Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Wii)

REVIEW BY ROSS HAWKES: One of the few games to achieve widespread success on the Wii was the summer sports version of Mario and Sonic.

And so it’s always pleasing to see another version of a game that is a nailed on success.

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games doesn’t disappointed and is guaranteed to be a family favourite for all Wii owners.

Bringing together some of video gaming history’s biggest names, the game allows players to take part in winter favourites such as speed skating, ice hockey and skiing.

The graphics are on the spot as you‘d expect from a title of this magnitude and the cartoon-nature brings a real feel-good flavour to proceedings.

Users of the Wii Fit Balance Board can get the best out of the game, but it’s great fun even if you’re only armed with the Wii basics.

One of the advantages over a number of Wii games is how responsive the controls are. Yes, some of the events (ice hockey in particular) can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it, the controller feels like something you actually have some command over.

But the real selling point for Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is the mass appeal – older games will enjoy the competitive nature of the title and enjoy seeing some of the characters from their youth, while younger players will love the cartoon feel and easy to handle controls.

This is one of those games that every Wii owner needs to get in their collection.