Minecraft is an incredible game. It went from some indie PC game to a hit that everyone recognizes. You see it in the game, book, toy, and clothing aisles. Yet, for all that exposure, it’s never really been on a system where it really belonged. Such a game, where building and creating with blocks is critical, should have been on something that provided the control scheme and experience it deserved. Now that Minecraft: Wii U Edition is on the way, the game has met its match.
The Minecraft: Wii U Edition is exactly what it sounds like. People who spend $29.99 on the game get to play it on their Wii U. It supports multiplayer for up to 8 people and is identical to the game people have been playing on computers and other consoles. Creative and Survival modes will both be there, and 16 add-on packs will be available at launch.
What makes it great are the other, natural features that come with a Minecraft and Wii U mashup. To start, we get the control scheme we deserve. The Minecraft: Wii U Edition uses the GamePad’s touchscreen and stylus. Imagine how great it would be to accurately build with a tap on the screen. It’s like having the Minecraft: Pocket Edition controls in the full version of the game. You have improved accuracy, which will result in better builds.
Also, Minecraft: Wii U Edition supports off-screen play. This is exactly what families need. Kids or the young at heart can do their thing on the GamePad and won’t be monopolizing the living room. If other people do want to kick in and contribute, it’s possible with split-screen multiplayer. But it’s just as easy for someone to go off and amuse themselves with this version of the game.
Plus, there’s the promise of customization. The Battle & Beasts 1 and 2 Skin Packs, City, Fantasy, and Natural Texture Packs, and Festive Mash-up Pack will all be included with the game. In addition, it’s already been established that Nintendo and Mojang are working “on new content for Nintendo fans.” That could mean exclusive character skins and environment packs, just like the developer did with the Halo series for the Xbox 360 and Xbox One versions of the game. Imagine Minecraft: Wii U Edition with Super Mario skins and textures!
Minecraft belongs on the Wii U. It always has. Once it appears on December 17, we’ll know for sure that it always will. The stylus controls, ability to play off-screen, and potential for Nintendo-exclusive content are all too great. This is what we’ve always wanted and needed from Minecraft .