Character crossovers are a well-established trope. Superman has crossed paths with Spider-Man (representing DC Comics and Marvel respectively), Freddy has met Jason, and Nintendo’s Mario has encountered Sega’s Sonic five times previously. As the game series approaches its tenth anniversary, they convene again at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, scheduled for next year.
Regarding the positives, the graphics are vibrant, polished, and visually appealing. From the initial moments, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games – Tokyo 2020 presents a strong aesthetic. The immediate availability of all events is also a welcome feature, contrasting with titles like Go Vacation, where extensive gameplay is required to unlock all content.
The game boasts a diverse roster of characters from both the Mario and Sonic universes, facilitating engaging matchups such as Donkey Kong versus Tails in a fencing competition. Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games – Tokyo 2020 performs well in both handheld and docked modes, maintaining clarity and visibility even on the smaller screen. The game also incorporates a nostalgic element, referencing Tokyo’s previous hosting of the Olympics in 1964 by transforming the characters into their retro pixelated forms.
Similar to Go Vacation, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games – Tokyo 2020 presents a minimal challenge in single-player mode. The difficulty level can be considered excessively low. Even with significant errors, victory in events like the swimming competition is easily attainable. The only instance of a “loss” occurred when an external phone call interrupted gameplay, resulting in a third-place finish.
Consequently, the game is best suited for multiplayer experiences, either local or online. While solo play is possible, a greater degree of challenge would significantly enhance the experience. The story mode, unfortunately, suffers from excessive dialogue. A substantial 20-minute investment precedes the first playable event (easily completed), followed by further exposition. While the inclusion of a single-player experience in a sports game is commendable, the execution is underwhelming. The tedium of the narrative and the simplistic nature of the initial event diminish the player’s enthusiasm. The soundtrack, characterized by its repetitive and irritating short loops, further detracts from the overall experience.
In conclusion, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games – Tokyo 2020 is primarily a multiplayer title, mitigating the shortcomings of the single-player mode when enjoyed with others. However, its limited appeal as a solo experience suggests an incomplete design. The game becomes more enjoyable in a competitive multiplayer setting. Therefore, while not strongly recommended for single-player, the game achieves a passing grade based on its multiplayer merits.
