October 14th, 2007 by Vyle
The unthinkable
For anybody who grew up in the early 90s, a game featuring both Mario and Sonic was an unthinkable, but tantalizing prospect. Fans of both Sega and Nintendo longed for Sonic and Mario to settle their differences in a game that would set the world alight, but they would have to wait nearly sixteen years for this dream to become a reality.
In March of this year, the long awaited Sonic and Mario collaboration was announced, and it was unlike anything fans had expected. Rather than a Sonic cameo in Smash Bros Brawl, it was revealed that the heroic duo would go head to head at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. With the game's November 2007 release date fast approaching, information has begun to filter out of Sega's development studio, shedding light on how Wii owners may be spending their Christmas if they opt for the jumping plumber and his spiny nemesis.
Full cast
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games plays like a cross between Track & Field and Wii Sports, which is unsurprising considering that Nintendo's iconic developer, Sigero Miyamoto is overseeing the project. Upon starting an Olympic event, the player will select a character from a cast of 16 Nintendo and Sega staples, such as the eponymous heroes themselves, Tails, Luigi, Peach, Amy, Bowser, Eggman and more. The events are traditional Olympic sports, including the likes of the 100m dash, hammer throw and archery. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses, making them more suited to particular games, with Sonic's strength obviously being speed, while Knuckles will excel in power related trials. Judging by the recently revealed full-events list, there should be enough events to cater to each of the mascots' individual abilities.
Each event will make use of the Wiimote's unique capabilities, with the 100m dash requiring players to pump their fists as fast as possible to win the race, while archery sees the player holding the Nunchuck and Wiimote in an archery pose. For every event, especially Hammer Throw, the vigour and range of movement required to perform the tasks well is noticeably greater than that in Wii Sports, but at the same time, each movement makes perfect sense. Mario & Sonic will certainly provide hours of fun for the many gamers out there who can't get enough of their Wiimote.
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