Video Game Review: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games

By Andrew Bub

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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that other than some comic mischief, you won't find anything questionable or offensive here. While some characters are apt to get a boot to the rear end now and then, "Mama Mia" is as close as you get to cursing.

Families can talk about the history of the Olympic Games. Because this game provides entertaining information about the history of the real games and events, do you think this game has raised your interest in the real Olympics? Which events did you like playing the most, the real ones or the fantasy ones?

In MARIO AND SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES, onetime rivals Mario, of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Sonic the Hedgehog of SEGA Genesis have come together in a madcap version of the Olympic games. Gameplay involves competing in a series of Olympic-type games including track and field events, gymnastics, table tennis, and others. But there are also some games you will never see in real life, like maneuvering through hoops in the sky. To compete, you choose your character from the ranks of these popular franchises -- Tails, Shadow, and Dr. Eggman are among Sonic's crew, while Mario's cast includes Peach, Bowser, Wario, and Luigi -- and more characters can be unlocked by completing events.

While the premise sounds fun and the characters are beloved old favorites, the game lacks polish. Controls are spotty and simplistic, and the games have little depth. But there are over 20 events to choose from and four different game modes. The ability to play with up to three friends is a positive. Sadly Mario's first meeting with Sonic is pretty lackluster -- especially on the already Mini game-saturated Wii console.