Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games has gotten a new trailer for Japan, highlighting some of the features within the game as well as something new to the series: amiibo support.
The game features a cast of characters from both series, including some newcomers for the combined series. As usual, these characters are competing in the upcoming Rio Summer Olympic Games, either on Mario’s team or Sonic’s team. The Games features plenty of events, including Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Cycling BMX, Equestrian Jumping, Football, Golf, Gymnastics Rhythmic, Swimming, Table Tennis, Volleyball and more. And though this game is set for release on both the Wii U and the 3DS, this trailer specifically highlights the 3DS version of the game.
Using the stylus is key on the 3DS, with many of the events requiring it. Running on a track or javelin throwing requires you to slide the stylus quickly across the screen over and over, while golf has you use it to drive and putt the ball. It’s a safe bet you’ll have to use it for other things that weren’t shown as well, such as Gymnastics Rhythmic, which seems to play much like a standard rhythm game, or Archery. With the 3DS version, you can also connect wirelessly to other players and face them off in the same way you would a computer player.
Also featured are fun, new twists on each classic Games event. In what seems to be separate from the regular gameplay, each event has variations that take elements from Mario’s and Sonic’s respective games and mixes them into the events. Instead of classic archery, Boos move your targets around. Instead of classic Equestrian Jumping, you ride Epona on a field where Thwomps may block your path.
Surprisingly, in a somewhat similar fashion to Super Smash Bros., Miis also make an appearance as a playable character. The game allows you to transfer your Miis into it and compete as them, even going so far as to include Mii Costumes not only of Mario and Sonic themselves, but of many others as well. Your Miis can also earn new items, such as golf clubs that resemble Red Shells or Chain Chomps.
Following its athletic background, the game also doubles as a pedometer. By carrying the game around with you, your Mii will earn steps towards lighting the Olympic Flame. By collecting steps, you can earn bonuses such as new items and costumes.
Lastly, the trailer shows us the game’s amiibo support. By tapping any of the various Mario amiibo, or the Sonic amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. series, you’ll be able to upgrade your current Mario or Sonic Mii costumes into gold versions of themselves, which give you boosts to your stats when competing.
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will be released in February of 2016 in Japan, and sometime later in 2016 for the rest of the world. And if you’re not interested in the game itself, at least give the trailer a watch. It’s worth it for nothing else other than watching Bowser Jr. ride on Epona’s back!
Written by George Comatas
As a wannabe social media personality and professional in the world of sarcasm, George does his best to always adapt to the changing world around him. He considers himself a maverick: a true-to-heart gamer with the mind of a pop star. Whether this makes him revolutionary or a setback, he's yet to find out. But one thing’s for sure; he's one-of-a-kind.
