We played the compilation of classic board games and games for the Nintendo Switch and tested their multiplayer or online options.
One of the games that was recently announced for the Nintendo Switch had neither the foci of relevance above it nor can it be considered one of the most anticipated, although despite this it has the capacity to entertain for hours with very simple proposals. This is the case of 51 Worldwide Games, a compilation of board games from all over the world that arrives on June 5 on the Nintendo console. We have been able to play with the final version to tell you how far an experience goes that mixes traditional gameplay with some of the virtues of the hybrid console.
The display of available games is noteworthy, with some known and played by us as children, others that we have seen many times but have never understood how they were going and others that we simply did not even know existed. The list of 51 games is as follows: Mancala, Squares, Generala, Four in a Row, Secret Code, Mill, Hex, Checkers, Hare and Dogs, Go-moku, Dominoes, Chinese Checkers, Ludo, Backgammon, Renegade, Chess, Shogi , Minishogi, Hanafuda, Japanese Mahjong, last card, black jack, Texas Hold'em, President, Sevens, Speed, couples, War, Takoyaki, Pigtail, Golf, Billiards, Bowling, Darts, Carrom, Tennis, soccer, Curling , Boxing, Baseball, Air Hockey, Car Racing, Fishing, Tank Battles, Team Tanks, Target Shooting, Connect 6, Sliding Route, Mahjong Solitaire, Klondike Solitaire, Spider and Gift Solitaire, Piano to Play and relax.
The mix of titles ranges from card games to board games, recreation of other larger games, such as table football or others such as bowling and darts. All of them divided into whether it can be played alone, in pairs or up to four players, with local options, with options with several consoles -something that we have not been able to test, naturally, because the game is not yet for sale and because of the We cannot confine ourselves to meet other people – and also online.
And what do we find? Well, a variety of games with a different response too. Curiously, the games that less interest end up are especially those that require more playable interaction. For example, games like foosball, tennis or boxing, based on physical versions that we all have in mind, are somewhat limited in options and do not add much. In addition, the title simplifies quite a few mechanics, such as in billiards where we can see the trajectory of the ball that we are going to hit according to the direction we give it. This happens in other experiences, where we are visually and easily indicated if we have a domino to place, a way for the ladies to perform or a card for Sevens to put. It's not dramatic, but it does over-automate some games.
Unexpected fun in various games
In contrast, in others fun is guaranteed, even for those with whom we did not have much hope. Each game has a mini-tutorial that explains how the games unfold, and let's be honest: we had never thought that the Chinese checkers could be so entertaining once you try and understand the mechanics. The same thing happens with games that we may have seen his board but we have never tried his luck, such as Backgammon or Carrom, a traditional game from India.
Among the outstanding proposals we find the card games, thanks to the fact that you do not have to deal the cards and that it is automated. Of course, the game does not offer a solution to play doubles in some titles like Texas Hold'em. Naturally, not seeing the cards is essential, but maybe a mechanic to show them with a button and cover the part of the screen with your hand (in portable mode) could be a small solution. Speaking of the most famous form of poker, it has some limitations, such as not allowing you to raise your bet to the level you want from the beginning or doing some actions such as launching an all-in whenever you want. It is simplified.
Something that has surprised us in a positive way is the CPU level, which requires you to play concentrated and thinking about the movements because it does not leave you room to win easily. It happened to us with the four in a row, from which we did not expect too much and with three or four games you were already seeing that the CPU traced strategies of the most interesting. Same with checkers or renegade, so the game has its point for the solo player as well. During our sessions we have been able to test the online game, available for up to four players, and the games have worked perfectly, without any problem at the lag level or similar.
Another of the functions that we have found available is the possibility of playing with touch controls in a large number of games, something that is more friendly in various card games and other to move chips such as Backgammon, Ludo, Shogi or checkers. The title has a hub in the form of a globe where we can find other avatars that invite us to play by categories, for example games that are related to Nintendo, others that are only by touch controls or common social games in events, among many more .
51 Worldwide Games is a simple, direct proposal that is very clear about what it wants to offer: a large number of classic games to enjoy at home without too many problems. It is true that the need for a second console to enjoy some titles limits local possibilities and that mechanics have been simplified in some cases, but also that there are varied options for all tastes, in addition to an online mode, it works easily ( we just have to create a room and the rest is added to it) and without problems. When we have delved much deeper into each of its games, the options and multiplayer modes and trying to beat the CPU in its greatest difficulty, we can issue our final Reviews. For now, the experience in general terms is being pure entertainment. And that's what ends up counting.
