Wario Land II Platform game

Wario Land II is a game by Nintendo that was released in Western regions for the Game Boy in March 1998. This is the second installment of the Wario Land series (third counting Virtual Boy Wario Land). It is a 2D platformer starring Wario, the greedy treasure hunter, who was also the protagonist of the series' first game Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3.

While the game was originally released as a Super Game Boy-enhanced title outside of Japan, a version adding Game Boy Color support was released in Japan seven months later as one of the October 1998 launch titles, featuring colored sprites and backgrounds. This version came out later in Western regions as well. It was also re-released for the Nintendo 3DS's Virtual Console in 2012. A successor to the game, Wario Land 3, was produced and released in 2000, which adapted most of this game's gameplay mechanics.

Story “Aaargh! I can't believe that Captain Syrup and the Black Sugar Gang have stolen my treasures! I am one angry Wario! I'm going to get my treasures back if it's the last thing I do!” —Wario, Wario Land II The Black Sugar Gang approaches Wario Castle in the morning. The story begins at Wario Castle. There, Wario lies in his bed, taking a nap. However, three shadowy figures approach the castle from outside. They are Pirate Gooms, loyal minions of Captain Syrup and members of the Black Sugar Gang. The pirates infiltrate the building and steal Wario's treasures, which he collected during his earlier adventures. To distract Wario and prevent him from chasing them, the pirates cause havoc in the castle by turning on a giant faucet, abandoning a vicious snake in his cellar and installing an oversized alarm clock. After this, the pirates escape and leave Wario in the mess they caused. Wario eventually wakes up by the alarm clock's commotion and sets off to pursue the thieves, but not before rectifying the state of things in his home.

During his pursuit of the pirates, Wario learns that the fleeing bandits have scared his pet hen away, so he ditches his quest for a brief moment to rescue his beloved pet. He resumes the pursuit after the hen is safe again. Wario manages to get to the pirate's ship before they can set off. He drops the anchor, so the ship is forced to halt, but is then stopped by the ship guard Bobo, who delays his progress so the pirates can escape via a hot-air balloon. Wario chases them through the overgrown jungle of Maze Woods and a city with an unknown name.

Syrup Castle prologue Wario eventually arrives at Syrup Castle, the hideout of the mischievous pirate gang. Horrified that the pirates managed to return to their fortress, he continues his pursuit and breaks in the building. After battling many of the pirate grunts, including a quartet of D.D.s, Wario confronts the pirate leader herself in combat. After defeating Captain Syrup and demolishing her aircraft, Wario blasts the pirates out of their fortress, reclaims his treasures and returns home to resume his nap.

The game also features alternate pathways and alternate endings, but they generally end with Wario safely back at his castle and his treasures returned. Eventually in the true final chapter (which contains a Time Attack feature), Wario returns to Syrup Castle and proceeds to a mountain range somewhere near the building. There he discovers a secret cave in which the pirates store their treasures. In a final raid, Wario overcomes the difficulties in the pirate cave and plunders Syrup's riches. He then returns home for the final time, but not without the giant spear man following him closely. The pirate's motivation of doing so is unclear.

Gameplay “Wario Land 2 is much better than any of my previous games. Why, you ask? Because in this game, I'm immortal! There's no Game Over! With multiple endings, you can play my game MANY times. Isn't that great?!” —Wario, Wario Land II Full Treasure Map screen (compressed) The Treasure Map. Wario Land II is a 2D platforming game, like its predecessor Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3. It is divided into five worlds (called Chapters), which each are divided into five respective stages (called Stories). The chapters are accessed one after another, so when the player completes a level, they will be instantly transported to the next level. However, after completing the game for the first time, the player will receive a Treasure Map which allows them to choose the level they visit at will.

The game is notable for its branching storyline. Throughout the levels, the player can discover many secret exits which lead to five additional Chapters. Five different endings can be unlocked in this way, not counting the real ending that is accessed after completing the unlockable Time Attack level.

Basic abilities Chapter 2, Final Story: Kick'em out! Wario, using his Dash Attack. Wario's primary abilities remain the same as in the previous game. The player can walk, crouch, and enter doors with the +Control Pad, jump using the A Button Button and perform Wario's signature Dash Attack by pressing the B Button Button. If the +Control Pad is pressed up while jumping, Wario will jump slightly higher. The Player can use this technique while jumping on an enemy to jump even higher. When standing on a slope, pressing down will cause Wario to perform a rolling attack, that can smash blocks and defeat enemies. Unlike earlier, Wario can now use a Ground Pound to create shockwaves even without using a Viking helmet. This can be used to reverse enemies' movement, as well as to defeat them. When Wario stuns an enemy by jumping on it, he can pick up the motionless foe and carry it around. Wario's speed will decrease while he is carrying a heavy foe (e.g. a Grunt, or a D.D.). A carried foe can be used to defeat other foes by throwing it on them. The player can now also power up Wario's throw by pressing and holding the B Button Button. This will increase Wario's throwing distance and also instantly defeats the tossed enemy if it hits an obstacle.

Wario's conditions “No matter how much damage I take, I am immortal! Ha ha! But I am not invincible. Some enemy attacks affect me in different ways.” —Wario, Wario Land II One of the most prominent features in Wario Land II is Wario's immunity against death. Being hit by an enemy only causes him to be briefly knocked backwards and lose some coins. In addition, some enemies cause Wario to assume new forms which the player can use to progress through the level. While eleven conditions (later renamed "reactions") can be used to gain advantages, they may sometimes act as a hindrance, depending on the situation. Most conditions are curable if Wario touches a body of water, but some only wear off after a certain amount of time has passed. 

Treasures and Mini-Games:

In the game "Wario Land II," players can obtain various optional treasures during Wario's adventure. These treasures include artifacts, oddities, and references to other Nintendo franchises like The Legend of Zelda and Metroid. To obtain a treasure, players must complete coin-consuming mini-games. There are two categories of treasures, each with 50 parts, making a total of 100 obtainable objects. Once all treasures are collected, the player gains access to the final stage of the game and a remake of the Game & Watch mini-game Flagman, titled Flagman D-D.

Treasure:

Treasures are hidden items found in the game's levels. Each story has one treasure, totaling fifty treasures in the game. To obtain a treasure, players must play a mini-game behind the respective treasure door.

Matching Game:

Players must pay a certain amount of coins to play the matching game, with the price depending on the chosen difficulty mode. After paying, a lock with an enemy picture attaches to the treasure chest, and eight panels with various enemy pictures are displayed. Players must match the enemy on the lock to open the chest and receive the treasure.

Picture Panel:

The Picture Panel consists of 50 Picture Pieces that, when completed, form a treasure map revealing the secret entrance to the pirates' treasure cave. Each level contains one piece of the Picture Panel, obtained through a mini-game.

Number-Matching Game:

In this mini-game, players guess the digit displayed on nine panels arranged in a 3x3 pattern. By paying coins, players can reveal panels and make guesses. If correct, the chest opens and releases a Picture Panel piece.

Chapters:

The game features multiple storylines and hidden chapters. Regular chapters include "One Noisy Morning," "SS Tea Cup," "Maze Woods," "In Town," and the "Final Chapter: Syrup Castle." Additional chapters offer secret ways to complete levels and alter the story.

Bosses and Enemies:

The game includes various bosses and enemies, such as the Giant Snake, Bobo, Giant Bee, Dunk, Cave Master, Big Kamukamu, Awabō, Ghost, Captain Syrup, Mecha Kuri, and the Giant Spear Man.

Gameplay Elements:

Gameplay elements include coins, objects like switches and stoves, obstacles like alarm clocks and spikes, and supporters like gulls and turtles.

References to Other Games:

The game includes references to other Nintendo games like the Metroid series, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3, Virtual Boy Wario Land, Super Mario Bros., Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic, Dr. Mario, and Super Mario World.

Critical Reception:

"Wario Land II" received positive reviews for its innovative gameplay, branching storyline, and replayability. Reviewers praised its graphics and sound, with some minor criticisms regarding save-related issues.