We should point out that you could just load up Sega'sofficial Beijing 2008 gameand re-enact the whole thing in straight-laced, 6/10-scoring, officially-licensed accuracy. Or you could 'toon things up a bit with the saccharine coating ofMario and Sonic at the Olympic Games. Both are fair solutions. But we would recommend a third option. Using our handy Olympic Hangover Cure, you can sample the best games that echo your favourite Olympic disciplines! On your marks…
Archery: Link's Crossbow Training (Wii)
Funnily enough, there aren't that many archery games on the market. Where's Robin Hood when you need him? But Link's Crossbow Training at least tackles bow-powered projectiles with style. Definitely worth a look, especially with the Wii Blaster peripheral.
Above: Which would you rather shoot at - static targets or skeleton hordes?
Athletics: Mirror's Edge (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
What's the point of running around in circles or jumping into sandpits when you can do it across rooftops? Mirror's Edge is looking amazing and we can't wait to start leaping around cities in glorious first-person 3D. The Olympics don't include killing people in their athletics events, which is probably for the best. Doesn't mean we can't have it in our games, though.
Above: It's not often we get vertigo from looking at a single screenshot
Baseball: Mario Super Sluggers (Wii)
If you own a Wii, you've already got a fun baseball game in the shape of Wii Sports. But there's no base-stealing to be had or proper fielding, so you could do better. Mario Super Sluggers is looking sweet, with the usual Nintendo characters making an appearance at the big show. There's also NES classic Baseball on the Virtual Console, but it's perhaps a bit too retro, if such a thing exists.
Above: Baseball is a great sport, but it's even better in colour
Basketball: NBA Street: Homecourt
The problem with Olympic Basketball is that it's got rules. Not so for NBA Street Homecourt, which gives you a ball, two hoops and the freedom to do whatever you like in order to combine the two. The petition to make this the official Olympic rule too starts here.
Above: How often do you see real basketball players make a dive like that?
Beach Volleyball: Dead or Alive Xtreme 2(Xbox 360)
Volleyball in games is more about ogling the babes than winning the game. But there's plenty of that kind of action on offer. Beach Spikers in Gamecube is a more serious representation of the sport than DOAX or its Xbox 360 sequel, but both play similarly on the court. And they both have tiny outfits in them, although DOAX's are tiniest. Some are bordering on the illegal. It's great.
Above: Beach Volleyball is sexy anyway, but look at Helena's outfit!
