Review: Mario and Sonic at the London Olympic Games (3DS ...

Posted by Lucy Evans on Friday, February 17, 2012 ? Leave a Comment?

Let?s Play

Topically on form, SEGA has brought together two of the world?s most iconic videogame characters in yet another sports-themed title. This time, it?s in honour of the London 2012 Olympics Games, and gamers and Olympic fans alike will be glad to know that there?s a lot of fun to be had with this game, while we wait for the big event this summer. With a huge range of mini-games suitable for any level of gamer, a fun story mode and multiplayer modes, this 3DS game is fun for all of the family.

As any well made mini-game compilation should be, Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games has a wide breadth of activities to keep you entertained for hours. It has all of the most common events including a range of athletics, swimming, cycling and boating, as well as the more special ?Rhythmic Ribbon? and BMX games.?SEGA has really gone the length to ensure there is something for everyone.

Tell Me a Story?

How SEGA would approach their Olympic-inspired story mode was initially quite intriguing (and perhaps cause for concern), but, to be honest, it has done a great job. The somewhat cheesy story centres around how Bowser and Dr Eggman are plotting to take over the London Olympics using a mysterious blue mist. Sure, it?s not the most engaging story, but we can cut SEGA some slack; for the not-so-interested, the story segments are never too lengthy and before you know it, you?re given a mini-game to complete.

After the short introduction, you can either take the path of Mario or Sonic, each with their own story of coming across the blue mist. Then, as your character, you must complete one of two challenges. If you choose the second one and complete it, you?re immediately onto the next stage. One thing to note is that you must complete the stage on the paths for both Mario and Sonic before you can go onto the next one for each character.

Each challenge is different, and includes a range of Olympic games, including sailing, judo, badminton and beach volleyball.

After moving through two stages each for Mario and Sonic, the formula mixes itself up, allowing you to start viewing the story through some of the other characters? eyes. This really helps to keep the story fun and interesting, while also mixing up the gameplay a bit as you cannot rely on the same character from start to finish.

It?s All About the Taking-Part

The great thing about Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games?is that the game uses practically every control variation thinkable, and most of them very suited to the mini-game at hand.

SEGA has used everything at its disposal, from the stylus and ABXY navigation pad to the microphone and actually using your fingers on the lower touchscreen. Using the stylus, you can carry out some ideal gesture-related moves, such as stabbing or swiping in fencing. Clearly, no expense was spared when it came to putting people to work at finding out all the different ways you could control your favourite characters.

That?s not to say that it?s perfect though; the swimming (freestyle, to be specific) requires you to control your character by tapping your left finger then your right continuously. You could just use your thumbs, but, as has always been the case with Olympic-based or Track & Field games, it?s just so much more practical to use your fingers for those button-bashing/screen-tapping endeavours. If you?re on a train or bus, this might prove difficult, and using just the A and B buttons would have meant you can still hold the system with one hand.

Show and Tell

Some games can be very confusing to master, but, not surprisingly, Mario and Sonic at The London 2012 Olympic Games is clear and simple throughout, making it a great game for all ages. SEGA provides a decent amount of information without babying the player, and it?s always clear what the player must do before each mini-game starts. This ranges from where to use the stylus to how you should hold the system when playing.

Once the game has started, it?ll remind you again what the control setup is ? which is ideal, just in case you?ve forgotten or didn?t quite understand it. There are even pop-up reminders throughout the game to alert you if you?re doing something wrong.?For example, in the sailing event, if you?re meant to be moving the sail and not blowing into the microphone (a great use of the control and very appropriate), it?ll politely tell you ?Don?t blow yet!?. ?It?s almost as if the game wants you to win, which is quite a lovely thought!

The Final Verdict

Anyone who, unfortunately, wasn?t able to secure their tickets to the real thing later this year, can find solace in the fact that Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games is a great collection of mini-games for your 3DS. With a ton of different things to do, and a surprisingly entertaining story mode, it?s quite a comprehensive bundle of gaming fun.

Suitable for all ages and sporting a number of familiar faces, (well with the exception of some of Sonic?s annoying friends), Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games is a worthwhile purchase for fans of the iconic franchises and sports-based mini-games. Go for gold by grabbing it now.

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Source: http://bnbgaming.com/2012/02/17/review-mario-and-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-games-3ds/

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