Last year Nintendo delivered a game on the GBA that gamers as well as the press were not salivating over…. Yet it became a smash hit. That game was Wario Ware, Inc: Mega Microgames, an original and quirky game that captured the hearts of everyone who touched it. It was a cartridge packed full of simplistic mini games that would weave in and out in quick spurts getting your heart pumping and fingers franticly moving. A little less then a year later and Nintendo is now turning Wario lose on the GameCube to try out his game making studio. The twist - you and up to 16 players (via tournament) can duke it out in exciting multiplayer gameplay.

The game is broken into Single player and Multiplayer modes. Those of you who have played the GBA version know what the single player is all about because there is no new single player content. For the six of you who haven’t touched the GBA version you battle your way through nine different settings, trying out Wario’s friend’s games.

With a total of two hundred minigames to play and unlock you will have a lot of game to conquer. What is different about the single player mode is how the story aspect is presented. On the GBA you would travel to a friend’s house and play their titles, now you basically go from one area to another removing the cheesy Japanese inspired wacky storyline. It really removes much of the charm that made Wario Ware so fun. Sure there is some text based jabber but it doesn’t add up to the goofy story set up on the GBA.

Where this title does shine is its multiplayer aspect. It is the ultimate party title as it is easy to pick up and play and fun to master. What makes it so great is that each minigame allows all the players to participate. For example, while one player is trying to complete a task the other players can try and distract them. Another example is in the E-reader based game where you can steal cards from fellow players in a game all about timing.

For me and my friends the "Listen to the doctor" mode was the best. Grab a case of beer/soda and a few buddies who have no shame and get ready for a great time. In this mode you are asked to perform a physical action while at the same time completing the game task. This one gets the party started as the combination of looking like an idiot and great gameplay come together. I also tried this with my little cousin who loved the idea of having to act “goofy” while playing the game, adding to the challenge of sorts. I look forward to hearing the GCA readers drinking games stories after you try this one. Survival Fever offers a multiplayer split-second mode for up to four players. Wobbly bobbly will have you competing for giant turtle shells. Last but not least is a sixteen player elimination challenge tournament where you use one controller trying to get top score. This game is truly a blast! Multiplayer is hands down some of the best on any system and if you have a few friends around or live in a dorm this is a title you need to get right now!

In the sound department the sounds will get your blood flowing. The music keeps you in the game and adds to the intensity and fast pasted gameplay. On top of that there are some voice samples that will have you rolling on the floor laughing. Adding to the comedic gameplay, the voices make this title even more fun to play. Everything that is needed is there. One thing gamers need to know is that this title isn’t a graphic showcase. Just like the gameplay is quirky the graphics are too. A combination of retro gaming looks and paper cut out images add to the flavor of the game. I would have liked to have seen some animated cut scenes.

Closing Comments
As much as I loved this title I have to say I am somewhat disappointed with Nintendo for the lack of freshness to this title. For those of you who have the GBA title and have played it to death you will yearn for new single player madness. On the other hand this title is a masterpiece of a multiplayer title. The fun that you and your friends will have makes it a must own. I can’t emphasize it enough that this title is a rental first for those of you who don’t play much multiplayer. If you live in a dorm or have drinking sprees every Friday night or have a younger brother and sister this will make a great Easter present, especially at a bottom dollar price of $29.99.