sandbox content for players to partake in. While there are the usual collectibles to find, there are also liberation missions, wildlife hunts, sailing, building a home and additional assassinations to look forward to. While the main campaign is a decent length, adding in the additional content gives you a game that will keep you glued to your screen for weeks. The Wii U version of the game includes all the content seen in previous versions of the game as well, which is always a nice touch.

Online multiplayer makes a return to Assassin’s Creed III, further refining the hunter/killer aspect that the series’ multiplayer is known for. The main multiplayer gameplay mode revolves around one player, as an assassin, hunting for another player who looks the same as the NPCs. Finding this player revolves around using your senses to deduce the one “NPC” who is acting oddly, which will mark him as your target. While successfully killing this player results in a win, killing a non-target results in your loss. Unlike most multiplayer games, Assassin’s Creed III is one game where it’s a blast to play on either side. While other multiplayer modes are present, this mode is the clear and present winner and the one you will most likely play often. Just like in single player, the Wii U version of the game includes all the multiplayer content released on other versions.

Graphically, the Wii U version of the game holds its own against the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, bringing you the same high-definition content you’d expect. Where the Wii U version differs, and perhaps triumphs, over previous versions is with its Gamepad support. The Gamepad screen doubles as a map screen, showing not only your position but the positions of your enemies, objective locations and any collectibles in the area. Additionally, the Gamepad enables you to call your horse with the tap of a button. While these additions aren’t game-changing, they enable you to spend more time playing the game and less time navigating through menus, which is always a plus.

Assassin’s Creed III for the Wii U brings the complete Assassin’s Creed experience to a Nintendo home console for the first time, optimized to take advantage of the Wii U. If your Wii U library is lacking a bit of stealth and open-world adventure, this is one game you’ll want to buy before it slinks back into the shadows.

One reason Tekken has always done so well with its fans is due to the sheer number of combinations to create special Attacks. Rarely could you ever just mash a group of buttons together and hope to win a fight. It took skill. It took Training. It took Muscle memory and dedication to guarantee that your player would survive in each arena. Well, you can count on more of that this time around, because the Wii U controller is going to spawn some true Tekken Jedi’s.

With the introduction of the touch screen controller, players will be able to create more advanced combinations of hand-to-hand Attacks. This isn’t like the Street Fighter that you used to play on the Super Nintendo. No, there will be no chance kicks or Punches that randomly take down your opponent. Instead, you will have to master the moves. You will have to forge a Strong relationship with your favorite and most Reliable character. You must respect the possibilities and the potential of this engineering feat of mankind that we call Tekken. Only then can the Wii U respect you.

So, scroll through the lineup of opponents, recognize some old faces, crazy haircuts and racy outfits. Choose your player and kick some ass, if you can.

The 90 minute game of futbol is the most recognized 90 minutes of game play around the world. The fans are extreme and endless in number. The possibilities of crosses, bicycle kicks, and possible head-butts are infinite, yet Nintendo’s Wii U controller manages to successfully embody the Fast-paced, unpredictable play Style of a Champion’s League game and fit it all on a 6.2 inch, touch screen controller.

With all of your favorite players in the mix, there will be some exciting match-ups in the newest installment of FIFA. The touch screen Wii U controller gives players the option to make steadFast calls on the field and push past the Defense. So, Chelsea v. Man U? Arsenal v. Liverpool? Spain v. Brazil? Whatever match-up you can think of, FIFA can do, and FIFA can do it in stunning and flawless Style.

Gather your friends for a local grudge match, a friendly tournament, or a high stakes game of world soccer domination. With the Innovations of the Wii U and the new controller, FIFA will be sure to be more Fun than ever before. For all of those fans who have crooned over Ronaldo when he flashed those pearly whites, or screamed in their Living room when Torres made a goal, FIFA will be sure to provide just as much emotion.

Not only does the Wii U come with a host of exciting new features—the Wii U controller, full HD Graphics—but it also comes with some fantastic Wii U games. We are going to get a chance to see some old classis revamped, like New Super Mario Bros, as well as some long-awaited sequels and follow-ups like Pikmin 3. With the addition of the touch screen Wii U controller, players can expect to feel a completely new Style of game play, a Style that is completely foreign, but totally satisfying.

Zelda HD is coming to Nintendo’s Wii U and actually promises many more innovations than solely the inclusion of the HD display—which is in its own right, very badass. The addition of the Wii U controller will give the player the chance to see two different views of the game play, which has provided some very impressive results.

Link tends to represent that stone-faced, baby-cute, little green ball of courage, tearing through bosses and dungeons and Mosnters simply because it is what is noble and needs to be done. Anyone who has been a fan of these Herculean heroics will no doubt find themselves huge fans of Zelda HD. After all, isn’t it that much better when you can see every stunning detail in action, every swipe of the Sword, every shot of the Arrow?

This Wii U release promises more challenging Fun than ever before. So, for all of those diehard Zelda fans, put down those N64 controllers; there is no need for your Ocarina of Time in this installment. However, you must still be just as focused on obtaining pieces of hearts and completing your Quest across Hyrule.

If anyone recalls the previous appearances of the Raving Rabbids, then it is well-known how much of a nuisance they proved to be to Rayman. However, there is no need to worry about that in this new release for the Wii U. The Rabbids are the stars of the show—whether they know it or not—in this rapid-fire, Raunchy, and raucous mix of Fun, Insanity, and outlandish quirks and misadventures.

The Wii U controller can be sure to add to the sense of Silly and no limits Fun in this wild Adventure. Rabbids is possibly best played by all of those people who just need to let loose, to “break free” as Freddy Mercury once said. This is the game to really burn off some energy to, to feel like a kid to, to act without thinking and think without remembering. After all, that is the way of the Rabbid. They are raving mad, uncalculating, and Strange bunnies with fairly large gaps in their teeth. There is not really much more to say than that. The rest is for the Gamer to figure out. The rest is for the Gamer to experience on the Wii U.