Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics

Review

Common Sense Media says

Dueling mascot game franchise scores a gold with this entry.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

AGE
13
QUALITY
 

Kids say

AGE
6
QUALITY
 

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics is the latest entry in the sports game series that unites video game mascots from rival companies. The game, officially licensed by the International Olympic Committee, features traditional sports from the Summer Olympic games like equestrian competitions, swimming, and running, as well as zany mini-games that are more familiar to fans of Sonic and Mario. The mini-games contain cartoon effects like bright explosions, "dizzy stars," and comedic power-ups, but none of this mild violent content is above and beyond what anyone would expect to see in a Sonic or Mario game.

  • Positive messages3
    This game franchise unites two legendary video game mascots that used to be arch rivals. Other character rivalries, like Sonic and Eggman or Mario and Bowser, are put aside as all characters join together and engage in good, fun competition. This helps promote the message that it's possible for anyone to put their differences aside and treat each other as equals.
  • Positive role models3
    Both Sonic and Mario are heralded video game mascots and have built up incredibly strong, positive reputations over more than 20 years. Although there is no storyline and the characters do nothing overtly heroic in this game, the mere presence of such iconic game mascots exudes a message of positive role models. Well-known villains like Bowser and Eggman are also playable characters, and players may opt to choose one of these nefarious characters since they are rarely playable in other games. However, even these "bad guys" are presented in this game as normal Olympic competitors who are willing to play by the rules on the same level as everyone else.
  • Ease of play4
    The gameplay controls in this game are easy to grasp; however, since this is a competitive sports game, the challenge comes in trying to play better than your opponents.
  • Violence & scariness1
    In the traditional Olympic events like swimming, soccer, and badminton, there is no violent content. However, this game also includes a variety of more zany, non-Olympic mini-games. In these mini-games, players can use power-ups like turtle shells and cartoon bombs to slow down their opponents. Nothing in these mini-games is worse than what any player should expect in a Mario game.
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What's it about?

MARIO & SONIC AT THE LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS is presented as a collection of sports activities and mini-games rather than a game with any sort of cohesive storyline, but there is a single-player mode that tracks players on their quest to be the top athlete at the international games. There are competitions involving actual Summer Olympics sports -- swimming, track & field, equestrian, etc. -- as well as off-the-wall mini-games that are more fitting for the expansive group of whimsical cartoon characters.

Is it any good?

 

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics continues what has become a great sports game series and one of the most heralded licensed Olympic game franchises ever. The analogy of Mario and Sonic, once bitter rivals, duking it out in the most celebrated of global competitions is fitting. There are sports in this game that were not seen in the previous Mario & Sonic Olympics game, including soccer, badminton, and table tennis. The total number of competitions is exhaustive and will not leave players yearning for more. The game is best played with multiple people going against each other for the gold, but there is also a full single-player Story Mode that will keep solo players engaged as well. This cross-mascot game franchise has steadily improved since the first title was released in 2008, and this one is the best one yet.

Explore, discuss, enjoy

  • Families can talk about the rivalry that has existed between Mario and Sonic. Why is it important to get along with people you may dislike?

  • Does playing sports games on a console make you want to try the sport in real life?

This review of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics was written by
Teen, 15 years old
February 4, 2012
AGE
5
 
Solid Mario Game
Great game, my sister and I love to play. Really no issues at all, it's just fun to try the various sports.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 24, 2012
AGE
6
 
great
What other families should know:
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Teen, 14 years old
May 28, 2012
AGE
3
 
Learning1
very fun, great graphics,mario and sonic reunite, GREAT, but some bits left out
very fun and made for family fun but you will get if you have less then 2 remotes
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Parent
July 3, 2012
AGE
15
 
Weapons and illegal drugs
Very unrealistic, women in underwear and shooting with weapons. First of all, athletes can run the 100m race in under 8 seconds. Steroids are used to boost performance. There are tons of women that are in under-wearish clothes. Also there are weapons.
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Teen, 17 years old
July 25, 2012
AGE
10
 
Learning3
Learning olympics. But this one is fun type.
A good game for the Wii. The 3DS version isnt as fun. Dont buy it for 3DS. Less olympics. The wii one shows great transaction and more stuff. THe 3DS may get you dissapointed.
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Adult
July 8, 2012
AGE
10
 
Learning3
MARIO AND SONIC RULES!
I love to see Kirby games. Boys like Sonic and Girls like Kirby. Mario and Sonic are true friends.
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Helped me decide (9) | Had useful details (14) | Read my mind (17)
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Kid, 10 years old
July 28, 2012
AGE
6
 
Learning1
LONDON 2012
This game is a very good game to teach and a very good influence for children to be athletic and active.
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Kid, 10 years old
December 23, 2012
AGE
7
 
Learning2
Extremly Boring!
Review by rsm2. This game is one of the most boring ones I've ever played. Do not be fooled, if you like the winter games version [which I did] you might still hate this one. Gameplay is slow in many of the events [EVEN SWORDPLAY!!!!] are slow though a couple of events are fun. London Party is stupid and nothing compared to festival mode at the winter games. This game is annoyingly slow at should not make its way on to your holiday list.
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This review of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics was written by
Platforms:Nintendo Wii, Nintendo 3DS
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Sports
Developer:Sega of America
Release date:November 15, 2011
Price:$39.99-$49.99
ESRB rating:E for Mild Cartoon Violence (Wii) and Cartoon Violence (3DS) (Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii)
This review of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics was written by

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