Following a tradition that started at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, popular video game characters Mario and Sonic have qualified to compete at the Sochi 2014 Winter Games under the Nintendo flag, Sochi 2014 announced Wednesday.
While the video game legends may not be competing against Yuna Kim, Lindsey Vonn or Sydney Crosby – Yoshi, Knuckles and Donkey Kong along with the usual entourage will provide plenty of competition for the “athletes”.
The latest installment of the Mario and Sonic Olympic Games series is borne from a partnership between Nintendo and Sega, and will feature new events including snowboading slopestyle that will be contended for the fist time in Sochi. Newer technology will increase the game’s realism and will include depictions of the actual Olympic venues developed in detail.
The game has been developed for the Nintendo Wii U console and will leverage the new system’s game pad to help players map out specific strategies in sports such as curling, figure skating and snowboarding.
When reached for comment while en route to Princess Peach’s Castle, Mario reportedly grabbed a star and uttered “Here we go” before trampling over Bowser and speeding off.
No release date has been announced for “Mario and Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games”; the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games open February 7, 2014.
