Lift the roof off with some multiplayer games

It's Thanksgiving in the US, a major celebration in the country and the predecessor to discount shopping shenanigans. With the Holiday season approaching it's also a useful reminder that this can be a time of year best enjoyed with family and friends. For gamers it can be a great opportunity for some multiplayer, and there are arguably few better options than those to be found on Nintendo hardware - the Wii U, in particular.

We published a similar list for Thanksgiving 2014, which naturally included prominent multiplayer games like Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Mario Kart 8 and Nintendo Land, and we still recommend all five titles from that list once again. Picking another five games does give us some flexibility, however, and this time around we've included a couple of Wii U eShop exclusives to join some retail titles.

So, without further pre-amble, below are five more Wii U multiplayer experiences that are just perfect for a day with family and friends.

Splatoon
Splatoon

We've actually started off with a game more typically associated with solo play, but on the flipside is the biggest success story for Wii U in 2015 and a big hit all around. It does, of course, have the option for two player local battles in the Dojo area, but we reckon online matches are ideal for some controller passing and for those watching. You can argue about Inkling fashion and, assuming you're not too precious about your win streak, this can be a fun single-player game to share.

Mario Party 10
Mario Party 10

There are a few key party game compilations on Wii U, including Game & Wario and Wii Party U, so we've opted for the most recent arrival in the genre. There's some amiibo integration for those interested, but away from that it offers all of the usual board game variety or the option to simply pick-and-choose minigames. However you want to get the party started, there's certainly entertainment to be found while in the right company.

Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash

An odd entry, perhaps, as in our review we highlighted that the single player modes are woefully barebones and online play lacks many of the niceties and structure expected nowadays. Yet the core gameplay in this title is still a riot, with the freedom to play Classic and Standard tennis should the Mega Battle not appeal to you. When playing with others in singles and doubles (online of offline) this can be an absolute hoot, all rocking along in HD at 60 frames-per-second. It's arguably not worth the money overall, but if you do have this it's a great local multiplayer option - or you can fire up an older entry in the series, that'll work too.

Runbow
Runbow

The first of our Nindie options this is ideal for a raucous group of gamers, with up to nine able to play at once. When playing with friends and family the appeal of chaotic running, jumping and attacking is obvious, with a whole load of modes thrown in to cater to those that prefer racing or duelling. A gem of a download that's exclusive to the system.

Affordable Space Adventures
Affordable Space Adventures

Another Nindie exclusive on the Wii U, this is for a slightly more laid back and thoughtful occasion. Though this can be played solo it works wonderfully in co-op, with one managing systems on the GamePad as the other two players fly the ship and manage the flashlight / sensor. Stylish visuals and sound design accompany some clever puzzles, making this a journey worth considering; a recent update added five additional levels, too.

So there you go, five more multiplayer games on Wii U that can be ideal for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion over the coming weeks. Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival is also a natural alternative if its blend of relaxed board game play and basic minigames pushes your buttons, while Yoshi's Woolly World almost got onto our list and is heartily recommended for two-player co-op.

Let us know which games are your current multiplayer favourites and also what else you'll be playing if you're celebrating Thanksgiving.