Whether it’s because of the distance to release or just the barrage of products from other corners of the industry, it feels like the Wii U has been largely out of the spotlight since its official announcement. It certainly did not ignite players’ and developers’ imaginations like its predecessor. Which makes the sudden show of support for Nintendo’s next machine from the makers of the most successful AAA game engine on the planet something of an unexpected development.
“I played Batman: Arkham City on the Wii U and they are doing some really cool stuff with the controller,” according to Epic’s Mark Rein. “Do you remember the Zelda demo they had on it? Would you not buy a Wii U just to play that? Of course you would. That’s what Nintendo is all about. Their hardware is the software delivery service for their great content. That Zelda demo was gorgeous and we can do even more than that with Unreal Engine 3. I think it will do great.”
Innovative Controller Design
One of the standout features of the Wii U is its innovative controller design. The Wii U GamePad includes a touchscreen that can be used in conjunction with the main display, offering a unique dual-screen experience. This opens up new possibilities for gameplay mechanics that were not possible on previous consoles. For instance, in “Batman: Arkham City,” the GamePad can be used to display the map, manage inventory, or even solve puzzles, enhancing the overall gaming experience. This kind of innovation is what Nintendo is known for, and it could be a significant factor in attracting both developers and players to the platform.
Third-Party Support
Another critical aspect of the Wii U’s potential success is the level of third-party support it receives. Historically, Nintendo consoles have struggled to attract third-party developers, who often favor more powerful hardware like the PlayStation or Xbox. However, the endorsement from Epic Games, the creators of the Unreal Engine, is a promising sign. Unreal Engine 3 is one of the most widely used game engines in the industry, powering a plethora of successful AAA titles. If developers can leverage this engine to create visually stunning and engaging games on the Wii U, it could significantly boost the console’s appeal.
Moreover, the Wii U’s hardware capabilities, while not as powerful as its competitors, are still robust enough to handle complex game mechanics and high-quality graphics. The Zelda demo showcased at the announcement event is a testament to this. The demo featured breathtaking visuals and fluid gameplay, demonstrating that the Wii U is more than capable of delivering high-quality gaming experiences.
In addition to Epic Games, other major developers have also shown interest in the Wii U. Ubisoft, for example, has announced several titles for the console, including “Assassin’s Creed III” and “Rayman Legends.” These games are expected to take full advantage of the Wii U’s unique features, further solidifying its position in the market.
Another point worth mentioning is the potential for backward compatibility. The Wii U is compatible with all Wii games and accessories, which means that players can continue to enjoy their existing library of games while exploring new titles on the Wii U. This feature adds significant value to the console, making it an attractive option for existing Wii owners.
Furthermore, Nintendo’s strong lineup of first-party titles is always a major draw. Franchises like “Mario,” “Zelda,” and “Metroid” have a massive following, and new entries in these series are highly anticipated. The promise of new adventures in these beloved worlds is likely to drive significant interest in the Wii U.
In conclusion, while the Wii U may not have captured the spotlight initially, the support from major developers like Epic Games and the innovative features of the console itself suggest a promising future. The combination of unique hardware, strong third-party support, and beloved first-party titles could very well make the Wii U a success. As Mark Rein from Epic Games pointed out, the potential for great content on the Wii U is immense, and it will be exciting to see how developers take advantage of this new platform.
Source Eurogamer
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
