Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WarioWare: Touched! delivers a blisteringly fast sequence of microgames that leverage every unique feature of the Nintendo DS. Each microgame lasts only a few seconds, challenging players to tap, swipe, drag, or even blow into the microphone to complete the objective. This rapid-fire structure keeps players on their toes, demanding lightning-quick reflexes and keen pattern recognition.

The variety on offer is staggering: from simple finger taps to trace-the-shape puzzles, to breath-controlled minigames where you’ll have to blow in just the right direction. Modes such as Story, Endless, and various Challenge stages let you tailor the session to your mood—whether you want a quick burst of chaotic fun or a high-score marathon. The difficulty ramps up dynamically, ensuring both newcomers and seasoned veterans find an appropriate level of challenge.

Beyond the core microgame rush, the Toy Room acts as a playground for longer, more leisurely experiences. Here you’ll unlock quirky items—like a jiggly pudding you can prod and pull, or wind-chimes that ring when you blow on the mic. These extras don’t just pad the playtime; they highlight the DS’s unique hardware in unexpected, amusing ways.

Graphics

Visually, WarioWare: Touched! embraces a bold, cartoonish art style that feels instantly accessible. Characters and backgrounds pop with vibrant colors, and the crude yet charming line work brings each microgame to life with a playful energy. The animations are snappy and responsive—essential when games move at such a breakneck pace.

The DS’s dual screens are used intelligently: the action unfolds on the bottom touch screen, while the top screen provides character reactions, score tracking, or quick hints. Load times between microgames are virtually nonexistent, ensuring the momentum never falters. Although the resolution is modest by today’s standards, the crisp pixel art and smooth frame rates prevent any sense of visual compromise.

Retro gaming fans will appreciate the sprinkle of classic Nintendo references hidden throughout many microgames. Whether it’s a mini homage to Mario or a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it link to The Legend of Zelda, these nostalgic nods are rendered with enough detail to evoke fond memories without overshadowing the fresh, frenetic pace that defines the game.

Story

While narrative has never been the star of the WarioWare franchise, Touched! offers a delightfully absurd setup: Wario, suffering from rotten teeth and a sneezy cold, swindles an unsuspecting old man out of a brand-new Nintendo DS. Determined to exploit its capabilities, he convenes his ragtag crew of eccentric designers to concoct an array of touchscreen- and microphone-based microgames.

The plot itself unfolds through brief comic cutscenes between stages, each showcasing Wario’s greedy antics and the quirky personalities of his team. Though minimalistic, this framing device injects just enough humor and character to keep things entertaining between the frantic bursts of gameplay. The emphasis remains squarely on the microgames, but the little narrative vignettes provide a cohesive—if zany—throughline.

Ultimately, the story functions as an excuse for one wacky scenario after another, rather than a traditional character-driven tale. Fans of slapstick comedy and surreal, off-the-wall humor will find the dialogue and cutscenes charming, even if the storyline is firmly in the background.

Overall Experience

WarioWare: Touched! stands out as one of the most inventive titles on the Nintendo DS, showcasing the system’s unique hardware in every conceivable way. Its pick-up-and-play nature makes it ideal for quick commutes or short breaks, yet its addictive challenge and unlockable content ensure you’ll keep returning long after the first few sessions.

The sheer variety and pace make the game a joyous celebration of creativity, both for solo players seeking a fast-paced stress reliever and for groups looking to spar over high scores. The simple premise—complete as many microgames as possible before you lose three lives—belies a highly polished, endlessly engaging experience that captures the spirit of the DS era.

For anyone hunting for a bite-sized gaming experience that’s bursting with personality and innovation, WarioWare: Touched! remains a must-own. Its blend of frantic gameplay, charming graphics, and offbeat humor coalesces into a handheld delight that still feels fresh and exciting, even years after its release.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10