WarioWare: Smooth Moves

"Check out my Smooth Review"

Having recently started writing reviews again, I have lately lost my sense in giving an entirely objective review of a game. Looking at my review of Rayman, where I decided it earned a "9/10," I feel that I now remember what it takes to judge a game fairly.

When I first purchased WarioWare: Smooth Moves, I was rather enthralled.... I wanted to tell the world to buy this game because it stank of awesomeness, but now that stage is over.

For those of you that don't already know, WarioWare: Smooth Moves is essentially a collection of microgames (5 or so seconds each) that you play one after another for a "higher score." The game also comes loaded with a few minigames, some of which are good, some bad, but none of which you must complete to "complete the game."

Probably the biggest complaint about WarioWare: Smooth Moves that I have read thus far is that it is too short. Frankly, I will not stand for this misled statement, and you shouldn't believe it either. Technically speaking, the game is short to complete single player, and is even rather short to collect everything (with the exception of Pose Cards.. discussed later). But, something that everyone typically leaves out is that this game features ultimately high replay value. And no, in this case it does not mean just starting the game over once you finish everything--it's about beating your friends as well as your own high scores. The game is strangely addicting and WILL draw you in... you WILL continue to play it after you obtain everything there is to collect, and if this is something that might interest you... you won't be disappointed.

Now, there are also many complaints regarding the multiplayer mode in WarioWare: SM. First, in order to obtain multiplayer, you must complete single player. This may seem unncessary, but really, it's hardly a problem. The single player can be completed in a couple hours (if even that... not including obtaining all of the microgames/minigames/etc), and multiplayer will be an option before you know it. Now next, you must realize that the multiplayer functionality of WW:SM only uses ONE Wii-mote. That means that you will be forced to pass the WiiMote around at increasingly fast speeds. This is both a (+) and a (-). To explain, it's obviously a plus first of all to those of you that only HAVE one wii-mote. But there's more, WW:SM's multiplayer allows for up to 12 people (in at least 2 multiplayer games) using that Wii-mote in a variety of games, and this does NOT LET YOU DOWN. When you have 12 8+ people present, the multiplayer is extremely exciting, resulting in a lot of laughs, exercise, and just plain fun. BUT, do not be fooled, if you are only planning on a multiplayer with 1 or 2 other people, and that's what you want this game for, you probably will not want this game. The way the multiplayer games are set up SEVERELY disappoints with a minimum number of people. Additionally, passing the WiiMote will instead become a real hassle because you'll begin to struggle taking the wrist strap off every time.

So what about the graphics? Honestly? It doesn't matter. Some graphics will be extremely polygonal, some 2D, some will look like a little kid drew it... but that is the POINT. The game is intentionally quirky, and even though the graphic developers got off easy, the graphics do not inhibit gameplay whatsoever and actually IMPROVE on the experience that you have of the game.

Sound? Music?: Well, this is certainly more important than graphics, and WW: SM pulls it off. The various sound effects are right on target often provoking laugh out loud laughter, and the music with its accelerating tempo gets you PUMPED while playing. There is a fair variety of tunes, and even one of these you might find yourself singing in the shower (like I did). :)

So why didn't I give this game a perfect 10? I didn't buy it for the multiplayer in the first place, so that surely wasn't it...

Keeping in mind that I love this game, its quirkyness, its fun, etc, the Wii-mote lets you down at times. Don't get me wrong, for 95+% of the time, the Wii-mote will be spectacular.... but the other <5% of the time, it will not respond properly--in one or two games specifically. Something interesting, that I have tested multiple times, is that a couple of microgames actually work better or worse based on whether the sensor bar is above the TV or below the TV (and yes, I change the option in the Wii-menu first). You would think you'd be able to compensate, but when you don't know what minigame is coming next, and they're only 5 seconds a piece, it's often difficult to make the adjustment quickly enough. This is something that I certainly hope the developers improve upon in our well-desired sequel :)

Otherwise, the Wii-mote shows off what it can do in this game!! The first game to really show off it's power, WarioWare features several things that will amaze you about the Wii-mote.. but I won't spoil any surprises. Still, keep in mind that the Wii-mote does make a positive impact on the WarioWare series--the few errors with a couple microgames do not ruin the experience.

Lastly, I'll briefly mention the story. There hardly is one at all, and that's expected. This isn't final fantasy, it's WarioWare... There is nothing else to say about this other than don't be expecting anything....

Anyway, I want to conclude with saying that this is a game to be remembered... and a very fun one. It far surpasses Rayman (which people like to compare it to for its minigame experience), and is a huge step in Wii-gaming. Still, it is not a masterpiece... just a lot of fun.

Pros:
+Unique Gameplay
+Shows Off Power of Wii-Mote
+Addictive
+Long Shelf Life
+Quirky, quirky, quirky. (I Love That Word...)

Cons:
+Some Faulty Microgames
+One Faulty Minigame
+Not as Long as We All Would Like :)

Overall: 7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 04/11/07