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How Metascores Are Calculated
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Aquarium by DS
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
In Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, players compete in events that take place in environments based on the official venues of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Using a supporting cast of characters from the worlds of both Mario and Sonic, gamers compete as or against a range of lovable personalities including Mario, Sonic, Luigi, Knuckles, Yoshi, Tails and more. Innovative usage of the Wii and DS control systems to maneuver a favorite character allows players to race the likes of Mario and Sonic down the 100m track, engage in exhilarating rallies in table tennis and churn water in a swimming heat, all while competing for the much sought after gold medal. [Sega]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 90
n-Revolution Magazine UK
As good a DS game as we've played. Superb played solo and great fun with DS-owning friends. Pure gold! [Issue#19, p.80]
90
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
It's still worth considering even if you played it on the Wii first time around. [Mar 2008, p.74]
90
N-Europe
Addictive, fun, and long-lasting.
 90
Gameplanet
One of the better 'mini game' collections out there, with a good variety of games and a nice difficulty curve. The only real down is the lack of online multiplayer.
80
Modojo
Overall, though, Mario and Sonic At the Olympic Games has its weight in gold medal, moreso than the other, flawed console version. Its gameplay, multiplayer options and presentation will hit the spot with Olympians and fans of their games everywhere.
79
Games Master UK
Minigames with a sports theme and slightly overblown official Olympics presentation. [Mar 2008, p.79]
78
IGN
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games is a really good competitive game that's a better multiplayer outing than a solo one. Even though it looks and sounds great, the DS version of the title loses a bit of its impact due to its "me too" design against a slightly superior one that launched almost three months prior.
76
Gamer 2.0
Just be warned, like the Mario Party series, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games is better with a few friends rather than playing solo—that way, it won’t be just you beating the hell out of the touch screen.
75
Nintendojo
As for now, Mario & Sonic showcases an assortment of good and mediocre mini-games and winds up with a silver medal.
75
Nintendo Power
It doesn't quite live up to the historic pairing of gaming's two biggest icons, but then again, not much could. [Feb 2008, p.88]
70
VideoGamer
What first appeared to be a shameless money making coming together of two of gaming's most famous icons has actually turned out to be a fun collection of Olympic events presented with a simple and fun control scheme.
70
Gamer.nl
This is a fun combination of minigames focusing on sports. Despite the gameplay being a little shallow, the singleplayer mode does offer a lot of options by opening up various new mini-games. The multiplayer is even more fun. Don't be too careless with the stylus though, you can get some scratches on the touchscreen.
70
Zentendo
The lack of any real multiplayer mode online is the biggest let down of Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games on the DS as it removes the biggest element of the game - the very fact that it’s a party game.
70
PTGamers
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games DS gets closer to the casual and uncompromised format that Sega had in mind. Mini-games are easier with the stylus and less frustrating. Still, there are better alternatives for the DS.
70
GameDaily
The World Records are a joke (you'll beat most of them on the first two tries) and the Trivia Mode is pointless, but the multiplayer action and online scoreboards make up for them.
70
GameSpy
You'll get more of a physical workout with the Wii version of the game, but this is a perfectly fine way for you to get some of that Olympic spirit without having to break a sweat.
70
NZGamer
While the Wii version offers inferior controls, ultimately the console-TV multiplayer experience is something that the DS version cannot match. While the DS version is technically better, the Wii version offers more potential for spontaneous chaos and fun.
70
Games Radar
This is one of those games that brings about a party atmosphere whenever three or four people are going at it in the same room. Sadly, there's no online multiplayer, although you can connect to Nintendo's WiFi Connect service to add your top scores to the worldwide results ladder.
68
Cheat Code Central
If you're the type of person who loves to play mini-games, particularly enjoyed the first Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, or are a casual gamer who's looking for a fun, albeit easy and short-lived title, then you should definitely consider picking up a copy of Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games.
68
NGamer UK
Although enjoyable in spurts, this is lacking in any real challenge and there are no multiplayer antics to save it. [Apr 2008, p.68]
65
GamePro
Even though it's shrunken down to fit the DS, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games is almost as fun as the Wii version. [Apr 2008, p.85]
65
1UP
If you're looking for a more competent take on gaming-mascot Olympics, go with the DS version. But if you're looking for a casual party game, go with the Wii version -- it's just not the same without trash-talking all the Sonic furries.
60
Pocket Gamer UK
Gorgeous-looking Mario & Sonic goes for gold with multiplayer, despite stumbling across the finish line with a few lame events, the odd control issue and only moderately entertaining solo play.
60
GameSpot
The trouble lies in the often uninteresting and occasionally frustrating controls, combined with some events that are too similar to one another, as well as shallow gameplay that brings the game down.
60
NintendoWorldReport
But the singular failure to execute multiplayer effectively means that the game's merits are not capitalised upon, and therefore it struggles to provide any lasting impact.
60
PALGN
Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games is a mediocre mini-game compilation for the Nintendo DS. The Wii version is better and there are far better mini-game titles on the Nintendo DS.
60
GameTap
At best, it's a nice-looking distraction with some much-loved characters, and at worst, it's a sometimes dull and occasionally exasperating minigame collection on a platform full of better, cheaper minigame collections.
60
Cubed3
An underwhelming experience. Whilst there are plenty of bonus features (medals, emblems, online leaderboards, etc.) designed to keep you coming back, the events/mini-games themselves just aren’t up to the challenge.
60
Thunderbolt
Much like the career of English sprinter Dwain Chambers, this title seems like a great opportunity missed, as sheer laziness becomes a huge enemy, and a lack of variation takes its toll.
58
GameShark
With all there is to do in the game, it’s a shame that it isn’t more interesting. For the most part, the touch controls work well and there’s plenty of variety to the events, but for some reason, Mario and Sonic at the Olympics doesn’t really hold your interest once you’ve played each event once.
50
EuroGamer
The game isn't terrible; it's visually slick, there's a decent variety of events and they're entertaining to play through the first few times. But there's nothing special about it and no long-term value.
50
Boomtown
It’s hard to see anyone over the age of 12 getting enough enjoyment out of M&S DS to recommend it as a purchase, and then only if they have friends with the same game.
50
AceGamez
It's a pretty average and short-lived collection of immaculately presented mini-games that are shallower than a gnat's bidet.
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