Latest Game Reviews

Wario Ware, Inc Review - GBA

24th October 2003 by
88%
Mini games make an appearance in a lot of games these days. They are subtlety slipped in to break up the main game, providing that all-important diversity. Nintendo have always shown a flair for innovative and interesting game design and they have come up with another, on appearances, mind-boggling idea- a game of mini-games! Sounds like a Charlie Kaufman movie. Have they hit another home run or is this a cruel piss take?

Gameplay

Yes, so Wario Ware is a collection of various mini games. That's about as close to a definition that I can get- but to simply write it off as that doesn't do the game justice. This game is addictive as hell and a blast to play.
Give Ripley a call because, believe it or not, there is a plot to Wario Ware. Without going into much detail it revolves around Wario trying to make some money by making his own computer game. He goes on a recruiting spree and finding his development team forms the basis of the levels. Each level is in fact a mini game (called micro games here)- and there are plenty to play (over 200 as well as 15 other unlockable challenges), each one equally bizarre and addictive. Each character has a theme for instance the 9-Volt level deals with the Nintendo classics while Splitz has sci-fi themed micros. The micros range from swimming, karate chopping a log, balancing some bricks on a tricycle, ski jumping, putting a golf ball, trampoline jumping and picking a nose! I could go on but you get the picture. You have 5 seconds to complete the micro before moving onto the next. You have 4 lives of sorts, fail a micro, and lose a life. Each level has a boss battle or 3, each slight variations on the first, getting harder and harder. For example, the Knock out boxing match initially has you dodging punches then counter punching but as you go up the ladder you'll have to dodge 2 or 3 combinations before striking.
The game increases to a frantic pace as you progress further- creating split second gameplay with little time for strategy or tactics. This seat of your pants style creates a massive amount of enjoyment and challenge. You'll soon discover certain games that you constantly fail, dreading the time when they make an appearance.

Nintendo have called upon their vast library of well-known franchises to base some of the micros on. Nintendo fans will get a kick out of the appearances of Zelda, Metroid, F-Zero, Mario Bros and Duck Hunt themed games. While the main game won't take that long to complete, you'll constantly return to unlock mini-games (including a full Dr Mario- called Dr Wario here!) and take on the various high score challenges.

Unfortunately, Nintendo have missed the boat somewhat with the lack of multiplayer options. WW would have been the perfect game to play with a friend- the ability to choose certain (continued next page)
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