Mario & Sonic At The Olympics: Tokyo 2020 On Switch!

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Mario & Sonic at the Olympics: Tokyo 2020 on Switch!

Hey everyone, let's dive into the Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 on the Nintendo Switch! This game is a blast for Mario and Sonic fans, sports enthusiasts, or anyone just looking for some fun party games. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a casual player, this title has something to offer. I'm going to break down everything you need to know, from the gameplay and modes to the overall experience. So, grab your controllers, and let's get started!

What's the Hype About? - Gameplay and Features

First off, let's talk about the gameplay. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 brings together the iconic characters of the Mario and Sonic universes for a series of Olympic events. You'll find a wide variety of sports, from classic track and field events like the 100m sprint and hurdles to more modern sports that were featured in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, such as surfing, skateboarding, karate, and sport climbing. The game offers two main gameplay styles: the standard events and the more retro-styled events.

Classic Events

The standard events utilize the Switch's motion controls, allowing for a more immersive and interactive experience. You'll be swinging your Joy-Cons to row a boat, mimicking the movements of surfing, or pumping your arms to run as fast as possible in a race. These events are generally easy to pick up, making them great for players of all skill levels. They are perfect for party play, as you can easily get a group of friends or family involved. The motion controls work pretty well, and while they might not be perfect, they add a fun level of engagement that's hard to beat.

Retro Events

For those who prefer a more nostalgic feel, the retro events are a welcome addition. These events offer a pixelated aesthetic and simpler gameplay mechanics, reminiscent of the classic 8-bit and 16-bit games. These retro events are a fun throwback and a great way to experience some of the original Olympic games with a twist. They are easy to understand and quick to play, making them a great option when you're short on time or just want something different. The retro events provide a nice change of pace and are particularly good for those who grew up playing the older Mario and Sonic games.

Character Roster

The game boasts a large roster of playable characters from both the Mario and Sonic franchises, each with their own unique stats and abilities. You can choose to play as Mario, Sonic, Luigi, Tails, Bowser, Knuckles, and many other fan favorites. Each character has different strengths and weaknesses, so you'll want to pick the character that best suits your play style and the specific event you're competing in. For instance, Sonic might be great for speed-based events, while Bowser could excel in events that require strength. This adds a layer of strategy to the game and makes it fun to experiment with different characters to see who you like best.

Game Modes

In terms of game modes, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 has a lot to offer. There's the single-player mode where you can compete in all the events and try to earn gold medals. The multiplayer modes are where the game truly shines, with options for local multiplayer and online multiplayer. Local multiplayer allows you to play with friends and family on the same console, which is ideal for parties and gatherings. The online multiplayer lets you compete against players from all over the world. The variety in game modes ensures that there's always something new to experience, whether you're playing alone, with friends, or against competitors online. The Tokyo 2020 mode is a new mode added to the game, and this mode gives players the opportunity to experience the games in a story-driven environment.

Diving Deeper: Events, Graphics, and Sound

Let's go deeper into the heart of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. We'll look at the events, the graphics, and the sound design, giving you a complete overview of what makes this game tick. This section is all about getting into the nitty-gritty details that make the game a fantastic experience.

The Olympic Events

The range of Olympic events is the backbone of the game. You'll find classic sports like the 100m sprint, the long jump, and the javelin throw. These are events that everyone can recognize and jump right into. The game also includes more complex and modern events, such as skateboarding, surfing, and karate. Each event has its own unique set of controls and challenges. For example, in the skateboarding event, you'll need to master the timing of your tricks to score big points, while in surfing, you'll need to ride the waves to perform the best maneuvers. The variety ensures that there's something for everyone, whether you're a fan of traditional sports or more contemporary activities. This variety also helps to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging over time.

The developers have done an excellent job of capturing the feel of each sport. The controls are intuitive, and the events are designed to be both accessible and challenging. This balance is critical to making a game that appeals to both casual and more dedicated players. The events are also visually appealing, with vibrant graphics and detailed character models. This visual appeal enhances the overall gaming experience.

Graphics and Visuals

The graphics in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 are bright, colorful, and visually appealing. The character models are well-designed, and the environments are detailed and engaging. The game uses a cel-shaded art style that gives it a distinct look that fits the Mario and Sonic universes perfectly. Everything looks polished and smooth, making it easy to immerse yourself in the game. The animations are also excellent, with fluid movements that make the characters feel alive. Whether you're watching Mario flip through the air or Sonic speed across the track, the visuals are consistently impressive.

The game also takes advantage of the Nintendo Switch's capabilities, with a clear and crisp image quality whether you're playing on the TV or in handheld mode. This adaptability is essential because it allows players to enjoy the game in different settings and situations. Overall, the graphics are a strong point, enhancing the enjoyment of the game and making it a visual treat for players of all ages.

Sound Design and Music

The sound design and music are also very well done. The game features a cheerful and upbeat soundtrack that perfectly complements the action on screen. The music is memorable and catchy. The sound effects are also well-implemented, with realistic sounds for each sport and event. The sound effects and the music really add to the atmosphere of the game, making the experience more immersive and enjoyable. The sound cues also provide important feedback, allowing you to react quickly and precisely to events. This attention to detail is essential to making the gameplay more engaging and fun. Overall, the sound design is excellent, with high-quality audio that enhances the overall experience.

Is It Worth the Gold Medal? - Pros and Cons

Alright, let's get down to the pros and cons. Is Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 worth your time and money? Let's break it down.

Pros:

  • Wide variety of events: There's a sport for everyone! The game's extensive roster of events, from classic to modern, ensures that there's always something new to try.
  • Fun multiplayer: The local and online multiplayer modes are a blast, making it the perfect party game.
  • Charming visuals and sounds: The game looks and sounds great, with vibrant graphics and an upbeat soundtrack.
  • Easy to pick up and play: The controls are intuitive, making the game accessible to players of all skill levels.
  • Nostalgic retro events: The retro events are a fun throwback to classic games.

Cons:

  • Motion controls can be inconsistent: The motion controls, while fun, aren't always perfect.
  • Some events can feel repetitive: While there's a good variety, some events can become repetitive after a while.
  • Story mode could be better: Although the story mode adds a unique dimension to the gameplay, it could have been more developed.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?

So, after all of that, should you buy Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 for the Nintendo Switch? The answer is a resounding YES, especially if you enjoy party games or are a fan of the Mario and Sonic franchises. It's a fantastic game for family game nights, gatherings with friends, or even just some casual solo play. The variety of events, the charming visuals, and the fun multiplayer modes make it a winner. While the motion controls aren't perfect, and some events can get repetitive, the overall experience is highly enjoyable.

Who Should Buy It?

  • Fans of Mario and Sonic: If you love these characters, this game is a must-have.
  • Families and friends**: It's a great party game to play with others.
  • Casual gamers**: The easy-to-pick-up controls make it perfect for casual play.
  • Sports fans**: You'll find a variety of sports to enjoy.

Who Might Want to Skip It?

  • Players who dislike motion controls**: If you're not a fan of motion controls, some events might not be for you.
  • Players looking for a deep single-player experience**: While there's a single-player mode, it's not the main focus of the game.

In conclusion, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is a fun, accessible, and engaging game that's perfect for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're looking for a fun party game or just a casual gaming experience, this title delivers. Go for the gold and grab your copy today – you won't regret it!