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Mario and Sonic at the wacky Dream Events
Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games for the DS looks startlingly similar to the Wii version, except, of course, for the obvious downgrade in graphical quality. The style is the same, and the events are all the same. The only major difference is the change in perspective done for the sake of controls. For example, the camera in the hammer throw event is directly above your character, to allow you to draw swirls around him or her to simulate the character's rotation. For the events in which the controls are not significantly different, like the button-controlled trampoline, both versions look almost identical.Like the Wii version, the DS game contains a few off-the-wall Dream Events set in the Mario and Sonic universes. Two of these, along with a bunch of the normal events, are revealed in this latest set of screens. Dream Marksmanship looks similar to a normal shooting contest, except everyone shoots at what look like some enemy robots from Sonic games. And Dream Basketball involves flying hoops!
Mario & Sonic take to the water
We occasionally fret that we may have already seen the whole of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, such has been Sega's bloody-minded determination to extract every last drop of video from the game in the build-up to release.Still, the rowing is new to us, and it shows promise, if only because it looks like one of those events where a bit of timing and rhythm is the key to success, rather than the brainless, arm-waving lunacy required for the track-based events (this may teeter on being sacrilegious, but we don't all miss Track & Field, you know). That said, the fencing and archery still intrigue this blogger a little more than anything else in the package.How about your good selves? Any particular events you're looking forward to trying out?
Mario & Sonic get an official site
The official site for Mario & Sonic at the Olympics has launched, providing those anxious to play some very real games with some very imaginative characters some fresh content. There is screens, there is trailers and there are some breakdowns for the events within. Sega is really putting everything into this game, aren't they? We can't say we share their insane predictions.[Via press release]
Mario and Sonic exemplify 'comic mischief'
Okay, these "viral" videos are kind of ridiculous. The rotund Sonic suit looks pretty bad, and we question the validity of calling something "viral" when it's distributed via the same channels as officially-released material, just because it's intentionally kind of cheap-looking. But we have to admit, that this video for Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games made us laugh out loud. At first, there was something hilarious about the interaction of a normal human person with a guy in a Mario suit speaking in Charles Martinet's voice. Then Sonic came along and replicated a classic Kids in the Hall skit and we, shamefully, LOL'd.The other video, not so much. But it's embedded after the break anyway.
China and the US are getting hitched (with fiber)
Looks like Chinese and US telco's will do what our governments can't: establish an undeniable bond which is stronger than, uh, glass. Ok, we have that. Nevertheless, work began this week in China on a 18,000-km (11,184-mile) fiber-optic cable between the coastal city of Qingdao and Nedonna Beach, Oregon. Existing cables between China and the US run through Japan. The new link is designed to support 62 million simultaneous calls while handling the anticipated growth from Internet video and e-commerce. With any luck, they'll meet the July target ahead of the Beijing Olympics which starts in August 2008.
Mario and Sonic hit the trampoline
This latest trailer for the trampoline event in Mario & Sonic at the Olympics could be conceived as "fun looking" if the folks playing it in the video were any indication. We have a more keen eye, however, as we looked to the controls and event itself as an indication for how fun the event could be. And, for us, it looks like it lacks.So, why post it, you are probably thinking? Well, as always, we value your opinion most, so we want to hear what you have to say? Won't you humor us?
Sega makes an even worse prediction
If you were to look up 'hubris' in a dictionary, you'd probably see a picture of Sega executives high-fiving each other at a Ferrari dealership, confident in their estimates of Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games' success. Or you'd see some words that tell you what 'hubris' means. It depends on which edition of which dictionary you're looking at.First it was Sega of Japan corporate director Masanao Maeda predicting 4 million copies sold. Now Sega's UK product manager, Phil Lamb, is forecasting big success for the title: "This will be a leading title at Christmas. We have fully set our sights on it being the number one Wii title but are confident that this title has the potential to also achieve the top slot in the All Formats chart too."There's only one way this game is going to outsell Super Mario Galaxy, and we doubt that Sega is willing to swallow their pride and accept the help. [Via NeoGAF]
New trailer, screens for Mario & Sonic at the Olympics
The above video for Sonic and Mario at the Olympics is rather lengthy, so if you're not down with watching large chunks of gameplay footage, you might just want to hit the "Read" link below and gawk at some new screens. But, considering the game is only a collection of Olympic games, we're sure some footage isn't going to ruin anything for you.
DS Daily: Mario and Sonic and DS
Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games is a big deal on the Wii, especially with the Leipzig crowd. Super Smash Bros. may have stolen some of its thunder recently, but the very idea of Sonic and Mario in a game together still holds a lot of power to many fans. Plus, if you don't own a Wii, Olympics on the DS is your only shot at Nintendo and Sega mascot characters competing at stuff. Are you planning on going for the portable gold? Do you think this game has the potential to be any good? Are you eschewing the handheld release for the Wii version, or are you dedicated enough to making Knuckles and Yoshi compete in a judo match to get both?
Joystiq hands-on: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii/DS)
Smash Bros. isn't the only place the mascot exchange program is thriving. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games pits Nintendo and Sega characters against each other in Summer Games challenges. Bowser, Peach, Tails, Robotnik, and others compete in triple-jump, swimming relays, velodrome races, and dozens of other contests.I recently sampled the DS and WIi versions of the game. Sega mentioned that the IOC helped make sure that the stadiums and other settings accurately reflect the 2008 Beijing games. But another license requirement pitches the title at kids; other than real-world-based measurements of distance and time, don't expect accuracy within the events. Instead, Mario and Sonic plays like another mini-game buffet.A few modes -- especially with four players and user-created tournaments -- are interesting, but the majority seem suited to a younger crowd. Gaming families may enjoy the humor, variety, and simple style. But sports enthusiasts should wait for a more realistic game.%Gallery-4863%%Gallery-4864%
First trailer of Mii integration in Mario & Sonic at the Olympics
As you can see above, the inclusion of your own Mii in Mario & Sonic at the Olympics isn't anything all too special. It's pretty much what you'd expect. While we're fairly sure that we could hold our own fencing against Sonic (from what we've seen, this is the first time he's ever held a sword), we're certain racing against Sonic would only be an embarrassment.
Samsung intros 18K Golden Edition E848 handset
Releasing gizmos to commemorate the 2008 Olympics in Beijing is becoming somewhat of a recurring theme, and the Samsung Anycall 18K Golden Edition E848 is keepin' the trend alive. Reportedly, the handset features an 18K golden reflective surface to compliment the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games logo imprinted on the back. Additionally, it boasts a 2.2-inch 320 x 240 resolution LCD, integrated media player, support for H.263 / MP3 / AAC / WMA / MPEG4 formats, quad-band connectivity, 70MB of internal memory, a microSD expansion slot, Bluetooth 2.0, A2DP, USB 2.0 and a talk time of around five hours. Mum's the word on an actual release date, but you can purportedly expect it to ring up for HK$2,780 ($359) whenever it lands. Check out a couple more shots after the jump.
Knuckles and Sonic get it on
If it weren't for all the other crazy news coming out of Japan right now, we would be tempted to call this Mario & Sonic week. Every time we turn around, it seems like we're seeing new bits from their upcoming joint Olympics title. Not that we're complaining, though -- not when it means we get to see Yoshi's stats and Knuckles and Sonic trying to poke each other with pointy objects. We can only guess it's Sonic's year to kick ass and take names. Check out the updated gallery below for the latest images from the game! %Gallery-4697%
Pit your Mii against Mario & Sonic at the Olympics
While Miis continue to be the face of Nintendo's push into the uncharted blue ocean of social gaming, the bobble headed avatars have remained criminally underutilized by the bulk of the console's software library. Apparently Sega agrees, as the company confirmed that the little guys and gals (and ninjas, and sith lords...) will be playable as characters in the upcoming Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games. In addition, Sega has also announced four new over the top 'Dream Events,' making the previously announced normal events seem positively humdrum by comparison. These new events, which will be available as both single and multiplayer matches, look to take a more playful approach to this fan service, offering power ups and character-specific special moves in challenges such as racing, fencing, table tennis, and diving. Given the inclusion of Miis, it will be interesting to see if they are also given abilities of their own, or are left at a disadvantage when matched against these super powered mascots. Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games just went gold, and is expected to hurdle onto retail shelves for the Wii on November 6.
Mario and Sonic might as well jump
Of all the events in the Olympics, the Triple Jump seems like the one in which Mario would have the greatest advantage. After all, he's been practicing for it since Super Mario 64. Mario is a master of the triple jump. If Sega substitutes a normal triple jump for Mario's signature flip in the name of consistency, we will shake our heads in sad dismissal of this game. We may also roll our eyes and sigh.This trailer, despite holding potential for Mario-related disappointment, also shows us how the controls work for the triple jump. And, as many Wii trailers show, what it would look like to play this game in a very nice fake apartment full of overenthusiastic actors.Speaking of enthusiasm, we've embedded a certain obligatory Van Halen song in the post. Go ahead and (click on the) jump.[Via NeoGAF]
Luigi goes for the gold in Tails Stabbing
The latest screens from Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games show us some more of the game's twenty events. Like this one, in which Cream the Rabbit is forced to stand in the sidelines and watch as two idiots fence with no protective gear on-- in Tails' case, no gear at all. Fencing without a facemask or armor? That's just called stabbing. We also see Tails excelling in what we assume is the trampoline event, in which players push buttons in a prescribed sequence to make Tails flop around in the air in a controlled manner.
Mario and Sonic DS runs into a hurdle
We hear a lot about the Wii version of Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games-- just today we saw a list of events, and we recently learned that, much like David Hasselhoff, the Germans love it. But what of the DS version? Mario and Sonic are indeed at these Olympic Games, as well. Well, we finally heard something about the DS version! And it's ... bad news, kind of! The game's been delayed until the first quarter of 2008. But, really, considering all the stuff that's coming out on DS this holiday season, we can only see that as a good thing. Better for a complete game to come out when it can shine than for a junk minigame collection to fall through the cracks.
TGS07: Sega makes a horrible prediction
We admit that the first game ever to feature both Sonic and Mario is going to appeal to folks naturally. We don't believe, however, that the game will sell 4 million copies together on the DS and Wii. Sega's corporate director Masanao Maeda believes though.Being "glass is half-full" kinda people, we're all for being optimistic. But, 4 million? That's kind of absurd, wouldn't you say? Or, regardless of the type of game it is, could any title featuring both Mario and Sonic easily sell that much?
2008 Olympics inspired phone ready to scare children
At first glance, we're not sure whether CECT designed its cell phone around an Olympic mascot or some sort of cellular voodoo doll. Apparently inspired by 2008 Beijing Olympics mascot Fuwa Huanhuan, the kid-friendly candybar rocks a 1.5 inch screen, 1.3 megapixel camera, microSD expandable memory with a 256MB card, media player, and the requisite assortment of Olympic ringtones, wallpaper, and screen savers. The device will be a Chinese market exclusive, so we can see it being branded as an Olympic collectible and ending up on eBay for enormous amounts of money -- or peanuts. Hard to say.[Via Newlaunches]
Mario & Sonic in the increasingly exciting trailers
Sega continues to pour money into lavishly rendered trailers for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, and we must admit it's working a little. We, who have been less than impressed with Sonic and his games recently, found the dramatic music and quick editing of this new trailer to be effective at getting us to cheer for some ridiculous-looking video game characters as they compete with each other at Olympic sports.Only now, after closing the window and safely removing ourselves from the video's thrall, do we remember that we were just looking at Yoshi playing ping-pong with Tails. We felt like Games Convention attendees for a second there, though!If only Sega (and Nintendo, of course) would put this kind of effort into the real game.[Via NeoGAF]
