First off, we’d like to apologize for both our downtime, and being so late to deliver the most widespread of news. Rest assured, though, we’re bucking up, and promise to deliver the latest Sonic News from now on, yadda yadda, you get the deal. Anywho, on with the show…
If you’ve snooped around the internets lately (or Sega’s website, to be more specific), you’d notice this little gem. What’s this? Sonic and Mario? In a game together? This isn’t a photoshop, right?
And indeed, it isn’t!
Details aren’t very widespread at the moment, but what we DO know is this:
- It’ll be headed up by SEGA of Japan, and supervised by Shigeru Miyamoto himself, of Mario fame.
- It’s due for release by Christmas 2007 (a ways from now)
- The game will be out on both the Nintendo Wii, and Nintendo DS systems.
The featured characters that have been revealed so far include:
- Mario
- Sonic
- Luigi
- Knuckles
- Yoshi
- Tails
Description according to Sega Europe:
In Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, players will 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 amazing worlds of both Mario and Sonic, gamers will be able to compete as or against a range of lovable personalities including Mario, Sonic, Luigi (TM), Knuckles (TM), Yoshi®, Tails (TM) and more. Innovative usage of the Wii and DS control systems to maneuver a favourite character will allow 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.
And even Miyamoto himself offers input:
“Mario and Sonic have been respectful rivals since the early days of video games,” says Shigeru Miyamoto, Senior Managing Director and General Manager, Entertainment Analysis and Development Division, Nintendo Co., Ltd.. “In fact, for a long time they have been discussing the possibility of one day competing against each other. Now that they have been given the perfect opportunity to meet at the Olympic Games, we may finally learn who is actually faster, Mario or Sonic?”
Interesting? You betcha. Now, the question remains: How does Mario intend on keeping up with Sonic? I can’t answer that question, but time certainly will. Stay tuned for further developments as they come!