Review – Mario & Sonic at the Olympics (DS, Wii)
Posted on March 10th, 2008 by
You’ve got SEGA in my Nintendo! No you got Sonic in my Mario! Regardless, what you’ve actually got isn’t a very good game – we have much higher hopes for Sonic’s inclusion in Nintendo’s battle royale (with cheese), Super Smash Bros. Here’s my review at CommonSenseMedia.org – good for 6+ in terms of content and ability but only 2-stars because…. has there ever been a good Olympic game since Epyx’s Summer/Winter games back in the early 80’s? (Hint: No)
March 10th, 2008 at 9:47 am
I don’t think 2 stars is fair.
Although *I* find it uninspired and I don’t feel like coming back to it, in contrast to Wii Sports, my kids (ages 12 and 15) seem to really enjoy playing this game, close to as much as they like playing the Super Smash Brothers games — another game for which I find I just have no real interest.
They can get a bit obsessed at times about trying to unlock stuff, or set World or Olympic records, but again, that’s not all that different from SSB.
I think my kids would rate this more like 3.5 to 4 stars (out of 5).
March 10th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I agree with GamerDad. Sonic and Mario Olympics sucked. Wii Sports, Wii Play, and Link’s Crossbow Training are far better games. –Cary
March 10th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Fair point, and that’s why at GamerDad I de-emphasize critical scoring in favor of content reviewing. CSM doesn’t do that – they want criticism – and I called that game as I saw it. (I could also mention the 5 out of 5 my brother would have given Saved by the Bell at 15 – but I won’t do that). 😉
I am glad your kids like it though! That’s sincere.
I just think the developers could have put a lot more thought, skill, and gaming into that package – even at that price.
Also, did you guys know it’s a top selling game too? Multiple millions I heard….
March 10th, 2008 at 11:10 am
That is the problem with scoring …
I haven’t played these yet, but I got Assassin’s Creed for the DS, and found it quite mediocre. My older son – while acknowledging all of the flaws – is totally enamored with the game. Same with my younger son and Spectrobes.
It isn’t just about the score – it is about finding that *thing* that keeps you playing and allows you to ignore the flaws.
Same with me and Dungeon Lords and Postal 2, for that matter …
March 10th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I wasn’t expecting a good game for this anyway. The mario spinoffs are never as good as the platformers. Nice Pulp Fiction reference btw.