Wario Ware is just one of the games that is so bizarre that it screams Japan did it. To say I understood half of the things going on would give me credit I didn’t deserve, like that time I saved all those buffalo. But what I do know is that WarioWare Touched has some of the best use of the DS’s technology, which is rather surprising considering it was a launch titled for the DS. Sure the story doesn’t make sense, the mirco-games even less, but when you put the whole thing together get quite a nice package of what the DS is compilable of.
The main campaign for WarioWare Touched doesn’t last long at all, probably stretching somewhere between 2-4 hrs. But the main focus of the campaign isn’t to entertain you, but rather show you all the different types of play styles that are out there for this game so you know what to do when you are constantly presented with a new mirco-game that lasts about 5 seconds. Once you learn all the basics you’re able to actually play WarioWare as its meant to be played, by beating high scores and trying to last as long as possible. Really that’s where all the fun comes from, and its very challenging once you get to the higher levels and speeds. With the constant information being spread to you, the faster the game gets, and the harder it gets these little games become increasingly difficult for your brain to compute.
Most of the mechanics for these mirco games work rather well with each other, but two of them are just out of place most of the time. Mainly the microphone mirco-games and the games based on classic games. Transitioning from screen touching to blowing your mouth just isn’t as smooth as you would want it and can often ruined a streak by having to concern your efforts on blowing into the mike. While the classic games would be better off just pressing the actual buttons rather than the screen. Its not that that the classic mirco-games are bad, but it just feels rather pointless to have something like that when the buttons are just sitting there.
Touched! is also very much like every other Wario Ware title out there. The fact they pretty much cycle the same formula over and over again is a bit upsetting as there isn’t much involution there compared to the rest of the game. Don’t get me wrong here, it really does set the control scheme quite well, and set ups explanations enough, but the actual game you need to beat is just lazy compared to the rest.One of the biggest downsides to Touched! though is being a screen killer. If you play this game enough your screen will be left with a ton of scratches and possibly spit pending how well you can blow with your mouth.
Final Thoughts:
While the story makes no sense, the main game only lasts a few hours, and some of the mirco-games can be rather off putting, WarioWare Touched is still a good game. Its a great time killer and fun game to play for high scores, and it utilizes the DS’s potential to show what it can do. If you haven’t played any WarioWare games this would be a good game to start. And if you’re a fan you can expect the same kind of wackiness WarioWare is known for, but with a DS twist.