Retro Games Zone

Wario Land 4 (E)(Mode7)

What is Wario Land 4 (E)(Mode7)?

Released for the Game Boy Advance in 2001, Wario Land 4 is a vibrant platformer that casts you as the brash, treasure-obsessed anti-hero raiding a mysterious pyramid. Its genius lies in turning traditional Mario-style vulnerability on its head - getting hit by enemies triggers hilarious, often advantageous transformations instead of simply punishing you. I spent hours in 2003 puzzling out how zombie Wario’s slow float or Fat Wario’s ground smash could unlock new pathways.

  • Transformation as a Tool
    Cursed clocks turn you into zombie Wario who floats through spikes; vampire bites make you bounce uncontrollably. These aren’t just hazards—they’re keys. Finding enemy patterns to get hit just right was a mind-bending twist on platformer tropes.
  • Clockwork Pyramid Design
    Every single-palette level—like the fiery Blazing Forests or watery Mystic Lake—ends with a mad dash back to the start after you grab the Diamond. The timer for that sprint is unforgiving, forcing memorization and speed in a way few GBA games dared.
  • Diamond-Driven Exploration
    Gems are the game’s heart. Hunt four colored CDs in each level’s nooks to unlock its boss door. I remember meticulously scouring the Passage Tomb level for the last red CD, the hunt more about smart observation than brute force.
Wario Land 4 (E)(Mode7)

Why choose Wario Land 4 (E)(Mode7)?

Honestly, it’s a masterclass in 2D game feel that few modern indies replicate. The weight of Wario’s shoulder charge, the bounce of a ground pound, the way those GBA speakers chirp out incredibly catchy, weird J-pop inspired tunes—it coalesces into something uniquely joyful. While it’s rarely brutally hard, that final gauntlet against Golden Diva will still test any veteran's reflexes.

  • A Mechanics-Lover's Platformer
    This isn't about story; it's a tight, expressive toybox. Mastering the timing between a jump, a spin attack mid-air, and a precise landing across the Toy Block Tower’s moving platforms feels incredible, especially with the tactile GBA D-pad.
  • Pure, Undiluted GBA Character
    From the scratchy radio-announcer voice samples for 'EXCELLENT!' to its bright, blocky sprite art that pops even today, it’s soaked in handheld-era charm. I can’t hear the madcap saxophone of the level select theme without being transported back.
  • Clever Pacing & Structure
    The core loop—explore forward to find the key, then race back under pressure—creates brilliant tension. You can’t just steamroll; you must learn the route for your return trip, which forces you to engage with the world more deeply than simple left-to-right running.

How to play Wario Land 4 (E)(Mode7)?

To dominate Wario's adventure is a mix of aggressive bashing and patient puzzle-solving, with every button press feeling chunky and potent. Remember, this runs best with save states enabled to practice those tough sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers dug up from hours at the GBA screen, a stack of forgotten Nintendo Power issues, and many failed attempts to cheese the Doodle Level.