The Best Wii U eShop Games of 2013

Back when 3DS had barely any games, the induction of the Nintendo eShop finally gave owners a set of unique and interesting titles to play, which would entertain many people until the release of more retail games for the handheld. Wii U, which also lacked a lengthy library in the beginning of its life, followed similar footsteps as its handheld brethren. While the console’s first year on the market was marked by a severe software drought, its own eShop eventually started to pump out content for those eager to get their hands on software, and this list is a testament to the quality of the games released on the online service. Here are Nintendojo’s top Wii U eShop games of 2013!

BEST WII U ESHOP GAME

New Super Luigi U

The fact that New Super Luigi U is our Wii U eShop game of the year should be no surprise to our readers. After all, it is the Year of Luigi! The game was more than just a simple DLC addition to New Super Mario Bros. U, as it had a few features that made it feel distinct to its predecessor. This massive expansion altered the original game’s levels to fit Luigi’s unique player mechanics, such as his signature high jump. Not only that, but every single level was put on a strict 100 second time limit, creating a fast-paced experience that made the New Super Mario Bros. series feel fresh once again.

BEST WII U ESHOP GAME RUNNERS-UP

DuckTales: Remastered

Licensed games often get flack for their awful quality, and appear to be nothing more than quick cash grabs with no merit. However, games like DuckTales on NES were able to break that mold and exceed all expectations. The game featured tight platforming mechanics and arguably one of the best NES soundtracks ever created, and went on to be one of the best selling games for the system. Naturally, the Internet went crazy when DuckTales: Remastered was revealed by developer WayFoward last year. Playing a remake with beautiful hand-drawn sprites, voice acting from the original DuckTales cast, and an enhanced soundtrack was a dream come true.

• Read the Nintendojo review.

Bit.Trip Presents Runner 2

The original Bit.Trip series took WiiWare by storm with its addictive, rhythm gameplay and its retro aesthetics. Bit.Trip Runner, the 2D platforming title, saw the most success in the series, so Aksys Games took it upon itself to release a sequel that would blow its fans way. With Bit.Trip Presents Runner 2, it succeeded in this aspect by giving players a brand new game with HD graphics, multiple playable characters, new gameplay mechanics, and a ton of levels to explore. It even got Charles Martinet, the voice of Mario, to narrate the game’s story as well! Everything about Runner 2 was executed perfectly, easily making it one of our favorite Wii U eShop games of the year.

• Read the Nintendojo review.

NES Remix was something that none of us asked for, but came as a very nice surprise when it was revealed and released on the same day as the December Nintendo Direct. The game was successful in making a compilation of 16 different NES classics feel new again with numerous mini challenges and added gameplay twists.

Wii Sports Club

The original Wii Sports is the best-selling video game of all time, so it was only a matter of time before we saw it remastered on Wii U as Wii Sports Club. Nintendo did a phenomenal job remaking the title by adding HD graphics, enhanced controls, and even online play, and its unique pricing structure gives every Wii U owner a chance to try out each of its sports before downloading them.

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE?

Do you agree with our choices? Vote for which game you think should be number one, or choose “Other” and tell us in the comments below!

[poll id=”173″]