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WarioWare D.I.Y. Review for Nintendo DS

WarioWare D.I.Y. Review for Nintendo DS

Do Whatcha Gotta Do

I’ve played so many WarioWare games throughout the years that the novelty has worn off a little. It truly was one of my favorite games back in the days of the GameCube, but after a while, the new micro-game collections didn’t have a whole lot more to offer, save for the Wii’s WarioWare: Smooth Moves, which employed fun yet slightly unpolished motion controls and more original micro-games.

WarioWare D.I.Y. screenshot

Luckily, Nintendo and Intelligent Systems have brought a whole new idea into the mix with WarioWare D.I.Y. This time around, you don’t just get to play games; you get to create them. The title still includes 90 premade micro-games that you can play at any time, one at a time, or mixed up in play sessions within the “Game Blender.” These titles are split up into categories, depending upon their creator. You’ll see a few familiar faces here; everyone got back to work and created games that match their taste and personality. Mona’s all into weird games, while Jimmy T. brings in his sports specialty. Ashley the Witch, more sinister than ever, couldn’t be more into food stuff, and then there’s Orbulon, 18-Volt, Dribble and Spitz, etc. with their own cadre of games as well.

These games all make use of the stylus controls, steering away from the classic D-pad / face button controls found in some of the WarioWare: Touched micro-games. In WarioWare D.I.Y., most games require a tap or two to select the right choice, fix what’s wrong, move, hit something, or jump. While some of the games will look familiar, there isn’t as much repetition of old games this time around as there was in previous titles. Most of the 90 offerings feel fresh and new, presenting new challenge within a well-known formula. As always, each stage includes a few rounds of micro-games, as well as boss battles consisting of shooting some pool, making an edible sandwich, or even solving a slide puzzle. I have to admit it took me a while to get the hang of some of the micro-games, and even longer to beat some of the stages, but it’s nice to finally find some challenge in WarioWare. Fortunately, the game doesn’t make you beat each level before unlocking new stages. The more you do in the game, the more levels you unlock, but it doesn’t have to be just playing.

WarioWare D.I.Y. screenshot

Like I said, the most innovative addition to this title is the creation mode. You can enter WarioWare Inc.’s D.I.Y. 101 tutorials, Assembly Dojo, and Job Center in order to learn how to create games, complete assembly challenges that teach you a few extra tricks, and let your creative juices flow while drawing cool items for premade micro-games. There’s also the D.I.Y. Studio with the Super MakerMatic, which is where you create your very own games from scratch. You get to design the background, the characters and objects on the screen, and the script. Following a few “simple” rules, you can create commands and actions for each of the game’s elements. For example, you can tell a character to run when you tap it, a light to go on when the character reaches a certain spot within the canvas, or something to break when something else touches it.

Of course, this is an easy way to put it, but the truth is, creating games is not so simple. If you have the mind for it, you will be able to create very neat things and put cool ideas into practice, but it will take lots of time and effort to really make it happen. It’s easier than creating a game in Adobe Flash, but not by a whole lot, I have to say. The best part about it is that the interface is fairly straightforward and easy to use. If you’ve toyed around with the DSi’s Flipnote Studio, you can get an idea of what it’s like, though it might be even easier. Objects can be drawn, copied and recreated into a new canvas, traced by following a faint image of the previous canvas, etc. You can even use stamps with premade objects, make your own stamps and textures, or import items from existing micro-games. There are plenty of ways to make things easier, even if not easy enough for the less patient users.

WarioWare D.I.Y. screenshot

As if that wasn’t enough, each game you make needs its own music. Again, you can import it from another title, create your own from scratch, or use a little help from the master, who will give you music tracks adapted to your request. Whether you’re in the mood for fast-paced tunes, scary tracks, or whatever it may be, he’ll come up with something interesting. You can also attach sound effects to the game’s actions, creating a bit of ambiance.

The only thing I missed here was the ability to record your own sounds, which is indeed an option in Flipnote Studio. Other than that, the music editor is easy enough to use and so is the addition of sound-effects. I loved the inclusion of classic Super Mario sound effects, as well as stamps with the characters and buildings from the game, which are fun to use in some of the mini-games.

WarioWare D.I.Y. screenshot

If you manage to put together graphics, sound, and actions, you’ll have a micro-game. You can then package it and send it to your D.I.Y. shelves within the D.I.Y. shop, which is where you play. These games can also be sent to your Warehouse within the Distribution Center, which allows you to share the title with friends in your friend roster (managed with friend codes). You can also transfer these homemade apps to the Nintendo Wii, as long as you have purchased WarioWare D.I.Y. Showcase from WiiWare. If you have this title, you can also send any of the 72 Wii-exclusive micro-games to your DS via local connection. Another way to obtain new micro-games is downloading them from the “NinSoft” store, which features new additions every week, all free of charge. Nintendo also hosts challenges by suggesting game themes. You can participate in these challenges for an opportunity to be featured in the NinSoft store.

In addition to sharing games, you can share and download music tracks as well. Last but not least, a game that lets you create graphics and music couldn’t just stop at game creation! There’s a comic section where you can create your own strips, which you can then share. You’ll even be able to unlock plenty of odd comics included in WarioWare D.I.Y. by simply playing the game.

WarioWare D.I.Y. doesn’t improve the series as far as gameplay, visuals, or multiplayer (which this game doesn’t offer). Still, the ability to create micro-games of your own and share them with other players greatly expands the replay value of this title. When you’re in the mood for playing, there are plenty of games to choose from, and when you’re feeling creative, there’s a whole lot you can do. So, how can you go wrong? Only if you hate WarioWare and you’re not into building your own thing will you regret it. Otherwise, you’d better be happy!

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 3.9 Graphics
Following the typical WarioWare visual flare, the presentation is wacky, colorful, and very basic. Games look even more primal. However, everything has its charm. 3.7 Control
Tap to move; tap to turn on; tap to jump. It’s almost all about tapping in this one, which is to be expected anyway. Game creating interface is organized and user-friendly. 4.0 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The game comes with plenty of original tunes for the different mini-games, cutscenes, and micro-game creator. Also, you can create your own tunes for D.I.Y. games as well as share them. 4.4

Play Value
If you’re a fan of this micro-game series, WarioWare D.I.Y. will be far from disappointing. It includes 90 micro-games, plus you can create your own from scratch, share them with friends, and download even more from both the “NinSoft Store” and the Wii version of the game… for free!

4.2 Overall Rating – Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • Do It Yourself! Take on the role of game designer and create your own micro-games by crafting everything from artwork, animations, music, and action instructions.
  • WarioWare: D.I.Y. comes with more than 90 premade games to play, but players who have access to a broadband Internet connection can wirelessly download a virtually endless supply of user-generated games, or upload their own creations to share with the world.
  • When creating games, players can utilize a library of premade graphics and sound samples, borrow elements from other micro-games on their system, or start from scratch.
  • Sharing new content is the real key to WarioWare: D.I.Y., and there are a number of ways for players to participate:
  • Using a local wireless connection, friends can swap micro-games, comics and music they have created.
  • After the game launches, Nintendo will regularly make new micro-games available for download to players who have access to a broadband Internet connection.
  • From time to time, Nintendo will challenge WarioWare: D.I.Y. players to create games based on a specific theme. Nintendo will make the best submissions available for download to players with a wireless broadband Internet connection.
  • Players can upload items to their Storage Crate in the Warehouse (wireless broadband Internet access required). These products can then be downloaded by any of the friends with whom they have exchanged friend codes.
  • If you want to take a break from creating and playing games, why not try your hand at a comic strip? WarioWare: D.I.Y. includes all the tools artists need to compose their own four-panel comic strips.
  • Players who have a Wii console can add another dimension to their game. By downloading the WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase game from Nintendo’s WiiWare service, players get access to 72 more micro-games, and can experience the games they created with their Nintendo DS system on their TV. Each of the elements in these new games then becomes a part of the player’s toolbox. The WiiWare game also includes an unlockable multiplayer mode that lets up to four people play micro-games competitively.

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