I must admit, when the announcement for Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition came out, I didn’t feel very excited. The initial package didn’t really catch my attention. Despite being the right age and target audience, it just seemed a bit lackluster to me. However, after playing the game, I must say, I have changed my mind.
One thing that initially bothered me was the absence of full game ROMs. It made me skeptical. The missions seemed too simple and trivial at first glance. But once I actually got my hands on the game, I was pleasantly surprised.
There are some caveats, of course. The highlight for me is the same-room, same-screen multiplayer experience. This game truly shines in that aspect and provides a great alternative to Mario Party at a lower price point.
Now, let’s delve into the different modes of the game:
- Speedrun Mode: Play individual mini-games, complete challenges, earn rewards, and set records.
- World Championships: Participate in challenges made up of multiple speedrun mini-games and compete on an online leaderboard.
- Legend Challenges: String together difficult objectives into one larger challenge.
- Survival Mode: Face off against recorded ‘Ghost’ data from players worldwide.
- Party Mode: A fun multiplayer experience that supports up to eight players.
Party Mode, in particular, stood out to me. It offers a chaotic yet enjoyable experience for all players involved. The multiplayer aspect truly elevates the mini-games and adds an exciting competitive edge to the gameplay.
The variety of challenges and the inclusion of 13 first-party NES games make this game engaging for players of all skill levels. Despite its small game selection, it offers a unique and enjoyable gaming experience.
Overall, Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition has the potential to become a successful franchise. The multiplayer aspect adds depth and excitement to the mini-games, making it a worthwhile investment.
The competitive multiplayer aspect breathes new life into the mini-games, making even the simplest tasks exciting and engaging. At a price point of £25, this game is a great alternative to Mario Party for occasional gaming sessions with friends or family.
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition will be available exclusively for Nintendo Switch starting July 18, 2024.
