Mario and Sonic Team Up - Wii

Who would have ever have thought of it 10 years ago?

Nintendo have announced Mario and Sonic are teaming up in a new sports title based around the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games imaginatively titled Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games. An officially licensed IOC Game, players will be able to play off against each other in popular Olympic Sports. Race down the 100m dash, battle over the table tennis table and chop up the pool exciting duels featuring Sonic, Mario, Luigi, Knuckles, Tails, and others.

Some comments from the companies involved:

From Hisao Oguchi, President and Chief Operating Officer for Sega - "We are thrilled to partner with Nintendo and ISM on this groundbreaking title," he said. "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."

Shigru Miyamoto, Senior Managing Director and General Manager of Entertainment Analysis and Development at Nintendo comments - "Mario and Sonic have been respectful rivals since the early days of video games,"

“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?”

Raymond Goldsmith, Chariman and CEO of ISM (the games marketing devision of the IOC) - "The Olympic Games represent the true spirit of competition and passion," he said. "Bringing together intensely competitive and fun characters like Mario and Sonic in an Olympic setting helps showcase the sports of the Olympic Games in a new and compelling way for all generations."

Expect a release towards the end of the year, leading up to the 2008 Beijing Games.  

Sliced Comments: A great idea from both Nintendo and Sega. Lets hope it ends up being a great title.

Sliced Comments: Will the teaming up of Mario and Sonic sweeten even more if/when Sonic is announced as a character in Super Smash Bros.: Brawl? The announcment of this title makes the idea of Sonic in Brawl seem even more plausible. Here's hoping!