Home video game consoles have played host to some of the most iconic and beloved platforming franchises for over 30 years. From Super Mario Bros. to Donkey Kong Country, platformers represent Nintendo‘s bread and butter. So when Nintendo released their innovative but ill-fated Wii U console in 2012, it arrived with hardware and features tailor made to enable spectacular new platforming experiences.
In this guide, we will be countdown the 10 definitive best platformer games that managed to exemplify the absolute pinnacle of gameplay, creativity and pure platforming fun within the Wii U catalog. These are the platformers that every owner of the console should experience firsthand.
Why Wii U Excelled for Platform Games
While Wii U would sadly only remain in production for a few short years, during that time the console gained a impressive lineup of platformers that took full advantage of its unique capabilities:
The GamePad tablet controller allowed for asymmetric local multiplayer functionality in clever ways never seen before. This opened up possibilities for co-op and competitive platforming not offered by other systems.
Beefier HD graphics allowed platforming worlds and characters to be brought to life with more detail, vibrancy and animations than prior Nintendo consoles permitted.
Features like off-TV play and Miiverse community enhanced the platforming experience for both gameplay and sharing memorable moments with others
Now let‘s discover the games that truly defined the leading edge of platforming excellence in the Wii U era!
10. Rayman Legends
Release Year: 2013
Developer: Ubisoft
Genre: Platformer
Review Scores: 93/100 Metacritic, 9.3/10 IGN, 5/5 NintendoLife
Rayman Legends takes the limbless hero through over 100 stunningly animated 2D levels of jumping, punching and floating fun. Using the Wii U GamePad, up to 5 players can experience unique asymmetric co-op by interacting with environments, cutting ropes, grabbing enemies and more to pave the way for Rayman to progress. This imaginative multiplayer gameplay cements Rayman Legend‘s place as a must-have platformer.
Key Features
- Gorgeous cartoony graphics brought to life with hand-drawn animations
- Clever GamePad integration creates new co-op possibilities
- Challenge Mode and online daily/weekly trials provide immense replay value
- Critically acclaimed as a pinnacle platformer
9. Shovel Knight
Release Year: 2014
Developer: Yacht Club Games
Genre: Platformer
Review Scores: 92/100 Metacritic, 9.0/10 IGN, 5/5 Common Sense Media
This indie darling feels ripped straight from your fuzzy childhood memories of late 80s platforming greatness. With 8-bit pixel art, chiptune soundtrack by Mega Man composers and responsive pogo-jumping action, Shovel Knight taps into nostalgia while still feeling fresh thanks to thematically varied stages, quirky power-ups, witty writing and grand scale boss encounters.
Key Features:
- Retro aesthetic with modern refinements
- Non-linear progression through levels
- Fun powerups like a magic wand and armor upgrades
- Boss relics grant exclusive abilities
- Memorable personalities like travelling merchant Chester
8. New Super Mario Bros U
Release Year: 2012
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Platformer
Review Scores: 84/100 Metacritic, 8.3/10 IGN
New Super Mario Bros U arrived as a launch title to showcase the Wii U‘s graphical update to Mario‘s signature 2D platforming adventures. With 4 playable characters like Mario, Luigi and Toad, up to 5 players can bash foes, grab coins and experience the madcap colorful stages together. While keeping the accessibility intact, new power-ups like the Squirrel Suit shake up gameplay. The asymmetric Boost Mode also has GamePad players assisting others by placing blocks and platforms, making New Super Mario Bros U feel like a fully enhanced sequel.
Key Features:
- HD visuals bolster Mario‘s world like never before
- Up to 5 player asynchronous multiplayer
- New power-ups expand platforming possibilities
- Creative stage elements and secrets
7. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Release Year: 2014
Developer: Retro Studios
Genre: Platformer
Review Scores: 83/100 Metacritic, 9/10 IGN, 5/5 GamesRadar+
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze stands out through its lush visuals, dynamic camera angles and challenging level concepts. Animated fur on Kong characters makes them feel alive visually while you unleash combos on viking themed enemies across 5 unique islands. Bonus collectables provide plenty replay incentive. Combined with tight controls and new abilities for playable allies Cranky Kong, Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong – Tropical Freeze exemplfies why Retro Studios are masters of the platformer craft.
Key Features:
- Gorgeous dynamic camera angles
- Distinct islands with varied antagonists
- Unique character abilities alter gameplay approaches
- Unlockable Time Attack modes
- Collectible puzzle pieces reveal diorama
6. Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition
Release Year: 2013
Developer: WayForward Technologies
Genre: Platformer
Review Scores: 76/100 Metacritic, 8/10 NintendoLife, 4/5 Destructoid
Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition delivers a delightful and rewarding puzzle-platformer wrapped up in gorgeous HD anime visuals. As an inventive cop named Patricia Wagon, you must hunt down escaped convicts by altering the environment using block switches while traversing stages filled with conveyor belts, bounce pads and more mechanized dangers that feel almost Rube Goldberg-esque in complexity. With 24 main missions plus bonus stages to tackle, Mighty Switch Force! creative level designs will bend your brain.
Key Features:
- HD animated anime aesthetic
- Environment altering block switch mechanics
- Humourous upbeat soundtrack
- Ponytailed protagonist Patricia Wagon
- Leaderboards encourage speed run mastery
|Game Statistics ||
|–|–|
| Genre | Puzzle-Platformer|
|Release Year | 2013|
|Developer|WayForward Technologies|
|Review Scores| 76 (Metacritic), 8/10 (NintendoLife), 4/5 (Destructoid)|
5. Super Mario 3D World
Release Year: 2013
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: 3D Platformer
Review Scores: 93/100 Metacritic, 9.6/10 IGN, 10/10 GameSpot
Expanding on Super Mario 3D Land‘s formula, this title introduces 4 player co-op to the 3D platforming world for the first time. Princess Peach‘s hovering dress and Luigi‘s flutter jump make multiplayer more charming. Cat Mario‘s new wall climbing ability freshens up gameplay. Creative camera perspectives in spherical worlds add unpredictable thrills. In single player, the Wii U GamePad can reveal hidden blocks or freeze enemies briefly to set up attacks. With concepts both revolutionary and comfortably familiar, Super Mario 3D World perfects Mario‘s place as platforming royalty.
Key Features:
- Multiplayer evolves 3D Mario level design
- Playable Peach/Toad offer unique abilities
- Power-ups like Cat Suit enable new strategies
- Reveal world secrets on touchscreen GamePad
- Accessible level design welcoming to new players
|Game Statistics ||
|–|–|
|Genre| 3D Platformer|
|Release Year|2013|
|Developer|Nintendo|
|Review Scores |93 (Metacritic), 9.6 (IGN), 10 (GameSpot) |
4. Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
Release Year: 2016
Developer: WayForward Technologies
Genre: Action Platformer
Review Scores: 73/100 Metacritic, 8/10 NintendoWorldReport, 4/5 SwitchWatch
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Half-Genie Hero brought gorgeously hand-drawn animation and fluid belly-dance inspired action to the Wii U starring pastel-haired heroine Shantae. By whipping enemies with her ponytail, activating magical dances to transform into creatures and exploring a delightful fantasy world – Shantae provides a lighter and more playful take on side scrolling adventures. Though relatively unknown, Shantae remains a hidden gem in platforming that more players should discover.
Key Features:
- Hand-drawn HD cartoon visuals with smooth animations
- Magical dance transformations evolve gameplay
- Humourous character dialogue/actions
- Multiple playable characters and outfits
- Full reimagining of original GBC game
3. Oddworld: New N‘ Tasty
Release Year: 2015
Developer: Just Add Water
Genre: Cinematic Platformer
Review Scores: 73/100 Metacritic, 8/10 NintendoWorldReport, 3.5/5 The Escapist
A full ground-up remake of 1997‘s landmark cinematic platformer Oddworld: Abe‘s Odyssey, New ‘N‘ Tasty introduces vastly improved graphics, tightened gameplay and expanded storytelling starring the lovable Mudokon Abe. Leading fellow slaves to freedom requires manipulating hilarious Slig enemies via your psychic powers, solving environmental puzzles and avoiding various gruesome industrial accidents across the sprawling RuptureFarms. Emotionally engaging while retaining challenging platforming, New ‘N‘ Tasty lets a whole new generation experience Abe’s struggle.
Key Features:
- Total visual/audio rebuild in HD
- Darkly humourous tone
- Strategic enemy possession mechanics
- Intelligent new AI navigation
- Additional difficulty modes with leaderboards
|Game Statistics ||
|–|–|
|Genre|Cinematic Platformer |
|Release Year | 2015|
|Developer | Just Add Water |
|Review Scores|73 (Metacritic), 8/10 (NintendoWorldReport), 3.5/5 (The Escapist)|
2. Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
Release Year: 2015
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Genre: Platformer
Review Scores: 80/100 Metacritic, 8/10 Destructoid, 9/10 Nintendo Insider
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse transforms the iconic pink puffball into clay for a wonderfully tactile GamePad-focused adventure. By drawing paths for Kirby to guide him safely through imaginative worlds filled with enemies, secrets and challenges – Rainbow Curse offers an artistic take on touch screen platforming. With colorful claymation style visuals and levels ranging from underwater caverns to nebula filled skies, Kirby‘s Wii U debut delights the senses while introducing innovation.
Key Features:
- Clay-based art direction
- Touchscreen drawing platforming
- Orchestrated soundtrack
- Kirby gains new abilities like Tankbot
- Additional Challenge Mode extends replay
|Game Statistics ||
|–|–|
|Genre | Platformer|
|Release Year| 2015 |
|Developer |HAL Laboratory |
|Review Scores |80 (Metacritic), 8/10 (Destructoid), 9/10 (Nintendo Insider)|
1. Super Mario Maker
Release Year: 2015
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: 2D Platformer Creation Tool
Review Scores: 88/100 Metacritic, 9.0/10 IGN, 5/5 Common Sense Media
Super Mario Maker epitomizes Nintendo charm by enabling players to build, upload and share their very own 2D platforming levels by harnessing enemies, items and features from over 30 years of Mario games. An accessible editing mode accessed via GamePad makes shifting between retro 8-bit and HD graphical styles seamless. With the tremendous scope for creativity and play possibilities here, Super Mario Maker still stands as an unparalleled love letter that no platformer fan should miss.
Key Features:
- Intuitive editing tools
- 8-bit and HD visual modes
- 100 Mario Challenge provides premade levels
- Play user levels from across the world
- Amiibo support adds new elements
|Game Statistics ||
|–|–|
|Genre| Platformer Creation Tool |
|Release Year | 2015|
|Developer | Nintendo |
|Review Scores|88 (Metacritic), 9.0 (IGN), 5/5 (Common Sense Media)|
So there you have it – the 10 definitively best platformers available on Nintendo‘s Wii U platform. From the versatile creation tools of Super Mario Maker to the co-op chaos of New Super Mario Bros U and Rayman Legends, the unique mechanics of Kirby‘s clay-based touch screen adventuring or intensely challenging psychological journey across Oddworld‘s glory – Wii U offered some tremendously fun and creative platformers over its lifespan that exemplified gameplay innovation that should not be missed.
Here‘s hoping these spectacular titles can live on or be ported to modern platforms for new generations to appreciate in future. The platforming gems of Wii U deserve recognition for pushing the genre forward and crafting some magical video game experiences.
