Decent game that fails to live up to its potential.
The game consists of a number of Olympic themed events in which the games characters compete. There are running events and field events as well as a few swimming and even a skeet shooting event. The problem with the events is that many of them are not that fun and there isn't much variation between them. You can play the events individually, but the more enjoyable way to play is in a circuit of several events put together.
The character selection in the game is acceptable, but not great. There are 16 playable characters broken up into 4 groups of 4. There are power characters, all around, speed, and skill characters. While playing on a circuit is important to know which event your character will be best at, but isn't required. Certain types of Characters get advantages in certain events, but It does not seems very well balanced. The game feels weighted toward skill characters mostly. One great addition is the ability to play as a Mii. Miis have balances stats and I found playing them more enjoyable than either the Mario or Sonic characters.
Multiplayer on this game is alright. The major problem with it is that while playing multiplayer it does not track your World Records and you are not able to unlock and new events or awards. Another problem is that you can not turn of the competing computer players, but since there really isn't much interaction with them it isn't a huge problem. One nice feature they do have the ability to play most of the games with one Wiimote. The game still suffers from all the single player problems, but when playing against someone else it feels more fun.
The most redeeming aspect of the game is the activity level required to play it. If you're looking for a way to keep young children active during the cold winter months this game could help. The motions are repetitive, but are enough to give a decent upper body workout. There still is the problem of it being too focused on the dominant hand, or more specifically the right hand. This game totally discriminates against left handed people and a few of the games, like hammer throw, are near unplayable for a lefty. Anyway, if you have right handed children bursting with energy in the winter this might be a good solution.
The sad thing is that this game could have been great it if would have taken a few lessons from Wii sports. There really feels like no reason to keep playing and sadly the Sonic and Mario Franchises feel tacked on an totally unnecessary. The game can still be some good fun and might appeal to a younger audience a little more. I would recommend only renting this game.