Mobile Game Review of "2008 Beijing Olympics"

SEGA already got "Sonic at the Olympics" out, now it's got the OFFICIAL game out as well. Is it fun? I don't think so, as it's far too "timing" based. And there are only four events, period.

The game lets you "go for the gold" in all four events, or you can play each event individually. The events are: 100m dash, hammer throw, 200m freestyle, and Table Tennis (i.e. Ping-pong). Representative of the Olympics? Well, I dunno.

The 100m dash and 200m freestyle is almost the same game: press OK when the "power spot", which is moving right to left, overlaps a circle. The closer you align the two (i.e. press OK at the right time) the more powerful your sprint/strike, and the faster you go. The swimming makes you push some other buttons to "turn around", but that's simple enough.

Hammer throw is close enough: press OK to start spin. Press OK to align power spot to increase power at each revolution. At third revolution press OK to align release angle, then press OK to release. You have like 12 throws to get the best two.

The only one that's a bit more like a game is table tennis. Over here, you still press OK to return the hit. You need to hit OK at the right time to make a proper return, else you'll hit out and so on. It's like playing pong with one button. It just feels weird.

The graphics are okay, obviously 2D sprites all around, and characters have a bit of Asian-anime type look to them, esp. Table Teniis.

Music is forgetable, and sound isn't much better.

All in all, you money would be better spent elsewhere than play this "tribute game" to the Olympics.

Overall rating: 5.0 out of 10
Pros: easy to pickup
Cons: way too much emphasis on timing, odd choice of events