Shake, Tilt, and Fire!

Controlling Wario isn't the only thing that the game does a good job of executing. Some of the levels in the game put Wario in the cockpit of a submarine, requiring him to get from point A to point B. Along the way though, there is treasure to be found, coins to be collected, and enemies waiting to be shot down. Controlling the submarine, just like controlling any other vehicle in Shake It!, is simple - tilt the Wii Remote to steer and click 2 to fire torpedoes.

The Shake Dimension

Perhaps the best part about Shake It! is the variety in levels. One minute you are in the depths of the water shooting down enemy submarines and the next you are admiring the sights in a sky palace. Each level has its own unique feel, and accompanying that are unique twists that each level boasts. One level for instance might put a strong emphasis on swinging on bars, whereas another focuses on controlling a particular type of vehicle.

Speaking of the Shake Dimension, Shake It! is one of the best looking games on Nintendo's Wii, period. Everything in the game is hand-drawn, right down to the backdrops. No polygons are to be found in Shake It!. If you have been a gamer since the NES or SNES was released and still have a strong passion for high-quality 2D gaming, Shake It! will be right up your alley.

That, however, doesn't mean that the game deserves a perfect score in the graphics department. For those widescreen users, you will be pretty disappointed to hear that Shake It! only supports 4:3. Instead widescreen users will be greeted by a nice border on the outside of the screen.

Give Me More Shake!

The game's upbeat, cheery soundtrack sets the right tone for a Wario platformer. A more orchestral direction might have been even better but the soundtrack is nevertheless amazing. Even Wario's grunts and the other random sound effects in the game are worthy of a nod.

Without a doubt, Wario Land: Shake It! is the pinnacle of 2D gaming on Wii. The game is so well thought-out and executed that the $49.99 price tag is a steal. If you are an old-school gamer wanting in on some 2D action, Shake It! won't disappoint. The only downside is the length of the game that to some will be a slap in the face. Four to five hours of gameplay simply isn't very long. Still, Shake It! brings platforming on the Nintendo Wii to new heights offering an enjoyable mix of motion control and standard gameplay.