Nintendo World Championships might be my favorite multiplayer game in years, but the improvements for a potential sequel are obvious

Upon my initial encounter with Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition, my impression was less than favorable. I perceived it as appearing cheap, a mere attempt to cash in on nostalgia. I viewed it as a cynical move. However, upon further reflection, I realized that perhaps I was the one being cynical for jumping to such conclusions. As outlined in my earlier review of this retro package, there is more to it than meets the eye.

Initial criticisms I had, such as the absence of full versions of the NES games featured in the package, quickly dissipated. It became evident that these omissions were intentional to maintain the focus on quick challenges where every millisecond counts, rather than playing through entire games. While it’s clear that Nintendo aims to promote their Nintendo Switch Online service by offering these games separately, the package itself does not feel incomplete.

Where Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition falls short is in its online component. The time trial and multiplayer modes have the potential to excel online and become a viral sensation, especially among those eager to showcase their skills in classic games. However, the online features in this title are lacking compared to other online games, drawing criticism from reviewers. The absence of robust online leaderboards is particularly disappointing.

One mode allows players to compete directly against others by challenging the ghost data of real players’ records transmitted over the internet. While this feature is enjoyable, it offers a glimpse of what the game could have achieved with more robust online functionalities, which it currently lacks.

In a game like this, friendly rivalries should not be limited to sharing screenshots on social media and forums. The absence of comprehensive online capabilities is a drawback, reminiscent of high score challenges from decades ago. Despite this, there is a certain acceptance of this limitation, given the game’s focus on retro elements.

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition excels as a local multiplayer experience. Playing with friends is exhilarating and engaging. Few games can match the excitement of connecting eight controllers to the Nintendo Switch, making it a standout multiplayer game. The competitive atmosphere, rapid gameplay, and immediate consequences make it a memorable experience.

Gathered around a screen, each player focused on their own mini screen, the competition is intense. Custom rules emerge, tensions rise, and the experience is filled with excitement. It evokes memories of classic multiplayer games like Mario Party, but without the board game aspect, focusing solely on action-packed challenges.

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition stands out as one of the best new multiplayer games, offering a unique and engaging experience when played with friends. Despite its shortcomings, the game’s local multiplayer mode is undeniably fun. Hopefully, future iterations will address the lacking features while preserving the charm of the original.