Mario Spin-off Games #7--Mario & Wario

On 02/09/2016 at 09:34 AM by The Last Ninja

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Platform: Super Famicom

Released: 1993

Developer: Game Freak

Genre: Puzzle

This Japan-only game was developed by the company which would later give us Pokemon. M&W is one of the few games which uses the Super Famicom Mouse (Mario Paint used it, remember?). Wario has somehow managed to place an object on Mario's head, such as a bucket or vase, and Mario can't remove it. You, the player, control the fairy Wanda as she guides Mario safely to the end of each level under a time limit. Mario automatically moves, so you have to really pay attention to what's coming up next. There are 100 levels in all.

In addition to this, you can also play as Princess Peach or Yoshi. Peach moves slower than Mario and Yoshi moves faster, so this can change the challenge and pace of each level. It's too bad this game never came out West because it sounds fun. Also, it might be the only Mario game which has a fairy with a main role in regard to gameplay.

Nick DiMola Director

02/09/2016 at 09:54 AM

I've got this on cart! But no SNES mouse to play it :(

Been trying to get one for a while at a decent price, but they're proving hard to come by. One of these days I'll be able to give this one a proper go.

The Last Ninja

02/09/2016 at 04:20 PM

So you can't play it without the mouse? Is that the case? Bc if that's true, that really stinks.

Super Step Contributing Writer

02/09/2016 at 09:58 AM

Kinda reminds me of getting the spider boss in Mega Man X on the right path in order to kill him. Obviously, the goal is the opposite here. There's a similar minigame for Super Mario 64 DS. How long has Game Freak been around, anyway?

02/09/2016 at 04:21 PM

According to Wikipedia, they've been around since 1989, starting out with some really obscure games on the Famicom.

Cary Woodham

02/09/2016 at 10:20 AM

I wanted this game to come out to the US so bad when I was a kid. I loved Mario Paint and the SNES mouse, and I was also into similar puzzlers at the time like Lemmings. I don't know why it didn't come to the US, there was nothing to translate. I think Nintendo could even redo this game on the Wii U or 3DS because the touch screen controls would be perfect for it.

02/09/2016 at 04:22 PM

I agree. This was a missed opportunity. Get on the stick, Nintendo!

Matt Snee Staff Writer

02/09/2016 at 12:08 PM

never ever heard of this, and I didn't realize Wario was around back then. Wow.

02/09/2016 at 04:23 PM

Wario first appeared in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins for GB the previous year. So he was still a new face.

02/09/2016 at 05:39 PM

Damn that Wario!

daftman

02/09/2016 at 12:18 PM

Man, I love that SNES aesthetic! I'm surprised this didn't see some sort or release on DS. Would've been a nice fit for the platform.

02/09/2016 at 04:24 PM

Absolutely. This would be a perfect game for Nintendo to port to the 3DS or Wii U eShop.

PixlBit