Thankfully, despite having systems upon systems upon systems, the game really isn't as complex as the string of tutorials at the beginning would have you believe. I was overwhelmed at first but, after some practice and going over the in-game tips, the battles become second nature.

To put it in the simplest of terms, there are cheaper alternatives available that are more accessible and offer more entertainment than what is available in Smart Girl's Playhouse Mini.

With no way for Skylanders veterans to dive into the Wii U version without buying the Starter Kit, the best bet may be to stick with whatever system you've been using and wait until the next year's version to consider jumping to Wii U. Skylanders Giants is excellent, and the Wii U version is a fine port, but until the near-field communication technology on the GamePad is used in the game, this version is unfortunately hampered.

In the end, Tank! Tank! Tank! feels like a game that should have been stripped of its single-player and sold on the eShop as a multiplayer-only experience. The only true redeeming quality of the solo experience is the presentation, which is the same in multiplayer. It isn't the worst of the Wii U launch titles, but it certainly is nowhere near the best.

Aero Porter is certainly fun, but loses its way in trying to keep the player on the edge of his seat.

This is a game for a very specific set of people, and I am not included that set. Nonetheless, I had a good time with the game once more people got involved. If you have a group of friends that like to bust a groove, Just Dance 4 may be the party game for you. If you're more interested in leveling up a black mage than a dancer, then avoidance is your smoothest move.

As a complete package, WWE 13 may be the best wrestling game on the market in years. Although the storyline mode caters to a bygone era, there are still plenty of modern wrestlers to choose from, and match types aimed at current WWE fans. Though the Wii version lacks the downloadable content and online play of its HD counterparts, it still feels like a solid update.

Tekken Tag 2 was a great game before it hit Wii U, and on the system, it's a little bit better, even if the improvements are largely on the periphery. The game might not be ideal for newcomers, but it is likely the best Tekken game available, so if you've ever been curious about the series, Tekken Tag 2 is a good place to start.

Crashmo's difficulty and more abstracted play style may turn off some Pushmo veterans who crave more structure in their block puzzles. However, with refined gameplay and a wealth of content, the new game in the young series is still one of the best games on the 3DS eShop.

I like 3D MahJongg because of the fast paced "Rivers" rule mode. Aside from that, I feel like the game doesn't provide much more to entice players. Collecting backgrounds and different layouts by playing through the adventure mode has no worthwhile appeal. 3D MahJongg will become a great game to waste my time on when I have a minute or two to spare, but nothing more.

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013 is a solid game.

Despite these problems, Darksiders II is an excellent, lovingly crafted game I wholeheartedly recommend, especially if you liked the first. From a production value perspective, it's at the top of its class, and my problems with the game are largely personal preference quibbles. Just like the first, Darksiders II is the Zelda game we never got.

At its core, Assassin's Creed III is a very big game with an amazing setting, great exploration, solid gameplay, and a wonderful story. However, it constantly pokes holes in this experience with poor pacing and a myriad of minor issues. Despite this, I still recommend this game to every person who has an interest in the series or its revolutionary setting. It is a good game, but it could be so much better.

Trine 2 is best when digested and enjoyed slowly, but even if you choose to blast through the game, you will surely have fun with its multiplayer, visuals, and puzzle design. This early eShop title is certainly worth any adventurous player's purchase.

As it stands, Chasing Aurora is the weakest of the launch Wii U eShop games, and is only worth checking out if you value style over substance.

If you're looking for a solitary campaign and online experience, then Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is the game for you. If you want chaotic multiplayer party fun, wait until Mario Kart on Wii U.

Black Ops II on Wii U may amount to the same experience as on other systems, but it remains an impressive game. The aging multiplayer could use more of a twist, but the campaign is top-notch, and even Zombies mode manages a few new things. In the first of what will likely be many appearances on Nintendo's new system, the franchise delivers.

Madden on Wii U isn't superlative this year, but I would keep an eye on this series; the potential is there, it just hasn't been fully tapped.

Single-player attractions may have some flaws, but for now, Nintendo Land is the quintessential multiplayer game that everyone should at least check out.

Still, Nano Assault Neo is fun, plays well, and looks great whether you are looking at the TV or playing solely on the GamePad's screen. The ease of getting in and out of a game means that any unsuccessful attempt at improving your scores will likely compel you to try again.

Rabbids Land provides players with a pretty solid party game experience. Its well-designed art and sound style and cohesive board game format make team outings fun. However, players looking to go it alone may find themselves yearning for higher levels of difficulty and more variety in the mini-game selection.

A few technical bugs aside, Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition is a great port of one of last year's great games.

Despite the extreme difficulty, though, I never got to the point of wanting to quit. The game is tough, but fair, and the frequent checkpoints prevent frustration. While it doesn't make much use of Wii U-specific features, Razor's Edge should satisfy if you're in the mood for a challenge.

Little Inferno is terrific the way it is, and doesn't need to conform just to fit inside a box. In the end, it's enough to just snuggle up around the fire and keep it well fed.

I want to love Sticker Star. The game looks great, the localization is top-notch, and, when things are moving along, it all feels so right. The sticker economy is well realized and forces you to manage your sticker collection well. But the game's obsession with "things" brings it to a screeching halt all too often. This hurdle is easily sidestepped by bookmarking your preferred walkthrough, but it's a shame the game couldn't simply be less obtuse in its puzzle structure. So, instead of loving Sticker Star, I'm left to simply like it.

One or two interesting ideas show up in ESPN Sports Connection. Sadly, these ideas do not make up for the rest of the game's shortcomings. Between terrible controls, iffy graphics, and lack of any coherency, I cannot recommend this to anyone to play. This is one of the worst Wii U launch titles and should be avoided like a baseball to the face.

With lackluster gameplay, grueling maps accompanied by enemies that are just cheap, and no real replay value, this game will not appeal to many.

And ultimately, that's my biggest problem with this game: Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is just so unmemorable compared to the original. The new stuff is either bland or doesn't work, and the level design is a little worse than in Epic Mickey. It is not a bad game, and is technically solid in most respects, but what could have been an incredible bookend to the Wii library is now a beacon of missed potential.