Revisiting Wario Land II: Game Boy Color's Quirky Classic

Remember the days of squinting at a tiny screen, bathed in the glorious green (or sometimes color!) glow of a Game Boy Color? For many retro enthusiasts, those handheld adventures hold a special place, and among them is a truly unique gem: Wario Land II. Released in 1998 for the original Game Boy and later given a vibrant coat of paint for the Game Boy Color, this game wasn't just a sequel; it was a bold statement about what a platformer could be, starring Nintendo's greedy anti-hero, Wario.

Following up on the success of Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3, Wario's second solo outing decided to flip the script entirely. Instead of a straightforward quest to rescue someone or defeat a big bad, Wario Land II kicks off with Wario being unceremoniously kicked out of his own castle by Captain Syrup and her band of pirate baddies, the Black Sugar Gang. Worse yet, they steal his treasure! Wario's motivation is pure and simple: get his stuff back and maybe find some more gold along the way.

A Platformer Where You Can't Game Over?

One of the most revolutionary (and hilarious) aspects of Wario Land II is that Wario cannot die. Seriously. Falling from a great height? He just gets flattened for a second. Hit by an enemy? He might lose a few coins or, more interestingly, undergo a comical transformation. This isn't about pixel-perfect jumps over bottomless pits; it's about exploration, puzzle-solving, and figuring out how to use Wario's temporary forms to progress.

This "invincible" mechanic fundamentally changes how you approach the game. Instead of fearing enemies, you sometimes need them to trigger a specific transformation required to break blocks, reach new areas, or interact with the environment in unique ways. Getting hit becomes less a punishment and more a potential solution.

Wario's Wild Transformations

Forget the standard Super Mushroom. Wario Land II introduces some truly bizarre and fun transformations, each with a specific utility:

• Flat Wario: Squashed by a heavy object, allowing him to slip through narrow gaps.
• Hot Wario: Set on fire, making him run uncontrollably but able to break certain blocks.
• Zombie Wario: Zombified by a ghost, letting him fall through soft floors.
• Fat Wario: Bloated by food, giving him immense ground-pound power.
• Spring Wario: Hit by a spring, bouncing him uncontrollably.

Mastering these temporary states is key to uncovering the game's many secrets.

Non-Linear Paths and Hidden Exits

Unlike many linear platformers of the era, Wario Land II encourages replaying levels and looking for alternate routes. Many stages have multiple exits, leading to different subsequent levels on the world map. This design choice isn't just padding; finding these hidden exits is often necessary to unlock new areas, discover mini-games, and even reach different endings! It adds significant replayability and rewards curiosity.

The level design itself is incredibly creative, full of hidden passages, tricky block puzzles, and environmental interactions tied to Wario's abilities and transformations. It feels less like a race to the finish and more like a treasure hunt through a cartoonishly hostile world.

Why Wario Land II Deserves Your Time Today

Even decades later, Wario Land II holds up remarkably well.

• Unique Gameplay: The no-death mechanic and transformation-based puzzle-solving offer a refreshing change of pace from traditional platformers.
• Charming Presentation: The sprites are large and expressive, especially Wario himself, and the Game Boy Color version boasts a vibrant palette. The music is catchy and perfectly suits Wario's goofy antics.
• Plenty to Discover: With multiple endings, hidden levels, and collectible "treasure" items, there's a lot of content packed into this little cartridge.
• Wario's Personality: Wario is at his peak here – greedy, grumpy, and surprisingly resilient. His reactions to getting hit or transforming are genuinely funny.

If you're looking for a classic game that breaks the mold and offers a unique, humorous experience, Wario Land II is an absolute must-play. It's a testament to Nintendo's willingness to experiment, even with their spin-off characters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wario Land II

Is Wario Land II on the Game Boy or Game Boy Color?

It was originally released for the Game Boy but is a "Game Boy Color enhanced" title. This means it plays on both systems, but the GBC version features full color graphics.

Can Wario actually die in Wario Land II?

No, Wario cannot die in this game. Instead of losing a life, taking damage either causes him to lose coins or triggers one of his many comical transformations.

How many endings does Wario Land II have?

Wario Land II has multiple endings, unlocked by finding different exits within levels and following various paths through the world map.

Is Wario Land II connected to the Super Mario series?

Yes, the Wario Land series is a spin-off of the Super Mario Land games. Wario himself first appeared as the main antagonist in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins.

Disclaimer: This post is a nostalgic look back at a classic game. Availability on modern platforms like the 3DS Virtual Console may vary by region or be discontinued. Physical cartridges can often be found via online marketplaces.