Windjammers Reviews
As a warning, for at least the first week after launch online play won’t yet be available but it appears the intent is to have the game patched shortly after launch. Assuming that online play, since the game is pretty straight-forward, won’t have crippling problems I’d consider it a “nice to have” but ultimately availability of other players will be a wild card beyond the first week or two after the game’s release… so there’s no way to predict what net positive or negative effect it will have ultimately. If you’re an old fan from the arcades or are looking for a cheaper and less elaborate sports title you can enjoy with a friend Windjammers plays well and is a solid game for what it is. If online is critical to whether you’re interested be sure to keep an eye out for news on its availability and quality somewhere around the 30th hopefully to get a more refined answer.
It’s great to see more gamers have the chance to try out the once forgotten arcade gem Windjammers for themselves. The game strikes that perfect balance of simplicity and depth featuring action so fast-paced and on the edge of your seat, you’ll have a tough time putting the controller down. Best of all though, it manages to make playing with a Frisbee look cool, and any game that can accomplish that is okay in my book.
At its core, Windjammers is an addictive, colorful, and vibrant experience that is worth investing time and effort in. The online could be better, but this is a great, faithful port of the 1994 original updated to today's standards. It's definitely worth a look for both local multiplayer and retro enthusiasts alike.
Playing offensive or defensive is really simple, with only using the left analogue stick and either the Y or A buttons. When the disk is thrown, standing in front of it will intercept it. If it’s thrown too far, you can do a quick slide into catching it. A power play is done by pressing a button just before catching it, prompting a power throw. These are fast throws that may even change directions, causing some quick needing defence skills. Power throws can be caught and even have a power return making for very fast, wild matches.
Windjammers is a fun and fantastic multiplayer arcade game and the Nintendo Switch version takes advantage of that strength. The classic Neo Geo game passes that aforementioned 10-second rule while still giving the player more to learn after they know the basics. However, if I didn't have anyone to play with, I don't know if I would want to play at all. This is meant to be played with others, in the same room, playing on a couch screaming at the TV after a long and intense volley. If you know some people interested in that type of experience, purchasing Windjammers is a no-brainer.
A lack of characters, stages, or much else to do is a big setback given the demand of games today, however being a port of the original game from ‘94 awards it a little more leeway in our expectations. Here’s hoping the sequel due out next year will give us the modern Windjammers title we need.
Windjammers was a lot of fun on Neo Geo and it's still fun now on the Nintendo Switch. While I had some minor problems at first using the Joy-cons to make precise curve shots, it's not to hard to adapt and soon you'll be throwing the disc every which way on demand. Once you've mastered the controls and have gone through Arcade Mode over and over again, grab some friends and have them join in on the fun.
The single-player mode might be a bit weak, but that should in no way deter anyone from buying Windjammers. It’s yet another excellent addition to the Switch library!
Calling Windjammers “The most entertaining sports game ever made” is quite a stretch, but this is a very fun game. That said, this Neo Geo port is $14.99 on Nintendo Switch, and if you manage to find any online competition you've succeeded where I have not. So bookmark this one, but for a future sale.
Right here, right now, Windjammers is an excellent port of an absolutely amazing game. And while all the platforms are good, I think the Switch might be the single best platform for it. Between the easily learned mechanics, their smooth compatibility with a single Joycon, and the speed of a match, this is one of those games that is perfect for those magical moments where you just set the system down and start playing with someone.
Fast, frantic, and far more addictive than it initially lets on, Windjammers is a wild reimagining of Pong, with a well-rounded competitive edge.