Wario: Master of Disguise

A treasure-hunting transformation adventure

Released for the Nintendo DS in 2007, Wario: Master of Disguise took Wario out of his usual WarioWare antics and into a side-scrolling platformer with a unique twist. Unlike his Wario Land adventures, this game introduced a disguise-based gameplay mechanic, where Wario could transform into different personas to solve puzzles and battle enemies.

A story of greed and disguise

The game begins with Wario watching a TV show about a master thief named Silver Zephyr. Not wanting to be outdone, Wario builds a special device that lets him enter the television world, stealing the Zephyr’s magic wand and taking his place as the new top thief. Armed with this power, Wario sets off on a treasure-hunting quest, battling rivals and solving challenges along the way.

Touchscreen-powered transformations

The key feature of Master of Disguise was Wario’s ability to switch between different disguises, each granting him unique abilities. Players used the DS touchscreen to draw specific symbols on Wario, triggering transformations such as Thief Wario, who could run fast, Artist Wario, who could create blocks, and Cosmic Wario, who could shoot lasers. These disguises were essential for navigating levels, solving puzzles, and defeating enemies.

A mixed reception, but a unique entry

While Wario: Master of Disguise had an interesting premise, it received mixed reviews due to its somewhat clunky touchscreen controls and pacing. However, fans of Wario’s mischievous personality and puzzle-platforming gameplay still found it an enjoyable, if unconventional, entry in his adventures. Despite its flaws, it remains a fascinating part of Wario’s history and an example of Nintendo’s willingness to experiment with new ideas on the DS.

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