Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games review

You hear the roar of the crowd, the announcer is barking his countdown, and you see four richly detailed 3D characters from the Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog franchises crouched at the starting line. When the announcer cries "GO!", you madly scribble the stylus across the touch screen and watch as Mario, Sonic, Bowser, and Shadow gracefully haul ass down the track in a beautifully rendered stadium. Sexy 3D graphics, inspirational anthems, and tired wrists (in the satisfying sense)... that's what you'll get from the Nintendo DS version of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games.

Sega, with the blessing of Nintendo and the International Olympic Committee, has put together a track & field collection that combines the pomp of the Olympic Games with the jazzy fun of your favorite Nintendo and Sega properties. Swimming, clay shooting, hammer throw, the 100 meter run, and pursuit biking are just a few of the 16 real life events included on the cartridge.

Eight additional fantasy events round out the competition roster. We're especially fond of dream table tennis, which incorporates power shots, super shots, and many of the sweeter design aspects of Nintendo's Mario Tennis franchise.