Random: Google's 'Doodle Champion Island Games' Is A Retro Throwback

As you are no doubt aware, today brought the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Though the event is troubled, there's still plenty of attention and celebratory tie-ins, with Google Doodle being perhaps the most impressive.

For the next week, when you visit the Google search homepage you'll see the icon to play Doodle Champion Island Games; it runs in your browser like other Google Doodles, and it's surprisingly in depth. It is inspired by Japanese mythology, blending that with seven quirky versions of Olympic Sports to beat. It's structured like an RPG, with various NPCs to chat to and even sidequests to tackle; we found a Kappa contemplating the meaning of life, for example...

Controls are simple (arrow keys + space), and there are some fun takes on popular sports, this scribe's favourite being a rhythm music challenge. We reckon it has GBA-era vibes.

It's certainly worth a look - let us know what you think!