Even though the official servers are dead... the game itself is the same as always... I would be playing on my Wii U... if it would connect to Pretendo...
Depends on what step it takes a long time to load: - If it's loading the shader cache, then there isn't much you can do (other than a faster pc) - if it's stuck on the loading screen in-game, it's because it's having trouble connecting to the servers.
Mine doesn't start any battles. When I click the "get the news" button in the lobby the battle doesn't start and It takes me back to the lobby. I wish I could play it!