Mario and Sonic to star in Olympic Games

Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog will now have the chance to officially settle their differences after publisher Sega revealed it is developing a game starring the two rivals.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, which will be released on Nintendo Wii and DS, will see the pair appear together for the first time ever in a video game.

The game, which is an officially licensed product for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, will see players compete in events based at the official venues.

Using a supporting cast of characters from the worlds of both Mario and Sonic, gamers will be able to compete as or against a range of personalities including Mario, Sonic, Luigi, Knuckles, Yoshi, Tails and more.

According to the publisher, "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."

“We are thrilled to partner with Nintendo and ISM on this groundbreaking title,” said Hisao Oguchi, President and Chief Operating Officer, SEGA Corporation. “For the first time, two of the world’s greatest games’ characters come together to compete in the world’s greatest sporting event and we couldn’t be more excited.”

“Mario and Sonic have been respectful rivals since the early days of video games,” said 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?”

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games is due for release Christmas 2007.