Hero Showdown: Clash of the Console Titans!

With Mario Galaxy keeping many a Wii fans happy, and Mario Kart racing along the top, Hero Showdown taps our favorite mushroom-eating plumber for his deserved shot at the Hero title. But before Mario warp whistles to the winner's circle, he'll have to go through Sega's mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog!

That's right, readers. It's Nintendo's hero versus a spiky, blue rodent that winks – a Showdown to end all Showdowns. And to spice things up, these HS gladiators are allowed to bring back-up: Mario's brother-in-arms, Luigi, versus Sonic's only friend, Tails. Stars supplies the fighters, you choose the winners: Read the contenders' profiles and vote for your Hero in the comments below.

Mario

Mario hasn't unclogged a drain in years, for he's been too busy saving Princess Peach from Bowser's clutches. Which means his skills are sharp and constantly being tested in new and challenging ways (see Galaxy's gravity-defying levels).

Unlike Sonic, Mario doesn't hemorrhage gold rings when hit, an advantage for any combatant, really. But he does get knocked back down to size – literally – which could be to Sonic's benefit, as there is only one mushroom allowed in this fight. You read that right, folks: Hero Showdown's setting some limits: Mario can only use one mushroom to get the upper hand on Sonic and that's it! No fireballs, no raccoon tails – just his wits and the mustache's intimidation factor.

For Mario's sake, let's hope the 'stache works differently on Sonic than it does on da ladies.

Sonic

Second only to koopas, Sonic is the primary cause of death for Italian plumbers.

Since his 1991 debut, Sonic has been gearing up for this fight. Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games gave us a very PG take on our console icons duking it out, so until they throw down in the upcoming Super Smash Bros. HS will have to bring on the no-holds-barred action a fight of this magnitude deserves.

Sonic's been chomping at the bit to test his mettle, and with that said, Mario can't afford to become complacent. Sonic's best asset will be his speed, as the fastest rodent alive may have a serious case of whiplash in store for Mario. Also, while Mario's saving princesses named Peach, Sonic's doing the heavy-lifting – saving the Earth from Dr. Eggman's evil plans.

But should it get tough, Sonic's gonna have to hold his ground, as HS forbids the use of ring portals as a means of "time out".

Undercard: Luigi vs. Tails

If the main attraction isn't enough, we'll throw in a little Luigi-Tails undercard, as these two second bananas are just as eager to fight as we are!

Luigi

Luigi is "spaghetti" to Mario's "Meat balls", and unlike the dimwitted Corleone brother, Luigi really "can do things".

Living in Mario's shadow has made The Man in Green Overalls less bitter than one would expect, but that doesn't mean he doesn't hold a grudge or two. Taking down Tails is the perfect venue for him to vent, and what better way to get some spotlight than joining Mario in the winner's circle? Pride and a series of well-placed blows can make all the difference…

Tails

Unlike Luigi, Miles "Tails" Prower had no choice but to (literally) stand, walk, and zoom run in Sonic's shadow. For Tails, when he was first introduced in the second game of the Sonic franchise, all he could be was a follower.

But time catches up with men, even foxes. And as sly as Tails might be, wits don't hold a candle to the simmering rage Miles hides. Both Luigi and Tails have issues relating to their back-up status, and whomever is the most ready to blow could turn this HS's tide. Tails' simmering rage could be Luigi's undoing.

It's like Plato said: "Hell hath no fury like a Sega sidekick scorned."

The main event and the undercard are ready to rumble at the sound of the bell. The fate of their respective champions is in your hands, cast your vote. Vegas Odds are split evenly on this one, so choose wisely.

Hero Showdown: Mario vs. Sonic – the best fight ever made? You decide.