While the Wii U’s 2014 was about finally releasing games that people wanted — and blowing them away with those games — 2015 for the Wii U will continue to build an excellent library of exclusives both new and old. There are some games coming out on the Wii U in 2015 to be seriously excited for. While we don’t know a lot of details about some of the games on this list, the Wii U will be a force to be reckoned with in 2015.
Here are the Top 10 must-buy Wii U exclusives releasing in 2015 (in no particular order, because ranking these are hard).
Splatoon
Nintendo’s new multiplayer third-person action shooter is vibrant and full of color. Literally. You and your friends play as squid-like characters called Inklings that splatter enemies and gain turf by getting your ink on as many places as possible. It’s colorful and chaotic and we can’t wait to play it.
Mario Party 10
Who doesn’t love some good ol’ Mario Party? The first installment of the series on the Wii U lets up to five players tackle fun mini-games. For the first time ever in the series, you even get to play as Bowser, where one players gets to be Bowser as he tries to wreak havoc on the other players.
Devil’s Third
A game that was thought to be dead when THQ closed up shop in 2013, Nintendo snatched up publishing rights to Devil’s Third — a hybrid third-person hack-and-slash/first-person shooter. It combines modern military weaponry with ninja-style swordplay, has a deep and challenging online mode, and is unlike anything else on the Wii U.
Mario Maker
Mario Maker will let players — for the first time ever — create their own 2D Mario levels using the Wii U GamePad. Using the touch screen, you drag and drop elements into the levels and place blocks, pipes, enemies, you name it. Play and edit on-the-fly and to make sure it’s what you want. You can also switch between 8-bit classic Super Mario Bros. look and a more HD look of New Super Mario Bros. U.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
Our former editor David Sanchez is probably counting the days til this February release, as he’s the biggest Kirby fan we know. Kirby and the Rainbow Curse is a “clayful” Kirby adventure with line-drawing gameplay, where up to three other players can drop-in, drop-out at any time. There are tons of collectibles, obstacles and bosses. Also, Kirby can mold into clay objects like a tank, submarine and rocket.
Xenoblade Chronicles X
A massive, open-world sci-fi RPG from Monolith Soft, filled with strange creatures, giant dinosaurs and a beautiful but hostile environment. With tons of customization and a deep battle system, Xenoblade Chronicles X is one of the most exciting 2015 releases on any game console.
Yoshi’s Woolly World
Yoshi’s Woolly World is a brand-new Yoshi adventure where you tangle, pull and stitch yarn to explore Yoshi’s world made of yarn, cloth and textiles. By weaving, pulling and knitting, you’ll solve puzzles and discover secrets in this colorful, charming game. Can’t wait for all the wool plushies that fans will make, too!
Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem
An upcoming crossover RPG featuring characters from the Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem franchises, there’s been little in terms of updates on this game. It’s being developed by Atlus and Intelligent Systems, and there are some rumors that the game will be cancelled due to story and development issues. Still, Nintendo insists that (from E3 this year) the game is TBA 2015. We sure hope so!
Star Fox
Little is known about the new Star Fox. Miyamoto has said that it will release before the new installment of The Legend of Zelda in 2015, and it will be compatible with Amiibo. Do we really need to know much more to be excited for a new Star Fox on Wii U? No! Do a barrel roll!
The Legend of Zelda
You didn’t think we’d leave one of 2015’s most exciting titles in all of gaming off the list, did you? There’s supposed to be more freedom in where the player wants to go and how they want to get there, and that has us beyond excited.
Star Fox Image Source: Gamespot