Retro Game: Wario Land II

Overview

Wario Land II completely revolutionizes the platforming genre by introducing a radical new concept: an immortal protagonist. The story begins when the crafty Captain Syrup and her Black Sugar Gang raid Wario's castle and steal his precious treasure. Awakened by the commotion, a furious Wario sets off on a wild chase to reclaim his loot. The twist? Wario cannot be killed. Instead of taking damage, enemy attacks transform him into various comical forms, which are essential for solving the game's intricate puzzles.

Background

Released for the Game Boy in 1998 and later enhanced with color for the Game Boy Color, Wario Land II was developed by the legendary Nintendo R&D1. The game's lead designer, Hiroji Kiyotake, wanted to challenge the conventions of the platformer genre. By removing the concept of lives and game overs, the team shifted the focus from mere survival to clever exploration and puzzle-solving. This innovative design choice was a resounding success, defining the Wario Land series for years to come and setting it apart as one of the most creative platformers of its era.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Wario Land II is unlike any other platformer. Players control Wario through sprawling, non-linear levels filled with secrets. The core mechanic is the "reaction" system. Getting hit by a specific enemy will trigger a transformation; for example, being flattened by a weight turns Wario into Flat Wario, allowing him to squeeze through tight gaps. Being set on fire turns him into Flaming Wario, letting him break special blocks. Other transformations include Zombie Wario, Bouncy Wario, and Fat Wario, each with unique abilities required to progress. The objective is not just to reach the end of a stage but to find hidden exits that unlock different story paths, leading to multiple chapters and five distinct endings. This branching structure, combined with the puzzle-like transformations, makes exploration and experimentation the heart of the experience.