Some game concepts work great on multiple platforms: this one does not.

Since the rise in popularity of mobile gaming, there have been many adaptations of console games reimagined for phones and tablets. On the other hand, Spikey Walls from developer RCMADIAX is a console game that shares game mechanics with the popular mobile game Flappy Bird.

The goal of Spikey Walls is to guide the fly-like character through an endless line of spike-filled poles by tapping A to flutter. Players receive a point for each pole they successfully navigate past. Players are encouraged to continuously reattempt the game to improve their high-score which they can then share through posting a screenshot to the game’s MiiVerse community.

The developer’s reasoning for putting Spikey Walls on the Wii U is to provide the addictive gameplay of Flappy Bird with the improved control response afforded by the Wii U gamepad. While the lack of physical buttons is a frequent complaint in many mobile games, the single input gameplay of Spikey Walls would have been comparable in control if limited to a capacitive touch screen device.

The Wii U platform brings many disadvantages over mobile. I mostly enjoy games like Spikey Walls when I am out somewhere and have a couple minutes to burn while waiting. Loading up a Wii U title takes significantly longer than opening a mobile game and is significantly less portable, which doesn't even out when you're getting virtually the same experience. Other mobile games of the same ilk also allow posting to multiple social media outlets through the app while Spikey Walls limits users to the MiiVerse if they want to post directly from the game.

Techical issues provide a troublesome start to gameplay. The beginning of every round is met with bad frame dropping which can cause your fly to meet an early death through little to no fault of your own. After navigating through the first few poles, the game runs stable for the most part, although boring character and plain backgrounds don't provide much more once you get going.

The only advantage Spikey Walls does seem to offer is the ability to play the game on a television. I could see this game working well in a setting where players take turns competing for a high score. If having a party friendly version of Flappy Bird does not fill a need in your Wii U library, pass on Spikey Walls.