One level we played featured clear pipes to zoom through, some with enemies to dodge and multiple exits. Other power-ups include cherries to duplicate characters. The Cat power-up is the new hyped-up ability, allowing the player to climb up walls to secrets, claw at enemies, smack baseballs around, and conveniently climb up the classic flag pole to nab an easy extra life.

While Mario is an all-around type, Peach can float in mid-air while Luigi has a super long jump and Toad is a speedster. This is the first multiplayer 3D Mario platform game, and Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad have their special abilities like in “Super Mario Bros. I was a bit skeptical of it at first glance since it reminded me a little too much like the handheld game, but that changed after playing a couple levels with three other people. The follow-up to the successful “Super Mario 3D Land” on the 3DS. Recent releases like “Pikmin 3,” “The Wonderful 101” and “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD” have kicked off a much-needed steady flow of games for the struggling console, and after getting a hands-on look at some major releases coming soon, I can safely say the constant waiting is finally over. I recently played several upcoming Wii U titles when the Nintendo Airstream stopped by in Dearborn, Mich. While all the talk this holiday season is Microsoft and Sony releasing new hardware - the Xbox One and PS4, respectively - Nintendo is focusing on games starring a couple of popular characters to boost Wii U sales.

Play sonic heroes on wii u