WarioWare: Move It! revitalizes the franchise on Nintendo Switch by embracing motion-controlled madness, successfully returning to the series’ roots after the experimental departure seen in Get It Together. By tasking players with utilizing Joy-Con controllers to execute rapid-fire microgames, this latest installment delivers a frantic, high-energy experience that finally leverages the unique hardware capabilities of the console.
Mastering the Art of the Microgame
The core gameplay loop of Move It! cranks the franchise’s signature intensity to 11. Players are required to learn specific physical “forms” using two Joy-Cons before tackling a barrage of three-to-five-second challenges. These games demand split-second reactions, with difficulty and speed scaling aggressively as you progress, ensuring the experience remains consistently high-stakes.
The sheer creativity and irreverent humor on display are highlights of the collection. One moment you are clinking drinks at a party, and the next, you are mimicking an umbrella to shield a character from rain or raising your arms to pick a giant nose. This diversity keeps the gameplay feeling fresh and unpredictable throughout.
The Challenges of Motion Controls
While the “forms” system is designed to prepare you for the action, some poses lack the necessary polish. The “Hand Model” pose, for instance, is unnecessarily cumbersome; it requires players to drop one Joy-Con and shift the other to the empty hand, a maneuver that feels counterintuitive during the game’s high-speed pacing. Similarly, the “Ba-KAW” chicken pose yields a mix of brilliant and frustrating results. Additionally, boss levels—such as a steak-flipping activity—can feel unresponsive, often requiring exaggerated, precise motions that the hardware occasionally fails to register correctly.
Accessibility and Party Play
Despite occasional imprecise controls, the game remains approachable. If you lose your hearts, you can earn a continue by performing a “Sacred Pose,” a humorous take on yoga stances. While some microgames lack clarity, making it difficult to understand the objective in the allotted time, the overall library is packed with oddball charm that encourages repeated play.
Is It the Ultimate Party Game?
Much like the beloved Wii classic WarioWare: Smooth Moves, this title shines brightest in a social setting. While the main campaign might be a challenging sell for casual players due to the complex motion requirements, the dedicated Party Mode is a standout. These multiplayer-focused options offer simpler, one-Joy-Con poses and slower pacing, featuring hilarious challenges like playing while sitting on the floor or puffing out your cheeks.
From board-game-inspired modes where victories earn you dice rolls to cooperative chaos, these side activities are essential for group play. After a 15-year wait for a true successor to the series’ motion-controlled legacy, WarioWare: Move It! largely delivers. Despite a few technical stumbles, it stands as a robust, entertaining collection that will keep players coming back for months.
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