WarioWare: Smooth Moves

The puzzle genre saw a number of unique and familiar entries show up at E3 2006. However, the brightest light at the show was Nintendo's WarioWare: Smooth Moves. The game is the fifth entry in the original puzzle franchise starring Mario's nemesis, Wario. The manic series has been captivating players since it first appeared on the Game Boy Advance in 2003. Subsequent entries on the GameCube, DS, and a gyroscope-enabled follow-up on the GBA have kept the games feeling fresh. The newest entry on the Wii maintained the manic pace the games are known for, while making smart use of the fledgling console's unique new controller.

Gameplay Movie

Get a taste of the inspired madness in WarioWare: Smooth Moves.

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What was shown at E3 followed the same surreal presentation as the GameCube game and used an elevator door as your portal to the minigames. Each stop on the elevator's ascension posed some new timed challenges to be assessed and cleared within seconds. The implementation of the Wii's controller stands as one of the best examples of the unit's potential. The core of all the minigames revolves around how you hold the unit, which highlights the versatility of both the controller and the development team's imagination. Whether it's wielding the controller like a steering wheel, pumping it like a barbell, using it to slash like a sword, or turning it like a key, WarioWare: Smooth Moves shows that you can get a lot of mileage out of the Wii's seemingly simple remote.

Though its visuals were modest in scope, WarioWare: Smooth Moves appears to be one of the best embodiments of Nintendo's philosophy on gameplay over graphics. The game manages to feel fresh and familiar at the same time. As far as puzzle games at this year's E3 go, WarioWare: Smooth Moves topped the competition with its unique control scheme and fresh take on the now classic minigame premise.

Finalists

Elite Beat Agents (DS)
Guitar Hero II (PS2)
SingStar (working title) (PS3)
WTF (PSP)