Review – Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game
Like the rest of the world, the Tokyo Olympic Games of 2020 has had its complications with the Covid 19 pandemic causing a number of postponements and the rescheduling of this gigantic event. This actually created more time for Sega to work on and improve its upcoming title. Even though Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game originally released for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 back on July 24th, 2019 in Japan, Sega would use this extra time to reflect, add to and tweak the games’ 18 events, and release it for the rest of world, along with an Xbox One version that has Series X|S enhancements.
Before players hit the track, pool, court or any of the other official event locations, the player is thrown into the deep customisation options. The player’s customisation can be as small as gender, skin tone, voice and body shape, to the size of the player’s many facial features, height, and even which hand and foot the player is most dominate in using. Players can also choose their skill level in certain areas, such as power, speed and technique, and as the player earns points by completing events, they can change their skill level. Points can also be used to unlock costumes, hats and masks. While they are just cosmetic, winning a 100m sprint in a Sonic the Hedgehog suit, playing Rugby Sevens as a cowboy or even victory in the 100m freestyle as an astronaut screams fun, and that is Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game. A game that does not take itself seriously and puts fun ahead of being a serious sports simulation.
The 18 events make up the core gameplay of Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game. The events are a collection of unique mini games, with each having their own controls, that covers the different aspects of the Olympics. Events can last from a quick 10 second sprint, to a 10-minute tight match of Baseball, however most come in at a minute or two. Events include:-
- Track and Field, including the 100m sprint, 110m hurdles, 4 x 100m relay, Long Jump and Hammer Throw.
- Aquatic events, including the 100m Freestyle and 400m Medley.
- Team Events, including Basketball, Football (soccer), Baseball and Rugby Sevens.
- Striking sports, including Tennis, Table Tennis and Beach Volleyball
- Other random events , including Boxing, Judo, Sports (rock climbing) and BMX.
Just like any mini game collection, there are hits and misses. As a fan of the old school Olympic button mashes, I was disappointed with only six Track and Field and Aquatic events. While the A/X button is used for speed in the 100m Sprint, Long Jump and Hurdles, the extra button inputs needed to get those gold medals vary and no two events are the same. Other impressive games include the striking events, in Volleyball, Tennis and Table Tennis. Sadly, the team sports are always going to be hard to judge, and while they are never going to match the AAA big guns, there are some decent inclusions here. While Football, Basketball and Baseball are all entertaining and very easy to pick up and play, Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game does not compete in the simulation department. Rugby Sevens on the other side is a mess, and unlike the unrated Sega’s Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, it is not fun. Sadly, BMX, Judo and Sport Climbing are all a miss for me but like any mini game collection, no two people will be alike with their favourites.
The main way to play Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game as a single player is the Olympic mode where the player chooses an event and competes in it up to three times, with a qualifier, semi-final and final, giving the player a medal if they finish in the top 3. I found the mode very hit and miss and while I was winning the Football final by 3 goals and Rugby Sevens by 35 points, I was driven insane trying to get the 110m Hurdles and Sport Climbing gold medals. Players can also choose a medley of these events or create their own medley with up to seven events.
If players are picking up Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game I would safely assume they are going to sink much time into multiplayer, however, it is sadly let down by only allowing two local players at a time. When I first received this review code, I was eagerly excited to get my hands on this with family and friends and have some laugh out loud moments while competing in a variety of sports. It is an outcry that no events host more than two people locally while there are literally four players on screen for Volleyball and doubles Tennis and Table Tennis. This is not something that is in favour for mini game collections, especially one that is marketed at sports competition.
While only two players can play locally, up to 8 can play online together and the player can also attempt to go online and complete in ranked events at certain times around the world. While I struggled in the single player mode for Hammer Throw and Hurdles, I absolutely nailed it in the ranked events, earning a Silver and then Gold medal on my first attempt. While I had no issues with lag, it did not look promising for the opposition who had a couple of vocal players complaining.
Everything looks and sounds good within the presentation department. Avatars are exaggerated with over-the-top body shapes and large heads. The music can get a little repetitive, but this was a title where I had my own Spotify playlist going while constantly pushing for that Gold medal or World Record. Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game is G rated and perfect for all ages, however, if players are after a more family friendly affair, Sega’s Mario and Sonic Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 offers more for the younger age group.
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Pottsy for One More Game
7 – Good – This is an all-round solid game that delivers some features really well. It’s a game that most gamers will likely enjoy. If you’re not a fan of the game or genre then you may want to wait for a deal before picking it up.
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Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game was reviewed on an Xbox Series X. It is also available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.
The publisher kindly provided code for this game. All thoughts on this game are ours and ours alone.
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