Wario Land 2

Game Details:

Wario Land 2 introduces a revolutionary "invincibility" mechanic to platforming games. When hit, Wario doesn't die; instead, he loses some coins or enters a special state. This design shifts the game's focus from the traditional "avoiding damage" to "utilizing damage."

The game's levels feature multiple paths. Finding different exits in certain levels will lead to entirely different subsequent chapters and story branches, ultimately resulting in five different endings. This design of branching paths and multiple endings greatly increases the game's replay value and depth of exploration.

• State Mechanic: Wario can turn into a zombie to pass through floors, become Spring Wario to jump higher, pass through narrow gaps after being flattened, or get a swollen head from a bee sting to smash specific blocks. Players must strategically get Wario "hurt" to advance in the game or find hidden treasures.
• Collectibles: Each level hides a treasure and a picture piece, as well as one or more different exits. Players need to use all of Wario's abilities and states, carefully searching every wall and floor for anything unusual, to find all the secrets.
• Mini-Games: After collecting a treasure, the player can play a mini-game to win it. Collecting all the picture pieces unlocks a gallery.

These innovative mechanics and non-linear progression make it one of the most unique and acclaimed platformers of the Game Boy era.

Walkthrough:

1. Find and Use "Branching Exits" in Levels:

The main exit in most levels is obvious, but many levels hide a second or even a third exit. Finding these hidden exits is the key to unlocking different storylines.

• Example: In a certain level in the first chapter, if you don't find the key and instead let an enemy defeat you, Wario will fall into a trap, leading to a completely different subsequent chapter (e.g., the "Flooded Castle" chapter).
• Method: Hidden exits often require Wario's special states (like Zombie to pass through walls, Hot Wario to dash while on fire, or Flat Wario to squeeze through gaps) or special abilities (like his Dash Attack) to be discovered or reached.

2. The Path to Unlocking the "True Ending":

The game's true ending (or perfect ending) requires the player to constantly pursue Captain Syrup and retrieve her main treasure. This usually means that in every level with a branch, the player must choose the exit that leads to the next "chase-themed" chapter, avoiding the paths that depict Wario being trapped in a castle or underwater.

3. Finding Treasures and Picture Pieces:

• Pay Attention to Blocks: There are three types of blocks in the game: normal blocks, breakable blocks (which require Wario's Dash Attack or Ground Pound), and invisible hidden blocks. Invisible blocks usually appear only when Wario headbutts a specific spot, and they often serve as entrances to hidden treasures.
• Utilize States: Hidden rooms containing treasures almost always require using Wario's state mechanics. For example, if you see an unreachable high platform, you need to figure out how to become "Spring Wario" or "Puffy Wario" to jump up to it.