The events are a mixed bag, but are generally pretty fun

The game, at its simplest, comprises a selection of 50 mini-games. As with any mini-game compilation, the different games make the overall experience a mixed back, but the quality of the gameplay is generally pretty good. Though there isn’t a particularly logical approach to the controls, they are generally responsive and fun to use, even when using the usually problematic touch screen and gyroscope control schemes. The issue comes when said controls aren’t especially well explained, as nothing is worse than losing for a reason you aren’t quite aware of. This happens a little too often for it to be ignored, becoming a regular irritant that detracts from an otherwise pleasant experience.

The games themselves are pretty good all around, with the usual Olympic events garnering the expected level of excitement. Some of the bike riding and athletics events in particular are exciting and surprisingly addictive, but they are let down by the more repetitive track events. Likewise, some of the events have a really addicting quality to them, but are out-numbered by some absolute stinkers. Shouting into the microphone to lift weights is one such low point, and any game that tries to tell me that grabbing a water bottle from a refreshment stand is a sporting event needs to sort itself out.

The visuals are crisp, as you’d expect from a normal Mario or Sonic game

Even when the gameplay lets up, the graphics of Mario and Sonic stay pretty decent throughout. The usual colour and flair associated with Mario and Sonic’s flagship games comes through in full force, and the animations are always smooth and satisfying. The stereoscopic 3D effect of the 3DS is also well implemented, providing a subtle depth for those who can withstand the subsequent ocular fatigue.

Getting a few friends together to play through the events is where Mario and Sonic at the London Olympics hits a stride, almost riding on the nostalgia trip of the golden Track and Field days. The lack of online play is a bit of a missed opportunity, though online rankings are likely to really grab those with addictive personalities.

The water bottle event is retarded, and the dialogue in the story mode isn’t much better either

You aren’t likely to always have 3DS owning mates to hand though, so it’s a shame that the game’s single player offerings aren’t really up to scratch. Quick event and medley selections are a decent enough time sink, but the main story mode that should be a highlight is atrocious. The story follows Sonic and Mario trying to stop Bowser and Eggman from delaying the Olympic games with a fog making machine. Whoever wrote the script needs to actually try going to London, as I doubt a fog machine would make much difference at this time of year. The only way to defeat the shadow clones spawned by the fog is to beat them at Olympic events of course, a true cop out that shows just how desperate the plot gets. It’s dull and uninspired and, on account of how short the mini-games can be, it becomes a needlessly plot heavy affair. This should be the main draw for the game, but it serves as little more than a very unwelcome diversion.

There are plenty of mini-games to sink your teeth into, but you shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that Mario and Sonic at the London Olympics is a long game. It suffers the same shallow fate of other such mini-game compilations, with most of the individual games barely able to hold attention for more than a few minutes at best. The story mode is short, and the depth just isn’t there, making Mario and Sonic 3DS a game that isn’t worth your money at the end of the day. Avoid it in favour of the more social console experience.

Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games was released on the Wii last year. It is now also out on the 3DS.

A host of exciting new headline events, including football and equestrian will debut on the Wii version appearing alongside classic Olympic disciplines, such as athletics, aquatics and table tennis. These new sports are sure to ignite even more fierce competition between friends and family in both single and multiplayer modes! The all new roster of Dream events that are set in popular Mario and Sonic worlds make for a truly unique sporting experience that can only be found in Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

SEGA have announced their plans for launching games for the Nintendo 3DS.

Shinobi will launch 11th November 2011 and 15th November for North America.

Sonic Generations for Nintendo 3DS launches on 22nd November in North America and 25th November across Europe.

CRUSH 3D, the critically acclaimed puzzle platformer game, redesigned for Nintendo 3DS will hit stores on 10th January 2012 for North America and 13th January for Europe.

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games will launch 10th February 2012 across Europe and 14th February 2012.

SEGA has announced Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games for 3DS and Wii.

The game will include football and equestrian events as well as Olympic standards like athletics, aquatics and table tennis.

A new roster of Dream events is also included, and are set in popular Mario and Sonic worlds set at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The game contains over 50 original Olympic themed events for both single and multiplayer modes.

“Mario and Sonic have had a phenomenally successful partnership and we are extremely proud to be able to recreate this once again with Nintendo and ISM for the London 2012 Olympic Games” commented Naoya Tsurumi, chairman for SEGA of America and SEGA Europe. “It is truly exciting to be in the position to develop interactive entertainment software titles based on the Olympic Games, and for Sonic and Mario to once again be a part of this historic event.”

“These games bring together two of the most beloved characters in the history of the video game industry in Mario and Sonic,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “As veterans of both video games and Olympic games, they’ll arrive in London as a formidable team to provide fun, competitive sporting activities that friends and family members can enjoy together.”

A launch date will be announced later in the year.

Yay for, yet another, mini-game compilation.

Thanks to VG247 for the info.