Mario and Sonic Olympics - second opinion - 7/10

The people at AU IGN claimed there was no fun to be found at all within Mario and Sonic at the Olympics.

It seems they let personal opinion of a gaming genre and melodramatic writing style get in the way of what could have been a decent review. Ironically the only thing lackluster was their review.

So I will present a different take on Mario and Sonic at the Olympics.


The first thing you need to be clear of is the genre: 'Olympic' style games.

This contrasts with the mini games found in Mario Party and the sporting games found in Wii Sports.

For the most it will be who can do the technique the fastest. There is also timing involved.


Olympic style games have evolved from very early incarnations where it was a case of seeing who can press the A button the fastest.

With the wii remote we are now seeing variations on this.


Sure - they could use just timing or putting up random buttons to press but then it would be possible to perfect an event. At the end everybody who has mastered the game will have the exact same score/time.

What would be the point of online scores or records then?


Speed, agility and endurance all play a part in these type of games.


So let's get to the game!

Mario and Sonic Olympics works best as a multiplayer game. Competing against friends can be a lot of fun.

Seeing who can run the fastest or throw the javelin the furthest will keep you amused for hours on end.


As a single player game you wont find it as fun. The real fun is only in breaking records.

The good news is you can now post your records online to see how you compare to people in the world (your region).

This can be very satisfying/frustrating/enjoyable as you pit your own house records against the world!


In Mario and Sonic olympics there are also a variety of sports you can tackle - track, field, swimming - and other sports such as archery, shooting, and rowing.

Some sports will see a variation in technique from a previous sport (such as running and hurdles) while others will be different altogether (such as fencing).

Like all games of this genre you will have your favourties, and those you will avoid.

I personally like the 100m running, swimming, and triple jump.


There are also 16 characters to choose from. 8 from Mario games and 8 from Sonic games.

You will have your favourites and ones that you hate.

And if you hate them all you can use your own mii!

Although seeing myself in a yellow leotard was enough to force me to choose the default characters.


Mario and Sonic Olympics is a good game for fans of the genre. But thats as far as it goes. A good game.


There are a few problems with M&S Olympics which stops it from being a 'great' game.


The main one - is that everything has to be unlocked in the single player game. This has been my personal gripe with video games for years.

I buy multiplayer games to play them with other people. Usually my brother.

There is nothing more frustrating then buying a new game, playing the standard track or level, designating one player to go through the single player mode, and then trying to play the multiplayer mode with said player's skill level well above your own.

Why buy a multiplayer mode just to take it in turns or watch somebody else play?

Everything in the multiplayer mode that can be unlocked should be unlockable through the multiplayer mode.

Super Mario Kart did this - all game designers should take note.


The second problem is records are only saved in the single player mode.

I dont understand how running 100m against a friend puts you at an advantage when it is the exact same game. You will often find yourself smashing records in the multiplayer game and to no avail.

Very disappointing.


The final problem is some of the technique.

The introduction of the wii has seen games of this genre move beyond the rapid pressing of the A button.

However some of the techniques leave you feeling sore and sorry. Like twirling the wii remote above your head rapidly in hammer throw.


They need to find methods that are comfortable - such as the shaking of the wii remote seen in Mario Party.

Or steering - with moving it too fast or too far seeing you punished.

Perhaps with hammer throw there could be a circle on the screen and you have to move the cursor around it getting as close to the line as possible - with each major deviation slowing you down.

Get around the circle 5 times in the quickest time and closest to the line will get you the best throw.

Speed, skill and an easy technique for those who want to use their arms beyond the gaming session.

Once refined I am sure games like this can become very enjoyable.


Apart from those problems Mario and Sonic Olympics is an enjoyable game with lasting appeal.

But only to those who are a fan of the genre.

If you enjoy olympic style console games - this rates as one of the best.


If you are not a fan of the genre then perhaps look for one of the many many many wii mini games type games out there.

Overall 7

Submitted by greenbob 23/11/2007 1

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More Info:

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games

Other Reviews:

• phatbass82 Review 9/10 by phatbass82
• greenbob Review 7/10 by greenbob
• mrmonkey12 Review 8/10 by mrmonkey12

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• New Mario & Sonic At The Olympics Screens! 31 Oct 2007 13
• Mii and Dream Events Announced for Mario and Sonic At The Olympic Games 11 Oct 2007 6

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