Super Mario 3D World

Super Mario 3D World is a blessing for Nintendo's Wii U console. It represents the second major Mario game to hit a Nintendo console in the space of a year, giving the tablet-based console a second wind.

To call the game something of a semi-sequel to Nintendo's enjoyable 3DS title Super Mario 3D Land would be rather accurate, yes. But it also borrows from New Super Mario Bros U and Super Mario Galaxy (in that you now have Mario's full acrobatic repertoire at your fingertips) - along with a whole host of other gimmicks from the franchise's illustrious 30-year history. Add in a few new features, and you have a game that doubles as the perfect love letter to Nintendo fans.

The game is largely played from a dynamic isometric point of view, much like its 3DS cousin. But there's a very good reason for this - Super Mario 3D World includes a simultaneous co-op multiplayer mode that allows up to four people to tackle stages together. Peach and Toad join Mario and Luigi, restoring the cast last seen in Super Mario Bros 2, and each character has a unique set of skills that differ from one another. Luigi can jump a bit higher but is harder to control, Toad can run faster than the others, and Peach has the ability to float for more precise platforming.

Altogether, you're still playing against the clock - the classic timer still sits in the top corner of the screen - but can work together to build up a pool of coins and access new areas. Bopping off enemies in unison rewards players with secrets, as does triggering certain hidden switches together.

The major new addition to the Mario series with this entry comes in the form of the Cat Suit. Obtained by collecting a little golden bell, characters don an adorable feline outfit and gain a number of special abilities. When running (on all fours!), you can execute a longer dash jump - and pressing the attack button in the air executes a diagonal pounce. You can also slash enemies with your paws, and run up walls.

What better way to get everyone round the Wii U than with co-op Mario fun?