WarioWare Inc.: Mega Party Game$ (Gamecube)
Developed and published by: Nintendo

So-called party games are becoming a true genre unto themselves, and we have Nintendo to thank for starting the trend and keeping the ball rolling. The problem with the Mario Party games has always been the damn “board game” element… if I wanted to roll dice and move a game piece around I wouldn’t bother loading up a game console to do it. With WarioWare Inc: Mega Party Game$, Nintendo has come to the realization that the mini-games are the star of the show. In fact, they have taken the concept of mini-games and simplified them even further to create one of the most creative and original games I have played in a long time.

In WarioWare Inc we are introduced to the concept of “microgames”. Essentially these are little arcade games stripped down to the barest of essentials where you need to perform something very simple in no more than 3 or 4 seconds. The objectives of these microgames vary wildly, from adapted bits and pieces of familiar Nintendo games (ie. using Mario to bounce on a Goomba, shooting a duck like in the classic Duck Hunt, swatting a fly like in the SNES Mario Paint mini-game) to downright bizarre and completely unrelated activities like having Wario grab a mug sliding across a bar, lining up a hand with a dog to shake paws, or sticking a finger up a disembodied nose. Some may raise an eyebrow at the ridiculousness of some of these games but it is the odd and seemingly drug-inspired design that gives this game its charm.

The controls are never more complicated than using the control pad and a single button. Sound boring and easy? Well I have yet to mention the fact that the actual instructions shown on the screen are usually only a single word, such as “Shake!”, “Escape!” or “Pepper!” Part of the fun comes from trying to figure out exactly what you need to do before time runs out. The other important thing to realize is that you are presented with a series of these microgames in sequence, with the speed often increasing at a frantic pace. It makes for a hilarious and manic experience that reminds me of the TV game show Bonzai.

Now it is important to note here that WarioWare Inc.: Mega Party Game$ is actually a Gamecube adaptation of WarioWare Inc: Mega Microgame$ for the Game Boy Advance. This game is the epitome of Nintendo’s theory of keeping games simple and accessible to a wide audience. It is also typical of Nintendo’s habit of recycling and reusing their games as much as possible to scam consumers (which is admittedly clever from a business standpoint). The main complaint is that they’ve simply taken all of the microgames from the GBA version and wrapped multiplayer modes around them. The graphics are admittedly very low-tech for the Gamecube, considering they haven’t been changed at all. (Most of them are on par with some cheesy Macromedia Flash games you might play online.) I think the barebones style of these games enhances the visual appeal but if simplistic graphics make you feel that you’re not getting your money’s worth, you may take consolation in the fact that the price tag for this game is pretty reasonable.

Some people have argued that this new Gamecube version of the game can’t compare to the original, and while I have yet to play the GBA version, I think these little games seem most effective in a multiplayer setting to begin with. There is a single player mode similar to the GBA game where you have to complete series of microgames in sequence and it continually ramps up the speed, but I think all of the different multiplayer scenarios are much more enjoyable. The multiplayer modes do not involve board games (thank god), but are actually rather creative in how they make use of the microgames. One of the multiplayer game modes is called “Outta My Way!”, where one player attempts a series of microgames while the others can move their characters across the screen to block his or her vision. Another is called “Listen To The Doctor”, where you are to carry out an action in real-life (such as mooing like a cow or shaking your head from side to side) while you compete in the microgame and the other participants rate you on your performance afterwards by clapping. Weird stuff, to be sure, but it’s also ingenious.

As far as replay value goes, I’m sure part of the fun wears off once you learn most of the games. However, there are over 200 of them and with a bunch of unlockable microgames and modes you should be able to keep busy with this one for quite a while.

WarioWare Inc.: Mega Party Game$ is a very addictive and very cool game. Many hardcore or “mature” gamers will no doubt scoff at its simplicity and silliness but they really don’t know what they’re missing. If you’re not “too cool” to have fun then take a chance on this game and play it with some friends, I guarantee you’ll be hooked in no time. — Sean