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WarioWare: Snapped! Review for Nintendo DSi

WarioWare: Snapped! Review for Nintendo DSi

Wario Disaster

I may be Wario’s number one fan, despite his terrible garlic smell and stinky farts. I thought it was so great that one of the first DSi downloadable games would be a WarioWare title. Without a doubt, a cool WarioWare game would entice people to get a DSi; they’re usually fun games and, on top of that, this one makes use of the camera. So what’s not to like? Why was it a recipe for disaster?

WarioWare: Snapped! screenshot

First and foremost, the game doesn’t work. You start by picking one of the four available categories or rollercoaster rides hosted by Wario and his friends. Then, you’re supposed to look towards the camera and let it snap a picture of you. (Cheeeeeese!) The game seems to study the background and lighting conditions in order to calibrate accordingly… or maybe it just takes a picture, plain and simple. In any case, the next step is playing five mini-games. Before each game, it asks you to position yourself matching the silhouettes on the screen. Then, you’ll be asked to do random things like swat a fly, stick two fingers in someone’s nose, grab the coins, blow away a person, give a massage, fill up a glass of water, etc.

This probably sounds familiar, and even though the games are not the same as the ones found in previous WarioWare titles, they are certainly similar. The only difference is the controls. Instead of using the stylus or controller buttons, you’ll be doing different motions in front of the camera. When they work, these mini-games are very easy, and if you’re not worried about being seen waving your arms in the air or wildly shaking your head, you could have a blast. As you know, these are typical WarioWare affairs, so you shouldn’t be surprised by its wackiness by now. What was indeed surprising is the fact that the game barely works.

WarioWare: Snapped! screenshot

I first tested it in the airplane, trying to play when the stewardesses weren’t looking. Many (but not all) mini-games seemed to give me the green light on the first try, so I thought it only had a slight problem due to the lighting circumstances within the aircraft. However, every time I’ve tried to play it after that, whether it was inside a building or outside, I’ve had more problems than I had anticipated. I’ve moved the DSi in different positions and tried diverse lighting conditions, background colors, and textures. Unfortunately, no matter where I go, I always get the same iffy results. Sometimes it identifies my silhouette and lets me play, and other times, frequently mid-game, it decides to time out without ever recognizing my face and/or hands. This makes it very frustrating and truly not worthwhile.

If you’re lucky enough to make it work and play all five mini-games in a row, there’s a nice surprise at the end. It will either play a goofy video of you doing all the different motions or a slideshow full of compromising pictures you might want to hide away from people. This was actually really funny, and I couldn’t wait to make my friends play and then upload the videos to YouTube. Unfortunately for me and luckily for them, this is not an option. In fact, you can’t save the videos or slideshows at all; it only remembers the last video that was recorded, and once you exit the game or simply close the lid, the video is going bye-bye.

WarioWare: Snapped! screenshot

This brings me to the next point. The game is basically a poorly-implemented gimmick to make use of the brand-spanking new DSi camera. Even though it uses the popular WarioWare format and characters such as Wario, Mona, Jimmy, Kat, and Ana, this game is just not in the same league as its predecessors. It’s incredibly short, it has terrible control problems, and it doesn’t even let you save the videos or slideshows, which are the whole point of playing the mini-games. Therefore, the value of this title is very low, and even though it only costs 500 points, I’d say it’s not worth it at all.

WarioWare: Snapped! screenshot

The Kat and Ana ride will let two people play the mini-games together, but this just makes it even more difficult for the camera to distinguish the silhouettes, and most times I tried I couldn’t even get past the first snapshot. The credits mini-game, on the other hand, seems to work okay. That’s because there isn’t much shape-recognition involved. The text just flows towards you in capricious waves or straight lines, and you simply follow them with subtle head motions towards the right or the left. Each letter you get is worth points, and later you’ll have to avoid touching enemies while making sure you grab the teddy bears for an extra boost.

As far as audio and visuals go, there isn’t much new to discover here. Of course, the off-the-wall design of the mini-games, crazy character voices, and cheery background tunes are all part of the great WarioWare formula, but since the game is so short and simple, there isn’t a whole lot of variety overall.

WarioWare: Snapped! was just a complete disappointment. I knew it would be a light version of what we’ve come to know as WarioWare, but I never thought the game would be just broken! If you’re still interested and think you might just find the perfect lighting conditions to make it work, you can go ahead and spend five bucks on it. However, I can’t recommend this game to anyone, because it will most likely be a source of frustration and a waste of 500 points. Too bad!

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 3.5 Graphics
Wackiness abounds in these typical WarioWare visuals. Though simple, they fit the game like a glove. 1.5 Control
You may be lucky enough to find the perfect lighting conditions to make this game work, but the truth is it rarely ever works and when it does, it does so inconsistently. 3.0 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Wario-style tunes are perfect for this short game, but there isn’t much variety as far as sounds and voice-over work. 2.0

Play Value
It’s a WarioWare game and it works with a camera, so it may pique your interest at first. However, it’s very short, it won’t let you save your goofy pictures or videos, and it’s tough to make it work!

2.0 Overall Rating – Poor
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • Wario returns with more manic action made especially for the Nintendo DSi system.
  • WarioWare: Snapped! uses the built-in Nintendo DSi camera to make players the star of the show by placing them right into fast-paced mini-games.
  • Take part in wacky challenges simply by moving your face and body as you travel along four wild roller coasters, hosted by Wario and his pals.
  • Beat the mini-games using motions ranging from large to small or play with a friend for even more fun.
  • Wario even has a few tricks up his sleeve for after you’ve finished moving…

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