Wario Land 3

Wario Land 3
Developer	Nintendo R&D1
Publisher	Nintendo
System	Game Boy Color, 3DS Virtual Console
Release Date	Game Boy Color JP March 21, 2000 EU April 14, 2000 US June 1, 2000 3DS Virtual Console JP May 2, 2012 EU December 6, 2013 US August 29, 2013
Gallery	GH Gallery
Rating	ESRB: E

Wario Land 3 is the fourth game in the Wario Land series and the second to be on Game Boy Color. Unlike it's predecessor, it can only be exclusively played on GBC.

Story

While out flying one day, Wario's plane breaks down and crashes in the middle of the woods. After recovering he finds a cave with a music box inside. Wario inspects the music box and is suddenly pulled inside. A mysterious figure tells him that if he finds 5 other musical boxes not only will he return Wario back to his world but he will also let him keep any treasure found along the way.

Gameplay

This game follows the format of the preceding game, Wario Land II. This included Wario retaining his invincibility, as instead of dying, attacks from enemies will cause him to lose a few coins or transform into a new form.

Rather than a linear progression, this game uses a map screen. The levels are divided into the 4 cardinal directions: North, East, West, and South. There is also a Day/Night system in place that will alternate each time Wario completes a level. Some levels will change the layout or enemy pattern depending on what time it is.

Each level contains four colored treasure chests as well as keys scattered in various parts of the level. The level is over when a key has been paired up with it's corresponding chest. Certain items obtained in chests will aid in opening up further levels. For example: An axe item will cut down tress blocking the path to one level. Once a chest has been opened, it disappears leaving behind an exit door. After collecting all the treasures in the game, a Time Attack mode opens up for each level that challenges Wario to find all four colored keys and then finding an exit.

Wario also does not start this game with the same move set from the last one. He will gradually learn staple moves such as ground pounding, throwing enemies, and swimming as he obtains certain items stored in the treasure chests.

Mini-Golf

Most levels will have a large obstacle blocking Wario's path unless he completes a mini-golf course. Wario must pay a sum of money in order to play, including frequent play throughs. Instead of standard golf equipment, the goal is for Wario to hit a dazed enemy into a hole. As long as it doesn't go over par, Wario passes the course. If the enemy falls into a trap or pit, then a penalty point is added.

When certain treasures are found then a mini-golf game is unlocked that Wario can play at his leisure. 3 courses are available with 5 holes each. In every level are 8 coins designated with a musical note. When all coins in all levels are found, a 4th mini-golf course is unlocked.

Legacy

The enemies and bosses from this game were featured in the cast of Dr. Mario 64.

Ports/Remakes

• In 2012/2013, it was released for download as part of the 3DS Virtual Console.
• In February 2023, it was among the first wave of games added to the Nintendo Switch's library of Game Boy games that could be played by Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, being made available prior to any of the preceding Wario Land games.

Sequels

Wario Land 3 was followed by Wario Land 4, which would be the last Wario Land game until the 2008 release of Wario Land: Shake It!

See Also

List of Treasures in Wario Land 3