Vancouver 2010: The Official Video Game of the Winter Olympic Games - Graphics and Presentation

The presentation of Vancouver 2010 is a mixed bag.  The graphics are probably the game’s best feature, as the environments look realistic.  Player models look natural for the most part, and the same can be said for their animations. It would have been nice to be given the option to customize the look of the players, though. 

Sound is a different issue.  While the sound effects created by the events aren’t bad, and neither are the crowd reactions, the music that plays in the background is terrible.  You will get a healthy dose of rock music that really takes away from the realism of the game, as it would be better off to have no music at all. 

Some decent commentators would have been a better addition to the game.  Plus, the rock music seems like something better suited for the more alternative event known as the X Games. 

Speaking of presentation, one area where Vancouver 2010 does shine is in its first-person view.  With the tap of a button, you can instantly switch to first-person view to get a whole different perspective.  This view does a good job of immersing you into the action, as you will peer through your goggles onto the courses and even hear your own breath as you compete.

So, should you go out and buy Vancouver 2010?  It depends on how much you enjoy the Winter Olympics.  The omissions of certain events is a real bummer, and the included events are very repetitive.  Also, you really don’t get the feeling that you are a part of the Winter Olympics, as the presentation is lacking overall.  The Challenge and Multiplayer modes are decent, but are not enough to propel Vancouver 2010 into the category of a worthy purchase, as the game is just too limited.