Parents' Guide to

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics

By Mark Raby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Dueling mascot game franchise scores a gold with this entry.

Game Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii 2011
Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics Game: Screenshot #1
  • Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics Game: Screenshot #2
  • Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics Game: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 2 parent reviews

CSMContentDefault
CSMContentDefault Adult
March 7, 2017
age 8+

The Wii Game I Coveted Most...

This game rocks! Graphics are excellent! The only real thing parents may be concerned about is Rouge the Bat. She doesn't flirt on this game, but her outfit reveals her breasts a tad. Otherwise... go and compete with a mustached plumber and a blue hedgehog! ***NOTE ABOUT ANOTHER CSM MEMBER'S REVIEW*** Steroids have been used in the REAL Olympics by dishonest athletes. There are NO steroids OR drugs used in this game; Mario, Sonic and the crew are boosted in races by a power boost built up as they run. Also, while Peach, Amy, Blaze, and Daisy DO wear short shorts, it's not really immodest enough to call "underwear." (Go to any ''Victoria's Secret'' and see what I mean! 0_0) There are indeed weapons in this game, but nobody gets truly hurt, and you can always remind your kids "Don't play like that!" I'm sure the reviewer meant well, but please be assured that this game is drug-free, sex-free, and kid-friendly! :)

This title has:

Easy to play/use
Trami Nguyen
Trami Nguyen Adult
July 8, 2012
age 10+

MARIO AND SONIC RULES!

I love to see Kirby games. Boys like Sonic and Girls like Kirby. Mario and Sonic are true friends.

This title has:

Great role models
Too much violence
Easy to play/use
See all 2 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (8):

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Game Details

  • Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: Sega of America
  • Release date: November 15, 2011
  • Genre: Sports
  • ESRB rating: E for Mild Cartoon Violence (Wii) and Cartoon Violence (3DS)
  • Last updated: August 29, 2016

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