Super Mario Land 3 - Wario Land (GB)

In Super Mario Land 3 - Wario Land, players step into the shoes of Wario, Mario's rival, on his first solo adventure. Wario's main goal is to collect as much treasure as possible to buy himself a grander castle, rather than merely being an antagonist. The game is a classic side-scrolling platformer where players navigate Wario through a variety of distinct levels, defeating enemies and solving minor puzzles in search of coins and valuable items.

Wario possesses several unique abilities that set him apart. Unlike Mario, Wario can use a shoulder charge to break blocks, push back enemies, or access secret areas. He can also perform a body slam to break blocks below him or flatten foes. Wario's health system is also distinct; when hit, Wario shrinks instead of immediately losing a life, and he can regain his original size by picking up food or certain items. If Wario is hit while in his small form, he loses a life.

The power-ups in Super Mario Land 3 - Wario Land grant Wario exciting new capabilities. For instance, the Bull Wario hat allows Wario to shoulder charge more powerfully, cling to ceilings with his horns, and perform a stronger body slam. The Dragon Wario hat enables Wario to shoot fire from his cap, useful for defeating distant enemies or destroying specific blocks. The Jet Wario hat provides the ability to fly short distances and increases movement speed. Strategic use of these power-ups is key to overcoming challenges and exploring every nook and cranny of the levels.

Each world in Super Mario Land 3 - Wario Land features a distinct theme, ranging from tropical beaches to perilous volcanic mountains, and culminates in a challenging boss fight. To achieve the best ending with the largest castle, players must find all 15 hidden treasures scattered throughout the levels. This requires thorough exploration, discovering secret passages, and deciphering clues. The emphasis on treasure collection and the different endings based on total wealth earned create a unique and highly replayable experience for this title.