Top Wario Games That Every Fan Should Experience
By Ahh, Wario, the beloved garlic-obsessed, trouble-making antihero. Opposite to Mario — against whom he often competes — Wario has been a part of the Mario franchise since 1992, when he was the primary antagonist in the Game Boy classic Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins.
Since then, Wario has flourished, venturing into puzzle games, golf, tennis, soccer, parties, and even launched two of his own series: Wario Land and WarioWare.
To celebrate the release of the fantastic Wario Land 4 on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack’s GBA app, we’re focusing on the past, primarily. Wario boasts a selection of delightful platformers that span from the retro Game Boy days to the Wii. Hopefully, one day we’ll witness a brand new Wario platformer.
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s dive into the finest Wario platformers of all time, as ranked by you, our esteemed readers.
Top Wario Platformers of All Time
9. Wario: Master of Disguise (DS)
Developed by Suzak, Wario: Master of Disguise is somewhat peculiar. As you may have guessed, disguises are the core gameplay mechanic in this title. Each disguise offers different abilities, allowing Wario to access areas he couldn’t before. This is notably different from the Wario Land games, where you can only transform by getting hit by specific enemies in particular areas.
While the concept of transforming at will sounds appealing in theory, the execution leaves much to be desired due to an overdependence on the touchscreen. Switching costumes, as well as utilizing various abilities, is done with the stylus. Drawing specific shapes to don disguises can be incredibly frustrating since you must be very precise for the game to recognize your intended disguise.
If you’re willing to persevere, you’ll occasionally glimpse moments of brilliance, but they are unfortunately few and far between.
8. Virtual Boy Wario Land (VB)
The stunning visual design and impressive audio elevate this remarkable platformer. It’s a game you will want to return to, whether to experience it again or simply because it’s so engaging to play through.
It’s unfortunate that there aren’t more levels, but Virtual Boy Wario Land absolutely deserves its acclaim and is highly regarded. If you own a VB, this is a must-have title.
7. Wario World (GCN)
There’s nothing exceptionally creative within Wario World, and while its appealing visuals and enjoyable boss battles can only do so much to compensate for its short length and lack of variety, it does have its fans!
Considering Nintendo’s other GameCube platformers, as well as Wario’s extensive history of handheld titles, it’s challenging to recommend Wario World. Unless you’re one to enjoy mashing the ‘B’ button on your GameCube controller while your eyes glaze over, it’s best to stick with Wario’s Game Boy and DS adventures.
6. Wario Land: Shake It! (Wii)
A brilliant 2D platformer from the talented team at Good-Feel, Wario Land: Shake It! (or Wario Land: The Shake Dimension if you prefer the European title) brought the antics of the antihero to the Wii in fantastic fashion.
Often considered one of the longest 2D platformers you will encounter, its vibrant art style and Wario’s adorably greedy behaviors leave us feeling warm and fuzzy as we reminisce about 2008.
5. Wario Land II (GB)
Devoted fans of the original game (Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3) might be surprised by Wario Land II’s significant gameplay shift, but if you give it a shot, you’ll find it to be quite engaging. The introduction of new gameplay mechanics helps flesh out the series and transforms it into a wildly diverse yet equally enticing experience.
This title quickly received a Game Boy Color version with backward compatibility for the original Game Boy, but its standalone gray cartridge release qualifies it for this list, and it certainly deserves its spot.
4. Wario Land II (GBC)
“Wait,” you say, “Wario Land II on Game Boy is already included?” Yes, well, this is the Game Boy Color version. We’re keeping this on the list for completionist purposes, as we do with our other lists, but everyone knows the two games are similar.
In any case, setting that aside, regardless of which version of Wario Land II you choose, you will be thoroughly entertained thanks to its distinct platforming gameplay. The fresh, bright visuals also add a new layer of chaos to an already delightful handheld platformer.
3. Wario Land 3 (GBC)
Just like Wario Land II before it, Wario Land 3 is, in many respects, more of a puzzle game than an action game, and it’s important to understand that it’s quite different from a classic Mario platformer.
The Wario formula was expanded upon in this third installment, offering a plethora of levels and diverse paths that make it undoubtedly the most expansive Wario Land title in terms of scope. If you enjoyed the previous entry, this generously extended adventure is likely to delight you even more. If this is your first Wario Land experience, you absolutely must give it a try.
And if the previous one wasn’t to your liking? Waaaaaaaaaaaaah!
2. Wario Land 4 (GBA)
Wario Land 4 stands as a testament to quality over quantity, featuring clever nonlinear level designs that encourage multiple playthroughs and further exploration to uncover all the extras.
It’s a platformer aimed at platforming experts, brimming with impeccable level design and a unique audiovisual presentation that could establish a precedent for the WarioWare series.
If you’re a fan of platformers — which likely applies to most of you as avid Nintendo fans — Wario Land 4 is an absolute must-experience.
1. Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (GB)
With Wario Land, Nintendo completely reinvented its portable platformer, granting its greedy new character his own game, rather than merely dropping him into yet another traditional Super Mario Land setup.
Indeed, anyone who might have picked up this ‘sequel’ expecting something similar was in for a surprise. A wealth of innovative gameplay mechanics combined with a distinct visual and musical style make this title stand alone, offering fans of the earlier Mario Land titles a fresh take on the series.
If you seek to experience some of the finest platforming the Game Boy library has to offer, you need look no further.
Time to take a breather after that!