We don't see many 2D platformers nowadays, especially not on home consoles, so Wario Land: The Shake Dimension is a beam of beautiful, hand drawn light at the end of the tunnel for those longing for some classic 2D gaming.

The gameplay basics are similar to the other Wario Land titles, bearing many things in common with the 4th game of the series. Each stage is filled with various obstacles and multiple paths the player must overcome in typical Wario fashion: tackle, butt stomp, throw things, ride vehicles, you name it. Once you reach the end of the stage you must free a small creature called a Merfle, at this time a self destruct will be activated and you have to go back to the beginning of the level before time runs out. While this may seem like boring and tedious backtracking, it really isn't, because paths that were inaccessible before open up and with the clock ticking, you'll have to put your reflexes and knowledge of the level layout to test in order to escape as fast as possible.

Shake it like a Polaroid picture!

The game is played with the Wii Remote held sideways (NES style), with very simple, but responsive and tight controls. The motion controls are unobtrusive and masterfully implemented with no need to memorise motions or trial and error moments. For example, if Wario's holding something, shake the remote and Wario will mimic you (it's hilarious to watch the enemies being shaken), move it left and right to swing on a rope, tilt it to control vehicles and point where you want to throw enemies among other things. Everything feels intuitive, instead of tacked on, like in a lot of Wii games.

The difficulty and replay value of the game won't come from enemies or a huge number of stages as it's hard to actually die in the game as most enemies just bump off Wario's huge, round belly. Instead, what will challenge you and keep you busy is the precise platforming, the various paths that lead to more coins and the three hidden treasures present in every level and most importantly, a new addition to the series: level achievements. During each stage you can carry out certain achievements like getting a certain amount of coins, fleeing the level under a time limit, defeating a rare hidden enemy among other things. All these features mean that those with little time can just beat the final boss or for the ones who want to get more juice out the game there are plenty of things to find and do.

Wario appears to be oblivious to the fact that a shrunken phantom sun is attempting to engulf him.

Production I.G. (responsible for Ghost in the Shell and Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn's cutscenes) was also responsible for the jaw dropping backgrounds, colorful sprites and gloriously detailed animations that will get some chuckles out of the player, and make visuals, without doubt, a high point of the game and proof that 2D games can still be mouth-wateringly pretty. The music is also surprisingly good with very catchy tunes (true to Wario fashion) and even some Blues thrown in.

Wario Land: The Shake Dimension has very little text, even the instructions are simple drawings on signs, so if you're thinking of importing the Japanese version, language is definitely not a barrier, the question is, is it really worth it? Considering the game is out this September, probably not.

Good-Feel did a great job with developing a classic 2D platformer; Wario Land: The Shake Dimension is Wario at his best and it's without a doubt a must have game. Look forward to our full review closer to the game's European launch!

And while you're waiting for September to roll around, here's the E3 2008 trailer of the game from N-Europe's Youtube Channel.