Chasing Aurora

Chasing Aurora is most enjoyable when the player learns to manage a bird’s momentum. A stick steers, a button flaps, and a trigger folds the wings for a steep dive; wind gusts then turn simple inputs into expressive routes through the mountains. Solo trails reward repeated attempts at three stars. Hide and Seek, Freeze Tag and gem-based Chase use the Wii U GamePad to create lively asymmetrical contests, especially with a larger group. Sharp geometric art, strong colors and ambient guitar give flight a calm, distinctive setting. Music from the television and effects from the GamePad strengthen that sense of space. The imagined world invites exploration, yet the actual package concentrates on score routes and small arenas. Freeze Tag is weak with only two players. The direct Wii U review also found the GamePad stick more natural than a sideways Remote D-pad and noted slowdown during some weather effects. This is a judgment of the North American early Wii U eShop build; no later patch behavior is assumed. It suits players willing to master a route or gather friends for short aerial contests.

Who it is for: Route chasers and local multiplayer groups.

Play notes: Early North American Wii U build; later patches unassessed.