DESCRIPTION

Longtime competitors Sonic and Mario can finally settle their differences (peacefully) at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. The unlikely combination of Sega and Nintendo mascots results in a choice of 16 characters, eight on each side, in 16 official Olympic events. Each character has distinct ratings in speed, power, skill, and stamina, with Sonic and Shadow edging out all rivals in sheer swiftness. Single Match involves earning medals in a choice of events, while Circuit Mode has players trying to place third or better in multiple circuits spanning three to five events. Mission Mode offers an assortment of individual challenges, with each character facing six different goals to complete.

All events use the stylus and touch-screen interface in various ways. Running consists of scribbling up and down with the stylus, while jumps are initiated by drawing a line upwards or at an angle. Handheld events include skeet shooting, archery, javelin, table tennis, trampoline, vault, and two DS-exclusives: cycling and 10m platform diving. Up to four players can compete simultaneously in certain events via local multi-card play, and top scores can be posted online via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for DS also includes unlockable mini-games, such as Dream Basketball, Dream Boxing, Dream Cycling, and other enhanced events. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide