Present me with a WarioWare game and I’m guaranteed to find some enjoyment, even in instances like the previous Switch installment, Get It Together, which may have been somewhat underwhelming. The joy of a WarioWare experience lies in the anticipation of discovering the next absurd task the game will throw your way.
What elevates a WarioWare game from good to great is its enduring appeal beyond the initial discovery of mini-games. Move It stands out not only for its plethora of entertaining motion-based challenges but also for its unexpectedly robust multiplayer features. One mode feels like a Mario Party, but with an added layer of unpredictable chaos, surpassing many other Switch titles in its ability to turn a group of friends, ranging from slightly to heavily inebriated, into a laughing, clumsy spectacle. It’s the kind of game that I envision dusting off for impromptu gaming sessions, eliciting laughter and shared memories with friends for years to come.
In contrast to the myriad microgames found in WarioWare, Dave the Diver seems more akin to a collection of somewhat larger-than-microgames – an analogy that might need a bit of refinement. Nevertheless, this indie title manages to amalgamate various gaming elements into a surprisingly cohesive package. The gameplay loop is both engaging and satisfying: embark on a scuba diving expedition to gather fish, then transition to the restaurant at night to skillfully prepare and serve sushi. The seamless integration of these disparate activities creates a compelling experience that evokes the classic “just one more round” sentiment, making it an ideal choice for a game session during a plane journey or any other casual setting a WarioWare game
As time progressed, Dave the Diver did become somewhat overloaded and extended, causing me to disengage, particularly when it introduced additional systems around the twenty-hour mark. Despite this, the game’s remarkable scope and depth left a lasting impression. While I may consider revisiting it in the future, I’m currently appreciative of its role in keeping me entertained during the latter half of the year, serving as a valuable companion on numerous flights and aiding in my time-traveling adventures.