`Wario Land 4 is Coming to NSO`

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2023 saw an exceptional year for video games, with both big-name releases and indie gems shining brightly. However, one unexpected standout was the little-known Pizza Tower, a chaotic 2D platformer created almost single-handedly. With minimal marketing efforts, no pre-release hype, and no appearances at major gaming events, this game managed to gain massive popularity when it launched on Steam in January 2023. To everyone’s surprise, Pizza Tower garnered near-universal praise from fans, quickly becoming the highest-rated 2D platformer across the entire storefront as per data collected by Steam250, a user review aggregator.

The popularity of “Pizza Tower” largely stems from its distinctiveness. Few other platformers possess the off-the-wall 90s cartoon vibe found in “Pizza Tower”, and even fewer manage to blend high-speed gameplay with open-ended level design as seamlessly as this game does. For enthusiasts of Tour de Pizza’s successful title, it might be challenging to find a contemporary platformer that mirrors it quite so closely. However, there is an iconic Nintendo platformer that bears many similarities to “Pizza Tower”, and it’s set to launch on the Nintendo Switch Online service.

Wario Land 4, The Game that Inspired Pizza Tower, is Coming to NSO

Wario Land 4 is Widely Considered to Be One of the Best Wario Games Ever Made

Typically, when people consider Nintendo platformers, they often think of Mario games first. However, it’s possible that some gamers might overlook the fact that Mario’s longtime rival, Wario with his sneering mustache, also has a series of platformers. During the 1990s and 2000s, Nintendo produced several games featuring this famous antihero as part of the Wario Land series. The original game in this franchise was actually a sequel to the Super Mario Land games on the original Game Boy, but it eventually developed into its own series. The Wario Land franchise consists of six main installments and two spin-offs, one of which was designed for the Virtual Boy console.

The Wario Land games could have simply been redesigned versions of Mario’s 2D platformers, but they instead carved out their own distinct persona. In contrast to Nintendo’s typical Mario games, the Wario Land series boasts numerous special abilities, unconventional level layouts, and a sarcastic wit. Many games in this franchise (including those on less popular platforms like the Virtual Boy) have received high praise, but Wario Land 4 is often singled out as the best of the bunch.

Originally unveiled for the Game Boy Advance in 2001, “Wario Land 4” might seem like the fourth installment due to its title, but it’s actually the fifth major release in the “Wario Land” series. The game showcases an over-the-top art style that outdoes the quirkiness found in other “Mario” games. In this adventure, Wario can charge into enemies, navigate levels by rolling, and execute dash attacks – similar to Peppino Spaghetti’s moves in “Pizza Tower”. Wario also possesses unique abilities, or ‘reactions’, that help him advance through the game. For example, he can flatten himself like a pancake, inflate like a balloon, and transform into a zombie. From this quick summary of its gameplay, it’s clear that “Wario Land 4” played a significant role in shaping “Pizza Tower”.

Wario Land 4 Was Once a GBA Exclusive, But It’s Now Headed to Nintendo Switch

Initially, “Wario Land 4” was only available on Game Boy Advance (GBA), but later versions were developed for other Nintendo devices. In 2011, this game was provided to early adopters of the Nintendo 3DS as part of a special program called Ambassador, making it one of the rare GBA games that received ports for the 3DS via Virtual Console. The 2001 platformer also made its way to Wii U in 2014, but it wasn’t released on more recent systems until recently.

As a dedicated game enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news! Just in time for Valentine’s Day 2025, Nintendo has revealed that the classic 2D platformer, “Wario Land 4,” will be available on the Nintendo Switch via their subscription service. This unique timing makes the Switch the sole platform where you can experience both “Wario Land 4” and the equally captivating “Pizza Tower.” If you’re a fan of this genre, I strongly encourage you to seize this opportunity and immerse yourself in these two gems before they’re gone!

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2025-02-11 01:34