Time to switch in and enjoy a beautiful 2D action game on Wii U!
There really isn't a story here, you just play as a lady cop, in a futuristic setting, who is trying to capture five prisoner girls who escaped custody. That's about it. There are no cutscenes aside from the tiny, tiny opening so just enjoy the gameplay.
The gameplay is the same as in the 3DS version but still remains interesting. You play on a 2D plane and can shoot random enemies that you see with your gun, but the game is focused on platforming. The platforming is enhanced by your ability to switch platforms. You see multiple types of platforms that are either filled in or transparent. When you press the switch button, they either become solid or go transparent. This leads to some amazing bouts of platforming. The game is set up into 16 stages, known as incidents, and there are some bonus stages after you finish the final incident that will really test your skills.
The switching adds a ton to the gameplay. It makes the platforming interesting, can kill enemies, and yourself, and can lead to some cool puzzles. The game can get quite challenging, you can only take 3 hits before you have to start the stage over again. There are very few flaws in the gameplay and it's very addicting. If I'd call anything a flaw, I'd say the game's length is one. The longest a stage lasts is around five minutes. Times that by 16 and the game will probably last you around an hour and twenty minutes without the bonus stages. Other than that, the gameplay is fantastic.
The music tends to only have a few tracks and they all sound similar, though it's still fantastic. It's upbeat and electronic and it fits the setting well. The sound effects are fitting and charming as well. The game is a treat to the ears.
The visuals are the main difference from the 3DS version. The HD revamp looks beautiful. I've always been one for 2D art in HD and it looks fantastic here. Everything runs smoothly and it runs at 60 frames a second. It looks great, the setting looks nice and the character designs are cool. Let's hope we see more of these kinds of games in HD.
PROs
- Addicting gameplay
- Switch mechanic is a neat system
- Stages can get challenging
- Bonus stages
- HD visuals look amazing
- Smooth performance
- Charming
CONs
- Stages can get frustrating
- Game is super short
- Doesn't utilize the Wii U Gamepad
Overall, Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition is a great addition to any Wii U owner's library. It's awfully short and it's just the 3DS game with bonus stages, but it's still a game you should own if you own a Wii U. The pretty visuals and fun gameplay meet to create a great indie game, even if it doesn't use the gamepad. Pay the price and join the Force!
Gameplay: 9.5/10
Audio: 9.5/10
Presentation: 10/10