Two of video gamedom's most recognizable icons, Mario and Sonic, team up for the first time in a single video game. While this isn't a complete mess, fans of Nintendo or Sega might be disappointed after playing Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, as it focuses more on quantity than quality.

As the title suggests, this Nintendo Wii exclusive is a collection of sports events to be played at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, including track and field, gymnastics, archery, skeet shooting and table tennis, along with a few fantasy games such as a combative running race. Up to four players can compete in the majority of these matches, some of which need to be unlocked by performing well, and you can choose from a number of familiar video game characters to control. For example, Bowser is powerful, Princess Peach is more technical and Sonic enjoys fast speed. You can also import your own custom-made Mii character from your Wii and join Team Mario or Team Sonic.

But the events, basically mini-games, are over in a few seconds; they give you little reason to return a second or third time. While all of the games use the Wii's motion-sensing wireless controller, and in some cases the tethered "Nunchuk" controller, some of these Olympic games, such as skeet shooting and swimming, aren't as easy to control as other events. While there is some fun to be had competing through the more than 20 events, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games might be best played as a weekend rental -- and by younger players rather than adult gamers. The vast selection of games, characters and modes (including multiplayer) help give this disc some merit, but its shallow approach and sometimes unresponsive control might frustrate players. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games nets a bronze medal.