Gamer's Corner: Race for the Gold

Tuesday, 03 July 2012 14:37

Gamers easily identify with The Olympic Games. Sure, we don't get flashy medals or Subway endorsements, but we do understand the thrill of competition. We love pitting ourselves against one another to see who comes out on top. In the spirit of this summer's big event, we proudly present the first Gamer's Corner Olympic (Kind of) Games. Let the games begin!

By Brad McKay

OVERALL GAME WINNERS:
For this category, the games had to be about Olympic-style events. No fantasy monsters, super powers or bionic enhancements allowed (our judges were very thorough with the physical exams).

BRONZE: Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Nintendo Wii)

Gaming kings Mario and Sonic face off in one of the only official video games of the 2012 Olympics. Twenty characters (10 from each franchise) compete in Olympic events like the javelin throw, 100m sprint, synchronized swimming and uneven bars, while keeping things light-hearted. It's a great game for kids or friendly competition during the curling matches this year.

SILVER: Team USA Basketball (Sega Genesis)

This 1992 title brought the first and only Olympic basketball experience to consoles across the USA. The American team had all the big names, including Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley and "Mr. Six Rings" himself, Michael Jordan. An electronic voice would make calls and players could rain down slam dunks and three pointers on their opponents. Players were treated to a Medal Ceremony played at the end of game, complete with a classic, electronic rendition of the National Anthem for winners.

GOLD: World Class Track Meet (NES)

It's not flashy or complex, but it was the first game that got players off the couch and physically participating in their game, and it allowed players to compete against friends in an "Olympics" mode. Using the Power Pad, a Nintendo accessory with multiple buttons players had to stomp on, competitors literally had to run in place and jump in response to on-screen hurdles. The Kinect and Wii may reward players with better graphics, but it was this title and accessory that really brought Olympic-style gaming to the living room and for that it takes home the gold.

INDEPENDENT GOLD WINNERS:

ARCHERY: The Amazon, Diablo 2 (PC)

For years, the Amazon honed her skills by slaying demons and players alike. She's able to turn arrows into body-seeking missiles that turn corners or slow a charging beast to a dead halt. A band of murderous monsters is no problem for a multi-arrow wide shot from her wicked bow.

TRACK: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Genesis)

Track records don't stand a chance around this blue-furred guy. Sonic introduced gamers to fast-paced gameplay, and when he found those telltale red shoes everything became a blur. Sega may no longer be the powerhouse company it once was, but Sonic is still the fastest critter in gaming.

WRESTLING: King, Street Fighter X Tekken (PS3)

We couldn't ask for a better way to test fighting skills than a Capcom/Namco battle royale, and King, the leopard-masked mystery wrestler, smashed the opposition with arm locks and body slams. Haggar and Zangief may be big, but King is the master of the ring

FENCING: Captain Titus, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine (Xbox 360)

Titus' swordsmanship alone could floor opponents without much effort, but the fact that his rapier is also a chainsaw makes him the deadliest swordsman in the game. While others came close (We're looking at you Link), there's just no match for a chainsaw unleashed against dozens of enemies.

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