WarioWare Gold - Nintendo 3DS Game | Fast-Paced Microgames Collection for Family Fun & Party Entertainment

Firstly, there seems to be some misconceptions around this game - number one being that it's "too short".Let me explain - Warioware is a series that revolves around completing 5-10 second "microgames" in rapid succession. These are presented by different characters with short, humorous storylines. The microgames usually have one or two word instructions, and don't require complex inputs. The challenge and fun comes from not knowing what's coming up next, and then rushing to figure out what to do before time runs out. You have 4 lives per stage - if you fail a microgame, you lose a life. Lose them all, and you are kicked out of the level and have to try again. After a number of microgames, the speed will increase, the level will increase, and you will have to complete a "boss" microgame - usually a bit longer and more difficult than the normal ones.Granted that the series revolves around these short microgames....yes, the game is "short". In the core Story mode, each characters storyline is resolved by being able to complete about 15-20 microgames without failing entirely, and then completing the boss microgame. Even with a large number of character storylines (like this game has), it's bound to be short.But that's also the point - you clear those storylines, and that opens them up to a mode where you can play them infinitely, with the speed and difficulty ramping up higher and higher, to test your skills and see how long you can go before you fail out. In effect, it's a "going for the high score" kind of arcade action. If you don't like that...sorry, the game's just not for you. That's not the game's fault, because it is quite good at what it does - you're just not into that kind of thing.Furthermore, the game has a ton of replay value, with you collecting coins every time you beat a boss, or clear one of many objectives, coins that can be spent to unlock various wacky gadgets and collectibles. So you're always wanting to play more just to see what other weird and quirky stuff the game has.Secondly, I've heard some people complaining that the game recycles old microgames. That has always been the idea behind this particular entry in the series though - it's a collection of the best-of-the-best from 3 different past titles in the series - the original game, Twisted!, and Touched!. The original game only used buttons, because it was a plain GBA game; Twisted! used gyro controls to allow you to interact with the microgames by turning your GBA from side to side; Touched!, being a DS game, utilized touch controls. Being that the 3DS has all three features, this game includes microgames from all 3 of these entries, plus a few new surprises.I wouldn't call this game "lazy" or a "cash grab" like others have, then - it's a greatest hits type of thing, which is very valid in this case. And beyond that, the old games have been touched up with new graphics, sound, and scenarios in a way that is very touching if you're an old fan of the series. And like I said, there are some new microgames as well, almost all of which are an absolute joy to play.All of that being said, I think this is an excellent entry in this series. There's fully animated, fully voiced cutscenes, all of which are pretty fun, there's lots to do, and a healthy selection of microgames to play. Every aspect of the game has had love and care put into it, and it's a joy to experience.If I had to give some negative points though - some of the collectibles aren't the hottest compared to previous entries in the series. Some are too repetitive, and some are just dull. That's always kinda been the case with this series, but I really wish that they had added a few more novel things to this one.But in any case, I think it's an awesome game, and I'm very glad it exists. If you're a new fan, this is a great place to check out the best the series has to offer, and if you're a veteran of the series, you'll love all the little details and new touches that have been added. I give it a solid recommendation.