In recent years, table top games have seen a slight decline in popularity. In part, this is due to the boom in the video games industry. In this sense, it has been interesting to see how the markets are adapting to the surge in popularity of electronic video gaming devices. One of these unique adaptations comes in the form of the Nintendo Switch, a fantastic portable console, and Nintendo‘s fervour that there is a place for table top games in an all digital world. The result is 51 Worldwide Games, a wonderful modernisation of popular classics taking advantage of the Nintendo Switch’s unique features.

As the title suggests, there are 51 games included in the 51 Worldwide Games compilation. They range from a variety of genres including, but not limited to, card, board, sport and even piano styled games. Each game has been carefully thought out to use all of the Switch’s many unique features, like the touch screen, rumble HD feedback and even the fact the JoyCons can be removed. Playing each of the unique titles is wonderfully easy too, as the title includes an easy to navigate UI. Better still, every time a game launches the option to watch an informative instructional video is presented – ensuring everyone understands how to play.

Full list of games included in 51 Worldwide Games

Card games: Hanafuda, Texas Hold’em, Blackjack, Last Card, President, Sevens, Takoyaki, Speed, Matching, Pig’s Tail, War

Board games: Mancala, Hare and Hounds, Chinese Checkers, Dots and Boxes, Hit and Blows, Hex, Checkers, Four-in-a-Row, Backgammon, Ludo, Dominoes, Yacht Dice, Renegade, Richi Mahjong, Chess, Gomoku, Shogi, Mini Shogi

Variety games: Fishing, Shooting Gallery, Carrom, 6-Ball Puzzle, Battle Tanks, Team Tanks, Slot Cars

Sport games: Billiards (8-Ball/9-Ball), Air Hockey, Darts, Bowling, Golf, Toy Tennis, Toy Baseball, Toy Boxing, Toy Football, Toy Curling

Single player games: Sliding puzzle, Mahjong Solitaire, Klondike Solitaire, Spider Solitaire

Bonus: Piano

Perhaps the best feature of 51 Worldwide Games is how it has been designed with local multiplayer in mind. In this sense, almost all games (barring a select few) allow for a minimum of two people to play. Given the recent lockdowns around the world, it has been a real boon to have a portable console that allows for genuinely fun and engaging multiplayer in the living room. Whether passing the JoyCons around or hiding the screen away from other players; each game has been carefully attuned to provide some engaging multiplayer experiences. The only caveat is how the console needs to be accessible for touch controls, and therefore cannot be connected to a TV for those who might want multiple people in one room to be included in the fun.

In addition to local multiplayer, 51 Worldwide Games also includes an online component. When online, players can choose up to three games to play in one session with online friends. Unfortunately, this mode is not as well thought out as the physical multiplayer. For a start many games do not support an online multiplayer component, despite catering for physical multiplayer. It is an odd design decision that effectively excludes some of the more engaging titles from being enjoyed online.

Through using all of the hardware features available to the Nintendo Switch, 51 Worldwide Games provides a unique and engaging package featuring many hours of enjoyment. Unfortunately the lasting appeal of certain games, especially the more unknown on the list, might only offer fleeting levels of enjoyment for some gamers. It is also unfortunate how many of the games do not allow for online play, despite some fantastic off-line and local co-op functionality. Overall, 51 Worldwide Games is a wonderful package that does a great job of providing a variety of experiences to enjoy in one handsome package.

Verdict:

GOOD

PROSCONS
Easy to use UIDecidedly average ‘online’ multiplayer
Games take advantage of Switch featuresLasting appeal is questionable
Wonderful ‘local’ multiplayer

Title reviewed on Nintendo Switch with code supplied by Nintendo.

Learn more about our review methodology here.

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Owner, founder and editor-in-chief at Vamers, Hans has a vested interest in geek culture and the interactive entertainment industry. With a Masters degree in Communications and Ludology, he is well read and versed in matters relating to video games and communication media, among many other topics of interest.