The two biggest names in gaming meet on the world’s grandest stage in the ultimate test of skill, endurance and sportsmanship.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games brings members of the Mushroom Kingdom and Sonic Universe together to go head-to-head in 20 Olympic events, from track and field to aquatics to shooting sports. The 16 characters are split into four groups and are categorised based on their prowess. Sonic and Yoshi belong to the Speed group, Mario and Amy Rose are All-Around competitors, Peach and Tails lean on the Technical side and Bowser and Knuckles are all about Power.

There have been Olympic-style games in the past, but none could offer the fun, interactive experience the Wii Remote provides. Along with the Nunchuk controller, the Wii Remote lets you simulate the hammer throw, shoot arrows, replicate swimming strokes and more. Players can also discover secret boosts to help them get that winning edge.

Wii athletes will go for the gold medal in three game modes: Single Match, Circuit and Mission. In Mission mode, the game challenges you to complete a task by using a specific character during an event. In Single Match and Circuit modes, players can select whichever character they want and try to achieve a world record.

And it really can be a world record. Thanks to the WiiConnect24 functionality, those with Internet access can see how their high scores and best times rate against others around the world. Who will break the most records, Mario or Sonic? We finally get a chance to find out!

• Compete in 20 Olympic events including Fencing, Archery, Shooting, Gymnastics, Rowing, Table Tennis, Aquatics and nine Track & Field events.
• Up to four players can compete in Single Match or Circuit mode. Compile your own set of events and see who will stand on the winner’s platform.
• Chart your success using WiiConnect24. Players can not only be the champion in their living room, but they can also find out if they are a world record holder.
• Plus discover unlockable stages that bring in objects from the magical worlds of Mario and Sonic. Additionally, players can learn about the history of the Olympic Games through trivia, quizzes and mini-games.