Mario & Sonic are back and no doubt vying for the Xmas number one spot with their latest title Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. The title has of course been released on both DS and Wii, however as with many similar titles it’s the DS version which takes the gold medal.

 

The DS version of Mario & Sonic certainly offers plenty of options straight from the word go. The main menu gives you a choice of Single Player, Multiplayer and Adventure Tours as well as the option to check your own and friend’s stats. The single player is obviously a big part of the game and selecting this option will then throw up another four options such as Single Match, allowing you to take part in a one off event from a choice of either eight Olympic Events or three Dream Events (you can also unlock another five dream events). Events range from skiing, bobsleighing and snowboarding to others such as skating, curling, ice hockey etc. The choice does not end there though as once you choose an event you will then be given even more choice as you will then be presented with event types, so for example if you choose skating you will be given the choice of Speed, Short Track or Figure Skating making for well over 25 different events to take part in.

 

All of the events which you take part in are very accessible, with each one having a tutorial before you begin, allowing you to get used to he controls. The controls certainly vary quite a bit, while some events have you using the stylus such as skiing and figure skating, others have you using the individual buttons (cross country skiing), the control pad and even the shoulder buttons, so there is certainly plenty of variety here. Most of the events are fairly simple to get to grips with, although it’s fair to say that some are more frustrating than others.

 

Other options within the Single Match menu include the ability to play multiple events, play against your ghost, which is obviously helps motivate you to go faster and even includes the ability to swap ghosts with a friend and there are also some party games to take part in. The mini games include things like Bingo Bash which sees you trying to win a game of bingo by winning events, while others include a Wheel of Fortune type game and also a game called Wild Card where you have to match four cards, again by competing in various events.

 

The Adventure Tours mode is basically the story mode and sees the nasty Dr Eggman and Bowser melt all of the snow and then capture the snow spirits. Before you know it Sonic and Mario then show up and offer to help and thanks to the remaining snow spirits are able to take part in various events, win magic crystals and ultimately win the day. This part of the game is almost RPG like in appearance as when you are wandering around the town it takes a top down guise, allowing you to wander around talking to people and take part in various challenges. This is a decent mode to include and at least offers something different.

 

Mario & Sonic also offers players the chance to play in a multiplayer game, which allows you to link up with other Ds machines with both the option to use just your game or play against others who also have a copy of the game. Unfortunately there is no online mode as such other than the option to view rankings via the Nintendo Wi-Fi records log.

 

Graphically the game does offer some decent 3D effects and for the most part runs without a flaw, all of the characters are represented as you would expect and there is a nice colorful look to the overall presentation.

 

Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympics is a fun title to play and should you buy it you will no doubt find yourself going back for the occasional visit as some of the games such as the Ice Hockey are quite addictive. It’s not the best DS title in the world, but for fans of Mario and Sonic it’s certainly worth considering.