Nintendo Switch’s newest addition, WarioWare: Move It!, has arrived with a bang, offering players a hilarious and entertaining experience. Developed by Intelligent Systems, the fast-paced party microgame series takes advantage of the Joy-Con controllers’ motion control features, making players use their entire body to participate. Released on November 3, 2023, Move It! guarantees plenty of ridiculous moments.
The game follows Mario’s mischievous rival, Wario, and his friends as they embark on a holiday to a faraway resort. Each character receives their own Form Stone, which suspiciously resembles the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers. The players must engage in microgames, short but intense mini-games that require mastering various Forms and utilizing the stones.
As players progress through the story mode, they are introduced to different Forms, such as Choo Choo and Knight. Each microgame demands a specific Form, and players must switch between them quickly to keep up with the increasing speed. The instructions before each microgame clarify the required Form position, but the movement on the screen can change dynamically. To succeed, players should immerse themselves in the action and focus on acting out the motions rather than worrying about specific controls.
Move It! shows similarities to WarioWare: Smooth Moves, which was released on the Wii in 2006. The game takes full advantage of the more advanced motion controls of the Joy-Con controllers, allowing players to perform quirky poses like impersonating a chicken.
One standout feature of Move It! is the Hand Model Form, where players make gestures at the Joy-Con controller’s infrared sensor. This feature works flawlessly, with the game displaying a scan of the player’s actual hand on the screen. However, the precision required can lead to occasional unsuccessful actions due to detection issues or improper controller handling. The game’s variety of Form positions can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers, hindering its multiplayer potential.
Additionally, Move It! introduces microgames that combine button inputs with motion controls. The game advises players to follow their instincts when selecting buttons, adding an extra layer of complexity. This lack of clarity goes against the series’ tradition of providing simple and immediately understandable mini-games, resulting in frustration for some players. Unfortunately, the game does not offer options to customize button mapping or improve accessibility.
Despite these limitations, Move It! showcases the Nintendo Switch’s hardware capabilities impressively. The Hand Model Form, utilizing the infrared sensor, offers clever gameplay mechanics. The use of Joy-Con wrist straps adds an extra level of immersion, as players drop and retrieve the controllers during specific microgames.
In conclusion, WarioWare: Move It! is a highly enjoyable game that can provide hours of fun for groups of friends willing to master its unique Forms. However, its inflexible control scheme may limit access for players unable to stand for extended periods. Accessibility proves to be a major hurdle, with limited customization options and issues with performing certain Forms in a sitting position.
Despite its flaws, WarioWare: Move It! is a delightful addition to the Nintendo Switch library, offering an entertaining experience for those looking for simple, silly fun.
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