Summary
- Release Year: 2000
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Game Boy Color, Nintendo 3DS
- Developers: Nintendo R&D1
- Publishers: Gradiente, Nintendo
Wario Land 3: A Treasure Trove of Puzzle-Solving, Platforming, and Laughs
Released in 2000 for the Game Boy Color, Wario Land 3 is a side-scrolling platformer that puts players in control of the greedy and mischievous Wario. Unlike previous Wario Land games, which were developed by Nintendo R&D1, Wario Land 3 was developed by Treasure, a renowned Japanese game developer known for its innovative and challenging games.
Story
The game’s story is simple yet charming. Wario, ever the opportunist, finds himself trapped inside a magical music box. A mysterious figure known as the Music Box Kid appears and pleads with Wario to help him recover his lost powers. In exchange, the Music Box Kid promises Wario a share of his vast treasure.
Gameplay
Wario Land 3 is a side-scrolling platformer with a heavy emphasis on puzzle-solving. Players must guide Wario through more than two dozen levels, each filled with enemies, obstacles, and puzzles. Wario’s signature move is his shoulder charge, which can be used to smash through enemies and objects. He can also use his weight to crush enemies and trigger switches.
In addition to the standard platforming elements, Wario Land 3 also features a variety of puzzles. These puzzles range from simple block-pushing puzzles to complex riddles that require careful observation and experimentation.
Levels
The levels in Wario Land 3 are incredibly varied, both in terms of their visual design and their gameplay. Players will explore everything from lush forests to icy caves to fiery volcanoes. Each level is filled with secrets and hidden areas, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny.
Enemies
Wario Land 3 features a wide variety of enemies, each with their own unique abilities and weaknesses. Players will encounter everything from standard goombas and koopas to giant robots and deadly traps.
Bosses
The bosses in Wario Land 3 are some of the most memorable and challenging in the series. Each boss has its own unique attack patterns and weaknesses, and players must use their wits and reflexes to defeat them.
Music
The music in Wario Land 3 is top-notch, with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the game’s whimsical and adventurous atmosphere. The game’s sound effects are also excellent, with satisfying crunches and booms that bring the action to life.
Graphics
For a Game Boy Color game, Wario Land 3’s graphics are incredibly impressive. The levels are colorful and detailed, and the character sprites are expressive and animated. The game’s use of parallax scrolling creates a sense of depth and immersion.
Replay Value
Wario Land 3 is a game that offers a lot of replay value. The levels are filled with secrets and hidden areas, and there are multiple endings to unlock. Players can also collect coins and treasures to purchase upgrades for Wario.
Conclusion
Wario Land 3 is a masterpiece of platforming and puzzle-solving. It’s a game that’s full of charm, humor, and challenge. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Wario Land series or a newcomer to the genre, Wario Land 3 is a must-play.
Tips for Playing Wario Land 3
- Use your shoulder charge to smash through enemies and objects.
- Use your weight to crush enemies and trigger switches.
- Explore every nook and cranny of each level to find hidden secrets and treasures.
- Experiment with different ways to defeat enemies and solve puzzles.
- Don’t be afraid to die. Dying is a natural part of the learning process in Wario Land 3.
Trivia
- Wario Land 3 was originally going to be called “Wario Land Advance” and released on the Game Boy Advance. However, the game was eventually released on the Game Boy Color due to time constraints.
- The Music Box Kid is based on the character of the same name from the WarioWare series.
- Wario Land 3 was the last game in the Wario Land series to be developed by Treasure. The subsequent games in the series were developed by Nintendo R&D1.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
