Wii stood out as a console that loved to host parties of all kinds, both the best and the worst. This was one of them, and Bandai Namco wanted it to be repeated on Nintendo Switch, something that may come in handy given the scarcity of this type of party proposals. We value it with this Go Vacation review.
There are many objectionable aspects in Go Vacation . The main one is that their minigames are very simple and hardly challenging. It does not shine especially for its audiovisual section, and then it shows off a series of defects that distance it from great references of the party genre. However, it has something that fascinates me … that makes it worthwhile: it has a small open environment , with different areas, on an island of themed fun.
The moment I discovered their local multiplayer for up to 4 participants , and that everyone could move freely on their screen, enjoying this wide environment, I understood that Bandai Namco’s work had something special. It is not seen every day. Being able to travel by jeep, skateboard, quad or jet ski to each of the tests is not usual in party video games , and believe me, that is what is most enjoyed in this video game: the feeling of sharing a virtual vacation with your colleagues.
It is true that we saw Kawawii Island a few years ago on Wii, a platform that was known for its abundant number of family-style video games. However, taking it to the Nintendo Switch catalog has not been a mistake. Without being the best representative of the genre, it helps to fill a gap in the Nintendo console , being interesting for those who did not discover it in its day. Its quality is far from outstanding, but it is interesting as a party title, mainly due to the current scarcity of this type of proposal.
To play in company! Go Vacation is launched today
Minigames releasedI’m not going to start talking about minigames, but about what I consider to be the main asset of Go Vacation : its split-screen multiplayer for up to 4 players, both in desktop and portable mode. Of course, it can be played alone , and even then it defends itself considerably well. However, if you come here it is to share fun, and that is why the title shines when several users come together holding their respective Joy-Con horizontally (you can also use the Switch Pro Controller).
One of the best attributes of the video game is its split screen multiplayer for up to 4 players, both in minigames and in exploring environments.
The title is prepared for it. The minigames are simple enough that you only need to interact with a couple of buttons. However, the real strength is the one I mentioned at the beginning: the ability to freely explore the environment. Four zones are available (sea, mountain, snow and city) , each with its specific activities. That is, themed enclaves in which you can move using vehicles such as buggies, hair, inline skates …
The magic is in that detail: that it is a party game where you can go from one place to another with your friends in real time and decide which is the next minigame to play. Unfortunately, the things to do in this world are limited, and do not go beyond talking with an NPC, finding a chest or taking photos of the more than 40 animal species that are included. The degree of interaction is very primitive , but it is fair to acknowledge the courage of Go Vacation. It is appreciated.
Its main asset is split screen multiplayer for up to 4 playersBesides, it incorporates a couple of additional elements. The most surprising is the possibility of acquiring your own land to create a home. As we overcome minigames in the main adventure, we will be able to obtain more furniture with which to customize it. Additionally, there are a series of daily challenges that encourage you to visit the game periodically, as well as a level-up system. All these elements are unusual in this type of release, and that is why they must be highlighted.
The minigames are rarely out of the ordinary, and also some are too flat … without grace, or an especially brilliant execution.
I wish all this inventiveness had been applied to the more than 50 minigames available . They are actually the core of the experience, but at Go Vacation they lack the dedication required. They are tremendously simple, easy and sometimes they are monotonous . They do not tend to go out of the ordinary: volleyball games, races, ski jumping, hang gliding … but the worst thing is that they are not particularly fun. They lack rhythm for the most part, and although they sometimes denote a certain dedication (table hockey) and desire (water pistol fights), almost everything is too conventional.
There are no major additions to the reason for the video game’s arrival on Nintendo Switch. The most significant thing is the evolution in resolution (HD) , but in terms of visual detail, the austere tone of the original release remains. Also on the part of the sound plane, the less graceful section when playing very functional melodies, without any personality.
But what was said. Given the circumstances, and that Nintendo Switch is scarce in this type of proposal, the arrival of Go Vacation is welcome . In addition, it has good attributes. Its minigames are quite improvable, but its structure of freedom in an open environment, together with split-screen multiplayer, can make you spend good hours with your friends. If that’s what you’re looking for, this vacation may suit you.
“Interesting”
Go vacation
Go Vacation is not a bad option as a party video game, especially if we consider the shortage of alternatives on Nintendo Switch. Its central core, the minigames, should be more forceful, but it has the ability to freely explore an island with several zones, as well as local splitscreen multiplayer for up to four participants. This, together with the considerable amount of secrets it contains, makes it a title to take into consideration by those who, always without too many pretensions, want to celebrate a party on their console.
- Freedom of exploration in an open environment
- Split screen multiplayer for up to 4 players
- Good quantity and variety of minigames, with different themes
- Some accessory elements that expand the depth of the game
- Little inventiveness in the minigames, which are also too simple
- Very austere in audiovisual terms
