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Wario Land: The Shake Dimension


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Europe gets a release date!

 

http://www.cubed3.com/news/10397

 

Wario returns to Wii in Europe this September

 

Following the rip-roaring success of WarioWare: Smooth Moves across Europe, Mario's arch-nemesis is set to head back to PAL regions in Wario Land: The Shake Dimension on Wii this coming September in what is being described as a 'puzzle-filled adventure' rather than a straight-up platform outing.

 

Nintendo Europe has today told fans that they should brace themselves for a wave of nostalgia as Wario heads to Wii for his first dedicated adventure on the world's leading console. Fans yearning for a break from the WarioWare mini-game style of proceedings will be pleased to hear that they will be treated this time to some classic Wario action as Wario Land: The Shake Dimension takes them on an epic and lush two-dimensional platform adventure to seek out treasure, complete missions and, (as we are assured) in a traditional Wario way, obtain as much money as players possibly can do. Gamers will have to prepare themselves to defeat all the bandana-wearing pirates standing between Wario and his potential haul of treasure when the puzzle-filled adventure hits European shores on the 26th September 2008, just two months after its Japanese début.

 

Presenting an entirely new cast of characters around Wario, get ready to embark upon an all-new, swash-buckling adventure where Wario explores various continents in search of treasure. The notorious pirate leader, Shake King, has kidnapped Queen Merelda and it's up to Wario to get her back. But is he really out to do a good deed? Or it is the 'Bottomless Coin Sack, a sack containing a never-ending flow of gold coins, which has really caught Wario's attention?

 

"Featuring five different maps full of action-packed stages to complete, Wario Land: The Shake Dimension, is packed with exciting missions and challenges. Complete Missions, which are challenges, set out at the beginning of each stage, such as finishing a stage within a specified time limit or collecting a special number of coins. Also seek out the hidden Treasure in each stage to obtain the special items held within them, then progress through the game and unlock further stages.

 

Players will be tasked with holding the Wii's innovative controller in its NES-pad, sideways fashion, taking on a traditional retro approach to playing, but mixing in new elements, with the Wii Remote being shaken to activate Wario's special moves throughout the game. Shaking the controller whilst on solid ground will see Wario unleash his 'Ground Punch' move that will stun all enemies on the screen. This move can also be used to manipulate surroundings and grant Wario access to new areas in the game. However, use of the motion sensitive controller does not simply related to that one aspect, with Nintendo and developer Good Feel including the ability to shake the Wii Remote whilst holding an enemy or money bag in order to make them spill their precious contents, whereas in addition to this tilting the controller when Wario is at the wheel will see players steer their various vehicles through the stage.

 

And as if all of this was not enough, during the adventure players are encouraged to visit the Pirate Shop so that they can spend those hard-earned coins. Making regular trips will lead to the potential purchase of numerous exciting items, new maps and videos, since new items and features will become available as progression is made through the main game itself.

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"when the puzzle-filled adventure hits European shores on the 26th September 2008, just two months after its Japanese début. "

 

So its out in japan in about 2 weeks?? Very unlike nintendo to have a stealth Launch but I guess they made it for hardcore fans who dont need big marketing. Either that or its not going to be very good like that donkey konga race game (which was similarly a knocked together gamecube port ).

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So its out in japan in about 2 weeks?? Very unlike nintendo to have a stealth Launch but I guess they made it for hardcore fans who dont need big marketing. Either that or its not going to be very good like that donkey konga race game (which was similarly a knocked together gamecube port ).
This is being advertised in Japan atm! There are two of the tv adverts for it on the previous page.

 

And are you saying Wario Land is similarly a knocked together GC port?

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GoNintendo hands on

 

Nintendo may have been hiding this game in their meeting room, but I was lucky enough to have a go at it. Going into E3, I had three titles that I desperately wanted to get some hands-on with. Those titles were Mega Man 9, Wario Land: Shake It!, and The Conduit. I had already had my time with Mega Man and The Conduit, and those games didn’t fail to disappoint by any means. After spending time with Wario Land: Shake It!, I had completed my Wii checklist, and came away happy knowing that I picked three more-than-worthy games to be excited about.

 

For those that were worried, you needn’t. This is a true return-to-form for Wario. Without a doubt, Shake It! is worthy of being branded with the Wario Land title. It took me about 30 seconds of gameplay to know that this is indeed the next entry in the series, and plays just as it should. The mechanics are simple 2d fodder, beautifully crafted and fully engaging. The console return to 2d games is really reigniting a spark in me. I will always love 2d games more than 3d, but Shake It! is one more reason to remind me of why.

 

You also don’t have to worry about things getting mucked up via motion controls. Everything that is present is used very well, and it never gets obnoxious. At some points in the game, you’ll have to throw objects to hit switches, or perform other tasks. All you do is tilt the Wiimote, and an arrow will pop up. The arrow clicks into positions based on your tilt, and then with the press of a button, you can toss the object. Very simply, very fun, and very reminiscent of Yoshi’s Island.

 

There are other uses for the Wiiimote, as well. The two others that I got to try out involved shaking enemies/money bags, and punching the ground. Whenever you pick up a money bag, you have to shake it to knock the coins out. The faster you shake the Wiimote, the more money flies out. Once again, simple but enjoyable. Punching the ground at certain points allows you to open up new rooms, doors, and so on. This takes a quick slam downwards of the Wiimote. Out of all the motion-controlled moves, I felt this one made the most sense.

 

Other than that, this is classic 2d gameplay at its best. What makes things even better is the beautiful artwork/animation from Production I.G.. I still can’t get over how gorgeous this game was. The animations are always fun to watch, and even make you chuckle over and over again. Just watching Wario hypnotically wiggle his butt before entering a level put a smile on my face. Gamers often play through games just to get to cut-scenes. Plenty of people will search through Shake It! just to find how Wario reactions to different situations.

 

One portion of gameplay that people may not have picked up on is the Merfle hunt. This is actually the main objective of each level. Wario has to hunt down the Merfle hidden within each level, and then race back to the start before time is up. You don’t run to the start the same way you came, although you will cross paths. The Merfles carry helpful signs to point you in the direction you need to go, and all you have to do is beat the clock back. The further you get in the game, the more challenging it will be to make it to the start.

 

From what I could see, there will be 5 worlds with 5 levels in each. I could already see from my few level playthough that these stages are going to become longer and longer. Of course, there are hidden treasures and objectives in each one that are going to keep you coming back after you’ve completed the game. This return to 2d form is almost too good to be true. I say almost, because Shake It! doesn’t have a true 16:9 mode. You can the half-assed borders, much like what we saw in Mario Party. It really bugs me in the case of Shake It!, considering how gorgeous the game is.

 

Wario Land: Shake It needs to come out right now. All you need is a few minutes with the game to realize what its trying to do, and how well it does it. This title proves that there is still so much fun to be had with 2d gaming. I cannot wait for the North American release. I am going to flood the site with as much direct-feed footage as I can. If you were worried that this game was going to be a return to classic gaming in looks only, let those fears go. Wario is back, and he’s ready to steal as much treasure as he can…including the money right out of your wallets. I am more than happy to offer up mine.

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The dialogue scene sounds like they're having a threesome. My suspicions were raised when Wario shouted "OH YEAH!"

 

(Without saying that I totally agree and repeating the same thing) The random groans and noises during conversation really do become evident when you can't understand what your reading (therefore, really focusing on the audio).

The box art is gorgeous, the game radiants with a particular charm and I can't wait to purchase it when it's released.

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