Warioland 1/4 as opposed to Warioland 2/3 (GBC)

[ThrashOmen]

I think 1 and 4 are great games, but upon playing 2 and 3 they seem so boring and generic. Like I'm playing some nickelodean platformer.

I love the music and the powerups in the first game, and it really feels like a branch from Mario. Also, I cannot say enough good things about the GBA game Warioland 4. It has all of the wow and appeal that Super Mario World had on me when I was a kid.

I loved these games and then I picked up 2 and 3 in a game store and after being bored to death of 2, I put in 3 which seemed to be just as generic and uninspired.

I've read so many reviews saying these games are breakthroughs in the series, but I don't see it. It's made me want to get rid of them but I am torn. What are your opinions on these games?

[noiseredux]

wow that's funny. I prefer 2 and 3 over 1 and 4.

I think the first is ugly and just not that fun. Admittedly the second is also ugly, but at least more interesting. The third is the best in the series as far as I'm concerned. The fourth is the best looking, and probably technically better than the third, but I just prefer the third personally.

[NeverGoBak]

I've only ever played 4 a good amount, and I know it's one of the best, if incredibly short, handheld platformers I've ever played. How about Master Of Disguise though? Have you played that title? It's basically a Wario Land 5, and it's pretty good too.

[Flake]

I beat Wario Land for the first time the other day. It took me several tries to get into that game but it really came together once I did. Still, I am glad that the series was allowed to evolve past what was essentially a hacked Mario Land 2 rom.

Wario Land 2 I loved because of how innovative it was: You are invincible but the game still has great challenge. The entire tone of the game really made it work for me: You are a bully. Push people around and take their money. Then beat up a girl. It's so unlike anything Nintendo had done before - but that said, I played the GB original. I have heard a lot of people say unpleasant things about the GBC version.

I did not like Wario Land 3 - I felt like they artificially lengthened the game by making you find your powers. Where Wario 2 let you beat the game however you liked (you could even beat the game by just not pushing a button to move Wario on the very first screen) Wario 3 shoe horned you into this wannabe Metroid game.

Wario Land 4 is perfection - the pinnacle of the series in my opinion. It is fast paced, brutal, and rewarding at the same time. It also has a special place in my heart: It was the first thing I purchased the day after I left bootcamp back in 2002. For the first time in my life, I had a little money and I bought a Gameboy Advance with Wario Land 4 and Castlevania: Circle of the Moon.

And lastly, Wario Land Shake It is also pretty amazing. Not as solid as Wario 4 but beautiful to behold.

[noiseredux]

Wario Land 2 I loved because of how innovative it was: You are invincible but the game still has great challenge. The entire tone of the game really made it work for me: You are a bully. Push people around and take their money. Then beat up a girl. It's so unlike anything Nintendo had done before -

yep -- Wario is essentially that dev team's "bad side." I mean really, look at the art even. Everything is slightly fucked in those early games. And like you said, Wario's a jerk. And then there's the jabs at well... Mario. The Mario statue for instance. It's very sort of a weird middle finger to the series that made Nintendo huge. Kind of odd and self-deprecating, right? I also think it says something that WL series is strictly handheld. Nintendo often hid their weirder shit on hanhdelds where it would get less critical analysis. Easier to hide small details on a small screen.

[Jamisonia]

what about Virtual Boy Wario Land doesn't that count as the 1.5 one?

[geozeldadude]

I have heard a lot of people say unpleasant things about the GBC version.

what's wrong with the GBC version of WL2?

i have to agree w/ noiseredux that WL3 is easily my fav. didn't really care for WL4. my 2nd fav would prob. be the VB game. looking forward to playing more of master of disguise and shake it.

[BoringSupreez]

I have heard a lot of people say unpleasant things about the GBC version.

what's wrong with the GBC version of WL2?

Nothing, as far as I know. I think he was misinformed.

yep -- Wario is essentially that dev team's "bad side." I mean really, look at the art even. Everything is slightly fucked in those early games. And like you said, Wario's a jerk. And then there's the jabs at well... Mario. The Mario statue for instance. It's very sort of a weird middle finger to the series that made Nintendo huge. Kind of odd and self-deprecating, right? I also think it says something that WL series is strictly handheld. Nintendo often hid their weirder shit on hanhdelds where it would get less critical analysis. Easier to hide small details on a small screen.

I like when a company makes fun of it's own beloved franchise. For that reason, I much prefer Wario games over Mario games, and The Lion King 1.5 is my favorite in the series. I just love their irreverence towards the classics, and their weirdness.

[geozeldadude]

i really have to disagree about the comment that it was "self-deprecating", though. i don't think the intent was for there to be any sort of deep meaning, other than that it's fun/funny and helps give wario some character.

[Flake]

I have heard a lot of people say unpleasant things about the GBC version.

what's wrong with the GBC version of WL2?

Nothing, as far as I know. I think he was misinformed.

Misinformed as to whether or not I have heard people say something? Ummm...okay.

Many people I have spoken to were not been pleased with how Wario Land 2 was colored - the colors looked garish and seemed slapped on as opposed to something that was meant to be there. The game play is the same but I am of the opinion that the GB original is better in the looks department, especially when played on a GB player or GBA SP.