System: Game Boy
Release date: March 1998

Strap in for a greedy treasure hunt with Wario Land II, the 1998 platformer that finally put Mario’s rival in the spotlight. This quirky 8-bit romp swaps heroics for havoc, but does it still shine in 2025? Let’s smash some blocks and see whether Wario’s second outing is a retro gem or a rusty relic.

Gameplay: Wario’s Smash-and-Grab Glory

Wario Land II throws out the usual platformer rulebook: Wario can’t die. Instead of losing lives, he gets knocked back or transformed by enemies into forms such as fat Wario, zombie Wario, or springy Wario, each with unique effects on movement and puzzles. The game spreads its levels across a non-linear world map packed with treasures, secret exits, and alternative routes. Shoulder charges, ground pounds, and brute-force bashing define the experience, creating a platformer that prioritises chaos over precision. It’s unashamedly Wario in every way.

The heist? A few puzzles can be cryptic, and completionists may find the backtracking a bit of a slog. Still, the range of environments and the clever use of transformations keep things lively, like a shiny coin forever just out of reach of Wario’s grubby hands. It’s a bold twist even by today’s standards.

Graphics: Chunky, Cheeky Charm

Wario Land II squeezes heaps of character from the Game Boy’s palette. Wario’s sprite brims with personality, from his smug grin to his clumsy waddles. Levels brim with details such as spooky forests, dusty ruins, and pirate hideouts, while enemies from spear-tossing brigands to mischievous ghosts steal the scene. Transformation animations add humour, making each hit or mishap visually delightful.

Sound: Tunes as Brash as Wario Himself

The soundtrack blasts out cheeky chiptunes that match Wario’s swagger, from jaunty pirate beats to eerie castle jingles. Sound effects such as Wario’s grunts, coin clinks, and enemy squawks are crisp and memorable. There’s a touch of repetition later on, but the general attitude and bounce keep the ears entertained.

Replayability: A Treasure Trove of Secrets

With branching routes, hidden treasures, and multiple endings, Wario Land II practically begs for repeat runs. Completionists will enjoy scouring every path for loot, and the accessible structure makes it perfect for short bursts or deep-diving sessions. Some players may find the lack of real failure conditions too forgiving, but for many, the relaxed challenge is part of the charm.

The Retro Looney Verdict

Wario Land II is like Wario himself: loud, brash, and impossible to ignore. Its inventive mechanics, playful visuals, and cheeky soundtrack make it a standout Game Boy adventure. A few cryptic puzzles and repetitive revisits can nibble at your patience, but they’re nowhere near enough to dull the shine. A cracking retro caper well worth revisiting.