DESCRIPTION

Gaming's most recognizable personalities return to internationally celebrated athletic competition in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. Following their 2008-based summer games outing in Beijing, the two mascots and their corporately aligned teams head to Vancouver for the 2010 games, to do their best in cold weather sports such as alpine skiing, speed skating, snowboarding, and bobsled. The game features all the playable characters that competed in Mario and Sonic's original summer games, as well as new personas, such as Metal Sonic and Donkey Kong. Each character is rated in three basic areas — speed, power, and skill — so different characters excel in different events. The game features adjustable difficulty settings and other options, designed to make play accessible for competitors of all ages and skill levels, while still providing a challenge for handheld gaming experts. Olympic events in the Nintendo DS version of the game feature touch-screen controls, and competitive multiplayer modes are supported over a wireless connection. An "Adventure Tours" mode allows players to take on quests in order to prevent bad-guy bosses Dr. Eggman and Bowser from kidnapping "snow spirits" and shutting down events. Published by Nintendo in Japan and by Sega elsewhere around the world, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is officially licensed by the International Olympic Committee. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide