These two big game characters are already accustomed to being in some of each other’s titles, but that doesn’t drown any of the excitement from this great release this winter. Mario & Sonic at the 2012 Olympics offers up a definite departure from regular mash up games of the past, aside from the Beijing release four years ago. This follow up Sonic and Mario combination looks to be one of the great Wii and Nintendo 3DS games of the winter season, along with their own releases Sonic Generations and Mario Kart 7.

The game (released on Wii, February for 3DS) itself will include a great stable of characters just like Mario Kart 7. Sonic and Mario will be joined by 18 other characters available for game play, including members from classic Nintendo and Sega releases. Because the release will have the theme of the 2012 London Olympics, the event options are a major factor for game play. With over 50 different sports to choose from, this release will be full of great competition. Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games will also include 11 brand new events tailored specifically for this release.

This will mark the first time that a Mario and Sonic Olympic release will be available for the Nintendo 3DS. On the handheld console, the events will be playable in multiple modes, with both single and multiplayer. From early reviews, the title is supposed to play excellently with the capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS. One great example is the use for the swimming events, where a blow into the microphone works as players get air during the competition.  Blowing into the microphone at the wrong time has a negative effect on the performance of your character, slowing them down.

Some of the other exciting events that incorporate the 3DS capabilities are the Race Walk, which requires swiping across the stylus with the music, as well as the Balance Beam, in which players use the gyro sensor, moving the 3DS back and forth to stay up.

The sheer volume of events is sure to be a prime attracter for this release. In addition to over 50 events, there will also be over 20 different venues. There will be the same amount of events on both consoles; however each event on the 3DS will be shorter than their Wii counterparts. The Wii release, which is already on the market, will contain new events such as Horse Riding and Football, along with some others.

The title will be out in February and likely to strong fanfare, because of great events and game play. Both Mario and Sonic will have their names on other titles during the holiday season on the 3DS with Generations and Kart 7, but look for their Olympic combination to be a popular release throughout the first half of 2012.

– Written by Guest Blogger Justin Taylor

Would you be interested in writing a guest blog for the Glux Blog?  Email me and let me know what you’d like to write about!