Top 10 Retro Games That Would Be Awesome On the Wii U
So, based on recent news, you might think that the Wii U isn’t doing very well. You also might think that to be an understatement. They’re not getting along with third party developers, and few of their new games seem to be really taking off. Maybe it’s time to do what they do best – reach out to their long term fans by dipping into the retro market while making use of all those silly gadgets they’ve got going on. It’s better than just releasing every retro game imaginable on the Virtual Console and eShop. Right?
I’ve got some ideas to get them started. And I’m leaving out Mario games and any game where you have a sword because that’s too obvious. They should be able to figure that at on their own.
#1: Sonic the Hedgehog
This would work well with any Sonic game, and would be the best exercise game ever. Take the Wii Balance Board and make people run in place to move Sonic. The faster your feet move, the faster sonic goes. Button pressing for jumping, since jumping on the Balance Board can break it. Unless Nintendo wants to make some more cash by coming out with the Balance Board Plus. I’m available for hire, Nintendo!
#2: Star Wars Arcade
They already did Star Fox 64 on the 3DS and tilting the system to move the ship was awesome. Why haven’t they done more with this? Imagine that old amazing Star Wars arcade game, playing with the Wii U GamePad, tilting it to dodge TIE fighters, with the game displayed on your TV but the aiming sight on the GamePad. Pew pew! Take that, Empire!
#3: Space Invaders/Galaga
I prefer Galaga, myself. This is another one for the Balance Board. Simply steer the ship back and forth by shifting your weight. Maybe make use of the GamePad’s built-in microphone and make it so the only way to shoot is to actually say “pew pew!”
#4: Paperboy
This one is pretty obvious. Flick the Wii Remote Plus to throw papers. The whole weight-shifting on the Balance Board would also work well here, for the ultimate paperboy experience! Your Mii can ride the bike, and they could include a function that allows you to share with your friends how much money you’ve made. Who doesn’t want to brag to their friends about their paper delivery empire?
#5: Pokemon Snap
Of course. Fans have been begging for this one for years. Why, Nintendo, why? We could take pictures with the GamePad. We could post the pictures to Facebook. We could be happy. Why don’t you want us to be happy, Nintendo?
#6: Streets of Rage
Some people say that Streets of Rage 2 is better, BUT THEY ARE WRONG. Anyway, this could easily be like Wii Sports Boxing, but way better. Thrust the Wii Remote/Nunchuk forward to punch. Bring them together to grab and lift your foot of the Balance Board to knee baddies in the face. Swing your arms to throw. Squat to pick up items. Flail wildly to call in your police backup.
#7: Asteroids
This could just be played on the GamePad, and would be made hilarious and awesome by making you spin in circles to turn the ship. Make sure you have plenty of space around you for when you end up falling on the floor and throwing up on the carpet. Not for people with inner ear problems.
#8: Silent Hill 2
Movements in this game were already really awkward, so it will kind of play into the Wii Remote’s, let’s say, lack of ability to work in any way that resembles reality. Playing the whole game making James move by running in place on the Balance Board might be too exhausting and/or annoying, but could you imagine how terrifying it would be to have to actually run from Pyramid Head? Worth it!
#9: Mortal Kombat/Street Fighter/Tekken/Etc.
If you thought pressing buttons in a certain order to use special moves was fun, imagine moving the Wii Remote in a certain sequence combined with foot movements to use special moves. Swing left, stomp, stomp, swing up + stomp, flail. Earn that Hadoken!
#10: Shadow of the Colossus
Remember how Shadow of the Colossus had that grip meter gameplay mechanic where you would automatically let go of what you were climbing on after Wander got tired? How cool would it be if he could only hold on for as long as you stand on one foot or flap your arms really hard? Now that’s a real challenge. Also, calling Agro for real with the GamePad microphone! Because horses!
So that’s two reboots and one new and way more awesome version of Wii Fit for you, Nintendo. All for free. All you have to do is make them become a reality. I won’t even tell anyone that I was the one who came up with the ideas. You’re welcome. (PS. Available for hire.)
###
Lindsey Weedston has lived her entire life around Seattle, WA, where she has learned to hate and fear the sun. As a gamer, a writer, and a games writer, she writes about gaming and games about writing. Wait, what? You can find her on Twitter under the name of @ButtStallion.