CNET Networks Entertainment GameSpot | GameFAQs | Metacritic | MP3.com | TV.com
Home | About Metacritic | About Metascores | What's New | Wireless Versions | Discussion Forums | Advertising Inquiries | Contact Us | RSS
Metacritic.com: We Deal With Criticism
     Help
> Switch to Advanced Search  
Film Video/DVD Music Games Books TV
Printer-Friendly Version Email This Page Discuss In Our Forums

Games

Playstation Reviews
PS3 | PS2 | PS One | PSP

Xbox Reviews
Xbox 360 | Xbox

Nintendo Reviews
Wii | DS | GBA | Cube | N64


PC | N-Gage | Dreamcast

How Metascores Are Calculated
Discuss Games In Our Forums

 

Upcoming & Recent Releases

sort by name sort by score

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.



Wario Ware, Inc.:Mega Microgame$ gba Game Reviews
Wario Ware, Inc.:Mega Microgame$
Critic Score
Metascore: 88 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
9.1 out of 10
based on 36 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 18 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

A hilarious look at what really goes on behind the scenes. You can't really say that Wario is greedy. He's just, uh, financially motivated. Always on the lookout for his next get-rich-quick scheme, Wario stumbles upon the lucrative video game publishing market. Like any aspiring entrepreneur, Wario buys a PC and starts his own company, called Wario Ware, Inc. With the help of his friends, he develops over 200 of the wildest games the world has never seen. Each "game" lasts five seconds, which is kept track of via an on-screen time-bomb. Directions aren't provided, so much of the challenge comes from figuring out how, precisely, to beat each minigame. This is where you come in. You are challenged by Wario and each of his developer buddies to beat all of their games within the given time limit. Each developer specializes in a particular genre of game, so you at least have a vague idea of what to expect. [Nintendo]

PUBLISHER: Nintendo
DEVELOPER: Nintendo
GENRE(S): Action, Platform
PLAYERS: 2
ESRB RATING: E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE: May 21, 2003

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100
G4 TV
There's only one thing a game that asks you to pick a nose can be, and that's one of the best handheld games ever.
Read Full Review
100
GameNow
The games (more than 200 total) are extraordinarily simple yet extremely fun... Wario Ware is so good, I get giddy just thinking about it. [June 2003, p.46]
100
Gaming Age
One of the most innovative titles to come out for any platform in quite some years.
Read Full Review
100
Yahoo! Games
It's just so damned hard to find any area in which Made In Wario could have done better. If you have a Game Boy Advance and you enjoy playing it, you NEED this game.
Read Full Review
97
Gamezilla!
It’s as addictive as some illegal substances and 5 times more fun.
Read Full Review
96
Console Gameworld
It’s unlike anything you have ever played before. It’s simply amazing. If you have a Game Boy Advance and consider yourself even somewhat of a gamer, go and do yourself a favor. Go out NOW and buy this game. You’ll thank me later.
Read Full Review
95
Armchair Empire
Like everything and nothing you’ve ever played.
Read Full Review
95
Pocket Games
A twitch-gamer's dream with virtually infinite replay value, and always one more high score to aim for. [Fall 2003, p.40]
95
NintendoWorldReport
it is the title’s simplicity that makes it so enjoyable. It’s the world’s most accessible game, and is a total blast.
Read Full Review
93
netjak
I can’t remember having played a game this unique, with this much character and originality, in a long, long time. That it’s a heck of a lot of fun is an excellent added bonus.
Read Full Review
92
Nintendo Power
So joyfully silly I can't help but burst into laughter every time I play. The minigames are all a riot and they just keep on coming![June 2003, p.135]
92
Electronic Gaming Monthly
It's very different from anything out there. I've never seen a game as frenetic, fast-paced, or absolutely hilarious as this. [June 2003, p.132]
91
Entertainment Weekly
Fans and aspiring developers can also create and submit their own minichallenges at warioware.biz. [13 June 2003, p.105]
91
Gaming Nexus
By far the strangest game I’ve ever played, and it is also one of the most enjoyable games I have ever played.
Read Full Review
91
Into Liquid Sky
An absolute keeper for anybody looking for short bursts of entertainment on their portable machines, just in case the world around you seems to be fairly uneventful.
Read Full Review
91
GameSpy
Nintendo's most original game in years, WarioWare is a weird, fun little masterpiece.
Read Full Review
91
GameSpot
The way the game tosses its huge slew of often hilarious minigames at you gives it the frenetic, unstoppable pace of a Tetris-like puzzle game, and in the end, it all comes together in a nearly magical fashion.
Read Full Review
90
GamerFeed
There's certainly a lot to dig into if the game sucks you in, be it the attitude presented by the story and characters or the sheer craziness of the microgames. There's also some underlying statements being made about the business of games, and they are presented in a light and comical manner but seem to hold weight.
Read Full Review
90
IGN
There's no way you'll see everything on the first time through. This game is amazingly fun, incredibly funny, and a really intense gaming experience in the later levels.
Read Full Review
90
Nintendojo
It may be over quick, but it's got the sort of staying power and pick-up-and-play appeal that'll keep you coming back whenever you get tired of the latest games. It's the perfect title for anyone who craves addictive, fast-paced action or just something different from the status quo.
Read Full Review
90
EuroGamer
If variety is the spice of life, then Wario Ware is the digital equivalent of Phall curry, burning the inside of your face with its charm and originality.
Read Full Review
90
GMR Magazine
A collection of over 200 totally unexpected, random, frighteningly creative "microgames." [Aug 2003, p.79]
90
All Game Guide
It is a testament of WarioWare, Inc.’s game design that the action never grows stale despite the simplicity of controls, the straightforward objectives, and the hyperactive style of play.
Read Full Review
90
eToychest
Although it is one of the silliest game concepts in years, these 5-second games are somehow able to hold your attention for hours on end.
Read Full Review
90
Deeko
With so many games, so much to unlock and so much fun to be had, Wario Ware is a game I can easily say is a must have for anyone looking for a game that is pure, simple fun.
Read Full Review
85
Nintendophiles
Trying to describe why this game is fun, why the challenge of playing these games, which alone are stupid and even moronic, but together mesh so well and are fun, is not easy.
Read Full Review
83
Cinescape
The only downfall is that you might find it a little short, but it still is one of the most unique titles I’ve played in a while and comes recommended.
Read Full Review
80
GamePro
Hours of it at once will make your eyes glaze over. That's why this title's so good for "casual" gamers—it's a blast in 15-minute spurts, and if you stick to that schedule, there's enough action inside to keep you engaged for weeks.
Read Full Review
80
GameCritics
The combination of a unique concept and a refreshing original and light-hearted setting make WarioWare one of the pleasant surprises in terms of engaging original software on the GBA.
Read Full Review
80
GamerArchive
On your first go you'll be left wondering what all the fuss is about, but give it ten minutes and you'll find that your GBA will have to be prised from your cold dead hands.
Read Full Review
80
My Gamer
It is great way to kill time and anyone with ADD will feel comfort in this title as the rapid pace of the game is blazingly fast.
Read Full Review
75
Game Informer
Lots of shallow elements thrown together does not create an absorbing experience. [June 2003, p.118]
70
Gamestyle
There is nothing to be learned or mastered, other than your own quick reflexes, and while it is unfortunate that so many of the games are too similar and don't offer enough gameplay variety, the actual experience of working through them is both challenging and original, with comedy value and lush visuals to boot.
Read Full Review
70
Edge Magazine
Made in Wario confidently sticks two fingers up at an industry that seems to have lost its sense of humour … it displays a refreshing intertextuality that manages to poke fun at and celebrate videogames. [June 2003, p. 103]
70
Cheat Code Central
And what I mean by strange is damn good. It's virtually impossible to put down.
70
Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
The wittiest and most amusing game Edge has played in a long, long time. [Edge]
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 9.1 (out of 10) based on 18 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Waisy B. gave it a10:
I usually NEVER overrate a game...but Wario Ware really needs to be given a 10 out of 10. WW Mega Microgame$ is an excellent of way of killing time since the game randomly chooses the minigames on every single try!One second ull be swatting flies,in the next 5...u will be picking noses!And when u try to play the level again,the games will be totally different! All in all there are 200 micro games...which rock! Wario Ware....is what portable gaming is.

MP83 gave it a10:
Quating Wario himself: " EXCELLENT!!" This game is too darn weird, yet so fun to play.

Zachary W. gave it a10:
You ROCK!!!!

Uter gave it a 10:
Wario Ware deserves an 11. It's the best game I've played in a long time.

Ryan gave it a 9:
I like this game a whole lot. It is fun trying to get the little flower on all of the mini-games. Although, when you come across one you can't beat, it gets a little monotonous. Hey, by the way, go Fleetwood Mac!!

Jacob H. gave it a 9:
Great game and very challenging exept when you get stuck and can't beat something, it getts boring.

Gary S. gave it a 9:
A laugh every 5 seconds! After you've pretty much beaten it, you may stop playing it non-stop and get on with your life, but it's a great game for those times when you only have a few minutes to play. It's beautiful when played using the GameCube adapter.

Read more user comments...

Discuss this game in our forums

Return to top of page
Home | FILM | DVD/VIDEO | MUSIC | GAMES | BOOKS | TV | Forums | About Metacritic metacritic.com

About CNET Networks | Jobs | Advertise | Partnerships                                Visit other CNET Networks sites:

Copyright ©2007 CNET Networks, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use