Real Talk By: KJ

NintendoLand is the featured game included inside every Deluxe Wii U console. It can also be purchased via retail outlets, or Downloaded in the eShop for $59.99. The game is one big resort starring your Mii. Gamers will need the tablet controller which comes with the system, then at least one other “Motion Plus” Wii Mote which isn’t included. Its absolutely baller, that Nintendo is letting players use their old remotes on this new system, but they automatically assume everyone has them. Players will need both The tablet, and remotes to fully maximize their experience at this theme park.

The “Attractions” or  mini-games, are here just to whet your appetite for things to come. Do they get the job done? Several of the events may surprise graphic nuts. The different games feature sharp visuals, despite its simple cartoonish look. NintendoLand is certainly HD ready.

Most of the games are based on established franchises. Mario, Zelda, Metroid, F-Zero, Donkey Kong, sadly no Star Fox. The new gamepad, really adds a new dimension to the fun. Its accurate tilt sensitivity, built-in camera, and screen are all put to use. The Zelda mini game lets a person shoot arrows from a distance, while their buddies swipe Remotes at enemies up close. There’s something exciting about two or three people playing the same game, without sharing the screen, while getting brand new views on the action. Captain Falcon’s adventure has the player turning the controller left and right, like Mario Kart Wii. While this particular game isn’t a breakthrough attraction, the controller takes footage of your face during the race. This has me thinking about a future F-zero title using it.

Pikmin is almost a straight forward beat-em-up, as friends control individual ones, and just wreck stuff, while the gamepad player becomes the leader filling in for Olimar. Metroid Blast is highly competitive with buddies. This lets players battle enemies, or each other on foot and in ships. Your Mii rocks Samus’ suit. Hopefully a full-on Metroid game will use some of the elements from blast. Blast is one game built for online multiplayer.

Donkey Kong’s Crash Course, is one big obstacle. Balance the Character with the gamepad, as you try to make it to the bottom of the stage without losing all of your lives. My favorite of the 12, is Takamaru’s Ninja Castle. Players turn the controller on its side, and flick throwing stars at fighters, while aiming a reticule with the gamepad tilt feature. The mode is on rails, ending with a big boss battle. Nearly every attraction is well thought out, and will certainly keep gamers brainstorming on the possibilities of things to come.

NintendoLand can be enjoyed by yourself for a while, but adding even just one extra player into the mix really adds on the experience. It’s a shame that there’s  no online. Talking with people over the MiiVerse, is cool, as random players, and friends give their thoughts on the game, but it isn’t enough. Since Nintendo has fully entered the HD business, including the 60 dollar price tag, we have to be tougher on the company.

If you’ve purchased the deluxe version of Wii U, this game is certainly a welcomed addition to a gamer’s library. If your living quarters, has several legit folks ready to play, this would be a fun buy. Players that didn’t get the Wii U Deluxe bundle, might wait on a price drop. The Single player needs to be aware that this theme park may run out of steam quicker than expected. At the end of the day, Nintendo has certainly peaked our interest with this intro to its fresh HD device.

NintendoLand Gets

Out of Five

What’s Legit?

+Unique Mini-Games

+The future is bright for Nintendo software

What’s Perpetrating?

-Loses Steam if your going solo

-No Online play

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