What If Mario & Sonic’s Tokyo Olympic Games Were Expanded For 2021?

It seems like the premise of two of the most iconic video game characters of all time competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games has not aged well [24]. But you know what can somewhat provide some historical accuracy? A new mobile game titled “Mario At The Olympic Games”, along with a new update for Sonic At The Olympic Games [18]. I know that the Super Mario franchise is usually for Nintendo hardware only, but just look at how well Mario Kart Tour has done and that is a game for iOS and Android [5]. I know it would have been more consistent for some DLC to be established at some point last year after the Nintendo Switch version’s release in late 2019 [24], but titling it, “2021 Tokyo Games” and releasing it sometime later this year would restore the youth of the premise and make it far more historically accurate. Unfortunately, the developer of the game went bankrupt before its release [20], so it would be too late to develop and establish some DLC for the Switch port. Furthermore, the new date for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will begin after its reasonable postponement is July 2021 due to the eventual availability of two vaccinations against the virus [10] [24].

The premise within the arcade edition aged the worst since we had to spend a fraction of 2020 at home and the Olympics in real life had to be delayed to 2021. I cannot blame the developers since none of us expected the pandemic to happen. [25]

Looking at the older designs of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic logo that were shown from 2011 to 2016, I can see why some of us have speculated that an alternate logo for Mario & Sonic At The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games would be the official one [33] [34]. But that is beside the point of me theorising how the game’s premise will age well if there will be some additions referred to as “The Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games”. [3]

Which characters should be part of a new set of events in honour of the second Tokyo Olympic games taking place in Summer 2021? My first suggestion would be Pauline from Team Mario as she became a playable character for Mario Tennis Aces and further proved her self-empowerment back in early 2019 [6] [35] [36]. How about we also welcome Wave the Swallow back in the roster for Team Sonic since she is Jet the Hawk’s fellow racer [16] [23] [26]? Classic Sonic in 3D for the running events in the 2021 Olympics would be a real treat [13], especially in association with his 30^th anniversary [15]! I would suggest that the other four koopalings and the other four members of the Deadly Six from Sonic Lost World can be new guest characters [7] [14]. After all, Roy Koopa was a playable character in Mario & Sonic At The Rio 2016 Olympic Games [22]. Let us hope the Zor will not to too mopey to not participate in any events [14]. I believe some new playable characters for a “2021” chapter of the Tokyo Olympic games would make the mobile port more refreshing as if the chosen content were part of some DLC for the Switch port and as if AlphaDream had not been closed down [20].

Aside from how adorable Cream the Rabbit looks in her navy blue kimono [31] [32], I believe Pauline would look amazing in some new sporting attire, even though I would be cool with seeing her in her tennis outfit from Mario Tennis Aces for a new Tennis event [22] [35] [36]. [6]

Wave would look so cool in a new sporting outfit too! Right now, I am asking myself, “Despite the poor reception of Sonic Free Riders in the early 2010s [30], will the Sonic Riders series be revived for the Nintendo Switch?”. That would be a big opportunity to establish a fourth instalment of the spin-off series that would be a massive improvement. [26]

Perhaps there can be some new events for the update for Sonic At The Olympic Games as well, adding more to the “2021 Olympic Games” theme. I think there can be:

•        A Gymnastics event [24]
•        An Equestrian event [24]
•        A Boxing event [24]
•        A Surfing event [24]
•        A Skateboarding event [24]

The controls of the gymnastics event on a smartphone or tablet ought to be as functional as the controls in the main gameplay of Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX [12], which is an example of how exceptional the controls for new events should be. Zomom would be a great fit for a Boxing event with an appetite for victory and Wave would be a worthy competitor in the skateboarding and surfing events [14] [26], just like how she and the other two members of the Babylon Rogues were in the Sonic Riders series [16]. For Mario At The Olympic Games by Nintendo, a large amount of the events should be adapted from the Switch version, including the 100m event and perhaps the arcade version starring both teams [24] [25], consisting of highly similar functionality as Sonic At The Olympic Games with the same amount of competitors from Team Mario [27]. If Mario Kart can be adapted to iOS and Android [5], so can Team Mario at the Olympics.

I supposed there can also be a new chapter within the Story Mode featuring any new characters for the 2021 Olympic Games [27]. [19]

Shall we discuss what could have been for the Switch port if AlphaDream did not get shut down [20]? Characters like Pauline, Wave and the other koopalings could have been new playable characters as DLC. Another new character to play as would have been a player’s Mii. Imagine competing with custom coloured hair! I remember how my Mii did figure skating in the Wii version of Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Winter Games when I was still a high schooler [9], so it would have been great to be able to play as a Mii in the latest chapter. There also could have been more dream events, such as:

•         Dream Equestrian
•         Dream Skateboarding
•         Dream Surfing
•         Dream Archery

My Mii would have unleashed her inner Katniss Everdeen [28] [29]! Despite my previous statement, it could be possible for the software to still be available for providing some additions as downloadable content for the game in spite of AlphaDream’s bankruptcy [20], just as long as it is all backed up by another developer in association with Nintendo. But ultimately, at least we saw some great things in a new instalment rather than nothing. Call me crazy, but I am not the only one who came up with the idea of DLC for the Switch version [1] [17].

Peach and Daisy’s old athletic outfits that were seen in Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games could have come back as part of some DLC for the Switch version for good old time’s sake [8]. [21]

I am not saying that an extra instalment and a new update for Mario & Sonic at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games or a new mobile game titled “Mario At The Olympic Games” will definitely be released at some point in late 2021, considering how much time and effort goes into video game development, but it is interesting to theorise how such concepts referred to as “Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games” can greatly restore historical accuracy [24]. We can still be grateful for ideas that are actually being brought into action, including Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl, the forthcoming remakes of Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl [2]. But still, establishing a new app based on the Tokyo Olympic Games that only features Team Mario and a new update for Sonic At The Olympic Games later this year would have not only been historically accurate but also potentially respectful to a certain degree. If you have lost a loved one to the pandemic, my condolences go out to you. Remember that you are not alone and if you are a passionate gamer, know that your passions will remind you of who you are if you feel lost. I am delighted that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will take place this summer to make up for how they had to be delayed for the safety of every single competitor during the worldwide spread of coronavirus [24].

I stand by the fact that an update for Sonic At The Olympic Games referred to as “Sonic At The 2021 Olympic Games” would provide some new historical accuracy and restore the youth of the premise. [19]

I know that the possibility of any additions to the Mario & Sonic At The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games clan this year is extremely unlikely and the premise will remain terribly aged, but we can still be grateful for the outcomes of all ports of the game, including the Sonic-only mobile adaption [18] [19] [27]. There are plenty of seemingly great things to look forward to for the rest of 2021 and so on, including the shortly forthcoming revival of Rugrats [4] [11]. [21]

References

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Lara Croft Goes Cartoony In Tomb Raider Reloaded

Oh...my...Croft! My fellow tomb raiders, another mobile game based on the legacy of the intelligent and beautiful Lara Croft will be released in 2021 [9] [22] [24], the same year when Leisure Suit Larry: Wet Dreams Dry Twice will be available for the Xbox One, the PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo Switch outside of PCs and Macs [1] [2]. I remember collecting bronze coins as I swiped my fingertip left and right in Lara Croft: Relic Run back in 2015 [23]. I understand that not all of us are fond of mobile gaming due to experiences with specific clichés and inexcusably greedy microtransaction deals [11], but at least there will still be plenty of hope for another Tomb Raider game for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series that could perhaps start another new trilogy that could lead to the newer Lara steadily evolving into the classic one [38] [39]. Keep your twin pistols handy because we need to analyse the trailer for Tomb Raider Reloaded with plenty of caution while our dear animal crossers stay safe and have fun during the third anniversary of Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp and its exciting update that allows them to include any anthropomorphic camper in a photograph in AR Mode [14] [17].

Behold! Two twin pistols, which means… [9] [24]

It is great to see the classic Lara Croft back in action once again after the acclaim of Shadow of the Tomb Raider [27]. Unfortunately, I doubt that every tomb raider will let the new art style slide [25]. For a moment, I thought a screenshot of the trailer I saw on Twitter was just some nicely done fanart. But nope. It is official. Personally, the idea of a Tomb Raider game in a more cartoony art style is at least refreshing and I think the art style shown in the trailer is basically the 3D equivalent of the classic Lara’s appearance in Brawlhalla [19]. I at least adore how adorable her face looks. You should see the shots of the wolf, the humongous spider, mighty rock creature and the fierce T-Rex...but in a far more cartoony art style of course [9] [22] [24]. I completely understand that the new direction in art quality for a new mobile game seems quite off-putting, but what matters more is that the game should at least have engaging gameplay and an empowering portrayal of our lady in the plot. And yes, it is best not to make it another endless runner as that has already been done [23].

Old school Lara Croft is back, glitches! I would love Tomb Raider Reloaded to feature the option to change her outfit, just like in many previous instalments [29]. [9] [24]

I quite like the design of the forthcoming app’s logo [9] [20] [22] [24]. The aspect that stands out of the most is the words “tomb” and “raider” being coated in a tint of orange with a tint of yellow, thus resembling a depiction of the sky during sunset as each letter to surrounding by a fairly thick outline to help them stand out and maintain readability. Right below them on the bottom part is the word “reloaded” printed on it in white bold font, adding more individuality to the logo’s overall design. I would say the text is more readable than the logos for the first three logos for the franchise that consisted of rock-like texture from 1996 to 2002 [12]. The shapes behind the title resemble the door of a vault that consists of a cog. At least it is not a cog that tells someone to “f*** off” whilst smoking a cigar [13]. Oddly enough, the overall design of the logo reminds me of a fidget spinner, but I still like it for how its colour palette brings out the vibe of a run-of-the-mill premise of a Tomb Raider game, even though it would be wise to not judge a game by its logo.

The title of the forthcoming mobile game could be a big sign of the gameplay being a rehash of a specific era of the franchise [29]. Perhaps we may get to battle a T-Rex once again [7]. [9] [24]

What kind of interests me about the game’s title is the word “reloaded”. Reloaded? Does that mean the upcoming mobile game will be another remake of the first Tomb Raider game that was released in 1996 [28] [29]? Well, I guess that is the case since the remake of Conker’s Bad Fur Day that consisted of more advanced graphics for the Xbox was titled “Conker: Live and Reloaded” [3] [13]. Since there was already a remake of the first Tomb Raider game titled “Tomb Raider Anniversary” back in 2007 [7] [28], I feel as if it would be more necessary to remastered any of the sequels that were established in the late 1990s. Nonetheless, remaking the first game for a second time would be legitimate for celebrating the franchise’s 25th anniversary in 2021 [29]. A second remake of the first game in a series worked well for Mr. Larry Laffer, right [15] [16] [21]? Besides, the title of his second remake also consisted of the word “reloaded”. It is important for a game’s title to not be potentially misleading, so the term “reloaded” must lead to the upcoming mobile game being a mobile interpretation of any of the games from the classic trilogy, despite how I believe that would be quite an awkward decision.

I find it quite awkward that a remake of a ‘90s console game will be an app for modern mobile devices. Nevertheless, the title of the new Tomb Raider game should not ultimately be misleading as the term “reloaded” in an instalment’s title would be highly likely to mean “remade” in gaming terms [13] [16]. [9] [24]

It seems that my theories on how a spin-off that introduces a deaf archaeologist who communicates with British Sign Language and how a new game introduces Lara on a quest without guns have been proven false [32] [33] [38] [39]. Well, at least for now. In 2021, the time some of our tomb raiders are at least giving Tomb Raider Reloaded a chance [25], plenty of fellow Marvel fans might perhaps enjoy cooking with a certain menacing merc [6]. There will also be the official marketing of the Playdate, a fairly strange contraption with a crank to turn that should hopefully be also available in an edition for left-handed players and a small variety of different colours for more sales after its first season of monochrome games [18] [30] [31]. As much as I would love to listen to an audiobook release of Cooking With Deadpool performed by Ryan Reynolds [4] [5] [36], I would love to cosplay as the younger Lara who became a survivor again once we can all go to gaming conventions again [35]. Here is to a hopefully much safer 2021 that provides a vaccine for defence against coronavirus in order for that and many other opportunities to happen. I never want to live in a year like 2020 again.

“I am so sorry for my off-topic cameo, readers! I hope I can receive some slack since I have been one of Laura’s coping mechanisms throughout 2020 [34]. 2021 will also be my 30th anniversary [37], so she’d better behave herself! I, Wade Wilson, wish the gorgeous tomb raiding chick the best of luck in her upcoming mobile game.” [6]

Mr. Wilson gets some slack. As for Ms. Croft, I wish her the best of luck too! [9] [24]

References

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4. Deadpool, dir. by Tim Miller (20^th Century Fox, 2016).

5. Deadpool 2, dir. by David Leitch (20^th Century Fox, 2018).

6. Dinh, C. (2020). It's Time for 'Cooking with Deadpool'. Available: https://www.marvel.com/articles/culture-lifestyle/cooking-with-deadpool-recipes-preview. Last accessed 23rd Nov 2020.

7. Eidos Interactive. (2007). Tomb Raider: Anniversary. Nintendo Wii. London, England.

8. El-Bar, K. (2020). UK: COVID-19 vaccines to be available in early 2021. Available: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/uk-covid-19-vaccines-to-be-available-in-early-2021/2011014. Last accessed 24th Nov 2020.

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Crash Bandicoot Will Be On The Run In Spring 2021

In February 2020, I have encountered some leaked information about the beta version of Crash Bandicoot: On the Run before its official title came out and expressed my thoughts on such a concept [3] [31] [32]. After weeks and weeks of having to wear masks over our mouths and the bottom of our noses to protect ourselves beyond our homes [29], even whilst cosplaying [2], we have encountered the official trailer for Crash Bandicoot: On the Run and that the app was in beta testing this whole time, quite similar to how Club Penguin was in beta testing for two months it was officially released back in 2005 [9] [10]. About three more months later after the release of the first trailer for the updated version of Crash’s endless runner, it has been discovered that the true release date will be at some point in March 2021 [11]. As someone who has been into much more mobile gaming ever since after a sweet sixteenth birthday, I shall explain what is new for the goofy bandicoot’s endless runner after some testing and acclaim in Brazil and Malaysia [3] [31] [32], so sit back and have a nice cup of Wumpa Whip [8].

It is time to take a closer look at the endless runner developed by King that will be properly marketed in March 2021 [11] [17]. [3]

According to the first trailer that consists of lively audio and striking visuals, the updated version of the endless runner has new levels, including an icy location and a temple [15] [16]. By now, we are aware of the first level being set in a jungle. There is even one level that is set in Dr. Cortex’s laboratory shown in the second trailer, which is definitely a darker and more sinister version of Dexter’s laboratory [12]. There are several obstacles in that level that the player can dodge by swiping a fingertip in specific directions on the screen within some form of challenge, which is present in other endless runners, such as Lara Croft: Relic Run [28]. Quite concerningly, the gameplay in Crash Bandicoot: On The Run appears to be somewhat laggy, according to some viewers [17]. Luckily, the gameplay’s frame rate ought to be smoother on more recent mobile devices as I recall having no choice but to play Sonic Dash on my iPad Air as its frame rate of my fourth-generation iPod Touch was intolerable and the game often suddenly crashed [24] [25]. Great, now the song that was playing in the first trailer is probably going to get stuck in my head [15] [16].

Here is an updated prime example of what the gameplay is like. [3]

Let us not forget about the reward system of making a base gradually evolve [31] [32]! [3]

The app’s graphics appear to have been updated, according to the most recent artwork and the trailers [3]. Crash’s design now resembles more of his classic design from the original trilogy with differently designed ears, compared to his previous design [3]. Please do not get me wrong, but while the alternations of his design are definitely not as drastic as Princess Butter’s extreme makeover after the beta testing of MySims Kingdom for the Nintendo Wii [13], I think his previous design from the beta version of the app would have at least appealed to the fellow bandicoots who preferred other eras of Crash over the classic trilogy [31] [32]. Nonetheless, at least his animations shown in the gameplay footage in the second trailer are rather lively, thus enhancing the feeling of a cartoony adventure on a mobile device, despite the slight lagging some viewers have noticed in the second trailer [15] [16] [17]. Whether the graphics and character design have been changed after the beta testing or not, I am aware that the overall gameplay experience, including a satisfying reward system and the elimination of irritating bugs and glitches would be more important when it comes to making a mobile game successful.

Crash’s newer design for the proper marketing of Crash Bandicoot: On The Run. [3]

Strangely enough, there is a disguise for Crash that highly resembles a blue hyena with black spots [3] [15] [16], quite similar to how there are costumes for him and Coco that can be purchased digitally in Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time [22]. I suppose he can appeal to some fellow bandicoots with his yellow clothing items, pink nose and brown eyes. I am still hoping for a Japanese release of Crash Bandicoot: On The Run to consist of the exclusive design of the loveable bandicoot for Japanese mobile gamers [5] [31] [32], as well as Western players who ironically prefer that design if the app becomes successful. The same beady black eyes and extra fingers ought to apply to the blue hyena skin and Fake Crash too. I am also hoping for Coco to have her own skins in any future updates too as I love customizing characters in video games, especially female characters. Heck, the siblings’ designs from Crash of the Titans could return in a future update of the app. The blue hyena skin with striking characteristics will be available from a pre-registration deal, which I suppose is a nice promotion [3]. Call me crazy, but I think I will call the hyena version of Crash “Ram Hyena”.

Ram Hyena will be Crash Bandicoot’s new best friend [15] [16]! [3]

Sadly, the Japanese Crash is not present in Crash Bandicoot 4 [4], but there is hope for a Japanese Crash skin in the endless runner. [5]

What about the other characters in the app that follows that same formula of an endless runner? I am delighted that Coco will be playable in her classic design by the name of girl power [15] [16], just like in the N. Sane trilogy [1]. Let us not forget about the wise Aku Aku as we continue to pay our respects to Mel Winkler [19]. What about the villains? Well, how Cortex, his niece Nina and Fake Crash are portrayed as bosses in boss battles remind me of how Zazz and Dr. Eggman are bosses in Sonic Dash because of the way they show up in forms of transport that can hover in the air and how they launch obstacles at the playable character [17] [24]. Nina’s new design is quite…interesting with yellow hair clips and the red “N” on her forehead from Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled [3] [6] [17]. I am pretty sure she has written some nasty things about Crash and Coco in a burn book at some point [18]. Just the main cast reprising their roles, I am sure that the overall outcome of Crash Bandicoot: On The Run will do the usual Crash phase justice, even though the endless runner formula may not be every gamer’s can of fizzy pop [31] [32] [33].

Here are the cast members, including Scorporilla! [3]

Speaking of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, it has been hinted that the app’s plot will feature Dr. Neo Cortex will try and take over different dimensions. If that does not scream “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse” [27], then I do not know what does. I believe that this expansion on the premise was to solely further promote Crash Bandicoot 4, though I have nothing against that as the reception of that game has been highly acclaimed so far due to its outstanding graphics, engaging gameplay and interesting take on an alternate version of Tawna, Crash’s love interest [4] [7]. Of course, the base that can be built by amazing progress from completing levels can pretty much be seen as an important aspect of the story when it comes to further establishing Crash and Coco’s motivations for saving the day. It is interesting to see an update of an app out of beta testing be associated with an aspect of another instalment of a franchise, even if it is just for further promoting or some Easter eggs. I am pretty sure that some future updates after the app’s marketing in Spring 2021 can provide some more expansions on the overall plot.

Crash is seen being sucked into a vortex that leads to another dimension in a cinematic scene, thus leading to what the premise of the app is about. [16]

Speaking of this version of Tawna, it would be awesome if she could be playable in the endless runner in a future update! [7]

In conclusion, the official release of Crash Bandicoot: On The Run ought to be quite a quest for fellow bandicoots who adore mobile gaming in Spring 2021, especially for those gamers outside of Malaysia and Brazil while plenty of spines of Nintendo nerds tingle from the suspense of Bowser’s Fury, which is some added content in a forthcoming port of Super Mario 3D World for the Nintendo Switch [21]. Additionally, I do not doubt that those who stick to console gaming will continue to adore Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Xbox Series [4] [22]. Speaking of PlayStation, I am more delighted that there will be a brand new Ratchet and Clank game for the PlayStation 5 titled “Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart” and I still would like to see yet another reboot of the Spyro the Dragon franchise that can appeal to all sides of the spectrum within the iconic purple dragon’s fandom on that console [23] [26] [31] [32]. Surely some fellow bandicoots may wish to just stick to the next big step in the main Crash Bandicoot games [4], even if it might be available for the PlayStation 5 soon and that is absolutely fine [14] [33]. Anyone for pancakes later?

Bring it on, Doc!! [16]

References

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