The Gaming Gang Takes a Peek at the Wii U

Here’s a quick look at the new Wii U which is due from Nintendo this holiday season. I had the opportunity to try out some of the games on the new console at San Diego Comic-Con. It was impressive. The controllers have their own screens which enables the creation of games where players can perform hidden actions while the television screen displays the main view.

For example, in the video below I am playing Super Mario Bros. I have the ability to add blocks to the screen by tapping my own mini screen. A block pops up wherever I tap which enables the other player to jump to places not normally available to them. It is my understanding that there is also a competitive mode where you can actually hinder the other player instead of helping.

Many have commented that the new controller with a mini screen is completely unnecessary, and actually detracts from the fun of the Wii. I think it opens up a lot of new possibilities for competitive gaming. Especially in the translation of board games and even RPGs to an electronic format. Imagine playing Twilight Struggle, or a game with a hidden traitor like Battlestar Galactica or Shadows Over Camelot.

It would be great to be able to play a game like Mansions of Madness or one of the Wizards of the Coast board games like Castle Ravenloft, combining Role Playing, Board Games, and Console Games all in one. The functionality of having your own controller screen which can display your cards, tokens, or whatever is tailor made for this console.

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Elliott Miller

Elliott is well versed in all tabletop gaming subjects and brings his expertise mostly to bear on strategy, family, and Euro-style gaming.

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