Children's Video Game Review:

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 (affiliate link)

Reviewed: January 2007

Comments? Email us