Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Wii U)

In honor of the Olympics, let's just say this doesn't snag the gold; it's more of a bronze for its repetition, lack of online multiplayer, and steep price tag. In some ways it's better than the Nintendo 3DS version, while in other areas it falls short. Choosing your country, then selecting and unlocking your favorite mascots or Mii can be fun -- and all the big ones are in the palm of your hand, such as Mario, Sonic, Donkey Kong, and many more. In total, there are 14 events in the game, most of which are available in the 3DS version; some aren't found here (110m Hurdles, Rhythmic Gymnastics Hoops, and Golf), while some events are in the Wii U version and not in the 3DS game (4 x 100m Relay, Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs, and Rugby Sevens). Worth noting is the Tournament mode, where one or two players participate in Preliminary Heat, Semifinal, and Final matches in a wide variety of events.

Also new to the game is the Heroes Showdown mode, where you form a team to compete head-to-head with another player in various events (chosen randomly). One team is assigned 10 random characters from Team Mario, while the other gets Team Sonic mascots; when you lose an event, characters are eliminated from your team until only one team (or one team captain) is left standing. Overall, the Wii U version is better than its 3DS predecessor, but the $60 price tag is still hard to justify for these arcade sports games based on the Olympics. These family-friendly games are fun to play beside and against someone -- especially when you're competing against siblings and friends -- but those interested might want to wait until this disc ends up in the bargain bin.