The Wonderful 101: Remastered

As a remaster, this updated version of The Wonderful 101 is not going to impress anyone with its minor improvements to performance and small adjustments to make it a bit more accessible to newcomers. However, the fact remains that this is The Wonderful 101, one of the best action games of a generation, and one that has tragically – until now – been locked on a relatively niche console. This remaster is the best way to play The Wonderful 101, which is something that I can’t recommend strongly enough, for those willing to power through its learning curve.

The Wonderful 101 Remastered is an incredible action game, one definitely worthy of playing for those who skipped over it on Wii U. The unique battle mechanics make it a standout and borderline essential for action game fans, while those more casual fans who just want a big explosive adventure will find a lot to love here. And if any game deserves to be played by a wider audience, this has to be it.

The Wonderful 101 remains one of the most brilliant and original action games ever made: an amazing brawler with elaborate mechanics, a colorful cast, and amazing boss fights and gameplay variations.

Like an orchestral (Platinum) score, The Wonderful 101 requires some deciphering first and many repetitions - as this slightly Remastered rendition show - to be assimilated. Only then, pleasure kicks in, while revealing its grandeur. Such jubilation leads to forgive, if not forget all the rambling through this delirious, overactive and genuinely unique work of Hideki Kamiya, still destined for the rare "happy viewtiful".

As a remaster it could’ve been better, but it still manages to keep all the fun intact. It’s one of the most unique hack & slash games ever made, and if you missed it on Wii U, you shouldn’t miss this second chance.

This is a wild Japanese superheros-spoof mixed with a hack&slay extravaganza. Despite control issues this was and still is in a lot of ways a remarkable videogame.

Marrying astonishing spectacle and overwrought drama, The Wonderful 101: Remastered is one of the most memorable action games you’ll ever play. Its delirious excesses come with a price, and it’s one that’s at little harder to forgive this time, with the original’s flaws remaining untouched, and a few compromises made to accommodate the Wii U version’s dual-screen set-pieces. But for all its minor frustrations, it’s a game that rewards patience and perseverance. Grit your teeth through its control quirks and camera foibles and relish the giddy spectacle of a game that doesn’t know when to stop.

The Wii U classic is just as entertaining as it was back in the day, even if it’s more of a port than a remaster.

The Wonderful 101 is not for everybody, and while the Wii U didn’t really do it any favors, I think it’s initial reception was proof of that. But time has passed, tastes change, word of mouth spreads, and appreciation grows. So maybe, with The Wonderful 101: Remastered, “not for everybody” includes at least a few more people this time.

Even though this remaster doesn't address many of the flaws of the original (the camera, the input detection and frame-rate drops), this is still an inventive, colourful and fun beat'em up for everyone.

Quotation forthcoming.

We therefore cannot help but welcome The Wonderful 101 Remastered with open arms, a must for anyone who has admired the Platinum Games creations or the videogame action tout court, had not yet had the opportunity to join the crazy race of Hideki Kamiya and his large task force of polychrome heroes.

With a new platform host comes a Wonderful One renaissance, and a second chance to experience one of the most unique action games of the generation. The improvements found in this remaster are minimal, and previous visibility concerns are all the more prevalent due to Switch's portable functionality, but those willing to work through said issues, will discover an incredibly enjoyable, and endearing experience.

The Wonderful 101: Remastered has its ups and downs. It features a fantastic story full of humor, likable characters, and enjoyable boss fights, but its outdated graphics and less than stellar controls hold it back from being the hero that we all wanted it to be.

The Wonderful 101: Remastered is a charming title with a ton of unique mechanics that make it almost intimidating to approach. It can look confusing from the outside and while the beginning tutorials are lacking, once further in it all begins to click little by little. Despite trying to be so action heavy from the get go it’s a slow burn that would benefit from a way to practice moves and abilities in a safe space without being in deadly combat that can be difficult at times if not paying close attention. The story, dialogue, characters, visuals and soundtrack are all a delight that nail the superhero vibe it’s going for, while the unique Wonderful Ones are fun to collect and learn little tidbits about. Anyone looking for a short, challenging and action-packed adventure with tons of side content begging to be discovered should consider checking out PlatinumGames’ most unique title to date.

Still one of PlatinumGames’ most imaginative and exuberant action games but the refusal to improve the controls or accessibility doom the remaster to further obscurity.

The Wonderful 101: Remastered is the latest Wii U exclusive to be whisked from near-obscurity to land on modern platforms. It's a worthy rescue: Like the original game, The Wonderful 101: Remastered is funny, action-packed, and loaded with unique PlatinumGames charm. That uniqueness is simultaneously its best and worst asset: The trademark line-drawing technique that lets the Wonderful Ones turn their followers into weapons is awkward to pull off without the Wii U's gamepad. There's a lot to love about Wonderful 101: Remastered, but there's a lot to get frustrated over, too.

I wish I loved The Wonderful 101. It’s absolutely oozing in style that leaves me grinning ear to ear, and I always wanted to see what was coming next. The problem was that the process of actually seeing what came next was a dreadful slog that just frustrated me more and more as the game went on. It feels like a game made for the most dedicated of Platinum Games fans, and I’m certain that anyone who loves racking up combos as quickly as possible for platinum medals will love this game. Diehard fans of character action games will have a lot to love here, but everyone else will have to put up with a lot of trouble to get to the good parts.

I’ve been struggling with how to rate The Wonderful 101: Remastered. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever played before, and it’s fantastic how it’s getting a second chance on the Nintendo Switch. I love its core gimmick; I like how it has the Bayonetta-like secret battles, optional levels, and grading system; and there were special moments that made me grin from ear to ear. But I died so many times for often frivolous reasons, used countless healing items, and even said out loud, “I’m not having fun.” You should definitely experience a taste of this game in some form at least once, but you’ll only stick with it if you are especially forgiving of its faults.