Hey there! As a lifelong Nintendo fan, I‘ve played my fair share of classic games across every console. While blockbusters like Mario and Zelda rightfully get plenty of praise, I‘m here today to shine the spotlight on an underappreciated genre that reached new heights thanks to an unlikely source – the Wii U.
Real-time strategy (or RTS) games form a beloved niche known for tense, meticulous battles unfolding in real-time. Players carefully construct bases while gathering resources, researching technologies, and building armies to crush opponents. Think hugely popular series like StarCraft, Warcraft, Age of Empires or Command & Conquer.
So how did Nintendo‘s ‘failed‘ console elevate the RTS genre? I‘m glad you asked! Pull up a chair as we explore the hidden gems that showcase why I consider Wii U the ultimate playground for real-time strategy magic…
A Quirky Console Primed for RTS Gaming
First, a quick history lesson! Nintendo launched the ambitious Wii U in November 2012 as the follow-up to their red-hot Wii console. While the Wii conquered casual audiences, the Wii U targeted core gamers with its unique GamePad controller.
This tablet-sized GamePad boasted a touch screen perfect for maps, inventory management and other critical RTS features. Players could view secondary info on the GamePad rather than cluttering up the TV. It essentially granted a second monitor ideal for these complex strategy epics!
Unfortunately, the Wii U never captured widespread success. Between its confusing name, poor marketing, limited 3rd-party support and fiercer competition from PlayStation and Xbox consoles, the Wii U faded fast. Nintendo pulled the plug in 2017 to launch its newer Switch console.
However, the Wii U‘s groundbreaking hardware left a lasting impact for advancing RTS gameplay possibilities. Let‘s analyze the console‘s greatest genre hits that still awe me years later!
Cubemen 2 – RTS Innovation from Unexpected Places
Kicking things off, we have Cubemen 2 from Australian developer 3 Sprockets. This charming, fast-paced RTS arrived hot on the heels of the Wii U‘s launch in late 2014. Don‘t let its cute exterior fool you – vibrant visuals house brain-busting complexity!
The goal? Use skillful strategy to blast your squad of cube-shaped soldiers past challenging objectives. Easy to learn yet brutal to master, Cubemen 2 converts even veteran RTS fanatics into lifelong disciples thanks to the Wii U‘s special sauce – the GamePad!
Rather than simply mirroring content onto the controller‘s display, Cubemen 2 radically shifts the ENTIRE core game onto the GamePad‘s touch screen! Your TV merely projects a separate first-person perspective. Trust me, wrapping your head around this inventive dynamic feels revelatory compared to past RTS attempts on console.
You directly control the battlefield from an isometric angle on the GamePad, using fingers or stylus to command units and set waypoints. No more clumsy controllers or dense keyboard shortcuts! Meanwhile, the TV grants a ground-level view of the action that‘s far more cinematic.
It essentially grants the immersive perspective of being IN your very own RTS battle! This brilliant dynamic simply wouldn‘t work without the Wii U‘s innovative hardware. By tapping into the GamePad‘s capabilities, Cubemen 2 achieved the perfect marriage of software and hardware. It set a new high bar for the genre on consoles.
| Title | Cubemen 2 |
|---|---|
| Developer | 3 Sprockets |
| Publisher | Nnooo |
| Released | September 2014 |
| Modes | Single-player campaign, local/online multiplayer |
Storming the Battlefields of History in Swords & Soldiers
Venturing into the past, Ronimo Games crafted an accessible side-scrolling RTS experience with Swords & Soldiers in 2009 for Wii before an enhanced HD version arrived on Wii U in 2014. Don‘t let its cartoonish visual style fool you – this critically-acclaimed gem boasts shocking depth perfect for console thanks to (say it with me now…) – the GamePad!
The premise? Command Aztec, Viking or Chinese armies in a quest to build monuments honoring your gods before rivals. While immediately easier to grasp than many PC classics, mastering the nuances around using terrain, managing resources and discovering optimal build orders still presents a formidable (and seriously fun) challenge!
Where Swords & Soldiers smartly exploits the GamePad comes through offloading many UI features like the mini-map, unit stats, build menu, notifications, etc. Given the colorful art style and intense battles centered around base demolition, past RTS games often buried players in messy overlay elements obscuring the very action that should be the prime focus!
By delegating these vital yet visually distracting components to the GamePad, Swords & Soldiers cleared TV screen space to better appreciate the vibrant graphics and epic clashes. It‘s a genius stroke so intuitively simple you‘ll kick yourself for not thinking of it earlier. This seemingly modest design decision single-handedly modernizes the entire RTS experience on console.
Swords & Soldiers positively thrived on Wii U thanks to clever utilization of the GamePad. The increased screen real estate prevented clutter while optional touch controls brought welcome versatility. It emphasized the hardware‘s ability to deconstruct traditional gaming barriers.
| Title | Swords & Soldiers |
|---|---|
| Developer | Ronimo Games |
| Publisher | Ronimo Games |
| Released | May 2014 |
| Modes | Single-player campaign, local/online multiplayer |
Leveling Up: Swords & Soldiers 2
Building on a strong Wii U foundation, Ronimo Games eventually released Swords & Soldiers 2 in 2015 exclusively for Nintendo fans. I‘m thrilled to report this crowdfunded sequel retains the original‘s signature humor and approachability while exploding everything fans love to addictive new heights.
The visuals received a gorgeous high-definition upgrade to better showcase the console‘s graphical muscle. Animations feel livelier and environments burst with vibrant detail to admire during brief moments when you‘re not anxiously commanding units!
Of course, the sublime GamePad implementation returns with even cleverer functionality allowing for quicker reactions when the action intensifies. And with three completely overhauled factions boasting unique troop types, spells, and strategies, the sequel offers seemingly endless variety for single-player and multiplayer devotees.
Swords & Soldiers 2 remains one of my favorite Wii U experiences that could ONLY work so phenomenally thanks to tailored design for Nintendo‘s forward-thinking hardware. If you only play one RTS on Wii U, make it this magnificently refined masterpiece!
| Title | Swords & Soldiers 2 |
|---|---|
| Developer | Ronimo Games |
| Publisher | Ronimo Games |
| Released | May 2015 |
| Modes | Single-player campaigns, challenges, local/online multiplayer |
Pikmin 3 Perfection
Finally, no discussion of Wii U masterpieces would be complete without the legendary Pikmin 3! Nintendo‘s beloved franchise sat dormant after 2004‘s Pikmin 2 on GameCube before erupting back onto the scene with this sensational 2013 sequel.
While mainline entries stick closely to established formulas, Pikmin 3 represents a touchstone for RTS excellence thanks to — say it with me one last time! — the GamePad! Its always-visible overhead map provides far better battlefield navigation compared to past entries where rough memory served as your only navigation tool.
This may seem subtly innovative, but believe me it‘s a huge quality of life breakthrough. RTS games live and die by situational awareness and Pikmin 3 handily resolves this thanks to clever GamePad implementation. Its value can‘t be overstated for newcomers especially.
Beyond the handy map, players can also opt to direct their swarming Pikmin forces entirely via stylus on the touch screen. When chaos inevitably erupts, the precision of touch controls vastly reduces headaches compared to imprecise analog sticks. Once this quicker, more natural path clicks your overall game becomes smoother.
Much like our other highlighted gems, Pikmin 3 fluently speaks the Wii U‘s language – crafting conventions that play to the console‘s unique strengths rather than simply mirroring past designs outright. Topple this instant classic from your shamefully dusty backlog if you‘ve yet to play the finest Pikmin ever cultivated.
| Title | Pikmin 3 |
|---|---|
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Released | August 2013 |
| Modes | Story mode, mission mode, DLC stages |
Parting Thoughts
Despite its tragically short lifespan, the Wii U left an indelible impact by pioneering Dual Screen functionality that empowered developers to rethink fundamental game conventions. By offering players more control over their experience via the innovative GamePad, Nintendo‘s underdog console helped advance the RTS genre to unprecedented levels on console.
Each of these brilliant Wii U gems intelligently integrated this versatile second input for reduced clutter and more strategic flexibility suited for the genre. While far from commercial smash hits, they hopefully helped spark more ambitious and creative RTS offerings as the template for similar dual-screen devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck proliferate.
If you‘re a fan hungry for unforgettable RTS innovation, don‘t sleep on the Wii U‘s shockingly solid lineup. These creative genre reinventions stand the test of time as hidden gems that helped pioneer industry-advancing features we now take for granted in the games of today and beyond.
Let me know which of these underrated RTS experiences you‘ll tackle first or if you have fond memories of other favorites on this tragically overlooked console! I‘d love gushing more about the magic Nintendo cooked up for this beloved genre. Thanks so much for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Wii U released?
The Wii U hit North America on November 18, 2012 with other regions following in late 2012.
What led to the console being discontinued?
Despite innovation like the GamePad, the Wii U struggled to build sales momentum. Competition from Sony and Microsoft along with poor marketing and limited third-party support were contributing factors in its 2017 discontinuation.
What are the key elements of an RTS game?
Core elements include base-building, gathering resources, researching technologies, and directing armies. Rather than turn-based gameplay, RTS games emphasize strategic battles playing out in real-time with players making moves simultaneously.
Why is Pikmin 3 considered the best Wii U RTS game?
Published by Nintendo themselves, Pikmin 3 earned widespread perfect review scores for gorgeous graphics, creative gameplay, and most importantly – masterful utilization of the GamePad for displaying maps/data to enhance the experience.
