With a diverse assortment of minigames that span Olympic events ranging from horseback riding and surfing to the 100-meter dash and discus throw, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 carries the torch forward without evolving too much of the series longstanding formula, for better and for worse. While the events and sports-themed minigames are generally fun and challenging, the story mode, online gameplay, and structure of the whole thing could use a lot of work.
This six-hour story mode is jam-packed with awkward writing, tedious progression, and a generally ludicrous plot about Mario, Sonic, Bowser, and Eggman getting trapped in a retro video game. It’s extremely goofy, but not in an endearing and silly way, like Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. Meanwhile, everyone else is back in the 3D version of modern-day Tokyo, competing in the 2020 Olympic Games. It just comes off as ultra cringey as you slog through to unlock the limited special characters and special minigames. It feels like a waste of space.
