Developer: Good Feel Publisher: Nintendo Release Date: 09/22/2008
SHAKE IT LIKE A BIG, FAT MUSTACHOID POLAROID PICTURE BABY!!!
I do have to say the the Wario Land series will always hold a special place in my heart. He’s the perfect anti-hero in the Mario universe. Not necessarily a villain, but not really a hero either. I guess I tend to see more of myself in Wario than I’d care to admit. Not because he’s a bad guy, but because the comparison would make me a dork.
Oh wait. It’s too late isn’t it.
Doh.
Alright, here’s the story this time around. Within an ancient globe exhibited at a museum, there is another world called Yuretopia. And of course those poor bastards in Yuretopia are being screwed over by some ass called the Shake King. And as usual, Wario gets himself involved due to the promise of mass amount of money and treasure. This time that promise comes from a woman named Captain Maple Syrup – a pirate. One of these treasures being the the ‘Bottomless Coin Sack’. So now he has to rescue not only these floating Kazoo-type creatures (Flintstones fodder for those not in the know) called Merfle. But also their Queen. Her name is Queen Merelda.
Oh, and he has to get rich. The story would lose all meaning if he didn’t get rich. I’m not kidding. The plot is so thin it’s unreal.
But I will say that this is what I’ve come to expect from a fledgling Nintendo developer. Then again the point is the gameplay. I do not rescue princesses because I want conversation and a long sequence of romantic beach walking. I rescue the princess because getting to her rocks.
And so does this game quite frankly.
I’m gonna get the controls out of the way right off the bat. Simple and fun. That’s the gist of it. Turn your Wii controller on its side and voila! Not unlike Super Paper Mario actually. But instead of pointing at the screen you’re shaking it wildly. And that really is one of the things I love most about the game – the shaking. It’s not overused, just used enough. Hop on an enemy, yolk ‘em up and shake the crap out of them till they cough up something. One big shake lends itself to a super earth-shattering ground pound that stuns everything on the screen (and opens up some secret paths/objects). There is some amusing tilt-control aspects to the game as well (aiming cannons, throwing enemies and the like). Of course this control system means no classic controller support, but oh well.
That being said, controls are tight and responsive for the on-foot segments – as they should be. There are some stages where you ride on a Unicycle with a bucket for a seat and Wario’s personal submarine – the ‘Subwarine’…cute. These controls are annoying and make the sections where these vehicles are used more like a chore. Disappointing for sure. Not everything has to be super-Wii-motion-controlled guys. Jesus.
There’s not much to say about Shake It!’s graphics actually. But what can be said is outstanding. My absolute favorite thing is the 70’s-80’s animation used for the characters. The look is incredible especially when the background and foreground art are so well done. Nice little touches include the smooth animations that are used for things like the coins (pictured below), the movement of water and sand etc. An old school nod with modern touches is exactly what a 2D platformer coming out in 2008 needs.
And if you notice our screenshots, you’ll see the new conveniences of the 16:9 aspect ratio. When you use this view you get mission reminders and a look at the treasures you need/have! A nice touch I think. Although the complete lack of a widescreen option seemed odd. Maybe I want a whole screen. Did you ever think of that Good Feel? No, you didn’t. Ugh.
Ahh yes, and then there’s the gameplay. Rock solid as ever (Subwarine sections not withstanding). Wario is still the same burping, farting, sweating, stinking and soiled video game icon as he’s ever been. And he’s doing all those things you’d expect him to. The whole shaking thing suits him well and fits right in with his shoulder-charging, ass-smashing, super-punch bullying style. The enemies are what you would expect: patterned and in need of some patience in later levels to find a weakness. Bosses are moderately difficult but not what I expected from and old-school 2D platformer. Puzzles are fun and can require some real thought as you progress.
The areas are par for the course: five worlds each with five areas. The inclusion of a money-for-next-map idea changes things up, albeit not that much. But once the map is yours, you have that area to yourself for collection of more coins, treasures, secrets and the all important multiple paths and fast routes. Which are especially handy because once you rescue the Merfle, you only have so much time and treasure hunts eat up time like you wouldn’t believe. Treasures and secrets are in large supply and provide most of the games replay value. So perfectionists can have at it.
Along with the new area maps, Captain Maple Syrups shop offers potions and health upgrades. Each of these vary in cost and can suck your money up like no one’s business. But you’ll need all the help you can get in finding each stages 3-5 treasures. Each stage also has one giant treasure that’s either easy as hell or nigh-impossible without a couple run-throughs. So good luck with all that.
Overall, Wario Land: Shake It! is a fun platformer in an old school style. But, unfortunately, the difficulty and length are of recent trends. Between the two, the game can be polished off in a few short hours and with only moderate effort. These flaws don’t drag the game down too much though. I just wish there was…more. Y’know?
Anyways if you’re looking for a fun yet surly hop-n-bop ,this is for you. A rental might not be a bad idea but I think you’ll find yourself coming back Wario more than you would expect.
Overall: 7.5 out of 10
