It’s official. Sega have declared that Mario and Sonic will once again be joined by their friends in a title that’s based on the Olympic Games. This time, it’s Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games.

Developed by Sega of Japan with Shigeru Miyamoto at the wheel, gamers will get to experience this new Mario & Sonic title on the Wii and DS later this year.

Players get to compete in various venues in Vancouver, official host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. As well as familiar faces, new playable characters will complete the roster but who/what these characters are is still a mystery that won’t be revealed ’til later this year.
As well as single player, more emphasis has been put in the multi-player; offering players to play in co-op or competitive modes.

New events include Alpine Skiing, Speed Skating with more events announced later in the year.

A compelling new addition to the series is the ability to use the Wii Balance Board in certain events, “for a more interactive and realistic gaming experience”. It also seems that the DS version will allow players to compete using its “wireless capabilities.”

Stay tuned as more info is revealed on what is surely one of the most anticipated multi-player games this year.

Mario and Sonic head to the slopes in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games [Sega]

Teaser Trailer [YouTube]