Nintendo Land
Review

Nintendo Land (2012) is a collection of Nintendo games that was created for the Nintendo Wii U launch. It uses the console’s tablet screen to create specific roles for different players. In Mario Chase, the hiding player uses the tablet controller screen while the four seekers use the TV to try and find them. It means the hider can keep their location secret because no one else can see their screen. In Metroid Blast, one player uses the tablet to pilot a spaceship while the others fight on the ground using the TV. In Ghost Mansion, one player uses the tablet to secretly control the ghosts while the others on the TV try to escape.

The games would be impossible without the Wii U hardware and tablet controller and offer a unique, exuberant and high-quality way to battle, particularly with younger children in the family.

Grandparents have enjoyed playing this with grandchildren. Teaming up to find where Granny or Grandad are hiding in Mario Chase is a chance for older family members to outsmart the youngsters. Similarly, teaming up to hunt down ghosts in Luigi’s Mansion works brilliantly across wide age gaps. The simplicity of aiming with the Wii U tablet controller in The Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest enables novice players to quickly learn the ropes. Finally, Yoshi’s Fruit Cart rewards mature observation and memory rather than youthful reactions and button-mashing.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Nintendo Land 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 6 months ago.