Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Introduction
In 1994, Nintendo took a bold step by allowing players to step into the shoes of a villain. Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 serves as the definitive debut of Wario as a protagonist, spinning off from his role as the antagonist in the previous Mario handheld adventure. Often referred to simply as Wario Land 1 or Super Mario Land 3: Wario Land, this title completely redefined the platforming genre for the Game Boy. In different markets, it was also known by names such as 玛利欧世界第三集 and 孖寶兄弟世界第三集. By focusing on greed, brute force, and exploration, Nintendo created a unique identity for the mustachioed anti-hero that would endure for generations.
Story & Setting
The game takes place on the treacherous Kitchen Island, a land ruled by the Brown Sugar Pirates. Following his defeat at the end of 6 Golden Coins, Wario is homeless and obsessed with obtaining a residence that will make Mario jealous. He hears rumors of a massive golden statue of Princess Peach stolen by the pirates and hidden on the island. Wario sets out to steal the treasure for himself, hoping to use the riches to buy his very own castle. The setting is diverse and creative, featuring areas named after food and kitchen items, such as Rice Beach, Mt. Teapot, and Stove Canyon, all leading up to the final confrontation at Syrup Castle. Unlike the Mushroom Kingdom, Kitchen Island feels more dangerous and rugged, perfectly matching Wario's persona.
Gameplay
Gameplay in Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 is built around the concept of "being the bad guy." Wario is much heavier and more aggressive than Mario. His primary attack is a shoulder bash, which can send enemies flying or break through blocks. A core mechanic involves finding magic pots that transform Wario into different forms. Each pot changes him into Dragon Wario, Bull Wario, or Jet Wario! Bull Wario grants him incredible strength and the ability to stick to ceilings; Dragon Wario allows him to blast fire from his helmet; and Jet Wario enables him to fly across gaps at high speeds. With each change comes new powers that allow Wario to reach previously inaccessible areas.
Explore the many exciting levels of Kitchen Island, where dozens of enemies try to stop Wario, but you have the power to beat them! The game is filled with hidden treasures and coins. Unlike traditional Mario games where the goal is simply to reach the end, Wario must collect as much gold as possible. Battery-backed memory saves your progress for many hours of fun, allowing you to revisit levels to find every hidden chest. The total wealth accumulated by the end of the journey directly influences the quality of Wario's final home.
This game was originally released on the Game Boy, defining the handheld experience for many players, and was later made available on the Nintendo 3DS via the Virtual Console service.
Legacy
The impact of Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 cannot be overstated. It successfully transitioned the Super Mario Land series into the Wario Land franchise, which went on to see numerous sequels on the Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and Wii. The game's focus on exploration and varied power-ups laid the groundwork for the "Metroidvania" elements found in later Wario titles. It remains a fan favorite for its charming sprite work and the satisfying weight of its platforming mechanics. Critics praised the game for its detailed graphics and the "bad guy" perspective, which felt fresh compared to the standard platformer tropes of the time.
Fun Facts
- There are six different endings based on how many coins and treasures you collect; the worst ending sees Wario living in a tiny birdhouse while the best grants him a planet.
- Despite the title, Mario only appears at the very end of the game in a helicopter to take away the giant Peach statue, much to Wario's frustration.
- Wario's ability to pick up and throw enemies was a mechanic introduced here that became a staple of his character in future appearances like Super Smash Bros.
- Kitchen Island is shaped like a skull when viewed from the world map, reinforcing the pirate theme.
- The game marks the final time "Super Mario Land" would be used in a title, as subsequent entries focused solely on Wario's name.
