Wario Land: The Shake Dimension Review

20 Sep 2008 at 14:28:05 by
Systems used to review this title: (WII)

It's a platformer, and it's a platformer on a platform that was renowned, and still is, for it's platform games.  And Wario Land: The Shake Dimension does indeed deliver.

It's a very pretty game, as you'd expect from Nintendo.  The story is fun, and there are millions of things to collect and do when you're in the game.  There are routes for the completist gamers to pursue, while those that prefer running through the game will find the charm of each level endearing enough to carry on to the end.

It's a great spin on the classic platformer, and the Wiimote is utilised perfectly.  It's not over done, and Nintendo have done a great job in keeping it simple.  Initial game stages will show billboard type tutorials that illustrate how and where you can do certain things.  And you only use the Wiimote. You move around using the d-pad, jump and throw using the 1and 2 buttons and shake the controller to empty money sacks, as well as punching the ground to open up paths, as well as interfere with blocks and bombs that help you progress through the level.

You also tilt the remote to move things such as mining carts you find yourself in which are precariously balanced on a wire.  This can get a little fidily, but once you crack the rhythm the sense of achievement is unparalleled.  It's one of those things that are easy to learn, but hard to master, meaning each time you do it, you'll find enough of a challenge to keep you hooked without making it so difficult you drop the game.

So what of the story?  Well, you're tasked with saving some crazy pixies that have been caught and trapped in metal cages.  When you reach the end of the level, you shake like no tomorrow to release the little pixies who then guide you, with flashing arrow signs, back to the beginning of the level.  Get there before the timer runs out, and you're safe.  Don't, and you fail the level.  And don't worry, you won't necessarily have to take the same route back, and most of the times it won't take you so long to do.  That's all I'm going to say.

And what would a platformer be without the boss at the end?  Nothing frankly, and the bosses are reminiscent of the old school games.  Each boss has their own Achilles heel, and you can't move on from the map until you've completed the boss stage.

And speaking of maps, you have to buy them too.  Now this can seem frustrating for some, especially those that just want to run through the game, but I kinda liked this little twist.  Obviously, you collect coins and treasures on your first time through the level, but just because you've defeated a boss, it doesn't mean you automatically progress.  You have to buy your next maps, and if you've done everything you need to do, but haven't enough money, then back you go into the level to try to find those hidden sacks, or just recollect more money.

All this makes for a great 2-D platformer, and a platformer that stays true to Nintendo's platforming remit.  Sure, not everyone is going to love it, but all will definitely like it.  It's a beautifully made game, it's pretty to look at and it's a 2-D platformer that the WIi has certainly been waiting for.

It'll keep you amused and entertained, and, in my humble opinion, it's definitely worth adding to your library of Wii titles.  It's one for everyone, young and old, and you'll find yourself coming back for more Wario shaking action.

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