Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games

Publisher: Nintendo / Sega Developer: Sega Platform: Wii Players: 1-4 Release: 2009 Genre: Sports / Party Rating: 8.5 \ 10.0: Fantastic
 

The second entry in the Olympics-based Mario & Sonic series featuring characters from the Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog franchises (my two favorite franchises, at that), this sports title is almost nothing but fun! It includes many Olympic events, some of which are played in the form minigames. These events include bobsledding, snowboarding, ice hockey, and more, which you can play as Mario and Sonic characters, or even your Mii. You have the events based on real sports, and then you have the awesome Dream Events, which take place in worlds from Mario and Sonic videogames. My favorite is Dream Ski Jump, which takes place in Good Egg Galaxy from Super Mario Galaxy in which you must collect star bits while soaring through space on skis avoiding obstacles. It even features a recomposed version of the galaxy’s music, which I mentioned in my  Super Mario Galaxy review. There’s also an entertaining minigame-driven Party mode and an in-game shop that allows you to buy getup for you Mii, which you can play as in events. There  are some flaws, though. Some events can be dull and frustrating, and the opponent COM can be aggressive but these aren't  major issues. Whether your downhill skiing with your pals or snowball fighting with a buddy, there's much fun to be had with this game. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is my favorite sports game, and even fans of licensed pro sports games should give it a try.

Ups
Fun Dream Events
Entertaining Party mode
Mii getup shop

Downs
Some dull and frustrating events
Aggressive COM

ESRB: E Content: Mild Cartoon Violence Price: $39.99 (Retail)