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We have not had this much fun with a video game in a long time. A
true family and/or party game, playing WarioWare: Smooth Moves
actually works up a sweat and elicits endless giggles.
It's quirky, no doubt, and stays true to the WarioWare
series. However, with the unique technology of the Nintendo Wii,
Smooth Moves involves active and interactive participation.
The single player mode (which is necessary to play in order to
unlock multi-player modes) is essentially a set of random, very
short mini-games. Mini-games range from swatting a fly to copying
dance moves to picking a nose. The list goes on and on. There are a
number of basic controller positions that are required to play the
mini-games, and players are alerted to the particular position by a
message flashed on the screen immediately prior to the timed and
short activity. The controller positions include such things as The
Boxer, The Mohawk, The Thumb Wrestler, The Remote Control, The
Discard, and the Samurai.
The Remote Control position is the most basic of positions--kids
hold the Wii controller as they would a remote control in order to,
for example, shave a face. The Discard position involves placing the
controller on the floor or a coffee table in order to, for example,
pick up a treasure or a weapon or answer the phone. The Chauffeur
position is required, for example, to bowl. The Waiter position
involves laying the remote on the palm of your outstretched hand in
order to, for example, land a man on a raft on an island. Other
activities include focusing a magnifying glass, clearing the air,
quickly pulling a table cloth off a set table, and the list goes on.
The dance moves activity makes players laugh every time. Kids
copy three other onscreen dancers by literally performing their
dance moves. The graphics are goofy and unusual, and cut-scenes the
same. There are Boss Stages, 1-ups, and "Faster!" stages that keep
things moving. Random elements from other Nintendo games, old and
new, appear throughout the game (example, Nintendogs, Mario
Brothers, Zelda, and Animal Crossing).
Now, the multi-player games truly introduce major fun into the
whole experience. In fact, if you don't intend on playing the game
with others, perhaps it's not the best choice for you (the
single-player mode is great fun and replayable, but somewhat
short-lived all in all). Note that you do not need more than one
Wii controller in order to play the multi-player games--players
simply pass the controller to one another in these turn-taking or
teamwork games. A group of Mii's (see
our review of the
Wii console if you're unfamiliar with the Mii character avatars)
can play against or with each other. For example, two players can
join forces in a relay race, jumping over hurdles (and remember,
players literally jump in order to play). A group of players can
also compete in a race, playing mini-games in order to advance their
position in the race.
You'll need plenty of space in your living room (or whatever room
you're playing in)--a coffee table with wheels helps! The beginning
instructions say it all--besides basic safety instructions (such as
"always wear your wristband"), the game tells you to "let go of your
inhibitions". Very fresh and unique--an unforgettable family and
party game!
Pros:
- Non-violent, quirky, and physical game in which children can
really work up a sweat.
- Has charm and personality.
- Completely unique.
- Excellent as a party game.
Cons:
- The single-player mode is somewhat short-lived, but
replayable.
Our Rating:
A
more information:
For more information, user reviews, or to buy:
Warioware: Smooth Moves 
Reviewed: January 2007
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