A very challenging and addicting game with an undeniable charm.
You take on the role of Wario, who is trapped in a dream world, as you progress through many various stages trying to unlock treasure chests in order to free a mysterious figure from a music box, hoping that the figure will help Wario return home. Trying to find the keys to these chests is no easy task. This is most definitely not a simple walk-in-the-park platformer. There is alot of thought and depth put into this title. This game is a great example of what a good platformer should be like.
The game is set as a nonlinear platformer. Rather than going to the end of the level you will need to solve challenging puzzles to find treasure chests with keys inside them and gain new abilities in order to reach certain areas. Wario has the ability to do his usual charge attacks, but over time you'll get the ability to swim, butt stomp, throw enemies and more. The controls remain solid and never get complicated. There are also plenty of enemies you'll come across but it's not like they can really hurt you. In fact, since you are in a dream world you can't die in this game. The enemies are basically there to try and hinder your progression, but at times a few are necessary to complete puzzles. It's actually a good thing that Wario can't die since more than likely you'll be running into a few enemies on accident or fall off an incredibly high platform because it would make things more frustrating.
Graphically the game looks great. The bright, cartoonish atmosphere really suits the game and has a very quirky sense of humor. The level design is top notch and varied in their location. The music and sound is also very quirky and suits the charm of the game very well.
To sum things up:
PROS:
-Some of the best graphics to be featured on the GBC
-Solid controls
-Wonderful music
-Great variety in the levels and their designs
-Very challenging puzzles
-Wario is indestructible. If lives or health were to be included it would just make the game frustrating
-Innovative and creative ways for Wario to use the enemies to his advantage
-Quirky sense of humor
-Unique bosses
CONS:
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The game may be hard, but this still the kind of game that is very hard to put down and is very addicting. There's just so much variety, challenge, and humor put into this that it would be hard not to enjoy this game, whether or not you like Wario. This is most definitely a worthy title in the series and it is worth having in your GBC collection.