TLDR
- The game features over 150 bite-sized challenges from 13 classic NES games.
- It focuses on speedrunning, with players trying to complete challenges as quickly as possible.
- The game includes multiplayer modes for up to 8 players, both local and online.
- It offers weekly online events and leaderboards for global competition.
- While nostalgic, the game’s focus on short challenges may frustrate some players wanting full game experiences.
Nintendo has launched a new take on classic gaming with “Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition” for the Nintendo Switch. This unique collection brings together moments from 13 iconic NES games, challenging players to complete over 150 bite-sized tasks as quickly as possible.
The game features beloved titles such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Donkey Kong. Instead of offering full game experiences, it presents players with specific objectives from these classics. These range from simple tasks like collecting coins in Super Mario Bros. to more complex challenges like clearing entire courses.
At its core, Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition is designed to appeal to speedrunners and those looking for quick gaming sessions. Each challenge begins with a tutorial video showing how to complete the task optimally. Players then attempt to beat their own times or compete against others, with their best runs displayed side-by-side with current attempts.
The game offers several modes to cater to different play styles. In single-player, gamers can work through challenges at their own pace, unlocking new content with in-game coins earned from completed tasks. For those seeking competition, the game supports both local and online multiplayer options.
Party Mode allows up to 8 players to compete on a single system, tackling individual challenges or themed packs. An automatic rewind feature helps level the playing field for less experienced players. Online, World Championship Mode pits players against others globally in weekly rotating challenges, with leaderboards to track top performers.
Perhaps the most intriguing online option is Survival Mode, where eight players race against each other’s ghost data in three rounds of challenges. After each round, half the players are eliminated, creating an intense, competitive experience.
While the game taps into nostalgia for classic Nintendo titles, its approach may divide players. Some will appreciate the bite-sized nature of the challenges, perfect for quick gaming sessions or introducing newer players to classic gameplay mechanics. Others may find the truncated experiences frustrating, missing the depth and exploration of full game playthroughs.
The focus on speedrunning and repetition to achieve perfect runs could be seen as both a strength and weakness. For those who enjoy mastering game mechanics and shaving seconds off their best times, it offers a compelling challenge. However, players looking for a more relaxed, exploratory experience may find the constant pressure to improve times less enjoyable.
One interesting aspect of the game is how it highlights the evolution of Nintendo’s franchises. Players familiar with modern iterations of series like Kirby or Zelda may be surprised by the differences in older gameplay mechanics, providing a historical perspective on these beloved characters.
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition also serves as a training ground for speedrunning techniques. By breaking down classic games into specific challenges and providing optimal strategies, it offers insight into the world of competitive speedrunning, potentially inspiring players to explore this aspect of gaming further.
The inclusion of weekly online events and global leaderboards adds a live service element to the game, potentially extending its lifespan beyond the initial collection of challenges. How Nintendo supports the game with additional content or events in the future remains to be seen.
