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[MrNyarlathotep]

as a touch-screen it isn't even capable of pinch-zooming

here's how you make pinch zooming work on a wiiu gamepad;
1) select the rough area youd like to zoom with a finger
2) use one of the sticks, triggers, or buttons that are attached to zoom in.

here's how you make buttons and sticks work on a multitouch screen;
1) badly

I don't understand the comparison.
Multitouch is great in the absence of buttons, analogues, d pads and triggers.
There is no absence of buttons, analogue sticks, d pads or triggers.

 

[Dark Octave]

I'd make a game that uses the accelerometer where the game measures how far you can toss your gamepad and it would have world leaderboard rankings.

Extra points of you can land it in the trash can.

 

[Mlatador]

I actually had an idea for a long time and couldn't think of an effective way to make it playable until wii u came along.

Basically the protagonist was a thief trying to re-obtain heirlooms belonging to his disgraced family, and the guy had some sort of gourd at his belt allowing him to basically earthbend.
This was used to create fake walls to be stealthy, platforms, stairs to climb buildings, and of course fend off or eliminate enemies, which would have been a militia or something.

I don't like contextual actions so it would need a touch screen to earthbend easily and not a pain in the ass, while you could move and jump with traditional controls.

It was in some sort of spanish city like Toledo with the occasional bull races you could redirect via earthbending to cause diversions or to attack the militia during your stealings.
Some sort of Zorro era open world game with a focus on stealth, I guess.

I'm probably weird.

Sounds cool! I wish more developers would come up with unusual ideas. You should pitch your idea to Monster Games - they know a lot about earthbending

 

[Jobbs]

Makin' a metroivania, if one day I get a wii u version going I'd use the controller for the map. It'd also be a great place to display vitals so as to keep the TV screen completely clear and immersive.

 

[MikeXXIeaf]

Easy. Pokemon Snap U

The controller acts as a camera and you move it around to reveal more of the environment around you. Snap with the R button. For example you see whats immediately in front of you on the TV, but when you point the Wiipad up for instance, you'll see Pokemon flying around in the sky and such.

Pretty standard stuff. Do it Nintendo, that one is free.

Here's another within the same game:

Give 3 friends Wiimotes and they play as Pokemon, hiding within the environment and the person with the Wiimote has to try to snap pictures of them. It'd be more of a minigame.

 

[Sylverstone14]

As a coaster.

As a horn in a racing game.

Classic GAF.

 

[Mlatador]

Fatal Frame Wii U (I bet 20 bucks this will eventually come!)

 

[oSoLucky]

For the Action/Stealth genre:

As you're clearing or defending an area, you can place pen cameras or the small flexible ones to see through doors/grates, etc. You can swap the view on the fly to monitor all of the camera locations.

In a futuristic/technology-oriented game, maybe have a small scouting bot or machine that you can use to get a view on areas undetected. It would have to be something seamless like hold the left trigger to control the device with no delay/lag. It could have a loadout with tranquilizer darts/low-light/infrared vision. There are games that do this already, but you could leave it in a good vantage point in order to assist in tackling objectives while you progress through an area.


For the Sports genre:

Have the pad display the stamina/injury status of all of your players in real time. You can simply tap a player to make a substitution on the fly or even sub in whole units.

It could also be used to call plays and formation shifts, and it would be much easier to manage than trying to remember 20 different hotkey combinations.

This one is reaching a little bit, but the pad would show a first person perspective. You could tilt the pad in a direction to look off a runner before picking them off or look off a defender before throwing a no look pass. This would require much better AI than what we're used to seeing but it could add a new dimension to playing nearly any game in the genre.



For the RPG genre:

For battle systems like FFX-2/FFXIII or any game where you can switch roles/strategy mid-fight, it could be used for more seamless play than flipping through menus.

For games with Audiologs, etc. The GamePad could scroll the text and narrate the log to you while you still play the game, and game sound intact on the system.

For those people that like immersion, you could have to draw glyphs/inscriptions in order to cast spells. This would only work in slower paced games though.



For Shooters:

The pad could be used to call in air support, or mark targets without taking you out of the game for a full 5 seconds.

It could also be used for something like the Camera Spike in Black Ops.

For games like over the shoulder TPS when using parallax reticles, or any sort of thrown weapon that arcs, it could pan to the impact point for more precise placement. This would require looking away in the middle of action, so it may not be the best implementation.


For Racing games:

Full time rearview mirror(obviously).

You could have a much much deeper UI with estimated tire wear, fuel management, status of the other racers, etc. It could even include a weather/atmospheric condition report for games with endurance races, and dynamic weather/day and night cycles.



For Fighting games:

I would put an input display scrolling down the left side at all times in single player, and the rest of the screen would be able to display commands/frame data or even hit/hurt boxes in mini screens. It would help a lot in training modes and between matches. This information is already available on the internet, would just make it more convenient for trying to learn with minimal downtime.

You could also use it to either save a demo or download a user uploaded demo from the game's server of combos, with a time lapse, damage total and inputs, so that you can take them in training mode and practice them.

 

[MarkusRJR]

I'd make it an exploration based mystery game, heavy on the atmosphere and story. You have a third person view on the TV, while you have a map on the Game Pad. When you want to interact or view things, you can tap ZR/ZL and turn on first person mode with the Game Pad. You control the first person camera via gyro and can interact with objects via the touch screen.

Honestly though, if I were in charge of making a game I wouldn't make it on the Wii U. It'd be an instant bomba. I'd probably go iOS, Steam, 3DS eShop, or PSN.

 

[Darmik]

- A team based RPG where you can change your parties equipment and tactics on the fly using hotkeys with the gamepad
- A futuristic sim shooter where the Gamepad is used as an overhead drone. You can tag enemies and points of interest which are shown on the TV display
- A gadget in a spy game. You can quickly modify and change equipment and stats using it, hack into surveillance systems and watch them on the GamePad while playing the game live, text message and call guards to distract them, email viruses and shock images to guards and staff to get them to leave. Also include Miiverse interaction between players. Basicallly Watch Dogs revolved around using the GamePad. Add some freaky moments with it when suddenly you accidentally hack into a surveillance feed of your GamePad
- Spies vs Mercs from Splinter Cell, with Spy on Gamepad and Merc on TV
- Level and character editor in an FPS. Touch screen should make this a significantly easier process
- A gadget in a slow paced detective game. Scan the crime scene, take photos, use it to search for clues, research similar crimes in a simulated internet browser etc.
- Adding to the horror games suggested previously, the Gamepad records your reactions to jump scares and shows you at the end of the level

 

[NewGame]

An iPad used by the player in the game.

ALTERNATIVELY

A Microsoft Surface used by the player in the game.

Product placement people!

 

[Ryuuga]

I would actually use more of its gyro-sensor capabilities. A discus toss for Wii Party U would be great, but users would have to be careful to aim away from the TV and near any open window. Wii Party U should come with a pack-in classic controller as well.

 

[Randomizer]

I would incorporate both the gyro-sensor and the camera to create the ultimate Augmented Reality dating simulator. Imagine thrusting your Penis towards your virtual waifu's different orifices as she ridicules your performance.

 

[Khalifa Jayy]

I would make a kind of open world monster collecting game where the pad would, among other things, act as a sort of index cataloging all the monsters you came across and/or caught.

So... A pokedex. Best idea so far I think.

 

[Khalifa Jayy]

Also is there a scribblenauts game on wiiu yet? If not please tell me there's one on the way.

 

[Weng]

Also is there a scribblenauts game on wiiu yet? If not please tell me there's one on the way.

One is already out in the US (Scribblenauts Unlimited) another one is on the way (Scribblenauts Unmasked).

 

[thomasmahler]

I would've thought Nintendo would show with the next 3d Mario game how to properly use the tablet. I kinda imagined a 'Super Mario Universe', where the TV screen shows one universe whereas the gamepad shows another. So basically, while Mario is in the Ice World on the TV Screen, Luigi is in the Lava World on the Gamepad - And the universes are connected to each other. Luigis path is blocked by rocks, so you need to switch to Mario and cause an avalanche to happen, which results in Luigis world in a stream of lava to shoot away the rocks. Or Mario hits a trigger that starts a timed sequence which then opens something in Luigis world, etc. etc.

Compare this to the kinda boring / mundane gameplay they have in 3d World - Yeah, I get that it has multiplayer, but it doesn't have a real twist that uses the gamepad in an innovative way

And Mario would've been perfect for this - you always kind of had parallel worlds (imagine a level in which Mario is HUGE and Luigi is tiny, etc.) and it'd have perfectly shown that the gameplay can be used in cool, new ways. And multiplayer could've been supported as well if Mario on the TV could've also been controlled through a WiiMote/Nunchuck.

Imagine how people would've gone bonkers if the new Mario would've looked a bit more like a next-gen version of Mario 64 and it would've been the first Mario game where you could interactively switch between the two characters in their respective worlds - It automatically gives you tons of ideas on how the various worlds could be interconnected.

Goddamn Nintendo, gimme some innovation

 

[thomasmahler]

Makin' a metroivania, if one day I get a wii u version going I'd use the controller for the map. It'd also be a great place to display vitals so as to keep the TV screen completely clear and immersive.

You always read this kinda stuff and it's just goddamn terrible in practice.

The reason you want to show data like health and so on on the main screen is because it always needs to be in the players peripheral vision - A good UI is made so that I know my stats even if I'm not consciously looking at it. If you move the UI to the second screen, the only thing you'll do is to make things sooooo much worse, since now I can't even see the UI in my peripheral vision, but actually have to physically rotate my head down to the gamepad to see my stats - and obviously when I look down an enemy will probably have already blown me to bits. So in the end, it's not 'clear and immersive', it's just infuriating and shitty.

The only time when this works is if your game supports it - Like Limbo. You don't need stats, so keep the screen clean. If you do need stats, always make sure they're setup in a way for the player to see it even if he doesn't necessarily focus on it. Game Design 101.

 

[braves01]

It would be great for card games, like texas hold 'em where TV shows the table, gamepad shows your hand/options/stats, and the camera shows everyone's face for the poker face feel. TCGs like Magic or Pokemon would be awesome too.

 

[Princess Viola]

Kirby Canvas Curse Wii U version,

 

[Business]

Use the screen as an ashtray of course

 

[gngf123]

I was actually working on a dungeon crawler for PC, development has mostly stopped right now because of unrelated reasons, but I'll probably be continuing with it soon. Maybe I'll actually have something good enough to show people.

Anyway, I'd either use the WiiU pad for asynchronous multiplayer. Some players moving around the dungeon as they normally would, one player with the pad moving units around the dungeon and placing traps to prevent the other players from accessing the treasure.

Alternatively, for single player I'd use it for inventory management or map drawing.

 

[JimmyRustler]

RPG

Inventory on the touchpad. Can't be that hard, right? Why has no one done this so far?

 

[Lemonte]

I would make NHL game and have all possible coaching options on the screen.

 

[Tobor]

If it was my game? I'd throw a map on the Gamepad and call it a day. I'm not wasting resources coming up with an idea for what will be the worst selling version of my game.

 

[Lufiaddict]

I would make NHL game and have all possible coaching options on the screen.

In the same vein: a RPG where you issue commands to your warriors by drawing on the touchscreen, which is your "coach chalkboard", so to speak. You then watch the outcome on the big screen.

In this mockup, Maxim (red) will rush toward the boss and attack him with his sword. If the boss counterattacks, Maxim will surely be violently thrown back, so let's make sure that Selan (green) moves out of the way. When she's safe, she will cast a spell to revive Guy. While the boss deals with Maxim, Artea (blue) will sneak behind him then shoot an arrow at his back, striking his weak spot for maximum damage.


And here's something for non-gamers that I posted in a previous thread: an interior design software. Design you living room and browse the furniture catalog on the GamePad, see the result on the big screen.

Here are two mockups:

Thanks to a partnership with Ikea and the like, you could use furniture that exist in the real world.

Also, thanks to the Panorama View feature, you could tour your virtual apartment.

Sure, there might be similar apps for tablets, but with the Wii U you can marvel at your creation on your HDTV and show it to friends through the Nintedo Network.

As I've already said in yet another thread, I see a lot of potential in a system that links a tablet (on which you can create by drawing, drag & dropping, etc) and a TV screen (on which you can witness the result of your creative efforts in HD). The GamePad is a good fit for games were the player has to create something, like Art Academy; a game in the same vein as LittleBigPlanet could be great too; one could also imagine an "animation studio" (create your own movies); or a LEGO game focusing on construction.

 

[Anth0ny]

HUD/Inventory/Map.

In other words, nothing special.

 

[mantidor]

Glad Fatal Frame has been mentioned several times, it unfortunarely might lead to many pads broken by being dropped at scares in the game

Alternatively, Undying type game, where you use the eye thing on the gamepad.

Or, as much as its not my type of game at all, Yu Gi Oh, the deck in your pad of course, with arm band strap for the gamepad. I'd do it just for the money.

 

[ASTROID2]

Something along the lines of this.
You would also be able to use your moves/spells via the touch screen.

 

[Just_myles]

I guess I should let some of it out.

I have this idea about a game that details my accounts in a certain job I used to have and it involved a team of 2 or more people. It's a fun little easy game. Basically I would use the wiiU pad for the CCTV portion while other players would be in the field and you can guide the decisions that are made on the field, with each experience being uniquely different, where something happens on the field level that those players can see, and the things that happen that players who are CCTV can see. All would be communicated online or offline. Supports multiple wiiU gamepads obviously for more CCTV screens.

 

[Kater]

I would make a kind of open world monster collecting game where the pad would, among other things, act as a sort of index cataloging all the monsters you came across and/or caught.

Pokemon Hunter U?

Edit: I would really like to see some TCG games for the Wii U. Magic, Yu Gi Oh, Pokemon or whatever else there is.

 

[tim.mbp]

I'd take from Henry Hatsworth, basically two game types where the user would have to switch focus, not necessarily a platformers/match 3 though.

 

[Persona7]

You shake the wii u gamepad to pour doritos into a bowl. Shake it again to unlock fizzy mountain dew carbonation power ups.

 

[NMFried]

NFC Pokemon card game using the Pokedex 3D models, with the GamePad displaying what looks like TCG Online setup.

Spoiler

Lost Magic 2 with real-time spellcasting on the screen.

 

[Weng]

I want something like this on the eShop (100+ levels)

controlled with the gamepad's gyro sensor. Add some obstacles you have to remove or control via buttons, analog sticks and touch screen. Add time attack with online leaderboards and a level editor.

 

[Starfish Hero]

For a music game, the Gamepad can act as an effects pedal.

 

[mantidor]

I want something like this on the eShop (100+ levels)

controlled with the gamepad's gyro sensor. Add some obstacles you have to remove or control via buttons, analog sticks and touch screen. Add time attack with online leaderboards and a level editor.

The Donkey Kong game in Nintendo Land is pretty much this idea perfected. It's unfortunate it only has one level.

 

[Weng]

The Donkey Kong game in Nintendo Land is pretty much this idea perfected. It's unfortunate it only has one level.

Yeah it's kind of similar. But it'd be still different enough for me. And btw the DK game has more than one level