Really Ilini
Gamer
A few years ago now (aaaAAH!), I found a template for a Nintendo Switch game's cover that let you make your own custom art. It was likely intended to be used for replacing missing boxart or making custom art for an existing game... but I got a little more creative with a blank case I had, and since I was in a Wario mood, I tried conceptualizing my own ideal Wario Land game! ...at that time anyway. There's a lot about it that I now reminisce on with semi-embarrassment, but I'm still glad I made it as something I can physically hold, remember and build off of.
I will say that the bulk of the work that went into this was more behind-the-scenes conceptualization (the game's story and how it would be structured mechanically), which was much more text-heavy. This results in the cover by itself having many elements that are likely confusing, so a lot of explanation is needed which I will provide in this thread. You can make a case this should've been tagged as a fan-fiction with all this description... I promise I won't go so heavy into the writing if I were to try a project like this again, but it is integral to my original vision, so I will include it underneath spoilers to not bury any passerbys underneath too much text. So if you just want to look at the cover...
Here's the cover itself!
(Open each image in a new tab for a better view!)
Phew... what a dozen mouthfuls! While I have my regrets with this project, I am also glad to revisit it, as there is still plenty here that I would put in a potential new draft. I won't say I have any plans to try again right now, as I'd rather focus on my original work, but a future where I want to give this another shot will surely come eventually. I'm also relieved to get it more out there to some other Wario fans and see what they think, or if they have any questions about something that I somehow overlooked here. One last thing... the Wario Land logo on the front cover isn't an upscale, but rather a remake of the classic logo I made in Photoshop, which I still have the original file for. While it isn't a perfect recreation, it's at least good for a placeholder since the previous official ones are much lower resolution. So if any of you felt inspired by this journey to make your own cover concept, feel free to use it! Here's a Google Drive link!
I will say that the bulk of the work that went into this was more behind-the-scenes conceptualization (the game's story and how it would be structured mechanically), which was much more text-heavy. This results in the cover by itself having many elements that are likely confusing, so a lot of explanation is needed which I will provide in this thread. You can make a case this should've been tagged as a fan-fiction with all this description... I promise I won't go so heavy into the writing if I were to try a project like this again, but it is integral to my original vision, so I will include it underneath spoilers to not bury any passerbys underneath too much text. So if you just want to look at the cover...
Here's the cover itself!
(Open each image in a new tab for a better view!)
The front cover of the game reads "Wario Land: Golden Return", with text at the bottom reading "AN ALL-NEW WARIO LAND TITLE!"
The back cover starts with the paragraph: "Wario has hit a slog of boredom. His life has been devoted to his game company for years, and he now wishes to go on a treasure hunt again. Fortunately, he is anonymously mailed a map that would lead him on a journey to finally spark his adventurous side once more..."
The next paragraph, from the perspective of Wario, reads "Mona! You're in charge while I'm gone! I'll be back with everyone's paychecks TENFOLD! Wahaha! ...But YOU better check this 'what to expect' list first."
The next few paragraphs describe aspects of the game:
"TONS OF TREASURES! These can help you progress in your expedition, all while lining your wallet!"
"UNIQUE REACTIONS! Wario can't be fatally hurt, but some hazards will squash and stretch him to his limits!"
"TAKE IN THE SCENERY! Detailed 2D graphics and charming animations bring this land to life!"
"and Lulu makes two, too! I'm going with you, Wario! If you need some help, I can hop into the action any time!"
The final line, also from Wario, reads "It's time for my golden return to treasure hunting! WAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!"
The back cover starts with the paragraph: "Wario has hit a slog of boredom. His life has been devoted to his game company for years, and he now wishes to go on a treasure hunt again. Fortunately, he is anonymously mailed a map that would lead him on a journey to finally spark his adventurous side once more..."
The next paragraph, from the perspective of Wario, reads "Mona! You're in charge while I'm gone! I'll be back with everyone's paychecks TENFOLD! Wahaha! ...But YOU better check this 'what to expect' list first."
The next few paragraphs describe aspects of the game:
"TONS OF TREASURES! These can help you progress in your expedition, all while lining your wallet!"
"UNIQUE REACTIONS! Wario can't be fatally hurt, but some hazards will squash and stretch him to his limits!"
"TAKE IN THE SCENERY! Detailed 2D graphics and charming animations bring this land to life!"
"and Lulu makes two, too! I'm going with you, Wario! If you need some help, I can hop into the action any time!"
The final line, also from Wario, reads "It's time for my golden return to treasure hunting! WAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!"
All of the artwork of the characters was drawn by me. Yes... I do see how rough and off-proportion it is, since I very much used to wing it when I would draw fanart rather than study the styles in-depth. It is also easy to notice that there are no in-game screenshots like you'd see on actual covers, likely because they don't exist. If I were to ever try something like this project again, I would want to put in more effort to at least make some fake screenshots, because it does look very amateurish to me now. I do still like how I made the inner cover, as mostly a mishmash of sprites from the older games... though a second time around I would actually try to limit it to GB colors. Once I finished designing the cover, it was time to print; obviouisly I wasn't gonna use any old copy paper for this! I got it printed on glossy brochure paper at my local stationary shop.
I mainly envisioned the story as a "midlife crisis" situation Wario is in, which I not only feel can be explored very naturally by integrating WarioWare's history, but can also be wrapped up from that same source of initial conflict.
The gist is that on a particularly rotten day at his company, Wario receives a treasure map in the mail, declaring that he won a contest to reap its rewards. He jumps at the sudden opportunity to go treasure-hunting by himself, even donning his old gear, but the WarioWare staff have their rightful concerns about what their boss will do once he hits his payday. So an agreement is begrudgingly made: one staff member will accompany Wario to make sure he returns to his company to share the earnings. The eager volunteer for this task is Lulu, for reasons for later.
Wario and Lulu follow the map by means of Wario Car, leading them out of Diamond City and to a forest where they proceed on foot. They then reach a cavern, which somehow warps them to a new world after falling through a hole within: they land on an oceanic island surrounded by five larger islands, with a dinghy approaching their position. Once the boat is docked, the rider reveals herself: it's Captain Syrup!... who Wario doesn't recognize, much to her surprise. She explains that Wario must defeat the five bosses of each island, and that any treasure he finds is his to keep. Lulu is excited by the prospect of adventure, but Wario doesn't want to put up with her getting in his way. Thankfully, Syrup offers to take her to some other, smaller islands to explore while Wario gets to work.
The gist is that on a particularly rotten day at his company, Wario receives a treasure map in the mail, declaring that he won a contest to reap its rewards. He jumps at the sudden opportunity to go treasure-hunting by himself, even donning his old gear, but the WarioWare staff have their rightful concerns about what their boss will do once he hits his payday. So an agreement is begrudgingly made: one staff member will accompany Wario to make sure he returns to his company to share the earnings. The eager volunteer for this task is Lulu, for reasons for later.
Wario and Lulu follow the map by means of Wario Car, leading them out of Diamond City and to a forest where they proceed on foot. They then reach a cavern, which somehow warps them to a new world after falling through a hole within: they land on an oceanic island surrounded by five larger islands, with a dinghy approaching their position. Once the boat is docked, the rider reveals herself: it's Captain Syrup!... who Wario doesn't recognize, much to her surprise. She explains that Wario must defeat the five bosses of each island, and that any treasure he finds is his to keep. Lulu is excited by the prospect of adventure, but Wario doesn't want to put up with her getting in his way. Thankfully, Syrup offers to take her to some other, smaller islands to explore while Wario gets to work.
As implied by the back cover's description, I envision this game pulling from Wario Land II and 3 when it comes to mechanics, since this is my ideal game and those are my favorites. I would still say that is how I'd want a new Wario Land to be closer to, since I feel the successors of 4 (Pizza Blast, I mean Anton Tower.) are exploring that game in more interesting ways. Wario would be made immortal from a potion Syrup gives him, having to go through those humiliating transformations in order to progress a more puzzle-based environment, and he'd have to learn some of his moves again 3-style, though this time I feel there would be a more natural reason for that: he's rusty! Each island can be ventured to and from, and collecting treasures would be how different paths open up, much like in 3. Did I mention I like Wario Land 3?
The five main bosses of each island would be the one exception to Wario being normally invincible, since having to design bigger encounters around your player character taking one "hit" would get repetitive. I would give Wario a health bar during these fights, explained by the bosses simply being strong enough to actually damage him. Defeating each boss gives a key, which is required to unlock the finale.
Alongside the main treasure-hunting island-exploring gameplay, an alternate form of play would also be available in the form of Wario's tagalong Lulu, who would have her own platforming stages with a similar, but different moveset. I didn't think too far into how exactly she'd play, but maybe her levels would be more of an ode to 4's folded design, having her collect a treasure then dash back to the exit Indy-style. She would also be more vulnerable in the form of having health.
The five main bosses of each island would be the one exception to Wario being normally invincible, since having to design bigger encounters around your player character taking one "hit" would get repetitive. I would give Wario a health bar during these fights, explained by the bosses simply being strong enough to actually damage him. Defeating each boss gives a key, which is required to unlock the finale.
Alongside the main treasure-hunting island-exploring gameplay, an alternate form of play would also be available in the form of Wario's tagalong Lulu, who would have her own platforming stages with a similar, but different moveset. I didn't think too far into how exactly she'd play, but maybe her levels would be more of an ode to 4's folded design, having her collect a treasure then dash back to the exit Indy-style. She would also be more vulnerable in the form of having health.
Out of anyone from the entire WarioWare cast, Lulu is probably one of the last choices for "character who should team up with Wario in a platforming game" among the fans. I expect Mona or Ashley are more popular picks, and that's understandable. The reason I picked Lulu for this game is mainly because I feel she would contrast as more of a rookie to Wario's seasoned treasure hunter, as well as being in it for the fun of adventuring rather than the spoils. At the same time, I think there is also some basis for her being an adventurer herself. I've always thought she and Wario are oddly similar, not just in appearance (white gloves, overalls, thick black eyebrows) but also in their brash, stubborn personalities, so her being a determined, more passionate explorer wouldn't be far-fetched. I still think she would be an incredibly interesting fit for this role, on top of giving one of the newer Ware characters some more character!
After Wario beats the five island bosses and gets all the keys, a new island rises from the ocean, with a vault-like structure at the top. He meets up with Syrup and Lulu on the starting island, who are ready to congratulate him. Syrup explains that the greatest treasure is found within the vault island, and she has prepared a hot air balloon for them to reach it.
However, something happens that causes Wario to finally recognize Captain Syrup (maybe his current journey has brought back memories of his past adventures? maybe she sarcastically calls him handsome?), which immediately causes him to panic given their history. He rats her out, questioning if she is going to make off with the treasure again and how he won't let that happen. He is seemingly correct, as Syrup dashes off to the balloon and makes a liftoff toward the island, taunting him to give chase! Wario is furious at this revelation, desperately searching for a way to pursue his nemesis. He finds a spare balloon that he hastily inflates, which he and Lulu use to approach the final island.
Once they arrive at the vault, they find that Syrup has already landed and ventured within. As Wario charges ahead, Lulu is more doubtful, as she built more of a bond with Syrup while Wario was looking for treasure. They catch up to her in the final room of the game: a pedestal sits in the center holding a golden crystal ball, and a sealed door is in the background with a stone-shaped slot.
Wario is at a standoff with Captain Syrup. He assumes that the crystal ball is the final treasure they are both after, and hastily swipes it. However, before he can make his exit, the orb shatters to dust in his grasp, releasing a colossal spirit that seals the room! Using the Midas Touch, it turns Lulu and Syrup into golden statues with its giant hands, and Wario is forced into the final battle. (Additional gameplay note: this final boss can defeat Wario in one hit, which would lead to a unique "Game Over" bad ending akin to WL3's.)
However, something happens that causes Wario to finally recognize Captain Syrup (maybe his current journey has brought back memories of his past adventures? maybe she sarcastically calls him handsome?), which immediately causes him to panic given their history. He rats her out, questioning if she is going to make off with the treasure again and how he won't let that happen. He is seemingly correct, as Syrup dashes off to the balloon and makes a liftoff toward the island, taunting him to give chase! Wario is furious at this revelation, desperately searching for a way to pursue his nemesis. He finds a spare balloon that he hastily inflates, which he and Lulu use to approach the final island.
Once they arrive at the vault, they find that Syrup has already landed and ventured within. As Wario charges ahead, Lulu is more doubtful, as she built more of a bond with Syrup while Wario was looking for treasure. They catch up to her in the final room of the game: a pedestal sits in the center holding a golden crystal ball, and a sealed door is in the background with a stone-shaped slot.
Wario is at a standoff with Captain Syrup. He assumes that the crystal ball is the final treasure they are both after, and hastily swipes it. However, before he can make his exit, the orb shatters to dust in his grasp, releasing a colossal spirit that seals the room! Using the Midas Touch, it turns Lulu and Syrup into golden statues with its giant hands, and Wario is forced into the final battle. (Additional gameplay note: this final boss can defeat Wario in one hit, which would lead to a unique "Game Over" bad ending akin to WL3's.)
After Wario deals the final blow to the malicious spirit, it disintigrates into golden powder, only leaving behind an unassuming stone. The seal on the room is removed, and Lulu and Captain Syrup return to normal. After assessing the situation, Captain Syrup begins to gleefully celebrate Wario's victory, much to his confusion. Combined with the fact that the last treasure was seemingly a scam, he is ready to leave this "adventure" behind him. Before he can exit the room however, Lulu notices that the stone left by the spirit looks like a good match for the door's slot... Clack!
The doors slowly pull apart, and before they can reveal anything, they unleash even more spirits, scaring Wario to the ground! These ones are not hostile, however, and they quickly make their exit out of the island. When their mist clears, the bounty of treasure is finally revealed within the doorway: piles of golden coins, glimmering gemstones, jewelry to cover every occasion, it's all in there! This impulsively causes Wario to get on his feet and dive right in, giggling and swimming laps McDuck style!
As he soaks in the moolah, Wario then notices that Captain Syrup is simply standing there watching him, not making any moves or taking any for herself. He stops and asks why she isn't partaking, to which she claims that yes, it's all his. This yet again confuses Wario, as he starts to get visibly upset at his former nemesis. Lulu shames him and asks Syrup to explain her behavior.
Captain Syrup explains that after a few good hauls, the thrills of treasure hunting lost their luster, and she retired to pursue more fulfilling hobbies. She looked into the history of her lineage, the Maple Family Tree, and discovered that a branch of her ancestors lived within a secret, abundant land. This land was one day sealed by a powerful being, and all its inhabitants were trapped in a limbo with their riches. With research, she managed to uncover the coordinates of this land, and made her way there herself. However, upon seeing the state of the former haven's islands, strung with fatal dangers and tests of strength she couldn't pass, she knew there was only one capable man to lure in with the promise of payment, who thankfully made things easier by forgetting of her existence.
Wario doesn't understand one aspect of the story: if she retired from treasure hunting, why else would she want to venture here other than the treasure? Lulu scoffs at him, explaining that she wanted to put her ancestor's spirits to rest, to which Syrup nods. The three of them then bag up all the abandoned treasure, and make their way outside to return home. They get one last look at the surrounding islands before flying a hot air balloon through the same hole they initially fell down.
The doors slowly pull apart, and before they can reveal anything, they unleash even more spirits, scaring Wario to the ground! These ones are not hostile, however, and they quickly make their exit out of the island. When their mist clears, the bounty of treasure is finally revealed within the doorway: piles of golden coins, glimmering gemstones, jewelry to cover every occasion, it's all in there! This impulsively causes Wario to get on his feet and dive right in, giggling and swimming laps McDuck style!
As he soaks in the moolah, Wario then notices that Captain Syrup is simply standing there watching him, not making any moves or taking any for herself. He stops and asks why she isn't partaking, to which she claims that yes, it's all his. This yet again confuses Wario, as he starts to get visibly upset at his former nemesis. Lulu shames him and asks Syrup to explain her behavior.
Captain Syrup explains that after a few good hauls, the thrills of treasure hunting lost their luster, and she retired to pursue more fulfilling hobbies. She looked into the history of her lineage, the Maple Family Tree, and discovered that a branch of her ancestors lived within a secret, abundant land. This land was one day sealed by a powerful being, and all its inhabitants were trapped in a limbo with their riches. With research, she managed to uncover the coordinates of this land, and made her way there herself. However, upon seeing the state of the former haven's islands, strung with fatal dangers and tests of strength she couldn't pass, she knew there was only one capable man to lure in with the promise of payment, who thankfully made things easier by forgetting of her existence.
Wario doesn't understand one aspect of the story: if she retired from treasure hunting, why else would she want to venture here other than the treasure? Lulu scoffs at him, explaining that she wanted to put her ancestor's spirits to rest, to which Syrup nods. The three of them then bag up all the abandoned treasure, and make their way outside to return home. They get one last look at the surrounding islands before flying a hot air balloon through the same hole they initially fell down.
Wario, Lulu and Syrup all exit the cavern into the moonlight. After this point, the story will be different depending on completion of the game, namely if you collected all the treasures in regular levels.
If you DIDN'T get all the treasure... Wario awkwardly thanks Syrup for the treasure, even though he doesn't appreciate how obtuse she was. She laughs, and makes her way back to her home. Now Lulu is ready to escort Wario back to his company to share his bountiful spoil, much to his chagrin. Still, he returns to the WarioWare Inc. building, much to his staff's delight.
If you DID get all the treasure... Wario offers Syrup to come back to his company with them and meet all his employees, insisting she'll get along with at least some of them. Syrup is flattered by this offer and accepts, much to Lulu's delight, and the three of them make their way to WarioWare Inc. Everyone has a similar reaction to Wario returning with their payments, though there is also some confusion as to why a pirate (possible new employee?) tagged along. Wario is much more satisfied in this ending, and he gleefully announces that he's happy to be back!
THE.... END.... (huff)
If you DIDN'T get all the treasure... Wario awkwardly thanks Syrup for the treasure, even though he doesn't appreciate how obtuse she was. She laughs, and makes her way back to her home. Now Lulu is ready to escort Wario back to his company to share his bountiful spoil, much to his chagrin. Still, he returns to the WarioWare Inc. building, much to his staff's delight.
If you DID get all the treasure... Wario offers Syrup to come back to his company with them and meet all his employees, insisting she'll get along with at least some of them. Syrup is flattered by this offer and accepts, much to Lulu's delight, and the three of them make their way to WarioWare Inc. Everyone has a similar reaction to Wario returning with their payments, though there is also some confusion as to why a pirate (possible new employee?) tagged along. Wario is much more satisfied in this ending, and he gleefully announces that he's happy to be back!
THE.... END.... (huff)
