2.11.2013

The Wonderful 101 is a bit like what a scrolling beat em up in 2013 looks like when designed by a very creative Japanese development team who are basically allowed to do whatever they want. This is one of the freshest and most original action games I've ever played, but it will be too incomprehensible and hectic for a lot of people.The gameplay basically boils down to controlling a gang of superheroes and battling through a series of missions against an army of robot aliens called the Geathjerk. The games' aesthetic is a lot like a Saturday morning cartoon, and has a story crammed with bad jokes and goofy dialogue. The action is primarily viewed from an isometric viewpoint,although it changes regularly during missions and boss battles. Progress through the missions can be challenging but is generally straightforward (you have infinite continues and restart at the point of failure), and the basic controls are not too hard to get to grips with with a little practice. Your heroes battle the Geathjerk (who range from hulking robots, tanks, metal scorpions and tortoises to name but a few) through a combination of basic team attacks and unite morph attacks, which are central to the game. Unite morph attacks are triggered by drawing a shape on the Wii U gamepad or by making a gesture on the right analogue stick which enables your heroes to morph together to form a giant fist, sword, gun and more (that I won't spoil). Unite morph attacks are introduced gradually throughout your first playthrough, which is helpful as it can be quite overwhelming at the beginning when you're learning how to read the environment, dodge enemy attacks, string together your own attacks and then eventually getting to grips with the bare basics of the games' deep battle and combo system.So what in particular is so difficult about it? Well to begin with, you can't take much knowledge with you to the Wonderful 101 given that it presents its' action in such a unique fashion. Even having played a number of games in the past by the games' designer Hideki Kamiya (like Viewtiful Joe and Bayonetta) I found there was a period of time before the basic gameplay clicked and I could more or less read enemy attacks competently and defend and counter effectively. Part of the problem is that there can be so much happening on screen at once, that it's sometimes difficult to see your central character amongst your group of heroes and the surrounding chaos. However with a bit of practice you gradually learn to parse the environment and spot certain enemy cues that signal that it's time to dodge, counter etc and in turn develop a type of sixth sense for the action which is very satisfying. The second biggest challenge to getting into The Wonderful 101 is that it does very little to hold the players hand or teach any of the games systems or mechanics. A basic tutorial window may pop up to highlight how to pull off a particular move, but there is no in-game help to teach the player how to actually fight properly, which is key to understanding and in turn enjoying the game. Thankfully at the time of writing there are a number of videos online that explain the fighting system and I strongly recommend checking them out. Another issue is using the gamepad touchscreen interface for unite morph attacks, which while very responsive isn't practical for when the action ramps up to anything above a simmer (which is a lot). Thankfully with a bit of practice the right analogue stick gestures work perfectly for pulling off Unite Morphs, and are akin to learning special moves in a fighting game like Streetfighter.Once you get to grips with the Wonderful 101's controls and gameplay systems, it reveals itself to be a very complex action game with a huge scope for mastery. During missions, you are rewarded after each discrete action segment with a medal corresponding to your combined performance in damage avoidance, time to complete and combo score. There is an intricate combo system which has to be learned in order to score the higher platinum and pure platinum medals, and as such the enjoyment in achieving these comes from repeated play of each of the games' story missions. This is absolutely one of those games that gets better and more satisfying the more and more you play it and the amount of content here means it could conceivably take years let alone months to master it all.Have I explained it properly? I'm not so sure. Forget the deceptively cute aesthetic, The Wonderful 101 is a hardcore, somewhat perplexing game and certainly won't appeal to everyone. It has flaws and can be frustrating. Sometimes the fixed camera doesn't give you the perfect view of the action resulting in unfair damage, the games unwillingness to explain itself will result in many of the more creative sections of the game (it makes some smart use of the Wii U gamepad) a blunder on first playthrough until you realise what the hell you were actually supposed to be doing, and being so unrestrained there are some sections which fall a bit flat and I wish they'd simply been taken out to help the pacing a little and avoid repetition. However, if you are intrigued by the premise of a deep, complex and somewhat renegade action title then this is absolutely one to check out. The Wonderful 101 is one of the most creative action games I've played in a very long time and for some it could be right up there as one of their favourites ever.

11.11.2014

Firstly I'd like to state that I have not gone through the whole game yet and so I may edit or update this review later, however I wanted to write something while certain things were fresh in my mind.The first time I got my hands on Wonderful 101 was at Eurogamer a couple of years ago, it was the demo version obviously but in all honestly I didn't take to it, the controls didn't feel intuitive (although in general I wasn't very experienced with the Wii U at the time) and I just in general didn't like the feel of the game, however I was sure it would be one of those games that you'd need to spend a little time with to "get".I didn't have any intention to buy the game, just didn't appeal to me,however I later found out the director of Wonderful 101 was the same person who has made some of my favourite games of all time (Okami, Bayonetta) and after following him on Twitter and getting all kinds of info on the game I decided to get it when I'd get a Wii U and just hope for the best.I'm definitely glad I decided to take the risk, it's definitely a game you need to spend time with. At first the controls felt strange, using the right thumb stick you "draw" certain shapes to form weapons and other things, the larger you draw the shape the more powerful the weapon etc is, however it doesn't remain in its large form for long and there are a couple of factors involved that you need to consider. One of those factors being the people, you temporarily recruit people you come across during the level that will actually become the thing you use to form the shapes; the more people you recuit the bigger the shape. This is something I haven't come across before in a game and even though aesthetically it looks wacky I came to find it kind of cool.The other factor and one I didn't think about that much at first, is energy. You have a battery bar below your vitality bar and it is something you need to pay attention to, because this effects the amount of times you can morph and how big you can morph. In games like Bayonetta or Devil may cry you can get away with being very offensive and just dodging certain attacks getting straight back into it. Not in The Wonderful 101. Running out of battery means you run out of defensive measures, so for example you're about to get attacked and thinking you're just going to dodge again you mash that RZ but nothing happens and you get a huge chunk of health taken off.Having said that, The Wonderful 101 is not easy. This was quite surprising to me at first but you are given the option to play on lower difficulty settings in the beginning. What makes this game so difficult is that it's punshing, not just because of the battery thing, but because if you get hit all the people on your team get knocked out temporarily which leaves you completely defenseless. Also, you're rarely are able to continuously attack, if you carry on too long you almost always get punished for it which again leaves you defenseless for a while. It can be very frustrating in the beginning, but basically you can't go in thinking you can play this like a character action game, you need to be patient and time your attacks well knowing when to back off and be defensve.I haven't talked much about the story because again I haven't gone through the game, but it runs on the whole superhero theme. The cut scenes are well put together and sometimes even funny, I love how the game doesn't take itself so seriously.It may take a bit of time to get used to, but this is an amazing game that deserves much more attention than it's currently getting. If you like action games then The Wonderful 101 is something you cannot miss out on.

23.8.2013

I remember the reveal of the Wii U and Nintendo showing off a very quick clip of The Wonderful 101 (for the sake of the review I am typing TW101). I immediately thought it appeared to be a clone of Pikmin with superheroes. Up to the demo launching on the Nintendo Wii U eshop I admit I had the same misconception about the game, this is nothing like Pikmin.Sitting down with the demo I was head kicked as enemies beat me up, sent me flying across the screen and the other 100 followers didn't seem to even care... I got extremely frustrated quickly and thought I am not buying this game!I then watched a video on the game,a rather behind the scenes development glimpse and I caught sight of a developer playing a level; he was attacking and swiping at the Wii U gamepad quickly connecting Unite morphs one after the other and then I realised I hadn't even considered doing that.Anyway here I am with a copy of the game a few days before release and I am over the moon with the experience. Think of it as a Power Rangers Hyper extreme over the top eye feast, that while not graphically the most impressive game on Wii U it certainly is one that utilises the Wii U system perfectly.If you have played a Platinum Games title before you will know that they are experts in fighting mechanics, what I have come to love about TW101 is that the game rewards your experimentation allowing you to pull off extreme combos as your men and women morph into giant fists and then swords in seconds.Usage of the gamepad is really well implemented, when the 101 enter buildings the TV view stays outside but the gamepad view swoops in and follows them about but you will need to use both TV and gamepad to solve some puzzles (All pretty straight forward but logical so not to hinder you). The gamepad screen is also used for the entry of the Unite morphs or you can use the right control stick (This is difficult!), drawing a cycle and hitting A commits the morph. The secret to this game is to ensure that while you complete a morph and start your unite attacks you then need to enter a new morph command and setup your next unite attacks, this chaining is vital in scoring the ludicrous high scores and gaining those platinum medals.Some folk will be put off by the above and consider this a standard button masher but you really need to think about the creative ways on how to chain certain Unites together to make the most powerful combos. As you progress further into the game you unlock more combo moves as well which opens up further Unite morph opportunities.I am aware that some reviews have said the above is a negative thing but for me its great, it makes me challenge more myself about what the next logical link would be to keep the fight going, instead of mashing buttons with no consideration (This is still rewarded but you won't be getting those platinum medals).If you consider yourself a gamer, or want to experiment with something a little different to the typical game on the market such as another yearly football churn then this really is something that action fans would love, not to mention the over the top and often chuckling cut scenes which rock. Platinum Games have delivered the ultimate experience this year in The Wonderful 101

12.9.2013

This game deserves to be amongst your Wii U games library, if you're on the fence about buying this game; I implore you to be brazen, jump down off the fence and purchase this game. You'll be buying a special game that offers a unique way of playing and an experience like you've not experienced before. This is a special game and it's my favourite game of the year so far.You play as superhereos known as the Wonderful 101, your aim? To stop the alien invasion of Earth by the mighty GETHJERK army. From the beginning to the end this game throws you into the thick of the action. There's no slow introduction to the Gethjerk onslaught, you're thrown into the deep end,

23.8.2013

I'll just be focusing on the technical aspects of the product.Packaging:- Case, cover, game disc and manual.Gameplay:- The controls of W101 are great, everything works smoothly although if you're planning to buy this game please try the demo first and learn how the controls properly work because this isn't your typical game where you jump in and know how everything works -- Nope, Wonderful 101 makes you want to play the game how it was intended otherwise you'll just die and eventually give up due to your own fault. Don't let this happen.- In Wonderful 101 you can either use the Wii U GamePad or the Wii U Pro Controller,

24.8.2013

The Wonderful 101 is the newest title from Platinum Games (Bayonetta, Metal Gear Rising) and published by Nintendo.The plot essentially revolves around a group of people collectively titled the Wonderful 100 (the extra 1 is YOU!) who are given Superpowers via medallions around their necks which allow them Superhuman powers to take on an Alien threat.Gameplay. You start each mission with a handful of people and as you explore the world you recruit more, think of it more like Little King's Story or Pikmin, each of the main characters allow you to have different attacks, for example Wonder-Red uses a giant fist, which can be used not only to attack enemies but also to turn valves.

18.2.2015

This game has driven me crazy. It's one of those insane Japanese games that is so stuffed with audio-visual sensory madness that it's difficult to remain relaxed to enjoy it. The game is stressful to play, despite it's charm.I don't know how to describe it, except that it is 101% hardcore, and not the cute saturday morning kid-friendly game that it appears to be from screenshots. I've previously put dozens and dozens of hours into learning the systems of Bayonetta/Vanquish/MGS Revengeance, games from the same developer which are similarly skill-based and maximalist in their designs, but this one takes the biscuit. I played it on EASY and still got my a** kicked all the way through.The basic problem with the game is that there are too many interlocking systems,

19.9.2014

Here's what I love about the game:1) Truly innovative-unique experience, I haven't played any other game like that.2) Lot's of action, a lot of moves to learn and use and plenty of customisation. Generally very fun to play.3) The game is has many collectables and also hidden heroes to unlock.4) Great humour. The game sarcastically uses "Corny" superhero cliche.5) Great use of the gamepad. Not only to draw the morphs but also, use items and serve as a secondary screen in menus.6) Boss battles are "Epic" in the superhero kind of way.7) Great replayability because it takes time to really be good at the game and the in the first playthrough you will probably suck a little.

29.8.2013

Platinum have made many games Devil May Cry, Metal Gear, Bayonetta, Vanquish among many others however this game is UNIQUE.The reason I say unique is because within the first five minutes I felt as though I was watching a kids TV program then I realised how hard the game actually is. Its got great humour and is really fun to watch as well as play. It takes a little getting used to , the fighting system is either touch screen or draw with the right analogue stick. I recommend analogue stick personally but each to their own. It doesnt just stop there the gamepad functionality is great its switchs when in building or spacecraft to the gamepad and there is quite a few puzzles.Did I also mention how good the bosses are?

3.6.2014

Ok, so as per the norm, I played the demo and wasn't really taken by it. Then I bought Mario Kart 8 with a free game download. 10Gb (plus 2GB update) later I had the Wonderful 101 on my Wii U. Just a wonderful collaboration between Nintendo and Platinum Games. The 100 characters are fantastic, such a joy to play, using the gamepad you can draw shapes on the screen which determines your weapon choice, sword, fist, gun etc. You can also add health, check your inventory, this game is why the GamePad is great and there is off-TV play, which I have used on more than one occasion and the game looks great on the 6.2inch screen, very crisp. The levels are fun and addictive, they are hard (died quite a few times)

19.4.2014

At the start it takes a bit getting used 2 and there is a steep learning curve so i urge u 2 play on the dificulty level that suits or it just won't b fun u can always turn it up but once u have the game sussed and got 2 grips with controls and sheer busyness that's on screen at the one time ul know u have a gem of a game and the gameplay isn't the only thing that is nuts storyline Aswell it's out there very tounge in cheek some adult humor for the older players while bieng kid friendly makes for a exaggerated but really funny and all round fun game that iv still 2 fully compleate but so far really happy with this :)

9.7.2019

This is reason enough to prefer the wiiU over the switch, this game is one of the most innovative and creative games to come out in the last 20 years.I had a switch recently, sold it to rebuy a wiiU, because of pikmin 3 and wonderful 101 and ZombiU, all brilliant experiences that you cant get anywhere else.There is really nothing as great on the switch, you could say breath of the wild, but that one is on wiiU + wind waker HD + twilight princess HD. Then you could say bayonetta, but that's better on wiiU due to both games being on disc.Then you also get backwards compatibility with all wii games and accessories.As of now, the wiiU is the best Nintendo console to have if you like good games.

18.9.2014

An underrated game. The Wonderful 101 is an awesome action game with amazing music and voice acting, a sorta action-figure styled graphics and tons of humor. The gameplay is very good but it can be chaotic sometimes. Many critics looked down on the game because it is hard. It is! So if you like challenge, you'll love it. I gotta warn you though. This is a game that you'll either love or hate, depending on your taste. It also has some minor annoying moments that might get you from love to hate in an instant.Overall, an awesome game, should have sold better

8.7.2014

Wonderful is right, this game is fantastic.The game is a bit misleading with it's outwards appearance having more in common with games like Devil May Cry or Bayonetta than the likes of Pikmin with a heavy emphasis on learning and mastering combat mechanics. Every level builds wonderfully and the climaxes in this game are incredible.Graphics, Music and Sound are fantastic too, especially the main theme that captures the feel so perfectly.I'd recommend this game highly to anyone who isn't scared of a game that's willing to be rather hard at times.

24.3.2014

Great game, quite different from what i usually play, which is by all means a good thing! And if this little gem, managed to draw me out of my Assasin's, Call of Duty's and Battlefield's, then it must be considered a great game.I found this game, to have nice graphics, with some excellent visual effect's, nice audio, very good gameplay, and above all, it was easy to pick up and play.I highly recommend it, to families, minors, and anyone who wants a change, but fun still, of pace!!

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