About this game
The first Wario platformer to make the hero invincible, Wario Land II transformed the series identity. Rather than dying when struck, Wario is transformed by enemy attacks — set on fire, flattened, bloated — and these transformations become tools for puzzle-solving. The colorised Game Boy Color version launched in Japan in October 1998 alongside the GBC hardware itself, while a monochrome GB version had already been released in the West months earlier. Multiple endings encourage full exploration of the game's branching paths.
Key Features
Wario is permanently invincible — he cannot be defeated, only transformed. Enemies ignite him, enlarge him, flatten him, and more; each form enables actions unavailable in normal form. The game branches into multiple story paths depending on which stages the player enters, leading to different endings and requiring multiple playthroughs to see the complete picture.
The Story Behind
Wario Land II appeared at a transitional moment for Nintendo handhelds, bridging the original Game Boy and the new Game Boy Color. Nintendo's decision to ship a colorised version with the GBC launch in Japan positioned the game as a showcase for the new hardware's colour capabilities. The design shift — invincible hero, transformation-based puzzles — foreshadowed the inventive platformers of the late GBA era.
Tricks & Tales
Wario Land II has five different story paths and six different endings, making it one of the most replayable Game Boy Color launch titles. The classic finale requires completing an additional secret chapter that only unlocks after finding every treasure. The game was one of the first Nintendo titles to reward thorough exploration with genuinely different narrative conclusions rather than just a different ending screen.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Game Boy (monochrome) version released in Western markets in early 1998. Game Boy Color version (with full colour) released in Japan as a GBC launch title in October 1998, then in Western markets thereafter.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
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