Since
its first appearance on the Game Boy Advance, the Warioware series has offered
an addicting blend of fun and quirky minigames. Now, the series is making an
appearance on Nintendo’s latest system, the Nintendo DS. The system, which
features a focus on its use of two screens, also features touch screen
capabilities, which is the main feature that Warioware Touched exploits well.
Warioware Touched is a strong entry to the series, utilizing the DS’s hardware
to its fullest potential gameplay-wise.
Warioware Touched is a series of nearly 200 different minigames that each uses
the DS’s touch screen. These vary in their execution, as some of them require
you to poke the screen or drag objects across, like matches against a matchbox
in order to light it and so on. Some of the games even require you to blow into
the DS’s built-in microphone in order to progress. The challenge from the games
comes from the fact that you only have a few seconds to complete them before you
move on.
The game
has several different characters for whom you must complete missions, each one
having their own minigame theme. For example, there is a robot named Mike who
requires you to play a series of microphone games and a duo known as 9-Volt and
18-Volt, who have a series of old-school Nintendo games for you to play with the
touch screen. As you progress through the levels of each character, the action
speeds up and requires you to think and move much faster until you get to the
boss stage.
With
each of the different characters and their own styles, the gameplay in Warioware
is pretty diverse. Completing missions unlocks new characters and levels as well
as intriguing little side games, like a two-player ping pong game, that are just
as fun and addicting.
Warioware Touched isn’t a terribly challenging game, as most gamers will be able
to complete it in a few hours. However, the real fun comes from replaying the
missions and seeing if you can top your high scores while not letting the
increasing speed get the better of you.
The
graphics in Warioware won’t dazzle you, but they are pretty bright and colorful.
The characters are well represented through their accompanying storylines and
each has an individual theme throughout their missions. The game also makes good
use of the two DS screens, requiring use of both to complete most games. There
are a few elements of 3D effects, but nothing on the lines of Super Mario 64 DS
or most other titles on the DS. However, the game’s unique graphical scheme
works well with its subject matter and shouldn’t be a problem for players.
The
sound and music is quite good. The soundtrack has a lot of musical elements to
it, as some of the songs even have lyrics to them. Plus, it’s always a joy to
hear the “bloop-bleep” effects of NES games like The Adventures of Link or
Metroid.
Warioware Touched is a fun game that does a great job of not only porting the
same brand of addictive minigames to a new system, but also pushes the hardware
by taking full advantage of what its capable of. While the idea is purely
simple, Warioware is a lot of fun and should keep even the most ADD-racked
gamers (myself included) entertained for hours.
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Gameplay: 9.0
While the game is
extremely simplistic and little more than a collection of many minigames, the
action is fast-paced and addicting and should provide hours of mindless
entertainment.
Graphics: 8.0
They certainly won’t wow you, but the graphics in Warioware do a fine job of
keeping with the subject matter. Plus, there are a few instances of 3D effects
that look really good without looking superimposed on the 2D sprites.
Sound: 9.0
The soundtrack is
great, with each character having their own unique themes, some even with
lyrics.
Difficulty: Easy
Concept: 9.0
Warioware’s
unique blend of familiar gameplay and utilization of the DS’s touch screen makes
it a fun and engaging
experience.
Overall: 9.0
Warioware Touched is a great entry to the quirky series and does a great job of
exploiting the capabilities of the DS.
