As the world gathers to celebrate the 2024 Olympic Games in France, we've been going for Olympic gold with some replaying of classic Mario & Sonic video games. we looked back at the groundbreaking original here, and today we're exploring all the Summer Games sequels...
Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (2011) - A Royal Showdown
The third installment in the series (after 2009s Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games), Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, brought the iconic duo to the historic city of London. Released in November 2011 for the Nintendo Wii and later for the Nintendo 3DS in February 2012, this game continued to build on the success of its predecessors, offering a fresh set of events and a vibrant new setting.
Sports Features and Gameplay
The game featured a diverse lineup of events, including new additions like football (soccer), equestrian, and canoeing, alongside traditional Olympic staples like track and field, swimming, and gymnastics. The Wii version made extensive use of motion controls, allowing players to physically mimic the actions of their chosen sports, while the 3DS version utilized the handheld's unique features, including the touchscreen, microphone, and gyroscope.
A notable feature was the "London Party" mode, exclusive to the Wii version, where players could explore a virtual London, compete in mini-games, and collect stickers. This mode added a layer of exploration and discovery, making the game more than just a collection of sports events. The 3DS version offered a story mode where players participated in events to thwart the schemes of Bowser and Dr. Eggman, who planned to disrupt the Olympics.
Critical Reception
The game received mixed to positive reviews. Critics appreciated the variety of events and the vibrant depiction of London, but some felt the motion controls were hit-or-miss. The addition of new sports was well-received, though some reviewers noted that the game lacked significant innovation compared to previous entries. The 3DS version's story mode was praised for its engaging narrative and creative use of the handheld's features.
Fan Favourite Aspects
One of the standout elements of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games was the inclusion of iconic London landmarks, such as the Tower of London, Big Ben, and the London Eye, as backdrops for the events. Fans also enjoyed the new sports, particularly football and equestrian, which offered fresh gameplay experiences. The London Party mode provided a fun and immersive way to experience the game, with its mix of mini-games and exploration.
Overall, Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games successfully captured the excitement and grandeur of the Olympic Games in a new and vibrant setting. Its diverse events and engaging modes made it a hit among fans of the series, continuing the tradition of bringing together beloved characters in a celebration of sports and competition.
Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games (2013) - A Chilly Comeback
Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games was released in November 2013 for the Nintendo Wii U. This installment marked the series' debut on the Wii U platform, bringing enhanced graphics and new gameplay mechanics to the winter sports theme. The game took players to Sochi, Russia, offering a diverse array of winter sports and maintaining the series' tradition of combining fun, competitive gameplay with beloved characters.
Sports Features and Gameplay
The game featured a range of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, and ice hockey, similar to the 2009 Winter Games installment. However, it also introduced new events such as biathlon and snowboard slopestyle, expanding the variety of gameplay experiences. The Wii U's GamePad was utilized in creative ways, including as a steering wheel for certain events and as a display for first-person perspectives.
One of the most notable additions was the "Action & Answer Tour," a party mode that mixed trivia questions with sports challenges, creating a unique and entertaining multiplayer experience. The game also featured "Dream Events," fantastical versions of real sports infused with elements from the Mario and Sonic universes, offering over-the-top action and unique challenges.
Critical Reception
The reception for Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games was mixed. While the game's graphics and the variety of events were praised, some critics felt that the motion controls were inconsistent and that the game lacked depth in certain areas. The use of the Wii U GamePad received a mixed response, with some appreciating the innovation and others finding it gimmicky.
Fan Favourite Aspects
Fans particularly enjoyed the Dream Events, which continued to be a highlight of the series, offering creative and whimsical takes on traditional sports. The "Action & Answer Tour" was also a popular feature, adding a layer of party-style fun that was perfect for group play. The game's visual presentation, capturing the winter wonderland of Sochi, was another aspect that resonated with players, enhancing the overall experience.
Despite the mixed reviews, Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games provided fans with another enjoyable installment in the series. Its focus on winter sports and the use of new hardware features kept the gameplay fresh, continuing the tradition of bringing together iconic characters for a fun and competitive experience.
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (2016) - A Vibrant Celebration
Released in June 2016, Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games brought the beloved series to the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. This installment was available on the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and for the first time, the arcade platform. The game featured a colorful array of events set against the backdrop of Rio's iconic landscapes, offering fans a fresh and exciting take on the Olympic experience.
Sports Features and Gameplay
The game featured a diverse lineup of events, including both traditional Olympic sports and new additions such as rugby sevens and beach volleyball. The Wii U and 3DS versions offered different gameplay experiences, with the Wii U focusing on motion controls and HD graphics, while the 3DS utilized its touchscreen and dual screens for a more portable experience.
One of the standout features was the inclusion of "Duel Events," special events that added unique twists to traditional sports, incorporating elements from the Mario and Sonic franchises. These events provided a fun and competitive twist, allowing players to use items and special moves to gain an edge over their opponents.
Critical Reception
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised the game's colorful visuals and the variety of events, but some felt that the gameplay was too similar to previous entries. The introduction of new sports was well-received, particularly rugby sevens, which offered a fresh team-based experience. However, some reviewers noted that the game lacked significant innovation and depth.
Fan Favourite Aspects
Fans enjoyed the vibrant depiction of Rio de Janeiro, with its colorful venues and festive atmosphere. The "Duel Events" were a highlight, offering a playful and competitive twist on traditional sports. The addition of new events like beach volleyball and rugby sevens provided fresh gameplay experiences, adding to the game's appeal. The arcade version was also a unique addition, offering a different way to enjoy the game in a more social setting.
Overall, Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games continued the series' tradition of combining fun sports gameplay with beloved characters. While it didn't break new ground, it offered a colorful and engaging experience that captured the festive spirit of the Rio Olympics, making it a popular choice among fans of the series.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 (2019) - A Return to Tradition
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 was released in November 2019 for the Nintendo Switch, marking a return to the summer games theme and celebrating the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This installment brought the series to Nintendo's latest console, offering enhanced graphics, new events, and a nostalgic twist with retro-style gameplay.
Sports Features and Gameplay
The game featured a wide range of Olympic events, including classics like 100m sprint, swimming, and gymnastics, as well as new additions like karate, skateboarding, and sport climbing. The Nintendo Switch's versatile controls allowed for various gameplay styles, including motion controls and traditional button inputs, providing a customizable experience for players.
One of the most notable features was the inclusion of "Tokyo 1964" events, which offered retro-style gameplay with 8-bit and 16-bit graphics. These events paid homage to the first Tokyo Olympics, providing a nostalgic experience for fans of classic gaming. The game also featured a story mode, where players embarked on an adventure to thwart Bowser and Dr. Eggman's plans to trap Mario, Sonic, and friends in a video game world.
Critical Reception
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 received generally positive reviews. Critics praised the variety of events, the retro "Tokyo 1964" mode, and the polished presentation. The game's visual style, especially the vibrant depiction of Tokyo, was highly appreciated. However, some reviewers felt that the game lacked innovation and that certain events were less engaging than others.
Fan Favourite Aspects
Fans loved the "Tokyo 1964" events, which brought a unique and nostalgic element to the game. The retro graphics and gameplay were a delightful nod to classic gaming, offering a fresh twist on the series' formula. The addition of new sports, such as skateboarding and karate, was also well-received, providing new challenges and excitement. The story mode, with its light-hearted narrative and mini-games, added depth to the single-player experience.
Overall, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 successfully combined the charm of the Mario and Sonic franchises with the excitement of the Olympic Games. Its mix of new and classic elements, along with a variety of gameplay options, made it a fitting celebration of both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the long-running crossover series.
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