A year later than expected, much like the actual Olympics, the official 2020 Tokyo Olympics video game has pole-vaulted onto shelves.
The latest in the Olympic video game series is, as expected, much like the previous games just with a fresh look, some new events and a new location, à la Tokyo.
While the real thing is just weeks away, players can take on others around the world in the official video game of the Olympics by Sega.
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Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – Official Video Game (what a mouthful) seemingly released on time in Japan, but 9news.com.au was given the chance to test-drive the game before it was released to the rest of the world.
Like most games in this genre, it has its repetitive moments.
Most events require the player to mash X (or A on Xbox) to move.
The faster you press X, the faster your avatar goes.
But that’s not to say there’s no variety, players can compete in 18 different Olympic events.
Take on the 100m sprint, time your jump on the hurdles, swim, climb and box your way to the centre podium.
In events like BMX racing it’s all about timing, jumping at the right second and turning corners at precise moments.
In swimming, you’ll need to time your strokes with the left and right thumb sticks in addition to mashing X.
Boxing uses the triggers and thumb sticks to punch and block, while basketball, taking inspiration from NBA 2K no doubt, sees the player move across the court passing control teammates as you go.
After finishing an event you’ll gain points depending on how well you played, these points can be used to unlock player techniques and outfits.
There’s a huge library of outfits to choose from.
Featuring a mostly realistic tone, the game does include some playful elements like power-ups, colourful characters and costumes.
Graphics, while simple, are neat and modern.
There’s plenty of faces in the crowds and player reflections can be seen on the court.
For a video game created in 2019, Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is easy on the eyes.
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Character customisation is incredibly detailed.
Every intricate angle of the player’s nose can be adjusted, colours and hair lengths are made to order, choose which side your hair sits.
You can even adjust the pitch of 20 different character voices.
It’s hard not to appreciate the customisation options available.
Character avatars can be shared online using codes, we can expect this feature will allow players to access avatars that look like their favourite athletes and celebrities.
The game was originally scheduled for release in July last year, before the PS5 and Xbox S|X launched.
With no next-gen release at the ready, it’s clear the publisher, Sega, has been sitting on this for a long time.
And while 9news.com.au did test the game out on the PlayStation 5, there wasn’t a whole lot of next-gen to accompany it.
The previous Olympic video game, London 2012, was released on the PS3 and Xbox 360.
A next-gen update for this game would go a long way, but there’s no indication of that happening just yet.
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – Official Video Game is out now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows (Steam) and on Google Stadia.
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