An undoubtedly satisfying game, even if it is not free of flaws and, at times, can be too arcade-y. Many different and compelling disciplines are accompanied by some AI and control issues that somewhat undermine the playability of some of them. Nonetheless, SEGA’s new Olympic game can provide many hours of healthy fun, especially if played with friends.
This is a good arcade mini game collection which reminds us of the best classic Sega, but it falls short when it comes to offering quantity of sports and modes.
Arcade sport for the whole family, ideal to play with friends.
It’s easy to see how a fan of past Olympics games could be put off by Tokyo 2020, but if you’re willing to lean into its arcade tendencies, you can have a lot of fun with it. The games are enjoyable for the most part, the presentation is great, and there’s enough depth to keep you playing longer than just a few rounds of each sport. It certainly won’t be for everyone, but SEGA’s willingness to be bold and divert away from the simulation-heavy focus of previous Olympics games makes Tokyo 2020 a refreshingly memorable competitor that deserves some attention.
Ditching the simulation-heavy gameplay of previous Olympic games is a smart move that creates a more enjoyable experience, especially in multiplayer, but there’s still a lack of lasting replay value.
With its arcade orientation, its cartoonish aspect and most of the 18 events that hold up, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games – The Official Game does its job quite well, although we would probably have preferred a game more in the vein of London 2012 to name but one. However, it remains a fun game to play with family and locally, the multiplayer being deserted. The game alone will not hold you back for long once all the events have been played two or three times.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games: The Official Video Game doesn’t have a lot going on. Progression boils down to earning points to unlocking costumes, different titles, earning medals, and not much else. That progression can be kind of a slog, though, when a lot of the gameplay mechanics are too shallow to be fun for more than a few minutes (especially when playing alone). It’s at its absolute best when it’s over-the-top and absurd while competing in sports that are more than just button mashing. If you’ve got a friend or two — or the itch to take this thing online — you’re still bound to have fun, but I doubt it’ll keep most folks interested for very long.
