Post by: NWR_Neal on December 20, 2012, 07:12:05 PM
How does Nintendo's final Game Boy title hold up in 2012?
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewmini/32853
Wario Land II, originally released in 1998 on the Game Boy and remade in 1999 for the Game Boy Color (the latter is the version on Virtual Console), could be termed as the first Wario game as we know the character after his playable debuts in Super Mario Land 3 and Virtual Boy Wario Land. Fortunately, Wario Land II's changes and additions are for the better, and his return to platforming is one of the best games available on Game Boy.
In this game, Wario is invincible, using his large and malleable body to regain his treasure from his arch-rival Captain Syrup. If you are flattened, you don't die; instead, Wario becomes wider and smaller, allowing you to easily cross over gaps, among other things. Wario also can become fatter, on fire, a zombie, or drunk (or "crazy" as the game tries to tell you) in order to solve a variety of puzzles and collect as many coins as possible. The only issue that arises with all the abilities is that sometimes it is tough to find out what each one can do, and the game can be unclear with its hints.
Levels in Wario Land II are generally short, featuring simple goals that usually involve reaching the end of the stage, but they are all based around puzzles instead of action, making them more interesting and unique. Each chapter consists of a few levels that culminate in a boss fight, most of which are uniquely designed to be challenging even though Wario can't perish.
This is a pretty long game, complete with branching paths, multiple endings, and secret exits. Even today, Wario Land II is a fantastic title that is the cream of the Game Boy crop. It's as close to a must-buy as you can find on the 3DS Virtual Console.
Post by: Pixelated Pixies on December 20, 2012, 07:47:44 PM
On a side note. Wario Land III was just released in Europe and while I'm sure that it's awesome, Wario land II had so much...well...Wario Land packed into it, that I'm a little burnt out. I have it sitting there on my system but I just can't bring myself to play it.
Post by: NWR_insanolord on December 20, 2012, 07:51:20 PM
As stated in the review, this is a must buy (particularly for Gameboy fans).
On a sidenote. Wario Land III was just released in Europe and while I'm sure that it's awesome, Wario land II had so much...well...Wario Land packed into it, that I'm a little burnt out. I have it sitting there on my system but I just can't bring myself to play it.
That's probably why NOA waits so long between Virtual Console releases, so we don't have to worry about that kind of burnout.
Post by: Mop it up on December 20, 2012, 08:10:17 PM
Post by: Disco Stu on December 20, 2012, 08:12:41 PM
Post by: Pixelated Pixies on December 20, 2012, 08:19:14 PM
That's probably why NOA waits so long between Virtual Console releases, so we don't have to worry about that kind of burnout.
They needn't worry. I still bought the thing. I'm still a Nintendo fan (i.e. stupidly compliant).
Post by: Mop it up on December 20, 2012, 08:19:41 PM
Is there not a world map in this game? I've only played the first few levels and haven't seen one yet. That's probably going to be the most disappointing thing about the game for me. I loved the way the world map was used in the first Wario Land.There's a map, but you can't access it until you beat the game once.
Post by: Pixelated Pixies on December 20, 2012, 08:22:54 PM
Post by: TrueNerd on December 20, 2012, 08:31:54 PM
Post by: Jonnyboy117 on December 20, 2012, 08:46:28 PM
Post by: Art_de_Cat on December 20, 2012, 11:19:15 PM
Post by: Mop it up on December 23, 2012, 04:30:18 PM
unh double-up unh UNGHIs this a Rhythm Haven Fever reference?
Post by: Evan_B on December 24, 2012, 01:48:52 PM
I have Super Mario Land 3: Wario Land on my 3DS right now- played through it, enjoyed it. I think some of the secrets are a little ridiculous, but I see how they tried to differentiate the game from the Super Mario Land titles and I appreciate it. The dynamic world is really cool, in my opinion, and I wish they had done more with that concept than they ultimately did. It's one of the things I enjoy most about Wario Land 3, though. Hearing that Wario Land 2 doesn't have a world map is a bit upsetting, but I'm interested to see how the game progresses.
