Fun, but just the same old button-bashing (Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (DS))

Member Name: pcornall

Product:	Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (DS)
Date:	30/08/08 (28 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots of events and characters, addictive

Disadvantages: Limited gameplay that lacks imagination

Inspired by the Olympics (the real-life ones) I added this to my ever expanding DS collection. Fortunately the game only includes the Olympic events gamers will have patience and interest in. Thus, there's no danger of having to run the marathon as Dr. Robotnic.

The game does feature a variety of events however, each of which fit a particular skill set such as speed or accuracy. Thus, there are weightings between the various characters you get to play as. Sonic is therefore given the advantage of speed and should be a first choice for the 100 metres.

It feels as though there are loads of events, varying from the running, hurdles and other typical track events to swimming and shooting. You unlock these as you progress and there is an addictive quality to this. The events are in small groups which balance out the different skill sets.

The limitations of the game are in the manner of input. You remember Daley Thompson's games on the old spectrum? On that you would batter two buttons alternately as fast as you can to go faster. Unfortunately the DS hasn't got beyond this and just translated for the touchscreen. So, to run, you move the stylus left and right as fast as you can to run fast. Most of the games in someway use this style of input. Therefore the gameplay is somewhat limited.

Having said that, I keep finding myself going back for more. As I said, it is addictive and can be pretty fun in multiplayer mode. It will definitely keep the kids entertained for a while!

Summary: Worth a look, but don't expect a gaming revolution