A leaked screenshot from a Blockbuster computer screen, courtesy of GoNintendo, revealed a list of over 20 games that Nintendo Wii U will be launching at retailers.
Among the list includes popular titles such as Batman: Arkham City, Ninja Gaiden 3, Darksiders 2, Splinter Cell, Assassin's Creed, Super Mario Mii, Pikmin, Rayman Legends, and more. The rumors could spark more excitement as Nintendo prepares for its big announcement at the E3 video game conference next month where its next-gen Wii U console will be unveiled.
The new titles will be part of Nintendo's strategy to attract more hardcore gamers in addition to retaining its existing market of casual players. Nintendo has seen a drastic decline in Wii console sales along with its first reported financial loss. But with a new hardware release along with revolutionary games, the Wii U can reverse the trend.
"Everybody needs to realize that the Wii software segment is trending down 50 percent year over year, and has been for the last 12 months," said Cowen and Company's analyst Doug Creutz in an interview with Ars Technica.
The Wii dominated both hardware and software sales when it first launched back in 2006. Attracting more serious gamers with titles such as Batman: Arkham City, Ghost Recon, and Assassin's Creed can turn Wii U into a something-for-everyone console.
The complete listing of leaked games include:
- Aliens: Colonial Marines
- Assassin's Creed 3
- Batman: Arkham City
- Darksiders 2
- Dirt 3
- Formula 1 All Stars
- Game Party
- Ghost Recon Online
- Just Dance 4
- Killer Freaks from Outer Space
- Marvel Super Heroes
- Metro: Last Light
- Monsters Party
- Ninja Gaiden 3
- Pikmin
- Rabbids Party Land
- Raving Rabbids
- Rayman Legends
- Shield Pose
- Splinter Cell 5
- Sports Connection
- Super Mario Brothers 4 Mii
- Tekken
- Your Shape 2013
- Zombie
Rumors suggest that Nintendo may also look to revive its past iconic games such as Legends of Zelda, Donkey Kong, and F-Zero.
Nintendo will be relying on the unique gameplay experience from its Wii U games in order to compete against hardware powerhouses in the Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox 720. In comparison, the Wii U is moderately powered and running on an AMD Radeon based High Def GPU, from IBM's multicore microprocessor. The console has been said to be backwards compatible with past Wii games and accessories.
The Wii U will also look to utilize its controllers to deliver new gameplay experiences. The revolutionary controller integrates a 6.2 inch touchscreen for displaying HD graphics with built accelerometer, gyroscope, microphone, stylus, and motion-sensors.
A leaked video of Rayman Legends showcased the new controllers in action s players were seen altering the game's level environment. Players also were utilizing near field communication, NFC, technology for physical and digital interaction within the game using NFC tagged toys and figurines.
Nintendo and game development company Ubisoft, are also collaborating to give Wii U gamers a more unique experience using the new tablet controllers. Ubisoft's highly anticipated upcoming title, Assassin's Creed 3, plans to utilize the tablet displays so players can instantly access maps and information within the game's Animus Database.
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