The screen flickers with a start as the game boots up on my Wii console. The blue and red logo swirls into existence before fading to black. A hum emanates from the system, the whir of gears turning even though no characters move yet. The game menu appears, spinning like a top. I choose “New Super Mario Bros. U” with a flourish, tapping the control stick down to select.

The screen snaps back to life, revealing a vast castle landscape. Mario stands on a platform, looking around curiously. A mushroom floats by, and he gulps it down in one bite. The screen shakes as he grows large, then shrinks again. He dashes off-screen towards a pipe. I hear the distinctive whooshing sound of his approach and see him emerge into another area.

The castle is filled with new enemies like Bowluigi and Koopa Kuro. I spot Luigi, too, in the background wearing a purple suit. He’s chasing something fast - maybe it’s Wario. A platform sways back and forth, requiring careful timing to jump on. Mario lands smoothly, then starts running across, leaping over blocks. The screen scrolls right as he goes.

I tap the button to get Mario to duck down low, then press again to make him stand tall. The castle twists and turns, forcing me to adjust my aiming carefully. I hear the metallic clinking of Koopa shells as they’re tossed at me. I dodge them, barely missing a hit. A fireball flies by, narrowly avoiding Mario.

The game is challenging but fun - perfect for an afternoon session. When I save and exit, I see a new high score listed for this level. It’s time to beat it again and try to top myself. The Wii hums softly as the screen goes black once more.