It's understandable that after the mediocre "Yoshi" and "Yoshi's Cookies", gaming audiences and Nintendo weren't enthusiastic when yet another Tetris-style stack'em up game featuring Mario characters hit store shelves.

And it's not surprising that the game is relatively unknown today. It's not right though, since Wario's Woods is probably the most fun and inventive of all the Tetris successors, Dr. Mario included!

Graphics: 8 (out of 10)
They're prettier than the NES version of the game, which came out at the same time, but they're not breathtaking. They don't need to be though - you know whats what, every sprite on the screen has an amusing animation to it, and there are nice sketches of Wario and that egg-shootin' pink thing from Super Mario Bros. 2 (who is apparently a good guy now?). Most of it is small and not terribly detailed, but well-rounded and good enough.

Music and Sound: 7 (out of 10)

There should be more diversity to the music - come to think of it, there may be, I just never checked for the option. Music is easy to get used to and will only annoy those not playing the game. Repetitive tunes, though, like most puzzle games.

Game Challenge: 9 (out of 10)

I have trouble from level 65 on in 'round play'. And the computer is difficult to beat on the highest challenge level in 'Vs. Comp' mode. So there's plenty of challenge to be had if your up for it! Have I even explained the game play? You control Toad, who's job it is to rearrange a bunch of falling monsters and bombs. The goal is to line up 1 or more monsters with at least 1 or more bombs (must be at least 3 objects of that color to cause the explosion) and a level is cleared when no more monsters remain.

The gameplay is terribly, TERRIBLY ADDICTIVE. Very fun - especially with a friend. Gameplay takes some getting used to though so you have to train your opponent a little. Once you get the hang of the controls, which are a little complex for a falling puzzle game, it is fun!

Frustration

In round-mode, the highest levels are frustrating, especially since you can only save your progress every 5 stages! So some frustration can arise in 1-player mode (and in 2-player if your playing somebody very skilled!).

Replayability: 9 (out of 10)

If your not going through an addictive stage with it, which come and go, it's one of those games you pick up when your bored. And the two-player mode is endless fun. Lots of replayability here.

Game Value: 10 (out of 10)

Hell yea - since it's pretty cheap now as it never got very popular and therefore not squeezed for high prices - yet...I have a feeling the Wario name will make it a collector's item when SNES carts start getting rare, though. But right now it's lots of good fun at very cheap prices.

Novelty: 9 (out of 10)

A rare appearance by Wario on the Super Nintendo for one. Then you have the fact that Toad is the star and only controlled player. Then there's that pink thing from SMB2 that is for some reason the character that helps you when Wario's not around dropping monsters. This is one of the strangest Mario titles around. Good novelty value for Mario freaks, even if they don't like this genre of game.

Best console to get it on...

The NES version lacks the options (and 1 play move) of the SNES counterpart, so the SNES version is superior, though it's a fun game for either platform.

Overall: 9 (out of 10)

The best of the Mario Tetris games - by far the most original. At least play it once on the computer, but you'll find it a more than worthwhile purchase.