Everybody 1-2-Switch Review – GameTopic
Everybody 1-2-Switch Review - GameTopic
Everybody 1-2-Switch: A Disappointing Sequel
“Uh-oh! After numerous attempts to convince my friends to play Everybody 1-2-Switch with me, I’ve ended up with fewer friends, and not for the usual reasons like heated Mario Kart matches. It seems like this game has soured a good chunk of my holiday weekend with its bad ideas. Unfortunately, this sequel to 1-2-Switch falls short in comparison. Unlike its predecessor, which served as a tech demo for the unique features of the Switch controllers, this follow-up feels like a major step backwards. With a slim collection of uncreative and poorly designed mini-games, it fails to make good use of what makes the Switch special.”
A Mixed Bag of Mini-Games
“The premise of Everybody 1-2-Switch is simple: two teams battle it out in a series of non-sequitur mini-games that involve competitive chores like jumping rope or pumping up balloons. The most interesting change from the original is the addition of a mode where you can use your Apple or Android phones instead of Joy-Cons. This innovation allows you to play with your friends without the need for extra controllers. However, these phone-based mini-games are not always entertaining. For example, a game that involves simply playing Bingo on your phone is hardly groundbreaking. There are a few slightly better ones, like a game where you have to take a photo of something in your surroundings that matches the color shown on-screen. These mini-games add some novelty, but overall, they don’t quite hit the mark.”
“Adding cell phones to the mix does come with some technical roadblocks. Some mini-games require camera or microphone access, and if anyone in your group has blocked camera access, it can cancel the whole mini-game. It would have been nice if the game allowed players to enable camera access before canceling the entire experience. So, be prepared to do some on-the-spot tech support if needed.”
Uninspired Motion Controls
“The traditional Joy-Con mode offers motion-controlled games, such as one where you have to scoot your butts in each other’s general direction to bump each other out of a virtual arena. Unfortunately, these games are uninspired and rely on repetitive motions. They can easily be exploited by players who prefer using shady tactics instead of actually performing the activities. These motion-controlled games lack creativity and fail to showcase the innovative technology of the Switch.”
Lackluster Mini-Games and Repetition
“With only 17 mini-games compared to the previous game’s 28, Everybody 1-2-Switch falls short in terms of quantity and quality. Many of the mini-games are not winners. For example, there’s a samurai dueling game that feels like a carbon copy of the previous Quick Draw cowboy dueling game. The trivia game asks trivial questions like”Is the nose used to see things?” or “What letter comes after C in the alphabet?” These repetitive and unchallenging mini-games become progressively worse the longer you play them.”
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“After just a couple of rounds, you’ll likely find yourself forced to replay the same mini-games multiple times due to the limited options available. The slight adjustments in later iterations of the mini-games often make them even worse. This lack of variety and progression leads to an annoying and underwhelming experience.”
Shining Moments in an Otherwise Dull Collection
“Thankfully, there are a few mini-games where Everybody 1-2-Switch manages to shine. Games like Joy-Con Hide and Seek, where one player hides their controller and the other team searches for it, add creativity and entertainment to an otherwise dull collection of ideas. Similarly, the musical chairs game offers a fun and less injury-prone version of the classic game. These bright spots provide some enjoyment but fail to salvage the overall enthusiasm for the game.”
Unbalanced Challenges and Technical Issues
“However, many mini-games suffer from poor design. The ninja game, for example, lacks challenge as the defender can easily block ninja stars by simply swinging their sword at the right time. The sound effects that indicate the direction of the stars can be easily drowned out, leading to hilarious moments of audio interference. This lack of challenge and exploitability undermines the overall experience of the game.”
“In addition to the design flaws, there are also the usual issues with motion tracking devices. Connectivity problems with the Joy-Cons and input lag diminish the competitive aspect of the game. These technical issues, although common in party games, feel worse when combined with the lack of fun and creativity in Everybody 1-2-Switch.”
“While Everybody 1-2-Switch has its moments of creativity and entertainment, it ultimately falls short as a party game. The slim selection of mini-games, uninspired design choices, and technical issues make for a disappointing experience. It’s safe to say that this game won’t be winning any awards for its innovation or replayability.”
