The Wii U's launch saw a handful of games re-released to make use of Nintendo's innovative GamePad.

Here, MailOnline picks out the best launch titles and explores whether tweaks in gameplay warrant a second purchase.

Mass Effect 3 - Special Edition

This sci-fi adventure is one of the year's finest.

Graphically, the game is very similar to Xbox 360 and PS3, but the major change is in the gameplay.

You can now use the GamePad to drag and drop powers on to your squad members - meaning the action is never interrupted.

You can also use it to command your squad to go to certain parts of the map, or attack enemies.

Thankfully, AI is up the task and generally works well.
There's even an interactive comic thrown in to explain the back story, for those who haven't played the first two outings.

Definitely worth a look if you've never played the series before.

Batman: Arkham City - Armored Edition

Here, the Wii U Gamepad acts as the Batcomputer.

This allows you to choose gadgets, upgrade gear, detonate explosives and investigate forensic evidence without tearing you away from the action.

Furthermore, using gadgets such as the Batarang are now entirely controlled by the GamePad, ensuring much more accuracy.

Graphically, the game is almost identical to console versions, bar a slightly ‘shinier' Batman.

The inclusion of the Harley Quinn's Revenge expansion and Robin and Nightwing's challenge rooms may be enough to sweeten the deal, however those who have completed the relatively short campaign will likely give this a miss.

New Super Mari Bros.

U

The side-scrolling classic has made the jump into high definition and lost none of its charm.

Levels are varied and beautiful, with a difficulty curve that encourages you to keep playing.

The real Wii U advantage comes in the game's multiplayer.

Here, up to five people - one of the GamePad and four others on the original Wii remotes can play together.

Sadly, the GamePad player gets the short straw, making do with tapping enemies to distract them and acquiring power-ups.

A neat feature, though, is the ability to switch between playing the game on the TV and the GamePad. 

This means you can play without hogging the TV - a brilliant example of next generation functionality.

Darksiders 2

A victim of its own scale, Darksiders 2 is not without its flaws, but remains a great adventure.

Here, the GamePad can be used to access maps, menus and equip items without interrupting gameplay.

While not particularly innovative, this does prevent proceedings feeling disjointed.

The ability to use the motion control to dodge attacks takes some getting used to, but it's rewarding when mastered.

Sadly, though, there is not much incentive to do this, and gamers will most likely stick to traditional controls.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing: Transformed

A fantastic racing game in its own right, the Wii U version is definitely the best. You can play the game on the GamePad, albeit in lower resolution, at the swipe of a button.

Multiplayer, however, is where it comes into its own. Up to five players can take part, using Wii Nunchucks and the GamePad.

The GamePad player gets their own screen, meaning that you can't spy on where they are on the map.

There are also two exclusive modes that make full of the GamePad. Ninja Tag is where one player takes control of a ninja and has to convert other players into ninjas, too.

And the brilliant Banana Heist puts the player with the GamePad in control of a giant Monkey Ball - tasked with rolling over other players before all the fruit is collected.

Quite simply, the best carting game since Mario Kart - made all the more better by the Wii U.

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