Wrecking Crew '98

Wrecking Crew '98
Developer	Nintendo R&D1
Publisher	Nintendo
System	Super NES, Wii U Virtual Console
Release Date	Super NES JP January 1, 1998 (Nintendo Power) JP May 23, 1998 Wii U Virtual Console September 28, 2016
Gallery	Gamehiker Gallery
Rating	ESRB: E

Wrecking Crew '98 is an expanded Super NES remake of the original Wrecking Crew game featuring new puzzle-based gameplay elements. It was originally released over the Nintendo Power system before receiving a physical cartridge release months later. The original release of the game was exclusive to Japan.

Story

Mario has just returned from vacation to discover that Bowser has constructed a series of tall buildings to act as his bases, which are blocking out sunlight and causing flowers to suffer. Mario gets his hammer from his Wrecking Crew days and sets out to take down the buildings.

Gameplay

This game offers players the choice between playing the original Wrecking Crew game or Wrecking Crew '98. Wrecking Crew '98 combines the gameplay of the original game with puzzle elements, as the player must eliminate panels by hitting them with a hammer or arranging three or more of the same type in a row. As time goes on, more panels will fall down. If four or more panels are put in a row, an obstacle is sent to the opponents side. If the screen is cleared, the player gets a score multiplier. The player is pitted against an open, and a game will carry on until one player is defeated through the panels on their side of the screen overflowing.

The game has several different modes. Story Mode has Mario battling opponents to take down Bowser's buildings, featuring five main stages and four extra stages that can be unlocked by clearing stages under certain conditions. Versus Mode lets players play one-on-one with each other or against the computer. Tournament Mode lets the player compete in an eight-man tournament.

Ports/Remakes

• In 2016, it was released for download on the Wii U as part of the Wii U Virtual Console, again in Japan only.
• In April 2024, it was added to the Nintendo Switch's digital library of Super NES games for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. This release supported local and online multiplayer. This marked the first time that the game was made available internationally, but with no translation for the game's Japanese text.