WarioWare D.I.Y., developed by Intelligent Systems for the Nintendo DS, succeeds in giving players the tools to transform a simple idea into a fully-fledged microgame. This ‘Do-it-Yourself’ approach is an interesting switch for a series like WarioWare: shift player focus from games based around quick thinking, to creating games that demand a bigger time investment. The goal here is to encourage players to build fast, fun microgame products using some simple yet deep tools. And the concept works on all fronts.
‘Do-It-Yourself’ Game Design Done Right
Fans of the WarioWare series know that in this franchise simplicity is king. After all, Microgames are quick puzzles usually based around a easy clues or ideas, normally lasting five to ten seconds. Each level usually has a broad, overall theme based around a key character and that’s it. Player mastery is measured by a high score, and play intensifies each round, speeding up and producing less time to react. If you see a finger floating underneath a nose with the screen prompt ‘Gold Digger’, you press a button with the right timing to pick it. It’s fun and it’s simple. It’s so WarioWare.
Instead of taking the core tenants of WarioWare and applying them to game design, WarioWare D.I.Y. emphasizes breaking things down to make them simpler for players. See, actual game design is an overcomplicated beast where programmers, artists, and musicians bounce separate ideas off of and around each other in an effort to make a complex and compelling player experience. WarioWare levels have basic art and cool music, but the emphasis is placed on interface fluidity not frivolity.
Instead of inundating the player with information overload, WarioWare D.I.Y. breaks down the core concept to actors in a stage play. Every object has a job to do only if you give them one. It’s this very basic premise that makes the core design concept of WarioWare D.I.Y. so do-able. Consider it a light game design course where you learn is relevant to making games. And if making games isn’t your thing, the software included in WarioWare D.I.Y. can be used to draw comics, or make music and share your creations with other friends on the Internet.
If full on creative management isn’t one of your strong suits yet (same problem here), there’s still something in WarioWare D.I.Y. for you. One of my favorite sections of the game are the freelance jobs. Under these jobs, you work for Wario’s game studio finishing up art assets for his microgames. It’s a great way to get creativity out of players in an easier, color-by-numbers approach. Even creating in-game music is simpler thanks to the miraculous Composer – an AI based music designer. There’s even an ability covered in later tutorials to import art from any other microgame into your custom creation. It’s all useful stuff that will help loosen up your unused creative urges.
There’s Still a Game in Here Somewhere
Despite WarioWare D.I.Y. being focused on turning eager, fledgling players into designers, there’s plenty of game here to keep you busy, even if it’s not as much as a traditional WarioWare release. There are 72 pre-made games here to play with, along with comics and music to peruse. New games are available for download every Monday, including Big Name Games – microgames made by famous game designers who have worked in collaboration with Nintendo.
As novel and simple as designing a microgame concept feels in WarioWare D.I.Y, there are a few nitpicks. First, the tutorial can seem a bit too chatty, even if does a good job of preparing you for advanced in-game lessons. Even if the conversations can get a little long, I secretly wish there were more design lessons highlighting some of the techniques shown in the advanced tutorial videos I’ve seen online. Mandatory Nintendo Friend Codes make sharing seem bothersome and clunky, which dilutes a big part of what this game is supposed to be about. The D.I.Y. Showcase is available at an additional cost and lets players play their micorgames in blurry vision on the big screen, another clunky add-on. Also, DSi (and DSi XL) users get zero perks to owning the latest Nintendo handheld system. I guess you’ll have to hope for a sequel if you wanted to use your fancy Nintendo DS camera to contribute to your microgame.
The Verdict
In the end WarioWare D.I.Y. seems to represent that new pillar in Nintendo’s design philosophy, and one that’s made the company quite profitable – make quirky, yet charming paradigm shifting games where you make fun out of busywork, creating a valuable software package instead of being just a mere game. It’s a creative goldmine if you’re the patient type that’s willing to spend hours tweaking a level to perfection.
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