I'm not into platformers and this one was especially boring
Wario is trapped within a music box and needs to escape.
The game begins with a linear progression, however as you clear stages, you notice blocked off paths and multiple keys/chests in each level.
Each level has four different goals (treasure chests), normally you may be able to clear the initial goal, however many require you return to collect the Red, Green and Blue treasure chests to progress. Many of the treasures collected open paths in other levels, or give Wario power-ups. With five music box treasures being necessary to complete the game.
The game is generous in communicating the changes, and there is a figure who does share hints towards progression.
Also, Wario does not die. There are a bunch of powers or hinderances enemies can inflict upon Wario. For example, Fire Wario runs incredibly fast and is needed to light torches in a short span of time or to break down a fire wall. However this can also be an enemy encounter you need to avoid in order to progress. Knowing what powers to use is key to the puzzle platformer design of Wario Land 3.
This is where I get a little philosophical, but I consider Wario Land 3 to be like Banjo-Kazooie or Super Mario 64 dressed up in a Super Metroid skin with a Super Mario World styled over world.
I think it is the apex of 8-bit design and deserves a perfect score - bar some boss encounters. I managed to get 70 out of 100 treasures overall!
The game begins with a linear progression, however as you clear stages, you notice blocked off paths and multiple keys/chests in each level.
Each level has four different goals (treasure chests), normally you may be able to clear the initial goal, however many require you return to collect the Red, Green and Blue treasure chests to progress. Many of the treasures collected open paths in other levels, or give Wario power-ups. With five music box treasures being necessary to complete the game.
The game is generous in communicating the changes, and there is a figure who does share hints towards progression.
Also, Wario does not die. There are a bunch of powers or hinderances enemies can inflict upon Wario. For example, Fire Wario runs incredibly fast and is needed to light torches in a short span of time or to break down a fire wall. However this can also be an enemy encounter you need to avoid in order to progress. Knowing what powers to use is key to the puzzle platformer design of Wario Land 3.
This is where I get a little philosophical, but I consider Wario Land 3 to be like Banjo-Kazooie or Super Mario 64 dressed up in a Super Metroid skin with a Super Mario World styled over world.
I think it is the apex of 8-bit design and deserves a perfect score - bar some boss encounters. I managed to get 70 out of 100 treasures overall!