Wario Land II, known as in Japan, is a video game released for the
Game BoyThe , is an 8-bit handheld video game device developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on , in North America in , and in Europe on...
in 1998. It was the last first-party title made for the
Game BoyThe , is an 8-bit handheld video game device developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on , in North America in , and in Europe on...
and was later remade to take advantage of the
Game Boy ColorThe is Nintendo's successor to the 8-bit Game Boy handheld game console, and was released on October 21, 1998 in Japan, November 19, 1998 in North America, November 23, 1998 in Europe and November 27, 1998 in the United Kingdom. It features a color screen and is slightly thicker and taller than...
hardware. In this game,
Wariois a fictional character in Nintendo's Mario series. The character was designed as another antagonist to Mario , and first appeared in the 1992 Game Boy title Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins as the main antagonist and final boss...
has to recover his treasure from Captain Syrup and her Black Sugar Gang (formerly the Brown Sugar Pirates).
Plot
The game features the return of Wario's nemesis, Captain Syrup. Early one morning, she and a few of her soldiers, the Pirate Gooms (Spearmen, which are holdovers from
Wario Land; several different levels deal with defeating a giant Spearman), sneak into Wario's Castle and cause havoc. They steal his precious treasure, set off his giant
alarm clockAn alarm clock is a clock that is designed to make a loud sound at a specific time. The primary use of these clocks is to awaken people from their night's sleep or short naps; they are sometimes used for other reminders as well. To stop the sound, a button or handle on the clock is pressed; but...
, and leave the
tapA tap is a valve controlling release of liquids or gas. In the British Isles and most of the Commonwealth, the word is used for any everyday type of valve, particularly the fittings that control water supply to bathtubs and sinks. In the U.S., the term "tap" is more often used for beer taps,...
running, flooding much of his castle. After Wario wakes up and figures out what's going on, he gives chase across the surrounding lands.
The game is noteworthy for several unique features. Unlike most video games of the time, Wario is fully invincible throughout the course of the game, and will not lose lives. The game's challenge comes mostly through impeding player progress by implementing physical obstacles, puzzle-solving, paths blocked by coin or treasure locks, or forcing Wario back to previously-visited areas. By finding hidden exits in some stages, the player can change the direction of the game's plot (loose as it is) and uncover different endings, as well as find more treasure. In addition to the Really Final Chapter, five other endings can be unlocked by collecting all the treasures. An enemy-themed
Simon SaysSimon says is a children's game for three or more players where one player takes the role of 'Simon' and issues instructions, to the other players, which should only be followed if prefaced with the phrase 'Simon says', for example 'Simon says jump in the air'...
minigame based on the
Game & Watchis a line of handheld electronic games produced by Nintendo from to . Created by game designer Gunpei Yokoi, each Game & Watch features a single game to be played on an LCD screen in addition to a clock and an alarm ....
game Flagman can be unlocked by collecting all the picture tiles.
Reception
Upon release
Wario Land II was widely praised for its inventive gameplay elements and for being a 'fresh spin' on the platforming genre, as well as having well-designed levels and being a fun experience.
External links