Best Wii U Open World Games: Explore Epic Adventures
The Wii U might not be the first console that comes to mind when you think of vast, explorable worlds, but this quirky system actually boasts a pretty impressive lineup of open-world and open-world-adjacent titles. Guys, if you're looking to dust off your Wii U and dive into some epic adventures, you're in for a treat! Let’s explore some of the best open-world experiences the Wii U has to offer. Get ready to rediscover the magic of this underrated console!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Okay, let's kick things off with the big one! The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is not just a Wii U game; it’s a masterpiece that redefined the open-world genre. Even though it launched alongside the Nintendo Switch, Breath of the Wild graced the Wii U with its presence, and boy, are we grateful. This game throws you into the massive world of Hyrule, a land devastated by Calamity Ganon. You play as Link, who awakens from a century-long slumber with amnesia and a burning desire to save the kingdom. The sheer freedom Breath of the Wild offers is mind-blowing.
From the moment you step out of the Shrine of Resurrection, you can go anywhere. Seriously, the game doesn't hold your hand. See that mountain in the distance? You can climb it. Spot a weird-looking structure? Go explore it. The sense of discovery is unparalleled. Hyrule is teeming with secrets, hidden shrines, challenging enemies, and quirky characters. The physics engine is another standout feature. You can use the environment to your advantage in countless ways, from starting wildfires to creating updrafts with fire to paraglide across vast distances. Combat is engaging and requires strategic thinking. You'll need to master different weapons, learn enemy attack patterns, and utilize the environment to survive. And let's not forget the cooking! Experimenting with different ingredients to create meals that grant you various buffs is both fun and essential for survival.
The story is compelling, though it's largely told through optional memories that you can uncover throughout the world. This non-linear approach to storytelling allows you to piece together the history of Hyrule at your own pace. Breath of the Wild isn't just a game; it's an experience. It's a world that you can get lost in for hundreds of hours, constantly discovering new things and forging your own path. If you own a Wii U and haven't played Breath of the Wild, you're doing yourself a disservice. It’s a must-play title that showcases the console's capabilities and delivers an unforgettable adventure. Trust me, you won't regret it.
LEGO City Undercover
Next up, we have LEGO City Undercover, a hilariously charming open-world adventure that puts you in the shoes of Chase McCain, an undercover cop. This game is essentially LEGO's take on Grand Theft Auto, but with a family-friendly twist. You'll explore the sprawling LEGO City, solving crimes, chasing down bad guys, and causing all sorts of mayhem in the process. What makes LEGO City Undercover so special is its humor. The game is packed with witty dialogue, slapstick comedy, and clever parodies of popular movies and TV shows. The characters are all delightfully quirky, and the story is surprisingly engaging. It's a game that will keep you laughing from beginning to end.
The open-world of LEGO City is vast and filled with secrets to discover. You can explore the city on foot, drive a variety of vehicles, or even fly a helicopter. There are tons of side missions and collectibles to find, ensuring that you'll always have something to do. Chase McCain has a variety of disguises that grant him unique abilities. For example, he can dress up as a robber to break into certain buildings or as a construction worker to operate heavy machinery. These disguises add a layer of depth to the gameplay and allow for creative problem-solving. The Wii U GamePad is also used in clever ways. You can use it to scan for clues, receive mission briefings, and even communicate with other characters.
LEGO City Undercover is a fantastic open-world game that's perfect for players of all ages. It's funny, charming, and packed with content. If you're looking for a lighthearted adventure that will keep you entertained for hours, this is the game for you. It’s a great example of how to do an open-world game right, even on a console that isn't necessarily known for them. Plus, who doesn't love LEGOs? It’s a guaranteed good time.
Xenoblade Chronicles X
For those craving a truly massive open-world experience with a heavy dose of RPG elements, Xenoblade Chronicles X is an absolute must-play on the Wii U. This game takes you to the alien planet of Mira, a vast and breathtaking world filled with strange creatures, stunning landscapes, and a compelling story. You play as a customizable character who is part of a human colony ship that crash-lands on Mira after fleeing Earth. Your mission is to explore the planet, establish a new home for humanity, and uncover the secrets of this mysterious world.
Mira is divided into five continents, each with its own unique environment and ecosystem. From the lush forests of Primordia to the desolate deserts of Oblivia, there's always something new to discover. The scale of the world is truly impressive, and you'll spend countless hours exploring every nook and cranny. Combat in Xenoblade Chronicles X is real-time and strategic. You'll need to master different weapons, learn enemy attack patterns, and utilize your party members' abilities to survive. The game also features giant mechs called Skells, which you can pilot to traverse the world more quickly and engage in even more epic battles.
The story is complex and intriguing, delving into themes of survival, adaptation, and the search for meaning in a hostile world. The characters are well-developed, and you'll form strong bonds with your party members as you journey together through Mira. Xenoblade Chronicles X is a massive game that will keep you hooked for hundreds of hours. It's a technical marvel on the Wii U, pushing the console to its limits with its vast open-world and stunning visuals. If you're a fan of RPGs and open-world games, this is a title that you absolutely shouldn't miss. It’s an epic adventure that will stay with you long after you've finished playing.
Honorable Mentions
While the games listed above are the most prominent open-world experiences on the Wii U, there are a few other titles that deserve a mention:
- Assassin's Creed III & IV: Black Flag: These games offer large, explorable environments, although they are not strictly open-world. Black Flag, in particular, stands out for its amazing naval combat and exploration.
 - Batman: Arkham City - Armored Edition: While more of a Metroidvania than a true open-world game, Arkham City offers a large and interconnected world to explore, filled with secrets and collectibles.
 
Final Thoughts
The Wii U may not be the first console that comes to mind when you think of open-world games, but it actually has a pretty solid lineup of titles in this genre. From the groundbreaking Breath of the Wild to the hilarious LEGO City Undercover and the epic Xenoblade Chronicles X, there's something for everyone. So, if you're looking to rediscover the magic of your Wii U, be sure to check out these open-world adventures. You might be surprised at what you find!
So, there you have it, folks! The Wii U might be an underrated console, but it definitely has some hidden gems when it comes to open-world gaming. Grab your GamePad, fire up your Wii U, and get ready to explore some amazing virtual worlds. Happy gaming!