Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
© 2019 SEGA of America, Inc.
As real athletes train for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Sega and Nintendo have a way to let you try to go for the gold. Now you can play out that Luigi vs. Dr. Eggman Karate match you always wanted. Designed for four players, this collection of 34 events inlcudes classics like the 100 Meter Dash, Discus Throw and Fencing; plus Sport Climbing and Surfing. A single-player story mode features Mario and Sonic characters working against Bowser and Dr. Eggman to thwart a plot to trap them back in time, to the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Content includes ten events with 2D versions of characters as represented in their earliest generations. Seeing original NES pixel art mixed with higher-resolution Genesis sprites is strange. We wish new pixel art had been created for the rest of the cast to include them in the 2D games as well. Some of the motion controls can be awkward compared to more consistent, quicker button presses, but whatever preference brings you the most fun is what we recommend. We liked all the variety the games offer. Some let you freely move (Skateboarding, Surfing) and others involve 1-on-1 (Judo, Boxing) or team competitions (Football, Rugby). Button mashers will like the 100m Dash and Gymnastics. Super Moves common throughout most events can give you a temporary burst of speed, power or points that can help turn the tables. Still, some games just feel too quick and one-note after a few rounds, and don't lend too well to replayability. The bottom line is that while the quality per event may be spread thin compared to other dedicated Sports titles, the wide variety of offerings increases the chance that you'll find play sessions with friends from around the world when in the online mode. Or you can simply play alone in the story mode. The choice is yours.
$60, Nintendo Switch
Teaches: sportsmanship, competition, cooperation, hand-eye coordination, reflexes, interpersonal communication,
CTR Rating: 72.5%