SmartyScore: 93 out of 100 (Reviewed on Nintendo DS)
Rating: E

If you can’t wait for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, Sega gives you an Olympic fix, and then some.

Dr. Eggman and Bowser are up to their usual tricks again, but Mario and Sonic can stop them between Winter Olympic events. (The game's text is in English or French)

Following the success of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, Nintendo is again teaming up the duo (along with all of their friends), this time to compete in both classic and twisted versions of Winter Olympic events. Because no Mario game would be complete without a villainous escapade, in between events our two heroes also have to stop a sinister plot by Bowser and Dr. Eggman, who are trying to put an end to this year’s Winter Olympics.

Players have so many options to choose from it can be almost dizzying. All the traditional Olympic events, from skiing, to ice skating, to snowboarding are represented.

There are also Dream Events, which put a spin on the games. Added elements like speed ramps and item boxes (just as in Mario Kart) give players a temporary boost or a way to attack the other competitors. Mario & Sonic Olympic Winter Games also has a few party games that integrate Olympic events with classic games like Bingo and spin the wheel.

Before each game you get to choose your character. Choose wisely because each one has its own set of skills. Daisy, Sonic and Yoshi are fast; Wario, Bowser, and Donkey Kong pack a lot of stamina and speed; and Peach and Waluigi have great techniques. Pick your character based on the skills you think the event requires.

If you’re a DS newbie, don’t worry. Each game launches with a coaching session that includes basic instructions on how to play, plus a few advanced tips. You can also practice before each event. None of these games are particularly difficult, and the characters are easy to manipulate with your stylus, touch pad, and buttons. In Alpine Skiing, you use your stylus to guide your character down the slopes and around several flags as fast as possible. In skating, you use the L and R buttons on the back of the DS to move your player around the rink.

As you win events, you unlock more games to play. You can even battle against yourself by saving your ghost data.

Winning games is great, but your ultimate goal in the game is to defeat Bowser and Mr. Eggman, who have melted all the snow in the world and kidnapped the snow spirits. To stop them, you’ll have to go on several missions. The Games must go on, and it’s up to you to make sure they do.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games has a lot going for it. The graphics are rich and detailed. There are tons of different game play options. If you get tired of competing in events, you can work on defeating the bad guy in the many missions woven throughout the game. If you wanted to, you could easily spend the better part of a weekend at the Mario & Sonic Olympics and never run out of things to do.

Also available on the Wii.

–Jake Watson contributed to this review

** Official game website