Mario & Sonic At Tokyo 2020: Review & Best Events
Hey guys, ever wondered what happens when two of gaming's biggest rivals, Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog, team up with their whole crews to compete in the biggest sporting event on Earth? Well, wonder no more, because Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 delivers just that! This game, exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, brought the excitement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics right into our living rooms (even if the real-world games got delayed, this digital version was ready to roll!). It’s a fantastic blend of high-octane sports action, classic character charm, and a whole lotta fun, whether you're playing solo or with a bunch of friends. We’re gonna dive deep into what makes this title tick, checking out its awesome events, its unique story mode, and why it’s a must-play for fans of both franchises and party game enthusiasts alike. Get ready to explore every sprint, jump, and punch in this vibrant Olympic adventure!
What Makes Mario & Sonic at Tokyo 2020 So Special?
Alright, let's kick things off by figuring out what truly sets Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 apart from other sports or party games. First off, guys, you're not just getting one iconic hero; you're getting two entire universes colliding in an epic display of athleticism! We're talking about the bright, whimsical world of the Mushroom Kingdom squaring off against the speedy, edgy landscapes of Sonic's universe. This isn't just a gimmick; it's the heart and soul of the game, bringing together beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and even Eggman, all vying for that gold medal. The sheer diversity of the roster is a huge draw, allowing players to pick their favorite heroes and villains, each with their own unique stats and strengths that can subtly influence their performance in various events. Do you go for Mario's all-around balance, Sonic's blistering speed, or maybe Bowser's raw power? The choice is yours, and it genuinely impacts how you approach each challenge.
Beyond the star-studded lineup, the game truly captures the spirit of the Olympic Games. From the moment you load it up, you're greeted with vibrant visuals and catchy tunes that scream "Olympic festival." The developers, SEGA, did an incredible job of translating the grand scale and excitement of an Olympic event into a video game. Each arena feels alive, packed with cheering crowds and dynamic backdrops that make every competition feel like a grand spectacle. This isn't just a collection of mini-games; it's a celebration of sportsmanship, competition, and fun, all wrapped up in a package that's unmistakably Nintendo Switch in its charm and accessibility. The game cleverly utilizes the Switch's capabilities, offering various control schemes that cater to different playstyles. Whether you prefer traditional button inputs or want to get up and moving with motion controls, Mario & Sonic at Tokyo 2020 has got you covered. This flexibility means anyone can pick up and play, making it a perfect game for family gatherings, friendly competitions, or just unwinding after a long day. It’s this combination of iconic characters, authentic Olympic feel, and user-friendly design that elevates this title beyond a typical crossover and solidifies its place as a truly special entry in the series. Plus, who doesn't love seeing Bowser try his hand at gymnastics or Dr. Eggman attempting a triple jump? It's pure, unadulterated fun, and that's something we can all appreciate!
Dive Into the Events: Classic & Dream Modes
Okay, so we've talked about what makes Mario & Sonic at Tokyo 2020 so cool, but let's get down to the real meat of the game: the events themselves! This game isn't just a one-trick pony; it’s packed with an impressive array of sporting challenges split into two fantastic categories: the Classic Olympic Events and the totally wild Dream Events. Each mode offers a distinct flavor of fun, ensuring there’s something for every type of player.
The Classic Olympic Events
First up, we've got the Classic Olympic Events, and let me tell you, these are where the game truly shines in bringing the authenticity of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to your screen. You’re gonna find all your favorites here, from the raw speed of the 100m Dash and 4x100m Relay to the precision of Archery and the grace of Gymnastics. There’s also high-flying Long Jump, powerful Javelin Throw, and intense Swimming races. But it's not just track and field, guys! You also get into some awesome team sports like Football (Soccer) and Rugby Sevens, as well as individual challenges like Surfing and Skateboarding, which were new additions to the actual Tokyo Olympics.
What’s really cool about these classic events is how they balance simplicity with depth. On the surface, they’re easy to pick up: button mash for speed, time your presses for jumps, or aim precisely for targets. But beneath that, there’s a layer of strategy. Choosing the right character for an event can give you an edge – maybe you need Sonic's speed for the sprint, or Bowser's strength for the shotput. Plus, mastering the specific timing and techniques for each event is incredibly satisfying. For instance, in the 100m Dash, a perfect start is crucial, requiring a well-timed button press right as the gun fires. In Gymnastics, hitting those button prompts with precision determines your score. Even in something like Surfing, nailing those trick combos and riding the wave perfectly feels super rewarding. The developers have done an excellent job of making each event feel distinct, providing varied gameplay experiences while still maintaining that core Olympic spirit. Whether you're trying to beat your own high score, challenging friends in local multiplayer, or competing globally online, these classic events provide endless replayability and a genuine sense of athletic competition. They’re a fantastic way to experience the thrills of the Olympics with your favorite characters, making every gold medal feel hard-earned and exciting.
Getting Wild with Dream Events
Now, if you're looking for something a bit more… unconventional and totally wild, then you, my friends, absolutely have to check out the Dream Events! This is where Mario & Sonic at Tokyo 2020 truly lets loose and showcases the creative genius that comes from blending these two iconic franchises. Forget the rules of physics and traditional sports; here, anything goes! These events are pure, unadulterated fun, often mixing traditional sports concepts with crazy power-ups, fantastical arenas, and unique mechanics that could only exist in a video game.
Imagine this: instead of a regular race, you're blasting through a futuristic Tokyo course on a hoverboard, grabbing power-ups and dodging obstacles in Dream Racing! Or how about Dream Shooting, where you're zipping around a Japanese garden, taking out targets with super-powered blasters while trying to outscore your opponents? My personal favorite has to be Dream Karate, which transforms a standard martial arts bout into an arena-style brawl where you're knocking opponents off platforms and trying to score points in a chaotic, strategic fight. These aren't just minor tweaks to classic sports; they are entirely new experiences built from the ground up to maximize fun and chaos. The arenas themselves are often themed to either Mario or Sonic's worlds, adding another layer of charm and visual appeal. For instance, you might find yourself battling in a Dr. Eggman-themed laboratory or racing through a Bowser's Castle-inspired track. The power-ups are fantastic, adding a layer of unpredictability and strategy. Think Bullet Bills in a race, or Chaos Emeralds giving you a temporary speed boost. The objective in these events is often more than just finishing first; it's about strategy, quick reflexes, and sometimes, a bit of luck. They are perfect for multiplayer sessions, turning friendly competition into hilarious, shouting matches as players unleash special moves and power-ups on each other. These Dream Events are a breath of fresh air, providing a fantastic contrast to the more grounded Classic Events and truly solidifying the game's identity as a fun-first Olympic experience. They're quirky, imaginative, and incredibly replayable, offering a different kind of thrill that keeps you coming back for more.
The Story Mode: A Blast from the Past
Alright, guys, let's talk about something really unique that sets Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 apart from its predecessors and many other sports titles: its absolutely charming and inventive Story Mode! This isn't just a quick tutorial disguised as a narrative; it's a full-fledged adventure that takes you on a wild, time-traveling journey between the present-day Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the historic Tokyo 1964 Olympics. How cool is that?!
The premise is brilliant and totally fits the wacky world of Mario and Sonic. Dr. Eggman and Bowser, being the villains they are, concoct a scheme involving a mysterious video game console designed to trap Mario and Sonic inside. But, surprise! They get trapped themselves, alongside the two heroes, and all four find themselves transported back in time to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics! This sets up a truly ingenious dual-world narrative. While the modern-day characters like Luigi, Tails, and Peach are trying to figure out how to rescue their friends in the 2020 timeline, Mario, Sonic, Eggman, and Bowser are stuck competing in retro-style 2D pixel art events from 1964.
This 2D retro mode is a massive highlight, guys. It’s not just a visual gimmick; it completely changes the gameplay experience. When you're in 1964, the graphics switch to glorious pixel art, and the events are simpler, often relying on classic button mashing or precise timing reminiscent of old-school arcade games. Think about it: competing in a pixelated 100m Dash or a Marathon feels incredibly nostalgic for anyone who grew up with classic gaming. But it's more than just a throwback; these events are integrated into a surprisingly engaging narrative where you explore different areas of Tokyo, meet historical figures, and solve light puzzles to progress. You'll complete various challenges, often tied to mini-games or specific Olympic events, all while trying to find a way back to the present. The conversations and interactions between the characters, especially between Mario, Sonic, Bowser, and Eggman, are genuinely funny and full of personality. Seeing Bowser and Eggman reluctantly team up, or Mario and Sonic exchanging friendly banter in a pixelated world, adds so much charm to the experience.
Meanwhile, back in the 2020 timeline, the other characters are racing against time, playing through the modern 3D events to gather information and find clues to bring their friends back. This constant switching between the two timelines keeps the story fresh and exciting, preventing any monotony. It's a clever way to showcase all the game's various events while weaving them into a cohesive and entertaining plot. The Story Mode also serves as an excellent tutorial for all the different events, introducing you to the mechanics in a natural, story-driven way. You learn about the various disciplines, the specific button presses, and the best strategies, all without it feeling like a chore. So, for those of you who love a good single-player experience with a dash of humor, a sprinkle of history, and a whole lot of Mario & Sonic magic, this Story Mode is an absolute winner and a fantastic reason to dive into Tokyo 2020. It provides hours of unique gameplay and is a genuinely creative take on how to integrate a narrative into a sports compilation game.
Gameplay, Controls, and Multiplayer Fun
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of how Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 actually plays, because, let's be real, a game can have all the charm in the world, but if it doesn't feel good to play, then what's the point? Thankfully, guys, this title delivers on the gameplay front, offering a variety of control options and a strong emphasis on multiplayer fun, which is exactly what you want from an Olympic party game on the Nintendo Switch.
First up, the controls. SEGA and Nintendo did a fantastic job making the game accessible to everyone. You have two main ways to play, which is super convenient: traditional button controls and motion controls. For those of us who prefer the classic gaming feel, button controls are precise, responsive, and easy to master across all events. Whether you're mashing 'A' to sprint, timing a button press for a perfect jump, or using the analog stick to aim an archery shot, the button-based input feels solid and reliable. This is especially great for competitive play, where precision can make all the difference between a silver and a gold. But hey, if you're looking to get off the couch and feel like you're actually part of the action, the motion controls are a blast! Waving your Joy-Cons to swing a javelin, paddling your arms for swimming, or performing gestures for rhythmic gymnastics truly adds an immersive layer to the experience. While motion controls can sometimes be a bit finicky in other games, here they are generally well-implemented and responsive enough to be genuinely enjoyable, particularly in casual settings or when you’re playing with friends and family who might not be hardcore gamers. It’s perfect for getting everyone involved and laughing!
Now, let's talk about multiplayer. This is where Mario & Sonic at Tokyo 2020 truly shines! The Nintendo Switch is practically built for multiplayer, and this game takes full advantage of it. You can play local multiplayer with up to four players on a single console using individual Joy-Cons, making it incredibly easy to just pick up and play. Imagine the chaos and excitement as you and your buddies are all flailing your arms, trying to out-swim each other, or strategically setting up plays in Football! It's an absolute riot and guarantees tons of laughs and friendly competition. Beyond local play, the game also features online multiplayer, allowing you to compete against friends or other players from around the world. This adds immense replayability, as you can constantly challenge yourself against new opponents and climb leaderboards. The online experience is generally smooth, and finding matches is straightforward, which is always a plus. The variety of events, both classic and dream, means you won't get bored easily, and the competitive nature of vying for those top scores keeps you coming back for "just one more round."
The overall polish of the gameplay is also noteworthy. Character animations are fluid, the sound design is crisp, and the overall performance on the Switch is consistently good. Loading times are minimal, and the interface is intuitive, meaning you spend less time navigating menus and more time actually playing. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or someone who only picks up a controller for party games, Mario & Sonic at Tokyo 2020 provides a high-quality, fun, and accessible gaming experience. It perfectly balances competitive depth with casual enjoyment, ensuring that everyone, from the most dedicated speedrunner to the youngest family member, can find something to love. It’s truly a testament to how well SEGA understands its audience and the platform it's developing for.
Is It Worth It? Pros, Cons, and Final Thoughts
Alright, guys, we’ve covered a lot of ground, from the star-studded character roster to the diverse event lineup and that super cool retro story mode. Now, the burning question remains: Is Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 worth your hard-earned cash and precious gaming time? Let's break down the pros and cons, give some final thoughts, and help you make that decision!
First, let's talk about the pros because there are a lot of great things going for this game. The character roster is fantastic, bringing together an extensive cast from both the Mario and Sonic universes. It’s always a joy to see these iconic characters interact and compete, each with their distinct personalities shining through. The variety of events is another huge plus; with over 30 events, including both the authentic Classic Olympic Events and the imaginative Dream Events, there's truly something for everyone. Whether you're into realistic sports simulations or over-the-top fantastical challenges, you'll find plenty to enjoy. The multiplayer experience on the Nintendo Switch is top-tier, guys! It's incredibly easy to jump into local co-op or competitive play with friends and family, making it an ideal party game. The motion controls are generally well-implemented and add a lot of fun, especially for casual players. And we cannot forget the Story Mode! The clever time-traveling narrative, blending modern 3D events with nostalgic 2D pixelated 1964 events, is an absolute highlight and provides a unique, engaging single-player experience that sets it apart from previous entries in the series. It's not just a collection of mini-games; it’s an adventure! The game’s presentation, from its vibrant graphics to its upbeat soundtrack, perfectly captures the festive and competitive spirit of the Olympics. It looks and sounds great on the Switch.
However, no game is perfect, and Mario & Sonic at Tokyo 2020 does have a few minor cons worth mentioning. While the motion controls are fun, they can sometimes lack the pinpoint precision that hardcore competitive players might desire, especially in certain events where subtle movements are key. For those aiming for world records, button controls are usually the way to go. Some players might find that after completing the Story Mode, the single-player content beyond continually beating your own high scores can feel a bit thin if you're not planning on regular multiplayer sessions. While the event variety is good, a few events might feel a tad repetitive after multiple plays, especially if you're grinding for character unlocks or records. Also, while the online multiplayer is functional, it doesn't always have the most robust competitive scene compared to dedicated online sports titles, but for casual matches, it's perfectly fine.
In my final thoughts, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is an excellent addition to the Nintendo Switch library. It perfectly encapsulates the joy and excitement of the Olympics, filtered through the whimsical lenses of the Mario and Sonic universes. It’s a game that’s designed for fun, accessibility, and shared experiences. If you're a fan of either franchise, enjoy party games, or just want a solid sports compilation to play with friends and family, then this game is a no-brainer. The unique Story Mode adds significant value, and the sheer number of events ensures you'll be entertained for hours. So, go ahead, grab your Joy-Cons, pick your favorite character, and prepare to go for gold! You won't regret diving into this charming and action-packed Olympic adventure.
