Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games
Average customer review: 
Product Description
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games will take players to Vancouver, Canada, host city of the official 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This gaming experience invites players of all ages and skill sets to face-off in some of the most intense winter competitions. Tailored to the specific system controls, Nintendo DS and Wii gamers will enjoy completely unique experiences thanks to each platform having its own specific gameplay features and modes. Players of all skill levels will enjoy the intuitive controls of both the Wii and Nintendo DS systems, in both single and multiplayer gaming modes. The Wii game will offer an even richer multiplayer experience offering co-op and competitive gameplay where the Nintendo DS brings an intense competitive element using the Nintendo DS wireless capabilities. Additionally, one of the new features to be found in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is the inclusion of the Wii Balance Board™ which can be used in some events featured in the Wii version, allowing for a more interactive and realistic gaming experience.
Customer Reviews
Variety of games and play options make this game a 5-star title
Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games has many games (listed below) and play options so there’s something for everyone. It also has variety for different situations, such as playing alone, as a team or against others, which make it a great all-around game.
Initial events:
Alpine Skiing (Downhill and Giant Slalom)
Ski Jumping (Individual and Team Large Hill)
Freestyle Skiing (Moguls and Ski Cross)
Snowboard (Halfpipe and Snowboard Cross)
Speed Skating (500m, Short Track 1000m, Short Track Relay)
Figure Skating
Skeleton
Bobsleigh
Ice Hockey
Curling
Dream Ski Cross
Dream Snowboard Cross
Other “Dream” events are unlocked as you play. These involve variations on the main events and some new ones. In the Dream versions you collect and use items, face obstacles, use different tracks, etc.
There are also 3 “Party Games” that seem silly when playing them on your own but should be a fun way to play many events quickly with a group of people.
Pros:
Multiple modes–Single Match allows you to select your events and choose Versus, Team Versus, or Co-op Play. Festival allows an individual or team of up to 4 players to take on events and rival challenges as assigned over 16 “days” of the Olympic games. This is like arcade mode. You can also check your records against others’ on WFC.
Balance board option–you don’t have to use the Wii Fit balance board but, if you have one, you can do 1-player games with it. It changes the game play and provides additional variety. (It’s harder than the regular controls though!)
Multiple characters–the characters all have different attributes and special moves so it keeps the play interesting.
Many games–as mentioned there is something for everyone due to nice breadth and depth–and all ages should enjoy it. It’s easier to unlock things than in Mario Kart. It even lets you accumulate points and “shop” for decals so you can customize your skis, bobsleighs and snowboard, outfits for your Mii, etc.
Cons:
Controls–if you want to play something that actually simulates hockey moves, skating, etc. this isn’t it. The controls are fun and pretty responsive but not similar to Wii Sports or Wii Sports Resort (although using the balance board helps.) Also, the instructions for Curling tell you to use a bowling swing but neither my boyfriend nor I can get it to work that way consistently. We’ve found that you have to snap your wrist and then it works fine.
Balance board option–a pro but a con too as you can only use it for 1-player games.
No Wii Motion Plus option–it would be fun if WM+ worked with this.
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