This extraordinary waiting game is the antidote to WarioWare.

Life is full of moments in which waiting takes center stage, whether it's in line at the DMV, waiting for a train to arrive, anticipating an important phone call, or waiting for a friend who is always late. This concept of waiting is uniquely and emotionally explored in While Waiting, a new puzzle game that presents a profound reflection on patience.

At first glance, the game may seem like a simple joke, as it consists of 100 short levels, each immersing the player in everyday situations that require some form of waiting. Instead of the rapid microgames of WarioWare, this title offers experiences that invite contemplation, with an approach that may underestimate its depth. However, don’t let that simple appearance deceive you; While Waiting provides an intriguing narrative that may resonate with you, as long as you are willing to embrace the process.

From the beginning, the player finds themselves in levels with seemingly mundane objectives. In one level, you wait for the bus, while in another, you wait for the commercials to finish on television. These tasks can be completed simply by doing nothing, which raises questions about what can be done with this premise. The answer is that there is much to explore. In each level, players can accomplish various objectives while they wait. For example, in a Christmas level, players are a child waiting for Santa Claus; they can simply pretend to sleep to earn recognition, or interact with their surroundings to alter the character's fate.

As the game progresses, it becomes clear that it is not just a series of random situations, but rather the life of a character that evolves over time. The character starts as a child, playing at home with their parents and facing school days, until after about 30 levels, they become a college student yearning for independence. This transition presents the character’s life in an intimate way, and as levels progress, challenges and tragedies emerge that reflect the cycle of life.

While Waiting masterfully combines absurdity, beauty, and tragedy. It presents itself with a comedic touch reminiscent of Thank God You're Here, but with deeper emotions akin to Florence. The early levels elicit laughter through the cleverness of the game design, which plays with the desire to move quickly, while over time, players will begin to notice the aging of the character and the complexity of their life. The game provokes deep reflection on how time has passed and the moments that have been left behind.

The heart of While Waiting lies in its message of not taking life for granted. Every moment matters, from the instant of waiting for a child's birth to a simple elevator delay. These are fleeting moments that will never return, and the game values them, not falling into nihilism, but rather celebrating each one, no matter how small.

In conclusion, While Waiting is about the importance of the journey of waiting. It is available on Nintendo Switch and PC.