It’s game time again this holiday season, as the new Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games will surely get players hitting the slopes on their Nintendo Wii and DS units.

The motion-controlled minigame features nine games like baseball, soccer/football, tennis, basketball, golf and even some ski jumping. Each game has its own respective sub-events. The games are good both in party game mode and single-player festival mode, and can accommodate up to four players either competitively or cooperatively.

Although all of the games are inspired by the real Olympics, there’s also the Dream Events, which are basically fantasy sports that need unlocking. The Dream Events through festival mode have more difficult tests of strenght and endurance, making it perfect for those who don’t want to be tied to conventional sports.

Each of the 20 characters has their specialty, but it is necessary to read instructions on how to control the characters. This is available for any given event as well as in training mode. Characters either specialize in speed, skill or a mix of both. Players can use either Sega or Nintendo characters, along with other characters available in certain events.

Of course, the game can be played with various wireless devices developed for Nintendo consoles. Games that require physical movements can be hosted by just a Wii Remote. But for a seasoned player, the traditional Olympic events can feel a bit predictable.  However, other games like Hockey and Curling provide a greater experience.

The game also lets users customize characters as well as unlock music. As for the characters, they can receive emblems for completing specific criteria. Players are not aware they achieved certain criteria or emblems, though; you never know you did something good until after the act. (Duane D)

Source: WorthPlaying, Wii Chronicles