If you saw the trailer to Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, you probably thought three things: 1, “Don LaFontaine,” 2, “I want this game,” and 3, “WTF is up with Sonic’s speed??”
In an interview with SEGA’s product manager, Grant Gie, CVG found out just exactly how Sonic isn’t a shoe-in for every race event in the game. Things are going to be a little more balanced, giving those who absolutely want to play as Bowser or Eggman a shot at beating Sonic on the track.
“The great thing about this is it’s similar to Mario Kart in leveling the playing field. Sonic isn’t always going to win the 100 metre dash; it’s really up to the players and how well they use the nunchuk and remote.
“Mario and Luigi for example are great all-rounders. Their stats are spread across speed, acceleration and dash. Sonic meanwhile has a good top speed but his acceleration is low. It’s a real balancing act.
“We’re trying to go for that mass-appeal like Mario Kart; it crosses all boundaries. Kids can pick up and play Mario Kart and have a great time, but it’s really fun at home with those core gamers who replay and replay.”
As a Sonic fan, you might be disappointed that the Blue Blur won’t smoke the competition. On the flip side, however, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games levels out the playing field and promises yet another fun casual sports game on the Wii for the holiday season.
