Before we get started, let me tell you that this "RPG" label is pretty much balogna. Gameplay is much like the previous Warioland games, but that isn't a bad thing. Strangely, I didn't see a "4" on the title screen...they better add it, or else this would be the third "Warioland" game (WL:SML3, and WL for VB!)

For those of you worried about another Wario game just like the previous two (which I enjoyed) put your fears to rest. Warioland 4 plays like a hybrid of Warioland 1 and 2 with a feel sort of like Super Mario World... Thanks to the bigger screen and extra buttons, more moves and details can be found in this amazingly polished game.

Graphics are very souped up. Like all Mario-related games, the look is somewhat cartoonish, but colorful, still. In general, think of Yoshi's Island with a few more colors and effects added here and there. It really felt like a classic SNES game. I couldn't hear the music very well on the showroom floor, but I believe Kozue Ishikawa is hard at work to create some catchy Wario tunes!

Although many levels seemed to be open, I only played a few of them. The level design seems to be somewhat like WL2, as it is more linear than WL3, but it is not a side-scroller. In classic Wario style, level design is varied, and coins (which look like Rupees from Zelda this time) are there for the taking. The general level design, for the levels I played at least, involves hunting for various treasures located in the level and then finding a detonator that reopens the enterance. You don't need to collect them all on one go, but once you set off that timer, Wario needs to bust a move and get to that portal double-time.

But in order to create some sense of familiarity with all of these new and exciting features, the developers have put in many familiar transformations just like in WL2 and 3 (and probably some new ones, too.) And Wario still shakes his booty when climbing ladders, so don't worry!

Warioland 4 is looking like it is almost done, so I expect it to be out sometime this year. I can't wait to take my "beautiful" Wario out for another spin!