Wiiloveit.com: Paper Plane

Paper Plane - DSiWare Review

THE FACTS: Paper Plane (AKA Paper Airplane; Paper Airplane Chase)
DSiWare | Nintendo | 1-2 Player versus | 200 Nintendo Points | Out Now

Reviewer: Billy White

Like with Pyoro, Paper Plane is another DSi remake of a classic WarioWare mini game. As the name suggests, you control a small paper aeroplane through a series of downward levels. The aim of the game is to travel down each stage without hitting any blocks that may be in your way, and you control the plane by changing it's flight direction with the left and right d-pad buttons.

As you'd expect, if you want it to turn slightly to the side, just tap the direction quickly, but if you want to do a faster, bigger turn, you have to hold on to the button for a short while longer. Depending on the angle, you can also gain extra speed when facing downwards, and whilst it takes a few minutes to get the hang of, you'll soon be dodging your way through the levels as if nothing stands in your way.

There are three different modes to play here that add length to the simple premise. The first, endless, simply tests how many obstacles you can dodge without failing (and, in a nice touch, blocks will appear in a slightly different position each time you play, meaning it doesn't get as repetitive as quick as you may expect). The second mode, time trial, tests you through eight different levels as you try to earn the best score. Each of these levels are only around ten to twenty seconds long, but they can still take a while to master, especially with faster speeds and darkened areas in certain levels.

The final mode offers a fun take on multiplayer, where you have to race through any one of the eight time trial stages. There is no wireless communication required, and instead, two players can play on the same console, one using left and right to control their plane, and the other using Y and A. You don't die in this mode, and instead, you simply slow down if you run into an obstacle. Despite how awkward this mode sounds, it can offer a bit more fun between two people, or if you haven't got a friend, it can help with practising your ambidexterity.

The game doesn't look or sound particularly bad either, and whilst the background design is a bit samey and dull, it's always clear what's going on. In single player mode, you can also use the bottom screen to see upcoming obstacles in the level, and although you'll often be too busy to notice, it can come in handy from time to time.

Whilst Paper Plane might sound like a simple and unexciting concept, the "quick play" style means that you'll always keep going back for an extra go even after you've exhausted all the modes and features. What's even better is that the game is only 200 points, and makes this WarioWare remake a must buy.

25/30 - Very Good

Gameplay 9 - Highly addictive, short fun | Presentation 8 - Simple, with nice sound | Enjoyment 4 - Great in short bursts | Other - 4 Extra value and content

How we rate games