Mario & Sonic At The Olympics: Tokyo 2020 Switch Review!
Hey guys! Let's dive into the vibrant world of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 on the Nintendo Switch. This game is a blast for all ages, offering a fun-filled experience that brings together the iconic characters of the Mario and Sonic universes. It’s a party game, a sports simulation, and a celebration of the Olympics, all rolled into one. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking for some casual fun, this game has something for everyone. So, grab your controllers, gather your friends and family, and get ready to compete in a variety of Olympic events featuring your favorite characters!
Gameplay and Events
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 features a wide array of Olympic events, from classic sports to brand-new additions. You'll find familiar faces like Mario, Sonic, Luigi, and Tails, alongside a host of other characters from both franchises. The gameplay is designed to be accessible, making it easy for anyone to pick up and play. Controls are intuitive, utilizing the Joy-Con controllers in various ways, such as motion controls for certain events. You can participate in individual events or create custom tournaments to determine who the ultimate champion is. The game keeps things fresh with both classic and new events. Classic events like the 100m sprint, swimming, and gymnastics offer familiar gameplay experiences. New events, inspired by the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, bring fresh challenges and excitement. Events like surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing add a modern twist to the Olympic lineup. Each event has its own unique set of controls and challenges, ensuring a diverse and engaging gameplay experience. The game also features a story mode, where you can follow the adventures of Mario, Sonic, and their friends as they navigate through the Olympic Games. This mode adds a layer of depth to the gameplay and provides a narrative to follow.
The game offers a variety of control options, including motion controls and button controls, to cater to different playstyles. The motion controls are particularly immersive, allowing you to feel like you're actually participating in the events. For example, in the swimming events, you can use motion controls to simulate the strokes and movements of swimming. The button controls are just as effective, providing a more traditional gameplay experience. You can choose the control scheme that best suits your preferences and skill level. The developers have done a great job of balancing the gameplay, making it both challenging and rewarding. The events are designed to be fun and engaging, regardless of your skill level. The game also features a tutorial mode that helps you learn the controls and strategies for each event. This mode is perfect for newcomers or anyone who wants to brush up on their skills. With a wide range of events, diverse control options, and a user-friendly tutorial, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 ensures a captivating and accessible experience for all players. The story mode is also a great addition, adding depth to the gameplay and providing a narrative to follow. The game's emphasis on accessibility and fun makes it a must-have for anyone looking for a fun and engaging party game.
Characters and Customization
One of the most appealing aspects of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is its extensive roster of playable characters from both the Mario and Sonic universes. You can play as your favorite characters, each with their own unique abilities and stats. Mario is a balanced character, Sonic is known for his speed, and Luigi excels at agility. The characters are grouped into different categories based on their attributes, allowing you to choose the best character for each event. Beyond the core characters, the game also features a selection of unlockable characters, adding a sense of progression. You can unlock characters by completing challenges or progressing through the story mode. Each character has their own special moves and abilities, adding depth to the gameplay. This diversity in the character roster encourages players to experiment with different characters and find the ones that best suit their play style. The game also allows you to customize your characters with various costumes and accessories. You can unlock new outfits by completing specific objectives, adding a personal touch to your characters. This level of customization enhances the overall gameplay experience.
The character selection is not just about appearances. Each character has distinct strengths and weaknesses. Mario might be a well-rounded athlete, while Sonic excels in speed-based events. The variety encourages strategic team selection in multiplayer modes. Beyond the main characters, the game introduces unlockable characters and costumes, creating a sense of progression and adding depth to the gameplay. You can earn costumes by completing specific objectives, adding a personal touch to your characters. This adds an extra layer of enjoyment and encourages players to replay events to unlock new content. The inclusion of unlockable characters is a great way to keep players engaged and motivated to explore all the events the game has to offer. The game provides a wealth of character choices and customization options, which enhances the overall gameplay experience. The ability to play as a wide range of characters from both the Mario and Sonic universes adds a layer of excitement, making the game even more fun.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 are bright, colorful, and visually appealing. The game's art style is true to both the Mario and Sonic franchises, with vibrant environments and detailed character models. The visuals are optimized for the Nintendo Switch, making it a joy to play on both the TV and in handheld mode. The Tokyo-themed environments are particularly well-designed, capturing the spirit of the Olympic Games. The character animations are smooth and expressive, adding to the game's overall charm. The game’s sound design complements the visuals, with an upbeat and energetic soundtrack. The music captures the excitement of the Olympics. The sound effects are well-done, with distinct sounds for each event. The voices of the characters are clear and well-recorded, adding to the game's charm. The combination of the graphics and sound creates an immersive and enjoyable experience. The game’s attention to detail is evident throughout, from the character models to the environments. The game's overall presentation is top-notch, enhancing the enjoyment of the gameplay.
The game's performance on the Nintendo Switch is excellent, with smooth frame rates and minimal loading times. The graphics are sharp and clear, regardless of whether you're playing on the TV or in handheld mode. The developers have done a great job of optimizing the game for the Switch's hardware. The game runs smoothly, with no noticeable slowdowns or glitches. This ensures a seamless and enjoyable gameplay experience. The game's art style is particularly well-suited for the Switch, with bright, vibrant colors that pop on the screen. The character models are detailed and expressive, bringing the characters to life. The Tokyo-themed environments are also beautifully rendered, creating an immersive experience. The game’s soundtrack is upbeat and energetic, perfectly complementing the gameplay. The sound effects are crisp and clear, adding to the overall immersion. The combination of the graphics and sound creates an enjoyable and immersive experience, making it a must-have for fans of the Mario and Sonic franchises. The graphics and sound are well-optimized for the Nintendo Switch, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable gameplay experience.
Multiplayer and Game Modes
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 shines when it comes to multiplayer. You can play with friends and family in local multiplayer mode. The game supports up to four players in most events, making it a perfect party game. The multiplayer mode is easy to set up and play, making it accessible to gamers of all skill levels. The game also offers online multiplayer, allowing you to compete with players from around the world. The online mode allows you to participate in global tournaments and climb the leaderboards. You can choose to play individual events or compete in custom tournaments. The game supports different online modes, including ranked matches and casual matches, catering to both competitive and casual players. The online multiplayer is well-designed, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. The game also features various game modes, catering to different playstyles. The story mode offers a single-player experience, with a narrative to follow and challenges to complete. The party mode allows you to play individual events or create custom tournaments with friends. The online mode allows you to compete with players from around the world. These different game modes add variety and depth to the gameplay. The game's multiplayer and game modes are designed to be fun and engaging, ensuring that players have a good time regardless of their preferences. With a variety of options for multiplayer and game modes, the game provides a wealth of content to keep players entertained for hours.
Multiplayer modes are where this game truly shines, offering endless hours of fun with friends and family. The local multiplayer is easy to set up, making it perfect for gatherings. The online multiplayer is a great way to compete with players from around the world and test your skills. Whether you’re competing with friends on your couch or going head-to-head with players online, the multiplayer experience is sure to be enjoyable. The game modes are equally diverse, including a story mode and a party mode, offering a wide range of options to suit any player's preference. The party mode is especially fun, allowing you to create your own custom tournaments and compete in a variety of events. The online multiplayer mode is well-designed, offering a smooth and lag-free experience. The game also features a tutorial mode that helps you learn the controls and strategies for each event. The multiplayer and game modes are designed to be fun and engaging, ensuring that players of all ages can enjoy the game. The game’s multiplayer options and diverse game modes make it a must-have for anyone looking for a fun and engaging party game. The game's various modes ensure that the game stays fresh and entertaining for extended periods.
Pros and Cons
Let’s break down the good and bad aspects of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 to give you a clearer picture.
Pros:
- Wide variety of events: The game offers a diverse range of Olympic events, ensuring a variety of gameplay experiences.
 - Fun for all ages: The accessible controls and gameplay make it easy for anyone to pick up and play.
 - Multiplayer fun: The multiplayer mode is a blast, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
 - Great visuals and sound: The game boasts vibrant graphics and an upbeat soundtrack.
 - Character roster: Featuring a diverse cast of characters from both the Mario and Sonic universes.
 
Cons:
- Some events can feel repetitive: Some events might lack depth after repeated plays.
 - Motion controls not for everyone: Motion controls might not appeal to all players.
 
Overall, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is a fantastic party game, offering a fun and engaging experience for all ages. The pros far outweigh the cons, making it a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. Whether you're a fan of Mario and Sonic or just looking for a fun game to play with friends and family, this game is definitely worth checking out. The game's emphasis on fun and accessibility makes it a perfect addition to any game collection. Despite some minor drawbacks, the game offers a wealth of content and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is a delightful addition to the Nintendo Switch library, delivering a fantastic experience that combines the beloved characters of the Mario and Sonic universes with the excitement of the Olympic Games. The game's strengths lie in its accessible gameplay, vibrant visuals, and engaging multiplayer modes. The diverse range of events ensures that there's always something new to try, while the extensive character roster provides plenty of options for players to choose from. While some events might become repetitive after extended play, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive. The game's focus on fun and accessibility makes it a perfect choice for casual gamers, families, and anyone looking for a party game that will keep them entertained for hours. If you're looking for a fun and engaging party game for your Nintendo Switch, look no further than Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. It’s a sure winner!
Overall, the game provides a great value proposition, offering a fun and engaging experience for both solo players and groups. If you're a fan of either the Mario or Sonic franchises, or simply enjoy sports-themed party games, then this is a game that you definitely shouldn't miss. The game's focus on fun, accessibility, and replayability makes it a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. The game's combination of iconic characters, diverse events, and engaging gameplay ensures that it will provide hours of entertainment for players of all ages and skill levels. The game's overall presentation is top-notch, with bright, vibrant graphics and an upbeat soundtrack. The game is a true celebration of the Olympics, and its release coincides perfectly with the global event, giving players a chance to experience the thrill and excitement of the games from the comfort of their own homes. Highly recommended!