Wario is one of Nintendo’s weirdest and most endearing characters, which is why it’s strange that the rotund money-grubbing rogue has only had a handful of solo, non-minigame-based adventures since his 1992 debut. But this week, Nintendo is making up for Wario’s woeful underexposure with the surprise re-release of his sole GameCube adventure, and the newest addition to Nintendo Switch Online makes for a perfect weekend romp that bucks most of the company’s softer-edged traditions.
2003’s Wario World, developed on Nintendo’s behalf by cult-favorite company Treasure, is a bizarre 3D platformer that sees Wario track down a sentient Black Jewel, which has turned Wario’s gaudy home and collection of riches into monstrous enemies. Ever the tough guy, our protagonist sets out to turn his fortunes back around. In typical Nintendo fashion, the story is told through brief but charming cutscenes that do just enough to bridge levels without getting in the way of gameplay.
