Wario’s Woods

A puzzling twist on the Mario universe

Wario’s Woods (1994) for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is a unique puzzle game that stars Wario as the villain. Unlike typical platformers in the Mario series, this game focuses on falling blocks and tile-matching mechanics, where players must strategically align colours and clear the screen of obstacles.

Wario as the antagonist

In Wario’s Woods, players control Toad, who is tasked with clearing the woods of invading monsters and traps set by Wario. The game uses a mix of strategy and quick thinking, with the goal being to match different coloured monsters with similarly coloured bombs. Wario acts as the mischievous antagonist, adding a fun twist to the puzzle-solving gameplay.

Puzzle mechanics and gameplay

The game’s mechanics are simple to learn but difficult to master. Players must align bombs with monsters to clear them from the screen, and as the levels progress, the difficulty increases with faster block drops and more challenging puzzles. The game also offers a two-player mode, adding competitive and cooperative elements for even more fun.

A unique entry in the Mario series

Wario’s Woods stands out as a rare puzzle game in the Mario franchise, offering a distinctive break from the usual platforming action. While it didn’t gain as much fame as other Mario titles, it remains a beloved gem for fans of retro puzzle games and collectors. Its quirky gameplay, memorable characters, and strategic challenge make it a standout title in the Super Nintendo library.

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