Wii U ports we'd like to see
Games like that have us hoping that other developers look to the Wii Us unique hardware to do some new and exciting things with controls and interface, things you couldnt do on any other system. Blizzard has even toyed with idea of StarCraft II on Wii U. That got us thinking of a fantasy list games we'd love to see ported to the Wii U. While the chances of most of these games coming to Nintendo's system are slim to none, they represent different ways to use the Wii U's hardware, and genres that the Wii U could bring to console gaming.
StarCraft II
While we question whether the Wii Us interface could be quick enough for intergalactic warfare, we wouldnt doubt the glory of using our TVs as a no-HUD main screen, and letting the interface remain on the GamePads. Keeping the two separate would make us feel even more like a battle commander, issuing orders on one screen and watching them carried out on another. Here's to hoping someone makes a full-blown RTS for the Wii U, even if it's not Blizzard.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
The Wii Us GamePad could provide a touch keyboard, and the Stylus would make a fine mouse substitute for navigating menus and using the Ability Bar. There would be some stumbling blocks, we admit, namely losing all those keyboard shortcuts. However, that hasnt stopped us from wishing for Star Wars: TOR, or any other MMO really, to show up on Nintendos new console. Not only is the hardware right, the systems social functions, such as Miiverse messaging, could help build the tight community MMOs need to flourish.
Fatal Frame
Since the Wii Us design combines many features from the Wii and the 3DS, a Fatal Frame for Nintendos upcoming console could have the best of both worlds. Front and rear facing cameras present multiple opportunities for AR gameplay, and the addition of motion controls could make the game that much more immersive. Now were just worried about dropping our GamePads in fright.
Diablo III
The GamePad has almost enough buttons to replace a keyboard as far as the Action Bar is concerned, but its the loss of the mouse that would be the most trouble. The Stylus would work well enough for aiming and moving, but then theres the problem of the two different mouse buttons. Could holding down a shoulder button be a workable replacement for right-clicking?
Civilization V
console versions of Civilization
Civilizations slower pace makes it less reliant on keyboard shortcuts, and therefore well suited to a touch interface. The game is big on menus, which could all stick to the GamePads screen. This could even make for better multitasking, letting us keep the world map on our TV while consulting with our advisors on the smaller screen.
Worms Revolution
Nintendo says they want to bring people together with the Wii U, and a game of Worms is at its best with friends in the room. Imagine passing the GamePad between a group of four, launching Banana Bombs and Holy Hand Grenades at each other. The games simple interface would translate perfectly to Nintendos new system. The touch screen would be great for selecting weapons, and the stylus seems perfect for lining up those finesse Molotov tosses. Maybe it could even make the Ninja Rope a little more manageable.
Company of Heroes 2
As with StarCraft II, you could put any HUD elements on the GamePads screen, leaving only beautifully brutal warfare on the TV for spectators and yourself alike. The touchscreen could also be used as a handy in-game reference for units, giving you critical info at a moments notice things like which units counter the enemys battalion, or what buildings you need to get that tank youre craving. Having this cheat sheet literally on-hand could go a long way towards making the RTS experience work on consoles.
Frozen Synapse
What this would mean for Wii U owners is that the touchscreen could easily do all the work, taking away the frantic anxiety of trying to manage your units effectively that has thus far prevented the RTS genre from thriving on consoles. Best of all, you can plot out your moves and watch them hypothetically play out ahead of time so youd never have to blame a loss on spotty touch controls or lag. Plus, the stylized minimalist graphics would look awesome on the GamePad, glowing like the kind of futuristic military interfaces youd see in a sci-fi flick.
League of Legends
It might not need to be a direct port, either given how often fans are clamoring for new maps and content, perhaps this version of the League could include new maps that were more compact or play out faster. And given the success of LoLs Co-op vs AI, with bots that actually make smart decisions, the Wii U version could include an entirely stand-alone, singleplayer campaign of some sort. If it could somehow keep its free-to-play structure on consoles, all the better.
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
This new XCOM, which is a remake/reboot/whatever of UFO: Enemy Unknown, is full of fixed camera angles that make for a cinematic gameplay experience. A Wii U port could make for an even slicker looking XCOM, since the GamePads screen could be used for command interface. The result would be a nearly HUD-less top down and third-person sci-fi experience.
Legend of Grimrock
It would also go a long way towards making exploration easier, for those who found Grimrocks maze-like design a bit daunting. Instead of constantly needing to pause the game to look at your map, you could simply glance at your location on the Wii U screen, or manage your characters without obstructing the visual playfield. If done right, this could rival ZombiU as the quintessential first-person Wii U title.
Peggle
Peggle is a vaguely pinball-like game of timing and tactics. Drop a ball onto the pegs, and with a little luck, rack up a big score. Aiming the ball would be no trouble with the Stylus, and hit downloadable titles gamers already know would help put the Wii Us online shop on the map.
What do you want on Wii U?
And for more on the Wii U and its GamePad controller, check out Wii U games - Every single game announced for the Wii U so far, Wii U Gamepad vs. Xbox 360 SmartGlass - comparing what we know so far and New Super Mario Bros. U E3 video - see what the Wii U's GamePad can do.