Wario Land: Shake It!

"An easy to pick up and addictive game."

Wario Land : Shake It is the latest entry into the Wario series for the wii console. The previous one being Wario Ware : Smooth Moves.

The Controls 9/10
The game is played with the wii remote turned sideways. Controls are simple and easy to pick up. The direction buttons are used to move wario, the 1 button is used for dash attack (Wario rushes in the intended direction smashing anything in his path) or to throw grabbed enemies (better to do so after a quick shake to empty the enemy of coins, garlic etc.). The jump action is controlled by the 2 button.

The ground pound is executed by giving the wii remote a quick shake. Also, you can shake objects or enemies by shaking the wii-mote.

All in all, very solid controls for a 2D platformer. Great for pick-up and play. This is a game that even my 8 year old cousin can play.

The Story 9/10
As with all Wario games. The story is usually quite outlandish. The game revolves around a magic globe and a magical telescope, with the usual dash of damsel in distress, treasures, big mean evil boss and a reluctant hero (Wario). I won't spoil it for you by listing out the plot, you'll have to see it for yourself.

Unbelievable storyline but hey, what would you expect of a nintendo game.

Graphics 9/10
Flawless animation. It almost feels like you are watching a Saturday morning cartoon. Almost perfect except that there is no 16:9 mode. Well, sort of. For widescreen owners, the game is displayed in 4:3 aspect ratio with the sides showing your mission progress and the treasures that you have collected so far.

Otherwise, the graphics are perfect.

The Gameplay 10/10
Solid. Every freakin level is different. If you like diabolic puzzles (especially the bonus stages) and imaginative boss fights, this is the game for you. From evil robots to evil clown, this game has it all. Have to see it to believe.

The Length 8/10
A bit on the short side (6+ hours if you breeze through it, 15 hours if you collect every single treasure and complete all the challenges). But otherwise, this is a good if not the best 2D platformer released so far on the wii (even better than Metal Slug Wii).

Overall 9/10
Well thought out controls, solid gameplay, super boss fights and some really difficult puzzles makes this 2D Wario game an instant classic.

Buy it. This game should belong in every wii game library, next to Super Mario Galaxy and Mario Kart Wii.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/29/08

Game Release: Wario Land: Shake It! (US, 09/22/08)