Editing Microgame

[[File:WWG Gold Digger.png|200px|thumb|The microgame [[Gold Digger]] from ''[[WarioWare Gold]]'']]
[[File:GameGrid9Volt.png|200px|thumb|left|[[9-Volt]]'s microgame grid in ''[[WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!]]'']]

'''Microgames''' are simple, short [[minigame]]s appearing in the ''[[WarioWare (series)|WarioWare]]'' series and its spiritual predecessor ''[[Mario Artist: Polygon Studio]]''. Their name comes from "minigame" and the prefix "micro-."

Mostly created by the fictional company [[WarioWare, Inc.]], these games have extremely stripped-down gameplay. Microgames are generally less than five seconds long, which is even shorter, and makes the gameplay simpler than the minigames found elsewhere, such as in the ''[[Mario Party (series)|Mario Party]]'' series. Gameplay in all ''WarioWare'' games is distinct from most other games, as they involve the player trying to beat the microgames as soon as possible. Most games present instructions in the form of a verb and quickly drop the player into the situation where they must perform said verb.

All microgames are strung together in a random order within different "stages," each hosted by a different character. After the player is presented with a quick one or two word instruction (such as "Eat!" or "Rub!"), which is said by an announcer starting with ''[[WarioWare: Get It Together!]]'', the microgame appears and the player has to complete the game according to the instruction. The microgames usually have only one task to complete; for instance, the player may be presented with a scene from ''[[zeldawiki:The Legend of Zelda|The Legend of Zelda]]'' and have to move [[Link]] to a cave entrance using the directional buttons before time runs out, or they may have to drive a car, avoiding oncoming traffic. If the player does not successfully complete the microgame, they will lose a [[Extra life|life]].

Microgames come in three main types, classified by the condition required to clear them. Some games require the player to accomplish a task within a limited amount of time. If they do the action presented, a {{wp|sound bite}} plays to signify the game's completion; this is usually heard just before the timer runs out and may continue through the return to the score screen. Other games require the player to instead survive so that something does not happen before the timer runs out, with the sound bite playing after the score screen returns. Finally, there are boss microgames, which always occur at a set point in a stage; these are usually more challenging, have no time limit, and give chances back upon successful clearing. They are also required to be cleared to pass a channel for the first time. After the fulfillment of the task(s) presented, the sound bite plays, the score screen returns, and on repeated plays, if the player has less than four lives, one will be restored. When the "Level Up" message is shown, the microgames will raise in difficulty.

Additionally, the ''WarioWare'' series features several deviations from the normal classifications of microgames. There are some microgames which last twice as long to fit either their brain-stretching contents or the difficulty of completion even at regular speed; multiplayer microgames, which are used to determine who goes first in a multiplayer game or to settle a tie; and several microgames that require a complete lack of input to complete.

The unit of time for all microgames is {{wp|Beat (music)|beats}}. A standard microgame is 8 beats long (4 seconds, at normal speed), while microgames in the IQ genre, hosted by [[Orbulon]], last 16 beats (8 seconds); the latter length is also used for the occasional microgame here-and-there in later games. [[Fronk]] microgames are only 4 beats (2 seconds) long and the WarioWatch has a timer for the whole stage rather than each individual microgame. In most games, the {{wp|Beats per minute|BPM}} starts out relatively slow and then increases as the player completes microgames. The average length of a microgame has been suggested by [[Nintendo]] to be five seconds, when in reality it is only four.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/2cbad24c-51fe-4d3f-bf7b-b9ca5a6751c5 "WarioWare: Touched! at Nintendo :: Games."] Nintendo.com. February 14, 2005.</ref> As more microgames are played, the game will show a "[[Speed Up!]]" message which signifies the increase in the microgames' speed.

To show the time left to complete a microgame, a small "[[Bomb (WarioWare series)|bomb]]" appears at the bottom of the screen. The fuse and a countdown timer show the amount of time left to complete the microgame. When time runs out, the bomb explodes and the microgame ends. The fuse burns faster when the BPM increases. Some microgames are intrinsically harder than others, and an increased BPM (increased speed) will make any microgame more difficult to complete than the same microgame at a slower BPM. This is usually reflected in the microgames' "passing scores"—the score one must reach while playing a microgame in the practice modes to obtain credit for "clearing" it (''[[WarioWare: Smooth Moves|Smooth Moves]]'', ''[[WarioWare: D.I.Y.|D.I.Y.]]'', ''[[Game & Wario]]'' and ''[[WarioWare: Move It!|Move It!]]'' lack this feature, however, as do the exclusive multiplayer microgames from ''[[WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$!|Mega Party Game$!]]'').

Except in ''D.I.Y.'', each microgame is featured in three difficulty levels. Level 1 games present the given task in an easier way, while Level 3 games present it in a much harder way. Not all modes of all ''WarioWare'' games actually show a color to denote the current level, but most modes start with Level 1 games, progressing to Level 2 upon a "Level Up" (usually achieved after passing a boss microgame), then to Level 3 in similar fashion. Once Level 3 is reached, sequential "Level Up"s will typically be replaced by "Speed Up"s (an increase in BPM).

In ''[[Game & Wario]]'', microgames do not appear except in [[9-Volt]]'s "[[Gamer]]" minigame, which features mostly remakes of past microgames such as "[[Gold Digger]]" and "[[Sole Man]]," both from ''Mega Microgame$!''

''[[WarioWare: Get It Together!]]'' introduces the mechanic of controlling various characters in the ''WarioWare'' series within the microgames and using their unique abilities to beat them. Some microgames will also be changed depending on the character. It also introduces a woman's voice that announces the command before every microgame.

Outside of the ''WarioWare'' series, microgames are used in the [[WarioWare, Inc. (stage)|WarioWare, Inc. stage]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. If a player wins the microgame, they are rewarded with item effects, including growing ([[Super Mushroom]]s) and becoming invincible ([[Super Star]]s).

In ''Mario Party Advance'', the term "microgame" can be applied to any small challenge given in that game's quests. As such, the microgames there may vary widely in style, purpose, and simplicity; completing a microgame typically rewards the player with a [[Gaddget]].

==Microgame themes==
Microgames in the ''WarioWare'' series are typically assigned to stages based on a specific theme. WarioWare Inc.'s employees will usually create microgames around themes that they find interesting, and nearly all of them have signature themes that they follow in multiple titles.

Most stages in ''Twisted!'', ''Touched!'', ''Smooth Moves'', and ''Snapped!'' are themed around variations of the title's main control scheme. Most of these titles were released early into the lifespan of their respective hardware, and were intended to show the new gimmicks off. Despite this, these titles retain themes listed in ''italics'' below, with multiple control variations.

Officially named microgame themes include:
*'''Intro Games''': These microgames are generally simple, meant to introduce the game's mechanics. This is one of [[Wario]]'s two signature themes, and typically involve him in some way.
*'''Sports''': Microgames themed around various activities recognized as sports in the real world. It is the signature theme for [[Jimmy T]], though it is also used by [[Dr. Crygor]] and [[Young Cricket]] & [[Master Mantis]] in ''WarioWare Gold''.
*'''Fantasy''' ('''Sci-Fi''' prior to ''WarioWare Gold''): Microgames with fantastical elements such as magic, space, and monsters, or are generally unrealistic. Some microgames in this theme also involve concepts based in feudal Japan, such as ninjas and samurai. It is the signature theme for [[Dribble & Spitz]], though it is also used by [[Ashley]] & [[Red (WarioWare series)|Red]] and [[Orbulon]] in ''WarioWare Gold''.
*'''That's Life''' ('''Strange''' prior to ''WarioWare Gold''): These microgames commonly depict normal everyday things, sometimes in a strange manner, or otherwise involve concepts that do not fit under any other theme. It is the signature theme for [[Mona]], though it is also used by [[Penny]] and [[Kat & Ana]] in ''WarioWare Gold''.
*'''''[[List of source media for Nintendo-themed microgames|Nintendo]]''''': Microgames based on games and products developed or published by [[Nintendo]]. It is the signature theme for [[9-Volt]], [[18-Volt]], and [[5-Volt]]. With the exception of ''Snapped!'', every title has at least one game based on the ''Super Mario'' franchise.
*'''''IQ''''': Microgames with extended timers. Microgames of this nature typically involve making the player think (hence the name) or objectives that take longer to complete. It is the signature theme for [[Orbulon]]. Starting in ''Touched!'', this theme has dissipated and microgames of this nature can be found in nearly every set. Despite this, a dedicated set still appears in ''D.I.Y.'', with some games now lasting the standard amount of time.
*'''Reality''': Microgames containing photorealistic graphics. Despite the name, these microgames are not necessarily more realistic than others. This theme only appears in ''Mega Microgame$!'' and ''Mega Party Game$!'', where it is hosted by Dr. Crygor.
*'''Nature''': Microgames themed around animals and plants. In ''D.I.Y. Showcase'', only animal-themed games are present. It is the signature theme for Kat & Ana.
*'''Pop-Up''': These microgames only appear in ''Twisted!'' and ''Gold'', and have particularly short time limits. It is the signature theme for [[Fronk]], and like Wario's, they are typically unrelated other than involving him in some way. 
*'''Mic''': Exclusive to ''Touched!'' and ''Gold'', these microgames involve blowing into the microphone on the Nintendo DS/3DS. It is the signature theme for [[Mike]].
*'''Food''': Microgames themed around various food items and related things. It is the signature theme for Ashley.
*'''High Tech''': Microgames themed around modern and futuristic technology. It is Dr. Crygor's theme in ''Get It Together!'', replacing the Reality theme.
*'''Culture''': These microgames are themed around landmarks, cultural items and traditions from around the real world. It is Orbulon's theme in ''Get It Together!'', replacing the IQ theme.
*'''''Anything Goes''''' ('''All Good''' in ''WarioWare: Smooth Moves''):<ref>"''I might be small, but I'm still the best! Here's proof: I've mastered all the forms! Bwahahaha! I'm '''All Good'''! And between you and me, I make an appearance in all my games! As my biggest fan, <player's name>, this will make you insanely happy!''" - Temple of Form description for Tiny Wario's set, ''WarioWare: Smooth Moves''</ref> Wario's second signature theme also involves him in every microgame; otherwise, they have nothing in common. These microgames usually insert Wario into one of the other themes, and are meant to be the most challenging of all. In later games, this set is listed under an alternate form or copy of Wario, though the original is the one who developed them.

==Lists of microgames==
*[[List of WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! microgames|''WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!'' and ''Mega Party Game$!'']] - 213 microgames
*[[List of WarioWare: Twisted! microgames|''WarioWare: Twisted!'']] - 223 microgames
*[[List of WarioWare: Touched! microgames|''WarioWare: Touched!'']] - 192 microgames (1 returning, 1 Japanese-only, 1 international-only)
*[[List of WarioWare: Smooth Moves microgames|''WarioWare: Smooth Moves'']] - 205 microgames
*[[WarioWare: Snapped!#Microgames|''WarioWare: Snapped!'']] - 20 microgames
*[[List of WarioWare: D.I.Y. microgames|''WarioWare: D.I.Y.'']] - 116 microgames (2 returning, 2 Japanese-only, 2 international-only)
*[[List of WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase microgames|''WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase'']] - 78 microgames (2 Japanese-only, 2 international-only)
*[[List of WarioWare: D.I.Y. downloadable microgames|''WarioWare: D.I.Y.''/''D.I.Y. Showcase'' downloadable microgames]] - 153 microgames (101 Weekly Games, 52 Big Name Games)
*[[Gamer#Microgames|''Game & Wario'']] - 22 microgames (2 returning)
*[[List of WarioWare Gold microgames|''WarioWare Gold'']] - 316 microgames (262 returning)
*[[List of WarioWare: Get It Together! microgames|''WarioWare: Get It Together!'']] - 222 microgames (4 returning)
*[[List of WarioWare: Move It! microgames|''WarioWare: Move It!'']] - 223 microgames (2 returning)

==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jap=プチゲーム
|JapR=Puchi Gēmu
|JapM=Petit Game
|Spa=Microjuego
|SpaM=Microgame
|Fre=Micro-jeu
|FreM=Microgame
|Ger=Mikrospiel
|GerM=Microgame
|Ita=Minigioco
|ItaM=Minigame
|Kor=미니게임
|KorR=Mini Game
|KorM=Mini Game
}}

==References==
<references/>

{{Navboxes|
{{WarioWare microgames}}
{{5-Volt's microgames}}
{{9-Volt & 18-Volt's microgames}}
{{Ashley & Red's microgames}}
{{Dr. Crygor's microgames}}
{{Dribble & Spitz's microgames}}
{{Fronk's microgames}}
{{Jimmy T's microgames}}
{{Kat & Ana's microgames}}
{{Mike's microgames}}
{{Mona's microgames}}
{{Orbulon's microgames}}
{{Penny's microgames}}
{{Wario's microgames}}
{{Young Cricket & Master Mantis's microgames}}
}}
[[Category:WarioWare series minigames|*]]
[[Category:Microgames|*]]
[[de:Mikrospiel]]