Game Review: Nintendo Land

In my opinion, this is the so-called debut title for the Nintendo Wii U. Much like what Wii Sports did for the Wii, Nintendo Land offers the best glimpse as to what the GamePad can be used for with the variety of attractions offered. The game itself takes place in the Nintendo Land Plaza with gateways to each of the attractions with a center tower used to unlock prizes to decorate the area. You have the option to walk around the plaza or pull up a menu with quick access to the attractions. Throughout each event you are guided by Monita, a floating monitor who explains each attraction for first time players.

The attractions themselves are split up into 3 categories which I'll give a short description of down below. You have team games which require you to team up for a central quest or a battle mode, then there are games which solely revolve around competing and lastly attractions made for single players. Also available after you play a few games in what's called the attraction bus. Here you jump on platforms that have a set number of 3 generated attractions played back to back. The HD polish on Nintendo games looks absolutely beautiful and is something fans have been wanting for a long time.

F-Zero gives you the experience of driving on a high speed course!

The single player games are often ones with a main quest that is broken up into segments to see how far you can get. Pictured above, is the F-Zero themed attraction. You hold the GamePad vertical and steer it to avoid the obstacles and trying to reach the next checkpoint/area before the time runs out. Going into tunnels is when you are able to look up at the screen to see where you're going. DK's Crash Course is arguably the most challenging attraction as you have to make towards the end of the map which is split up into areas. The controls involve tilting the GamePad and you have 2 different views on the TV and GamePad. Octopus Dance is a rhythm game involving striking poses in time with the musical beat. Takamura's Ninja Castle is one of the more exhilarating ones which involves throwing ninja stars from the pad to the screen to defeat enemy ninjas. Lastly Balloon Trip Breeze is a tricky event which has you guide your Mii across islands while avoiding fish, spikes and other obstacles.

4 Player Mario Chase Action

It's really the remaining 2 types of attractions where the fun is to be had. The Multiplayer games offer a chance to mess with your opponents and cause anger/frustration amongst one another which can be a riot. Mario Chase involves 2-5 people with 1 player as Mario and the others as Toad who have to catch Mario before the timer runs out. Animal Crossing Sweet Days has players eat up candy and collect a certain amount before the GamePad user catches them (by controlling 2 guards at once via the analog sticks). This one in particular can cause so much stress when your life runs low, and then you start blaming others based on "who f*cked up the most" XD. Luigi's Ghost Mansion has 4 players try and hunt down the GamePad user who acts as a ghost to hunt down the other players.

Battle Quest offers a true sense of teamwork

The team attractions really do give you a feel for working together. The Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest has players walk through and fight off enemies as you reach the Triforce of Courage. 1-4 players act as swordsman whereas the GamePad user is the sole archer. Pikmin Adventure has players assume the role of Olimar and a Pikmin as you use other Pikmins to defeat enemies and make it to the end of the level. Leveling up is also a factor in making the player stronger. Finally, Metroid Blast has players control either Samus or a ship and they fight each other to take one side down (personally I kinda feel that this is more competitive but then again I didn't fully explore the game modes of this attraction).

Metroid Blast brings on the heat and intense factor with its gorgeous levels.

New owners of the Wii U should definitely pick this up just to see the capabilities the GamePad has to offer. However it's $30 price tag may seem a bit much for people which is why used copies is a much better deal.

Should you buy this Game?
Yes! Nintendo Land offers the best of the system's new controller and a variety of games based on your favorite Nintendo Franchises. Best bought for the Used price of $15 instead of $30!