I feel like most people will have one game that comes to mind if you say Wii, and that is the iconic Wii Sports. So many fantastic memories are conjured by that game, and so many broken TV videos entertained us on social media. Since then, none of their motion games have quite captured the simplicity of being able to pick up and play the way that game did. Well, Nintendo is having another crack with Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, and it’s certainly the best attempt yet.
So what does Nintendo Switch Sports Resort offer?
As you may expect, the game is a bunch of sport-based mini-games. 12 of them to be more specific. They vary quite a bit in concept and quality. Archery is the game that has stood out the most to me, where, using two Joycons, you aim, pull back, and fire in a way that is easy to get your head around, and consistently fun. I could compete with the kids on this game alone for hours, but it becomes more interesting as you try to hit secret objects from much further away.
The full list of sports are archery, basketball, boxing, bowling, golf, power cruising, prop plane, skateboarding, table tennis, tennis, thumb wrestling, and volleyball. The two obvious weird ones to be in a sports game are power cruising, which has you riding around on a jet ski, and prop plane, which has you flying a plane. Both of these games were among the least interesting ones, with average controls and not as fun, but it does offer variety and something different when you need a change of pace. Basketball is also pretty dull because it has you commanding a team of two but not being able to control the players much.
On the flip side are the rest of the games. As I already mentioned, Archery is the stand-out game here, but others are a lot of fun. Boxing is fun as always, and table tennis was a massive hit. Thumb wrestling seems like it should be boring as hell, but it’s far more entertaining than you may expect. Giving your shoulders a rest is always a plus here too.
Playing it solo?
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort does offer a single-player mode called Island Crown where you need to rank up by beating AI opponents. This was a perfectly entertaining way to play the game, but if I was looking to buy the game for this mode, I doubt I would recommend it. Online felt the same to me, where playing against random real people doesn’t have that hook that playing with someone in the room does.
That’s where this game excels, playing with people in the room with you. Whether I was jamming with other adults, or the kids, we consistently had a great time. Bowling is a satisfying game to enjoy with a few beers.
Should you check out Nintendo Switch Sports Resort?
If you are looking for a fun party game, then this may be what you need. Simple gameplay makes it easy for guests to pick up and play, and makes it fun for the whole family. Some games are a bit rough, but the majority are fun. As a solo experience, it doesn’t quite hit the mark, but it’s a sweet addition if the primary purpose is to play with family and friends.
