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Taste-Test: Wario Ware: Smooth Moves
Rated: RP for Rating Pending
Developer: Intelligent Systems Ltd.
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
Saving: Unknown
Connectivity: Nintendo WiiConnect24
Impressions by Eric Jones
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First developed in 2002, the Wario Ware concept was a delightful change from the norm when it came to minigame compilations, throwing gamers into 3-5 second challenges, and forcing them to use pure skill and quick wits to figure out what to do, and how to do it. In recent editions, the series seems to be moving into becoming a sort of showcase for Nintendo's latest gameplay innovations, such as GBA connectivity, the DS's touch screen, and the GBA tilt sensor. Thus, it was pretty much expected that, after the revealing of the Wii's unique controller back in September 2005, that a Wario Ware would be on the way just to show the crazy ways it would work. And lo and behold, at E3 2006, Nintendo (predictably) revealed Wario Ware: Smooth Moves - the latest Wario Ware game made exclusively for the Wii, which would be a launch title for the console.
From the short demo for the game shown at E3, it doesn't look like the Wii's Wario Ware will be any different from previous installments, as you simply use the Wii's controller in various ways to complete the minigames. Fortunately, a helpful picture before each game shows exactly how to hold the controller.
The variety of games shown off in the E3 demo of Wario Ware was pretty astounding, and ranged from the simplest to the most outlandish of tasks. In one, you simply adjust the controller to roll a ball into a hole. In another, you hold the controller on its side to do curls, similar as to with a barbell. In yet another, you slash through a block of wood, as if with a sword, and in another, you hold the controller like a steering wheel to drive a car. Then, it gets weird: in one game, you hold the controller on top of your head and do squats. In another, you hold it at your hip and wiggle in order to keep a hula hoop going. In all, the variety of minigames proved that the controller could certainly be used in a large amount of ways, and might even give developers hints on how to best use the thing. It doesn't hurt that the concept is really fun, and likely very comfortable for non-gamers.
The game's graphics are what you'd expect from a Wario Ware, which is fine…for a handheld. Most games are strictly consisting of sprites, but there is some minor 3D thrown in here and there. Then again, this is Wario Ware, so graphics aren't exactly the important selling point. Neither is the game's music, which is standard Wario Ware fare.
Wario Ware played beautifully, and should be an amazing game when it hits stores, but it has a massive drawback: the game will be devoid of any form of multiplayer play, online or off. One can only imagine the fun four players could have absolutely making fools of themselves with this game, as it would be downright perfect for parties and the like, but Nintendo feels it would be more fun if one person plays and everyone else watches, like some form of creepy videogame Hieros Gamos. Needless to say, it's our hope they rescind this decision before the game releases with the Wii's launch in Q4, because it's looking pretty freaking fun otherwise.
Eric Jones
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